• 05
  Aug
  2009

• Carbon Trading

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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Because of the necessity to protect the environment and operate strategically, businesses have perceived that conserving resources can create new opportunities to improve performance and generate profits, as well as strengthening a company’s reputation. As such, initiatives that reward companies or even agribusinesses that promote environmental conservation can be seen as effective incentives.

Carbon Trading is a market based mechanism for helping mitigate the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon trading markets are developed to bring buyers and sellers of carbon credits together with standardized rules of trade. Entities that manage forest or agricultural land might sell carbon credits based on the accumulation of carbon in their forest trees or agricultural soils.  Similarly, business entities that reduce their carbon emission may be able to sell their reductions to other emitters. It is one of the ways countries can meet their obligations under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce carbon emissions and thereby mitigate global warming.

There are two ways to control pollution– one way is to stop the flow from its source, the other is to clean up the mess at the other end. Carbon trading is a fine example of the latter approach, with the attempt to stop the flow of carbon pollution at its source all but abandoned. This approach, however, cannot work simply because the world is not a big enough sponge to soak up the billions of tons of carbon dioxide that the industrialized countries emit every year, and there is no technology that can “scrub away” carbon from the air.  The earth’s above-ground carbon-cycling capacity is limited, and cannot be endlessly extended to mop up the continued flow of fossil carbon into the atmosphere.

Carbon emissions trading have been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the World Bank’s Carbon Finance Unit, 374 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent were exchanged through projects in 2005, a 240% increase relative to 2004 (110mt) which was itself a 41% increase relative to 2003 (78mt).

• 04
  Aug
  2009

• Russia - Business, Insurance

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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Winston Churchill said about Russia, after long experience of negotiating with Russians: ’ I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest.’ Allowing for the different circumstances, this is a good description of how you may feel after a Russian negotiating session.

Business culture is hierarchical in Russia. Correspondence, particularly at the initial stages, is responded to more readily if it is between senior executives. A response to correspondence can often take longer than expected. During certain times of year, particularly early January, early May, and July-August, many people in Russian organizations take extended holidays.

It is customary to exchange business cards during any business meeting; it is worth having some cards printed in Russian. Speaking a few words of Russian at the beginning of a meeting is received appreciatively. Even if your contact speaks English or French, it is advisable to bring product details and price lists already translated into Russian.

As a visitor to Russia, be alert to your surroundings. People carrying valuables in backpacks, in back pockets of pants and in coat pockets are especially vulnerable to pickpockets. The most vulnerable areas include underground walkways and the subway, overnight trains, train stations, airports, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants, hotel rooms and residences (even when locked or occupied).

It is recommended that foreign visitors have medical insurance covering Russia. There are a number of international medical clinics in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Rates are high for such care. Here are recommended clinics in Moscow (accept credit cards or rubles): European Medical Centre (E.M.C), International S.O.S. Clinic, and The American Medical Clinic.

• 03
  Aug
  2009

• Complimentary health insurance from Mexico City

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
  Author: Blog Contributor
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Mexico City becomes the first city in the world to offer complimentary medical insurance for travelers . The initiative grew out of Mexico’s recent H1N1 flu crisis, which sent tourism plunging nationwide as would-be travelers steered clear. Under the new program, tourists who stay in the city’s hotels are eligible for free coverage for emergency medical care, hospital stays, prescription drugs and ambulance services.

The official website of the Tourism Secretary of Mexico says:
The government of Mexico City offers free coverage with “Medical care and assistance for its national and international tourists”

To maintain and increase the quality of the touristic infrastructure of Mexico City one of our emphasis is to cover our national and international guests with medical aid and assistance in case of any emergency. The Ministry of Tourism of Mexico City subsidizes the following services:
• Medical assistance in case of influenza AH1N1
• Medical care in case of any other disease or accident
• Provision of an ambulance in case of an accident
• Hospital accommodation in case of any emergency
• Prescription of drugs through from cooperating physicians
• Emergency dental care
• Home transportation in case of illness
• Hotel accommodation for time of recovery
• Accompaniment of minors
• Home transportation in case of death
• Informing the emergency contacts
• Legal assistance in case of robbery or loss of documents or belongings
• Tourist Advice
• Event reservation in Mexico City
• Forwarding of forgotten belongings
• Assistance in case of luggage loss
• Assistance in case of flight delay or cancellation
• Call Centers, available 24 hours in Spanish, English, French, German and Portuguese