While attention has shifted to the economic crisis, other crises, such as global warming and new communicable diseases, have been left in the dark. Looking at today's challenges in the context of global goods could potentially point policy maker...   read more >>

For decades, economists and others have tried to supplant GDP-driven indicators with measures that take human well-being into account, as opposed to only material living standards. But how easy is that, and how close are we?   read more >>

The global crises have prompted calls for new ways of thinking about what can be done to steer economic development in a greener direction. Since, in politics, one should ‘never let a serious crisis go to waste’, this is the time to take bold st...   read more >>

By 2030, nearly 60% of the world’s population will live in cities. Mayors and city governments are now collaborating at a transnational level to deal with challenges such as climate change and poverty, and are carving out a new role for themselv...   read more >>

Global value chains – the production, processing and marketing of products ‘from farm to fork’ – now link together producers, traders, processors, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Due to changing market conditions and consumer demands, en...   read more >>

Phosphorus, a key component of fertilizers, is crucial for the world’s food supplies. But as reserves of phosphate begin to run out, the impacts are likely to be immense – in terms of rising food prices, growing food insecurity and widening ineq...   read more >>

Violent conflicts in states such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan and the Balkans are at the centre of global politics. Big battles have been fought, enormous sums of money have been spent and troops have been deployed to end these conflict...   read more >>

Shrinking reserves of fossil fuels and growing anxiety over future energy security have boosted investments in renewable energy worldwide. Alarming climate change scenarios have also increased the focus on creating sustainable energy economies....   read more >>

Despite major advances in knowledge and unprecedented gains in global wealth, health inequities between the rich and poor are increasing, both within and among countries. Poverty, poor living and working conditions and the inability to influence...   read more >>

Policy recommendations for reversing the ‘resource curse’ have been divided into ‘pure’ economic measures and messy politics. A reality check is needed to see if the suggested cures are realistic.   read more >>