Energy Security For Whom? For What?
February 16, 2012
How can fossil fuels and uranium be kept in the ground and agrofuels off the land in ways that do not inflict suffering upon millions? Mainstream policy responses to these issues are largely framed in terms of “energy security”. Yet far from making energy supplies more secure, such policies are triggering a cascade of new insecurities for millions of people.
A system of indicators for a sustainable EU Cohesion Policy
February 15, 2012
The current EU commitment to a low carbon and resource efficient economy has significantly influenced the proposed Cohesion Policy objectives for the 2014-2020 period. Besides the mobilisation of financial resources for the achievement of the Europe 2020 strategy targets, it is important that a strong focus is kept on the results of EU support. Bankwatch has therefore taken a critical look at the proposed common indicators for the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund.
Open letter to Swedish Minister of Finance: Phase out fossil fuels lending by EIB
February 15, 2012
A broad selection of Swedish NGO’s have joined Bankwatch’s call to phase out fossil fuels lending by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The open letter, sent to the Swedish Minister of Finance, Anders Borg, reminds the Swedish government that as one of the EIB’s shareholders, the country bears responsibility for how EIB resources are not sufficiently contributing to sustainable development.
Bankwatch input on EBRD country level transition indicators
February 14, 2012
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is revising its country level transition indicators, which help measuring the impacts of the bank’s lending. Bankwatch’s input comments on the EBRD’s current indicators and proposes to include indicators that more concretely could illustrate the EBRD’s impact on the environment and the lives of people in its countries of operation. Specifically, our indicators pertain to aspects of inequality, gender, labour standards, life satisfaction and resource efficiency.
Investing for the future: More jobs out of a greener EU Budget
February 8, 2012
The next European budget (2014-2020) is being decided in troubled times but such difficult timing also constitutes an opportunity. If smartly used, the next budget can help Europe improve its economic stability and create more jobs while at the same time reducing its unsustainable ecological footprint. This study reveals that investing in green sectors brings about positive employment benefits.
Comments to draft EBRD country strategy for Romania
February 3, 2012
Kumtor gold facilities, Kyrgyzstan: Comments on water, environmental and related issues
January 31, 2012
This report, authored by hydrogeologist and geochemist Dr. Robert Moran, reveals that Canadian company Centerra Gold, owner and operator of the Kumtor gold mine, has been contaminating local waters and glaciers while hiding evidence of such negative impacts from public oversight.
Kumtor gold mine, Kyrgyzstan. Bringing risks to regional water systems
January 31, 2012
The briefing summarises findings of a report, authored by hydrogeologist and geochemist Robert Moran. The report reveals that Canadian company Centerra Gold, owner and operator of the Kumtor Mine, has been contaminating local waters and glaciers while hiding evidence of such negative impacts from public oversight.
Spirited away – Mongolia’s mining boom and the people that development left behind
January 30, 2012
The report, based on a fact finding mission to the Tavan Tolgoi and Oyu Tolgoi mines in Mongolia, examines the social and environmental impacts of mining in Mongolia. It offers a more in-depth look at the impacts on herders who have been displaced by the mining operations, the local effects of the construction of infrastructure and the mining operations themselves.
Recommendations to achieve a sustainable Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020
January 23, 2012
The 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (EU budget) will be a decisive tool for Europe to demonstrate that it can achieve economic and social prosperity by committing to a decarbonised, resource and energy-efficient and socially just economy. This briefing recommends to further strengthen the European Commission’s budget proposal by shifting allocations and spending priorities to sectors of the green economy, eventually helping to create more jobs and future proof green markets.
