At the COP26 summit in Glasgow, the IMF is urging rich countries to keep the promises they made when they signed the Paris Agreement in 2015. Developed countries pledged $100 billion per year to help poorer countries reduce carbon emissions, a target that has not yet been met. Kate Moody spoke to Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, about how to close the financing gap and, more broadly, how to keep the goal of a 1.5°C temperature rise alive.

People & Profit

COP26: IMF chief calls climate crisis 'once in a lifetime' opportunity

The head of the Fairtrade Foundation says consumers, businesses and governments need a ‘reality check’ on the situation facing farmers in developing countries. CEO Michael Gidney speaks to FRANCE 24 ahead of the COP26 climate conference, where Fairtrade will be bringing a pledge for businesses. In this pledge, companies will promise to invest in more sustainable supply chains and provide guaranteed prices to farmers.

Fairtrade CEO: ‘All of us need a reality check’

The world is facing unprecedented disruptions to global supply chains. A backlog in shipping and lack of raw materials is affecting the economic recovery and creating problems for businesses and consumers. Willy Shih, Professor at Harvard Business School, tells us that many industries will find they can't get merchandise in time for the holiday season, and that the problems could last until 2023.

'Never seen anything like it': Global supply chain faces unprecedented disruption

Back in May, French President Emmanuel Macron brought political leaders from Africa to Paris to discuss the financial challenges facing their countries. Now he's turning to the private sector, with hundreds of entrepreneurs from across the continent among those attending a summit in the southern French city of Montpellier. So what are the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Africa today?

Entrepreneurship in Africa: Building businesses a key topic at French summit

Although travel has slumped over the past year and a half due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many tourist destinations in Europe had a better summer season than expected. We check with the hotel industry at the Global Lodging Forum in Paris, where industry executives are discussing the big issues facing the sector. Among them is Karin Sheppard, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Europe at IHG, the hotel group that includes brands like the Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. She tells us how her summer season compared to 2020 and pre-pandemic years.

Staying power: Hotel industry executives discuss post-Covid challenges

The cost of gas and electricity has soared in countries across Europe, and prices are expected to continue climbing as temperatures fall in the coming months. A limited supply of natural gas and higher demand have pushed up prices for power companies, industry and consumers. James Waddell from research consultancy Energy Aspects tells FRANCE 24 how long the crisis is set to last, and how it might be resolved.

How long will Europe's energy crisis last?

China's President Xi Jinping has promised to rein in major internet platforms in the name of fairer competition and data protection. Tencent, Alibaba, Didi and the Ant Group – some of the biggest names in Chinese technology – are now all facing increased scrutiny from regulators. So what's driving the crackdown and what does it mean for companies and consumers? We discuss these issues with Martin Chorzempa from the Petersen Institute for International Economies.

China's tech crackdown: Regulators turn up heat on digital platforms

A global shortage of truck drivers is hitting supplies of everyday goods. It's a particular problem in the United Kingdom, where many drivers are EU nationals. But what's the situation across the rest of Europe? Stephen Carroll speaks to Raluca Marian from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), an organisation representing the road transport sector. 

Truck driver shortage: How a lack of hauliers is hurting the economy

The business show that goes beyond the numbers and the corporate jargon! Stephen Carroll breaks down major business stories and looks at how they affect our lives. Thursday at 12.45 pm Paris time.

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