-
WIPO assemblies endorse conference on patents and public policy challenges, including climate change
The latest annual meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) General Assemblies endorsed the work programmes of its bodies — including a plan for the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) to convene a conference on the implications of patents on certain areas of public policy, such as health, the environment, climate…
-
US regulation of e-waste exports under scrutiny from within
According to a report by the investigative branch of the United States government, current US regulations have not stopped the export of millions of potentially hazardous used electronics. The investigation by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed a vast demand for US e-waste exports, especially in developing countries. In a search of one internet e-commerce…
-
New UN scheme to fight climate change by avoiding deforestation
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has officially unveiled a new climate change programme aimed at moving climate change goals beyond the Kyoto Protocol. Proponents of the much talked about Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Programme, or ‘UN-REDD’, say the initiative will help prevent climate change by creating economic incentives to help reduce deforestation in…
- In Brief
-
EU warns against trade restrictions on raw materials
European Union trade representative Peter Mandelson warned on 29 September that the EU may take action against countries that impose trade restrictions on raw materials. “The goal of the EU’s trade policy is, and will remain, an open global market completely free of all distortions on trade in energy and raw materials,” Mandelson said in a…
-
US launches guidelines for GM animal approval
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is putting in place guidelines for the regulation of genetically modified (GM) animals for human consumption. On 18 September, the FDA announced draft guidelines for the regulation of GM animals, paving the way for their commercialisation. The guidelines are up for public comment until 18 November. While the biotech…
-
European steel industry raises competitiveness concerns
The European steel industry is calling for exemptions from tough climate measures in order to allay competitiveness concerns. The industry demands come as lobbying in Brussels intensifies with regards to a legislative package on energy and climate change, which the EU is set to adopt by the end of the year (see Bridges Trade BioRes, 25…
-
Brazil, US to collaborate on biofuels
A bill designed to improve Western Hemisphere cooperation on energy was approved by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 23 September. Notably, the bill aims to promote collaboration on biofuels between the world’s two top ethanol producers - Brazil and the US. President of the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), Marcus Jank, said in an…
- Events
-
Events
Coming up in the next two weeks 5-14 October, Barcelona, Spain. IUCN WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS. This forum is a grand public gathering hosted by the world’s conservation community, bringing together people from all over the world to discuss, share and learn. Addressing the world’s most pressing sustainable development challenges, the forum offers four days of debates,…
- Resources
-
Resources
If you have a relevant resource (books, papers, bulletins, etc.) you would like to see announced in this section, please forward a copy for review by the Bridges staff to Malena Sell at msell@ictsd.ch. BOFUELS AT WHAT COST? GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BIODIESEL IN MALAYSIA. By Gregore Pio Lopez and Tara Laan. Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) of…