Economic Impact of Japanese Earthquake Will Be Felt For Some Time
Cheryl Smith, Ph.D., CFA As we watched the awesome power and devastation of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, our attention bounced between concern for the more than 18,000 people either dead or missing, horrified fascination with the evolving control issues at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and concern about the eventual impact on the Japanese and world economies. The appalling immediate and local impact of the tsunami was obvious from the photos and news coverage. Recovery is further complicated by the deteriorating and unknown final status of the nuclear power plant. The economic effect of natural disasters varies with …
Nuclear Power Finds Some Acceptance Within the SRI Community
Milton Moskowitz I was 18 when two atom bombs were dropped on Japan, and I remember feeling relieved because it meant that we probably would not need to sacrifice thousands of soldiers’ lives in a frontal invasion of the Japanese mainland. There were few dissenters to this action, which did accomplish its mission. Seeing the destruction wrought in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese government surrendered, ending World War II. It’s eerie that 66 years later nuclear energy is again causing havoc in Japan, although this time it was self-imposed. The combination of a 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami crippled the …
Toyota Backpedals on Burma
If the Prius left you with a warm and fuzzy feeling for Toyota, you’re not alone. Noting that Toyota “has been a leader in both developing and promoting hybrid power-trains, the new industry standard, and is well advanced in overall R&D programs for future vehicle types,” the corporate responsibility research firm Innovest chose the company as the sole automotive representative in its top 100 most sustainable global companies in August 2007. We’re in agreement that Toyota deserves accolades for implementing sustainable business strategies that have led to the successful launch of hybrid fuel technology. But – and you sensed this …
Putting China on the Spot for Sudan
Trillium Asset Management Corporation (“Trillium”) will be working with two nonprofit organizations this fall to keep up the economic pressure on the Government of Sudan (GoS). The “selective divestment” model – developed by the Sudan Divestment Task Force adopted by Trillium – focuses on companies in strategic sectors, whose tax payments or royalties provide major revenue for the GoS. The sectors include oil and gas, electric power, or telecommunications. The model involves engagement with companies before determining whether to divest, depending on whether the investor believes that on balance, the economic and social benefit they provide to all Sudan’s citizens …
Support the Access for Afghan Women Act of 2001
On Monday, November 19, Representatives Constance Morella (R-MD) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) introduced a bill into Congress that outlines the concrete and specific steps the United States should take to ensure that women in Afghanistan have a voice in the future of the country and that Afghan women get the relief aid that they desperately need. The Access for Afghan Women Act requires the U.S. government to: Consult with and include representatives of women’s organizations and networks from the major ethnic groups in Afghanistan during peace negotiations and post-conflict decision making. Ensure that the full range of human rights of women, as described in the International Convention …
Keep Humanitarian Aid Flowing to Afghanistan
We urge you to contact US policymakers as they consider options for responding to the September 11 terrorist attack. For years, millions of Afghans have lived in desperate poverty under the oppressive and misogynist rule of the Taliban. The US government has pledged $125 million to support UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s September 27 appeal for humanitarian assistance to shore up the UN’s food, shelter and medical programs in Afghanistan. But we also need to support the good work of civic groups working to provide direct assistance and to educate the world community about the plight of the Afghan people. We refer to such groups as the …
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