OECD climate warning

comes with qualifications — OECD’s forecast for growth and warnings of climate woe

A BLEAK view of the future of the global economy has been painted by the OECD — and climate change has a central role.

A report by the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development says risks have increased while prospects have dwindled — and it decries a lack of direction on climate policy.

“It is vital that countries strengthen their ability to understand, plan for and continuously manage climate risks,” the organisation says. The report also called for “urgent, strong and co-operative action based on mutual trust and

‘Vital’ that

countries

plan for and

continually

manage

climate risks

understanding”.

And while the report — described as “decidedly downbeat” by the BBC — nonetheless forecasts growth, at 2.9 percent the figure is the lowest in a decade, and down one percent on September forecasts.

A clear policy on climate change is needed to restore confidence to investors, the report says; a lack of business investment has weakened overall economic performance.

The OECD suggests creating national funds to make public investments in key areas, and warns of other risks inclulding a sudden slowdown of the Chinese economy and ongoing trade wars. Recent obstacles to trade should be rolled back or the global economy would stagnate, it said.

Ursula von der Leyen

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Sandro Halank via Wikimedia Commons

PRESIDENT of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is the first woman to take on the role.

Her support for a European Green Deal is central to her ambitions for the Continent to become climate-neutral continent, “the greatest challenge and opportunity of our times”.

Mother of seven and a qualified doctor, German citizen Von der Leyen has served as her country's Families Minister and, more recently, Defence Minister (another first for a woman).

She has shown allegiance to Angela Merkel, having served in her cabinet since 2005.

She is known for her tenacity — and sometimes controversial stances — on issues she believes in. She enjoys popular support in the EU parliament and was nominated for presidency by member states. Von der Leyen won the respect of NATO for her tenure at the defence ministry, and is aiming to drive a transition to make Europe more integrated, united and powerful.

Von der Leyen's focus on social development and sustainability have across-theboard have appeal in the current global mood, and conservatives admire her family values.

She has promised to propose a Green Deal in her first 100 days in office, including the first European Climate Law to enshrine 2050 carbon-neutrality targets in law.

Von der Leyen has said her aims the creation of a “United States of Europe”, modelled on federal states like Switzerland, Germany and the US. “Peace, security and development are all mutually dependent,” she says.

She has pledged to push for majority voting on external action so that the EU can take its place on the world stage.

Sal Mohammed

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Not yet the CEO? This podcast's for you!

QUICK to Act (QTA) is a specialist company helping corporates and start-ups to accelerate growth through strategic partnerships with like-minded businesses.

QTA was founded in 2018 by Sal Mohammed, pictured here. The firm has announced the launch of a podcast, Not Yet CEO. Mohammed explains: “There is a host of podcasts that provide expert CEO commentary around the world; however, I have always been particularly interested to hear from those individuals that play an essential role in striving to achieve the company’s objectives on a day-to-day basis. “Not Yet CEO provides insight from successful individuals who are on their way to becoming leaders, while demonstrating the route they have taken along the way.”

QTA is an amalgamation of partnership consultants from technology companies including Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple. It was established to provide leading corporates and startups worldwide with an opportunity to accelerate their growth through strategic partnerships, and analyses the presence and competitive landscape of its clients.

Mohammed is passionate about giving a voice to employees at the centre of some of the world’s most reputable organisations. The podcast provides an opportunity to learn how growth can be accelerated through engagement with future industry leaders.

Not Yet CEO aims to offer a fresh outlook and an alternative perspective on business matters.

The first series of interviews captures the thoughts and insights of inspiring senior executives from around the world. The guest list includes Tim Heard, of Barclays, Oana Jinga, the retail partnerships lead at Google, and Tom Carter, director of partnerships at City Football Group.