greenpuma

Biofuels Debate - the Day After

This debate, organised by ActionAid, last night left me a bit unsure on what's what, to be honest. On one corner, ActionAid and their reasoning for hunger/land grabbing and on the other side, biofuels' players on the socio-economic advantages of 'clean fuel.' Not a clea issue by any means. I stand by ActionAid, but I also understand the need for clean fuels' technology...hmmm. It's a case of watch this space?!

Deutsche Bank economist on nature as an assett

A Deutsche Bank economist, Pavan Sukhdev, declares that a growth without GDP is possible, if only we recognise nature as an assett and not merely as a sector. Basic poverty's need like shelter and food must be addressed as a priority, of course. (The Ecologist, 22 Jan 2010).

Biofuels debate 16 Feb 010

Hello,

ActionAid UK is organsing a debate on biofuels on the 16th February at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.

To attend, please email; campaign@actioaid.org

See you there!

Anna

How 'eco' is making the Green Rich List

We have known for a long time about green marketing and eco-trendy activities. Now millionaires are making it to the top of The Sunday Times Green Rich List (http://business.timesonline.co.uk) by heavely investing in green energy and environmental activism.

The world's wealthiest entrepreneurs are investing in green technology more and more. Not only that, but they are also donating a staggering amount to environmental charities.

Is this just an image re-touch or are these people spotting the future potentials in green energy? My little money is on the latter.

If these tycoons have made their previous fortunes by spotting nich markets earlier than everyone else, then I think it's time I go and buy that solar panel right now. So should you, if you ask me.

Anna D'Alessandro

Not only the Amazon

I'd just like to share this link with you about the Congo Basin Forest and the adverse effects of deforestation there. It affects 10 African Countries but little is said about this issue. The Basin is under threat from logging, oil, mining, population growth and intense agricultural practices.

The lack of media attention shows just how bias information can be. The biodiversity's importance of the Congo Basin Forest is as vital as anywhere else.

A fund has been created to help community benefit from the forest's economy, promote sustainable practices and conservation.

www.cbf-fund.org

Anna

G20 etc etc

Right,

so they gathered, they talked, they laughed and now what?

As the G20 Summit in London draws to a close, I am left feeling a bit uneasy by the solutions our leaders are providing in these unsettling times.

First, there is the question of the new financial regulations to make sense of the current chaos.

All members are committed to implement them, but will they. Honestly, if [a] regulation is in direct conflict with a Country's financial & fiscal policy, then what? Were we not expecting a more co-ordinated response in a practical sense? Some points to consider:

• $500bn for the IMF to lend to struggling economies
• $250bn to boost world trade
• $250bn for a new IMF "overdraft facility" countries can draw on
• $100bn that international development banks can lend to poorest countries
• IMF will raise $6bn from selling gold reserves to increase lending for the poorest countries

At risk of sounding like a killer-joy, I have my own personal objections to giving even more power to the IMF & its lending policies...anyway, let's hope it all works out for the best. A commitment is a step forward, I suppose.

Second, the measures to reduce world poverty and push development forward do not go far enough. Do they ever?

There is a commitment of $250bn to support global trade which may sound like a hefty sum, but to be honest, it doesn't stand up for comparison against the bail-outs given to banks and financial institutions recently.

Leaders have pledged to resist protectionism and name Countries in breach of free trade rules. I'll be eagerly awaiting...

As for WTO to monitor and report on 'constrain of cash-flow', the jury is still out on that one!

I guess the good thing about the G20 is that more Countries have finally been allowed in the Inner Circle of the G8 and this can only mean a better, fairer view of global issues.

I am still convinced that the best policy to help poorer Countries is to resume the Doha trade talks, but hey, what do I know. I am just an environmentalist, after all.

Anna D'Alessandro
Director, greenpuma Ltd

A very difficult issue

I'd like to post the link of an article from the BBC website which relates to Indigenous' Rights, an issue very close to my heart.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7776877.stm 

Anna D'Alessandro

all on board for REACH

Hello,

last year the European Union has introduced a new legislation for the identification of chemical substances called REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances). This has potential implications for greenpuma as we act on behalf of our suppliers to import substances in the EU.

Bureaucratic implications aside, we are worried that the cost of registering a substance can have a detrimental effect on the business.

We are currently investigating if the substances we deal with are exempt from registration and we shall keep you updated.

Substances must be pre-registered. The data will be held by the European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki (ECHA).

If you would like to know more, visit:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_intro.htm

Obama, a new era

Greenpuma Ltd wishes to congratulate the new US President on his stunning victory.

We hope now that the President will not be obstructed in his quest for equality and this is the beginning of a new chapter in US history, so far blinded by war mongering and social injustice.

All the best dear Barack and let the fight begin!

You can count on us.

Anna D'Alessandro
Director, greenpuma Ltd

Procurando contatos no Brasil

Bom dia!

A greenpuma esta' aumentar suas actividades comerciais e esta' procurando ONGs no Brasil para comencar uma parceria.

Voce trabalha ou tem uma ONG? Tem contatos que podemos utilizar? Nos trabalhamos com ONGs na America Latina na area do comercio justo e reducao da pobreza.

Se quere saber mais, me contata: info@greenpuma.com

Anna D'Alessandro, Director, greenpuma Ltd