GLOBALISATION: KEEPING THE GAINS. By the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat (26 May 2003). This report assesses the challenges and the benefits of globalisation, including with regard to the need to foster growth and reduce poverty. It also emphasises the role of the government in the application of efficient policies as well as in the creation of appropriate institutions. It concludes by stating that "globalisation is, on the whole, a good thing — but it can be made better and fairer". Based on the case of the APEC region and Australia, the report provides perspectives on conditions needed for countries to participate in the global economy. For further information, visit http://www.dfat.gov.au/eau.
REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM U.S.TRANSPORTATION. By David L. Greene and Andreas Shager (Pew Centre on Climate Change, May 2003). This paper assesses the importance of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US. One third of these GHG emissions come from the transportation system. The paper explains the urgent need for the US to adopt an effective climate change policy in order to reduce CO2 emissions. The authors recommend specific actions such as investing in R&D and using existing and new emerging technologies, such as hybrid- electric vehicles. Not only are these actions the key solutions to the problem, but they also represent a way of dealing with other priorities. The paper also emphasises the lack of existing policy and stressed the need for technological improvements to be on the agenda. To access the report visit http://www.pewclimate.org/projects.
FINDING THE WAY FORWARD: HOW COULD VOLUNTARY ACTION MOVE MINING TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT? By Jim Walker and Steve Howard (Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development Project, IIED, March 2003). The report examines the current challenges for mining, including the willingness of mining companies to address sustainable development and to manage environmental issues. The authors give a comprehensive explanation of the label "voluntary initiatives" and also analyse the voluntary initiatives that exist to fulfil environmental and social performance requirements. A new form of voluntary initiative — a global voluntary initiative — is recommended in order for a change to occur. The authors address the following questions: What are the key drivers for sustainable development in the mining industry? What could voluntary initiatives achieve in the sector? What voluntary initiatives currently exist? What form of voluntary initiative is best? The full text of this report is accessible at http://www.iied.org/mmsd.
MAINSTREAMING ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES. By Saleemul Hug, Atig Rahman, Mama Konate, Youba Sokona and Hannah Reid (IIED, April 2003). Focusing on two LDC countries, Bangladesh and Mali, this report shows the vulnerability of the LDCs to climate change. Even though their contribution to the emission of greenhouse gases is the lowest in the world, they are the first to feel the effects of climate change, including in the form of diseases, malnutrition, and climatic disturbances. They find themselves in a dilemma, as they do not have the means to adapt to these changes. So far most of the work in this area has been done to identify the potential adaptation options. Now action from the government is urgently required. To access the report visit http://www.iied.org/climate.
WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE: CONFLICT AND CONVERSATION IN MASAI MARA, KENYA. By M.J. Walpole, G.G Karanga, N.W. Siati and N. Leader-Williams (IIED, 2003). This publication is the summary of a three-year programme in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Through this programme, Kenyans were trained to research information on the conflict between humans and wildlife in the Masai Mara ecosystem. The results of this research have led to a better understanding, and thus to better management of human- wildlife conflict. Workshops, based on the research findings, have also been part of the dissemination process. For further information, visit http://www.iied.org/blg/pubs/wilddev.html.
CONCERTED ACTION ON TRADE & ENVIRONMENT (CAT&E) WEBSITE. This website is designed to provide information on the members and activities of CAT&E. It deals with issues arising from existing trade agreements, issues arising from related environmental policies and institutional issues. Members can also exchange information. Reports on various aspects of the trade and environment interface are now available on the CAT&E website. They cover, inter alia, dispute settlement, trade and agriculture, transparency and participation an can be accessed at http://130.37.129.100/english/o_o/instituten/IVM/research/cate/reports.htm.