Codex Task Force Completes Three Biotech Guidelines	A set of new international guidelines related to biotech products have recently been agreed, potentially facilitating trade in cases where trace levels of genetically modified material is found. more
No Outcome in Sight for Access and Benefit-sharing under the Biodiversity Convention	Two closely related subsidiary bodies of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recently gathered in Montreal to negotiate outstanding elements in support of the implementation of the CBD. The fifth meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) met from 8-12 October. It was followed by the fifth meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Article 8(j), Traditional Knowledge and Related Provisions, which took place from 15-19 October. Both groups saw a continued divide between countries seeking to make progress on legally-binding instruments, and those in favour of further discussions and more flexible solutions. more
China under Fire at WTO for Limiting Exports of Natural Resources	Some of China's trading partners have targeted the country's policies limiting exports of coke, steel and trace metals. more

In Brief

Global Steel Industry Looking Ahead to a Post-Kyoto World Environmental Groups Submit Amicus Brief in Brazil-Tyres Case EU Agrees One-year Extension of Duties on Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Events    &   Resources
Events	29 October to 1 November, Sydney, Australia: 18TH CONSUMERS INTERNATIONAL WORLD CONGRESS. Consumer demands for corporate transparency, accountability, and responsibility have never been so pressing. This event, hosted by Consumers International, will focus on four key areas within an accountability theme: the impact of consumption on our planet, marketing, credit and debt, and what we eat. The programme has been developed with a view to providing delegates the opportunity to hear from experts, engage in debates, and attend workshops showcasing the work of consumer organisations around the world. Internet: http://www.consumersinternational.org/
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Resources	FOOD MILES OR POVERTY ERADICATION: THE MORAL DUTY TO EAT AFRICAN STRAWBERRIES AT CHRISTMAS. By Benito Müller, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies & Oxford Climate Policy, October 2007. This article looks at the recent controversy about discouraging consumers particularly in the UK from buying produce from developing countries because of their 'food miles', i.e. the transport carbon emissions (especially from air freight), and the effect that such an environmental consumer boycott could have on the efforts to eradicate poverty in these countries. He proposes a solution to the dilemma which offers a 'double development dividend', not only in terms of clean exports, but also in promoting much needed Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) activities in the poorest and most vulnerable countries. To access the article visit http://www.oxfordclimatepolicy.org/publications/mueller.html
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ISSN 1682-0843