In Wenchuan, they really did build back better
‘Build back better’ is often easier said than done after a disaster, but one example from the People’s Republic of China shows that it can be done well.
Global renewable energy investment is slowing down. Should we worry?
Investment in renewable energy around the world is entering a new phase that will require governments and the private sector to re-think the way they develop projects.
Here’s a surprising way to achieve most of the SDGs
There is one sector that contributes up to a third of gross domestic product, and is an important source of foreign currency, in many of Asia’s developing countries. It could be deployed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
How do you like them apples? Central Asia gets ready to help feed the world
Central Asia is improving food safety measures to share with the world some of the more than 8000 plant species, as well as livestock, from the region.
Artificial intelligence, and human education, needed to advance energy efficiency
To get energy efficiency programs back on track, governments need to focus on education, incentives and improved regulations, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Putting derivatives to work in development finance
Over-the-counter derivatives allow investors and lenders to price and structure tailor-made funding arrangements to promote long-term infrastructure finance.
After the dramatic rescues, the hidden toll of disasters is felt by millions
Earthquakes, powerful storms, tsunamis and other disasters have powerful immediate impacts, but they also do long-term damage that often gets overlooked.
Trade policy uncertainty is at all-time highs—and that’s bad news
After 500 days of trade conflict, policy uncertainty is growing worldwide and the negative effects are being felt.
It’s clean, powerful and available: Are you ready for hydrogen energy?
Hydrogen has the potential to be the next breakthrough energy source but key challenges need to be overcome before it can be scaled up to widespread use. Developing countries could be at the forefront of this new “hydrogen economy”
What the People’s Republic of China can learn from Japan on population aging
An aging population can have a dramatic impact on a country’s economy but Japan has shown that innovative approaches and policies can help mitigate the effects