Market mechanisms are increasingly being considered as a tool for allocating somewhat scarce but unpriced rights and resources, such as air and water. Tradable permits have emerged as the most cost--effective measure leading to the emergence of both nationwide (SO2) and supranational (CO2) emission permits markets. By means of the dynamic optimization of companies which are covered by such environmental regulations, it develop an endogenous model for the emission permit spot price dynamics that account also for the presence of asymmetric information.

Biotechnology proponents claim that genetically modified (GM) crops are good for consumers, farmers and the environment, and that they are growing in popularity around the world.

This report analyzes the corporate governance and strategic approaches of 40 of the world’s largest banks to the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. This report is designed as a benchmarking tool that highlights climate change best practices within the financial sector. It employs a “Climate Change Governance Checklist” to evaluate the 40 selected banks in their approaches to climate change in five governance areas: board oversight; management execution; public disclosure; GHG emissions accounting; and strategic planning.

This report provides an overview of information on the world fertilizer situation in 2007/08 and a forecast till 2011/12. The fertilizer situation is examined in relation to crop production and factors likely to affect the latter. High commodity prices experienced over recent years led to increased production and correspondingly greater fertilizer consumption as reflected in tight markets and higher fertilizer prices at the start of the outlook period. While demand for basic food crops, for high value crops such as fruit and vegetables, for animal products and for crops capable of being used to produce bio-fuels is likely to remain strong, it is expected that increased fertilizer consumption required to support higher levels of production will be adequately catered for by growing supply world wide during the outlook period.