Wildfires, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change
Until recently, carbon released into the atmosphere from wildfires was not considered a significant component of atmospheric greenhouse gas as it was assumed that over the climatic cycle this carbon would be returned to vegetative re-growth. In Australia this may well be the case. Globally, however, a growing body of evidence suggests that carbon produced…
Perspectives on Papua: Will Indonesia Loosen its Grip?
In this paper, FDI Research Analyst Jarryd de Haan assesses the prospects for any moves towards independence in the two Papuan provinces, noting that the issue is likely to reignite as Indonesia renews its autonomy laws for the region. Even as Bougainville makes progress in its push for independence, the prospects for West Papua’s independence…
Beyond China: Alternative markets for Australian farmers
For years Australian farmers have enjoyed secure and growing exports to China but the trade situation has now deteriorated with bans, tariffs, rejections and legal challenges. Mervyn Piesse assesses the situation and explains why it’s time to diversify and develop alternative markets. To listen to this interview, in full, on ABC Radio, click here
Chinese Imports of US Farm Goods Remain Robust in the Face of Deteriorating Relations
The United States and China reaffirmed their commitment to the Phase One Trade Agreement last month. While Beijing is unlikely to import the amount of US goods that it agreed to in that deal, it has increased the volume of US agricultural goods that it is importing. There are fears of rising food insecurity in…
The Politicisation of Australian Agricultural Trade with China Suggests that New Export Markets Need to be Cultivated
Beijing imposed trade bans and tariffs on some of the most valuable Australian agricultural exports in 2020. While those exports remained steady in the first half of the year, the latest trade data suggests that they have begun to sharply decline and will continue to face headwinds for the foreseeable future. Beijing has shown that…
Lebanon: A Fractured Nation with a Chequered History and a Troubled Future
In this paper, FDI Visiting Fellow Saloni Salil explores the ramifications of the massive ammonium nitrate blast that recently rocked Beirut, and which has brought to the fore – and exacerbated – the ongoing political crisis in Lebanon. To read this paper in full, on the APO website, click here