The Malaysian economy in 2020 – Malaysiakini

MP SPEAKS |As Malaysia heads into the final year of Vision 2020, the government is confident the countrys economy will achieve a stronger and more sustainable growth of 4.8 percent next year.

This is due to Malaysias strong macroeconomic fundamentals, such as a highly-diversified economic and export structure, supportive labour market, low and stable inflation, a strong and well-capitalised financial sector and a healthy current account surplus of the balance of payments.

This outlook is higher than the estimates by the International Monetary Fund at 4.4 percent and the World Bank at 4.5 percent as the government remains committed to implementing its development priorities.

For 2020, RM56 billion has been allocated for 5,466 development projects to support the growth momentum and strengthen the countrys long-term economic capacity.

Of this amount, RM53.2 billion is allocated for 4,744 ongoing projects and the remaining amount of RM2.8 billion has been set aside for 722 new projects.

Over the next decade, the government will place greater emphasis on restructuring the economy by developing new economic areas to propel the economy forward and create business opportunities and high-paying jobs, in line with the objectives of Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama 2030).

This entails ensuring an inclusive, sustainable and meaningful socio-economic development to provide a decent standard of living for all Malaysians, which will be operationalised through the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, 2021-2025 and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan, 2026-2030.

The government remains vigilant and continues to focus on strengthening Malaysias near-term resilience and advancing structural reforms to raise medium-term growth.

Hence, the countrys growth potential will be optimised by strengthening productivity and innovation as catalysts of growth. Emphasis will be placed on empowering the manufacturing sector to produce more high quality, diverse and complex products.

In this regard, focus will be given to strengthening sectors with high growth potential such as aerospace, medical devices, E&E, machinery and equipment as well as chemicals and chemical products.

Similarly, the development and modernisation of the resource-based industries through research, development, commercialisation and innovation initiatives will also be given priority.

While the external environment continues to face uncertainties, the government will increase its efforts in building up resilience and boosting endogenous sources of growth as domestic demand will remain as the key driver of growth for 2020, underpinned by the continued expansion in private sector activity.

Also, household spending will continue to be supported by wage growth and favourable employment prospects.

This is in line with the [emailprotected] initiative announced in Budget 2020 with a total allocation of RM6.5 billion for the next five years that is aimed at creating better employment opportunities for youth and women while reducing the countrys dependence on low-skilled foreign workers.

The upward revision of the minimum monthly wage rate to RM1,200 beginning Jan 1 in 57 cities and municipalities across Malaysia, along with cash transfer programmes, income tax refunds and lower cost of borrowings are also expected to provide additional impetus to household spending.

In ensuring economic development is not geographically centred, the government will boost economic activities at selected locations based on the strength and uniqueness of each area.

In this regard, 15 Key Economic Growth Areas have been identified as new sources of growth, comprising among others, Islamic Finance Hub 2.0; Commodity Malaysia 2.0; smart and high-value farming; content industry, animation and digitalisation; as well as manufacturing, supply and services related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

To improve regional balance, RM1.1 billion has been set aside in Budget 2020 to boost regional economic corridor development, among others in Chuping Valley Industrial Area in Perlis (RM50 million), Kuantan Port in Pahang (RM69.5 million), Sungai Segget Centralised Sewerage Treatment Plant in Johor (RM42 million), Samalaju Industrial Park in Sarawak (RM55 million) and Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (RM20 million).

Besides, private investment will be reinvigorated through more effective incentives, better coordinated promotional strategies and a more conducive business environment.

The government has made available up to RM1 billion worth of customised packaged investment incentives annually over the next five years as a strategic push to attract targeted Fortune 500 companies and global unicorns in high technology sectors.

To qualify, these companies must invest at least RM5 billion each in Malaysia which will generate additional economic activities, create 150,000 high-quality jobs over the next five years and strengthen our manufacturing and services ecosystems.

During the first nine months of this year, significant levels of foreign and domestic investments amounting to RM149 billion have been approved.

Recognising the importance of infrastructure projects to facilitate supply chains and the mobility of goods and people, several strategic projects will be continued into the Twelfth Malaysia Plan such as the Pan-Borneo Highway, East Coast Rail Link, Bandar Malaysia and Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Tracking project.

Towards accelerating the digital economy and improving competitiveness, the government has lowered broadband prices by 49 percent and will implement the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan over the next five years.

Tax incentives will also be provided to further promote high value-added activities and increase productivity in transitioning into a 5G-enabled digital economy and Industry 4.0.

Furthermore, the government has also provided a comprehensive incentive package for SMEs to increase their contribution to the economy and facilitate access to financing.

The government will further allocate an additional RM50 million to My Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF) under the Securities Commission Malaysia to leverage such platforms to help finance underserved SMEs.

In addition, the government will provide a 50 percent matching grant of up to RM5,000 per company to adopt digitalisation for their business operation including the electronic Point of Sale systems (e-POS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and electronic payroll systems.

This matching grant will be worth RM500 million over five years, limited to the first 100,000 SMEs applying to upgrade their systems.

On the external front, Malaysia will continue to adopt an open trade and investment policy, particularly to pursue greater integration with Asean, leveraging on the regions large population size of more than 600 million people.

The hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and Visit Malaysia Year in 2020 will be catalysts for growth, particularly for the tourism industry.

In the context of an increasingly networked global economy, Malaysia will also continue to leverage our cultural endowment to further boost our competitive advantage.

In this regard, Malaysia has organised the Kuala Lumpur Summit (KL Summit), which saw the successful conclusion of 18 agreements, whereby leaders from across the Muslim world agreed to channel more direct investments toward the development of their economies.

Cooperations were forged during the KL Summit in areas of media, centres of excellence, youth exchange, defence and security as well as food security.

Among others, an agreement was concluded between Felcra Berhad and one of Qatars largest livestock and dairy farm owners, Baladna Food Industries, for a large-scale dairy venture to further strengthen the nations food security.

A document exchange involving aerospace components manufacturer Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM) and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) also took place on the sidelines of the KL Summit.

These initiatives undertaken by the government to build up resilience and boost endogenous sources of growth, along with better commodity prices and a stable ringgit, will pave the way towards enhancing Malaysias economic prospects.

Thus, the ongoing policy initiatives will further enhance Malaysias economic fundamentals and continue to support the ringgit going forward.

The government will continue to ensure that concerted efforts are undertaken to propel Malaysia towards achieving a more sustainable and equitable growth in line with the shared prosperity agenda.

AZMIN ALI is the economic affairs minister.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

See original here:

The Malaysian economy in 2020 - Malaysiakini

There’s a Genius, Sustainable Economic System We Could All Be Using. Here’s How – ScienceAlert

In her Hugo-finalist novel Record of a Spaceborn Few, Becky Chambers envisions a future where humanity travels the galaxy in generational ships, their entire civilisation dependent on a well-oiled system of reusing and recycling resources. Every waste product is expertly crafted into something else, sustaining the space travellers for generations.

Although this book is science fiction, the concept behind the economy used by this spaceborn civilisation is not. Economists have been talking about this idea - called a 'circular economy' - for over 50 years.

The notion itself is pretty simple: In its ideal form, a circular economy is a system where our products and the resources that go into them can be simply and easily reused, repaired, remade and recycled, with absolutely nothing going to landfill.

When we compare this idea to what we're currently doing digging up resources, manufacturing a product, using it for a short time, and then throwing it away, generating massive amounts of unusable waste that takes up space and ruins our health - a circular economy starts looking extremely attractive.

So why are we still dumping so much garbage? Why are the products we buy still nearly always wrapped in virgin plastic?

"I think it is possible, but hard, to imagine a sustainable society because it means a shift of lifestyle and economic systems, which we are currently so stuck in we can't imagine alternatives," says Ed Morgan, a researcher from Griffith University in Australia, who works on climate, natural resources, and government planning.

"But no one in a monarchy could imagine being in a democracy!"

We don't have to look far to find clear examples that demonstrate how our current arrangement of managing resources in a linear fashion is broken.

For example, it's easy to think we're all making great headway on supporting a circular economy when we put our tin cans into the recycling bin... Except in 2018, the economically developed world had a rude awakening to a 'recycling crisis', when it came to light that millions of tons of our recycling were simply being shipped to China.

Much of that material was not being recycled at all. Right now, we're back at the drawing board trying to work out what to do with all this 'recyclable' waste we keep generating.

Breaking the cycle entirely and moving away from our current linear system may seem like an enormous challenge, but there are groups working towards it, already figuring out the nuts and bolts of circular economies at various scales.

"There are lots of ways to make us more sustainable, many of which we haven't harnessed. It does mean a shift of lifestyle for many. But, and I think this is key, it doesn't necessarily mean a 'backward' change," Morgan told ScienceAlert.

"It comes back to what is actually important to us. I remember one person I heard speak say when it comes down to it, what they want is time with their kids and a glass of wine. We should be able to do this sustainably."

So, with that in mind - how do we start creating circular systems? Even a small change is better than nothing.

Take glass, for example. Glass containers are regularly found in the supermarket; it's one of the easiest materials to melt into something else. But in Australia and many places around the world, it's cheaper to import brand new glass bottles than do anything with the 'recycled' glass we all so dutifully put in the recycling bin.

In contrast, The Beer Store in Canada has been collecting and reusing its beer bottles since 1927. The business has one of the highest recovery rates in North America: 99 percent of their bottles are returned and refilled.

One bottle in this cycle will be returned and refilled on average 15 times before it breaks and is recycled into new glass.The glass bottles are reused and refilled, which takes less energy and resources than recycling them into something new, and the company itself is managing the waste it produces something bigger companies should really be taking a hard look at.

This shows how a circular economy can work on a small scale, in a single business, with a single resource.

But we can also go bigger. What about cities?

When you think of futuristic cities, you might think of flying cars or a Wall-E-like trash city, but Steffen Lehmann, an environmental architect at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is picturing microclimates and sustainable buildings.

Urban Nexus, a project Lehmann is working on, is trying to achieve an exciting goal - using the waste of one system to power another. Our water, energy, food and waste are usually seen as separate sectors, but Lehmann explains this doesn't have to be the case. In an ideal world the waste of one sector would flow into the next one to be used as a resource.

"It's very important to understand the inter-connectedness and nexus of the various currently separated sectors," he explains.

"Cities have a governance that is based on the separation of these sectors - for example, the water management people do not talk to the waste management folks in the administration. A first step is to bring these different but inter-connected sectors closer together."

In a paper published in the journal City, Culture and Society back in 2017, Lehmann demonstrates how waste water that was polluting nearby creeks in a small town in the Philippines was successfully rerouted into a system producing biogas and fertiliser.

Not only did this approach clean up the local ecosystem, it also provided the town with a viable product to use in other economic activities.

So, how big could we go? Do we have the ability to become the Spaceborn Few overnight?

"It's impossible to achieve zero waste, or zero emissions, because there are laws of physics and chemistry that we need to follow," explains Anthony Halog, an ecology and bioeconomy researcher at the University of Queensland.

"But why do we bother doing it? I think in my opinion, it's better to be doing something. Moving towards that direction - towards zero waste and zero emissions."

Working towards a system where all of our stuff lasts longer, is repairable, and can be recycled at the end of its life would take a lot of effort and resources. As would changing our cities and industrial systems to interconnectedly use each other's waste.

"For a circular economy to be successful, it has to be holistic and systemic in approach," says Halog.

"Whether we talk about cities, we talk about products, we talk about countries, we need to really look at in a systemic way. Because otherwise it's just a Band-Aid approach."

But at this point, business as usual is a much worse option. Building and sustaining large-scale circular economies would at least give us a fighting chance - after all,Earth is just one big generational ship, complete with finite resources and a limited capacity to contain our waste.

Right now, it's the only one we have. And we're going to have to start reusing stuff much more efficiently, if we want our ship to last.

See the original post:

There's a Genius, Sustainable Economic System We Could All Be Using. Here's How - ScienceAlert

Diane Francis: If Ottawa won’t listen to the West on resources, perhaps the West should stop listening to Ottawa – Financial Post

Alberta and Saskatchewan must take a page from Atlantic Canada, and simply defy and ignore Ottawas injurious energy policies.

Last week, Reuters broke a story that Canadas largest oil refinery, Irving Oil in New Brunswick, quietly scrapped its 2020 emission reduction target of 17 per cent. It made the pledge in 2005 to bolster Liberals who were campaigning on a promise to fight climate change. No public announcement accompanied the change in policy, which was removed from the companys website earlier this year.

When asked for comment, Irving said the targets jeopardize the refinerys future financial viability. The company refines 320,000 barrel per day and exports half to the U.S. northeast. A spokesman said obliquely: We continually update our standards to accurately reflect the targets set in the areas where we operate.

Then theres Newfoundland and Labrador, who have also put the interests of people, jobs, and the economy first over the made-in-Ottawa climate emergency. Last week, the province issued the first of many permits to mostly foreign oil giants who want to invest up to $4 billion in offshore exploration.

Newfoundland shamelessly and admirably hopes to nearly triple its oil production by 2030 to 650,000 barrels of oil daily, up from 230,000 barrels per day now.

Hypocritically, Ottawas Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi opted to support giving Newfoundland the green light. He issued a press release worthy of a Trump tweet: The decision was made following a thorough and science-based environmental assessment process concluding that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects when mitigation measures are taken into account.

Then the feds claimed, without blushing, that the Chinese company who got the permit would comply with environmental and other laws because they said they would. They also said they would honour canola contracts. As well as the Sino-British Joint Declaration concerning Hong Kong.

Ottawa has given this region and Quebec both defiant in the past a free pass in terms of wildlife monitoring, Indigenous rights and tanker shipping hazards. Compare that with what has happened in the West.

Emboldened by favouritism, Newfoundlands Natural Resources minister Siobhan Coady gushed that there could be 650 Hibernias (1.9 billion barrels produced since 1997), in other words. I dont expect there is, but (there) will be discoveries made in offshore Newfoundland and Labrador

By contrast, an Alberta or Saskatchewan leader who laid out, and lauded, the phenomenal economic and jobs potential of the oilsands, LNG largesse, or conventional gas deposits, would be trolled as an evil climate change denier. He or she would be shunned in Ottawa, decried by the socialists and Quebeckers and Liberals, and pilloried by the climate change industry and many in the media.

But Atlantic Canadians have their priorities right. They understand that resource development is what has built Canada and will do so in the future, that Ottawa doesnt know what its doing and should be shrugged off or disobeyed. In 2017, the Trudeau climate change gang started to circle Newfoundland with talk of centralized regulation and revised environmental reviews and other red tape. They were told to butt out.

The industry threatened: Our members and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will not accept the loss or delay of the benefits of these valuable resources while we struggle to pay for the demands of an aging population.

One observer underscored the seriousness of the pushback: Newfoundland has always been a fighting province. Anything that goes against perceived ownership of resources, whether its fisheries or oil and gas, they will fight the federal government on it.

Thats what the West must do, simply tell Ottawa to butt out and go ahead and develop the countrys resources. A government that destroys economic activities without justification or plays favourites is no longer legitimate, and deserves disobedience or worse.

Financial Post

See the article here:

Diane Francis: If Ottawa won't listen to the West on resources, perhaps the West should stop listening to Ottawa - Financial Post

How Cambridge Analytica and the Trump campaign changed Big Tech forever – CNBC

(L-R) Amazon's chief Jeff Bezos, Larry Page of Alphabet, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Vice President-elect Mike Pence and President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower December 14, 2016.

Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had made it about an hour into his two-day marathon testimony in front of Congress before the M-word came up.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was the first to float the term as lawmakers began their grilling at the April 2018 hearing. The senators wanted to know how the data from 87 million Facebook profiles was able to be harvested and sold to a political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica, without users' consent.

"You don't think you have a monopoly?" Graham asked Zuckerberg.

Pausing and tripping slightly over his response, Zuckerberg said, "Doesn't feel like that to me," to a chorus of stilted laughter.

A year and a half later, Graham's suggestion is no longer being laughed off. Facebook now faces antitrust investigations by the Federal Trade Commission, the House Judiciary Committee and a coalition of attorneys general from 47 states and U.S. territories. The Department of Justice has said it's conducting a broad review of the tech industry. And lawmakers are regularly introducing legislation aimed at tamping down tech companies' wide-reaching power and influence.

As the 2010s draw to a close, the relationship between Washington and Silicon Valley appears fraught. It's a far cry from the relatively cozy alliance they fostered at the beginning of the decade, when the aftershock of the antitrust case against Microsoft had mostly waned and lawmakers and the public alike still seemed in awe of tech's promise of advancement.

The 2010s could have been the decade that Washington embraced the tech industry. But a series of scandals has frayed the trust tech executives built up with lawmakers and regulators early on. This is the story of how the 2010s became the decade D.C. turned on Big Tech.

Barack Obama threw his trust into technology in 2008, and it helped deliver him the presidency.

The young senator's campaign seemed novel at the time for its savvy use of social media to build a following. Once in office, Obama made good on his promise to appoint the first chief technology officer to the White House to leverage industry advancements and modernize U.S. infrastructure and services.

Over at the FTC, agency leaders decided it was time to bring on an expert who could advise on issues intersecting technology and policy, and they hired their first chief technologist in 2010.

While there was some skepticism by government regulators over the tech industry, they still mostly let companies like Facebook and Google run their course. In 2011, the FTC settled charges that Google used deceptive practices and violated privacy promises in launching its social network, Google Buzz, forcing it to submit to regular audits for 20 years.

President Barack Obama (3R) and Vice President Joe Biden meet with executives from leading technology companies, including Apple, Twitter, and Google in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on December 17, 2913 in Washington, DC.

Getty Images

About a year later, the FTC also settled with Facebook for allegedly misleading users about how their data would be shared publicly and with third parties. The company agreed to new stipulations, and the same month, the FTC cleared Facebook's $1 billion acquisition of Instagram, a money-losing company with just 13 full-time employees. As of last year, Instagram was worth an estimated $100 billion-plus, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.

By all accounts, Obama's reelection campaign in 2012 was even more digital than his first. The staff built on the previous successes, scaling up the campaign's analytics team and hiring former tech employees to work on technical aspects of the campaign. The team relied heavily on Amazon Web Services to build a variety of tools, Ars Technica reported shortly after the election.

The Obama administration continued to hire tech alums in the White House. A 2016 report from The Intercept revealed 55 cases where Google employees moved into jobs in the federal government under Obama. The report also found that Google and its affiliates had at least 427 White House meetings during Obama's presidency, based on data from The Intercept and the Campaign for Accountability.

By the middle of the decade, some latent concerns about the tech industry were starting to bubble up. The White House was beginning to take steps to promote competition across the economy, and the administration's Council of Economic Advisers wrote that workers and consumers would stand to gain from such a push.

In April 2016, Obama issued an executive order calling on federal agencies and departments to assess and suggest specific actions to reinvigorate competition across all sectors. Alongside the order, the CEA released an issue brief suggesting, "Regulators may want to consider whether this 'big data' is a critical resource, without which new entrants might have a difficult time marketing to or otherwise attracting customers."

The report signaled concerns about competition in tech markets but stopped short of a full-throttled endorsement of antitrust action. The CEA wrote that "more work is needed to understand how policies that promote competition should be applied in the digital economy and other technologically dynamic sectors."

Within some government agencies, however, doubts about the tech industry had already started to creep in.

The DOJ, for example, sued to block a proposed $39 billion merger between AT&T and T-Mobile, claiming the combination would be harmful to consumers and unnecessary to build out AT&T's wireless network. The companies ultimately gave up the plan in September 2011, putting AT&T on the hook for $4 billion in cash and spectrum rights due to T-Mobile parent company Deutsche Telekom.

"AT&T trying to buy T-Mobile was an effort to say, 'Wait a minute, have we reached the limit of acquisitions within wireless?'" said a former senior antitrust official, who asked not to be named to protect the official's current employer. The deal would have combined the second and fourth-largest telecommunication carriers in the U.S.

The FTC later opened an investigation into Google to understand if it used anticompetitive practices to fuel its search engine. It closed the case in a unanimous vote in 2013 with minor concessions from Google, but an inadvertently released copy of staff's recommendations to the commissioners revealed underlying concerns.

The FTC staff had recommended pursuing a case against Google, The Wall Street Journal reported after the recommendation was accidentally disclosed in an open records request from the outlet. While it's not uncommon for commissioners to vote against staff recommendations, the report fueled Google's critics, who still point to it as a sign they are onto something.

In 2016, law enforcement started to realize tech companies wouldn't always help their cause. Apple refused to assist the FBI in unlocking the iPhone of a mass shooter in the San Bernardino, California, attack that left 14 people dead. Apple CEO Tim Cook called a court order requesting Apple's help "chilling" and warned of putting the security of all iPhone users in danger if the company wrote a "master key" to break the encryption. The FBI was ultimately able to crack into the iPhone without Apple's help.

Eventually, two major flashpoints seemed to convince lawmakers and regulators that they could and in some cases, should do something about Big Tech.

The first mainly rippled through circles of academics and antitrust professionals. Lina Khan, then a law student at Yale, published an article in the Yale Law Review called "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox" in January 2017. The article called into question traditional interpretations of antitrust law that often measure the so-called consumer welfare standard based on price. That standard is not adequate to measure harm by a tech company like Amazon, Khan argued, since the firm's structure has allowed it to keep prices low while circumventing antitrust enforcement.

The article didn't spark immediate consensus, but it did light up conversation.

"It was a good piece at the right time," said Harry First, a law professor at New York University. "You walk around you see you're in a nice middle class neighborhood and the stores are all going out of business and you know that you're using Amazon a lot. These are very visibly big companies, it is not like an oil company or a steel company that you don't see it. These are consumer-facing businesses that are part of your everyday life."

The second flashpoint went far beyond academic circles. In March 2018, The Guardian and The New York Times broke the story of how Cambridge Analytica obtained Facebook data without users' consent and used it to aid Donald Trump's presidential election campaign in 2016.

The story prompted outrage at a time when Americans were particularly divided in the wake of Trump's election and concerned about Russian interference through social media platforms. The most important response, according to Jen King, director of consumer privacy at Stanford Law School's Center for Internet and Society, came from lawmakers.

"I think Cambridge Analytica was pivotal a little bit less because of the public impact and a little bit more because of the effect on Congress," King said. "Cambridge Analytica, because of its potential effect on the election, I think, is what motivated a lot of congressional actors to go, 'Oh crap, this is a serious issue.'"

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks to guests during a campaign stop at the Val Air Ballroom on November 25, 2019 in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Scott Olson | Getty Images

If the 2010s were the Wild West for tech, the 2020s are likely to be the decade of rules.

While it's still unknown how any of the various investigations into Big Tech will end, Congress and state lawmakers across the country are keen on reining in the industry's power.

"I think to some degree it's going to depend on whether something comes out of these investigations," First said of how the next decade will shake out. "It may be that some of the attention will move seriously to Congress to make changes in antitrust laws. Some disillusionment could be in store if either cases are not brought or they're brought and lost [in court]."

Lawmakers are already beginning to question how various laws, and the lack thereof, have allowed tech companies to grow so rapidly and dodge legal obstacles. Congress and federal regulators are asking how data can amass power at a tech company. They're asking how much that data is worth, who owns that value and what it should take for a user to pick up and move their data elsewhere.

Lawmakers are starting to seem sympathetic to the FTC's pleas for more funding and enforcement powers. Two new Senate proposals for a federal privacy law would grant the FTC resources and authority to enforce that law.

Congressional leaders are also rethinking a law that has long-protected tech platforms from liability for their users' content. One has suggested tying the legal shield to audits that evaluate if their processes are "politically neutral."

Even if no enforcement actions are taken against the Big Tech firms this time, that could fuel lawmakers to take up proposals to amend the antitrust laws themselves. Given the bipartisan concern over the tech industry, it's not difficult to imagine that laws governing mergers could be reined in, the former senior antitrust official said.

"That's the area where I think there is the greatest prospect for there to be any sort of change," the official said.

Already, there are some proposals on the table. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., ranking member of the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee and presidential contender, introduced the Merger Enforcement Improvement Act in 2017 to give federal regulators more tools and resources to enforce merger laws.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who is also seeking the presidency, is drafting a broad bill co-authored by House Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman David Cicilline, D-R.I. According to a draft viewed by CNBC, the bill would apply sweeping guidelines to a range of large companies over how they price their products and treat competitors.

There's still one major unknown that could sway the course of the next decade.

"The elephant in the room," said Stanford Law professor Doug Melamed, "is the 2020 election."

Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.

WATCH: How US antitrust law works, and what it means for Big Tech

See the original post:

How Cambridge Analytica and the Trump campaign changed Big Tech forever - CNBC

Abe says planning to visit Middle East in early Jan. – The Mainichi

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Kyodo)

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday he plans to visit the Middle East early next month as Japan has decided to send Self-Defense Forces personnel to the region to help secure the safe navigation of commercial ships.

The government is making arrangements for him to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to officials. The Middle East supplies crude oil to resource-scarce Japan and stability in the region is critical.

"I'm considering visiting the Middle East at the beginning of next year if conditions permit," Abe said during a TV program recording.

"Ninety percent of our crude oil imports come from the Middle East. If they stop, the Japanese economy and our daily lives will be severely impacted," Abe said.

The government plans to send a destroyer and P-3C patrol planes to the region for the purpose of intelligence gathering as tensions remain high in the Middle East over a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the United States.

But Japan will not join a U.S.-led maritime security initiative near the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for transporting oil, for fear of hurting Tokyo's good relations with Tehran.

The SDF will instead operate off Oman and Yemen -- the Gulf of Oman, the northern part of the Arabian Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

"Japan aims to make its own unique contributions to safe navigation and regional stability," Abe said.

Before the prime minister, Defense Minister Taro Kono will visit Djibouti and Oman during his four-day Mideast trip from Friday. The P-3C patrol planes engaged in anti-piracy activities based in Djibouti and Oman will serve as a refueling base for the SDF destroyer.

More here:

Abe says planning to visit Middle East in early Jan. - The Mainichi

The Next Big Thing – The Maritime Executive

Offshore wind is poised for liftoff in the U.S. But obstacles remain as do opportunities. file photo

By Jack O'Connell 12-27-2019 12:00:00

(Article originally published in July/Aug 2019 edition.)

In early July Dominion Energy broke ground on the second U.S. offshore wind farm, called the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project and located 27 miles off the coast from the resort city of Virginia Beach. It was a purely symbolic moment and a literal groundbreaking since it took place on land and nowhere near where the turbines will be. Its purpose was to install a half-mile pipeline to the final stretch of cables connecting the turbines to a company substation close to nearby Camp Pendleton.

But it was significant nonetheless as its been three years since the first U.S. offshore wind farm off Block Island in Rhode Island came online in 2016, three long years that had consumers, developers and investors alike wondering, Will this ever happen? Whats the holdup with offshore wind?

Its happening, all right, but at a much slower pace than expected. And the Virginia project is nothing to write home about its only two six-megawatt turbines, even smaller than Block Island, enough to power maybe 3,000 homes. Purely a demonstration project. Proof of concept and all that. If successful and completion is expected by the end of next year it will provide the necessary operational data for development of an adjacent 112,800-acre site with capacity for up to 2 GW (gigawatts, or a thousand megawatts) of offshore wind. Now were talking!

European Expertise

Dominions partner in the project is rsted, the Danish state energy company formerly known as DONG (Danish Oil & Natural Gas). The Danes know a thing or two about offshore wind, which generates about half their electricity, and rsted is a global leader in the technology, design and development of offshore wind farms. Last year it bought Deepwater Wind, developer of the Block Island wind farm, and its moved fast in the U.S. market, where help is needed and European firms are only too happy to oblige.

The U.S knows all about land-based wind power where it ranks second in the world to China, of all countries, but not much about offshore wind, which is an entirely different ballgame. The wind blows a lot harder. The turbines are much bigger, the technology more sophisticated, the degree of expertise required much higher.

Thats where the Europeans come in. Europe leads the world in offshore wind. According to WindEurope, at the end of 2018 it had 18.9 GW of offshore wind power, 105 offshore wind farms and more than 4,500 offshore turbines in 11 countries. The U.K. has the most nearly half of all installations with Germany second and Denmark third. Theyve been doing it for nearly 30 years, ever since the Vindeby Offshore Wind Farm was built about a mile off the coast of Denmark in no more than 10 feet of water by you guessed it rsted, in 1991.

Last year Europe completed the worlds first floating offshore wind farm in the North Sea off Scotland at a depth of nearly 400 feet. Thats how advanced they are. And theyre anxious to export that expertise to the U.S.

The big players are Denmarks rsted and Vestas and the German/Spanish giant, Siemens Gamesa. All three are partnering with U.S.-based companies to stake claim to the potentially huge U.S. market. rsted has the early lead and in June was chosen by the state of New Jersey to negotiate a 20-year contract for a wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City with a nameplate capacity of 1.1 GW the first to exceed the one gigawatt mark.

Called Ocean Wind, its a partnership with the Public Service Enterprise Group, which serves more than two million electric utility customers in the Garden State. With a scheduled completion date of 2024, it would power more than half a million homes, create 3,000 jobs and have a 25+ years lifespan.

Ocean Wind joins rsteds expanding portfolio in the U.S. that includes Revolution Wind, a 700-MW project off the coast of Rhode Island, South Fork Wind (130 MW) off Long Island, and Skipjack (120 MW) offshore Maryland all scheduled for completion by 2023. In July it won another big one, this one from New York State, for an 880 MW project called Sunrise Wind that will provide electricity for Long Island.

Throw in Vineyard Wind off the coast of Massachusetts, touted as the U.S.s first utility-scale offshore wind farm at 800 MW with construction expected to start later this year, and you have more than 5 GWs of offshore wind in the pipeline. And dont you just love those names Skipjack, Revolution, Sunrise, Vineyard!

The Opportunity

But 5 GWs is just the tip of the iceberg. According to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, which is responsible for offshore oil and gas operations as well as offshore wind, there are currently 15 active commercial leases for offshore wind development that could support more than 21 GWs of generating capacity. Thats more than Europe currently has.

The demand for offshore wind has never been greater, stated Acting Director Dr. Walter Cruickshank in releasing the bureaus long-awaited report, The Path Forward for Offshore Wind Leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf. Plummeting costs, technological advances, skyrocketing demand and great economic potential have all combined to make offshore wind a highly promising avenue for adding to a diversified national energy portfolio. The U.S. Outer Continental Shelf presents a world-class wind resource on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Cruickshank went on to state that Offshore wind is an abundant domestic energy resource located close to major coastal load centers, providing an alternative to long-distance transmission or development of onshore electricity generation in these land-constrained regions.

And thats really the key, isnt it? Close to major load centers like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Norfolk, Virginia on the East Coast, Los Angeles and San Francisco and Portland and Seattle on the West Coast. Offshore wind makes sense in those regions. Onshore wind can take care of the rest of the country.

Providing further incentive is the promise of ongoing federal tax credits, critical to the success of any renewable energy project, but particularly one as expensive as this. Two bills recently introduced in the U.S. Senate the Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development (WIND) Act and the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act would extend the Investment Tax Credit for such projects (currently at 30 percent) for up to eight years and provide much-needed breathing room for investors.

Offshore wind has the potential to change the game on climate change, stated Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, one of WINDs co-sponsors, and those winds of change are blowing off the shores of Massachusetts. Offshore wind projects are a crucial part of Americas clean energy future, creating tens of thousands of jobs up and down the East Coast and reducing carbon pollution. In order to harness this potential, we need to provide this burgeoning industry the long-term certainty in the tax code that it needs.

Added Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association, Without Congressional action, the federal Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind is set to phase out this year just as the first wave of large-scale offshore wind projects prepare to begin construction. At this critical moment for a new U.S. energy industry, policy stability is more important than ever. We appreciate and strongly support proposals that would extend the Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind, jumpstarting the projected $70 billion build-out of America's offshore wind infrastructure, delivering large amounts of reliable, homegrown clean energy and tens of thousands of jobs to the U.S. economy.

Cities like New Bedford, Massachusetts, the one-time whaling capital of the U.S., which has since fallen on hard times, are poised to benefit from the expected boom. And U.S. boatbuilders, not to mention the entire Gulf of Mexico offshore fleet, could find themselves swamped with new business in what is fast becoming a modern gold rush.

Roadblocks

But obstacles remain, including the controversial Jones Act, seen by some as inhibiting the required investment. Not so, says Joan Bondareff, chair of the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority and Of Counsel at Blank Rome: I like to look at the Jones Act as an incentive for shipyards, not an impediment. Its been around for 100 years and its a law were going to have to live with.

Bondareff is right, and U.S. shipyards and suppliers are making the necessary adjustments. In some cases they are partnering with European companies to design and build equipment like installation jack-up vessels, crew transfer vessels and windfarm service boats. In other cases they are retrofitting the highly sophisticated, dynamic positioning-equipped workboats used in the offshore oil-and-gas industry. The consensus seems to be that there are sufficient vessels and equipment available to meet the first wave of offshore construction.

The other supposed constraint is port infrastructure, but this is a red herring as well. U.S. ports have been handling the turbines, nacelles and blades for the land-based wind power industry for years, and they will make whatever adjustments and investments are needed to accommodate the offshore buildout. And do so gladly.

How to Play It

If you want to get in on the action, one of the best ways is to invest in some of the companies mentioned in this article. The utilities especially, like Dominion Resources and Public Service Enterprise Group and New Englands Eversource, are an attractive proposition as they diversify away from traditional generating sources. The same goes for big oil companies like BP and Shell and Exxon, who are fast seeing the writing on the wall and diving into the bidding for offshore wind farm leases.

Last but not least, the developers and makers of wind farm equipment rsted and Vestas and Siemens and GE (yes, GE, a major turbine manufacturer) are all worth a look.

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Maritime Executive.

Link:

The Next Big Thing - The Maritime Executive

ANCHORAGE PRESS PERSON OF THE YEAR: At 95, Vic Fischer continues to fight for the Alaska Constitution he drafted – Anchorage Press

Alaskas constitutional system of government has never faced an assault like the one it endured in 2019 from Governor Mike Dunleavy and Attorney General Kevin Clarkson. Yet as we head into 2020, the Alaska Constitution, and the Alaskan people, are winning. The rule of law is prevailing because of the wisdom of Alaskas statehood founders, and the last living constitutional convention delegate continues to fight in the trenches to defend the Constitution he drafted.

Even at the age of 95, Vic Fischer shows no signs of slowing down. When the clarion call went out to recall the governor this summer, he could be seen at just about every signature drive as a tireless grassroots worker much more than a symbolic figurehead for the movement.

For this type of service, after a lifetime invested in building Alaska, Vic Fischer is our choice for Anchorage Press Person of the Year.

I asked Vic about why he chose to be one of the primary co-sponsors of the recall campaign, and about how he sees Governor Dunleavys agenda as a threat to the statehood eras monumental achievements. Because the direction Dunleavy was pursuing was designed to undermine everything wed we created with the Constitution and with statehood, Fischer said. Our goal was to remove Outside control of Alaska and her resources. In contrast, the Governor has solicited Outside support while cutting education, cutting health care, and the Governors agenda runs counter to what so many of us had been working for over the last sixty or seventy years.

In May, Fischer addressed the House State Affairs Committee two days after his 95th birthday and strongly condemned three unconstitutional amendments put forth by the Dunleavy administration, which would have the effect of making any sort of taxation virtually impossible.

It is concise. Short, declarative statements of policy, of process, of organization. The amendments are atrociously written, Fischer said. The power of taxation shall never be surrendered. Period. That is a solid policy statement And then this proposed amendment goes on to undermine this policy.

Vic Fischer has never been shy about standing up to power.

He grew up in Stalinist Russia, and barely escaped annihilation both by the Soviets and the Nazis. After emigrating to the United States, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII, then completed his education at MIT.

With the choice of settling anywhere in the United States, Fischer moved to Alaska in 1950 and immediately became involved in local politics, working as a city planner for Anchorage, and then with the statehood movement. During the three-month long Constitutional Convention that began on November 8, 1955, he served as a delegate to the Alaska Constitutional Convention, where he drafted much of the document that is still the basis of our states laws. Fischer also served as a Delegate in Alaskas last Territorial legislature, and as a State Senator in the 1980s. He founded the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), which continues to be the most respected institution in the state for modeling fiscal and economic policy.

Alaskas Constitution was a model in 1956, and remains so today. It contains powerful language regarding collective benefits from resource development, along with clear protections for personal privacy and civil liberties. Equally important, the Constitution sets out a meritocratic system of judicial selection that comes as close as possible to guaranteeing a non-partisan judiciary. Finally, the Constitution thoroughly and thoughtfully establishes a balance of power among the governor, legislature, and judiciary.

The last year has made clear that the Constitution and Governor Dunleavys agenda are mutually incompatible. The Governor has attempted to seize the legislatures power of appropriation by refusing to disburse funds appropriated for public schools. Hes attempted to neuter the judiciary by defunding part of its budget over an abortion ruling that clearly aligns with the Constitution and long-standing case law. Dunleavy has declared war on workers job security and rights to collectively bargain, but has lost high profile court cases related to privatization of Alaska Psychiatric Institute and dues collection by public employee unions. Dunleavy has also gone to extreme lengths to advocate for permitting of Pebble Mine, even cutting-and-pasting lettaers from Pebble lobbyists onto Governors stationary. Yet Dunleavys legal effort to shut down the free speech of fishermen protesting the mine proposal was blocked in court. Dunleavy has accumulated a remarkable 0-7 record in his attempt to tear down long-standing legal statutes, both because his vision is fundamentally inconsistent with the Constitution and because Alaskas merit-based system of judicial appointments elevates judges who respect the law rather than subordinating it to partisan interests.

From Dunleavys perspective, the lost lawsuits are not the endgame. It has been clear since the beginning of his administration that the Governor is laying the groundwork to campaign for opening the Constitution to revision through a Constitutional Convention. Such as question last appeared before voters in 2012 and each decade before. Though voters generally reject re-writing the Constitution by a 2 to 1 margin, weve never faced a situation in which the Governor and Outside interests like the Koch Brothers coordinate to push for a Convention. Fortunately, Vic Fischer is still with us to defend the Constitution that has served Alaska well for more than sixty years.

When I interviewed Fischer for the Press in 2016, he was fighting to protect our merit-based system of judicial appointment. Fischer has not slowed down since: He is co-chairing the campaign to recall Governor Dunleavy, along with Arliss Sturgelewski and Joe Usibelli. Fischer testified before the legislature in 2019 to oppose Governor Dunleavys proposed Constitutional amendments. He said the byzantine proposals to effectively block any new revenue measure is preposterous, and concluded that: What seems to be behind the proposals is a strategy of reducing the wealth of the people of Alaska, he said. If you apply those into the future, Alaska will become impoverished. Its a downhill spiral.

Fischer also was on the front lines helping to block Dunleavys budget proposals, advocating for public schools, Medicaid health insurance, Pioneer Homes, and ferry system.

As Alaska ages, few of its founders are still with us. Fischer is the last living delegate from the Constitutional Convention. Governors Jay Hammond and Wally Hickel, who remained active in public affairs late in life, have passed away in the last decade and a half. Vic Fischer is the only Statehood era leader with us today who has the moral and historic authority to protect Alaskas Constitutional legacy across multiple centuries.

Alaskans have far higher incomes and lower inequality, and more secure civil rights than citizens of most states. We have outstanding public schools and a university with world-renowned research programs, despite a tiny population and correspondingly limited tax base.

To a great extent, Alaskans have built a strong state democracy, state economy, and public institutions on the foundation that Vic Fischer and other statehood founders provided with our Constitution. Vic Fischer is not simply resting after sixty years of public service, but continues to be at the forefront defending Alaska and the many institutions he helped establish.

And as he told legislators back in May, Im still alive, and if I can be of any help, I will be happy (to).

Zack Fields is a long-time Anchorage Press contributing writer and currently represents District 20 in the Alaska State Legislature.

View original post here:

ANCHORAGE PRESS PERSON OF THE YEAR: At 95, Vic Fischer continues to fight for the Alaska Constitution he drafted - Anchorage Press

Year in Review 2019: The five fastest-growing jobs in Singapore – Yahoo Singapore News

SINGAPORE Demand for digital talent skyrocketed in 2019 as Singapore continued its push towards becoming a Smart Nation, and companies accelerated their own transformation journeys. Here are some of the fastest-growing jobs in the city state this year, based on Yahoo Finance searches.

1. AI Specialist

Singaporeslead in the global race for attracting robotic and AI investmentskicked AI Specialists to the top of this years list. Global giants with AI facilities in the city state include Alibaba Group, Salesforce, YITU Technology and Adatos. Demand is expected to intensify with Singapores recently announcednational AI strategy, which includes its plans to deploy AI at a national scale, and become a global leader in the developing and deploying the technology by 2030. Those seeking a job in the field should purse skills in TensorFlow, machine learning, Python, and computer vision, according to a LinkedIn, which put AI Specialist at the top of its list of fastest growing jobs in 2019.

An engineer sets up a CloudMinds robot with a 5G sign before a performance at the World Robot Conference in Beijing, China August 20, 2019. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Jason Lee)

2. Robotics Engineer

Increasing use of robotics from chatbots to driverless technology - in industries from manufacturing and healthcare to hospitality and education put demand for Robotics Engineers capable of building and deploying Robotics Process Automation (RPA) software second only to AI specialists. Robotic Engineers automate mundane tasks or processes, speeding them up significantly to reduce costs, grow revenue and improve customer experience. Demand is expected to increase further Singapore currently has the worlds second most automated workplace, with advisory, broking and solutions firm Willis Towers Watson projecting that robots will account for29% of all work done by companies in Singapore in 2020.

3. Data Scientist

With access to a growing amount of data, organisations are looking to data scientists to unlock trends, and generate actionable insights that will allow them to deliver more relevant products, streamline business practices, and identify business opportunities. In the four years to 2017, jobs in data science jumped by 17 times, and according to a LinkedIn study, data scientists continued to be the most-viewed profession in LinkedIn in 2019. According to Singapores Economic Development Board, data analytics industry will contribute an estimated US$730 million to the nations economy annually.

4. Cyber security analyst

Demand for cyber security analysts grew across industries this year alongside growing awareness of cyber threats. It was cited among the top five jobs in demand in Singapore by LinkedIn, as well as recruitment consultancies Robert Half and BGC. According to Robert Half, cyber security analysts can expect salaries ranging from S$90,000 to S$150,000, depending on how relevant the candidates experience is. Cyber security analysts are responsible for protecting sensitive information, including information stored in computer networks, cloud servers, and mobile devices, as well as for designing firewalls, monitoring the use of data files and protecting the network.

5. Human Resource Officer

Hiring in the human resource industry increased 48 per cent this year, and will continue to increase over the next three years, according to recruitment consultancy Michael Page, who places Chief Human Resource Officeramong Singapores highest paying job at $275,000 per annum on average. According to BGC, organisations are looking to recruit professionals with strong experience in HR technologies and talent acquisition. As competition for technology-related skills heats up, it has also driven an increasing demand for those with relevant talent acquisition experience in the technology sector.

Related stories:

Year in Review: Five best places to work in Singapore 2019

Year in Review 2019: CEOs who took the spotlight in Singapore

The top 10 most-searched female Singapore celebrities on Yahoo in 2019

Visit link:

Year in Review 2019: The five fastest-growing jobs in Singapore - Yahoo Singapore News

Moe has no regrets about divisive 2019 as he targets more autonomy in New Year – Regina Leader-Post

For Premier Scott Moe, the political low-point of the year came in a tension-filled office on Parliament Hill.

It was Nov. 12, 2019. That was the day he met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to present, in person, his new deal for Canada.

It was a frustrating meeting for me, likely one of the more disappointing meetings that Ive had in my political career, he said in a year-end interview with the Leader-Post.

The meeting was important for Moe. It had been a challenging year for Saskatchewan, capped off by a divisive election that proved how deep the frustrations ran on the Prairies.

In Moes view, Trudeau had spent the past year making it worse.

The biggest challenge that this province has had over the course of this last year has been on two fronts, he said. One has been natural resource prices. Two has been natural resource policies coming out of the federal government and so we need to continue to work with, stare down at times, our federal government.

But Trudeau would not be stared down. Moe came out of the prime ministers office saying he heard nothing new.

Premier Scott Moe in the cabinet meeting office in the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019.TROY FLEECE / Regina Leader-Post

It was a fitting symbol of a year of intergovernmental drama that produced plenty of harsh words, but little in the way of concrete change.

Moes government spent 2019 directing a full rhetorical and constitutional assault against a federal carbon tax that still doesnt show any sign of going away.

A May decision at the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, which ruled the tax constitutional, was another tough moment for Moe. But it didnt change his mind about broad-based carbon pricing.

We were aware that this was not an open and shut case for either side. It is an area of jurisdiction that has some questions around it. I was disappointed, he said.

I firmly believe that it doesnt work. The carbon tax does not reduce emissions here in the province of Saskatchewan.

On April 4, 2019 hundreds of vehicles that took part in the Regina Rally Against The Carbon Tax in Regina gather at Evraz Place. Premier Scott Moe spoke with those in attendance.TROY FLEECE / Regina Leader-Post

As Moe looks forward to 2020, hes trying to remain hopeful that federal-provincial relations might improve in the New Year.

We have the same Prime Minister but a much different face to our federal government. Its a minority administration, they are going to need the support of at least one other party with any of the legislation that they move forward on, he said.

So I am optimistic that we will see some different direction.

There were also high points, of course, including on the national stage. Moe pointed to his recent meeting with other premiers that produced a more united agenda to take to Trudeau.

That meeting, Moe explained, is how he prefers to work.

Im viewed as a very confrontational politician with our federal government, he said. Thats not my first place of comfort. My first place of comfort is where we got to with the premiers. Its to collaborate, identify the challenges, identify positive solutions pick one and go.

We havent been able to this point do that with the prime minister.

Other victories Moe cited came on the provincial stage. He celebrated the completion of the Jim Pattison Childrens Hospital and the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford.

What I am most proud of over the course of the last year is the opening of two new healthcare facilities that are indicative of what growth can achieve in this province, he said.

He said his growth plan, unveiled this fall, is the key to ensuring the money is there to pay for those kinds of projects.

On March 19, 2019, Minister Donna Harpauer, left, and Premier Scott Moe watch the Federal Finance Ministers Budget speech from the Legislative Building in Regina.TROY FLEECE / Regina Leader-Post

The March budget also stood out as a victory for Moe. It marked the end of a three-year struggle to return to the black after tumbling resource revenues drove the province into the red.

For the premier, its more than an accomplishment. Its a way to differentiate his party from the rival NDP which has publicly mused about deficit spending with an election campaign set for this coming fall.

Theres one party that is committed to continuing to balance that budget and not leveraging against the next generations future and theres a party that is willing to spend their childrens income far into the future, Moe said. So thats a difference.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is seen during a news conference after a meeting with Canadas provincial premiers in Toronto on Dec. 2, 2019.CARLOS OSORIO / REUTERS

He said the key to victory in 2020 is keeping a steady course, but also an open mind.

We need to continue doing exactly what weve been doing for 22 years now as a party, to focus on the growth of our economy, focus on investing the proceeds of that growth back in our communities, thats the simple answer, he said.

The other part of that is we need to keep listening. We need to keep listening to people right across this province, whether theyre in urban or rural Saskatchewan, wherever they are.

Saskatchewan people should expect a focus on three points over the coming year, according to Moe. Saskatchewan will build up its economic independence, its financial independence and its political autonomy all the better to resist the kind of challenges he saw in 2019.

That means balanced budgets. It also means a push for more control over issues like immigration and tax collection. In an end-of-year surprise this December, Moe floated efforts to explore a Quebec-style approach on those two points.

As Moe looked back at all the fire and fury of Saskatchewan politics in 2019, he said he harbours no regrets.

He dismisses the idea that an unexpected debate over abortion was a distraction. Comments by his then-minister of rural and remote health, Greg Ottenbreit, turned the focus on anti-abortion sentiment in the Saskatchewan Party.

On Nov. 26, 2019, Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, left, meets with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe in the Premiers office at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.BRANDON HARDER / Regina Leader-Post

Moe said he believes that debate is healthy.

I dont think its a distraction, he said. I think its something that should be debated from time to time, at any level of leadership, if you will.

There are laws, and those laws need to be respected, despite what your personal beliefs may be on whatever topic that may be. So, I have my own personal views. But I also have my own personal views about following the law in the nation of Canada.

And he still isnt willing to let NDP Leader Ryan Meili off the hook for refusing to attend the Regina Rally Against the Carbon Tax.

Meili had raised concerns that it was a yellow vest rally without the yellow vests.

Ill be honest with you, I did not have any idea or understanding of where the leader of the Opposition was coming from with respect to his claims accusatory claims namely directed at a farmer from Estevan, but also directed by grouping anyone that would attend such a rally in a yellow vest as being anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic, he said.

Meili later insisted he was talking about the worst of the worst of the yellow-vest movement, not everyone who planned to attend the rally. But eight months later, Moe faulted him for tarring people with the same brush.

I didnt understand why it got as personal, said Moe.

He shouldnt have said it, and he should apologize for it.

But Moes party was willing to make things personal too, issuing ads against Meili calling him out of touch with Saskatchewan and making links with unpopular figures like Jagmeet Singh and Justin Trudeau.

The premier isnt about to apologize.

awhite-crummey@postmedia.com

Go here to see the original:

Moe has no regrets about divisive 2019 as he targets more autonomy in New Year - Regina Leader-Post

65 Outstanding Black And Hispanic Men Leading In Cannabis – Benzinga

This article was originally published on The WeedHeads blog, authored by Dasheeda Dawson.

While researching for the latest update of our top-selling workbook, How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry, 3rd edition, I found information around Black and Hispanic-owned businesses in the legal cannabis industry underwhelming. Far too often invisible. From High Times Magazine to MJ Biz Daily, people of color are rarely included in the global lists highlighting key cannabis industry insiders in significant numbers. Only a few consistent names make the mainstream round-ups, largely focused on big name celebrities doing little to truly impact the industry's public perception, government regulations or social equity.

For most, especially men of color, there are no shortcuts to success in the legal cannabis industry. Through the years, I have been inspired by those working passionately on the ground to make it happen for themselves and their communities. Yet, the stories of impactful work, inherent risks and incredible sacrifices of the Black and Latinx cannabis community remain far too often untold. Legitimate and visible representation matters to the future of this industry. While too many men of color have been rendered victims or criminals by prohibition, there are some making headway in legal cannabis. This list offers a glimpse into the ways Black and Hispanic men are trailblazing the legal cannabis industry. These 65 outstanding men are truly pioneers, reshaping the narrative around marijuana and hemp to push the movement beyond past incarceration and current domination by a wealthy and privileged few. This list of men to watch in 2020 aims to inspire, motivate and empower the next wave of professionals, entrepreneurs and investors looking for their successful path into the legal cannabis industry.

As one of the first internal medicine doctors in Florida to recommend medical cannabis treatments for patients, Dr. Joseph Rosado is a global pioneer and best-selling author of Hope & Healing: The Case for Cannabis. He is the CEO of International Medical Consultants and medical director of Minorities for Medical Marijuana.

Raft Hollingsworth III is the CEO and co-founder of The Hollingsworth Cannabis Company (THC Co), a Black-owned, family farm developing premium cannabis products for the Washington market. THC Co. has been featured on CNN, Buzzfeed and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

Board Chairman for Minorities for Medical Marijuana, co-founder of Art 420 and founder of Monarch Manufacturing & Distribution, Erik Range wears many hats as an entrepreneur and leading advocate in the cannabis industry. A seasoned community engagement director, he is also co-host of CannaTalk with Roz, providing weekly cannabis insights and education. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Co-founder of the California Minority Alliance and a founder emeritus of the Southern California Coalition , Virgil Grant is an OG pioneer and staple in the California cannabis industry. A dispensary owner for over 15 years, he has been at the forefront of the movement for social equity since Prop 215 as both an entrepreneur and an activist.

#5 Jim Jones - Global

Legendary hip-hop icon Jim Jones is the face of Saucey Extracts, a California-based brand known for a patented extraction methodology to create full-spectrum cannabis oil. Bringing his east coast flare to the Cali market, Jim Jones has been featured on cannabis panels at Source 360 Summit and Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo (CWCBExpo).

Award-winning advocate and pioneer in the cannabis industry, Leo Bridgewater is the National Director of Outreach for Edify PAC, working toward responsible, regulated, and socially just cannabis access and distribution. A strong and well known voice for veteran access to medical marijuana, Leo is also the National Director of Veterans Outreach for Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM).

A native of New Jersey, Dr. Rasean Hodge is a family physician and medical director of Premier Chronic Pain Care in Atlanta. In addition to serving three times as "Doctor of the Day" for the Georgia House of Representatives, Dr. Hodge was a contributory factor in writing the law for HB 722 and its inclusiveness of Peripheral Neuropathy, as one of the qualifying conditions for participation in Georiga's medical cannabis program.

David Kellman, an experienced cannabis cultivator and vape technologist, is the Strategic Partnerships Manager for The WeedHead & Company, working to de-stigmatize the plant and educate consumers on cannabis as medicine. A college athlete turned advocate of criminal justice reform and sustainable environmental practices, David uses his platform MoarBluntsnStuff to be a unique voice for millennials focused on conscious cannabis consumption and patient-centered regulations.

A cannabis advocate since high school, Jason Ortiz started his career in advocacy with Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and has worked with multiple organizations to put together model legalization bills for cannabis policy development. Today, he is President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), the first 501(c)(6) non-profit business league created to serve the specific needs of minority cannabis entrepreneurs, workers, and consumers.

Award-winning cannabis reporter with nearly 5,000 articles published on mass media, Javier Hasse is the author of "Start Your Own Cannabis Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Marijuana Business," a #1 best-seller on Amazon via Entrepreneur Press. He is also Managing Director at Benzinga Cannabis.

NFL Super bowl champion and cannabis advocate, Marvin Washington has become a leading voice in the huddle of former NFL players speaking out about the benefits of CBD for opioid addiction and CTE. He is the VP of Business Development for Isodiol, co-founder of Isodiol's performance brand, Iso-sport and on the Board of Directors for Athletes For Care.

After 18 years of experience in executing top development and management projects in New York City, Florida, & Haiti, James Victor is the co-founder and CEO of James Henry SF, a responsible lifestyle, health and wellness brand with proprietary cannabis formulations for therapeutic use. He is also a member of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) Medical Committee.

Mehka King is a journalist, host of the "CashColorCannabis" podcast, and the filmmaker behind The Color Green: Cash, Color, and Cannabis a documentary investigating racial disparities in the cannabis space. CashColorCannabis is "a higher level of conversation" highlighting upcoming brands and voices in the budding industry.

A former NYC teacher and sales executive for JP Morgan Chase, Rani Soto is an educator, advocate and entrepreneur within the cannabis industry. After helping to launch the largest recurring cannabis industry networking event in New York, he is now president of Brote AG, a hemp distribution company. He also serves as National Director of Latinx outreach for Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM).

Corporate-to-cannabis crossover, John Gilstrap went back to his farming roots as co-founder and VP Business Development for Hudson Hemp, an association of farmers located in NY's Hudson Valley focusing on regenerative agriculture and soil science to cultivate organic sun grown hemp using environmentally sustainable practices. He is also co-founder of the NY Cannabis + Hemp Trade Association.

Alphonso Blunt is co-owner of Oakland's Blunts + Moore, the first fully equity-owned dispensary in the world. An Oakland-native, Alphonso had been working to open a dispensary since 1999 before he was awarded a license by the city through the equity program lottery.

A U.S. Navy Veteran and retired firefighter paramedic, Stanley Atkins is an advocacy leader and medical cannabis healthcare educator in Georgia, where he played an active role in the formation and expansion of the GA Medical Cannabis Program (HB65) along with key decriminalization laws. Best-known as "The CanniMedic", Stanley is the M4MM chapter president for Georgia and go-to cannabis resource for state legislators, brands and consumers in the market.

The most vocal public advocate for full cannabis legalization in Minnesota, Marcus Harcus is an experienced community organizer and former City Council candidate responsible for launching the Minnesota Campaign for Full Legalization (MN CFL) in 2017 after four legalization bills were introduced in the state legislative session. In his role as Executive Director, Marcus' efforts helped to elect a pro-legalization governor in 2018.

Jesce Horton is a well known pioneer in the cannabis industry with many noteworthy accomplishments including co-founder of Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) and founder of award-winning Panacea Valley Gardens, a state-of-the-art Oregon cannabis cultivation. Recently, he co-founded NuLeaf Project, specifically designed to address the various hurdles that people of color face when entering the cannabis industry. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Founder of Philadelphia's Color of Cannabis Conference, Tauhid is a digital content expert with the Philadelphia Inquirer. As an executive board member for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ), he used his influence to create the first media-led cannabis conference aimed specifically to reverse the stigma of cannabis use and to educate local media on why covering underrepresented minority issues surrounding cannabis legalization is important and necessary as a function of the media industry.

Sean Tolliver is co-founder and CEO of CannaTrax (C-Trax) Software Solutions, provider of point of sale (POS), customer relationship management (CRM), merchant services and business intelligence to cannabis retailers. Now working with some of the largest hemp retailers in North Carolina, Sean is an active advocate for legalization, serving as both co-president for M4MM North Carolina chapter and on the board of directors for Charlotte NORML.

Retired NBA champion, Matt Barnes came into the cannabis advocacy spotlight after admitting to smoking weed before every NBA game. Already known for his advocacy work as founder of Athletes vs. Cancer (AVC), a 3-day event aimed at raising awareness for cancer research, Matt added a cannabis component to the ACV all-star weekend in 2018. He is also the first athlete endorsed by RAW papers and now launching his own brand of pre-rolls called Swish, in partnership with Sacramento-based Seven Leaves.

A Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) alum, Jake Plowden is co-founder and Deputy Director of the Cannabis Cultural Association (CCA), a NY-based non-profit organization helping marginalized and underrepresented communities engage in the legal cannabis industry, emphasizing criminal justice reform, access to medical cannabis, and adult use legalization. He is also executive producer and co-host of In the Know 420 podcast.

Canadian native , Raymond C. Dabney is co-founder and CEO of Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTC: CBIS), a U.S. company founded in 2009 specializing in the research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines. CBIS works with leading global experts in drug development, medicinal characterization, and clinical research. It is one of the key industry partners in the recently launched, ground-breaking International Phytomedicines Institute (IPI) at Harvard Medical School.

An expert on market research, John Kagia has been delivering big data insights for 15 years. Now, Chief Knowledge Officer for New Frontier Data, John was the one of the first data scientists to focus exclusively on legal cannabis. A highly-sought speaker and advisor, he oversees development of data, business intelligence, and risk management solutions for businesses and municipalities navigating the industrys complex global dynamics.

A highly-decorated executive chef and U.S. Marine veteran, Scott Durrah is co-founder, COO and Master Cannabis Chef for Simply Pure, one of the first dispensaries owned by an African-American in the country. As a cannabis industry leader and advocate, he has been featured across multiple media outlets, including CNBC's Marijuana USA and remains a strong voice for more minority inclusion in the industry.

Landon Dais is the Chief Strategy Officer of Plant Inspired Future (PIF), a minority-owned multi-state cannabis operation with a medical marijuana license in Michigan and hemp license in New York. An accomplished cannabis professional, political strategist, attorney & public speaker, Landon is also General Counsel to Plush Green Hemp Company and previously served as NY State Policy Director for Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Nadir Pearson is a multi-talented millennial taking the cannabis industry by storm with his content creation, digital strategy and passion for advocacy. While at Brown University, Nadir launched the Student Marijuana Alliance for Research and Transparency (SMART), a college cannabis community striving for positive social change. He is also a digital media strategist for Ardent Cannabis and Herb.

With more than 10 years in food service management, Luis Vega is a well-known east coast cannabis advocate and now, the only Latino to receive an industrial hemp license in Connecticut. Founder of Wepa! Hemp Farms, producing thousands of pounds of hemp flower for CBD products and stalk for construction, he is also co-host of Cannabis Corner: New Haven on 103.5 FM WNHH Community Radio. He is a member of Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc.

Brooklyn-native and political strategist, Kamani Jefferson is co-founder and principal at North Star Liberty Group. With an extensive background in regulatory and municipal affairs as a cannabis lobbyist, Kamani focuses on multi-state public policies in this emerging industry. Before North Star Liberty, Kamani served as the President of the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council (MRCC).

Retired NBA player, Al Harrington founded Viola Brands in 2011, naming the company after his grandmother. Inspired by her experience as a cannabis patient, Al has become a global cannabis advocate and Viola is now a nationwide leader in the production and sale of premium quality cannabis products, licensed to operate in Colorado, Oregon, Michigan and California, with plans to expand into Arizona and Nevada in 2020.

Known as "The Digital Marketing Ninja", Gary George has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years as President & CEO of Blazin' Multimedia helping companies in multiple industries increase revenue, market share and customer loyalty with creative & technical digital marketing solutions. He recently transitioned his expertise into the cannabis industry, launching Real Cannabis Entrepreneur, providing professional training and coaching from an elite group of proven cannabis pioneers.

Jose Belen is a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and co-founder of Florida Mission Zero, a nonprofit organization addressing the PTSD and suicide epidemic plaguing U.S. veterans. An inspiring public speaker and an outspoken advocate for compassionate access to medical cannabis, he is one of six individuals and organizations who are currently suing the federal government to remove cannabis from its list of Schedule I drugs.

A Rebel Minded Society (A.R.M.S.), founded by Grizzly Bocourt, is a lifestyle brand known for curating events, producing content, as well as providing platforms that educate and equip millennials with tools to actualize positive change in their communities. A leader in the New York cannabis community, Grizzly is founder and Creative Director of Cannaware Society and head of NY Cannabis United, a coalition of advocacy groups.

The other half of the dynamic duo behind James Henry SF, John Alston is a U.S. Navy veteran and mechanical engineer transferring his previous operational skills and experience with atmospheric gases to the cannabis space. As co-founder and COO, he is innovating and setting new standards in the cannabis industry with products carefully curated from seed-to-sale and undergoing various checkpoints during the CO2 extraction and distillation processes.

Headquartered in Oregon, Elev8 Cannabis is a multi-state operator of cannabis dispensaries founded by Chicago-native, Seun Adedeji. Leading the industry in his commitment to service, inclusion, and social equity, Seun is the youngest Black man in the country running a cannabis dispensary, with licenses and plans to open additional stores in Massachusetts and Illinois.

Todd Hughes is an experienced project manager, engineer and entrepreneur who has consulted with over 100 companies since his business EntreVation was formed in 2015. A business incubator and accelerator, EntreVation provides project management services and human capital development for public and private sector clients, including a vertical specifically for cannabis. He recently became Chairman of the Board of Directors for Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA).

With over 20 years of experience in software development and consulting, Roger Obando is co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer for Baker Technologies, a leading CRM software platform for the cannabis industry, servicing more than 800 dispensaries across the US and Canada. In 2018, after one the largest cannabis tech acquisitions in the history of the industry, Roger successfully exited from Baker. He is the author of The Highest Common Denominator, available on Amazon.

Clinton Carter, Jr. is co-founder of Comfy Hemp, an e-commerce business offering hemp-derived, CBD-infused tinctures, salves and protein for multiple ailments. As a patient treating his seizures with cannabis, CJ is committed to providing full-spectrum CBD hemp extract through multiple consumption methods to accommodate and help consumers. He is the president of Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) Kentucky chapter.

Zachary Knox, Esq., a partner at Knox and Ross Law Group with extensive experience with in business law, tax and corporate finance, is Legal Counsel and a key team member at Make Green Go., the first consulting firm to be awarded a government contract to support social equity applicants. He is also the Vice Chair of the City of Oakland's Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

After experiencing an injury and subsequent opioid dependency, pro baller Mike James turned to cannabis and ultimately, became the first NFL player in league history to request an official "therapeutic use exemption" from the NFL's substance abuse policy. Mike has chosen to ignore the league's warnings and anti-cannabis education to remain a vocal advocate. He has been featured on CNN documentary series Weed 4: Pot vs. Pills with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and works closely with various organizations to lobby on behalf of medical cannabis and access for professional athletes.

Buffalo-native and cannabis advocate, Reggie Keith is the founder and visionary behind Canna-House, Western New York's #1 platform for education and activity-based cannabis events. Reggie has built the Canna-House community on the foundation of inclusion, innovation and information, providing much-needed resources for individuals looking to get medical marijuana certification in the northeast. Working in partnership with WNY NORML, he recently worked to bring Netflix' Grass is Greener film screening to Buffalo.

Brandon Banks is co-founder and COO of Natural Selections Dispensary in Colorado. After years of working for several fortune 500 companies including McDonalds Co, JP Morgan Chase, and Philip Morris, Brandon moved to Colorado and transitioned to the medical marijuana industry. An award-winning master grower, Brandon recently joined the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) Board of Directors, serving as co-Chair of the Economic Empowerment Committee.

Nelson Guerrero is co-founder and Executive Director of the Cannabis Cultural Association (CCA). Under his leadership, CCA has become one of the most influential advocacy groups in the industry, most notably one of six plaintiffs suing the Department of Justice and DEA for the removal of Cannabis from The Controlled Substances Act. A bilingual Ecuadorian-American, Nelson is also the Vice-Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee of the National Cannabis Industry Association.

Founding board member of Chicago NORML, Donte Townsend is the regional chapter's Communications Director, amplifying the chapter's efforts to specifically educate and motivate communities of color to de-stigmatize and accept the cannabis plant as a vehicle for health, wellness, political and economic empowerment. Donte is a leader in the industrial hemp industry, providing premium products grown and harvested in an Illinois-based facility with over 3 million square feet.

Morehouse graduate and commercial real estate expert, Kevin Ford is CEO of Uplift Maryland. Under his vision and leadership, Uplift strives seeks to End The Stigma associated with cannabis through education and training. The company works to increase diversity and inclusion within the emerging medical cannabis industry, ensuring Black and Hispanic communities have an opportunity to participate in the economy of the future. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Brian Williams is an engineer and full stack developer with significant early stage experience and operational knowledge. He is Managing Partner for Wayne & Reed, a startup consulting firm focused on B2B cannabis technologies. A former management consultant for Accenture now leading the way in "cannatech", Brian also previously worked as Chief Technology Officer for BDTNDR, a proprietary learning management system for cannabis retail employees or "budtenders". He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Howard University graduate, Rashaan Everett is the founder and CEO of Good Tree Technology, a vertically integrated cannabis brand with over 30,000 square feet of space throughout Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco. After generating more than 20,000 deliveries and over $1.5 million in revenue with Good Tree, Rashaan also established Growing Talent, a community-driven solution that provides aspiring minorities with capital and software training to operate Good Tree franchise dispensaries.

Here is the original post:

65 Outstanding Black And Hispanic Men Leading In Cannabis - Benzinga

The Triad of Commoning – Resilience

This excerpt is the Introduction to Part II: The Triad of Commoning from Free, Fair, and Alive by Silke Helfrich and David Bollier. You can find out more about the book and read excerpts from it here.

Over the years, there have been a number of attempts to conceptualize commons with greater clarity. But no one has yet imagined a framework thatat oncespeaks to the mundane realities of self-organization, the inner transformations that commoning catalyzes, and how these might transform the political economy over time. That is the challenge that we take up in the next three chapters by offering a comprehensive framework for commons and commoning. We hope to get beyond the growing confusion and faux-populism associated with these terms, and provide a more rigorous conceptualization. If the notion ofcommonsis used as a buzzword for everything in the world we would like to see shared, it loses its transformative power.

Frameworks are gateways. They subtly but deeply influence the ways that we perceive the world. They usher us into a specific interpretation of the world, much as opening a door takes us into one room and leaves others unexplored. Frameworks structure worldviews. They provide an analytical scaffold and a language for making sense of what we can observe. For these reasons, we provide in Chapters 4, 5, and 6 a scaffold and language for looking at the world of commons and commoning.

Our framework builds on the insights about the role of subjectivity, relationality, and language described in Part I of this book. OurTriad of Commoning: Social Life, Peer Governance, and Provisioningis based on the premise that commoning is primarily about creating and maintainingrelationships among people in small and big communities and networks, between humans and the nonhuman world, and between us and past and future generations. Thisrelationalunderstanding of the world will necessarily bring about new ways of thinking aboutvalue. It also helps us escape from standard economic and policy frameworks, and from overly economistic, resource-based understandings of the commons, both of which fail to express its social dynamics.

Two years before writing these lines, when we began to think about this book, we didnt aspire to propose a new framework. However, as we progressed, we felt increasingly uncomfortable with the ontological premises and languages used by most of the commons literature. They often did not come to terms with many of the things we had observed in the contemporary commons world. After a year of wrestling with this unease, we decided to start from scratch. In March 2017, we began to reflect more deeply and imagine a framework one step at a time, slowly, iteratively that could blend theory and practice. It was as if we were changing the point of departure for a journey. To explore the outskirts of Paris, for example, we could depart from either of the citys two most important train stations Gare du Nord or Gare de lEst, each only a stones throw away from the other. Choosing Gare du Nord would take us towards Lille in northern France, or to St. Quentin in the Hauts-de-France region. But were we to instead enter Gare de lEst, just five hundred steps away, a whole new set of destinations would be possible: Mulhouse in Alsace or Stuttgart in Germany, along with dozens of others. The distance between the gates is trivial, but the actual point of departure makes a huge difference in what kinds of worlds we can travel to. So it is with the frameworks we choose to interpret the world. The more a framing structure is true to our humanity and aligned with our aspirations and circumstances, the more likely that it will take us to destinations that are right for us.

Our framework aspires to articulate the deep correspondences among the bewildering diversity of the commons. Despite vivid differences among commons focused on natural resources, digital systems, and social mutuality, they all share structural and social similarities. Their affinities have just never been adequately identified and set forth in a coherent framework. Our idea was to make visible that which connects commons experiences in medieval times and today, in digital and analogue spheres, in cities and the countryside, in communities dedicated to water and to software code. Unraveling the tangled genetic history of commons to identify these connections can help explain why the commons is as old as mankind and as modern as the internet.

The structural commonalities that we identify are based on the recurring elements and relationships that we call patterns. Patterns help us see the common core of diverse world-making commons without ignoring their differences. A patterns approach recognizes that each commons develops and evolves in a different context, in different spaces and times. Each is shaped by different people, in different societies and environments. It is thus entirely logical that every commons will enact patterns according to its singular context. To fairly allocate water in the Swiss Alps in the sixteenth century requires a different set of rules than to fairly share bandwidth in the twenty-first. To govern a commons within a modern capitalist society is a different challenge than doing so within an Indigenous culture. What matters in each instance is for participants to produce a fair share for all.

When you have a closer look at how things are done in diverse commons, you begin to discover a world ordered by patterns. Using a patterns-based approach, we can grasp the idea that commons are enacted in myriad ways, without being merely arbitrary or accidental, and without ever being implemented exactly the same way twice. We can identify recurrent features of commons that are often not explicitly named. John C. Thomas has written that patterns are one way to capture what is invariant while leaving the flexibility to deal with the specifics of geography, culture, language, goals, and technologies. In this respect, patterns resemble DNA, a set of instructions that are underspecified so that they can be adapted to local circumstances. Does the DNA contain a full description of the organism to which it will give rise? asks Christopher Alexander in his book The Nature of Order. The answer is no. The genome contains instead a program of instructions for making the organism a generative program in which cytoplasmic constituents of eggs and cells are essential players along with the genes like the DNA coding for the sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Principles and Patterns

In describing the critical dimensions of a commons, what is the difference between a principle and a pattern? And why do we prefer to speak about patterns rather than principles of commoning? When patterns are expressed in a succinct form as in Ritualize Togetherness and Practice Gentle Reciprocity the phrase sounds like a principle. But patterns and principles are not the same. Each points to a different way of understanding the world and bringing about social change.

A principle points to an ethical or philosophical ideal that everyone should follow. It implies a universal, invariant truth. Thou shalt not kill and the separation of church and state are two familiar examples. Principles bring to mind scientific axioms, a term that comes from the Greek word axma which means that which is thought worthy or fit and that which commends itself as evident. Axioms are considered so self-evident that they dont need to be justified or explained. The same idea applies to principles, whose adherents regard their general claims about moral or political truth as beyond argument.

A pattern, by contrast, describes a kernel idea for solving problems that show up again and again in different contexts. The pattern will be the same, but concrete solutions will be different. For example, managing a cooperative in a German city will face similar problems as a co-op in an American city, but each will require approaches that take account of different legal, economic, and cultural realities. The idea of using patterns derives from the pioneering work of Christopher Alexander and colleagues in the 1970s in the field of architecture (see Chapter 1). A pattern isnt an ethical or philosophical ideal, but a concept that distills the essence of a variety of successful solutions that people implement because they work well and are life-enhancing.

Principles tend to make universal claims. This is problematic because it is virtually impossible to find the same institutional structures, cultural beliefs, and social norms in different places and contexts. By contrast, universal patterns of human interaction already exist. Take marriage: as a pattern it describes a universal social practice with countless variations in which people declare their commitment to each other (or have it declared for them). A pattern does not overspecify the details of marriage, such as the sex of the people involved or the conditions under which it occurs. It is a kernel idea for working solutions derived from observing real-world situations. In this sense, patterns describe, they dont prescribe. They start with the need to deal with tensions that cause problems. And tensions are omnipresent in our lives. A formal pattern description frankly recognizes the positive and negative forces that affect a given situation and does not assume that these forces can be resolved by invoking principles. The discourse of principles is less concerned with addressing these messy, complicated forces than in asserting a golden, inviolate ideal. In addition, a principle is usually presented as a standalone truth that need not take account of other principles with which it may conflict. For example, invoking freedom of expression does not address the tensions of that principle with the principle of respect for privacy and the dignity of others.

By contrast, patterns amount to design tools that help us address our practical challenges while speaking to our inner ethical, aesthetic, and spiritual needs. Patterns serve as a vessel for helping aliveness blossom. They are not a configuration of rules and metrics for how things can be controlled and regularized, nor abstract statements of principle with moral or normative meanings like solidarity or sustainability. This is not to say that there is no underlying ethics; its just that patterns recognize that ethical aspirations must take account of situational realities. This helps explain why no pattern is complete unto itself and necessarily relates to others.

Our framework naturally draws on the robust scholarly literature exploring the commons a body of work that has proliferated since Professor Elinor Ostrom won the Nobel Prize in Economic Science in 2009 for her pioneering studies of collective resource management. The International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) and its journal continue this valuable work. Ostroms famous eight design principles for enduring commons institutions set forth in her 1990 book Governing the Commons and developed over the past generation with hundreds of colleagues represent a major beachhead of understanding. But these principles do not say much about the inner life of commons or the complexities of what it means to common. (They do speak strongly to issues of governance, which we take up in Chapter 5.)

Our Triad framework points to the idea that commoners are engaged in world-making in a pluriverse because that phrase captures the core purpose of commoning: the creation of peer-governed, context-specific systems for free, fair, and sustainable lives. At the heart of the Framework is what we call The Triad the three interconnected spheres of Social Life, Peer Governance, and Provisioning. Or, in more conventional terms: the social, the institutional, and the economic spheres. We find it useful to structure our thinking around these realms, which doesnt mean that they are separate and distinct. Each sphere of the Triad simply provides a different perspective for looking at the same phenomena. Each is deeply interconnected with the others, as the accompanying image suggests.

It is reasonable to ask, how we can possibly generalize about the commons, knowing that there is no such thing as cultural universals? Is a coherent, general understanding of the phenomenon really possible? We believe it is if such an understanding acknowledges the immensely varied on-the-ground realities and distills their essential regularities! Thats what patterns do. They avoid the trap of reductionism, dont oversimplify messy realities, and help to avoid a totalizing way of understanding the world. Patterns provide a way to generate insights while relying on situated knowing peoples experiences, know-how, and intuition. And, most importantly, they help us create an open framework that is adaptable by design, and certainly not the last word. We therefore offer a flexible template, not a blueprint, and a commons vocabulary, not a classical, prescriptive taxonomy.

Originally posted here:

The Triad of Commoning - Resilience

COP 25 in Madrid and the Limits of Climate Diplomacy – State of the Planet

The 25thConvention of the Parties went overtime in Madrid last weekend to once again try to make progress on meeting the goals of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In 1992 (yes, 1992), the nations of the world agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ever since then theyve been negotiating about how to bring about those reductions. These global meetings have value in calling attention to the climate crisis and bringing climate experts and advocates together, but they will never result in a binding treaty that will end global warming. Twenty-five years of futility have demonstrated that to be the case. Sovereign nations will never cede decision-making about something as important as their energy system to an authoritative worldwide body enforcing a global agreement. Energy is central to national economic well-being and national economic well-being is central to the maintenance of a political regimes power and legitimacy. Unless nations believe that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is in their national self-interest, they will never reduce those emissions. And if they ever do believe that such reductions are in their self-interest, they wont need a treaty to encourage them to reduce emissions.

The fossil fuel-based energy system has transformed our way of life and resulted in technologies that enable us to live lives that would have seemed like a fantasy two centuries ago. But the inefficiency, cost and environmental destruction of that system will cause it to collapse. Fossil fuels must be extracted from the earth at great environmental and financial cost, shipped or piped at great environmental and financial cost and then burned at great environmental and financial cost. Technology can reduce these costs, but the fundamental problem with fossil fuels is that they are finite and they pollute. While theres plenty left, the low hanging fruit has already been picked and the cost and complexity of extraction are increasing. The business model of fossil fuels is ripe for disruption and renewable energy will be the cause of that disruption.

Contrast the fossil fuel dilemma to the advantages of renewable energy. Renewable energys basic fuel is the sun and it will last longer than humans will be around, and no one charges us to use the energy generated by the sun. The fuel is free. We simply have to capture it and store it. The technology of capturing solar energy directly through solar cells and indirectly through wind turbines continues to improve. Battery technology continues to improve. Renewable energy is already competitive with fossil fuels and over the next decade will become even less expensive. Like computer and communication technology: it is rapidly getting better and cheaper.

The economies that decarbonize first will have a cost advantage over those that maintain their old, inefficient, expensive fossil-fuel-based energy system. The global economy may be under attack, but for corporations, the logic of an efficient global supply chain remains. The nations that build renewable resource-based smart-grids will attract business because their energy will be lower cost and more reliable. The fact that they do not emit greenhouse gasses is a byproduct rather than the main product of this more modern energy system. But the national self-interest in economic growth will result in the reduction of greenhouse gasses envisioned in 1992. The issue will be the pace of decarbonization, a great danger as greenhouse gasses accumulate in the atmosphere.

While the meeting in Madrid was a frustrating mess, climate progress can be found in other places. A number of American cities and states have begun efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels. We also see this trend in Europe. Global corporations from Ikea to Walmart are also reducing their use of fossil fuels. While they are not shy about promoting their green credentials, these companies are pursuing renewable energy because at the scale that they operate, it is less expensive than the alternative.

The trend toward renewables is underway and will continue to accelerate. Except in those poor nations that cannot afford a new energy system or are seen as a place to off-load the now lower-value parts of the fossil fuel-based system. China is building coal-fired power plants all over the world. A greenhouse gas emitted from a poor country is just as destructive as one emitted from a rich country. The global policy issue that I anticipate will replace the current issue of national greenhouse gas reductions in wealthy nations will be methods of encouraging developing nations to leapfrog fossil fuels and jump directly into renewables.

If the issue is framed as banning fossil fuels from the developing world, self-interest, national sovereignty and pride will prevent an agreement. If the issue is framed as providing incentives from the developed world to build a carbon-free energy system, there is a good chance that an agreement could be reached. There will be money to be made in building and managing energy infrastructure and political pressure on developing country governments to bring about the lifestyles built on reliable and inexpensive energy technology.

The disagreement and disarray of COP 25 was partially a function of Americas policy of climate denial under President Trump, but in my view was even more related to the triumph of positions that are an outgrowth of narrow and short-sighted interpretations of national self-interest. Appeals to global and intergenerational ethics are of limited usefulness in international relations. The over half-century long ban on the use of nuclear weapons and policies to limit nuclear proliferation are examples of the possibility of global cooperation in the interest of national survival. But the failure of nuclear disarmament is an example of the limits of moral and ethical arguments in international diplomacy.

In the aftermath of COP25, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez referred (on her Twitter feed) to the meeting as:

An utter failure. #COP25 & conferences like it are intended to be actual negotiations to urgently drawdown global carbon emissions not cocktail parties to make politicians feel better about themselves as they squash dissent & sell off our futures to fossil fuel interests.

She may be correct that these conferences are intended by some to be actual negotiations, but after twenty-five years, Ive come to expect far less from these discussions. They have value but are limited and perhaps have finally come to the end of their usefulness. A nationally-driven renewable energy/smart grid focused version of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortezs Green New Deal would have far more impact on greenhouse gas reduction than the type of international agreement that might now be feasible.

Our focus should be on the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies. A non-ideological consensus could be created around the goal of Modernizing Americas Energy System. Pushing for more reliable, lower priced and less polluting energy has a higher probability of success than a direct attack on fossil fuel companies. I question the ability of fossil fuel interests to prevent the transition to a renewable energy economy. Its not that some wont try, but the more competent ones will redefine themselves as energy rather than fossil fuel companies. And those that wont change will be driven out of business by those that do.

Lets not be discouraged by the failure of COP25 or the climate policies of Americas national government and return to Rene Dubos classic admonition to think globally but act locally. The action is in our homes, communities, companies, institutions, cities and states. I remain optimistic about the technologies of renewable energy and the economic opportunities presented by our need to decarbonize and modernize our energy system.

See the rest here:

COP 25 in Madrid and the Limits of Climate Diplomacy - State of the Planet

What the United Arab Emirates can teach resource-rich countries in Africa – Brookings Institution

By now, many observers are familiar with the broad outlines of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) economic story: a relatively small country rising above its region as a stand-out economic performer. By almost every major index including theWorld Economic Forum Competitiveness Index, theWorld Banks Doing Business Index, and theGlobal Innovation Index the UAE stands at or near the top of its region.

Dubai, the UAEs most populous city, is now an international trade and business hub, with an economy organized around four pillars: trade, transport, tourism, and technology. Abu Dhabi, the capital city, is home to the vast majority of the UAEs oil wealth. Abu Dhabis oil is the reason the UAE holds some $1 trillion in assets and reserves through two of its major sovereign wealth funds, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Mubadala. For comparison, $1 trillion is about one-third of the continent of Africas total GDP. Dubai, on the other hand, has sparse oil supplies, and oil accounts for about only 1% of Dubais GDP (although oil once contributed to 50% of Dubais GDP).

The UAEs long-term economic strategy with its four-pillar approach could serve as a model in some ways for African economies, including at the city, regional, and national level. The scope of this analysis is on possible economic lessons, not political ones; importantly, countries in Africa should keep seeking accountable governance, in addition to growing their economies.

Given the rich endowments in natural resources but limited economic diversification of numerous African countries, what might African countries learn about stimulating economic growth and diversification from the UAE, and particularly Dubai? This is particularly relevant given the adoption of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The UAEs special economic zones offer examples of successful measures to boost trade, manufacturing, and development.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) is an economic colossus that accounts for $93 billion in annual trade and nearly one-quarter of Dubais GDP. It is the classic free trade zone model, with a twist: It is directly attached to the Jebel Ali Port, which gives it easy access to one of the most active shipping networks in the world. Thousands of companies use the zone as their base for logistics warehousing and/or light manufacturing. For example, the Tea Center within the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (based in the zone) handles over53 million kilograms of tea per year. Abu DhabisKhalifa Port is likewise a major hub.

Recent research projects that business-to-businessspending in manufacturing in Africa will reach $666.3 billion by 2030. As Africas manufacturing sector develops and industrialization increases, the continent has the potential to become a strategic link for trade. African countries with geographic advantages, such as South Africa or Nigeria, should look to develop free trade zones similar to JAFZA or the Khalifa Port. Numerous ports in Africa have potential, given their geographic positions and strategic importance: the port of Durban in South Africa, of Djibouti in Djibouti, of Lagos in Nigeria, of Mombasa in Kenya, of Tema in Ghana, of Abidjan in Cote dIvoire, of Douala in Cameroon, and of Tangier in Morocco, for example.

The entry into force of theAfrica Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)in May 2019 offers a unique opportunity: Building world-class and infrastructure would accelerate industrial development and boost intra-African and global trade.

Strong transportation infrastructure connects the UAE to the world. African countries should focus on fixing the infrastructure gap and better connect with one another and the rest of the world.

The UAE is well-placed to serve as a trade, services, and transport hub given its strategic location between Asia and Europe, and its proximity to Saudi Arabia. Dubais Jebel Ali Port is theninth-busiest container terminal port in the world. It includes alarge, semi-automated container terminalthat uses remote technology to operate cranes and has huge stocking capacity. The Dubai-based DP World, the majority state-owned ports operator, has78 operating marine and inland terminals in 40 countries across six continents.

DP World is also present in Africa,with a number of ports from Senegal in the west to Mozambique in the east. In July 2018, DP World announced a$50 million investment in inland logistic facilities in Mali, and the company is currently supervising the building of the port of Somaliland, to be completed by June 2019, for atotal lease amount of $442 million.

According to the African Development Bank, high-quality infrastructure is critical for raising economic productivity and sustain growth on the continent, as well as achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Unions Agenda 2063 for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse. African countries can learn from the UAEs effective infrastructure development techniques, including particularly the semi-automated and technologically advanced container port, with remote and automated operation of cranes. Now that AfCFTA has come into force, it is crucial for African countries to enhance their maritime and inland trade facilities, especially as transport is one of the biggest barriers to the improvement of intra-African trade.

Developed by the African Union, the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), and the African Development Bank, the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) isplaying an important role, but it still needs to deliver onfurther mobilization of the private sectorfor resources and a more effective role on infrastructure delivery and expansion. Resources mobilized through PIDA can be supplemented through partnerships with companies such as DP World where appropriate.

Tourism and the business environment are booming in the UAE, and African countries should take note.

With almost 16 million international visitors in 2018, Dubai is the fourth-most visited city in the worldby international tourists, surpassing New York or Tokyo, and beat out only by Bangkok, London, and Paris.Dubais tourism strategy is partly based on its purposeful building of tourist attractions, from the worlds tallest tower to beach hotels and theme parks. The Dubai-based Emirates Airlines feeds into this strategy as one of the largest international carriers in the world.Ethiopian Airlines, Africas largest and most successful airline, is already enhancing travel to and within the continent it has at least121 aircrafts, 127 destinations, and 10.6 million passengers in 2017-18, with a revenue of $3.1 billion but many more African companies should follow their footsteps.

As for business, Dubai allows companies to benefit fromfree repatriation of capital. Other business-friendly measures include specific incubators and long-term visas forinvestors and entrepreneurs. Similar mechanisms could permit African countries to consistently attract entrepreneurs and companies, even if corporations and citizens should pay their fair share of taxes to reinforce state capacity to deliver public goods and services. To do so, African countries also need to further promote their growing and highly competitive sectors, such asagribusinessand financial services.

Countries in Africa and around the world must acknowledge that disruptive innovation and technology will drive the future.

The UAE ranks first in the Arab States region in the 2018World Digital Competitiveness Index, outperforming Germany, New Zealand, France, Japan, Spain, Portugal, and many other traditional leaders. This is bolstered by a strategy around the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the appointment of a minister of state for artificial intelligence,government initiatives aroundartificial intelligence and the supportive infrastructure,andlarge investments in schools for robotics and artificial intelligence.

Recent information communication technology developments in Africa have the potential to give African countries similar opportunities to take advantage of new technologies. For example, the recent ITU Telecom Forum, which was hosted by South Africa in Durban in September 2018, paved the way for thecreation of 5G networks, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity projects, and initiatives to connect unconnected citizens.Africa should build upon developments such as this forum and follow the UAE example by investing further in the private sector to scale up digital skills training.

There are significant differences between African countries and the UAE, particularly higher oil production per capita as well as larger oil reserves than any African country; the strategic location between Asia and Europe that facilitated the creation of a globally competitive trade, transport, and service hubs; and the ultimate concentration of the executive, judiciary, and legislative powers in the hands of rulers. Moreover, wealth in the UAE is concentrated in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with development disparities across the seven emirates. There is perhaps a lesson there, though: The less wealthy emirates such as Ajman, Al Fujayrah, and Umm al Qaywayn rely on generous financial support from Abu Dhabi, and are therefore not left behind. This lesson of sub-national solidarity could be learned by some African countries as well.

The impressive economic history of the UAE is also accompanied with challenges (some of which are similar to those of African countries), including the exposure to the volatility of oil prices, the limited flexibility of monetary policy, the real estate volatility (oversupply, in particular, which has lead to a drop in prices), the rising cost of living, a fiscal deficit which has led the country to introduce a value added tax (in 2018, 5%) to diversify revenues (boost non-oil income) and address the deficit, and the lack of harmonized business start-up rules and regulations across the country, as each of the seven emirates in the UAE can have its own rules and regulations, among others.

Despite these differences and challenges, many of the UAEspoliciescould be replicated to enhance the continents economic growth. It is not just about having strategies or creating new infrastructure: It is about effective delivery and implementation, and constant innovation and efficiency to push the frontier of success, with checks and balances andaccountable leadership.

See the rest here:

What the United Arab Emirates can teach resource-rich countries in Africa - Brookings Institution

This Teacher Makes $40,000 A Year. This Lawyer Makes $210,000 A Year. That Explains The American Economy. – BuzzFeed News

Chicago Tribune / Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Thousands of Wisconsin teachers, state workers, and union members protest Gov. Walker's legislation, in the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, Feb. 18, 2011.

At 6:30 a.m. every weekday, Ethan Floerke wakes up for his full-time job teaching language arts to 100 seventh graders at Lake Mills Middle School in Wisconsin. Almost nine hours later, at 3:05 p.m., he sets down his books and puts on a uniform. Its time to deliver pizzas, many of which go to the families of his students. Floerke works the part-time job about 25 hours a week.

Its an exhausting grind, but its still not enough for the 29-year-old to pay his loans and bills while also setting aside savings. In the summer, Floerke teaches summer school, delivers pizza, and also works for the parks department as a security guard on the public beaches. I am working 70-plus hours a week during the summer, he told BuzzFeed News.

This is Floerkes sixth year teaching. One of five children, he graduated college in December 2013 with $30,000 in student loans and began teaching at a salary of about $32,500.

After working for over a year, he bought a used 2010 Jeep Patriot, taking out a $14,000 loan. Two months later, it died. He bought another car, and within a few weeks, his debt for cars alone had skyrocketed to $30,000.

That one decision, that terrible car decision, and I'm $60,000 in debt. It was terrifying, he said.

Thus began Floerkes adult life.

Ethan Floerke at home in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, Dec. 6. James works multiple jobs in an effort to pay down debilitating student debt.

On the other side of the country, in New York, another young man was starting his life. Hes asked to be called Tom for this story, to protect his privacy.

Floerke and Tom have many similarities. Both are well-educated millennial American men born who grew up in low- to middle-income families. But they differ in one respect: Floerkes income puts him in roughly the 40th percentile of American income. (That is, 60% of the country makes more than he does, 40% makes less.) Toms base salary, which today is $210,000 a year, places him in the 92nd percentile.

And on this one difference, an entire decade turned.

Nothing has been felt more profoundly by Americans over the last decade than the widening gulf in wealth. The gap between the richest and poorest Americans is at its highest levels in 50 years, according to the US Census Bureau. The wealthiest 10% of Americans now hold two-thirds of all household net worth, and everyone else the other 90% share the other third.

In 1986, roughly when Tom and Ethan were born, the Gini index, the standard measurement of income inequality, stood at 0.375 in the United States. In 2018, that number reached 0.49, the highest measurement ever recorded in this country. (0.0 means a perfectly equal distribution of income, while 1.0 means a single person would receive all the income.)

Only a very small number of potential items on the national agenda actually come to dominate our political life. And at the opening of the decade, it looked unclear that economic inequality would be one of them. In 2011, the Occupy movement came and went an inchoate venting of collective anger that seemed to disappear without a trace. Yet it shaped the Dickensian lens through which we viewed the rest of the 2010s.

Inequality has become the centerpiece of American national politics.

Ethan Floerke was in high school, his older twin siblings in college, when his father lost his job. His mother, a nurse, would soon face with her own health problems. That's really when the credit cards started coming into play, he recalled. For the last 10 years, [my dad] was so negative: Oh, I'm never going to be able to retire. This is this is my life now. And he was exhausted, just completely stressed and wrecked.

Meanwhile in New York, Tom graduated from law school in 2009 with six figures in student loan debt. The most my mom ever made was, like, $30,000, he told BuzzFeed News. A job offer from a law firm, where he worked as a summer associate, evaporated when the economy crashed, so he was working as a waiter at a Chinese restaurant, earning $150 on the rare good day and $35 on a bad day. But Tom had married the daughter of a doctor and a lawyer. He didnt know it yet, but that would change his life.

The soil in which the two men were planted was the Great Recession, an 18-month period from late 2007 to mid-2009 when the economy slowed, the housing market collapsed, joblessness rose to levels not seen since the 80s, stock markets crashed, and the financial industry was thrown into turmoil.

A fence surrounds a site where new home construction has been suspended in El Centro, California, March 12, 2009.

Just one month into his presidency, President Barack Obamas plan to help people facing foreclosure the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan drew outrage from CNBC editor Rick Santelli, who ranted on Squawk Box that the government was promoting bad behavior and subsidizing the losers mortgages and proposed a Chicago tea party where were going to be dumping some derivative securities into Lake Michigan.

Within hours, OfficialChicagoTeaParty.com was live. The media dubbed it the rant heard around the world.

In Wisconsin, the recession led to deep cuts in state government spending.

The recession has hit Wisconsin harder than most state governments, especially when it comes to lost tax revenues and the size of the hole in its budget, according to a Pew report in 2009. On top of that, unemployment is climbing as the states largest sector manufacturing sputters. Wisconsins history of budget shortfalls and pattern of borrowing frequently to cover operating expenses, among other measures, made it poorly positioned to weather the most recent severe economic downturn.

Floerke was pursuing a degree in education at the time. I remember teachers that have been teaching for 20-plus years telling us, You need to do something else. This is not a profession to get into right now. And you would hear these stories every single day, he said.

When Republican Scott Walker became governor of Wisconsin in 2011, he proposed Act 10, the "Wisconsin budget repair bill," which called for major cuts in state aid to school districts, increased the amount employees paid for their health insurance and pensions, and eliminated many collective bargaining rights for public employees.

Teachers and other state workers protested for months in 2011. Tens of thousands of them swarmed Madison on Feb. 16, chanting Kill the bill and Hey hey, ho ho / Scott Walker has to go! On March 12, after Walker signed the bill, the crowd outside the Wisconsin State Capitol swelled to 85,000 to 100,000 people, bigger than the protests in Madison during the Vietnam War. Farmers drove in 50 tractors to participate in the protests. "This is what democracy looks like," people cheered.

We had teachers and professionals from all walks of life across state lines that would come and help advocate with us, Floerke recalled. Among education students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, everyone just decided, in solidarity, we were going to walk out of class.

In Washington, DC, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau an agency authorized by the 2010 DoddFrank bill but originally proposed in 2007 by thenHarvard Law School professor Elizabeth Warren launched in July. This agency is ready to be a cop on the beat for American families and I couldnt be prouder, said Warren, whom Obama had named a special adviser for the bureau.

Occupy Wall Street participants stage a protest on Times Square in New York, Oct. 15, 2011.

Then on Sept. 17, 2011 three days after Warren announced her candidacy for a Massachusetts Senate seat the Occupy Wall Street movement took off. After a call for action by the Canadian magazine Adbusters, nearly 1,000 people, who had organized on social media, staged a demonstration in Zuccotti Park in Manhattans Financial District. Signs floated amid the crowds with messages like People Not Profits and End the Oligarchy.

Demonstrators set up sleeping bags and tents. They did mass yoga. Soon, there were drum circles. Crosby & Nash did an acoustic performance. The protesters were largely affluent, white, and highly educated, according to a study by the City University of New York. Anthropologist and activist David Graeber described them as young people bursting with energy, with plenty of time on their hands, every reason to be angry, and access to the entire history of radical thought.

The New York protesters remained in Zuccotti Park for two months before they were ousted by police. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the health and safety conditions became intolerable.

Tom, who had tried to start his own law firm with very little success, was waiting tables during Occupy. I was trying to get a job, and my view on it was, man, these people aren't even fucking trying to work and Im busting my ass up here, he said. Quite honestly, I thought, I bet youre going to tip me poorly later.

That fall, Tom received a call from his wifes uncle, offering him a job at the same law firm that wasnt able to hire him after graduation.

Amid protests against the 1%, capital rapidly accumulated on the West Coast, as American tech recovered from the dot-com bust and began its incredible decade. Instagram had just launched its iOS app. Apple exceeded ExxonMobil as the most valuable company in the world in August. Uber commenced its expansion from a San Franciscobased service to cities around the country and, by December, had made its way to Paris.

In 2012, as the country prepared for another presidential election, Facebook pulled off the largest-ever tech IPO in May, raising $16 billion. At age 28, Mark Zuckerbergs net worth shot up to $19.1 billion, making him the worlds 29th richest person.

A woman watches Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaking in a promotional video ahead of the company's IPO, in Washington, May 8, 2012.

But the unemployment rate was still above 8%, and it was already time for another election. In his campaign kickoff speech, Obama said, Too many of our friends and family are still out there looking for work. The housing market is still weak, deficits are still too high, and states are still laying off teachers, first responders. This crisis took years to develop, and the economy is still facing headwinds. And it will take sustained, persistent effort yours and mine for America to fully recover. He went on, This is a make-or-break moment for the middle class, and weve been through too much to turn back now.

His Republican opponent, business executive Mitt Romney, had his own take on what the US needed. Weeks before the election, Mother Jones released a video in which Romney told a closed-door meeting of donors that he believed that 47% of Americans are people who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it.

[M]y job is is not to worry about those people, said Romney.

Inequality continued to worsen in Obamas second term. According to a report by the economist Emmanuel Saez, the incomes of the richest 1% of households increased by 31.4% between 2009 and 2012, representing 95% of all new income gains, while the remaining 99% of households captured the other 5%.

Floerke graduated from college in December 2013 and worked as a substitute teacher before taking a job at Lake Mills School District. I quickly realized just how far $30,000 actually goes. After paying his bills, he usually had $20 to $30 left in his bank account at the end of the month.

To keep costs down, Floerke rented a one-bedroom unit in an old farmhouse for about $600 a month. At first when I started living there, I'm like, oh, this looks so cool because it was old. I've got this room off my bedroom and I call my Narnia room because it's got a really small door that opens up behind a bookcase. But it's lost its charm after six years, he said. Im freezing at night because the heater units in the middle of the apartment and that's the only place where heat comes out, so it's really cold in the bedroom.

In 2013, Tom and his wife bought an apartment in New York for $225,000, borrowing the 10% down payment from her parents. We bought in an up-and-coming neighborhood. And then the neighborhood came, he said. Two years later, they sold it for $402,000, allowing them to repay her parents and buy a two-bedroom apartment, where they are now raising their children.

The next year, Warren, now a senator, shared a stage with the economist Thomas Piketty, who was touring the United States to promote his book Capital in the Twenty-First Century, to discuss income inequality. The game right now in America is rigged. It is rigged so that those at the top keep doing better and better, and everyone else is under increasing pressure, is under increasing economic strain, Warren said.

As concerns about rising inequality grew, there were also signs that the economy was turning a corner. People began buying houses again, fueled by low interest rates, falling unemployment, and improved consumer confidence. But as confidence rose, so did debt. Total mortgage debt climbed to $8.17 trillion in the first quarter of the year from $7.93 trillion during the same period in 2013, according to data from the New York Federal Reserve. Student loans, meanwhile, continued their steady ascent. Students' average debt at graduation rose 56% from 2004 to 2014, from $18,550 to $28,950, according to the Institute for College Access and Success. The class of 2014 was dubbed the most indebted ever.

There was no clear, good decision of what to do next because there was uncertainty everywhere, said Floerke. There was a lot of criticism about people going back and living with their parents. And older generations might have criticism about millennials not taking responsibility for their lives. But the reality is, they are trying to start their lives in the most uncertain, difficult times. No wonder that theyre their back home with their parents because they can't make an actual run of it yet.

Parade participants protesting against high student loan burdens are preparing to take part in the annual 4th of July parade at Ashland, Oregon, July 4, 2015.

In July 2015, Amazons market value exceeded Walmarts, fueled by the boom in third-party marketplace sellers on the platform. In October, former Amazon Prime Now drivers sued the company, claiming they should have been classified as employees rather than contractors. It was just one of several labor classification lawsuits filed against tech companies that expanded using contract workers, dodging the need to offer consistent pay, benefits, and other worker protections.

Amazon is not significantly different than Walmart: Its workers are a resource, and resources are expected to maximize output at the lowest possible cost, the New Republic wrote. There are some reasons to feel good about thisno company is more committed to making it easier for consumers to buy thingsand a lot of reasons to be troubled.

That year, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos net worth shot up by nearly $30 billion to $58.4 billion.

The economy had been growing for years, but the distribution of wealth had become more unequal. In 2016, the median wealth of upper-income families was seven times that of middle-income families, a ratio that has doubled since 1983, according to Pew.

By 2016, it was clear that millennials especially older millennials were still struggling with the impact of the Great Recession. Wealth in 2016 of the median family headed by someone born in the 1980s remained 34% below the level we predicted based on the experience of earlier generations at the same age, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve.

Older Americans, meanwhile, experienced a stronger recovery. On balance, wealth has shifted away from younger families toward older families, the St. Louis Fed reported.

Donald Trump who pegged his own net worth at more than $10 billion had his own angle on inequality, blaming the leadership class in Washington, DC, during a campaign speech in Wisconsin: Arent you tired of a system that gets rich at your expense? Arent you tired of big media, big businesses, and big donors rigging the system to keep your voice from being heard? Are you ready for change?

It would be Trumps bleak message of American carnage that would win over Americas rust belt and suburbs, its farmers and older voters not Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clintons. In his own way, the poor mans idea of a rich man was himself a product of American inequality as much as Warren.

In August, on the campaign trail for the Democratic nomination for president, Warren laid out her case. More and more working families today are hanging on by their fingernails in a country with an economy and a government that works only for those at the very top, she said. This crisis didnt start when Donald Trump walked into the Oval Office. And it wont just magically disappear the day he walks out of it.

Warren talked about the fight for the middle class: benefits for full-time, part-time, and gig workers, the Fight for $15, protecting unions, childcare and universal pre-K, affordable health care, and debt-free college.

This fight is our fight! she declared to a standing crowd, noisy with applause.

In 2019, Toms base salary is now $210,000. If you're born poor, you have to have a lot of things really go right in order to get out of it, he said. I wouldn't say there is necessarily a ceiling to how high you can go I've seen some people get very, very wealthy. But you have to have so much go right. And truth be told, I'm one of those people. Those who are born wealthy, on the other hand, he said, have a floor that they can't really get below. They can fuck up and still be perfectly fine.

And although Floerke hasnt fucked up, he is far from fine.

In Wisconsin, the median compensation for teachers fell by 12.6% in inflation-adjusted terms during the five years after Act 10 was passed. Floerke fell ill in 2017. I couldn't breathe. I was working late at night and my colleague had to call an ambulance for me. I was put on a stretcher and rolled out of the school. I needed my gallbladder removed, he said. Even with the schools health insurance, he owed thousands of dollars. When he recovered, he started delivering pizza, a job at which he earns $8.25 an hour plus tips.

Floerkes teaching salary finally crossed the $40,000 line in 2018, a fifth of what Tom makes, not counting the pizzas. Without these part-time jobs, I would be living paycheck to paycheck because I'm certainly not making enough teaching to put money away, said Floerke.

As Floerke drives around Lake Mills to deliver pizza, he sees the income disparities every single day. Many of their families seems far worse off than he is. I feel guilty talking about my situation because it's nothing compared to what these families are dealing with. And I think, My goodness, how are they making it?

See the original post here:

This Teacher Makes $40,000 A Year. This Lawyer Makes $210,000 A Year. That Explains The American Economy. - BuzzFeed News

Newport, R.I. Looks to Protect its History From Climate Change – Government Technology

(TNS) Following another Newport downpour on the night of Tuesday, Nov. 5, about 20 community members gathered at Innovate Newport for a public forum about elevating historic structures.

Andy Bjork, the chair of Newport's Historic District Commission, presented potential solutions to combat the increasing flood issues in Newport. The new solution brought up aspects of an ongoing conversation about how to implement changes while keeping the past in tact.

"Seas are rising faster in Rhode Island than the global average, and will continue to do so in the future," said Janet Freedman, a coastal geologist and a speaker for the Providing Resilience Education for Planning in Rhode Island program. According to Freedman, the sea level in Newport today is 10 inches higher than it was in 1930. The 2014 National Climate Assessment predicted the sea level to rise anywhere from one to four feet in the Northeast by 2100. The increasing predictions create concern for the community's historic character.

Newport's history is "the fabric of the city and tourism," said Bjork. In a 2018 Rhode Island preservation report from Preserve R.I. and the Preservation Society of Newport County, over 10% of day visitors and about 20% of overnight visitors travel to Rhode Island for its historic sites and landmarks. The tourism created by Newport's history results in significant economic gain for the city.

In 2013, the Preservation Society of Newport County reported in their community impact study how the organization contributed over $236,000 directly to the city of Newport and city services, including the RIPTA trolley. Along with the direct payment to the city, the 2018 preservation report stated how, "$100 million flows into the city and state's economy as a direct result of the Preservation Society's operations." The money includes factors such as creating jobs and visitor spending at local businesses when traveling to Newport. Along with attracting tourists, historic preservation draws new residents to the community. Historic districts in Rhode Island are growing in popularity more than other areas of Rhode Island, according to the preservation report.

The effects of climate change, including altered climate, sea level rise and intensified storms, have the potential to harm the history which makes Newport appealing, attractive and unique. To give a glimpse of the potential damage, over 230 historic-contributing buildings are within the Point Neighborhood's flood zone alone according to projections from the Federal Emergency Management Agency presented by Bjork. The Point is one of many sections of Newport on the waterfront and potentially prone to climate damage. Adverse effects of climate change would not only be detrimental to the specific area, but ultimately Newport as a whole.

With historic homes, monuments and landmarks being a drawing point to Newport, historic and preservation organizations throughout the city work to create solutions to climate change concerns so the sea doesn't damage local history.

"There's reason to believe those historical resources are vulnerable."

The Newport Restoration Foundation has been a front-runner in the discussion of how historic preservation responds to climate change. In 2016, the Newport Restoration Foundation initiated the "Keeping History Above Water" conference, and the issues discussed then continue to drive the actions of the organization.

"We're always actively thinking and working in the area of the 'Keeping History Above Water' initiative," said Mark Thompson, the executive director of the Newport Restoration Foundation. The organization works with the city and outside consultants to be informed on new developments and intervention strategies to protect both their properties and ones in the surrounding community.

"We share the same level of concern everybody has," Thompson said. "This is a city with incredible historical resources, and based on what we're learning and, based on what we're hearing, there's reason to believe those historical resources are vulnerable."

According to the Newport Restoration Foundation's website, 21 of their properties lay within the Point Neighborhood. Thompson noted how flooding at any rate is an issue with historic preservation with a larger concern being the flood waters reaching as high as the first level. Along with sea level rise, Thompson considered increased storms and wind as threats to the organization's properties. In addition to foundation's properties, Thompson mentioned how climate change affects the community at large.

"I think it would be everybody's preference that we not regularly have flooded streets, and that we not regularly have flooding in our homes," Thompson said.

The Newport Restoration Foundation has been active in the recent conversation of elevating historic properties as a potential solution to flood concerns. The acceptance of elevating houses is a new norm to many historic preservationists.

"There was probably a time where the thought of elevating houses would be considered absolutely contrary to the point of historic preservation, but increasingly, in light of this threat that we're facing, preservationists are starting to realize that there will be cases that, perhaps, elevating a resource is just what they're going to need to do," Thompson said. Although elevation may be needed, historic integrity is as well. An important aspect to consider when elevating is to be sensitive to the nature of the historic property, Thompson said, who has seen both successes and failures of elevation. Elevating may not be ideal, but it may be necessary.

"What I recognize is around the country, preservation organizations are increasingly coming to grips with the fact that some properties may very well need to be elevated, and, perhaps, our focus now needs to be on the right and wrong ways of elevating properties and how we can preserve what is historical about the property."

The Newport Restoration Foundation prepares, strategizes and innovates solutions with the goal of preventing the city-by-the-sea's history from being damaged by the nature which surrounds it.

"All of us hope the outcome is we find some way to encounter this threat in which the historic feel of Newport remains in tact," Thompson said. "Nobody wants to see us lose this wonderful, historic landscape that is Newport, so I think the point now is that all of us are working towards finding solutions so that we can preserve what's here."

"There's an entire spectrum of risks..."

The other side of the city is home to the majority of the Preservation Society of Newport County's properties between Bellevue and Ochre Point avenues. The bulk of the Preservation Society's properties may be further from the sea level rise concerns of the Point Neighborhood, but the organization recognizes climate threats of their own.

"Climate change is one of our top concerns because historic preservation is a battle to keep the water out," said John Rodman, director of museum experience at the Preservation Society. Rodman noted how severe storms not only contribute to water infiltration, but also create damage from wind, hail and falling trees. The damage to the trees is also a critical concern to the organization as it is a certified arboretum.

"When talking about climate change and storm events, we have buildings [over] 250 years old, so you're looking at buildings that weren't necessarily designed to last 250 years," Rodman said. "Buildings like The Elms and Marble House are set up high or right on the water, exposed to wind and falling tree limbs. With wood frame structures you're worried about wind damage, but also fire in a severe storm event. There's an entire spectrum of risks that our historical structure can be exposed to or made worse by the storm component of climate change."

According to Rodman, the Preservation Society already had storm plans implemented, including itemized lists of how to protect artifacts at the different properties. The plans go as far as having contracts in place to transport and store objects if and when needed.

"You name the problem, there is a scenario for moving objects from place to place, moving to a secure setting [and] moving from high tides," Rodman said.

The organization's current objectives are to create solutions to protect the properties long term. Roof repairs were completed on both The Breakers and Kingscote, and the latest was for the servant's quarters at The Elms. The next two properties scheduled for roof replacement are the Marble House and Rosecliff. The Preservation Society is also working to put in storm windows at the properties, the most recent being at The Breakers.

The organization also implemented climate control technologies in several of the properties in order to minimize humidity. Rodman mentioned how humidity is another concern because the more fluctuation, the more damage there is to the materials including the metal, stone and gilding. So far, The Breakers, Marble House and Rosecliff have climate control technology along with climate maintenance at Hunter House and Chepstow, Rodman said.

"The amount of climate control you can manage varies depending on how it was built: you can't get 21st century [air conditioning] in an 18th-century building."

The Preservation Society has found ways to enact new changes in older structures, a recent example being the geothermal system used at The Breakers. The original systems of the property were utilized to support modern geothermal technology, which dramatically reduced the carbon footprint for maintenance of the mansion, according to Rodman.

Although the Preservation Society is taking action to protect their properties from climate change, there are some components out of their control. Hunter House, the organization's founding property, is a colonial structure located in the Point Neighborhood and thus threatened by sea level rise and flooding. Rodman noted how the concern with Hunter House potentially flooding is because of both the structure itself and the mid-18th-century artifacts contained within: mitigation in some form will be necessary.

"To some degree, it's out of our hands, but that doesn't excuse us from taking every available step," Rodman said. "Forecasting the future is not easy, but you have to plan for the worst case, and then develop the most cost-effective strategies. Resources are not unlimited, so we will protect to our best ability, and that's what we're committed to doing."

"It becomes harder to predict."

In June 2019, the Alliance Franaise de Newport completed a restoration project of the Rochambeau Memorial at King Park. Prior to completion, the monument stood covered and strapped to save the statue from falling in on itself due to decomposition. According to Andrew Snook, the president of the Alliance, age and seawater were the primary contributing factors to the monument's damages. The organization spent over five years fundraising for the restoration project, which cost approximately $250,000.

"The project had to happen because the condition of the memorial had deteriorated to such a point where it was unsafe," Snook said. The seawall on the southwestern side of the monument needed to be repaired, along with an extension of the wall by another 70 to 100 feet.

"Whenever there's a storm surge and the water comes up over that sea wall, it runs back towards the monument and floods the whole area out," Snook said.

"The restoration is significant," Snook said, but he mentioned ongoing operation and maintenance is a must.

"We're doing a good job of offsetting some of the immediate concerns... but as you look forward to medium and longer term it becomes harder to predict," Snook said. The Alliance is putting efforts in to protect the monument, but recognizes Rochambeau has a modern-day battle ahead.

"It's a dynamic system."

"While we're not scientists, we will accept the science," Bjork said regarding climate change at the "Elevating Historic Buildings" forum.

As residents consider options to protect their property in the face of climate change, historic organizations consider how to not only protect, but preserve.

"It's a dynamic system," Rodman said. "Dynamic systems are influenced in ways we can't always predict, so we have to continue to do absolutely everything we can do to mitigate climate change."

Climate change may bring the community and historic organizations a myriad of unknowns, but Newport's historic community attempts to create the best possible solutions with what is.

"We realize this is not a time to sit on our hands," Thompson said.

2019 Newport Daily News, R.I.

Visit Newport Daily News, R.I. at http://www.newportdailynews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

See more here:

Newport, R.I. Looks to Protect its History From Climate Change - Government Technology

OP/ED: What the Linn County Lawsuit Really Means – Tillamook County Pioneer

By Tillamook County Commissioner David YamamotoAfter a monthlong trial, after hearing more than 100 hours of testimony and reviewing hundreds of exhibits, some going back to the early 1900s, the Linn County jury deliberated for only a few hours before returning with a verdict. The jury determined that the State had indeed breached a long-standing contract with the 13 plaintiff forest trust counties and awarded full damages of $1.065B.

Tillamook County is the largest recipient of this award at $332M with almost going to 20 taxing districts which include all 3 school districts, Tillamook Bay Community College, 911 District, North County Recreation District, Transportation District, NW Regional Education Service District, all 3 Port Districts, and many others.Of the 15 Trust Counties, Clatsop County Commissioners opted out of the lawsuit, although the majority of their taxing districts decided to stay in and are entitled to $243M, and Judge Thomas McHill determined that Klamath County forests operate under a pre-2001 forest management plan and removed them from the lawsuit. This left 13 Counties and 151 taxing districts found to be harmed and eligible for compensation.The 1941 Forest Acquisition Act created the idea of Greatest Permanent Value (GPV) to mean managing these forest trust lands to return timber revenue to the Counties, taxing districts, and the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF). It was in 1998 that the Board of Forestry decided to change the definition of GPV, and for the last 20 years, timber revenue suffered while the State instead prioritized going far above the mandates of the Federal Endangered Species Act and directing funds to increasing recreational opportunities.While these are admirable goals, these shortfalls over the last 20 years were being born entirely by the trust counties. What the jury found is that the trust counties have been shorted $1.065B to provide these additional services to all residents of Oregon and it is only fair that we be fairly compensated for these services. Over the last 20 years, trust counties have had to cut public safety, education, emergency services, road maintenance, healthcare, libraries, and other essential services.When it comes to natural resource-based industries, Tillamook County is blessed with dynamic timber, dairy, and fishing opportunities. Some think that increasing timber harvest will harm the environment. As a Tillamook County Commissioner, I am proud to be able to say that when it comes to clean water, habitat restoration, and fish recoveryno Oregon County does these things better than Tillamook County.Over the decades, our timber, dairy, and fishing partners in Tillamook County, have collaborated with our Tillamook County public works department, watershed councils, OR Watershed Enhancement Board, Tillamook Soil & Water Conservation, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, Salmon SuperHwy, and others to provide continuing improvements to our watersheds.

We recently completed a 600+ acre, $11M habitat restoration project called Southern Flow Corridor. In Tillamook County, we have over 3500 culverts, which often, due to increased fish passage rules, need to be replaced with a bridgewhich is an expensive proposition. This is one of the reasons we have a bridge for every 3 miles of roadway. A difficult environment for a small rural county, but a true success story in Oregon.Our victory in Court does not mean we can or should diminish our commitment to our environmental responsibilities. As I explained above, Tillamook County is the State leader in clean water, habitat restoration, and fish recovery. ODF cannot disregard the Endangered Species Act, or Clean Water Act, but I feel this jury verdict clearly specifies that the State should not go above and beyond to the detriment of the trust counties.Timber revenue is but one part of the economic and social sustainability of rural Oregon Counties. It must also be understood that jobs in the woods, mills, and truck transportation are some of our rural counties best paying, fully benefited jobs.In the State of Oregon, the Total Private Sector Average Annual Wage is $52K. This same classification of jobs in Tillamook County is $37K. Yet, when you look at forest products industry (FPI) jobs in Tillamook County, we have Forestry and Logging at $55K, Wood Products Mfg at $59K, and Truck Transportation at $47.5K. These are family wage, fully benefited jobs. Tillamook County has 852 FPI jobs which adds over $43.5M to the Tillamook County economy.In the State of Oregon, there are over 60,000 FPI jobs paying an average of $53.5K. This total FPI employment in Oregon adds more than $3.2B to the State economy. Every County in the State has some economic activity generated by the forest sector. Total wood product sales in Oregon exceeded $10.34B in 2016. The total number of wood processing facilities in Oregon was 360 in 1988 and was down to 172 in 2017. When looking at sawmills in Oregon, number have decreased by 53% during the period 1988 to 2017, down to 78 sawmills in 2017.The jury award underestimates the real social cost which was caused by the States breach of contract. According to the States own figures, each additional million board feet of harvest results in 9.8 family wage jobs. 3.6B board feet of foregone harvest meant 3700 jobs lost. Imagine what those lost jobs would have meant to the trust counties, not only in terms of the productive lives of its residents but of the economic multiplier which would have attached to all the purchasing power those jobs would have resulted in.It is important to note that interest at the State mandated rate of 9% accrues on this damages award which equates to $260K per day. It is expected that the State will appeal this verdict to the Oregon Court of Appeals and then possibly to the Oregon Supreme Court, taking years for these court decisions.No one should blame the trust counties for this situationhad the State performed the contract as originally promised, the Counties would be in a much better financial condition and ODF would also have had the financial means to properly manage the State Forests. It is not right to expect rural Counties to shoulder the burden to benefit the entire State.

More:

OP/ED: What the Linn County Lawsuit Really Means - Tillamook County Pioneer

Enbridge to create 300 new jobs for T-south pipeline expansion – Business in Vancouver

The demand for natural gas as a source of heat and the need for a reliable pipeline system to transport that resource is about to spur the northern B.C. economy.

Beginning next spring, Enbridge will begin a project to install three new compressors in the Prince George region along its Transportation South (T-South) pipeline which runs from just south of Chetwynd to the United States border.

In a presentation to Prince George city council Monday night, the Calgary-based company announced its plans for the T-South reliability and expansion program, which will create as many as 300 jobs for 18-24 months.

The compressors will be placed near McLeod Lake, Summit Lake and Hixon and Prince George will be the service centre for all three construction sites.

"That's great news," said Mayor Lyn Hall, "because we know that those workers will probably keep their families here in Prince George and they'll probably live here and commute to wherever the job site is. It will also help those smaller communities near where the pipeline is close to."

The project, on land already permitted by the company, also includes a gas cooler, with compressors also to be installed at Kersley and 150 Mile House. Enbridge received approval from Canadian Energy Regulator this fall and the land where the compressors will be situated has already been cleared. The project is expected to be operational by late-2021.

In her presentation, Catherine Pennington, Enbridge's lead of Community and Indigenous Engagement provided council an update on the October 2018 natural gas pipeline rupture and explosion 13.5 kilometres north of Prince George, near the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation community.

Since that incident, Enbridge has implemented a pipeline integrity safety program with enhanced inspections using more advanced new-generation inline tools which run the length of the pipeline. The company has increased the number of integrity digs in which the pipeline is uncovered to allow detailed visual inspections. There were 144 digs conducted on the line in 2019, double that of previous years.

"At Enbridge, no incident is acceptable ever, and when an incident does occur we do take quick and decisive action to ensure the continued operation and safety of our pipeline program," said Pennington.

Since the rupture was repaired, reduced volumes of natural gas were running through the T-south pipeline and Pennigton said it was returned to full capacity in late-November.

"Undertaking this systemwide now has ensured the T-south (B.C.) pipeline is 100 per cent inspected," she said. "Every segment of the B.C. pipeline system would have experienced a tool run or multiple tool runs this last year. We commenced the inline inspection program and this new integrity program immediately following the incident, so every segment would have received an inspection tool and a new generation with double the sensors we would have seen in the past."

A lawsuit filed in February by the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation against Enbridge remains before the courts. LTFN alleges the explosion and its aftermath have "caused serious and constant distress and anguish within the Lheidli T'enneh community," also claiming the pipeline trespasses on its territory, saying Enbridge never adequately consulted the band over its construction and failed to consult with the band prior to bringing it back into operation.

Prince George Citizen

Original post:

Enbridge to create 300 new jobs for T-south pipeline expansion - Business in Vancouver

Capitalism and the Limits of Greening – CounterPunch

Photograph Source: Backbone Campaign CC BY 2.0

The idea of a Green New Deal, including the one proposed by a group of Democrats led by New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is hardly novel on the world scene, though potentially consequential for American politics. European Green parties, for example, introduced far-reaching policies in support of an ecological (sustainable) model of development as early as 1980. A few other European leftist parties later arrived at their own greening initiatives to mitigate climate disruption. The much-smaller U.S. Greens followed suit. Even the authoritarian Chinese government has introduced its own program to curb greenhouse emissions while theoretically reducing fossil-fuel consumption.

The American proposals could bring real change, assuming federal legislative consensus is within reach currently not the case. The main goal is a 100 percent carbon-free economy by 2050, to be achieved by gradually substituting green energy sources (solar, wind, thermal) for oil, gas, and coal, a project that could mean restructuring of the U.S. (and global) economy. Huge areas of the natural habitat would be restored, from tree-planting to river protections, water renovation, and massive recycling campaigns. Most crucially, a vigorous Green New Deal said by many to require wartime-level resource and labor mobilization would demand a broader, revitalized public infrastructure. While initially costing several trillion dollars (estimates vary widely), the program would eventually generate new sources of economic growth, jobs, social programs, and environmental renewal all worth celebrating.

Green New Deal sponsors have promoted their initiatives as both a moral and political imperative. After all, IPCC reports suggest the time frame for reversing the ecological crisis is narrowing rapidly, with perhaps no more than a decade to avoid the fearsome Tipping Point. While the U.S. Congress has been nowhere close to passing such legislation, with Republicans stuck in a know-nothing trance, strong green reforms have been advanced in nearly a dozen states and many cities across the country. New York state unveiled its Green New Deal in summer 2019, calling for rapid proliferation of solar panels, building retrofits, wind turbines, and electric cars, its target at least 70 percent electricity from renewable sources by 2030. According to the state Climate Action Council, the program would fully transform the way New Yorkers work, live, and play. In July 2019 Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti announced a Green New Deal replete with solar panels on every building, new water recycling systems, fully electrified public transport, and expanded public infrastructure. The plan would eliminate all carbon-based energy by 2045, simultaneously attacking poverty, homelessness, urban pollution, and a mounting public-health crisis. At present no fewer than 88 American cities have embraced some variant of a Green New Deal.

It appears that Bernie Sanders greening proposals are most robust among presidential candidates, at a projected cost of roughly $16 trillion over ten years. His hope is for 70-percent fossil-free emissions by 2030, made possible by rebuilding the American economy starting with the energy sector. He would enlist participation of labor, including the AFL-CIO with its millions of workers involved directly or indirectly in the fossil-fuel industry, although the U.S. labor movement has never favored a Green New Deal authored by Sanders or anyone else. There is fear of enormous job losses as important sectors are reduced or shut down: mining operations, utilities, oil and gas production among others. What disruptive impact might a post-carbon society have on millions of relatively good-paying jobs? Would alternative energy systems furnish enough new employment to compensate for massive losses? Those are questions nowadays central to labor organizations everywhere.

A Green New Deal for the U.S. would presumably follow in the tracks of Franklin Roosevelts New Deal that brought American society nearer to the orbit of European social democracy. Many Democrats foresee a system both more equitable and sustainable than what exists. Yet, while proposals differ, none seem ready to challenge the basic firmaments of corporate power, including agribusiness and Wall Street not to mention the military-security state. A decisive question, therefore, is just how far architects of a Green New Deal are willing to challenge the summits of power. To be sure, serious greening of the corporate-state system would be a much-welcomed step beyond familiar carbon offset plans such as cap-and-trade and direct carbon taxation. But a reform scenario as such could never begin to reverse the path toward ecological disaster. As formulated by Democrats, such greening could undoubtedly help alleviate the American carbon footprint, however slightly. If the transnational corporate order remains intact, however, it is hard to see how a fossil-fuel economy embedded in American capitalism will be materially weakened, given its many trillions of dollars invested in deeply-embedded modes of production and consumption. The sad truth is that global oil, gas, and even coal extraction is nowadays proceeding at record levels.

The problem runs deeper yet: in the U.S. greening proponents have mainly looked to a Democratic Party that, against all logic, is projected as the key instrument of sustainability. As the Dems remain wedded to corporate and military interests, all reforms are sure to be constrained by what ruling elites are prepared to tolerate. In the end, greening architects would be facilitators of an ecological Keynesianism, meaning new efforts to stabilize capitalism on more progressive footing that is, a program of distinctly liberal reforms.

Naomis Kleins recent book, On Fire, lays out an especially urgent case for a Green New Deal. Inspired by the emergent youth climate movement, Klein sees a revitalized green strategy as the last alternative of humanity to avert climate barbarism, a move bringing institutional leverage to the recent cycle of sit-ins, blockades, protests, and demonstrations drawing millions of people around the world. As with the Paris accords, her aim is for the U.S. (with other advanced industrial nations) to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Klein envisions a rising cohort of Democrats soon taking over the White House and Congress, rolling out a plan for rapid decarbonization, then implementing those reforms as a template for worldwide ecological renewal. Referring to AOC and her supporters, Klein writes: If the IPCC report (of October 2018) was the clanging fire alarm that grabbed the attention of the world, the Green New Deal is the beginning of a fire safety and prevention plan. A mixture of technological and market reforms will be crucial, departing from the belief in free-market fundamentalism and market euphoria she views as pervading the landscape. Klein believes these proposals are both novel and radical, though neither is true: as noted, more ambitious Green New Deals have been around the public sphere in Europe, the U.S., and elsewhere for several decades.

While for Klein (as for the Dems) a Green New Deal signifies sweeping industrial and infrastructure overhaul, in fact there is no stated break with established power, in the U.S. or anywhere else. We have instead a litany of reforms perfectly compatible with neoliberal corporate globalism in other words, a greener variant of social democracy. To be sure the fossil-fuel giants might have to be confronted, but the details remain elusive. With the Dems presiding, it seems worth asking just how the familiar capitalist pursuit of profits, growth, and expropriation of the natural habitat might be restricted, much less overturned.

One daunting roadblock to reversing the crisis the U.S. military-industrial colossus could be responsible for five percent of the global carbon footprint, a problem never systematically addressed by Klein or the Dems. In On Fire we find a call for 25-percent reduction in worldwide military spending, but that exhausts discussion of the matter. For many decades the U.S. military has served as protector of transnational corporate interests, none perhaps more crucial (to the U.S.) than fossil fuels. Future resource wars, bound at some point to involve U.S. armed forces, will surely involve reserves of oil and natural gas further aggravating climate change along with the lethal environmental impact of warfare in all its dimensions.

In fact-Kleins Green New Deal entirely skirts the larger issue of resources that is, the extent to which the planet faces steadily-declining natural resources (above all water, land, soil, forests, oceans, scarce metals). Economic predictions indicate that leading industrialized nations (U.S., China, India, the EU, Russia, Japan) could easily double their GDP output within the next two or three decades. It is delusional to believe vulnerable ecosystems could endure such overburdening development very far into the future. One specter is that intensifying global resource competition, endemic to the logic of both perpetual growth and geopolitical rivalry, could be what most hastens planetary disaster.

Resource wars will proliferate through widening rivalry over precarious food sources a topic Klein strangely evades in both On Fire and This Changes Everything. Environmentalists of all stripes know that the increasingly destructive, unsustainable global meat complex is responsible for massive greenhouse emissions (perhaps 30 percent of the total), owing to its vast reliance on fossil fuels, water, and land across every phase of economic activity. Meat and dairy products on average exhaust several times the amount of land, water, and fossil fuels utilized by plant-based foods considerably more when the McDonaldized fast-food sector is taken into account.

Kleins Green New Deal seems oblivious to the reality that ecological sustainability must clash with the logic of capitalist expansion. A liberal greening project might help reform the American economy, but Klein and the Dems are myopic in thinking such initiatives will do much to counter the global-warming trajectory. In fact, no government or corporate elite on the planet is likely to accept mandatory cuts in fossil-fuel consumption. Sustainable development is inconceivable without tranformative changes in production and consumption. One problem is that CEOs and corporate boards not to mention banking operations are scarcely accountable to society in general, or to any long-term ecological priorities. They are responsible to private shareholders obsessed with returns on capital investment, whatever its harm to the natural habitat. No corporate structure in the world will put its enterprise out of business in order to save the planet. Meanwhile, any systematic attack on the fossil-fuel sector would bring severe, perhaps irreversible worldwide economic collapse.

At a time when corporate behemoths are destroying the planet, greening programs like those envisioned by Klein and the Dems no matter how urgently conceived cannot offer durable solutions to climate change. No amount of policy, market, or technological measures can deter the headlong march toward global disaster. At present humanity has no choice but to find a path toward a post-capitalist ecological society.

See more here:

Capitalism and the Limits of Greening - CounterPunch

Taking Up Second Committee Reports, General Assembly Adopts 47 Resolutions, including Texts to Combat Protectionism, Unilateral Economic Measures -…

GA/12233

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARYSEVENTY-FOURTH SESSION, 52ND MEETING (AM)

As waning multilateralism and burgeoning inequalities threaten to side-track the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the General Assembly today adopted 47 resolutions and four related decisions aimed at bolstering nations efforts to reach agreed goals.

By a text on International trade and development, adopted in a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions, the Assembly emphasized the urgent need to combat protectionism and rectify trade-distorting measures going against World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

It further urged the international community to eliminate unilateral economic, financial or trade measures unauthorized by United Nations organs, inconsistent with international law or contravening the multilateral trading system.

Adopting another resolution on Commodities in a recorded vote of 177 in favour to 1 against (United States) with no abstentions, the Assembly stressed the special challenges developing countries face as lower prices for commodities threaten sustainable growth and debt burdens. It strongly encouraged international financial institutions and development banks to assist developing countries in managing the effects of price volatility.

A further text on Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries was adopted in a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 51 abstentions. By that text, the Assembly called on the international community to condemn and reject using such measures to politically or economically coerce developing countries, impeding full achievement of economic and social development.

Other macroeconomic policy texts the Assembly adopted focused on illicit financial flows, international Conferences on Financing for Development, financial inclusion, promoting investments for sustainable development and the international financial system.

Taking up sustainable development, the organ adopted a resolution on Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind, by which it expressed profound alarm that emissions of greenhouse gases continue to rise globally. It also remained deeply concerned that vulnerable countries are already experiencing increases in persistent drought, extreme weather events, land degradation, sea level rise, coastal erosion, ocean acidification and retreating mountain glaciers.

By a related text on Combating sand and dust storms, the Assembly reaffirmed that climate change is among the greatest challenges of our time and a serious challenge to sustainable development. Adopting the resolution in a recorded vote of 177 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Australia), it recognized that such storms cause numerous human health problems in different regions worldwide, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

According to a further resolution on Agricultural Technology for Sustainable Development, adopted in a recorded vote of 154 in favour to 2 against (Syria, Venezuela), with 26 abstentions, the Assembly urged Member States, relevant United Nations organizations and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to develop sustainable agricultural technologies, as well as their transfer and dissemination to developing countries.

Other sustainable development texts spotlighted the Lebanese oil slick, tourism in Central America, coastal zone management, munitions waste at sea, tourism in Central Asia, small island developing State conferences, sustainable development conferences, disaster risk reduction, desertification and drought, biological diversity, education, United Nations Environment Assembly, harmony with nature, energy access and mountain development.

Turning to poverty eradication, the Assembly adopted a resolution on Eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in a recorded vote of 126 in favour to 49 against, with 2 abstentions (Palau, Turkey).

By its terms, the Assembly expressed deep concern that progress in reducing poverty remains uneven, with an unacceptable 1.46 billion people still living in multidimensional poverty. It further emphasized that economic growth continues to leave rural dwellers behind, noting that 79 per cent of people living in extreme poverty are in rural areas and 41 per cent of sub-Saharan Africas population lived on less than $1.90 per day in 2015.

Adopting a related text on Agriculture development, food security and nutrition, the Assembly stressed the need for urgent and concerted action to accelerate efforts to end hunger and malnutrition, tackling both its causes and effects. It also underscored the need to address child stunting, which remains unacceptably high, with nearly 149 million children under 5 years of age, or over 21.9 per cent, affected by stunting in 2018.

By a further resolution on Information and communications technologies (ICT) for sustainable development, the Assembly recognized uneven growth in ICT use, expressing concern over the 122 mobile broadband subscriptions per 100 people in developed countries, compared with 75 in developing States and 33 in the least developed countries.

As in previous years, it adopted a text on Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources in a vote of 160 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 15 abstentions.

By its terms, the Assembly demanded that Israel cease exploiting, damaging, causing loss or depleting and endangering natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in the occupied Syrian Golan. It further stressed that the wall and settlements Israel is constructing in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are contrary to international law and seriously deprive the Palestinian people of their natural resources.

The Assembly also adopted resolutions highlighting new international days and years, deciding to designate 21 May as International Tea Day, 7 September as International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, 29 September as International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste and 2021 as International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.

Remaining texts focused on globalization and interdependence; science, technology and innovation; culture; cooperation with middle-income countries; conferences on landlocked and least developed countries; the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (20182027); women; human resources; natural plant fibres; United Nations operational activities; and South-South cooperation.

Two decisions the Assembly adopted addressed the 2020 venue of the fifteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the eighth United Nations conference on restrictive business practices. Two further decisions focused on the Second Committees programme for the General Assemblys seventy-fifth session.

Committee Rapporteur David Mulet (Guatemala) introduced its reports.

In other business, the Assembly adopted a resolution on International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2020-2021, noting that daily consumption of these foods mitigates diseases and other health problems. It also designated 4 December as the International Day of Banks in a like-named resolution, underscoring the role of banks and financial institutions in sustainable development.

Action on Draft Resolutions

DAVID MULET LIND (Guatemala), Committee Rapporteur, introduced the reports of the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) containing 47 draft resolutions and 4 draft decisions.

The Assembly first took up the report Information and communications technologies for sustainable development (document A/74/378), adopting without a vote the eponymous resolution (A/C.2/74/L.70) contained therein.

By the text, it called on all stakeholders to keep the goal of bridging digital divides an area of priority concern, continue to focus on propoor information and communications technology (ICT) policies and applications, including access to broadband at the grassroots level, with a view to narrowing the digital divides among and within countries, building information and knowledge societies.

Next, the Assembly took up the report Macroeconomic policy questions (document A/74/379), which contained two draft resolutions.

Next, it adopted resolution I International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, 2021 without a vote. By its terms, the Assembly encouraged all Member States and United Nations organizations to observe the International Year to raise awareness, promote cooperation and networking, and promote an enabling environment at all levels.

It first adopted resolution II on Promoting investments for sustainable development without a vote. In doing so, the Assembly called on Member States to reduce tensions and other risk factors and foster environments conducive to scaling up longterm and sustainable investments, characterized by open, transparent and nondiscriminatory investment policies.

The Assembly then considered the report Macroeconomic policy questions: international trade and development (document A/74/379/Add.1), which contained two draft resolutions and two draft decisions.

The Assembly first adopted resolution I titled Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 51 abstentions, urging the international community to adopt measures to eliminate unilateral economic, financial or trade measures that are unauthorized by relevant United Nations organs, inconsistent with international law or the Charter of the United Nations or contravene basic principles of the multilateral trading system.

Following that, the Assembly adopted resolution II on International trade and development by a vote of 176 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with no abstentions. By that text, the Assembly emphasized the need to combat protectionism in all its forms and rectify tradedistorting measures going against World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote decision I on Venue of the fifteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in 2020, recognizing the offer of the Government of Barbados to host the fifteenth session of UNCTAD and the offer of the Government of the United Arab Emirates to host the World Investment Forum and an electronic commerce week for Asia.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted decision II Eighth United Nations Conference to Review All Aspects of the Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices, in 2020. By that text, the organ decided to convene in 2020 the eighth United Nations Conference to Review All Aspects of the Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices.

The Assembly then considered the report Macroeconomic policy questions: international financial system and development (document A/74/379/Add.2), containing a draft resolution International financial system and development. Adopting the text by a recorded vote of 179 in favour to 1 against (United States) with no abstentions, it stressed the importance of a stable, inclusive and enabling global economic environment for advancing sustainable development and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, mobilizing public and private as well as domestic and international resources.

The representative of Iran, speaking in explanation of vote after the vote, said his country is not party to the Financial Action Task Force and therefore disassociated itself from the relevant paragraph.

Following that, it turned to the report Macroeconomic policy questions: external debt sustainability and development (document A/74/379/Add.3), containing a draft resolution on External debt sustainability and development. Adopting the text without a vote, the organ urged the international community to remain vigilant in monitoring the debt situation of developing countries, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, and continue to take effective measures, preferably within existing frameworks, to address the debt problem of those nations.

Next, the Assembly considered the report Macroeconomic policy questions: commodities (document A/74/379/Add.4), which contained a draft resolution on Commodities. Adopting the text by a vote of 177 in favour to 1 against (United States) with no abstentions, it stressed that developing nations, including African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, face special challenges as lower prices for the commodities that they produce threaten the sustainable growth and the debt positions of such countries.

The Assembly then turned to the report Macroeconomic policy questions: financial inclusion for sustainable development (document A/74/379/Add.5), containing a draft resolution Financial inclusion for sustainable development. Acting without a vote, it adopted the resolution, by which the organ recognized the growing importance of financial technology actors and new instruments and platforms, including mobile banking and peertopeer platforms, which have enabled access to financial services for millions of people.

Following that, the Assembly took up the report Macroeconomic policy questions: promotion of international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and strengthen good practices on assets return to foster sustainable development (document A/74/379/Add.6), adopting without a vote the resolution Promotion of international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and strengthen good practices on assets return to foster sustainable development contained therein.

By the text, it expressed concern that proceeds from offences under the United Nations Convention against Corruption have yet to be disposed of in favour of the requesting States parties, their prior legitimate owners and victims of the crimes, and decided to deter, detect, prevent and counter corruption, increase transparency and promote good governance.

Next, it turned to the report Followup to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development (document A/74/380), adopting an eponymous resolution contained therein without a vote. By that text, the Assembly emphasized the need to work towards full and timely implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development. It also urged the full, effective and timely implementation of the intergovernmentally agreed conclusions and recommendations of the 2019 Economic and Social Council forum on financing for development followup.

The organ then took up the report Sustainable development (document A/74/381) containing eight draft resolutions. It first adopted resolution I, Oil slick on Lebanese shores, by a recorded vote of 162 in favour to 7 against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 7 abstentions (Cameroon, Cte dIvoire, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu). By the text, the Committee considered that the oil slick has heavily polluted the Lebanese and partially polluted Syrian shores and consequently has had serious implications for livelihoods and Lebanons economy, owing to the adverse implications for natural resources, biodiversity, fisheries and tourism, and for human health in the country.

By further terms, it reiterated its request to the Israels Government to assume responsibility for prompt and adequate compensation to the Lebanon for the aforementioned damage and to other countries directly affected by the oil slick, such as Syria, for the costs of repairing the environmental damage caused by the destruction, including restoration of the marine environment.

The Assembly adopted resolution II, International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste without a vote, designating 29 September as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.

It then moved to draft resolution III, Strengthening cooperation for integrated coastal zone management for achieving sustainable development. Prior to taking action on the draft as a whole, the Assembly first decided, by separate recorded vote, to retain two paragraphs.

Deciding to retain preambular paragraph 2 by recorded vote of 168 in favour to 4 against (Colombia, Iran, Turkey, Venezuela), with 4 abstentions (Cambodia, China, El Salvador, Zambia), the Assembly reaffirmed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for ocean activities and emphasized its fundamental character, conscious that the problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be considered as a whole through an integrated, interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach.

In deciding to retain operative paragraph 12, by a recorded vote of 110 in favour to 5 against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, United States), with 49 abstentions, the Assembly decided to include in the provisional agenda of its seventysixth session, under the item titled Sustainable development, the subitem entitled Strengthening cooperation for integrated coastal zone management for achieving sustainable development.

It then adopted, without a vote, resolution III as a whole, emphasizing that use and implementation of the integrated coastal zone management approach and other areabased management approaches can contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It also highlighted that coastal areas are essential ecological and economic resource needing an integrated management approach.

Following that, adopting without a vote resolution IV, Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central America, it stressed the need to promote further development of sustainable tourism, especially through the consumption of sustainable tourism products and services, and to strengthen the development of ecotourism.

Next, the organ turned to draft resolution V, International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, adopting it without a vote. By the text, the Assembly designated 7 September as the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, to be observed starting in 2020.

Addressing draft resolution VI, Cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea, the Assembly adopted the text without a vote, as orally revised.

By that resolution, it invited Member States and relevant international and regional organizations to keep under observation the issue of waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea, to continue outreach efforts to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to that issue and to cooperate on risk assessment, monitoring, informationgathering, risk prevention and response to incidents.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly then adopted resolution VII, Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central Asia, encouraging those countries to unite their efforts on the widespread introduction of active types of tourism, including mountain tourism, ecotourism, sport fishing and car and bicycle travel.

Following that, adopting resolution VIII, Agricultural technology for sustainable development, by a recorded vote of 154 in favour to 2 against (Syria, Venezuela), with 26 abstentions, the Assembly urged Member States, relevant United Nations organizations and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to improve the development of sustainable agricultural technologies and their transfer and dissemination under mutually agreed terms to developing countries, in particular at the bilateral and regional levels.

The representative of Turkey, speaking after the vote to address the resolution on Sustainable cooperation for integrated coastal zone management for achieving sustainable development said that preambular paragraph 2 did not present a legal framework for regulating oceans and seas.

The representative of Iran, addressing the same resolution said his country is not party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and disassociates itself from preambular paragraph 2 as well as operative paragraph 12.

The representative of Colombia said his country is not party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and is not convinced it is the right body to determine issues being discussed in resolutions addressing seas and oceans.

The representative of Afghanistan, addressing the resolution on Agricultural technology for sustainable development, said his country voted in favour of the text.

The representative of Venezuela said his delegation is not party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and disagrees with references to it the texts on Sustainable cooperation for integrated coastal zone management for achieving sustainable development and, Cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea.

Next, the Assembly took up the report Sustainable development: implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (document A/74/381/Add.1), containing a draft resolution on Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

Adopting the resolution by a recorded vote of 131 in favour to 2 against (United States, Israel), with 49 abstentions, the Assembly urged the full and effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals and commitments in the economic, social and environmental fields to support the full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

The organ then considered the report Sustainable development: follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (document A/74/381/Add.2), containing a draft resolution on Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

Adopting that text without a vote, the Assembly called for urgent and ambitious global action, in line with the Paris Agreement, to address the threat and impact of climate change on small island developing States.

It then turned to the report Sustainable development: disaster risk reduction (document A/74/381/Add.3), adopting without a vote the resolution Disaster risk reduction contained therein. By the text, it stressed that States should conduct inclusive and multihazard disaster risk assessments that consider climate change projections to support evidence-based disaster risk reduction strategies and guide risk-informed development investments by the private and public sectors.

Following that, the Assembly took up the report Sustainable development: protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind (document A/74/381/Add.4), containing a draft resolution on Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind. Prior to acting on the draft as a whole, it first decided, by a recorded vote of 118 in favour to 49 against with 3 abstentions (Iceland, Switzerland, San Marino) to retain operative paragraph 9, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to promote sustainable development in an innovative, coordinated, environmentally sound, open and shared manner.

It then adopted, without a vote, the resolution as a whole.

Next, the Assembly took up the report Sustainable development: implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (A/74/381/Add.5), adopting, without a vote, a resolution on Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa contained therein.

By the terms of the text, it strongly encouraged parties to the Convention to apply and align with the 20182030 Strategic Framework of the Convention in their national policies, programmes, plans and processes relating to desertification, land degradation and drought, and to implement the Strategic Framework.

The Assembly then considered the report Sustainable development: Convention on Biological Diversity (A/74/381/Add.6), containing a draft resolution titled Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its contribution to sustainable development. Acting without a vote, it adopted the text, urging parties to the Convention to ensure the coherence and complementarity of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework with other existing or upcoming international processes.

Following that, the organ turned to the report Sustainable development: report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme (A/74/381/Add.7) containing a draft resolution on Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Assembly adopted the text without a vote, encouraging Member States to advance innovative pathways to achieve sustainable consumption and production, in line with resolution 4/1 of 15 March 2019 of the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP.

Next, it took up the report Sustainable development: education for sustainable development (A/74/381/Add.8), containing the draft resolution Education for sustainable development in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Assembly first decided, by recorded vote of 173 in favour to 4 against (Australia, Canada, Israel, United States) with 2 abstentions (Georgia, Japan), to retain operative paragraph 13, by which it invited United Nations organizations, to support States in developing their national capacities to promote education for sustainable development.

Following that, it adopted the resolution as a whole without a vote. By its terms, the Assembly called on the international community to provide inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels so that people may have access to lifelong learning opportunities that help them acquire the knowledge and skills needed to exploit opportunities to participate fully in society and contribute to sustainable development.

The organ then adopted the resolution as a whole without a vote.

The representative of Iran, speaking in explanation of vote after the vote, said the 2030 Agenda was non-legally binding and his delegation is not committed to those aspects that are in contradiction with its policies, cultural and religious norms and, therefore, has no legal obligation to implement them. He also disassociated his delegation from the operative paragraph.

Next, it took up the report Sustainable development: Harmony with Nature (A/74/381/Add.9) containing a draft resolution Harmony with nature. Adopting the text by a recorded vote of 134 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 45 abstentions, the Assembly called for holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable development that will guide humanity to restore the health and integrity of the Earths ecosystems.

It then turned to the report Sustainable development: ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (A/74/381/Add.10) containing the draft resolution Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Adopting the text without a vote, the Assembly called for access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, as such services are an integral part of poverty eradication measures, human dignity, quality of life and economic opportunity, along with wider environmental benefits, including disaster risk reduction and resilience, climate change mitigation, social inclusion and gender equality.

Following that, the Assembly took up the report Sustainable development: combating sand and dust storms (A/74/381/Add.11) containing the draft resolution Combating sand and dust storms. Adopting the text by a recorded vote of 177 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 1 abstention (Australia), it reaffirmed that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and, among other factors, is a serious challenge to the sustainable development of all countries, including those affected by sand and dust storms.

Next, it took up the report Sustainable development: sustainable mountain development (A/74/381/Add.12) containing the draft resolution Sustainable mountain development.

The representative of Kyrgyzstan, speaking in explanation of vote, said her delegation saw sustainable mountain development as a crucial element and commended Italy and other delegations for their work on the resolution.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted the text, stressing the special vulnerability of people living in mountain environments, particularly local communities and indigenous peoples, often with limited access to health, education and economic systems and particularly at risk because of the negative impact of extreme natural phenomena.

The organ then turned to the report Globalization and interdependence (A/74/382), which contained no draft resolutions or decisions.

Following that, it considered the report Globalization and interdependence: role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence (A/74/382/Add.1), which contained a draft resolution Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence.

The Assembly first decided to retain preambular paragraph 9 by a recorded vote of 111 in favour to 49 against with 4 abstentions (Japan, Norway, Republic of Korea, Turkey).

Adopting the text as a whole by a recorded vote of 134 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States) with 44 abstentions, it reiterated the need for inclusive, transparent and effective multilateral approaches to managing global challenges.

The Assembly then took up the report Globalization and interdependence: science, technology and innovation for sustainable development (A/74/382/Add.2), adopting without a vote the resolution Science, technology and innovation for sustainable development contained therein. By the text, it called upon Member States and the United Nations development system to continue to initiate, implement and support measures to improve the level of participation of scientists and engineers from developing countries.

Turning to the report Globalization and interdependence: culture and sustainable development (A/74/382/Add.3), the Assembly then adopted, without a vote, the resolution Culture and development contained therein. By that text, it called for promoting education to protect natural spaces and places of memory whose existence is necessary for expressing the intangible cultural heritage. By other terms, it expressed deep concern that cultural property, including religious sites, shrines and cemeteries, are increasingly targeted by terrorist attacks and vandalism, condemning such attacks.

Next, the Assembly took up the report Globalization and interdependence: development cooperation with middle-income countries (A/74/382/Add.4), containing the draft resolution Development cooperation with middle-income countries.

Acting without a vote to adopt the text, it recognized that 73 per cent of the worlds poor population is concentrated in middle-income countries, meaning development cooperation, policy dialogue and partnerships with those countries can contribute to achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals and targets.

Following that, the Assembly turned to the report Groups of countries in special situations (A/74/383), which contained no draft resolutions or decisions.

It then considered the report Groups of countries in special situations: follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (A/74/383/Add.1), adopting without a vote the resolution Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries contained therein. By that text, it expressed concern that bilateral official development assistance (ODA) to least developed countries declined by 3 per cent in real terms in 2018 compared with 2017 after increasing by 4 per cent in 2017 compared with 2016.

Next, the Assembly addressed the report Groups of countries in special situations: follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (A/74/383/Add.2), adopting the resolution therein Follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries without a vote.

By that text, the Assembly called for renewed and strengthened partnerships to support landlocked developing countries in diversifying their economic bases and enhancing value addition to their exports to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth.

Following that, it considered the report Eradication of poverty and other development issues (A/74/384), which contained no draft resolutions or decisions.

It turned then to the report Eradication of poverty and other development issues: implementation of the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (20182027)) (A/74/384/Add.1), adopting, without a vote, the resolution Implementation of the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (20182027).

In so doing, the organ expressed deep concern that, despite progress in reducing poverty, 1.3 billion people still live in multidimensional poverty, a significant and unacceptably high figure. It expressed further concern over high levels of unemployment and underemployment, with 172 million people unemployed globally in 2018, which is expected to increase to 174 million in 2020.

Next, the Assembly took up the report Eradication of poverty and other development issues: women in development (A/74/384/Add.2), which contained a draft resolution Women in development. It decided to retain operative paragraphs 18 and 19 in a recorded vote of 152 in favour to 15 against, with 6 abstentions (Algeria, Brunei Darussalam, Colombia, Guatemala, Jamaica, United Arab Emirates).

The representative of Hungary, speaking in explanation of vote after the vote, said her delegation had concerns and would have welcomed a more neutral language in preambular paragraph 11.

See the rest here:

Taking Up Second Committee Reports, General Assembly Adopts 47 Resolutions, including Texts to Combat Protectionism, Unilateral Economic Measures -...

Business movers: The biggest appointments in Irish business to kick off 2020 – BreakingNews.ie

The Irish economy has enjoyed a very positive 2019. Here is a selection of people who start 2020 in challenging new roles.

Miles Karemacher has been appointed as general manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, leading the workforce of 760 people.

Mile Karemacher

He replaces Matthieu Seguin, now the firms GM for Nigeria. Miles joins the Irish business from Coca-Cola HBC Italy where he was commercial excellence director, leading the acquisition of Lurisia, a premium natural mineral water and adult sparkling beverages business. Miles previously held senior roles at SAB Miller and Coca-Cola Amatil. He holds a commerce degree, an MBA, while he is also a certified practising accountant.

Pat Rigney, managing director and founder of The Shed Distillery in Co Leitrim, maker of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, has been appointed chair of representative body Drinks Ireland|Spirits.

Pat Rigney

Pat, who was previously vice-chair, will take over as chair from Aoife Clarke, senior director of international public affairs at Beam Suntory. Bryan Fallon, director of TJ Carolans has been appointed as vice-chair. The group was established in 1997 and acts as a voice among national and EU policy makers for issues such as taxation, trade and ongoing protection of Irelands Geographic Indicators.

Ita Hodder has been appointed as HR executive search manager with recruitment and HR services company Collins McNicholas.

Ita Hodder

She joined the firm as a recruitment consultant in 2006. She will specialise in seeking out and recruiting highly-qualified HR candidates for senior and executive roles in Dublin region. Ita, who has a degree in social science, a post-grad diploma in business studies and a law degree, has vast experience working with indigenous and multinational companies across the HR sectors. Founded in 1990, Collins McNicholas has a offices in Dublin, Cork, Athlone, Galway, Limerick, and Sligo.

Lorraine McCarthy has been promoted to chief people and culture officer (CPCO) at Spearline, a technology company headquartered in Skibbereen, Co Cork, and with offices in Waterford, Romania, and India.

Lorraine McCarthy

In 2018, Lorraine joined the Spearline team as HR and operations manager and within 12 months was promoted to CPCO. She was previously a financial services professional, working 20 years in banking. As CPCO, Lorraine is responsible for all human resource functions at Spearline as well as developing and maintaining the Spearline culture across its global offices.

Tudor Pitulac has been named as manager of research projects with OpenSky, the Irish GovTech transformation provider of automated solutions to public sector bodies.

Tudor Pitulac

He brings 15 years PM experience. Previously a university professor at the Petre Andrei University and a consultant for the Community Learning and Development Department of North Ayrshire Council. As well as a background in Sociology and Political Sciences, he holds an MA in Project Management and a PhD in Philosophy. He is

PMP certified since 2012.

Fintan McGovern has been announced as chairman of Co Louth-based health, wellbeing and sports tech company Metrifit.

Fintan McGovern

He was enlisted to help drive global expansion and assist with the companys Series A funding round. He is ex-CEO and co-founder of IoT company Firmwave. A former officer with the Irish Defence Forces of 15 years and former GAA intercountry player for Cavan, he exited Firmwave earlier this year following its acquisition by Taoglas. Metrifit, a sports tech company that boosts athlete performance by data analytics, was launched by CEO Peter Larkin and chief technology officer Ann Bruen in 2016.

View post:

Business movers: The biggest appointments in Irish business to kick off 2020 - BreakingNews.ie