经济学人中英对照文章 Northern lights
经济学人文章(四六级雅思精读素材)2020-08-27

The Economist August 29th 2020 Business 55Depending on whom you ask, Califor-nia is a leader in clean energy or a cau-tionary tale. Power outages in August prompted stern critiques from Republi-cans. “In California”, D onald Trump tweeted, “D emocrats have intentionally implemented rolling blackouts—forcing Americans in the dark.” In addition to pro-voking outrage and derision, however, the episode is also likely to inspire investment.The Golden State has long been Ameri-ca’s main testing ground for green compa-nies. Californians buy half of all electric cars sold in America. Theirs is the country’s largest solar market. As California deals with heat waves, fires and a goal of carbon-free electricity by 2045, the need for a reli-able grid is becoming ever more obvious.For years firms competed to generate clean power in California. Now a growing num-ber are vying to store and manage it, too. August’s blackouts have many causes,including poor planning, an unexpected lack of capacity and sweltering heat in not just California but nearby states from which it sometimes imports power. Long before the outages, however, electricity op-erators were anxious about capacity. Cali-fornia’s solar panels become less useful in the evening, when demand peaks. In No-vember state regulators mandated that utilities procure an additional 3.3 gigawatts (gw ) of capacity, including giant batteries that charge when energy is abundant and can sell electricity back to the grid.Too few such projects have come online to cope with the surge in demand for air-conditioning in the scorching summer. But more are sprouting across the state. On Au-gust 19th ls Power, an electricity firm backed by private equity, unveiled a 250-megawatt (mw ) storage project in San Die-go, the largest of its kind in America. In July the county of Monterey said Vistra Energy,a Texan power company, could build as much as 1.2gw of storage.The rooftop solar industry stands to benefit from a new Californian mandate that requires new homes to install panels on their roofs from this year. Sunrun, the market leader, is increasingly pairing such residential installations with batteries. In July, for instance, the company said it had won contracts with energy suppliers in the Bay Area to install 13mw of residential solar and batteries. These could supply power to residents in a blackout or feed power into the grid to help meet peak demand. Sunrunis so confident in its future that it has bid $3.2bn for Vivint Solar,its main rival.Another way to stave offoutages is to curb demand.Enel,a European power company,has contracts with local utilities to work with large commercial and indus-trial clients.When demand rises,Enel pays customers to reduce energy consumption,easing demand on the grid.A company called OhmConnect offers something sim-ilar for homeowners.Even as such offerings scale up,the need for reliability means that fossil fuels will not disappear just yet.On September 1st California’s regulators will vote on whether to delay the retirement of four natural-gas plants in light of the outages.The state remains intent on decarbonising its power system over the next 25years.But progress may not move in a straight line.7NEW YO RKBusinesses compete to battle California’s blackoutsEnergy utilitiesLitMany big companies may be struggling with depressed sales, but these are busy times for bribery-busters. Mexico is abuzz over allegations by an ex-boss of Pe-mex, the state oil giant, that several senior politicians received bungs from compa-nies including Odebrecht, a Brazilian con-struction firm (see Americas section). The scandal is the latest in a string of graft cases to make headlines this year, starting with Airbus’s record $4bn settlement in January over accusations of corruption for making illegal payments in various countries.Corporate bribery is hardly new. In sur-veys, between a third and a half of compa-nies typically claim to have lost business to rivals who won contracts by paying kick-backs. But such perceptions-based re-search has obvious limitations. A new study takes a more rigorous approach, and draws some striking conclusions.Raghavendra Rau of Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, Yan-Leung Cheung of the Education University of Hong Kong and Aris Stouraitis of Hong Kong Baptist University examined nearly 200 prominent bribery cases in 60 coun-tries between 1975 and 2015. For the firms doing the bribing, they found, the short-term gains were juicy: every dollar of bribe translated into a $6-9 increase in excess re-turns, relative to the overall stockmarket. That, however, does not take account of the chances of getting caught. These have risen as enforcement of America’s 43-year-old anti-bribery law, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (fcpa ), has been stepped up and other countries have passed similar laws. The number of fcpa cases is up sharply since the financial crisis of 2007-09, according to Stanford Law School (see chart). It has dipped a bit under Presi-dent Donald Trump, who has criticised the fcpa for hobbling American firms over-seas, but remains well above historic lev-els. Total fines for fcpa violations were $14bn in 2016-19, 48 times as much as in the four years to 2007.The authors also tested 11hypotheses that emerged from past studies of bribery.They found support for some, for instance that firms pay larger bribes when they ex-pect to receive larger benefits, and that the net benefits of bribing are smaller in places with more public disclosure of politicians’sources of income.But they punctured other bits of re-ceived wisdom. Most striking, they found no link between democracy and graft. This challenges the “Tullock paradox”, which holds that firms can get away with smaller bribes in democracies because politicians and officials have less of a lock on the sys-tem than those in autocratic countries, and so cannot extract as much rent. Such find-ings will doubtless be of interest to corrup-tion investigators and unscrupulous exec-utives alike. 7Bribery pays—if you don’t get caughtBriberyA closer look at greasy palmsBrown envelopes, big chequesUnited States,Foreign Corrupt Practices ActSources:Stanford Law School;Sullivan &Cromwell*Investigations and enforcement actions †To August6543210605040302010020†10152000059095851977Enforcement actionsSanctions, $bnUtilitiesTransport Communications Basic materials Financial services Consumer goods Aerospace & defence TechnologyIndustrials Health care Oil &gas 100806040200Number of cases* by selected industry1977-2020†。
芬兰的北极光介绍英文作文

芬兰的北极光介绍英文作文The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions.The phenomenon occurs when solar wind particles collide with the Earth's atmosphere, causing a release of energy in the form of light.The colors of the Northern Lights can vary, but the most common are green and pink. However, they can also appear in shades of red, yellow, blue, and violet.The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months, when the nights are longer and darker in the northern hemisphere.The Northern Lights can be seen in several countries, including Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Canada, but Finland is one of the best places to witness this natural wonder.Many tour operators in Finland offer Northern Lights tours, taking visitors to remote locations away from light pollution to maximize their chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.Experiencing the Northern Lights is a truly magical and unforgettable experience, and it's no wonder that people from all over the world travel to Finland just to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking display.。
北极极光的作文英文

北极极光的作文英文The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, isa stunning natural phenomenon that can be seen in theArctic regions. The colorful lights dance across the sky, creating a mesmerizing display that leaves spectators in awe.The vibrant hues of green, pink, purple, and blue swirl and shift, painting the night sky with an otherworldly glow. It's as if the heavens themselves are putting on a show for those lucky enough to witness it.The experience of seeing the Northern Lights is truly unforgettable. The way the colors twist and turn, the way they seem to come alive in the darkness, is something that cannot be adequately described in words. It's a sight that must be seen to be believed.Many people travel to the Arctic specifically towitness the Northern Lights, and it's easy to see why. Thebeauty and wonder of this natural light show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who are lucky enough to see it.The Northern Lights are a reminder of the incredible beauty and power of the natural world. They serve as a humbling reminder of just how small we are in the grand scheme of things, and how much there is to marvel at in the world around us.In conclusion, the Northern Lights are a breathtaking display of nature's beauty. The way the colors dance and shimmer in the night sky is a sight to behold, and one that will stay with you long after the lights have faded. If you ever have the chance to witness the Northern Lights in person, it's an experience you won't soon forget.。
冰岛 极光 英文作文

冰岛极光英文作文英文:Iceland is a country that is famous for its natural beauty, including the stunning Northern Lights. As someone who has visited Iceland and witnessed the Northern Lights firsthand, I can say that it is truly a breathtaking experience.To see the Northern Lights, you need to be in a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution. Iceland is known for its dark winter nights, which provide the perfect backdrop for the colorful dancing lights. I remember standing outside in the freezing cold, staring up at the sky in awe as the green and purple lights swirled above me.One of the best ways to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is to take a guided tour. The tour guides are experts at finding the best viewing spots and can provideinteresting information about the lights and their significance in Icelandic folklore. I went on a tour with a small group and our guide took us to a secluded area where we had an unobstructed view of the lights.In addition to the Northern Lights, Iceland has many other natural wonders to explore, such as glaciers, waterfalls, and hot springs. The country is also known for its unique cuisine, including dishes like fermented shark and smoked lamb.Overall, my trip to Iceland was an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone. The natural beauty and friendly people make it a must-visit destination.中文:冰岛是一个以其自然美景而闻名的国家,包括令人惊叹的极光。
北极光的知识(英文版)

Section A Finland Northern Lights The Northern Lights, also known as “Aurora Borealis(北极光)” or the “Dawn of the North”, never fail to take your breath away. The aurora borealis is one of the most sublime(超群的) and magnificent natural phenomena on Earth. Before scientists cracked(侦破) the mystery of the auroras, men were drawn(吸引) and fascinated(强烈地吸引住) by these dancing and magical lights that were often found in mythology(神话) and legends. In Roman Mythology, it is said that the Aurora is the deity(神) of the dawn. In North America, the Inuits (爱斯基摩人)have many legends that explain them as spirits of the dead. They believed that the lights are the essences(精华) of deer, salmon(鲑鱼), seals and other animals that they hunted. Aristotle (亚里斯多德)thought it was glowing air gushing(喷出) from cracks in the sky. The appearance of the red aurora in medieval(中世纪的) times was feared as a bad omen (前兆) or a sign of God's anger. They believed the manifestation (显现)of the aurora indicated famine or war. Charles Hall (查尔斯·霍尔), a 19th-century polar explorer, exclaimed: "Who but God can conceive(想出) such infinite(无穷的) scenes of glory?" Oddly enough, the Maori (毛利人)thought that the displays were just reflections of acampfire(营火) or torches.Regardless whether you believe the scientific facts or the legends behind its existence, you’ll still be captivated(吸住) by these supernatural display of lights, and there are countless destinations where you can see the majestic phenomenon. Finland(芬兰), for example, should be a representative. Many visitors to Finland come with hopes of seeing the Finland Northern Lights. The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the northern Lapland region(拉普兰地区), which is almost entirely located within the realm(区域) of the Arctic Circle (北极圈). During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks(使达到最高峰) its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak(峰值) seasons include February through March and September through October. The time between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. is the most intense period of the day. The highest probability within this timespan(时间间隔)to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame. If you have never seen the Northern Lights wherever they commonly occur in the world, then you will be amazed the first time when you lay eyes on them.The Northern Lights are similar to a sunset in the sky at night, but appear occasionally in arcs(弧光)or spirals(螺旋形物)usually following the earth's magnetic(磁性的)field. They are most often light green in color but often have a hint of pink. Swirling(涡旋形的) shades of blue, green, and pink are most common when it comes to the Finland Northern Lights. Strong eruptions also haveviolet(紫罗兰色的) and white colours. Red northern lights are rare, but can sometimes be observed on lower latitudes(纬度).The Finland Aurora Borealis, while best seen in Lapland, can also be witnessed as far south as the capital city of Helsinki(赫尔辛基) from time to time, though on average, there are only some twenty days out of the year when viewing them is possible in most southern parts of the country. Part of the reason why it can be difficult to see the Northern Lights of Finland in Helsinki is because of the fact that it is hard to escape to dimly lit areas. The relative lack of city lights is just one of the reasons why the Lapland region sees some 200 nightly occurrences every year, and one must also consider the region’s northern location. The lower reaches(区域) of the Arctic Circle are ideal for viewing the Northern Lights across the planet, which is why Canada and Alaska are good destinations in the Western Hemisphere(半球).For those who are wondering what causes the Northern Lights in Finland, solar flares(耀斑) are largely responsible. These flares effectively cause solar winds and solar storms, which create lingering(游移的) atmospheric particles or matter. The Aurora Borealis is just caused by these charged(带电的) particles(粒子) ejected(喷出) from the sun. When these particles reach the earth, they collide(碰撞) with gas atoms in the earth's atmosphere causing them to energise( 释放出能量) which results in a spectacular multi-coloured light show. As such(因此), scientists can often accurately predict when the best times are for viewing the Northern Lights in Finland by keeping an eye out for(留心) solar flares. ( 757 words)New Wordsaurora [ɔ:'rɔ:rə] n. 曙光[C]; 极光[C];【罗神】(大写)奥罗拉(即曙光女神)sublime [sə'blaɪm] a. 雄伟的;卓越的;壮丽的;超群的crack [kræk] v. 敲破; 破(案); 破解draw v. 吸引(注意等)fascinate v. 强烈地吸引住mythology [mi'θɔlədʒi] n. 神话deity ['di:iti] n. 神essence ['esns] n. 精髓,精华salmon ['sæmən] n. 鲑,大麻哈鱼gush [gʌʃ] v. 涌出,喷出medieval [medi'i:vəl] a. 中世纪的,中古(时代)的;原始的omen ['əumən] n. 前兆,预兆,兆头manifestation [,mænifes'teiʃən] n. 显现conceive [kən'si:v] v. 想像;想出infinite ['infinit] a. 无穷的,广大无边的campfire ['kæmp,faiə] n. 营火,篝火captivate ['kæptiveit] v. 吸住;迷惑住realm [relm] n.区域,范围peak vt. 使达到最高峰n. 最大量;巅值,峰值timespan n. 时间间隔arc [ɑ:k] n. 弧;弧光spiral ['spairəl] n. 螺旋形物magnetic [mæg'netik] a. 磁(性)的swirling [swə:l] v. (使)打旋; 盘绕violet ['vaiəlit] a. 紫罗兰色的latitude ['lætitju:d] n. 纬度reach n. 区域,领域,范围hemisphere ['hemisfiə] n. 半球flare [flɛə] n. (太阳的)耀斑,色球爆发lingering ['liŋgəriŋ] a. 逗留不去的;游移的charge v. 充(电)particle ['pɑ:tikl] n. 颗粒,微粒;粒子eject [i'dʒekt] v. 喷出collide [kə'laid] v. (车等)碰撞(with);(意志等)冲突,抵触(with) energise ['enədʒaiz] =energize(美)vt. 供给 ... 能量,使精力充沛vi. 释放出能量Useful Expressionstake one’s breath away 屏息凝神with regularity 经常地be restricted to 局限于lay eyes on 看到,看见a hint of 一丁点儿collide with (车等)碰撞;(意志等)冲突,抵触as such 这样;因此keep an eye out for 留心Proper NamesAurora Borealis 北极光the Inuit 因纽特人;爱斯基摩人Aristotle 亚里斯多德Charles Hall 查尔斯霍尔Maori 毛利人;毛利语Finland 芬兰Lapland region 拉普兰地区Arctic Circle 北极圈(北纬66度33分以北区域)Helsinki 赫尔辛基(芬兰首都)Notes1.Aurora Borealis: 北极光--- "北端的光"由太阳风和地球磁场及上层大气交互作用产生。
《经济学人》中英对照

(15)《经济学人》中英对照TEXT 1 Rebuilding the American dream chine 重建美国梦机器 Jan 19th xx | NEW YORK From The Economist print edition FOR America's colleges, January is a month of reckoning. Most applications for the next academic year beginning in the autumn have to be de by the end of De mber, so a university's popularity is put to an objective standard: how ny people want to attend. One of the more unlikely offi s to have been flooded with il is that of the City University of New York (CUNY), a public college that lacks, among other things, a famous sports team, bucolic campuses and raucous parties (it doesn't even have dorms), and, until re ntly, academic credibility. 对美国的大学而言,一月是一个清算的月份。
大多数要进入将于秋季开学的下一学年学习的申请必须在12月底前完成,因此一所大学的声望就有了客观依据:申请人的多少。
纽约城市大学,一所公立学院,与其他学校相比,它没有一支声名显赫的运动队,没有田园诗一般的校园,也没有喧嚣嘈杂的派对——甚至连宿舍都没有,而且,直到最近也没取得学术上的可信度,可就是这所大学的办公室塞满了学生们寄来的申请函,这简直有些令人难以置信。
北极光的知识(英文版)

The Aurora Borealis: A Glimpse intothe Northern LightsUnderstanding the Science Behind the Northern LightsThe Different Types of Northern LightsFactors Affecting the Visibility of the Northern LightsSeveral factors influence the visibility of the Northern Lights. The most crucial factor is solar activity, measured the Sun's 11year solar cycle. The lights are more frequent and intense during periods of high solar activity. Additionally, the time of year plays a significant role, as the Northern Lights are more visible during the equinoxes, particularly in March and September. Dark, clear skies are also essential for observing the Northern Lights, so remote locations away from city lights are ideal.How to Witness the Northern LightsTo witness the Northern Lights, planning and patience are key. First, you'll need to be in a location with a high latitude, such as Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, or Iceland. Check for solar activity forecasts and choose a time when the sky is clear and dark. Remember to dress warmly, as the best viewing conditions often occur in cold temperatures. Bring acamera to capture the stunning lights, and be prepared to wait, as the Northern Lights can be unpredictable.In conclusion, the Northern Lights are a breathtaking natural wonder that continues to captivate people around the world. By understanding the science behind this phenomenon and knowing the best conditions for viewing, you can increase your chances of experiencing this onceinalifetime spectacle.The Northern Lights: A Celestial Dance of Light and Color The Enchanting Patterns of the AuroraThe Mythology and History of the Northern LightsFor centuries, the Northern Lights have been a subject of fascination, inspiring myths and legends among various cultures. The Sami people of Scandinavia believed the lights were caused the firefoxes running so quickly across the snow that their tails sparked and ignited the sky. In Norse mythology, the lights were considered to be the reflections of the Valkyries' armor as they rode across the sky, leading fallen warriors to Valhalla. Early scientists, like the Greek explorer Pytheas, documented the Northern Lights as far back as 325 BCE, but it wasn't until the 17th century that scientists like Edmond Halley began to understand their true nature.The Impact of the Northern Lights on TechnologyChasing the Lights: A Guide for Aurora HuntersFor those who seek to witness the Northern Lights, the journey is often referred to as "aurora hunting." Here are some tips for aspiring hunters:Research and Prepare: Learn about the best times and locations for aurora viewing. Use aurora forecast websites to track solar activity and geomagnetic storms.Stay Informed: Sign up for aurora alerts and keep an eye on the weather forecast for clear skies.Be Patient: The Northern Lights can be elusive. Be prepared to wait for hours, and sometimes multiple nights,for the perfect conditions.Safety First: If you're venturing into remote areas, make sure you have the proper gear, a reliable form of transportation, and that someone knows your whereabouts.The Northern Lights: A Universal ConnectionThe Northern Lights are a humbling reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet with the vast universe. As we stand beneath the shimmering auroral glow, we are not just spectators but participants in a cosmic event that spans time and space. The Northern Lights, with their ethereal beauty, continue to inspire awe and curiosity, reminding us of the wonders that lie beyond our everyday world.The Northern Lights: A Celestial Symphony of Earth and SpaceThe Sensitive Relationship Between the Lights and Earth's EnvironmentThe Northern Lights are not just a passive display; they are a dynamic response to the Earth's environment. The interaction between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere is influenced various environmental factors. For instance, the presence of coronal holes on the Sun can increase the speed of the solar wind, leading to more intense auroral activity. Additionally, the Earth's magnetic field itself is not static; it fluctuates and can even experience reversals over geological timescales, which in turn affects the behavior of the Northern Lights.The Sounds of the Northern LightsThe Northern Lights and Human HealthConserving the Night Sky for Future GenerationsThe Northern Lights rely on dark skies to be visible, and as urbanization spreads, artificial light pollution threatens the visibility of this natural wonder. Conservation efforts are underway to protect dark sky areas, ensuring that future generations can experience the Northern Lights in their full glory. Initiatives such as the International DarkSky Association work to educate the public about the importance of dark skies and to advocate for the reduction of light pollution.Tips for Photographing the Northern LightsFor those who wish to capture the Northern Lights through photography, here are some practical tips:Equipment: Use a camera with manual settings, a wideangle lens, and a sturdy tripod.Settings: Set your camera to a high ISO, a wide aperture (low fnumber), and a long shutter speed, depending on the brightness of the lights.Composition: Frame your shot with interesting foreground elements to add depth to your image.The Northern Lights: A Universal LanguageThe Northern Lights speak a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. They are a shared wonder of the natural world, capable of uniting people under the same aweinspiring sky. Whether you are a scientist studying their intricate patterns or a traveler seeking a onceinalifetime experience, the Northern Lights offer a profound connection to the cosmos and a reminder of the beauty that exists beyond our daily lives.。
英语小短文-自然现象-极光

Catching the amazing lights极光之旅Around the North and South Poles (北极和南极) of our planet (星球), sometimes we can see beautiful lights in the sky. We call them auroras (极光).Where do auroras come from? 极光从哪儿来?Scientists (科学家们) say that the sun brings auroras. There are many small particles (粒子) going from the sun to our planet. When they go through our atmosphere (大气层), they light it up (把它点亮). This is what we call an aurora.Auroras in the north are called “northern lights (北极光)” and those in the south are called “southern lights (南极光)”. They can be in different colors: green, red, yellow, and even purple. They have different shapes, such as circles, arcs (弧形) and ripples (波纹).Best places to watch auroras极光最佳观赏地Reykjavik, Iceland (雷克雅未克,冰岛)Iceland is an island country in the northern Atlantic Ocean (大西洋北部). Reykjavik is its capital. You can enjoy the hot springs (温泉) and the beautiful northern lights at the same time.Fairbanks, Alaska (费尔班克斯,美国阿拉斯加)Alaska is the northernmost (最北部的) state in the United States. Auroras are visible (可见的) all over the state. In its second-largest city Fairbanks, you can watch the northern lights during a sled dog (雪橇犬)adventure! The Alaskan malamutes (阿拉斯加雪橇犬) are very strong and gentle.Rovaniemi, Finland (罗瓦涅米,芬兰)Rovaniemi is a small and quiet town in Finland. Many people ride snowmobiles (雪地摩托车) to watch the beautiful lights. Rovaniemi is also the hometown of Santa Claus (圣诞老人). Let’s visit the white-bearded man and his cute reindeer (驯鹿) in the Santa Claus Village!Zhongshan Station (南极中山站,中国)Zhongshan Station is a Chinese scientific research base (科学考察基地) in Antarctica (南极洲). It was built in 1989. Many Chinese scientists work there. It is a wonderful place for them to observe (观测) the southern lights.文章介绍了极光的形成原理,并列举了几个观赏北极光和南极光的最佳地点,包括冰岛的雷克雅未克、美国阿拉斯加的费尔班克斯、芬兰的罗瓦涅米以及中国的南极中山站。
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Northern lights北极光The Nordic countries are reinventing their model of capitalism, says Adrian Wooldridge 艾德里-伍尔德里奇(Adrian Wooldridge)指出北欧国家正在重塑它们的资本主义模式THIRTY YEARS AGO Margaret Thatcher turned Britain into the world’s leading centre of “thinking the unthinkable”. Today that distinction has pas sed to Sweden. The streets of Stockholm are awash with the blood of sacred cows. The think-tanks are brimful of new ideas. The erstwhile champion of the “third way” is now pursuing a far more interesting brand of politics.三十年前马格丽特-撒切尔(Margaret Thatcher)将英国转变成了一个在全世界首屈一指“敢于想不可想象之事”的中心。
今天这项荣耀则移到了瑞典头上。
斯德哥尔摩的大街上充满着打破禁忌局限所产生的新气象。
智囊机构的好点子层出不穷。
之前身为“第三条道路”[1]的拥护者,如今瑞典所追求的政治模式要比过去有趣得多。
Sweden has reduced public spending as a proportion of GDP from 67% in 1993 to 49% today. It could soon have a smaller state than Britain. It has also cut the top marginal tax rate by 27 percentage points since 1983, to 57%, and scrapped a mare’s nest of taxes on property, gifts, wealth and inheritance. This year it is cutting the corporate-tax rate from 26.3% to 22%.瑞典政府开支占国民生产总值(GDP)的比例已从1993年的67%降到了今天的49%。
很快其政府规模将会比英国更小。
同时,瑞典的最高边际税率已降到了57%,比1983年整整低了27个百分点,而且瑞典政府也已取消了大量混乱不堪的财产税,馈赠税以及继承税。
今年瑞典将会把企业所得税从26.3%下调到22%。
Sweden has also donned the golden straitjacket of fiscal orthodoxy with its pledge to produce a fiscal surplus over the economic cycle. Its public debt fell from 70% of GDP in 1993 to 37% in 2010, and its budget moved from an 11% deficit to a surplus of 0.3% over the same period. This allowed a country with a small, open economy to recover quickly from the financial storm of 2007-08. Sweden has also put its pension system on a sound foundation, replacing a defined-benefit system with a defined-contribution one and making automatic adjustments for longer life expectancy.瑞典也披上了“黄金紧身衣”[2]——承诺会在这个经济周期内达到财政预算盈余。
其政府债务占GDP的比例已从已从1993年的70%减少到了2010年的37%。
同期瑞典政府预算也从11%的赤字转变至0.3%的盈余。
所有这些行动使这个开放的小经济体迅速地从2007-08的金融风暴中恢复过来。
瑞典同时也打稳了其退休金制度的基础,将约定提存制度改成了约定给付制度[3],并让退休金根据平均寿命的增长自动进行调整。
Most daringly, it has introduced a universal system of school vouchers and invited private schools to compete with public ones. Private companies also vie with each other to provide state-funded health services and care for the elderly. Anders Aslund, a Swedish economist who lives in America, hopes that Swed en is pioneering “a new conservative model”; Brian Palmer, an American anthropologist who lives in Sweden, worries that it is turning into “the United States of Swedeamerica”.瑞典政策中最大胆的一项要数引入普遍的学券制度[4],使得私立学校和公立学校互相竞争。
私人公司也会互相较劲争夺由政府出资支付的医疗和老年人看护服务业务。
身居美国的瑞典经济学家安德斯-阿斯朗德(Ander Aslund)期待瑞典开创“一种崭新的保守主义模式”,而身居瑞典的美国人类学家布莱恩-帕尔默(Brian Palmer)则担心瑞典正在转变成美国的翻版。
There can be no doubt that Sweden’s quiet revolution has brought about a dram atic change in its economic performance. The two decades from 1970 were a period of decline: the country was demoted from being the world’s fourth-richest in 1970 to 14th-richest in 1993, when the average Swede was poorer than the average Briton or Italian. The two decades from 1990 were a period of recovery: GDP growth between 1993 and 2010 averaged 2.7% a year and productivity 2.1% a year, compared with 1.9% and 1% respectively for the main 15 EU countries.瑞典无声无息的改革已为其经济表现带来翻天覆地的变化,这是不容置疑的。
1970年,瑞典是世界第四富有的国家,在其后的二十几年里,它在全世界国家富足程度排行榜上一路下跌,到1993年只能列居第十四位。
当时,普通的瑞典人要比普通的英国人或是意大利人都更穷。
1990年之后的二十年则迎来了一段复苏期,1993年至2010年间瑞典GDP年均增长率达到2.7%,生产力年均增长率则为2.1%。
同期在欧盟主要的15个国家里,这两个年均增长率分别是1.9%和1%。
For most of the 20th century Sweden prided itself on offering what Marquis Childs called, in his 1936 book of that title, a “Middle Way” between capitalism and socialism. Global companies such as Volvo and Ericsson generated wealth while enlightened bureaucrats built the Folkhemmet or “People’s Home”. As the decades rolled by, the middle way veered left. The government kept growing: public spending as a share of GDP nearly doubled from 1960 to 1980 and peaked at 67% in 1993. Taxes kept rising. The Social Democrats (who ruled Sweden for 44 uninterrupted years from 1932 to 1976 and for 21 out of the 24 years from 1982 to 2006) kept squeezing business. “The era of neo-capitalism is drawing to an end,” said Olof Palme, the party’s leader, in 1974. “It is some kind of socialism that is the ke y to the future.”在20世纪的大多数时间里,瑞典都以自己的独特的政治路线为豪。
马其斯-查尔兹(Marquis Childs)1936年所著的《中间路线》一书将这种模式称为介于资本主义和社会主义中间的一条道路。
在这一模式下,如沃尔沃和爱立信之类的全球企业负责制造财富,而开明的官僚则专注于建立“人民之家”[5]。
几十年的时间过去了,这条中间路线开始逐渐偏左。
政府规模越来越大:1960年至1980年间,政府开支占GDP的比例几乎翻了一倍,并于1993年达到67%的高峰。