Features

Breakdown: Beware Aussie net-zero greenwashing

27 September 2021

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government may soon unveil a long-overdue carbon-reduction plan. Early signals play loose with statistics and flag a “gas-fired” pandemic recovery. Absent a detailed path to slash emissions across the economy, it could just be a giant PR stunt.

Guest view: Offsets reach moment of maturity

24 September 2021

There’s no guarantee the world will keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. As such, emissions cuts to tackle areas that can’t or won’t decarbonise will become key. Paris Agreement overseer Christiana Figueres argues that offsets deserve a chance to overcome their flaws.

Review: Hitting the brakes on tech’s runaway train

24 September 2021

Giants like Facebook, Google owner Alphabet and Amazon are reaping outsized benefits from fast and cheap innovation, Azeem Azhar argues in “Exponential”. Legislation and lawsuits show society is fighting back. But it will take more radical ideas to loosen their grip.

Guest view: Hold auditors to account on climate

20 September 2021

The risks of global warming are missing from companies’ financial statements. Accounting firms must share the blame alongside directors, writes Natasha Landell-Mills of Sarasin & Partners. Investors have the power to demand better, while governments can help speed the shift.

Review: Riches to rags with the red aristocrats

17 September 2021

Desmond Shum’s wife became one of China’s wealthiest women via deals with the elite, then vanished in 2017. “Red Roulette” tells her story and concludes distrust of entrepreneurs is a feature of the system, not a bug. If so, only an economic crisis will end the current crackdown.

Review: Navalny explores limit of Russian activism

10 September 2021

The jailed politician used tactics borrowed from investors to challenge Vladimir Putin, the authors of “Navalny” explain. Even though he can’t run in elections or appear on TV, 75% of Russians know who he is. But if they keep shrugging off corruption, his nemesis will prevail.

Xi muffles Chinese consumer boom

7 September 2021

Trade partners hoped Chinese shoppers would mimic free-spending Americans. Yet the president is reining in consumption he doesn’t approve of while bolstering exports. With savings stuck at an absurd 44% of national income, more thriftiness could worsen global imbalances.

Review: Covid-19 and the crises yet to come

3 September 2021

2020 was one of the most seismic years in world history. Adam Tooze’s “Shutdown” recaps how the pandemic exposed the fragility of an interconnected world, while uncovering some pockets of strength. It’s a troubling test run for future challenges, most notably from climate change.

China’s tech sector gets dragged off hamster wheel

3 September 2021

Companies like ByteDance and Meituan are cutting back work hours and improving benefits and labour protection, as Beijing pushes to reduce overwork and promote family life. Some companies may take short-term hits to profitability, but it could help improve focus and productivity.

Robinhood is vulnerable to disruption

31 August 2021

The complex of brokers like Fidelity had every reason to be upended by Vlad Tenev’s platform. But U.S. regulatory scrutiny and government probes are a distraction for Robinhood management. If those troubles aren’t resolved quickly, a new Robinhood-like firm could swoop in.