Stories for May 23rd 2007
Conference on how increasing tourism threatens Antarctica
Steadily growing tourism is beginning to have an adverse impact in Antarctica. This year, nearly 30,000 visitors are expected to make the trek to the southernmost continent, four times the figure just ten years ago.
US/China talks reach no tangible results on currency
Further liberalization of aviation and financial services and greater collaboration on clean energy technologies are among “tangible results” of high-level bilateral talks between the United States and China, according to U.S. officials. But no “tangible results” were arrived on the controversial currency reform issue.
US gasoline prices have not yet reached the 1980/1981 record
The average price of regular gasoline has reached a new record in United States but adjusted to inflation and linked to the GDP, the bill is still lower than that of 1981, according to the US Energy Information agency, EIA.
Brazil's Energy minister resigns amid bribes accusations
Brazil's Mines and Energy minister Silas Rondeau resigned amid accusations he was bribed by a construction company that obtained contracts to provide electricity to poor rural areas in a program championed by the nation's first working class president
Greenspan forecasts “dramatic contraction” of Chinese stocks
Former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on Wednesday he feared a “dramatic contraction” in Chinese stocks but said the global economy may be able to shrug off a drop in asset prices. U.S. and Japanese stock markets slipped following his remarks.
Japan, Iceland and Denmark challenge anti whaling lobby
While the anti-whaling lobby appears to be heading for a clear majority at next week's International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in Alaska opponents to Japan's “scientific” whaling programme say more needs to be done.
Toyota launches two fuel-flexible Corolla models in Brazil
Toyota is launching cars that run on ethanol and gasoline in Brazil amid growing popularity of fuel-flexible vehicles in the nation.
Falkland Islands new Chief Justice appointed
On instructions from the Secretary of State, His Excellency the Governor formally appointed His Lordship Christopher Gardner QC as Chief Justice of the Falkland Islands on Monday 21 May 2007. Mr Gardner was sworn in by Acting Governor Mahala Wynns in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 22 May.
