EU-Japan trade deal first to carry Paris climate clause
Creating the world’s largest open trade-zone, the second and fourth largest economies agreed to work together to uphold the Paris climate deal. The deal finalised at a meeting of leaders in Tokyo on Tuesday, and is said to make a “positive contribution” to the fight to stop global warming. The deal also said Japan and the EU would “strive to facilitate” trade in renewable energy and other low-carbon solutions. European Council president Donald Tusk said: “We are putting in place the largest bilateral trade deal ever. This is an act of enormous strategic importance for the rules-based international order, at a time when some are questioning this order.” Cooperation between Japan and the EU would extend beyond trade to other areas, said Tusk, including climate change. (BusinessGreen)
International Development
Global textile industry explores sustainable dyeing methods
New dyeing methods for textiles are emerging that could help save water, reduce pollutants, save energy, and protect human health, after environmental inspections shut down Chinese factories last summer. In a recent article for Chemical & Engineering News Melody M. Bomgardner, Senior Business Editor, outlines how, “textile industry suppliers are working to change a process that results in effluent containing high concentrations of dyes and chemicals like chromium, arsenic, copper, and zinc,” but are also faced with a challenge of cost. Bomgardner highlighted emerging approaches for reducing chemical method such as; new dye lines, cotton pretreatment, pre-reducing indigo, engineered microbes, and digital textile printing. Denim makers, in particular, have long been under pressure to change their processes. Earlier this year, Levi’s detailed an operating model pilot called Project Future-Led Execution that cuts chemicals from the finishing process and shortens the time to market. (Environmental Leader)
Employees
Artificial intelligence will be net UK jobs creator, finds report
Artificial intelligence is set to create more than 7m new UK jobs in healthcare, science and education by 2037. According to the report from PWC, job creation is said to “make up” for all other jobs lost to in manufacturing and other sectors through automation. AI and related technologies such as robotics, drones and driverless vehicles would replace human workers in some areas, but also create many additional jobs as productivity and real incomes rise and new and better products were developed, PwC said. They also estimated that healthcare and social work would be the biggest winners from AI, where employment could increase by nearly 1 million on a net basis, equivalent to more than a fifth of existing jobs in the sector. The report mentioned how London, home to more than a quarter of the UK’s professional, scientific and technical activities, will benefit the most from AI with a 2.3% boost, or 138,000 extra jobs. (The Guardian)
Policy/ Regulation
German Tesla drivers told to return $4,650 electric subsidy
Tesla Model S drivers have been ordered to pay back a 4,000-euro ($4,650) electric-vehicle subsidy after German government agency deemed their luxury cars too expensive to qualify for the program. Germany’s Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control said Tuesday in a statement that, “Some 800 drivers who bought their cars before March 6 and have received the so-called ‘environmental bonus’ will have to return it.” Tesla is said to appeal the decision while covering the cost of the bonus until the situation is resolved. Sales of electrified vehicles in Germany surged 64 percent during the first half of the year, leading the European Union’s top five markets, but sales of Model S and X have slumped by about a third since the start of 2018, according to the Federal Transport Authority. (Bloomberg)
Environment
Sweden calls for help as Arctic Circle hit by wildfires
Sweden has called for emergency assistance from its partners in the European Union to help fight the 11 wildfire’s which have broken out across a wide range of its northern territory. The unfortunate fires have broken out because of the dry hot summer the Arctic Circle has experienced this year. Evacuations are being suggested by the Copernicus Earth observation satellite, which gives daily updates of fires in Europe. The satellite is showing fires breaking out in Finland, Norway, and Russia as well. “This is definitely the worst year in recent times for forest fires. Whilst we get them every year, 2018 is shaping up to be excessive,” said Mike Peacock, a university researcher and local resident. The European Forest Fire Information System warned fire danger conditions were likely to be extreme across much of central and northern Europe in the coming weeks. (The Guardian)
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