World Articles

If humanity continues its momentum, it will consume in 2050 three times more raw materials than today. "Far beyond what is bearable." The warning is clear. And it does not derive from Lester Brown, president of Earth Policy Institute, which multiplies the books for decades on the depletion of the planet or the WWF or Greenpeace, but the UN.

In forty years, some 9 billion people consume 140 billion tons of minerals, hydrocarbons and biomass (wood, crops, livestock), as reported by the UNEP (United Nations Environment). Or 16 tons of natural resources swallowed each year by each person on the planet."Policymakers and the general public are still not convinced of the absolute physical limits on the amount of resources available to humanity," the authors note, a dozen experts led by an Austrian and a South African.

Doing more with less

To avoid shortages and social tensions and geopolitical they would generate, the world must "do more with less." Sustained growth requires massive investment in "technological innovation, financial and social." One difficulty lies in the considerable disparity in the exploitation of raw materials. An inhabitant of an industrialized country consumes an average 16 tons per year, four times more than Indian.

In rich countries, the differences are equally impressive.A consumer of Qatar, Australia and the United States swallows 40 tons of natural resources per year when a French, a German or an Italian uses about 15 tons. These figures do not reflect the reality only partially, note the rapporteurs of the UN. For a tonne of copper extracted in Chile will be charged to the consumer in their calculation Chilean even if it is used to manufacture a product sold in China or Europe. These methodological weaknesses therefore do not change the risk of global depletion of natural resources. Even if industrialized countries were able to halve their consumption of raw materials by 2050, not living to 8 tons, and that developing countries joined this level without exceeding the total amount to 70 billion tons, or 40% more than today.This scenario (No. 2 in the graphics) would be accompanied by a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions, a path inconsistent with the objectives of the international community in the fight against global warming.

Amid these grim prospects for the environment, the UN report uncovers some reasons not to despair. The global trend towards urbanization is paradoxically supports better use of natural resources. A densely populated area per capita is more economical building materials, energy and transportation, the experts argue.

Another reason for optimism, emerging skip some stages of development by adopting technologies directly or models that consume less raw materials, how they embraced the mobile phone have not finished building the fixed telephone network.

Upon landing a plane in Los Angeles on Sunday night, John Galliano was insulted by a photographer. Accused of making racist and anti-Semitic in Paris in February under the influence of alcohol, dismissed from his job at Dior, the fashion designer is not about rehabilitation. Many uncertainties about the future also the eponymous designer's own label. And yet, Christian Dior, who had acquired 87% stake for 17 million euros in 2008, has received several expressions of interest from candidates for its redemption.

Unsolicited proposals

The luxury goods group Bernard Arnault took a majority stake in the house when the designer John Galliano was appointed at Dior and Givenchy.No sales processes in good and due form has been launched, but a lawyer has been instructed to consider unsolicited proposals.

Among the interested buyers are some of the brand partners. First and foremost there is the Italian Perfume holding company which produces and distributes fragrances Galliano licensed, and would be ready to redeem all of the brand. Despite the disruptions media, he knows a great success with the women I speak of love, launched last fall.

Other signs of interest emanating from shareholders funds of another partner of Galliano, the Italian industrialist Ittierre, which makes the second line of ready-to-wear Galliano.The investment fund buyers to the brand Gianfranco Ferre and Chinese applicants would also manifest.

Sales are resistant

So many vocations to buy a house whose founder is facing a scandal? In fact, business could hardly have been affected by the controversy, except the U.S., where the brand has little presence, and Great Britain. In Asia, Russia and Middle East sales up well. The sales would have even increased in March compared to last year! In 2009, the John Galliano had achieved a turnover of 14 million euros, together with a heavy net loss of $ 5 million fast cash advance. It would have been close to balance in 2010.

Its collections midrange meet the demand of a young clientele in emerging markets, more affordable alternative to the big names in luxury.In addition, buyers can expect savings from the end of the contract of British designer, whose team took over, and reducing the cost of running at high performance due to the star so far. What return on their investment, through a central light, relying on external partners. The company employs forty people. Only outstanding issue, the personal involvement of John Galliano, which owns 8% of the capital.

Very busy, Christian Dior has yet to decide to freeze any negotiations pending resolution of legal proceedings against his former creator. A hearing is scheduled May 12The group therefore preferred to pass a few months to study its options calmly.

At Dior, the search for a replacement takes time

Bernard Arnault announced recently that the estate of John Galliano at Dior take time, giving the lie to rumors on ready-made solutions. Meanwhile, the workshops are already working on preparations for the haute couture collection, which will be presented in early July and will therefore likely not signed by the new designer. The group gives time for reflection and appears ready to turn the page creators stars. It has been found through surveys that the public showed a certain distance with respect to this notion. Asked about the name of the stylist in charge of Dior, the majority answered … Christian Dior (died 1957), Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel) by John Galliano.All options are under consideration.

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Design software in France is a little less risky. "In the French edition software, 2010 was a year of crisis. The growth of turnover was 16%, to 4.7 billion euros, "said Bernard-Louis Roques, CEO and founder of Truffle Capital, a venture capital firm that finances the ranking of players, called "Truffle 100." He added: "The editors have maintained their investments, especially those for research and development, during the crisis cash till payday. This behavior partly explains the low investment growth Publishers in 2010. "

As for results, the situation improves. "The margins are restored. Net income more than doubled, "added the expert. The first hundred publishers have earned a cumulative result of 543 million euros against 254 million in 2009. It is better but small compared to the situation abroad.

Highly anticipated, the preliminary report on the volatility of agricultural prices, including Le Figaro has obtained a copy was given to the French presidency of the G20, for the meeting of Agriculture Ministers of 22 and 23 June This paper of forty pages coordinated by FAO and the OECD – which also contributed seven other international institutions like the IMF, the World Bank and WTO – analyzes the volatility of current price and features nine tracks for remedy.

"The volatility of agricultural prices was greater during the decade of the 2000s than during the two decades that preceded it. This is particularly true price of rice and wheat over the period 2006-2010, the report acknowledged. But they relativize the outset. "In the long term, there is no evidence that volatility in international prices of agricultural commodities is now rising," assure the experts.

Efforts of the United States

Among the nine recommendations, the first door on the absolute need to have more reliable information on the status of production, consumption and stocks of agricultural products. The authors propose to set up an international database, "modeled on what has already been done in 2000 to improve information on the oil market under the symbol JODI (Joint Oil Data Initiative)."

Second track: the fight against financial speculation. The report does not rule on this sensitive subject, which has already been a conflict between Paris and Brussels.He acknowledged that "financial investments in the derivatives markets in agricultural commodities have risen sharply since the mid-2000s," but noted "a disagreement on the role of speculation in financial volatility and rising material prices agricultural commodities. " The report suggests further research and returns the ball to the finance ministers of the G20. He simply welcomes "the efforts undertaken by the United States and the European Commission for more transparency and efficiency in futures markets, including the OTC (over the counter"), now unregulated.

Third important recommendation: a more rigorous application of WTO agreements and open access to markets for agricultural products.Referred moratoria on exports like decreed unilaterally by Russia on August 5 last wheat crop which was destroyed over a third after a period of exceptional drought. This also applies to taxes on imports or exports that amplify strongly throughout. The G20 called for "the establishment of a definition of the critical situation of food scarcity to justify a restriction of export." It proposes to develop a rapid screening procedure for notification type "fast track" to approve or not the measure of export restrictions.

After the protests, Justice. The taxi drivers of Avignon do not démordent: Easy Take a low cost taxi company established in February 2010 in their city, is unfair competition. Mr. Patrick Gontard, their lawyer, asked Tuesday before the Court of Appeal of Nîmes a cessation or disqualification.

"Easy Take the taxi is in disguise. Under cover of a passenger, the company transports people to return to clubs or to go catch a train. The drivers are the marauding But they have no right, "said Mr. Gontard. For the latter, certain obligations such as vehicle type and length or the need for each driver to have a personal license issued by the prefecture are not met.

Bargain prices

The union of taxi drivers did not demonstrate the existence of competition or a common clientele, or the commission of a fault, answered Mr. Julien Scapel defender Easy Take challenging the Qualification of unfair competition. Minutes are produced by the union does not "state supported on the highway", he stresses me Scapel that "there is no evidence to show that Easy Take is engaged in illegal taxi.

"We operate through two licenses, the road transport of passengers and one passenger vehicle with driver. The problems submitted to us, which are only technical problems, concern only the second license which is only about 15% of our business, "Jean-Marc Sibade relativized, one of the founders of the company.

For example, Take Easy is not yet in possession of vehicles with the length required to comply with the decree of 6 December 2010 having raised it from 4.40 to 4.50 m. The company expects delivery of the thirty Ford Tourneo Connect that will replace its original Kango.

To offer fixed price broken races (7 euros for 7 km, 15 euros for 15 km … day and night), by reservation only and a maximum distance of 50 km, Easy Take innovated: he uses vehicles converted to passenger car with advertising on the body and head restraints. "We appeal to customers who did not take the taxi before, we are not competing but complementary," argues Jean-Marc Sibade. "Anyway, Europe has given to France until 2014 that taxis are no longer a monopoly.If not us, it will be groups that it will, "he adds.

He has every intention of taking market share before that. It should open a branch in Nimes by the end of March, then a franchise in Montpellier in May and in the wake of another agency in Cavaillon, with twenty vehicles in each city. His goal is to be present in thirty cities within five years. The paradox is that taxis have made it much publicity by demonstrating against him and that requests for exemptions have poured.

The death of a teenager who ate at Quick in January led to a decline in attendance of fast-food chain, said Sunday its CEO Jacques-Edouard Charret. "The drop in attendance of about 30% of our restaurant Avignon Cap Sud (where the teenager had eaten) remains unchanged since the beginning of the case," he says in an interview in Paris . "On all of our franchisees, we also note a lack of interest, but it is weaker," he says. The fast food chain has more than 350 fast food in France.

"It will take us much time and effort before returning confidence," says the CEO of the sign, which recognizes that "as with any food crisis of this kind, it will take several months before s' in return. "The company also announced Thursday a strengthening of its sanitary measures, with the creation of a quality label, a hardening of the scoring system and better training of its employees and managers free credit score.

Quick had raised some ten days the possibility of a "local fault" in his restaurant in Avignon, in view of the first results of the investigation into the death of the teenager. It has already been established that the death was related to the meals the day before by the young man of 14 years. The prosecutor opened an investigation against X for manslaughter, citing serious breaches of hygiene. The victim's parents have become civil parties.

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Prices of existing homes in Paris and in historic areas of major French cities are expected to grow by over 10% in 2011 compared with 2010, according to the note of real estate market trends released Wednesday by the Notaries of France.

"The market in central Paris and the historic districts of large cities a province, like Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux and Montpellier, evolve beyond 10%," write the solicitors in this study "An early 2011 dynamic but then what? ". For these scholars, the sharp rise in prices should also continue in 2011 in the small and large crown in Paris but "but with a change of less than 10% over the year."

Fewer transactions in 2011

In the rest of the province, the increase will be more moderate in 2010, ranging between 3% and 5% are forecasting notaries.According to the National Federation of Real Estate (Fnaim estate agents), prices of existing homes in France are expected to rise 3% to 6% this year after increasing last year's average of 1.5% for all land and a record 15.7% in Paris. In 2010, the real estate market has regained its former volumes of the years between 2000 and 2007, from 590,000 sales in 2009 to nearly 800,000, "real estate investment appears more secure than investment in the financial market" , welcome notaries.

However the number of sales in the former is expected to reach in 2011 a sales volume of less than 2010, they say.Indeed, the tax reform proposed by the government "may cause short-term positions and erratic behavior among some owners vendors, with temporary reduction of risk placed on the market and price pressures."

Among the tracks thrown in as part of the reform of taxation on property, the head of state spoke in mid-January the idea of taxing capital gains realized on the sale of a principal residence, up by tax-free. Rising prices continued early in the first quarter of 2011. Based on preliminary contracts (sale agreement), notaries confirm the estimate of their colleagues in Paris at the end of last year, indicating that the average price of apartments in Paris in the first quarter will exceed the 8,000 euros / m2.In the provinces, mainland prices also rise, particularly in Bordeaux and Rennes (+15% yoy), in Nantes and Lyon (5 to 10%), while Lille and Toulouse know in the first quarter of price stable (0-5%).

(With AFP)

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The situation becomes more blurred in Egypt and a barrel of oil rises. On the only day on Friday, the price of a barrel of light sweet crude for March delivery gained 4.32% to 89.34 dollars in New York as they leapt from 2% in London, pushing Brent a hair of $ 100 (99.74 dollars). A threshold has been crossed over from 1 October 2008.

On Monday, the rise continues. In morning trading in Asia, the "light sweet crude gained 37 cents to 89.71 dollars and that of Brent North Sea has appreciated by 18 cents to 99.60 dollars.

The Suez Canal in the heart of the concerns

This rise of prices, after several sessions swales, reflects the fear of the markets to see the routing of oil through the Suez Canal impacted by the events.Since the early disruption, port operations are slow and some employees can no longer reach their workplace. In addition, ships can no longer find in the port of Suez capable of military escorts to protect them while crossing the Gulf of Aden, whose waters are crisscrossed by hackers.

"No ship has been delayed for two days but no responsibility for immigration and customs has come to give permissions for security teams to shipments, said a coordinator of a freight company Suez. Crew changes have also been disrupted and some supplies, like food and water, are no longer transported to the port, "he added.

Nervousness

The situation is even more problematic that about one million barrels per day pass through the Suez Canal.In 2009, the latest data available, more than 34,000 vessels passed through the canal, including nearly 2,700 tankers carrying approximately 29 million tons of crude fast cash advance loan. "There is some nervousness about supply and this could affect Europe more than the U.S.," said Tom Bentz of BNP Paribas.

Now, ships calling at ports in neighboring countries like Turkey or the UAE for their supplies. "If the shipping lanes closed, it will be a detour of 6,000 miles (almost 10,000 kilometers) in order to ensure deliveries," warns Rich Ilczyszyn, Lind-Waldock.

Also concerned about the situation, OPEC said that a "shortage" of oil is possible. The secretary general of the organization, Abdullah El-Badri said, however, that OPEC stands ready to increase production if necessary.

"A blip"

Some observers, however, take the situation into perspective. "Investors are speculating on the situation of the channel but it has very little chance of getting stuck in the light of financial challenges it poses to Egypt," said Djillali Hacid, technical analyst at XTB France. Remarks confirmed by the Egyptian official media said on Monday that the Suez Canal works "full capacity".

"For now, the impact of Egypt on the course is not so huge. This is just an excuse for investors to speed up that takes place from August but stumbled on the psychological threshold of 100 dollars, "adds the analyst XTB.

Evolution of a barrel of Brent since February 2010. Source: XTB France

This is one black spot of crime figures released Thursday by the Interior Minister. In 2010, violence to persons rose by 2.5%. Stigmatized by Brice Hortefeux, theft of smartphones, mobile phones with these functions close to a real computer that can include access to the Internet. A study of the transport police conducted between February and December 2010 revealed that almost a flight out of two (43.15%) committed with violence in the Paris region transport concern smartphones.

Last September, however, the police prefecture of Paris explained that about 30% of reports of thefts of mobile phones are lying. During the first six months of 2010, she explained that the Paris police had registered some 4,600 complaints of "robbery with violence" of phones.The police discovered, upon investigation, many cases of misrepresentation.

The origin of these complaints, customers often encouraged by their provider to make a false statement of robbery with violence, even if it is a simple theft. Some insurance companies do in fact repay the stolen phone that if the theft was committed with violence.

Criminalize "a big black"

Friday, France Info pointing the finger at particular SFR. The radio has contacted "a dozen" of Parisian boutiques phone operator to know the procedures for theft of mobile. "Almost every time," according to France Info, the seller advised to lie to police and to evoke aggression. And – is it to give weight to the testimony of their clients? – Sellers add some recommendations questionable, "You go to the police, you tell them they were two, they have torn me.I have not seen well, it was great, it was black, he ran fast. I would not be able to recognize. They will not try. " Another adviser proposes criminalizing "a large black", met on the Paris metro line 8 payday loan lenders. Another trick: to appear with a witness who would reinforce the story of the loser.

Interviewed by Agence France-Presse, Vodafone confirmed that it had been reported "cases isolated and unhappy" employees of one of its partners who have advised its clients to make a false statement. The operator also said he "reprinted a note to all of (its) partners to remind them that such practices should not occur and are reprehensible."The risk according to the operator is no longer able to offer insurance to its customers.

6 months imprisonment, a fine of 7500 euros

"The complexity of insurance contracts says consumers are pressured into making false statements," says Benjamin for his part Douri, deputy editor in 60 million consumers, the magazine of the National Consumer Institute (INC ). Some consumers believe they are protected against theft of their equipment before realizing they are only protected if they have experienced violence. Insurance contracts are "riddled with exclusions," the journalist said he was very skeptical about their interest to consumers.

Already in 2009, Catherine Lanson, Director Communication and Quality at SPB, a leading insurance brokers in this market, explained work better explanations for clients.SFR, we recognize that there are "maybe a teaching job to do" on the subject.

The penalty for false theft report is 6 months in prison and 7500 euro fine.

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In the wake of a meeting of general decline where the CAC 40 dropped below the threshold of 4000 points, the Paris Bourse was hesitant. At the opening, the benchmark index was down 0.10% to 3972.83 points. This morning, the latest statistics released in China have sealed the trend in Asia on stock exchanges. The closing of the day on Wall Street did not show any signs of optimism for this Thursday.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) of China grew faster than expected last quarter of 2010, with an increase of 9.8% annual rate. Over the whole year, Chinese growth was 10.3%. Great concern of the authorities, inflation has moderated somewhat in late with an index of consumer prices up 4.8% in December against 5.1% in November. It reached 3.3% throughout the past year. Slightly more than the 3% target previously set by Beijing.Shortly after these publications, the Asian indices retreated. Inflation, including measures that could be taken to curb worries.

The news is especially rich in statistics. The bond issue will be well attended in Spain. For 0201tats United home resales are known to 14:30 and unemployment claims at 14:30.

The euro continued to grow and can be treated early this morning at 1.348 dollars. The oil is stable, above 91 dollars a barrel.

Accor Featured

As for values, title Accor (-2.09% to 39.02 euros) was heckled, despite the upward revision of its target of operating profit in 2010 after increasing by 11.8% in sales hospitality during the fourth quarter.

According to our information, Dexia (and the Postal Bank should not set up joint venture but will work through the subscription of the first three billion euros of covered bonds issued by the Franco-Belgian bank.

New twist in Renault espionage case (1.13% to 48.78 euros). The third employee was also dismissed complaint. But unlike the two other employees who have turned against Renault, Matthieu Tenenbaum filed a complaint against X.He also refutes having a bank account abroad.

Nuclear-related values will also be at the center of attention following the announcement of the French construction group DCNS naval considering a proposed nuclear submarine reactor small power supply for the islands and isolated regions and some countries development quick payday loan. The EDF group (-0.06%) and Areva (-0.44%) and the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA) will participate in the project.A first prototype released in 2016 or 2017.

In addition, Alstom and EDF Energies Nouvelles (balance to 32.76 euros) have signed an exclusive agreement to meet the future bidding on the French construction of offshore wind, they announced Wednesday in a joint statement.

Later publications, the industrial group Alstom (-2.09% to 33.94 euros) on Thursday posted a 10% increase in orders in the first nine months of its fiscal year 2010/2011, to 12.5 billion euros , while its turnover rose 9% to 15.7 billion euros.

In addition, wines and spirits group Remy Cointreau (1.77% to 52.17 euros) achieved a turnover up 18% to 694 million euros over the same period, marked by an acceleration its sales in Asia and some recovery in Europe, according to a statement Thursday.

Kaufman and Broad will publish it and its annual results.

Sanofi-Aventis (-0.39% to 50.56 euros) a second time should extend its takeover offer from Genzyme to allow time to finalize the terms of an agreement that will eventually conclude with the American specialist rare diseases, say experts interviewed by Reuters.

BioMerieux (5.13% to 78.32 euros, the biggest increase DTH) has reported a turnover of organic growth of 4.9% in 2010 and expects an increase in revenues the order of 5 to 6% for the year.

The banking sector remains attentive to the statements of the International Monetary Fund began a series of stress tests on the largest banks in the United Kingdom, Germany and three other European countries at a time when the EU is trying to define terms of its new "stress tests", destined to be tougher than previous ones.

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