Latest news with #DepartmentofEconomics
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New study reveals unexpected side effects of London's clean air policies: 'Making the case for ... initiatives stronger than ever'
Londoners are breathing easier, according to new research from the University of Bath. The study, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, revealed that Greater London's clean air regulations are not only helping clear the air but also improving public health and saving the city money. London implemented the Low Emission Zone in 2008 and the Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2019. After analyzing more than a decade's worth of data, researchers discovered these clean air zones had slashed the amount of harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, in the areas. In that time, Greater London had 18.5% fewer employees take sick leave, with residents also reporting they were happier, less anxious, and enjoying their lives more. Respiratory illnesses were down just over 10%, and there was a nearly 7% decline in health problems. Thanks to these improvements, the zones are estimated to be saving the city over £37 million each year in public health costs. And not only does the policy improve public health, but reduced air pollution can also help slow down rising global temperatures fueled by the reliance on dirty energy, which are contributing to more extreme weather events such as wildfires and droughts. "These policies are not just environmental wins," said professor Eleonora Fichera of the Department of Economics. "They're also reducing labor market absenteeism and improving Londoners' life satisfaction. Clean air makes for healthier, happier, more productive communities." With so many concerning headlines linking pollution to unhealthy and unhappy communities, this is evidence that policy changes can make a big difference. Many studies have found smart city planning, such as expanding green spaces and making neighborhoods more walkable, can boost community health. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution leads to over 4 million premature deaths each year around the world. These findings offer a compelling case for rolling out similar policies globally, especially in cities with dense populations. "Clean air policy is smart policy," lead researcher Habtamu Beshir added. "It protects health, saves money, and enhances quality of life — making the case for clean air initiatives stronger than ever." Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
IOL News
17-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Will Ramaphosa's visit to the US improve trade relations?
President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump are set to meet to discuss bilateral trade. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Media President Cyril Ramaphosa will need to use his skills as a negotiator if he has any chance of resetting the strategic relationship between South Africa and the United States. Dr Ntokozo Nzimande, senior lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Johannesburg, said while Ramaphosa is a "brilliant negotiator, one can only hope that this meeting will yield a positive outcome". "The US imposed tariffs not just on South Africa but on all its trading partners. The rationale behind this decision is to reduce the trade deficit between the US and its partners," said Nzimande. Ramaphosa will embark on a working visit to the United States from Monday until Thursday. Ramaphosa will meet Trump on Wednesday at the White House, to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest. The South African president's visit comes a week after nearly 50 Afrikaners South arrived in Washington DC seeking asylum. This was after Trump signed an executive order in February directing his government to grant refugee status to Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch and French colonisers who he claimed were discriminated against. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Relations between South Africa and the US soured significantly since Trump returned to the White House in January. Nzimande expressed doubt that the tensions between South Africa and the US would be resolved. "The Trump administration is fully aware that there's no genocide in South Africa — it's all lies. These lies could be a retaliation from Elon Musk because of Starlink. If this is the case, the only solution would be to allow Starlink to operate in SA, which is a security threat. "If Elon Musk can use the X platform, particularly Grok, to spread lies and manufacture stories, what assurances do we have that he won't use Starlink against us?" said Nzimande. Nzimande added that Ramaphosa has negotiated a number of important deals. "One can hope that he will be able to remind the Trump administration of the same significance of our trade relations," he said. Trump recently announced additional tariffs on all imported products under what had been termed 'Liberation Day' trade measures. Goods imported from dozens of countries and territories are to be taxed at sharply higher rates, including 30% for South Africa. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) has urged South Africans to not allow divisions that were not helping the country to move forward, following news of the arrival of SA refugees in the US. "At this time of our history, South Africans of all races and creed should take the opportunity, to unite and work together for the betterment of all our citizens and the republic, united in our diversity. "Whilst ours is a vibrant democracy, full of vitality, and this should never be discouraged, we should also be conscious of driving negative narratives and messaging," said SACCI in a statement. It added that it was counterproductive and will damage South Africa's prospects in driving the necessary investment climate, for economic growth, the elimination of poverty and unemployment, to achieve the ultimate objective of shared prosperity. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Webinar on ‘Data-Driven Economics: A New Era' to be held
A webinar titled 'Data-Driven Economics: A New Era', jointly presented by Shiv Nadar University, Chennai and The Hindu Education Plus, will be held on Friday (May 9, 2025) at 5.30 p.m., as part of the Career Counselling series. The panellists at the session includes Pushpa Trivedi, Senior Professor & Head, Department of Economics, School of Science and Humanities, Shiv Nadar University Chennai, who will speak on the scope of economics, the integration of data science in economics, as well as career opportunities and placements. Soumyadip Roy, Associate Professor and In-Charge Director, UNext Manipal Academy of BFSI, Bengaluru, will discuss industry-relevant skills and alternative career paths in economics. The webinar will be moderated by Hiba Mariam. To participate, visit or scan the QR code.
The Star
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Experts: Move will address issue of transhipment
PETALING JAYA: The government's decision to centralise the issuance of non-preferential certificates of origin (NPCOs) for exports, especially to the United States, is meant to protect the country's economic integrity and international reputation amid rising global trade tensions, say experts. Prof Dr Wong Chin Yoong from Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance, Department of Economics, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), said transhipment activities provide no tangible benefit to Malaysia's economy. He said transhipment neither creates value-added production nor generates meaningful employment opportunities. 'It is certainly not helpful at all when it comes to our export competitiveness. 'I would even argue that transhipment resembles a shortcut for Malaysian companies to profit without putting any effort into meaningful activities, other than simply changing the rules of origin tag,' he added. He warned that such a business model could undermine the spirit of entrepreneurship in Malaysia over time. Wong also said that in the current climate of geoeconomic tension between China and the United States, allowing transhipments could further damage Malaysia's international reputation. 'I just don't see any benefits in continually allowing transhipments,' he added. Transhipments using Malaysia's entry and exit points refer to goods being brought into Malaysia and then quickly re-exported, often without any significant processing, to conceal their true origin. This practice is sometimes used to bypass international trade restrictions or tariffs, potentially damaging Malaysia's trade reputation and exposing the country to sanctions. As a result, the authorities are tightening controls on such practices. International Islamic University Malaysia Department of International Relations Asst Prof Dr Lee Pei May said the move to appoint Miti as the sole agency to issue the certificates signals Malaysia's firm commitment to ensuring that goods exported to the United States genuinely qualify as Malaysian-made. 'It shows that Malaysia is serious about addressing the issue of transhipment and ensuring that all products bound for the US market contain sufficient local content,' she said. She acknowledged that some Malaysian exporters who may have benefited from relabelling foreign goods as Malaysian-made could face repercussions under the new policy regime. However, she noted that tighter controls and audits will help ensure that only products with genuine value-added input from Malaysian firms are exported. 'With Miti now solely responsible for issuing certificates for US-bound shipments, the ministry will likely face a heavier administrative burden, which could lead to longer processing times,' she said. To address this, Lee stressed the need for clear and efficient standard operating procedures (SOP). 'Miti must strike a balance, being stricter without compromising on efficiency. A well-defined SOP will be key to ensuring smooth implementation,' she added.
Bloomberg
13-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bloomberg Masters in Business: Stephanie Kelton
Barry speaks with Stephanie Kelton, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Stony Brook University and Senior Fellow at the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis. Previously, Professor Kelton was Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. In addition to her work in academia, Stephanie has held numerous roles in the political sphere. She served as chief economist on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee, and was senior economic adviser for Bernie Sanders' 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. She has made virtually all the 'top 50 lists' including POLITICO's 50 Most Influential Thinkers in 2016 and Bloomberg Businessweek's 50 People Who Defined 2019. She was also named to Barron's 100 Most Influential Women in Finance. She has held several visiting professorships and has written for publications such as the Financial Times, The New York Times, CNN, and more. On this episode, Barry and Stephanie discuss US fiscal policy, recession risks, and her New York Times bestseller The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People's Economy.
