• Loading stock data...
Global Business and Finance Magazine > Blog
Climate

South Asia rising to the challenge: From climate vulnerability to resilience

South Asia, a region with some of the world’s fastest-growing countries and a vast, dynamic human capital base, is achieving notable economic progress. However, the region is vulnerable to climate change impacts—including floods, droughts, cyclones, and extreme heatwaves—that pose a significant risk to its growth trajectory, infrastructure, and peoples’ livelihoods. Without urgent and proactive investments in adaptation […]

Read More
Economy

Cameroon at a crossroads: urgent call for fiscal transformation

Despite its natural resources and dynamic people, Cameroon’s economic progress has stalled, leaving income per capita below what it was in the 1980s. Why? Weak governance, conflict, insecurity, and climate change have drained public resources and pushed the country deeper into debt distress risk. With a savings rate and investment levels far below of that […]

Read More
Education

Transforming girls’ education in Northern Nigeria: the role of traditional leaders

In northern Nigeria, where traditional customs have long shaped societal structures, a quiet revolution is unfolding — one that is girls’ education. Traditional leaders, once seen as custodians of cultural norms, are now among the strongest advocates for change. Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkadir, Emir of Gaya in Kano state, affirms: “I am doing my best to […]

Read More
Climate

Ship Shape: Cutting Delays, Costs and Carbon in Ports

Shipping disruptions drive higher costs, inflate prices, and challenge decarbonization goals, particularly in vulnerable economies. With Asia and the Pacific at the center of global trade, addressing these challenges requires innovative strategies from low-carbon fuels to green port infrastructure. A multidimensional crisis is brewing in the shipping industry, which carries over 80% of the world’s […]

Read More
Climate

Weather-related losses, firms’ fixed asset management, and the role of government support

Natural disasters not only cause damage to public infrastructure and personal property but also impact businesses by destroying warehouses, facilities, manufacturing equipment, and factories. However, evidence regarding how climate risks affect firms’ fixed asset management is lacking. This column uses unique firm-level data on extreme weather losses in 40 countries to show that firms are […]

Read More
Economy

Creating a greener ocean economy

The ocean economy – from fishing and mineral extraction to offshore energy, shipping, and coastal tourism – is expected to double in size by 2030. This column argues that continued exploitation is undermining the marine environment and the people dependent on it. Creating a greener ocean economy will require global policies that protect vulnerable coastal […]

Read More
Technology

Climate Minsky moments: Why they may matter less than expected

Climate policies could affect financial stability if they lead to large changes in asset returns. This column studies the financial stability and welfare effects of such ‘climate Minsky moments’ using a novel quantitative macroeconomic model with carbon taxes and endogenous financial crises. An accelerated net zero transition aligned with the Paris Agreement temporarily increases the […]

Read More
Technology

Artificial intelligence and stability

Financial institutions are rapidly embracing AI – but at what cost to financial stability? This column argues that AI introduces novel stability risks that the financial authorities may be unprepared for, raising the spectre of faster, more vicious financial crises. The authorities need to (1) establish internal AI expertise and AI systems, (2) make AI […]

Read More
Technology

Four Ways Developing Countries Can Build Safe, Effective AI Policies

Risk-based approaches, inclusive policymaking, and strategic frameworks will allow developing countries in Asia and the Pacific to navigate the challenges of artificial intelligence while ensuring its benefits are shared equitably. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), fueled by ever-increasing computing power and data, are transforming industries worldwide and bringing significant benefits to individuals and organizations. […]

Read More
Technology

Driving Gender Equality: Solutions to Empower Women in a Digital Future

Artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and risks for gender equality, with women facing unique vulnerabilities. Addressing these challenges requires reskilling women, strengthening social safety nets, and institutionalizing inclusive governance frameworks to ensure balanced benefits for all. Recently, the driverless taxi service Robotaxi Apollo Go expanded coverage in Wuhan in the People’s Republic of China. This […]

Read More