Water

Are biobased products the sustainability solution?

The use of agricultural products and wastes for energy and industrial materials is a topic of growing importance throughout the world.

Talking 'Bout A Revolution

A RULING by a World Trade Organization panel last week might spell the beginning of the end for the enormous subsidies rich countries pay their farmers. That would have profound consequences around the world for agriculture, the environment, food security and the political stability of some countries.

The Grille Looks Familiar

When the RABO S-RV hit China's roads in 2003, Honda suffered whiplash. The injury was understandable: The sport-utility built by Shuanghuan Auto Co. had sheet metal that closely mimicked Honda's CR-V, and a name that was downright Honda-esque. "If you look at the outward design, it is clear it is a copy of our CR-V," Honda spokesman David Iida told Automotive News

EU, Mercosur leaders face hard choices to clinch trade deal

European and Latin American leaders face some tough decisions if they want to agree a free-trade accord by October, officials said Friday after the latest round of talks. The Mercosur bloc -- including core members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay as well as associate members Bolivia and Chile -- has been negotiating the accord with the European Union for four years.

Bush's Quiet Multilateralism

The Bush administration has a secret multilateral side. Did you know that it routinely allows an international organization to make crucial decisions affecting the lives of all Americans? That it allows foreigners--unelected bureaucrats in Geneva!--to overrule laws passed by Congress and signed by the president? No, I haven't gone crazy.

Corporate Tax Legislation Remains Stalled in the Senate

After months of ferocious lobbying from almost every corner of business, Senate leaders struggled on Wednesday to reach agreement on a bill that would overhaul corporate taxes and create more than $170 billion worth of tax breaks for Rust Belt manufacturers, movie studios, drug companies, computer companies, shipbuilders and even Indian tribes.

Chinese premier calls on EU not to link human rights progress to better trade ties

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told top European Union officials Thursday they are making an economic mistake to link progress in human rights to lifting a 15-year arms embargo and the official recognition of China as a market economy.

Message From UNCTAD's Secretary-General

UNCTAD is fortunate to have the celebration of its fortieth anniversary coincide with its eleventh quadrennial conference, to be held in S_o Paulo, Brazil, this June. The two events can complement one another, providing renewed impetus to our work.

Oxfam Warns Against 'Back-Sliding' by Rich Countries to Protect Clothing Industries

International agency Oxfam says that rich countries are back-sliding on commitments to open up their clothing and textile markets to developing country competition.

UN Sustainable Development Commission reviews progress in meeting anti-poverty goals

The Commission's 2003 annual session had agreed on the way forward in that regard.