Just picked up some news from a report produced by the Worldwatch Institute in collaboration with the UNEP, International Labour Organization and other structures titled; ” Green Jobs: Towards decent work in a sustainable, low-carbon world” (see below).
According to this study, there is some good news for all of us that believe in sustainable development, support “green business” and that are struggling to raise awareness to move our projects forward.
a) Over 20 million jobs could be created by 2030 linked to the growing “green industry”.
b) The global market for environmental products and services is projected to double from $1,370 billion per year at present to $2,740 billion by 2020.
c) For example, in February 2008, nearly 50 leading investors from the United States and Europe, representing assets worth more than $8 trillion, met at the United Nations to lay out a timetable for their commitments to global climate change. They pledged $10 billion for green investments over the period 2008–2010.
Who is behind this report?
The Green Jobs Initiative is a partnership established in 2007 between the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The International Organization of Employers (IOE) joined the Initiative in 2008. The Initiative was launched in order to promote opportunity, equity and just transitions and to mobilize Governments, employers and workers to engage in dialogue on coherent policies and effective programs leading to a green economy with green jobs and decent work for all.
You can visit the website and download the report here.
Posted by: andrew |
Tags: society, community, news, environment
This year’s Eurobike Tradeshow in Friedrichshafen largely focused on two new trends; the E-Bike (or electrically assisted bike) and the “Lifestyle” segment.
Industry specialists like Bike-Europe & Bike Retailer have supported manufacturers claims that this market has enormous potential as the projected 2008 e-bike sales figures show in Europe (400,000 units) & USA (170,000 units). There was a great deal of variety of brands at the show that produce this new range of bikes and accessories with an average retail price around 1,800 euros per bike. At Laneo, we’re still trying to figure out what all the fuss is about. Bicycles have been around for over a century and although they’ve evolved, they basically work the same as they used too and we believe that’s one of the reasons why they appeal to every age group and culture around the world. Also, there are superb programs (one we love is the World Bicycle Relief) that provide refurbished bicycles to developing countries to help local communities. So what does all this translate too? From our angle, the next generation of 2 wheel transport (not a “bike”) is coming from our rich nations that no longer can or want to pedal as they evoke the energy crisis as a motive. A suivre…
The lifestyle segment this year is the one we really loved (photo is from Electra); as opposed to the evolution of “assisted” bikes, this particular brand brought us back to our childhoods; the Beach Boys, ice cream, our first bike, sunshine, friends, fun colors and easy cool riding. Most of the principal manufacturers at the show had a range of bikes in this segment, although in different categories from the “sporty” (Cannondale’s Bad Boy) to “urban” (Specialized’s Globe) and “mobility” (Dahon’s Mu). We think that by addressing each individual’s needs and desires, more people will get back to using bikes and not only will the planet benefit, but their health also.
And the cool stuff?
- SRAM brought out the “Truvativ HammerSchmidt” crankset for MTB’s that delivers a revolutionary shifting sensation (basically it’s one front chainring, wrapped up into a neat, small casing that shifts smoothly in any situation).
- Campagnolo launched the first ever 11 gear rear cassette and opened up new opportunities for roadies.
- We really liked Ergon’s new ergonomic handle bar grips who’s wing design grip reduces pressure on the palm and allows a wider range of positions.
And many more…
Our favorite bikes?
- Favorite MTB CX: Specialized S-Works Epic
- Favorite MTB DH: Santa Cruz V-10
- Favorite Road: Pinarello Prince Carbon
- Favorite Tri: Look 496 Tri
- Favorite Urban: Electra Cruiser 1
- Favorite Folding: Dahon Mu XXV
Some more photos are here > Flickr
Eurobike was again a big show, and growing (according to the latest numbers, attendance was up 7% vs 2007 with close to 40,000 visitors and 950 companies from 35 countries) as it consolidates its position as the number #1 bicycle tradeshow in Europe.
For more bike information, follow the excellent journalism and up to date news from our friends at Bike Radar & Cycling News !!
Posted by: andrew |
Tags: shows, society, events
