As climate change and severe weather events are garnering rising numbers of headlines, lenders and institutional investors are increasingly interested in how risks and opportunities associated with environmental and climate (E&C) factors figure into corporate credit ratings. Jessica Williams, the primary credit analyst on S&P Global Ratings’ recent report on the topic, explains.

The FINANCIAL -- In this analysis, we will look at the ineffable or unsaid reasons for volatility of the exchange rate (XRT) and devaluation of the Georgian Lari (GEL), which was revealed neither by the Government, National Bank, nor by experts in Georgia, and seek ways for inflation-targeting, referring to new methods offered by foreign and Georgian economists.

The FINANCIAL -- The annual diabetes programme budget in Georgia exceeds GEL 8 million. However the sum does not sufficiently cover all the needs of diabetes patients. Partial covering of the services is leading to the necessity of out-of-pocket and co-payments, with a relatively high percentage for patients. The Georgian state diabetes programme needs perfection to make vital services available for all people living with diabetes. Well-managed diabetes can prevent many complications reducing further healthcare costs, subsequently covered by the universal healthcare programme.

The FINANCIAL -- After almost four years since launching the Universal Health Care (UHC) System, the programme still has multiple systematic shortcomings, including resources and difficulty in programme implementation and the monitoring process.

The FINANCIAL -- Scottish social philosopher and political economist Adam Smith wrote The Wealth of Nations and achieved the first comprehensive system of political economy.