New Horizons

Add to favorites Make New Horizons your homepage

Extranet

New Horizons 4(61)/2009

4 (61)/2009

16	Global Warming Against the Economic Crises. by Sergei Tushin, ?re An extraordinary joint session of EU energy and environment ministers took place in July in Sweden. The informal talks were held on the basis of a Stockholm Environment Institute report, which argued that the EU needs to put more effort into promoting innovation and energy efficiency. 20 What to do with Finland?s Green Gold. by Veronika Pennanen, Helsinki With the paper industry becoming more and more competitive each year it is no wonder that questions arise whether the Finnish wood and paper industry has a future. 24 The Weight of Latvia on Swedish Banks. by Konstantin Ranks, Riga Despite substantial support from IMF Latvia is getting closer to announcing state bankruptcy. The country?s population and businesses are in the hands of Swedish banks, which are the main lenders in this country. But the banks themselves are fighting for survival dependant on Latvia?s economic situation. 28 ?lands Take to the Sea. by Alexej Smirnov, Mariehamn The ?land Islands cannot be found on any political map; however they lead quite an independent political and economic life. How those this unique autonomy survive and what makes its economy tick? 34 Stone Woes. by Valeri Potashov, Petrozavodsk Karelia is rapidly becoming the largest building stone provider in Russia. However local population are protesting the increase in the number and size of open quarries which do not bode well for the environment. 40 A Moon Mining Colony in Swedish Shaft. by Nikolai Sorkut, Trollh?tt?n Professor of a Swedish small town university is working towards the idea of Moon colonisation. He has set up an experimental mining colony, set to simulate the Moon environment in one of the old abandoned shafts. 44 New Homes. by Karita Kiviniemi, Helsinki This spring saw an increase in the amount of small houses built in Finland. The interest in such homes was warmed up by favourable interest rates and the lowering of prices on building materials. 48 Vegetable Skyscrapers. by Victor Kononov, Stockholm The international economic symposium Globe Forum which was held this summer in Stockholm hosted a contest for the best ecologically sound idea. First prize was awarded to the US-Swedish company Plantagon for their vertical greenhouses. 52 Snow Fortress in Helsinki. by Konstantin Ranks, Helsinki With the winters getting shorter each year, the opening of an indoor arctic skiing park in Helsinki is great news for those who love winter sports. The facilities, recreating the atmosphere and variety of Lapland are amazing and set a high plank for future winter indoor parks. 56 Fish for the Port. by Marina Koluyartseva, St.Petersburg St.Petersburg is one of Russia?s biggest port cities, however none of the fish supplied to its shops come from its own port or the various lakes which surround it. Interestingly enough the mane supplier of seafood for the city?s inhabitants is Moscow. 60 The King of Crayfish. by Natalia Alekseeva, Vadstena The great lake of V?ttern in Sweden is well known for its crystal clear water, steep walls, and abundance of crayfish. Recently it has become the location of a wonderful new kingdom which exists only during the warm months and is centred on the noble crayfish. 66 On the Canal. Gorran Svensson, Savonlinna About the size of Belgium, the Province of South Savo is located in south-eastern Finland. It has always been a place popular with holiday goers, but nevertheless today it is looking to increase its tourist potential and is offering more unique attractions. 72 The Land of Living Sand. by Natalia Gracheva, Gotska Sand?n Gotska Sand?n is a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. Its scenery is dominated by beaches, dunes, and pine forests. Since 1909, it is one of the national parks of Sweden with a colony of grey seals and many rare flowers. In the summer it turns into a tourist attraction. 78 The Tsar?s Experiment. Juhani Saarinen wrote a historical account of how the port of Kotka was formed. This article is based on his book Miljoonam?lj?. 82 Tourism for Narva. by Alexej Smirnov, Narva Narva is Estonia?s third largest city and one of the country?s oldest. It boasts an interesting history which could be a major attraction to tourists from neighbouring Russia. How to increase the tourist flow? 88 Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI Elegance ? a Castle on Wheels. by Liisa Rejonen The new Mercedes model is designed to save lives and money. With an Attention Assist system as well as other modern safety features and lesser fuel to the gallon this ecologically sound car is getting intensive buyer attention even in today?s flat market. 95 Business Legislation Russia: Changes in the Legislation Regulating Limited Liability Companies (materials prepared by Deloitte, St.Petersburg)