GEOGTEST 3
How much does gas must cost before people have to change their driving habits? (U.S.)
$5-$10
Explain the importance of trees in Latin America/developing world
1. In the case of Brazil for example, they need to use the rainforest/trees in order to drive their economy. It's used as the fuel behind their operations. They are an OBSTACLE/liability for development. They prefer arable land as its more valuable. If your raise the value of carbon dioxide, trees become more valuable 2. In Costa Rica they pay farmers to plant trees as a subsidy to lower the cost of timber. 3. Haiti: They planted charcoal trees and everyone cut them down. They cut down the trees to sell and feed their family... But if they planted fruit trees, they would have fed their families without cutting down the trees Environmental Determinism
What part of the world is more vulnerable to food security/prices?
Africa, Middle East Poorest nations in the world do not make their own food, they must buy it
Can developing countries control developed countries economies?
YES. They can... based upon the resources they possess and the money they have set aside to buy what they want Natural Resources specifically oil They have oil which we don't have (we did just find a big pipeline however) Sovereign Wealth Funds (37) • Created funds to buy assets around the world • Mega-funds have been created mainly from oil and trade • Many of the oil-rich countreis are using these funds to build up investment portfolios that will support and diversify their economies in case their output from oil ends • These investment pools are equal to or even bigger than the largest pension and private equity fund in the U.S. • It depends on what the SWF's buy (for the exam)
How is the environment and economic development linked?
"Brazilian deforestation is strongly correlated to the economic health of the country: the decline in deforestation from 1988-1991 nicely matched the economic slowdown during the same period, while the rocketing rate of deforestation from 1993-1998 paralleled Brazil's period of rapid economic growth Can be inverse or direct
It is estimated that for every US dollar the US government has invested in the World Bank, US companies have received back...
$1.10. (10% return).
The Doha Rounds began more than _____ years ago with the aim of helping ________ nations benefit from ________ __________ In _________ discussion among _______ nations have produced "very encouraging movements" in efforts to produce a ________ _________ _________ Members of the core negotiating group represent _____, _______, _____ _____ ____, _______, _______, _________, and _________ Talks mark the last chance to strike a deal on cutting ________ and ________ in ________ and ________ goods before the US presidential elections Rich countries want more..... while developing countries are pressing wealthy governments to.....
(Doha, Qatar 2001-Currently) began more than ten years ago with the aim of helping poor nations benefit from trade liberalization. • In 2008, discussion among seven nations have produced "very encouraging movements" in efforts to produce a global trade agreements. • Members of the core negotiating group, represent US, Brazil, the European Union, India, China, Japan, and Australia. • The talks mark the last change to strike a deal on cutting tariffs and subsidies in agriculture and manufacturing goods before the U.S. presidential elections. • Negotiators from rich countries want more foreign goods while developing countries are pressing wealthy governments such as the United States and the E.U to cut agricultural tariffs and aid to their farmers.
Environmental Determinism
(Ellsworth Huntington) was a doctrine that held that human activities are controlled by the environment such as, - Social development - Economic development - Behavior He was a bigot and a racist however, so this doctrine is useless
Role of a Constitution? (7) A.... D.... I.... D.... E.... S.... P....
- Assigns powers - Determines duties for governmental institutions and agencies - Indicates how decision-makers are to be selected, - Defines the limits of governmental authority. - Establishes the nature of the relationships between people and their government. - States how political leaders are to be held accountable. - Lastly, provides checks and balances between branches of gov't.
Why is water so important?
- Availability of water - Modifications of streams-dams - Water quality - Agricultural runoff into streams - Industrial pollution - Oil spills - Surface mining - Sewage discharge
Who are the four key international institutions in the World Bank Group
- Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IRBD), 1944. - The International Development Association (IDA), 1960. - The International Finance Corporation (IFC), 1956. - Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), 1988.
The United Nations provides a forum where countries may discuss (3)
- International problems - Regional concerns - Provides a mechanism to end conflict (weak)
THe World Bank generates money from (4)
- Sales of interest-bearing bonds - Notes in capital markets of the world - Repayment of earlier loans - From profits on its operations
The United Nations is a complex web of institutions (7)
- Six main groups (Assembly General and Security Council) - Special commissions and programs (Env't Programme) - Seven functional commissions (Human rights) - Five regional economic and social commisions, - Numerous standing or ad hoc committees - Specialized agencies (International Labour Organization and the World Bank) - Associated but independent bodies and institutions such as the (World Trade Organizations)
What are the components of globalization? (9) C... C.... I.... G.... M... T.... R... G.... T....
-Capital -Cheap Labor -Infrastructure -Goods -Markets -Technology -Raw materials/resources -Governmental willingness -Transportation cost
Negatives of the World Bank
-Environmental -Corruption
How to become a member of the IMF
-Membership is open to all independent nations and included 188 countries in 2015 On joining the IMF, each country pledges to cooperate with all other member countries in resolving international monetary problems. Members are required to share information on financial, fiscal, economic, and exchange policies that have international ramifications. Members must refrain from restricting the exchange of domestic money for foreign money. They pledge themselves to pursue economic policies that will encourage employment and international trade to the benefit of the entire world economic community. Agree to the code of conduct found in the IMF Articles of Agreement Pay a quota subscription Refrain from restrictions on exchange of foreign currency Strive for openness in economic policies affecting other countries.. • Each member is assigned a quota; whose value is based on the weighted average value of five major currencies. • The value of the SDR will be based on a weighted average of the values of the basket of currencies comprising the U.S. dollar, euro, the Chinese renminbi (The new basket including the Chinese renminbi will take effect on October 1, 2016), Japanese yen, and British pound. • Each member's quota is an amount corresponding to its relative position in the world economy which determines its maximum contribution to the IMF's financial resources
Why will food prices continue to increase? T.... I.... W.... B.... F....
1) Trade Restrictions • Cause: some major exporting countries have introduced or increased export taxes, bans and other restrictions on agricultural products to keep down domestic prices. • Effect: Export restriction further strained already tight supplies and added pressures on prices. 2) Increased Demand in Asia • Cause: Economic development and income growth in emerging countries, especially China and India, are changing what people eat. Diets are moving away from starchy foods toward more meat and dairy. In China, per capita meat consumption has increased 150 percent since 1980. • Effect: More grain is needed to feed livestock, which means there is less for human food. 3) Weather • Cause: Heat waves, droughts and excessive rain in big grain-producing countries have taken a toll on crops in the past several years. • Effect: World cereal stocks have fallen, in part because of weather. 4) Biofuels • Cause: The push to produce biofuels has increased demand for corn. The United States exports 66 percent of the world's corn but has been increasing the amount of its crop used for ethanol. • Prices of corn have increased more than 50 percent since last year. As a result, countries in Europe began importing cheaper sorghum for livestock feed instead of corn. This, in turn, raised the price of sorghum, a grain widely consumed by the world's poorest people. 5) Fuel Prices • Cause : Rising fuel princes. Ex. In May crude oil soared 17.4% in three weeks. • Effect: It is costlier to produce and transport agricultural commodities
What is the purpose of the World Bank? (4)
1. "to assist in the reconstruction and development of territories of members... 2. facilitate the investment of capital for productive purposes... 3. to promote private foreign investment by means of guarantees or participation in loans.... 4. to supplement private investment by providing, on suitable conditions.
"National Treatment"
1. All countries must treat foreign investment in their economy the same as domestic firms. 2. Any concession granted to one trading partner of the WTO is extended to all.
Elements for a stable government (7) C... Can L... Lakers T.... Take W.... Western C..... Conference W..... Winning T..... Title
1. Constitution: the legal framework for a basic law of a society 2. Legitimacy: • "The more 'successful' the gov't has been in meeting the demands of the people, the more they will be to be ruled by it and support by it when it faces serious economic, social, or military challenges." 3. Tolerance for different viewpoints. 4. Willingness to compromise and cooperate with political opponents. 5. Commitment to civility (the power of speaking) and pragmatism (a practical way to solve problems). 6. Willingness to get involved in the political process. 7. To believe in one's ability to help achieve particular objectives.
What has contributed to political change in Latin America (6) E.... M.... I.... I.... F.... F....
1. Economic difficulties: - Hyperinflation - Unemployment - Debt - Weak currencies - Trade deficits 2. Military conflicts: - In the case of the military government in Argentina was weaken by defeat in the Falklands or Malvinas war. 3. Inadequate governments: - In December 23, 1972, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck the capital city of Managua, leaving 10,000 people dead and the city destroyed (Leonard, 1987, p. 2). - International aid poured into the county however, Somoza and his friends took the opportunity to steal millions of dollars in aid. - It brought international attention and helped unite the opposition against the Somoza regime 4. Imposed sanctions: - Imposed embargos in the case of the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. 5. Fall of communism: - Soviet Union could no longer be alternative for governments. 6. Foreign policy: - For example, when President Jimmy Carter withdrew support from dictatorships from Nicaragua, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic help motivate change.
The Millennium Development Goals (8) E.... A.... P.... R.... I.... C.... E.... D....
1. Eradicate Extreme Poverty and hunger - Reduce by half the proportion of people living on less than a dollar a day (Poverty) - Reduce by half the proportion of people who suffer from hunger 2. Achieve universal primary education - Ensure that all boys and girls complete a full course of primary schooling (Education Access) 3. Promote gender equality and empower women - Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education preferably by 2005, and at all levels by 2015 4. Reduce child mortality - Reduce by two thirds the mortality rate among children under five 5. Improve Maternal Health - Reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio 6. Combat HIV/AIDS malaria and other diseases - Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS - Halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases 7. Ensure environmental sustainability - Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs; reverse loss of environmental resources - Reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water - Achieve significant improvement in lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers, by 2020 8. Develop a global partnership for development - Develop further an open trading and financial system that is rule-based, predictable and non-discriminatory, includes a commitment to good governance, development and poverty reduction— nationally and internationally - Address the least developed countries' special needs. This includes tariff- and quota-free access for their exports; enhanced debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries; cancellation of official bilateral debt; and more generous official development assistance for countries committed to poverty reduction - Address the special needs of landlocked and small island developing States - Deal comprehensively with developing countries' debt problems through national and international measures to make debt sustainable in the long term - In cooperation with the developing countries, develop decent and productive work for youth - In cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable essential drugs in developing countries - In cooperation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new technologies— especially information and communications technologies.
Characteristics of democracy (8) I.... T R O L.... F.... F.... E.... C.... F.... C....
1. Inclusive citizenship: - Citizenship must be open to all 2. The rule of law: - The government operates under the law and individuals and minorities are protected against the "tyranny of the majority." 3. Freedom of expression: - Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press are vital components of a democratic society. 4. Free and fair elections: - All citizens have the right to compete for elective office and government officials are chosen of a democratic society. 5. Equality of voting - All votes are equal, with each person having one vote. 6. Citizen control of the agenda - Citizens ultimately decide the policies of the country. 7. Freedom of association - Citizens have the right to form and join organizations 8. Civilian control over the security forces - The armed forces, including police, must be political neutral and must be controlled by civilian authority.
What is the impact of the Structural Adjustment Policy on Women (7)
1. Increased numbers of women look for income-generating work outside the home because of harsh economic conditions in the country. 2. Women also enter forms of employment where job security and benefits are few such as domestic service, and where their vulnerability to abuse is often high. 3. There is much evidence to suggest that SAP's have to lead to a widening of wage differentials between men and women in all sectors of the economy. 4. In times of economic recession such as the ones that occur in the SAP's women enrollment of girls in schools to save costs and to care for younger children. 5. Also, during times of food of insecurity women often eat less. Leading to a decline of women's health and affects children if the women is pregnant or breast-feeding. - In Tanzania, cutbacks in public health services have led to an increase in under-five-years-old mortality from 193 per thousand in 1980 to 309 in 1987. 6. The shift to export crops encouraged by SAPs often does not benefit women. Women work in subsistence agriculture and would not benefit from a export oriented market. 7. Greater unemployment, decreased purchasing power, and cut-backs in social services result in women adopting strategies to make funds go further
Why are govts reluctant to persecute dictators? (6) New... Many.... Ex-.... The new... Some... Some....
1. New democracies are too fragile to confront ex-dictators. - New leaders are more concerned about building democratic institutions and changing people's attitudes to government. 2. Many ex-dictators play a critical role in transitions to democracy and are able to negotiate their exemption from prosecution when they leave office. 3. Ex-dictators usually continue to have strong support from the military, which is often the country's strongest and most legitimate institution. - Putting former military leaders in trial could prompt armed forces 4. The new civilian government attempt to consolidate their power and put the past behind them by stressing the need for national reconciliation and forgiveness. 5. Some former leaders escape punishment because of their ability to convince new leaders that their brutality was justified for political circumstances or as part of economic development. 6. Some ex-dictators simply die before they can be tried for their crimes.
Why is the 1980's known as "the Lost Decade" ? (11) O.... T.... H.... S.... E.... P... L.... G.... I.... G.... P....
1. Oil prices increased. 2. Too much borrowing money. 3. High interest rates. 4. Slow economic growth. 5. Economy did not keep up with the population growth. 6. Per capital decline. 7. Less wealth distributed. 8. Gap between rich and poor increased. 9. Inflation rose. Ex. Bolivia's inflation was 82,000% and Mexico was 33,600% 10. Government cut back on social programs. 11. Poverty level rose
What is Structural Adjustment Policy? (10) S... B... E.... C.... E.... D.... R.... P.... W.... I.....
1. Severe spending reductions in government, 2. Balance the budget (no deficit), 3. Eliminating trade barriers, 4. Cutting social subsidies, 5. Encouraging exports, 6. Devaluing currencies, 7. Removing artificial barriers to foreign investment. 8. Price reforms 9. Wage restraints 10. Institutional reforms
Smallest and Largest Quotas of the IMF
1. The United States has the largest quota, in 2008 the U.S. quota was about SDR 37.1 billion. 2. The smallest quota, that of the Republic of Palau, was about 3.1 million.
What do women political leaders have in common?
1. They are from elite families, 2. They are usually highly educated, 3. They enter politics to continue the work of their husbands or fathers, 4. They entered politics after their husbands or fathers have been assassinated while in political offices or when they challenged the ruling elite
How can a country obtain a loan from the world bank? (6) You.... A... The b... The b.... To... A...
1. You have to be a member 2. Advisers and experts representing the bank analyze the prospective borrower can meet conditions stipulated by the bank. - The conditions are designed to ensure that loans will be used efficiently and they will be repaid. 3. The borrower must be unable to secure loans from an outside source. 4. The borrower must show that the project is technically feasible and economically sound. 5. To ensure repayment, the borrower must guarantee repayment. 6. After the loan has been issued the World Bank requires updates on the projects
How many members are in the World Bank?
188
The World Bank has earned profit every year since _______
1947
How long has Mexico been a democracy?
1999 (ending 71 years of political dominance by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)--a one party system in which Presidents culd elect their predecesors)
The United States pays for _____percent of the U.N. administrative fees and about _____ percent of the peacekeeping cost.
22; 27
Since the end of apartheid, access to electricity in South Africa has soared from _____ percent to _____ percent, Zoellick said. In 2008, the country suffered from severe _________ shortages, a result of problems getting _________ supplies to power plants but also seen as a result of ___________ shortages
34 to 81 power coal generation
How to become a member of the UN
Admission of New Members to the United Nations. Any State which desires to become a Member of the United Nations shall submit an application to the Secretary-General. Such application shall contain a declaration, made in a formal instrument, that the State in question accepts the obligations contained in the Charter
What is the voting structure of the WTO
All 162 members have to agree (consensus) -- all have to be able to at least live with the decision
How to become a member of the WTO https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/tif_e/org3_e.htm
All members have joined the system as a result of negotiation and therefore membership means a balance of rights and obligations. They enjoy the privileges that other member-countries give to them and the security that the trading rules provide. In return, they had to make commitments to open their markets and to abide by the rules — those commitments were the result of the membership (or "accession") negotiations. Countries negotiating membership are WTO "observers".
Who is the current Secretary General of the UN
Ban Ki-moon (South Korea) until 2017 Now its the former Prime Minister of Portugal, António Guterres
Why is the 1990's knows as "the Decade of the IMF/World Bank"?
Because of the economic difficulties of the 1980s. These two came in and helped changed things. From 1990 through 2004 the proportion of people living in extreme poverty fell from almost a third to less than a fifth. Although results vary widely within regions and countries, the trend indicates that the world as a whole can meet the goal of halving the percentage of people living in poverty.
Who is the richest man in the developing world?
Carlos Slim
What is a democracy?
Democracy is a system of government in which the majority of the people rule but the rights of the minority are protected.
What is the role of the Industrial Revolution in relation to natural resources? (6) D... U.... D.... T... P.... C....
Discovery of fossil fuels (Utilization) How to use them Dependency Technology to use fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) Pollution Consumers
What is the voting structure of the UN
Each member state is represented on the General Assembly (GA) of the UN with a equal voting power regardless of the size, population, or economic power. (majority vote or 2/3 vote on more imortant issues) The Security Council has 5 key voters (US, France, UK, Russia, China) all have veto power--9 must agree of the Security Council however.... one of the key 5 may abstain from voting however, which will allow 9 affirmative votes to pass a decision
What world organization has more members than the UN
FIFA--211 (209 as far as class goes)
Benefits of the IMF look at slides
IMF can be seen as lender of last resort. When a country is seeing an exodus of currency due to a balance of payments crisis, the IMF can provide crucial loans to stabilise the economy and prevent a collapse of confidence.e.g
What is the IMF and when was it established
International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF was established, along with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, at the UN Monetary and Financial Conference held in 1944 at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.
What branch in the US is the most powerful?
None of them. Checks and balances evenly distribute power
Old v. New Leader of the World Bank
Old: Wolfowitz New: Zoellick
Carbon Trading Market
Programs have begun to pay farmers to maintain the forest. - Carbon-Trading Market: Companies in violation of emissions are buying allowances from companies that emit less than the limit. - A program is paying farmers $8,000 upfront to reforest areas near wetlands. - The paying rate to emit one ton of carbon dioxide is between $5-$10. - Each acre of forest can store about 200 tons of carbon dioxide. - "If Mato Grosso, Brazil were a country it would be in the top five carbon emitters of the world" • While, in Costa Rica the gov't pays owners to plant trees
What are the positive/negative issues related to renewable resources?
Pros: -Good for the environment (little to no waste) -Renewable so will never run out -Less maintenence Cons: -Difficult to produce the same quantities of electricity as traditional fossil fuel methods -Perhaps not aesthetically appealing -Must rely on the weather, thus can be considered somewhat unreliable -Expensive
Prior to 2002, _____________was the only independent state with a population of more than 1 million that was not a member
Switzerlannd
Almost every country in the world is now a member of the U.N. with the notable exceptions of ________ and ___________
Taiwan; Kosovo
The UN Charter (4 main purposes) M w P.... M w S.... D... F... *Worry About this at the End*
The UN Charter sets out four main purposes: Maintaining worldwide peace and security. Developing relations among nations. Fostering cooperation between nations in order to solve economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian international problems.
South Africa + World Bank
The World Bank approved a $3.75 billion loan to help South Africa build one of the world's largest coal-fired power plants, a decision long expected but bitterly fought from the streets of Durban to the halls of the U.S. Congress. • The decision is part of a wider debate about World Bank lending. Non-government organizations have been pressing the bank to shrink or eliminate its support for new fossil fuel plants. They say that new coal facilities will lock in carbon dioxide emissions for the 40-year lifespan of the plants. • But the bank believes that in some places -- especially sub-Saharan Africa, where in some countries 90 percent of the people have no electricity -- the priority of reducing poverty might justify some new coal plants
Corruption + World Bank
The World Bank estimates $1 trillion in bribes change hands worldwide each year!!!!!!!!!!!!! - The bank said it uncovered 2,000 cases of reputed fraud, corruption, and other misconduct related to its projects since 1999. - Has sanctioned more than 330 companies and people. • The changes come after the president Paul Wolfowitz, blocked a $1 billion projects in Africa and Asia due to massive corruption. The decision brought backlash by: - Both donors and recipients - It penalizes poor people for the abuses of the their gov't
What is the voting structure of the IMF
The amount of quota subscription determines how large a vote a member will have in IMF deliberations
Describe the rollercoaster diagram of the US economy
The major economic effect of WW1, was a massive increase in US industrial production coupled with stable prices. During the 1920s the USA experienced a boom such as never before, but was marred by weak government and incoherent policies (buying on credit). So, as an example, prohibition was meant to improve the quality of life but resulted in the growth of organised crime, strengthening of Federal control over the population through the FBI and other agencies, and the militarisation of police forces. Only the stupidity of banks and lending agencies spoilt the boom by allowing the growth of toxic debt [as we now call it]; resulting in the Great Crash of 1929 Though the relief and reform measures put into place by President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped lessen the worst effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s, (President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal experiments had brought some relief to a population reeling from unemployment, inflation, and scarcity, but considerable transformations—vast federal spending, price regulations, job placement, the expansion of unions, greater access to home loans, social security for the elderly and disabled, and the public's restored confidence in their government—did little to bring prosperity to the American people.) the economy would not fully turn around until after 1939, when World War II kicked American industry into high gear
The Basic Principles of the WTO (4)
The members should work to - cut tariffs, - eliminate barriers to trade, - open markets, - treat all countries the same in matters of trade.
What is the WTO and when was it established?
World Trade Organization (Formerly GATT and now WTO): was established in 1948 when the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was ratified by 23 countries. The WTO itself was established in 1995
What is globalization
an international regime in which the economic interests of multinational corporations and other nonstate actors (IMF and the WTO) are coming to supersede the interests and power of individual states". the opening of national economies to the flow of international goods, capital, and ideas. Removes obstruction of movement of goods and create conditions that are favorable for trading in which economies can expand.
What are natural resources
anything created through natural processes (limited and none recyclable) that people use and value. Ex. Water, air, oil, gold, et
What are renewable resources?
are replaced continually, at least within a human lifespan. Ex. Solar energy, air, wind, trees, grain.
Possibilism
believe the natural environment does no more than limit the range of choices, affording opportunities rather than imposing limitation
Who is part of the UN Security Council?
composed of five permanent members: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States. - In addition has ten countries that are non-permanent members with one year terms.
Sustainable Development
development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Unlike commercial banks, the World Bank takes no ___________ ___________ since its loans are to governments with whom have....
financial risks; "preferred creditor" status (credit rating)
What are nonrenewable resources?
form so slowly that for practical purposes, they cannot be replaced when used. Ex. Coal, oil, gas, iron, etc
Democracy is derived from? Practiced by?
has been practiced by people throughout the world to varying degrees. • The word democracy derives from two greek words: - Demos: meaning people - Kratia: meaning rule
The Amount of Quota Subscription determines?
how large a vote a member will have in IMF deliberations: • how much foreign exchange it may withdraw from the fund, • how many loans it will receive in periodic allocations.
What is breast ironing?
in which women flatten adolescent girls' developing breasts, intending to protect the girls from the dangers of sex, consensual or otherwise
The World Bank tends to lend money for ______________ projects like building _________and ____________ and financing _____________ and ________ care
individual; highways; dams; education; health
Balance of Payment
is a country's record of economic transactions with other countries. (Exports-Imports) • Ex. If a country buys more abroad than it sells abroad, it has a balance of payments problem and has to find ways to finance the difference.
The World Bank in 1999 was the...
major source of financing for development in developing countries with 1900 projects worth over $148 billion dollars
By 2009, ______________energy and energy ____________ projects accounted for ____ percent of the World Bank's $_____billion in energy lending while _______ _____ projects accounted for _____ percent.
renewable; efficiency; 40; 8.2; fossil fuel; 24
What is desertification?
the extension of desert like conditions as a result of climatic change or human activities. - Such as overgrazing or deforestation, usually in arid or semi-arid regions.
What is deforestation?
the removal of trees from a forested area without adequate replanting
What is the voting structure of the World Bank
voting power is based on economic size in addition to International Development Association contributions (majority rule, but the countries with the most shares/economy has more power) In 2010 voting powers at the World Bank were revised to increase the voice of developing countries, notably China. The countries with most voting power are now the United States (15.85%), Japan (6.84%), China (4.42%), Germany (4.00%), the United Kingdom (3.75%), France (3.75%), India (2.91%),[28] Russia (2.77%), Saudi Arabia (2.77%) and Italy (2.64%). Under the changes, known as 'Voice Reform - Phase 2', countries other than China that saw significant gains included South Korea, Turkey, Mexico, Singapore, Greece, Brazil, India, and Spain. Most developed countries' voting power was reduced, along with a few developing countries such as Nigeria. The voting powers of the United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia were unchanged.[29][30] The changes were brought about with the goal of making voting more universal in regards to standards, rule-based with objective indicators, and transparent among other things. Now, developing countries have an increased voice in the "Pool Model", backed especially by Europe.
The United Nations is truly a _________ organization. Its membership has expanded from _______ countries to _______in 2015
world; 51; 193
Why is Brazil losing so much forest?
• Brazil is among the countries where governments subsidize projects aimed at converting forests to other uses, such as farming, cattle ranching, and industry. • Their economic policies are driven by the pressure of growing population numbers, the need for more agricultural land, expanded demand for fuel and commercial wood, and a mid-latitude market for beef that can be satisfied profitably by replacing tropical forest with cleared grazing land -Current real estate values shows trees as obstacles to prosperity: An acre of standing forest cost $175 while the same acre cleared for plantation sells for $1,215 "Brazilian deforestation is strongly correlated to the economic health of the country: the decline in deforestation from 1988-1991 nicely matched the economic slowdown during the same period, while the rocketing rate of deforestation from 1993-1998 paralleled Brazil's period of rapid economic growth
What characteristics help define a natural resource?
• Cultural value: a society's cultural values influence people's decision that a commodity is desirable and acceptable to use. • Technology: must be high enough to use the resource or provide multiple uses. • Economic value: affects whether a resource is affordable and accessible.
What are the MDGs (overview)
• Form a blueprint agreed to by all the world's countries and all the world's leading development institutions. • They have galvanized unprecedented efforts to meet the needs of the world's poorest.
IMF Bailouts and the catch
• IMF bailouts plunged millions of people in countries such as Indonesia, Greece, Ireland, and Russia into poverty and ignited public anger. What is the Catch? • The IMF loan's are give in condition that government adopt economic policies determined by the IMF know as structural adjustment policy (SAP).
What is the "Map of Africa"
• It's call the "Map of Africa:" (It is a cute name for an acute problem): are the stains that African girls often endure when they are menstruating and the rags or camel's skin they use for protection fail. • This is not the firs time P & G has participated in Africa, they also created Girl Child Network, to give its pads to schoolgirls in Kenya and tract to quantify the effect. How frequent is this problem? • Most girl will stay home rather than risk embarrassment. • Girls can lose a total of a month of schooling a year
What are some of the problems associated with the UN?
• Member states have not surrendered authority to the UN • The world body is legally and effectively unable to make or enforced a world law. • Nor is there a world police force. • Rulings by the International Court of Justice are only enforced by countries that have agreed beforehand to abide by its arbitration. • Has no authority over the military forces of individual countries
How to become a member of the World Bank
• Members have to purchase shares that are worth about ($120,000 each) • The minimum number of share that a member nation must purchase varies of their national economy
What can threaten democracy? (6)
• Poverty • Corruption • Weak Judicial System • Human rights • Eroding middle class • Gangs/drug cartels
What is the purpose of the IMF? (4)
• Promote the health of the world economy, • International monetary cooperation, • world trade, • to help countries with balance of payment problems.
What is the importance of the WTO
• Sets the rules for the majority of the world trade. • All the countries have to agree to upholding two "liberal and unexceptional" principles know as the "national treatment"
Who has the most voting shares in the IMF?
• The United States as they have the strongest economy. • Position in the world's economy determines how many shares you have and how much you have to give
How does the WTO function (5)
• The WTO host a series of multilateral trade negotiations know as "rounds." • In these rounds trade arrangements are negotiated and disputes resolved. • Voting within the WTO is unweighted (each members has one vote) • Decision making is generally based in consensus. • However, there are provisions that ¾ majority is needed such the adoption of an interpretation of a trade agreement or for a waiver of obligations by a member. • The length of each round gives an insight into the challenges of achieving international consensus on trade agreements. Ex. The Uruguay round took seven years to complete.
What are the benefits of participation in the IMF?
• The member may use this foreign exchange for a certain time (up to about five years) to extricate itself from its balance-of-payments problem, after which the currency is to be returned to the IMF's pool of resources. • The borrower pays a below-market rate of interest for the IMF resources it uses; the member whose currency is used receives almost all of these interest payments; the remainder goes to the fund for operating expenses
How do you solve the "map of Africa"?
• They can't distribute pads unless the girls have a private place to change- that is why it need bathrooms. • The girls also need clean water for hygiene, so in one schools it piping water from two miles away. • It has to build dormitories at a school heavily attend by children from nomadic tribes. • Need to find ways to dispose the pads for practical and cultural issues (Procter will probably install small, sealed incinerators near the bathrooms, and train teachers to burn the pads). • They also plan to send nurses or doctors four times a year to troubleshoot health problems, provide health education, and distribute pads. • Distribute free pads in hope of keeping girls in school. • Protect & Gamble is tackling the problem head on by creating Protecting Futures A great deal. For example, girls that use free pads today can turn to be paying costumers when they grow. • They could persuade their mothers and aunts to use the product. • When you need to change a culture, it's a good strategy to start with the younger generation. • The program sits well with the Kenyan gov't it has cut tariffs on Procter's sanitary pads. • This program is giving the company a license to operate in Africa for all its products. • The idea of keeping an African girl in school resonates strongly with our consumers.
Economic Results of the WTO
• Value of merchandise trade has increased from $57 billion to $3,500 billion. • Trade in services has risen by 20%.
What is controversial about the WTO? (9) N.... It d.... E.... The a..... A.... L.... T.... A..... W...
• national sovereignty can be threaten, • It defines manufacturing standards, • Environmental and labor regulations, • The agreements made within institutions have an impact on domestic economies throughout health, environment, agriculture, etc. • Alleviation of debt, • Lack of progress toward democracy, • Technology transfer from developed to developing country, • Administers trade sanctions when a member has broken WTO rules, • WTO is more powerful than its GATT