World Economic Forum « Dr Alf's Blog

English: Official logo of the World Economic Forum. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WEF warns that trade and investment agreements can increase consumption of unhealthy foods, sugary drinks and tobacco – leading to soaring rates of obesity and chronic diseases globally.

Source: There’s a suprising connection to obesity we haven’t even considered | World Economic Forum

As US adult obesity levels reach 40% and the CDC warns that 40% of cancers linked to obesity, the WEF rightly targets tobacco, unhealthy foods and alcohol products. WEF reports that alongside physical inactivity, consumption of these products is one of the main drivers of non-communicable deseases (NCDs).

Having travelled extensively in the developing world, I’ve seen first hand the correlation between increased trade and higher consumption of junk food and alcohol.

Unfortunately, the tabacco, food and drinks industry has a very poweful lobby and governments are way behind the curve with effective intervention.

Thoughts?



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Here’s some excellent summer reading. WEF explores the question, ‘Has globalization been oversold?’

Source: Globalization for the 99% | World Economic Forum

The articles in this series provide some vastly different vantages looking at this complex challenge.

Personally, I think that traditional conservatism, communism and socialism have all failed. I’m a passionate neoliberal but there must be an effective safety net for the disadvantaged but not the widespread abuse of welfare that we see in many European countries, especially the UK.

Unfortunately neoliberalism which is underpinned by globalization depends on politics. A good example is Brexit, which nominally supports globalization but weak political leaders are likely to lead to poor trade deals.

Thoughts?