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Family of former teacher makes appeal amid fears of asbestos poisoning – Southwark News

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

The family of a Southwark teacher who passed away from asbestos exposure are making an appeal for her former colleagues.

Elizabeth Murphy, known as Betty, worked in The Sacred Heart RC School, St Veronicas RC School and Honour Oak Girls Grammar School, teaching mainly History, French and English.

Teaching between 1966 and 1972, Betty was working before asbestos was banned in 1999. On August 6 2020, she died from mesothelioma an incurable type of lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

She said to her family that she and her colleagues would put holes in walls and ceilings when hanging displays in the classroom raising the high likelihood that she was subject to asbestos poisoning.

There is however no suggestion that the current school buildings contain asbestos.

Now, social justice law firm, Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, are looking into Bettys death and her family are making an appeal to get in touch with her former colleagues, in the hopes of uncovering more information about what happened.

Bettys family said they were shocked and saddened that Betty died from mesothelioma, possibly caused by exposure to asbestos in the career she loved so much.

The familys lawyer, Lorna Webster, highlighted that mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure.

With many school buildings dating back to times when asbestos use was commonplace, were unfortunately seeing mesothelioma cases in a number of people who worked in schools, she said.

While mesothelioma is rarely curable, treatment can help to alleviate the symptoms if it is caught early.

The family have asked that anyone who was a colleague of Bettys, or may know someone who was, to contact Lorna Webster via email at lwebster@hja.net or phone at 07917 236121.

UK Study Shows Promise of Nivolumab Treatment for Relapsed Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma.net Blog

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

Published on October 18, 2021

Despite the best efforts of researchers and physicians around the world, malignant mesothelioma remains a fatal disease. Still, scientific breakthroughs have extended survival time for many patients, and the introduction of each new protocol has offered hope. A study published last week inThe Lancethas shown that treating relapsed mesothelioma with the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor antibody known as nivolumab offers an extension of both progression-free survival and of overall survival in patients diagnosed with either pleural or peritoneal forms of the rare, asbestos-related form of cancer.

Most mesothelioma patients are treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, and whether it is combined with radiation and/or surgery, there is an expectation that after a certain period of time their cancer will return. Up until now there had been no tests yielding improved survival in any of these patients after relapse, which is what makes this studys results so notable.

The researchers recruited 332 mesothelioma patients between May 10, 2017 and March 30, 2020 and randomly assigned 221 of them to receive nivolumab and 111 to receive a placebo. The patients had either pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, had received at least one course of platinum-based chemotherapy, and had since been confirmed with disease progression. Median survival with no additional treatment was expected to be approximately six months.

Follow up was performed for most of the mesothelioma patients at approximately 11.6 months after the nivolumab or placebo treatments were administered. While those who received the nivolumab treatment had a median progression-free survival of 3.0 months, those who received the placebo experienced a median progression-free survival of 1.8 months.The nivolumab group had a median overall survival time of 10.2 months while those in the placebo group had a median overall survival time of 6.9 moths.Though there were some adverse events, including diarrhea and infusion-related reaction, serious adverse events occurred in more of the placebo group than in the nivolumab group, and there were no treatment-related deaths in either group.

As researchers continue to work towards improved survival and quality of life, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are working to provide asbestos exposure victims with the resources they need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.

Learn more about and contact Terri

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UK Study Shows Promise of Nivolumab Treatment for Relapsed Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma.net Blog

Armin van Buuren extends impressive DJ Mag Top 100 run with 20th consecutive Top 5 spot – Rave Jungle

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

2021 has been an especially monumental year for Armin van Buuren so far.

The Grammy-nominated Dutchman surpassed the milestone number of 1000 episodes with his globally syndicated A State Of Trance radio show, collaborated with dance icons such as Alesso, Timmy Trumpet, Steve Aoki and Dutch vocal sensation Davina Michelle, and spoiled his ever-loyal Trance following with the debut installment of his new, collaboration-packed A State Of Trance FOREVER album series.

Every single piece of this years musical output has underlined the tireless dedication of the five-time #1 DJ in the world and culminated into his recently unveiled twentieth consecutive Top 5 spot in DJ Mags annual Top 100 DJs list as he grabbed the #3 spot as well as the title of highest ranking Trance artist.

Heres what Armin van Buuren had to say about this : Wow, thank you all so much I really cant describe how grateful I am to once again be among the top 5 best DJs in the world. And #3 again too! The past year and a half have been a challenge for everyone, but since I was still able to release music and connect with my fans around the world via A State Of Trance radio show, it became a lot easier.

This past time has proven how strong the A State Of Trance family and bond of all dance music lovers really is and that music conquers all. I have loved working on many different songs with many different artists and I hope you loved listening to the tracks.

We didnt celebrate ASOT 1000 together yet, but we will soon. We can hopefully see each other soon on the dance floor, but for now, thank you so much for voting and take care! And huge congrats to David Guetta and Martin Garrix, the numbers 1 and 2! With love, Armin.

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Armin van Buuren extends impressive DJ Mag Top 100 run with 20th consecutive Top 5 spot - Rave Jungle

Quivver finally releases groundbreaking 10-track album Revelate – The Groove Cartel

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

With the release of his third studio album, Revelate, Quivver, a prolific British DJ and producer, makes a much-anticipated return. The album is a unique blend of ten compositions that include some of Quivvers best lockdown creations. Quivvers first album on John Digweeds Bedrock Records comes after more than a decade as a label favorite. Revelate is the British producers musical autobiography, as well as an ode to some of his favorite musical influences. Revelate is out now on Bedrock Records, and its a mix of house, techno, breaks, electro, and more.

The 10-track album begins with Moonlight Pools, which ushers listeners into Revelates world. With textured synths flowing in and out, the ambient offering sets the tone with a spacious sonic atmosphere. With its cinematic sensibilities, the track draws the listener in and builds anticipation for the journey ahead. Horizons follows closely behind, continuing the propulsive, melodic sonic progression begun in Moonlight Pool. The track evokes a feeling of being in a daze, with oscillating sounds throughout its four-minute-long run-time.

The next track, Nothin New To Feel, picks up the pace and amps it up a notch. Quivvers masterful sound design is showcased throughout the album, which features hypnotizing vocals and propelling energy from start to finish. Exploding in energy, Atomised lures listeners into a trance with an enticing and expansive sonic experience.

Funkily, which marks the halfway point of Revelate, has an intoxicating rhythm that carries itself with a transmittable fire in listeners eardrums. The song is a surefire dancefloor hit that will keep fans dancing all night long. Quivvers ability to steer into uncharted territory is demonstrated in Altered, which explores a new sound unlike anything heard on his previous album. The offering, which is dominant in nature, features a rich bass and rising tensions, drawing listeners deeper into the albums entrancing sonic journey.

Following closely behind, Shine maintains the high-level atmosphere set by the previous tracks. It has a raw intensity to it, with dark synth sounds and textured oscillation, and when you listen to it, it gives you a feeling like no other. Hold follows and features a bouncy rhythm, creating an overall enticing sonic experience. Hold showcases Quivvers production prowess and progressive house sensibilities, with vocal chops flowing in and out.

5 AM, the penultimate effort, evokes the sensation of being in a trance on the dancefloor. The offering, bursting with energy, enthralls listeners with an audible enveloping atmosphere. Crystals, the albums final track, fuses the plethora of musical references throughout the album into one all-encompassing track, evoking the feeling of reaching the end of a journey. Crystals is a massive finale for the talents monumental album, carrying contagious energy throughout its almost 4-minute run-time.

Continuing his legacy as a paramount figure in dance music since the early 90s, Revelate brings forth new sensibilities to Quivvers arsenal of releases. Fans can expect an unforgettable sonic experience from start to finish, rife with versatile sounds of techno and deep house.

Quivver finally releases groundbreaking 10-track album Revelate - The Groove Cartel

Throwback Thursday – Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet and World’s Most Famous Psychic – News 40 – wnky.com

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

One of the worlds most famous psychics was born in nearby Hopkinsville, and called Bowling Green home nearly 120 years ago. Edgar Cayce was a man of many mysteries: a clairvoyant, medical diagnostician, photographer, and most commonly called the sleeping prophet.

Born in 1877 in Christian County, Edgar Cayce showed signs of being a highly gifted child. By age 12, he read the Bible all the way thru, every year. His parents could only afford an eighth grade education, but his photographic memory showed an unusual ability to learn from books by just sleeping on them. When asleep, in sort of a trance, Edgar could answer questions he didnt know the answers to when awake.

This ability quickly became a source of medical healing and fortune telling for people around the country, who wrote him to ask for advice. He was a religious man, believing God gave him the ability to diagnose, and never charged for the 14,000 readings he delivered over his lifetime.

He moved to Bowling Green in 1902, into a boarding house on State Streetthats no longer standingand enjoyed his second floor balcony view that overlooked the happenings on Fountain Square. He started a photography business and married Gertrude Evans. He even invented the famous card game based on trading commoditiescalled Pitthat was trademarked for six dollars by Parker Brothers. He was an apt photographer, capturing images for some of the citys first postcards and taking portraits of Bowling Greens most famous people at the time: the Hobsons, Cherrys, and Underwoods.

But his photo studio burned down, twice. And he was under surveillance by a group of Bowling Green doctors and the EQB Literary Club, analyzing his trances.Legend says that during one of these EQB meetings while Edgar Cayce was under a trance, they stuck a hat pin through his cheek, and even used a pen knife to lift his fingernail. He didnt notice. He made prophecies predicting the collapse of the stock market in 1929, the beginning of WWII with German and Japanese powers, the lost city of Atlantis, and the second coming of Christ.

He moved to Selma, Ala., and then Virginia Beach by the time of his death. He had founded the Association for Research and Enlightenment in 1931, which turns 90 this year. His group provides body, mind, and spirit resources to explore prayer, meditation, dreams, philosophy, and even ancient mysteries.

The minutes of the EQB meeting in Bowling Green have been lost to the ages. Will the world ever know the truth about Edgar Cayce?

Throwback Thursday - Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet and World's Most Famous Psychic - News 40 - wnky.com

Star Trek: 10 Huge Discoveries That No One Cared About – WhatCulture

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

Often times, while exploring the final frontier, Starfleet comes across some truly astounding discoveries. Sure, we've all heard of the odd mind-controlling nebula or sentient starship but there are certain things that Starfleet encounters in its travels that should, by all accounts fundamentally change everything about philosophy, life, and our place in the universe.

Only to be immediately forgotten about next week.

Perhaps, when every week you're dealing with some ship-wide catastrophe, it can be hard to keep track of everything you discover. However, Starfleet has a serious problem of finding the perfect solution to many every day problems and then only ever using it once, as well as completely glossing over crucial facts about their history.

There is a nearly endless amount of highly advanced technology and terrifying ethical questions that Starfleet comes across and simply chooses to either ignore or forget about and this list will be counting down the worst offenders. Let's take a look at the ten biggest discoveries in Star Trek that no one cared about!

Starfleet has managed to drastically increase the human life expectancy from about 80 Earth years in our time to around 120 years in the time of The Next Generation. However, humans still have to die, along with most other known species in the universe. The thing is, though, they really shouldn't have to.

Throughout the history of Star Trek, humanity has discovered dozens of methods of increasing the human lifespan or just flat-out cheating death, from the Borg nanoprobes used to resurrect Neelix in the Voyager episode Mortal Coil to the transporter accident in the Next Generation episode Rascals which reverts several officers back into children.

The list goes on and on. If you feel like it, you could even pull a "Kirk" and jump inside the next temporal Nexus that comes along and live a hundred years in a psychedelic trance-like state of pure happiness until Picard decides to drag you out into the real world only to die 10 minutes later...

None of these methods are used beyond a couple of instances. You have so many options for immortality in the Star Trek universe but no one ever bothers to look into it. Perhaps the only true way to live forever is to have your name in the intro credits.

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Star Trek: 10 Huge Discoveries That No One Cared About - WhatCulture

100 Gecs @ The Depot 10.15 w/ Aaron Cartier SLUG Magazine – SLUG Magazine

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

Glancing around the sold-out show at last weeks 100 Gecs concert felt like navigating the Mean Girls lunchroomjust as many jocks as there were art gays, as many stumbling fraternity drunks as there were storebrand Addams Family characters. Nonetheless, the lot of us made the trek out to The Depot in the brittle October evening for a showcase from the one group that can balance silliness, sincerity, experimentation and pop flair enough to bind these contrasting strains of music fandom together.

The night began with a brief, explosive set from up-and-coming artist Aaron Cartier, fresh off the release of their acclaimed (in my circles, at least) trio of 2021 releases, chains, SMILE SEASON and MELHOR CACHORROthe last of which was a collaboration with Baby Izo and 100 Gecs Dylan Brady. Cartier ran through a dozen-plus tunes in their ~20-minute set, screaming out woes over money, the music industry and more over a set of noisy beats that traversed video game samples, trance breakdowns, and hyper-hip-hop fusions. Cartiers genre-omnivorous pop experimentations feel like an obvious choice to set the stage for Gecs, and the artists livewire energy instilled an eagerness in the Depot crowd for the headlining act.

This anticipation may have waned for some, as Cartiers set was followed by a notably extensive gap while 100 Gecs set up, sound checked, sound checked again, and again, and again. Marred by obvious technical and sound issues, the beloved Gecs werent able to take the stage until well after 9:30. Even then, the duo seemed to be running somewhat blindLaura Les even quoted Bill OReillys infamous Well do it live tirade at one point.

Despite these hangups, the duo were still able to deliver a spitfire set that solidified them as one of the most exciting and adventurous groups in modern music. 100 Gecs littered their performance with most of the tracks from their breakout debut record, 1000 Gecs. Arriving second in the setlist, fan favorite Stupid Horse drove the crowd into spiraling madness, with limbs, glasses and pocket paraphernalia flying in all manner of direction under the tracks hyper-ska beat. The already balladic gecgecgec was given an acoustic treatment, further highlighting the tracks innate sentimentality.

The 1000 Gecs hit parade saw a few intermittent snatches from the groups much-much-much-anticipated sophomore record, 10000 Gecs, worked into the setlist. These ranged from the explosive synthesizers of Hollywood Baby to the comical, almost novelty-esque clunk of Whats That Smell? Even in this live setting, the unreleased offerings signaled the further development of 100 Gecs into their niche (though often imitated) sound world. These hyperpop hysterics may have filtered out into hundreds of artists and scenes, but theres something novel in how Brady and Les imbue these admittedly silly sounds with a host of pathos and empathy.

Perhaps most rewarding about 100 Gecs set was the combined performative prowess showcased by Brady and Les. Save for the acoustic gecgecgec, the duo performed front-and-center to a backing track in full pop-diva bombast. The start of each track was punctured with a grunt of Lets get this shit! from Brady before the duo traipsed around the stage with equal measures of suaveness, awkward sarcasm and beatdown brutalism. Even in their apparent unease at the shows technical misfires, 100 Gecs made their stature clearthey own this music, and stand in full confidence over the uneasy 180s and mismatched layers of their songs.

Despite the lengthy mid-evening gap, Gecs were still able to deliver a full-feeling set that electrified their diverse fanbase. The olds ones sounded great, the new ones (perhaps) even betterall thats left to do is patiently await the 2022 release of 10000 Gecs and hope this isnt the last time this devious pair of wizards graces a Salt Lake City stage.

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100 Gecs @ The Depot 10.15 w/ Aaron Cartier SLUG Magazine - SLUG Magazine

Above & Beyond share Deep Mix of their most recent single ‘Almost Home’ – Rave Jungle

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

Above & Beyond share their Deep Mix of Almost Home, their most recent single and first joint effort in over four years with long-time collaborator Justine Suissa.

Almost Home was Above & Beyonds first club track of 2021, arriving just in time for their Group Therapy 450 milestone show at The Drumsheds London in early September. The trio premiered their deep mix of Almost Home in their warm-up set for Group Therapy 450, recorded in Hackney Canal, London. Group Therapy 450 was Above & Beyonds first headline show in over a year, with the band performing to 10,000 fans in person, plus tens of thousands more online. Both sets have been uploaded to YouTube, racking up nearly a million views in less than a month.

Jono, Tony, Paavo, and Justine have been working together since 2000 when they formed the group OceanLab. In 2008, they released their first and only album Sirens Of The Sea, a record that has gained near-mythical status among trance fans. More recently, Above & Beyond and Justine have collaborated on club hits like Alright Now, Cold Feet and Another Chance, and emotive, downtempo records like Little Something. In 2016, Justine joined Above & Beyond during their sell-out Acoustic II tour, which stopped at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall in London and The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

The Original Mix of Almost Home has been on frequent rotation across SiriusXM BPM and iHeart Evolution, and has been supported by the likes of The Chainsmokers, Armin van Buuren, and Oliver Heldens.

Almost Home (Above & Beyond Deep Mix) is out now on Anjunabeats. Above & Beyond embark on their Anjunafamily Reunion Tour this autumn, visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre for two sold-out shows, the world-famous Echostage in D.C, and more.

Listen to the tracks below.

Above & Beyond share Deep Mix of their most recent single 'Almost Home' - Rave Jungle

Canada’s race to net-zero and the role of renewable energy – National Observer

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

As the UN climate talks draw near, Canada has enormous work left to do to reach its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Collectively, Canadians have to cut overall greenhouse-gas emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions across the economy by 2050.

And whereas countries like the U.K. have dramatically slashed their emissions levels, Canada's one of the few nations where emissions keep skyrocketing, and where fossil fuel extraction keeps increasing every year despite our climate targets.

Our award-winning journalists bring you the news that impacts you, Canada, and the world. Don't miss out.

Given its track record, how will Canada achieve its goal of getting to net-zero by 2050?

In the upcoming online Conversations event on Thursday, 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET, host and Canada's National Observer deputy managing editor David McKie will discuss how renewable energy can put the country on track to hitting its targets with Clean Energy Canada executive director Merran Smith, Canadian Institute for Climate Choices senior economist Dale Beguin, and WaterPower Canada CEO Anne-Raphalle Audouin.

If we wanted to be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, Canada is one of the countries where this is actually possible, said Audouin.

She says for that to happen, it would take a slate of clean energy providers working together to fill the gaps, rather than competing for market dominance.

You couldn't power Canada just with wind and solar, even with batteries. That being said, renewables happen to work very well together she said. Hydropower already makes up more than 90 per cent of Canadas renewable generation and 60 per cent of the countrys total electricity needs are currently met thanks to this flexible, dispatchable, abundant source of baseload renewable electricity. It isnt a stretch of the imagination to envision hydropower and wind and solar working increasingly together to clean up our grid. In fact, hydropower already backs up and allows intermittent renewable energies like wind and solar onto the grid.

She noted that while hydropower alone won't be the solution, its long history and indisputable suite of attributes hydroelectricity has been in Canada since the 1890s will make it a key part of the clean energy transition required to replace coal, natural gas and oil, which still make up around 20 per cent of Canada's power sources.

Canada's vast access to water, wind, biomass, solar, geothermal, and ocean energy, and a federal government that has committed to climate goals, makes us well-positioned to lead the way to a net-zero future and eventually the electrification of our economy. So, what's holding the country back?

According to Clean Energy Canada, it's possible to grow the clean energy sector, but only if businesses invest massively in renewables and governments give guidance and oversight.

A recent modelling study from Clean Energy Canada and Navius Research exploring the energy picture here in Canada over the next decade shows our clean energy sector is expected to grow by about 50 per cent by 2030 to around 640,000 people. Already, the clean energy industry provides 430,500 jobs more than the entire real estate sector and that growth is expected to accelerate as our dependence on oil and gas decreases. In fact, clean energy jobs in Alberta are predicted to jump 164 per cent over the next decade.

Currently, provinces with the most hydropower generation are also the ones with the lowest electricity rates. Wind and solar are now on par, or even more competitive, than natural gas, and that could have big implications for other major sectors of the economy. Grocery giant Loblaws (which owns brands including President's Choice, Joe Fresh, and Asian grocery chain T&T) deployed its fleet of fully electric delivery trucks in recent years, and Hydro-Qubec just signed a $20-billion agreement to help power and decarbonize the state of New York over the next 25 years.

In The New Reality, Smith writes that many carbon-intensive industries, such as the mining sector, could also potentially benefit from the increased demand for certain natural resources like lithium and nickel as the world switches to electric vehicles and clean power.

Oil and gas may have dominated Canadas energy past, but its Canadas clean energy sector that will define its new reality, Smith emphasized.

Despite its vast potential to be one of the world's clean energy leaders, Canada has a long way to getting on the path to net zero. Even though the country is home to some of the world's leading cleantech companies, such as B.C.-based hydrogen fuel cell providers Ballard Power and Loop Energy and Nova Scotia-based carbon capture company CarbonCure, the country continues to expand fossil fuel extraction to the point that emissions are projected to jump to around 1,500 MtCO2 worth by 2030.

We still are a resource-based economy, and one of the largest emitting countries of greenhouse gases per capita in the world, Audouin said. Climate targets are one thing. But we now have the right environment, we have the right policies... Everybody's getting on board the climate bus. What we need now is strong action to propel renewables centre stage.

Join Canadas National Observer on Oct. 21 to discuss how Canada will get to net-zero emissions by 2050. Register here.

Canada's race to net-zero and the role of renewable energy - National Observer

Japan’s export growth slows; import costs weigh on recovery hopes – Reuters

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japans export growth weakened to its slowest in seven months in September, while a surge in imports added to worries that pandemic-led global supply chain snags could derail the countrys fragile economic recovery.

A laborer works in a container area at a port in Tokyo, Japan, March 16, 2016. REUTERS/Toru Hanai/Files

Exports are losing steam at a time when a weaker yen and a spike in oil prices have pushed up import costs, hurting resource-poor Japans terms of trade and potentially undermining Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas pledge to correct wealth gaps.

The trade data will be among factors the Bank of Japan will scrutinise when it releases fresh quarterly growth and inflation projections at its policy meeting later this month.

Exports rose 13.0% in September from a year earlier, Ministry of Finance data showed on Wednesday, compared with a median market forecast for an 11.0% rise, as car shipments tumbled 40.3%, the first drop in seven months.

While ahead of forecasts, export growth weakened from 26.2% in the previous month and was the slowest since February.

While the effect of auto production cuts will abate once supply bottlenecks are resolved, fundamental concerns for growth peak-outs in the United States and China are unchanged, said Kota Suzuki, economist at Daiwa Securities.

Exports will still be in the weak state for a while.

Shipments to China, Japans largest trading partner, rose 10.3% in September year-on-year, led by semiconductors and plastic materials, while car exports fell 71.9%.

U.S.-bound exports, another key destination for Japanese goods, fell 3.3% to mark the first decline in seven months, as demand for cars and airplanes weakened.

Imports, meanwhile, jumped 38.6% in the year to September, following the prior months 44.7% gain, driven by increased costs for oil, coal and medicines.

Imports have now risen for eight straight months, fuelling concerns that a recent yen weakening and surging oil prices are adding to the cost of living in Japan.

Rising import prices hurt the terms of trade for Japanese companies, said Ryosuke Katagi, market economist at Mizuho Securities. As consumer price inflation remains stagnant in Japan, companies cannot pass on the soaring costs to consumers, damaging corporate profits.

Japans trade balance swung into a deficit for a second straight month at 622.8 billion yen ($5.43 billion), with the yen-based cost of imports the highest since November 2018.

The data may add to worries among policymakers hoping for an export-led recovery, while rising import costs will stoke fears of stagflation, or a combination of rising inflation and stagnating growth.

Policymakers are under pressure to maintain Japans economic recovery from last years pandemic-induced doldrums, despite additional strains from a resurgence of the pandemic in other parts of Asia.

The worlds third-largest economy is expected to have expanded a meagre 0.8% in the third quarter, a Reuters poll showed, as parts shortages and supply constraints caused by Asian factory shutdowns disrupted automakers.

($1 = 114.6200 yen)

Reporting by Kantaro Komiya, Tetsushi Kajimoto; editing by Richard Pullin

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Japan's export growth slows; import costs weigh on recovery hopes - Reuters

How to check out of the Lonely Economy – Wednesday Journal

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

This week, while reporting on Connie Morelands Facebook group, Free To Good Home, I was struck by her personal motto.

Everything we need, we already have, she said.

The Facebook group allows members to give and take things (clothes, furniture, toys, trinkets, etc.) at absolutely no charge.

The groups ground rules are radically simple: Be kind and courteous, no bullying or hate speech, and no buying and selling. The rules comprise an ethic that is badly needed in our current consumptive society.

The world is too much with us, wrote the Romantic poet William Wordsworth in the early 1800s, as the Industrial Revolution was heating up in Europe. Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers; Little we see in Nature that is ours.

If that observation was acute then, its beyond cliche in our present age of Apple, Google, Netflix, Amazon and Facebook.

A few hundred years after the start of the Industrial Revolution, we are now living in a digital revolution thats powered by data. We havent moved beyond our dependence on fossil fuels, weve just discovered a new non-renewable resource to mine for profit: ourselves.

The philosopher Shoshana Zuboff describes our current moment of surveillance capitalism, which claims human experience as free raw material for translation into behavioral data.

Although some of these data are applied to produce or service improvement, the rest are declared as a proprietary behavioral surplus, fed into advanced manufacturing processes known as machine intelligence, and fabricated into prediction products that anticipate what you will do now, soon, and later, Zuboff writes.

This translates into that advertisement for Nike running shoes that mysteriously follows you around the web. Thinking about traveling? Where? Google already knows and is more than happy to deliver to you the answer that its algorithm has already predicted youll stumble on.

During your travels, you may notice aspects of what New York Times reporter Nelson D. Schwartz calls the Velvet Rope Economy. First-class flights. Luxury vehicles. Separate VIP sections on the cruise ship.

This isnt your great-grandparents conspicuous consumption, Schwartz writes. Whats new is how the manipulation of envy and status is being used to sell services, a much bigger market that includes everything from air travel and cruises to financial advice and entertainment.

And sometimes its not the service being sold that brings envy into play its how these services are delivered, whether that means a faster check-in line thats side by side with the slow lane at the airport or being called by name to board before everyone else.

Feeling lonely? Theres an app for that.

Its a sign of our times that today I can order companionship as easily as I can a cheeseburger with just a few taps on my phone, that what I call a Loneliness Economy has emerged to support and in some cases exploit those who feel alone, writes economist Noreena Hertz.

Even before the coronavirus triggered a social recession with its toxification of face-to-face contact, three in five U.S. adults considered themselves lonely, she writes. All over the world people are feeling lonely, disconnected, and alienated. We are in the midst of a global loneliness crisis. None of us, anywhere, is immune.

Whats more, the key elements of the Velvet Rope Economy that Schwartz describes and the Loneliness Economy that Hertz writes about are mutually reinforcing.

As the world becomes increasingly unequal, the lived social infrastructure becomes even more cruel and closed off to the have-nots, driving us further apart and exacerbating our collective loneliness.

For instance, Hertz observes elements of hostile architecture in cities across the world from separate entrances in apartment buildings for VIP residents to metal grates on the pavement outside shops from which spikes emerge at night (the latter is supposed to be a deterrent against those experiencing homelessness, as if human beings without means are akin to pesky bugs).

This hostile infrastructure, Hertz writes, has its roots in the broken windows policing of the 1980s, when everyday activities such as standing, waiting, sleeping (especially when committed by people of color) began to be criminalized as disorderly and antisocial.

Its worth noting that the 1980s is when the wealth and income divide were living with today gained its greatest momentum. Right now, the wind is at the backs of the rich.

If our society had $2 to share between the richest 0.1 percent and the bottom 90 percent, it would give $1 to the guy in the private jet and the other $1 to the other 900, or about enough to fill 20 city buses, writes the historian Matthew Stewart. Back in the 1960s, by contrast, the people on the buses shared $4 for every $1 among the sky people.

In between the 0.1 percent and the 90 percent, there is a collection of percentiles that has held on to its share of the growing economy, Stewart explains. It has pulled away from the 90 percent, even as it has fallen far behind the 0.1 percent. Taken on the whole, the 9.9 percent is the richest segment of the distribution and controls more than half of the personal wealth in the nation.

In other words, over time this country has cannibalized its citizenry and the cannibalization is accelerating every year, with more and more people falling out of the middle class as more and more billions accrue to fewer and fewer people at the top. And with the increasing stratification comes yet more brutality that is become harder and harder to conceal behind elegant facades.

The irony is that this country and many parts of the world have never been wealthier. The late philosopher Ivan Illich described this paradox back in the 1970s with the term modernized poverty, which appears when the intensity of market dependence reaches a certain threshold.

Subjectively, it is the experience of frustrating affluence which occurs in persons mutilated by their overwhelming reliance on the riches of industrial productivity, Illich wrote. Simply, it deprives those affected by it of their freedom and power to act autonomously, to live creatively; it confines them to survival through being plugged into market relations.

I believe more and more people are starting to sense what Illich articulated decades ago. This impulse to check out of our impoverishing dependence on market relations is what drives Facebook groups like Morelands Free To Good Home.

And there are other autonomous, community-building projects and initiatives that have been spreading across Oak Park and the surrounding suburbs from Anthony Clarks and Suburban Unity Alliances Community Fridge to Little Free Library installations to Oak Park Mutual Aid.

These projects are radically simple and theyre premised on meeting peoples physical, social and emotional needs, rather than servicing their desires or manufacturing envy.

For the most part, they arent means tested. They dont require anyone to prove their worth as a condition for satisfying a basic need (i.e., you dont have to fill out an application of eligibility to reach into the Community Fridge and get food). This kind of means testing only feeds into the social stratification that is tearing us apart from each other.

Critically, they also occur in the physical world, not exclusively online. As Moreland told me, she has a vision to see her group grow beyond Facebook (where its subject to the platforms surveillance). Thats why she hosted a free flea market in Rehm Park last month. She understands the importance of old-fashioned face-to-face connection.

These projects are some of the most powerful antidotes to the cruelty and brutality that runaway inequality only exacerbates. They engender empathy and fairness and kindness and joy. They are, in the words of Illich, convivial.

The next step is to transform this localized convivial energy into something more large-scale, systematic and sustained. As Illich writes:

New, convivial politics are based on the insight that in a modern society, both wealth and jobs can be equitably shared and enjoyed in liberty only when both are limited by a political process.

Convivial politics. I like it. Lets make the practice go viral.

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

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How to check out of the Lonely Economy - Wednesday Journal

Phunware Acquires This Innovative High-Performance Computer Company – Yahoo Finance

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

Photo by Artiom Vallat on Unsplash

The following post was written and/or published as a collaboration between Benzingas in-house sponsored content team and a financial partner of Benzinga.

Phunware Inc. (NASDAQ: PHUN) announced that it has acquired privately-held Lyte Technology Inc., a fast-growing provider of high-performance computer systems, and financed the closing consideration of $3.32 million with cash-on-hand and unsecured, non-dilutive debt. The Company also expects to report net revenues exceeding $5 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 in newly issued revenue guidance.

Founded in 2018, Lyte is a profitable, rapidly growing system integrator that specializes in marketing and distributing custom, high-end computer systems off-the-shelf with advanced graphic processing units for gaming, streaming, and cryptocurrency mining. Currently located in Illinois, Lyte employs more than 25 people and ships thousands of computer systems per quarter to a unique customer network that has largely grown through word of mouth. The company prides itself on delivering the highest quality machines to its customers using high-end components from manufacturers such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC), and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD).

Lyte enables Phunware to enter the high-performance personal computer market. The HPC market is worth $32 billion and is expected to grow at a 20.4% CAGR over the next 5 years, according to an estimate from JPR. Lytes customers represent gamers, developers, content creators, and crypto enthusiasts who will support the adoption, scale, and infrastructure required for Phunware to deploy its decentralized data economy powered by PhunCoin and PhunToken.

Pre-acquisition, Q3 organic net revenues are expected to exceed 50% quarter-over-quarter growth sequentially when formally announced in mid-November, so this accretive inorganic acquisition puts us in a great position to not only continue that organic momentum in Q4, but also leverage a brand new, strategic distribution network for our recently announced blockchain initiatives, said Alan Knitowski, president, CEO, and co-founder of Phunware. Software exists at the pleasure of hardware, so much like Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) invested in the resources necessary to deliver a global on-demand economy, Phunware is investing in the resources necessary to deliver a global decentralized data economy.

Story continues

Since inception, our demand has always outpaced our supply, so I am excited to better resource and scale Lyte within an innovative public company that has a strategic focus on decentralizing data, said Caleb Borgstrom, Founder, and CEO of Lyte Technology. I expect Lyte to materially contribute to Phunwares operational and financial success rolling forward, while delivering a worldwide distributed network of high-performance computing platforms to serve as decentralized oracles, validators, and nodes that efficiently bridge the gap between external data on the existing web and blockchain-based applications on mobile.

With this move, Phunware moves closer to empowering consumers by giving them ownership of their data. The companys blockchain ecosystem which is managed by PhunWallet on Apple iOS and Google Android, will allow people to monetize the data companies collect on them and decide when and to whom they sell it.

The preceding post was written and/or published as a collaboration between Benzingas in-house sponsored content team and a financial partner of Benzinga. Although the piece is not and should not be construed as editorial content, the sponsored content team works to ensure that any and all information contained within is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and research. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.

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GMCCI receives a Central Standards grant from Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support the Return to Better initiative focused on growing…

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

MUSCATINE, IowaThe Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) was recently awarded a 3-year $200,000 grant to the Muscatine Chamber Foundation to help further support for the launch of the Return to Better framework for entrepreneurial ecosystem building; using a tangible set of tools & resources created to seed, build, and grow entrepreneurs and small businesses from all walks of life in Muscatine. This balanced approach to nurturing entrepreneurs through multiple phases of their growth connects capital, education, and resources for measurable social and economic impact across the entire community.

If were going to build the Heartland that includes all communities and voices, we need to start with focusing on growing an inclusive economy that centers entrepreneurship and innovation. As difficult as that work will be, it will be made even more difficult if we try to do it alone and disconnected. Central Standards grantees are partnering and collaborating to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Heartland while also connecting the region to the most innovative practices from across the country.

Chris Harris, senior program officer in Entrepreneurship at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

The Return to Better initiative, initially launched in May, in partnership with the Return to Better Institute and Institute for Work and the Economy, will ultimately provide a sustainable foundation for entrepreneurs to thrive while similarly creating opportunities for established corporations and institutions to support new idea economy relevant clusters and opportunities.

In order to spread awareness of the Return to Better initiative, GMCCI is excited to announce two upcoming events that are open to the public:

Muscatine Open Coffee Club (MOCC) Held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 8-9 a.m. at rotating locations, MOCC gives entrepreneurs, resource providers, and local leaders an opportunity to connect and share meaningful conversation around the journey of entrepreneurship and its highs and lows. Next session: Thursday, Oct. 21st at 8 a. m. at Rivers Edge Gallery (free coffee and pastries provided)

Business Model Canvas 101 Coming in quarter four, the Business Model Canvas 101 session will introduce entrepreneurs to a useful tool that is often used as a first step in business creation, well before a detailed business plan is needed. More details to be announced soon!

Erik Reader, President and CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed his excitement about this grant award with the following statement:

Were excited to have our efforts noticed and rewarded with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Entrepreneurship and innovation is nothing new to Muscatine, but this funding and technical assistance will help solidify our approach in providing services to the community.

About Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to increase opportunities that allow all people to learn, to take risks, and to own their success.The Kauffman Foundation is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and uses its $2 billion in assets to collaboratively help people be self-sufficient, productive citizens.For more information, visitwww.kauffman.organd connect with us atwww.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and http://www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn.

About GMCCI: The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) is a catalyst for advancing our regions economy, improving our quality of life, and enhancing our members success. Founded in 1944, we are involved in an aggressive program of work designed to create a prosperous economic and business climate throughout Muscatine County. Both today and in the future, we strive to provide value, meet our members needs, be innovative and offer a wide range of professional and business development programs for enterprises of all sizes.

About Return to Better Institute: The Return to Better Institute is an accomplished group of entrepreneurs, educators, ecosystem builders, and economic development professionals that have created a sustainable framework to help communities build and grow support for entrepreneurship and new business creation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Institute for Work and the Economy: The Institute for Work and the Economy (IWE) is an independent, non-partisan, 501(C)(3) not-for-profit public policy collaborative. IWEs mission is to support workers and their families in their quest to achieve the promise and security of work. We do this by: advancing equitable policies and practices that lead to successful, family-sustaining, and satisfying careers; fostering the development and growth of innovative enterprises and entrepreneurship; advancing the interests of small and medium enterprises within the context of larger national and global economic forces; incorporating inclusive and equitable community benefits in all of our work; and by respecting and honoring the agency of all stakeholders regardless of their status. The Institute operates under the direction of an independent and diverse board of directors with deep experience in the U.S. and abroad.

NOTIFICATION:This content has been provided via press release or other notification systems to Discover Muscatine. It is being re-published as a resource for the Muscatine community and has not been vetted or edited by our staff. All questions regarding this content should be directed to the contributor.

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GMCCI receives a Central Standards grant from Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support the Return to Better initiative focused on growing...

2021 Global Talent Competitiveness Index: Fostering green and digital jobs and skills crucial for talent competitiveness in times of COVID-19 – WIBW

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

FONTAINEBLEAU, France andSINGAPORE andSAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2021 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)report shows Switzerland, Singapore and the United States continue their strong lead in talent competitiveness.

Published by INSEAD and the Portulans Institute, this year's rankings see European countries dominating the top positions with 17 of them in the top 25. One notable mention is France (19th), which enters the Top 20 this year with its highest position ever.

Outstanding non-European countries that make it into the top 25 are Australia (11th), Canada (13th), New Zealand (15th), Japan (20th), Israel (21st), and the United Arab Emirates (25th). 'Latin America and the Caribbean' region is for the first time represented in the top quartile by Chile (33rd), and China (37th) breaks into the top 40, its highest position ever.

The report finds that:

The accelerated adoption of collaborative tools have redefined the way in which individuals and teams could bring value to private businesses and public entities. Companies has redefined how they work. In that process, many opportunities have been offered to countries and cities to experiment with novel ways of attracting talent (e.g. digital nomads).

The international mobility of talents has been redefined by the pandemic. For employees, new parameters emerged about when, where and for whom to work: as online tools opened new doors to better work-life balance and to 'working from anywhere', new inequalities surfaced between those who could contribute online, and those who had to be physically present at the workplace.

Governments are called to re-take centre stage, both by injecting financial resources to prevent a massive collapse of businesses and employment, and by designing specific legal and regulatory measures to protect their populations' health and social cohesion. Fortunately, most public entities around the world reacted with rapidity and force. This allowed many companies to stay afloat financially, and to stay the course towards their strategic objectives, including in the talent area. The relatively rapid fashion in which major economies resumed growth is now even creating some employment scarcity in key sectors and activities.

Economies that cannot accelerate their digital transformation may quickly be left behind. The rapid increase of 'digital divides' however, is only one part of growing inequalities at the international level. Another finding of concern is the increasing divergence between rich and poor economies. The World Bank indicates that poverty has increased worldwide during the pandemic and that an additional 125 million people live with less than US$1.90 per day. UN data suggests that globally, jobs held by women are generally more threatened by COVID-related adjustments (including lay-offs) than the ones held by men. If these developments are not contained and swiftly reversed, they could further widen gaps in economic well-being as well as in equality, diversity and inclusion efforts that has made progression in recent years.

In the 'new normal', inequalities may also grow among workers due to a likely 'K-shaped recovery', where workers employable in 'recovery sectors' such as technology, retail of software services would find more employment opportunities than those locked in other (often distressed) activities such as travel or entertainment. Innovation and agility can play a critical role in 'redressing the lower branch of the K'.

Immense challenges loom ahead: preventing a growth of inequalities (and a resumption of poverty), offering enough opportunities for a massive upskilling and re-skilling of the work force, and maintaining social cohesion will not be among the easiest task of the coming years, and possibly decades.

China and Russia join the GTCI league of 'talent champions' (they were both among GTCI's 'talent movers' last year). For the first time, a country from the Latin America and the Caribbean regin (Chile) appears in the top quartile of the rankings. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates remains the strongest talent champion, and offers innovative ways to attract and retain talents.

The eighth edition of the report titled, 'Talent Competitiveness in Times of COVID',explores lessons learned during the pandemic, and offers insights into how governments, organisations, businesses and individuals can move forward. Managing talent is now a mainstream concern and talent performance seen as a critical factor to growth and prosperity.

Felipe Monteiro, Academic Director of the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) and INSEAD Senior Affiliate Professor of Strategy, states: "It is now time to 'think post-pandemic'. Jobs linked to digital transformation and the greening of most sectors (finance, energy to transport, manufacturing and agriculture) will be in high demand across geographies." He adds, "Top-ranked Switzerland and Singapore are speeding up transitions to a sustainable, future-proof economy. Switzerland is strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable finance and Singapore is forging ahead with its ambitious "Green Plan 2030" and making headways in digital trade and green economy cooperation with China. These forward-looking nations are taking steps to build robust economies and societies."

Long term trends and analysis

In its third year of providing longitudinal analysis, GTCI data suggests that the gap between the most talent-competitive countries and the rest is widening. The policy implication is clear: stakeholders should take steps to ensure that the underlying dimensions of talent competitiveness are strengthened, especially for countries and those segments of the population already under pressure.

Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2021 Top 20 Ranking

As in previous years, higher rankings are associated with higher income levels. Policies and practices that bring about talent competitiveness in more developed countries are less susceptible to political and socioeconomic fluctuations and these countries have the stability to invest in lifelong learning, reinforcing skills, and attracting and retaining global talent.

Rank

Country

Rank

Country

Switzerland

Australia

Singapore

United Kingdom

United States of America

Canada

Denmark

Germany

Sweden

New Zealand

Netherlands

Ireland

Finland

Belgium

Luxembourg

Austria

Norway

France

Iceland

Japan

Global City Talent Competitiveness Index (GCTCI)2021 Top 10 Ranking

Megalopolisesare back on the talent sceneas large cities (due mainly to their higher level of resources) adapted better to COVID-relatedchallenges, which partly explain why they generally rank better in GCTCI than last year.

Top cities this year continue to be dominated by the US and Europe with San Francisco taking the top spot. Two other US cities,Boston and Seattle,make it into the top 10;while the remaining 7 are located in Europe (Geneva, Zurich, Luxembourg, Dublin, London, and Helsinki). Singapore is the only Asian city listed in the top 10.

Rank

City

Rank

City

San Francisco (United States)

Dublin (Ireland)

Geneva (Switzerland)

Singapore (Singapore)

Boston (United States)

Seattle (United States)

Zurich (Switzerland)

London (United Kingdom)

Luxembourg (Luxembourg)

Helsinki (Finland)

Bruno Lanvin, Distinguished Fellow at INSEAD and co-editor of the report, comments:"Altogether, cities around the world proved agile and imaginative in mobilising available talents to identify and implement solutions to unprecedented and complex situations." He adds that, "Cities with distinctive features for future readiness tend to dominate the rankings. Capabilities in AI or advanced technologies (including fintech, healthtech and medtech) clearly favour the talent performance of cities such as San Francisco, Boston, and Singapore, and to a lesser but still significant extent that of Luxembourg, Geneva, Dublin, and Zurich."

For more information:Download the full reportFollow us on Twitter #GTCI for updatesRegister and join the live launch event hereat 13:00 CET, 19 October 2021.

About Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)

The GTCI report is published annually by INSEAD, the Business School for the World, in partnership with Portulans Institute. The report is a comprehensive annual benchmarking report that measures how countries and cities grow, attract and retain talent. It provides a unique resource for decision makers to understand the global talent competitiveness picture and develop strategies for to boost their competitiveness. The 2021 report covers 134 countries and 155 cities from 75 economies around the world across all groups of income and levels of development.

About Portulans Institute

Founded in 2019,the Portulans Institute (PI) is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington DC.Portulans(or portolans) are ancient nautical maps, first made in the 13th century in the Mediterranean basin and later expanded to include other regions. The word portolan comes from the Italian portulano, meaning "related to ports or harbors", and which since at least the 17th century designates "a collection of sailing directions". In these maps, only a few harbors were visible, and much of the coastlines were hypothetical.This is how we see our mission: in an uncertain world, much is yet to be explored, and many opportunities have yet to be identified. Like the navigators of the 16th century, modern leaders have to make decisions on the basis of imperfect information and incomplete maps.The Portulans Institute aims at providing them with the best available data and analyses, and the directions that they need. This is why our logo combines a compass, and pi, which is not only a powerful number found in geometry, algebra, physics and arts, but also an infinite series of digits, with no pre-written rule telling us what the next one might be. More information about PI can be found athttps://portulansinstitute.org/

About INSEAD, The Business School for the World

As one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society. Our research, teaching and partnerships reflect this global perspective and cultural diversity.

With locations inEurope(France),Asia(Singapore), theMiddle East(Abu Dhabi), and nowNorth America(San Francisco), INSEAD's business education and research spans four regions. Our 168renownedFacultymembers from 41 countries inspire more than 1,100 degree participants annually in ourMaster in Management,MBA,Global Executive MBA, Specialised Master's degrees (Executive Master in FinanceandExecutive Master in Change) andPhDprogrammes. In addition, more than 12,400 executives participate in INSEADExecutive Educationprogrammes each year.

INSEAD continues to conduct cutting-edge research and innovate across all our programmes. We provide business leaders with the knowledge and awareness to operate anywhere. Our core values drive academic excellence and serve the global community as The Business School for the World.

More information about INSEAD can be found at http://www.insead.edu.

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2021 Global Talent Competitiveness Index: Fostering green and digital jobs and skills crucial for talent competitiveness in times of COVID-19 - WIBW

Environmental Policy Integration with the Existing Arctic Strategies – The Arctic Institute

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

Metal scrap on Wrangel Island, an island of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in the Russian Arctic. Ekaterina Uryupova

Due to climate change and high political interest, the importance of the Arctic region is growing. The Arctic has become a matter of higher political interest, not only with a focus on resource development for Arctic states but also the non-Arctic countries. The economic opportunities arising from an increasingly ice-free region and prevention of environmental degradation are on the opposite sides for the countries involved in activities in the North. Nowadays the Arctic is viewed as the accelerating region for climate change and its consequences for the Earth system. The eight Arctic states represent one-fifth of global emissions,1)WWF (2021). Retrieved on 1st August, 2021 from https://arcticwwf.org/newsroom/stories/arctic-countries-need-to-lead-the-cut-of-co2/ thus their governments need to take an interest in ways in which the policy process on reducing emissions, especially the implementation phase of it (a series of activities undertaken by governments to achieve the objectives articulated in specific laws and policies), can be strengthened and supported.

How have different countries positioned themselves towards integrated environmental concerns with their Arctic policies? In view of a possible future acceleration of global warming, the Arctic states and non-Arctic countries (for instance, China and India) and the EU as an independent entity, have taken environmental concerns into account in their current Arctic policy documents and activities. What are the environmental priorities delineated in the national Arctic strategies?

Over the past few decades, our planet has changed a lot. We can witness how the Arctic is transforming into a warmer, wetter, and less predictable destination. And nowadays we hear more voices addressing the needs of the nations to mitigate and adapt to climate change in the Arctic and protect its fragile environment. These efforts are reflected in national policies for the Arctic with focus on greenhouse gas emissions, climate pollutants (including methane, black carbon, etc.), research, adaptation and mitigation, and international cooperation.

The national Arctic strategies share similarities regarding topics and issues, however they still represent different political visions. Sustainable resource management and environmental protection in the Arctic are mentioned in emerging Arctic policies. With Indigenous populations resistance, awareness has been elevated by the uniqueness of nature, remoteness and pristine wilderness of the Arctic. Honestly, varying degrees of the importance of environmental protection in the region is reflected in the national strategies of different countries. Hereby, they are positioning themselves in view of a possible future acceleration of the attention to an increasingly ice-free Arctic.

Being a northern nation and having representatives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities living well above the Arctic Circle, Canada still has some gaps in its Arctic policy framework. The Pan-Territorial Vision for Sustainable Development,2)Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Canada (2017). Retrieved on 11 July, 2021 from https://www.gov.nu.ca/executive-and-intergovernmental-affairs/information/arctic-and-northern-policy-framework-pan released by the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Canadas eastern Arctic territory of Nunavut in August 2017, played an important role for resource development, economic diversification, improved infrastructure and innovation in building strong territorial economies in the region. The 2019 launch of Canadas Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF)3)Canadas Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (2019). Government of Canada. Retrieved on 02 September, 2021 from https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1560523306861/1560523330587 seemed to be a significant shift from the previous basic vision of the region towards a complex approach with contribution provided by the federal government, Indigenous peoples, Inuit, First Nations and Mtis, 6 territorial and provincial governments (Yukon, Nunavut, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba). A new framework is to provide overarching direction to the Government of Canadas priorities, activities and investments in the Arctic, with a horizon of 2030. A cooperative form of policy making suggests the following priorities in the region: support science, knowledge and research that is meaningful for communities and for decision-making, face the effects of climate change and support healthy ecosystems in the Arctic and North.

Strength: Indigenous peoples are involved in a cooperative form of policy making, priority is given to theArctic science. The lack of sufficient air and maritime port facilities limits the size and duration of military operations in the Canadian North this is definitely less stressful for the environment.

Weakness: The federal government is having a poor track record of environmental monitoring, i.e. slashing the budget for environmental monitoring in the oil sands in the North.4)Desmarais A. (2020). Indigenous leaders losing faith in environmental protection amid oil sands monitoring budget cuts. CBC News from 05th August 2020. Retrieved on 4th September, 2021 from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/alberta-nwt-chiefs-losing-faith-environment-monitoring-1.5674446

The 2020 Russias strategy for the development of the Arctic Zone5)Executive order No. 645, the Russian Federation from 26th October, 2020 (2020). A Strategy of development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and a national security plan through 2035. Retrieved on 1st September, 2021 from http://kremlin.ru/acts/bank/45972/page/2 puts economic development regarding transportation and extractive industries at its core, however attaching larger importance to the environment than it had in its previous policy document. The new white paper will cover a period of 15 years, through 2035. It includes the following approaches: development and implementation of the governmental program to support traditional Indigenous knowledge, further geological and oceanographic research exploration of the Arctic zone, extended support to the fisheries sector, reforestation and wild fire prevention, development of the complex plan for international scientific activities and climate change research, achievement of long-term conservation of nature (protected areas), climate change mitigation projects, development of a framework for the design of ecological monitoring and effective waste management, and others. In comparison to the previous Russian Arctic strategies, the recent policy document emerges as a profoundly changed development plan for the region. In March 2021, Russias government approved an additional state program on social-economic development of the Arctic zone through 2024, and its objectives include a support of traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples in the North and protection of the environment of territories inhabited by Indigenous groups.6)Executive order No. 484, the Russian Federation from 30th March 2021 (2021). An approval of the state programme on social-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Retrieved on 6th July, 2021 from https://portnews.ru/upload/basefiles/2426_pGpochsppchrpopgchrpapmpmpa%20chrpapzpvpichtpichja%20pAchrpkchtpipkpi.pdf Additionally, Russia will seek to become carbon neutral by 2060, as the country might finally take steps to start moving its economy away from fossil fuels.7)Fedorinova Yu. (2021). Putin says Russia will target carbon neutrality by 2060. Bloomberg, 13th October 2021. Retrieved on 13th October, 2021 from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-13/putin-says-russia-will-target-carbon-neutrality-by-2060

Strength: Major focus on the Arctic region in general countrys development plans, massive investments to the region, restructuring of the fisheries sector, installation of satellite monitoring of the Arctic region.

Weakness: Priority given to industries and the military rather than to the needs of the Arctic population and local issues, for instance, there is still a lot of unattended scrap metal, which remains in the Russian Arctic zone.8)Stambler M. (2021). Polar clean ups: fighting pollution in the Russian Arctic. Russia Beyond from March 10, 2021. Retrieved on 28th August, 2021 from https://www.rbth.com/science-and-tech/333504-polar-arctic-clean-ups-pollution

The Norwegian Governments Arctic Policy9)Meld. St. 9, 20202021 (2020). Retrieved on 30th August, 2021 from https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/meld.-st.-9-20202021/id2787429/ is focused on national security, stability and international cooperation. When it comes to climate change and the environment in the Arctic, Norway recalls the Paris Agreement: reduced rates of greenhouse gas emissions seem to be a focal point of this policy document. For example, Norway targets to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 % by 2030. The achievement of this target is possible in cooperation with the EU. Another goal for Norway is to become a low-emission society by 2050, with overall gas emissions reduced by 90-95%. Norway has already implemented a number of measures to reduce its own black carbon emissions, but the country is actively working with other Arctic states on this issue. Also, the new Arctic policy document is focused on oceans, dramatic change of biodiversity, and pollution in the Arctic. Development of a framework for integrated environmental management plans for Norway is included in this new approach.

Strength: Oslos approach to conserving its Arctic areas can be easily named as the greenest one in Europe.

Weakness: There are several gaps in the environmental regime relevant for mining, such as the reliance on local authorities, unclear division of competence between authorities, and the devolution of power to public authorities without clear duties. Also, Norway opens the Arctic to more oil drilling and announces Arctic licensing awards.10)Adomaitis N. (2020). Norways supreme court verdict opens the Arctic to more oil drilling. Reuters from December 22, 2020. Retrieved on 6th September, 2021 from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-norway-oil-environment-idUSKBN28W104

An updated strategy for the Arctic region, Strategi fr den arktiska regionen was released by the Swedish Government in September 2020.11)Swedens strategy for the Arctic region (2020). Retrieved on 7th July, 2021 from https://www.government.se/information-material/2020/11/swedens-strategy-for-the-arctic-region-2020/ Climate and the environment, polar research and environmental protection, sustainable economic development are among the priorities for the government plans. Here, Arctic research is explicitly discussed, and thus tied, with environmental protection, and biodiversity is highlighted in their updated policy document. Among the countrys top priorities are international cooperation and security issues. Similar to the previous document (2011), Stockholms Arctic strategy still pays a lot of attention to the impacts of climate change in the region, but the environmental issues are not the only focus.

Strength: Strong support of the Indigenous peoples culture and traditions, extensive work within the European Union to implement measures to substantially reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases.

Weakness: The available environmental observation system in Sweden is only weakly linked to the monitoring of strategic initiative effects due to analytical, organizational and institutional barriers.12)Balfors B. & Schmidtbauer J. (2002). Swedish Guidelines for Strategic Environmental Assessment for EU Structural Funds. European Environment. 12. 35 48. 10.1002/eet.274; Bodin ., Garca M.M.,1 & Robins G. (2020). Reconciling Conflict and Cooperation in Environmental Governance: A Social Network Perspective. Annual Review of Environment and Resources 2020 45:1, 471-495. Retrieved on 6th September, 2021 from https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-environ-011020-064352 The existing Arctic strategy is attaching a high level of strategic importance to Swedens Arctic region, and paying more attention to national security rather than mitigating the negative effects of climate change.

Finlands strategy for the Arctic region was adopted as a Government Resolution on 17 June, 2021.13)The Government of Finland (2021). Finlands Strategy for Arctic Policy. Retrieved on 20th June, 2021 from https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/163247 It extends until 2030. According to the released document, all activities in the Arctic must be based on the carrying capacity of the natural environment, the protection of the climate, sustainable development principles and respect for the rights of indigenous populations. The focus of the new strategy is on climate change, mitigation and adaptation. The use of new fossil reserves is considered to be incompatible with the countrys environmental objectives, and pretty risky not only for Finland, but for the global community. To strengthen the environmental policy action in Finland, a new Climate Policy Round Table has also been convened. The work on a Roadmap for Fossil-free Transport was completed in autumn 2020, and sector-specific roadmaps for low carbon emissions were published in summer 2020.

Strength: Special attention to climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental cooperation and respect for the interests of indigenous populations.

Weakness: Although the Arctic whitepaper contemplates sustainable mining by means of new technologies and digitalisation, mining remains one of the most conflicting issues in Finland. Both the value of the industry for the country and the weak enforcement of the law have raised public concerns about environmental problems in the region.14)Salonen S.-M. (2021). Inari municipality is hoping for a stronger control over mining questions after 3,000 sq kilometres reserved by Swedish companies. The Barents Observer, August 23, 2021. Retrieved on 10th September, 2021 from https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/arctic-mining/2021/08/inari-municipality-hoping-stronger-control-over-mining-questions-after-3000-sq; Poelzer, G., Linde, S., Jagers, S.C., Matti S. (2021). Digging in the dark: reviewing international literature to address impending policy challenges for Swedish and Finnish mining. Mineral Economics 34, 225238. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13563-021-00255-6

The international policy of Iceland is supported by two key documents the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the principle of sustainable development, released at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Additionally, Iceland is the only Arctic State that does not have an Indigenous population. Its Arctic territory is limited to Grimsey Island in the north, but the country has become embedded in global institutions focused on the Arctic issues. Icelands policy in the Arctic issues is anchored in a parliamentary resolution which outlines priority areas, among them climate change, sustainable use of natural resources, and the rights of Indigenous peoples (collaboration with Greenland). The concept of a sustainable Arctic was a pillar of Icelands Chairmanship in the Arctic Council in 2019-2021, along with protection of the north polar marine environment, supporting the Arctic research, and green energy alternatives.

Strength: Iceland is very conscious about its position in the Arctic and uses its geographical position to promote itself as an Arctic coastal state, also in the area of environmental policy.

Weakness: The country has strong interest in fisheries, and Iceland has been involved in a number of fisheries disputes quota wars resulted in failure to reach agreement on marine resource management in the region.15)sthagen A. Fisheries disputes: The real potential for Arctic conflict. The Arctic Institute, June 3, 2021. Retrieved on 5th July, 2021 from https://www.thearcticinstitute.org/fisheries-disputes-real-potential-arctic-conflict/

Both the American Ministry of Defense and the American Coast Guard launched their Arctic strategies in 2019, followed by their own document released by the American Air Force and the American Navy in 2020. Surely, in all the policy documents the focus is on U.S. interests and national security. A rapidly melting Arctic is seen as an arena of confrontation, thus the region is discussed as a place imposing specific requirements for operating and sustaining force capabilities in the region. The Trump administration advanced a rollback of environmental regulations in favor of fossil fuel producers in Alaska. However, recently some strides have been made toward a climate action the United States has become a member of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, which discusses climate and economic policy priorities in the Arctic are discussed.16)The Ministry of Finance, Finland. Press release (2021). Meeting of the Climate Action Coalition chaired by Minister of Finance Vanhanen as cooperation was joined by the United States, Japan and South Korea. Retrieved on 8th July, 2021 from https://vm.fi/en/-/meeting-of-climate-action-coalition-chaired-by-minister-of-finance-vanhanen-as-cooperation-was-joined-by-united-states-japan-and-south-korea In Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis, Section 4, of January 20, 2021 particular emphasis is on the Arctic Refuge this document places a temporary moratorium on all activities of the Federal Government relating to the implementation of the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program.17)Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis (2021). Presidential actions. January 20, 2021. Retrieved on 01 September, 2021 from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-protecting-public-health-and-environment-and-restoring-science-to-tackle-climate-crisis/

Strength: New government plans to fight climate change incorporating environmental concerns into a wide range of policies.

Weakness: Still vague environmental standards to protect fish, game, wildlife, water, and habitats in Alaska.18)Alaskas environmental standards arent stringent. Juneau Empire, 23rd June, 2020. Retrieved on 12th September, 2021 from https://www.juneauempire.com/opinion/alaskas-environmental-standards-arent-stringent/; Sohns A., Ford J.D., Adamovski J., Robinson B.E. (2021). Participatory Modeling of Water Vulnerability in Remote Alaskan Households Using Causal Loop Diagrams. Environmental Management 67, 2642 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-020-01387-1

The 2016 EU policy19)The EU Arctic Policy from 26th April, 2016 (2016). Retrieved on 7th July, 2021 from https://eeas.europa.eu/arctic-policy/eu-arctic-policy_en for the Arctic included three main objectives with focus on sustainable development to a wide extent and international cooperation between the states, Indigenous communities and other parties. According to the 2021 strategy20)European Commision (2021). A stronger EU engagement for a greener, peaceful, and prosperous Arctic. Retrieved on 14th October, 2021 from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_5214, the EU will seek a ban on exploiting new fossil fuel deposits in the Arctic to protect a region severely affected by climate change. Here is also a reference to the Svalbard Treaty and its interpretation with the EUs exclusive competence for conservation of marine biological resources. The European Green Deal (since 2019)21)European Commision (2019). A European Green Deal. Retrieved on 14th October, 2021 from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en and the Horizon Europe Programme (2021-2027)22)European Commision (2021). Horizon Europe. Retrieved on 14th October, 2021 from https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en are supposed to help tackle climate change and overcome environmental challenges by using innovative green, blue, and digital technologies.

Strength: The policy document is focused on nature conservation and local climate adaptation, also a broader climate policy and the regulation of the EUs energy market basically, the EU will act in view of climate change, raw materials as well as geostrategic influence.

Weakness: The 2021 EU Arctic policy document encompasses too many issues, sectors and stakeholders. The ban on tapping new oil, coal and gas deposits should prevent possible tensions over resources, but it has already drawn a disfavour from oil and gas producers as Norway.23)Brzozovski A. Norways new government unimpressed with EUs Arctic drilling pledge. Retrieved on 14th October, 2021 from https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/short_news/norways-new-government-unimpressed-with-eus-arctic-drilling-pledge/

Beijing is showing greater interest in the region, and the northern states are targets of intensifying the red economic power. President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative24)Belt and Road Initiative (2013). Retrieved on 13th September, 2021 from https://www.beltroad-initiative.com/info/ includes the Arctic region in the state campaign aimed at increasing trading opportunities. Also, the State Council Information Office of China released its Arctic white paper Chinas Arctic Policy on January 26th, 2018.25)Chinas Arctic Policy (2018). Retrieved on 28th August, 2021 from http://english.www.gov.cn/archive/white_paper/2018/01/26/content_281476026660336.htm The white paper states that China is committed to the multilateral institutional arrangements for Arctic governance currently in place and to the existing legal framework, including the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), treaties on climate change and the environment. Chinas participation in Arctic liquified natural gas (LNG) projects is a part of its effort to replace coal and oil with natural gas, a less environmentally harmful fossil fuel. However, the focus in the policy document is clearly set on the exploitation of the Arctics natural resources rather than on environmental protection.

Strength: Arctic scientific research and environment protection are placed in an important position.

Weakness: The current Chinas framework for the Arctic is driven by their desire to protect the unique environment of the North but conflicted with the economically focused concepts.

The Kingdom of Denmarks current Strategy for the Arctic expired at the end of 2020. Work on a new strategy has been significantly slowed down by the covid pandemic, and Greenland intends to work on its own Arctic whitepaper.26)Quinn E. (2021). Greenlands more prominent role on the Arctic Council is an important signal to the international community. Eye on the Arctic, June 18, 2021. Retrieved on 12th September, 2021 from https://www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-arctic/2021/06/18/greenlands-more-prominent-role-on-arctic-council-important-signal-to-intl-community-says-foreign-minister/

Tackling the climate crisis and national security goals are important for every single country. However, not that much has been said publicly about the friction between environmental parts of the policy documents and national security prospects here is the conflict of interests! When it comes to militarization of the region (regardless of nation), environmental goals immediately recede to the background: and this is one of the reasons why military exercises are increasing in the High North.27)Depledge, D. (2020). Train Where You Expect to Fight: Why Military Exercises Have Increased in the High North. Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies, 3(1), pp.288301. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31374/sjms.64; Shouker P. (2020). Russias Strategy of Reconquering the Arctic. The National Interest, May 8, 2020. Retrieved on 5th August, 2021 from https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russia%E2%80%99s-strategy-reconquering-arctic-152681; Hurt M. (2021). Growing military activity in the Arctic and Baltic regions. International Centre for Defence and Security, April 8, 2021. Retrieved on 9th September, 2021 from https://icds.ee/en/growing-military-activity-in-the-arctic-and-baltic-regions/ In so doing, nations directly increase pressure on the environment through carbon emissions, military installations, all types of pollution, the interference with environmental research activities, etc.

What are the policy implications for the future? The huge pressure is on policymakers who will focus on the existing discord between environmental and security components within the Arctic strategies. All parties fail to cooperate effectively at international level, as soon as they are paying a regard to political will and tensions. Also, there is a lack of dynamism in environmental law, and the flexibility of decision making at national levels. For effective mitigation of climate change it requires a flexible legal framework that works effectively in a rapidly changing Arctic.

See the original post:

Environmental Policy Integration with the Existing Arctic Strategies - The Arctic Institute

Countywide Recycling Discussion Focuses on Education, Reducing Contamination – Southern Pines Pilot

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

When its done right, recycling costs Moore County nothing beyond the hauling costs needed to transfer the materials to an appropriate reclamation facility. Conversely, done wrong, recycling costs the county more per ton than disposing of regular household waste.

Bolstered with grant funding from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), as part of the agencys statewide efforts to improve recycling quality, Moore County Solid Waste launched the Recycle Moore campaign in September. The goal is to educate local residents on whats actually recyclable -- and what is not.

The county has long had a recycling program and so did a lot of our municipalities. But then things changed three years ago in the market, said Solid Waste Director David Lambert during a countywide recycling discussion held Thursday in Aberdeen. It became much more important that we remove contamination.

Contamination is essentially any item in the recycling stream that cannot be recycled, such as a greasy pizza box. One of the bigger challenges is that different areas apply different standards to what is acceptable.

You could wake up in Robbins, go to church in Pinehurst and have lunch in Aberdeen and encounter three different rules on recycling, Lambert said, noting as recycling costs began skyrocketing in 2918, processing facilities began turning back contaminated loads.

Moore County and its partnering municipalities ended up paying for recycling loads to be hauled back-and-forth, only to carry the additional cost burden of having it lumped in with landfill waste.

The good news is while China and other southeast Asian countries severed the export market for recycling, domestic recycling businesses have rebounded. According to a 2020 DEQ study, approximately 13 percent of North Carolinas comingled recycling is being exported whereas about 34 percent stays in the state where it is repurposed.

For a long time weve operated on a linear economy model where materials are extracted, manufactured, distributed, consumed and disposed of, explained Carol Abken, with the DEQs recycling office. In contrast, a circular economy model reciculates recycled material back into the economy.

North Carolina has over 600 recycling-related businesses that employ over 15,700 and have a total annual payroll of around $759 million. Reprocessing and repurposing materials can also conserve natural resources, conserve landfill space, and reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, Abken added. The N.C. Recycle Right Campaign was developed as part of DEQs initiative to reduce contamination and provide a better feed stock of recyclable materials to North Carolina-based recycling businesses.

Recycle Moore is a single, countywide standard that was developed to reduce confusion regarding recycling and maximize the types of material that can be recycled. These updated standards apply to municipal residents who enjoy existing curbside recycling programs and those who use the countys drop-off facilities.

Courtesy of Moore County Solid Waste

To spread the Recycle Moore message, Lambert used grant funding to produce videos, created pamphlets and colorful magnets that were mailed to rural households or can be picked up at most local government offices, and updated the countys website.

#RecycleMoore was created to reduce confusion and educate Moore County on what can and can not be recycled. Let Eli Brown (a North Moore High School student) tell you more. Credit: Story Focused Media

Recycle Moore is a true collaborative effort. Our communities are so interconnected. We cant really do anything if we dont do it together, Lambert said. We want to make sure we have good quality recycling. If you are in doubt, throw it out. We would rather you be confident that what you put in the bin is recyclable.

Countywide Recycling Discussion Focuses on Education, Reducing Contamination - Southern Pines Pilot

Global Energy Metals Signs Agreement with Electric Royalties and Scandinavian Resource Holdings to Create 1% NSR on the Rana Nickel-Cobalt-Copper…

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

Vancouver, BC - TheNewswire - October 19, 2021 - Global Energy Metals Corporation (TSXV:GEMC) | (OTCQB:GBLEF) | (FSE:5GE1) (Global Energy Metals, the Company and/or GEMC), a company involved in the investment exposure to the battery metals supply chain, is pleased to announce the signing of a letter of intent between Electric Royalties Ltd. (Electric Royalties and/or ELEC) and Scandinavian Resource Holdings (SRH) to create a new 1% Net Smelter Royalty (the 1% NSR) on four exploration licenses totaling 25 square kilometers in the Rna mafic-ultramafic intrusion in Northern Norway and includes the past producing Bruvann Nickel mine (the Rna Project or Rna).

Rana Nickel Royalty Acquisition Highlights

- Includes the past producing Bruvann Ni-Cu-Co mine which has significant historical resources remaining after production shut down in 2002, following 13 years of production due to low nickel prices;

- Located adjacent to main north-south highway and in an area with a long history of mining and skilled manpower;

- Available mine infrastructure includes power, roads, and conveyor from mine site to existing port facilities;

- Large historical drill database demonstrating compelling near mine exploration potential;

- Underexplored property with demonstrated exploration potential and re-start potential; and

- GEMC to receive cash and share equity in Electric Royalties further increasing its exposure to the company and its growing portfolio of technology enabling metal projects.

Mitchell Smith, CEO of Global Energy Metals commented:

We are excited to partner again with Electric Royalties and strengthen our ownership in their company while benefiting further from the added exposure our shareholders will gain through Electrics impressive royalty portfolio and the raw materials that are building an electrified future. We see Electric as the perfect partner to strengthen awareness about the Rana Project and attract further investment to advance this important class-1 sulphide nickel project.

Brendan Yurik, CEO of Electric Royalties commented:

We are very pleased to add Rana to our royalty portfolio as it represents our first exposure to nickel. Furthermore, we are excited about the potential of the mines restart as well as the prospectivity of the surrounding land package. The mine was shut down in 2002 due to low nickel prices which averaged less than $4/lb during its operation. Market conditions have now changed and nickel prices are more than double what they were when the mine shut down. Given the projects excellent jurisdiction, good infrastructure and available skilled workforce we believe that Rana has excellent potential to help supply the nickel required to transition the world away from fossil fuels and toward a decarbonized global economy.

Rana Project Overview

The Rna Nickel-Copper-Cobalt project is jointly held by GEMC and SRH and located on the Ofoten Fjord in Northern Norway and is ice-free year-round. The project includes the past producing Bruvann Ni-Cu-Co mine which was in production from 1989 until 2002 and processed 8.2 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.52% Ni, 0.1% Cu and 0.02% Co.

A historical estimate of the remaining resource is 9.15 million tonnes at approximate grades of 0.36% Ni, 0.09% Cu and 0.01% Co above a cut-off of 0.3% Ni.1 The mineralization is reported to be open in several directions.

The estimate was obtained from a report prepared by the Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU). No classification of the estimate was reported. The estimate is historical in nature and does not qualify as mineral resources under CIM Definition standards and NI 43-101. A qualified person under has not done sufficient work to classify the estimates as current mineral resources and the Company is not treating them as current.

Bruvann is located 2 km away from a shipping dock with an existing conveyor connecting dock facilities from the mine site. Mine roads and power facilities as well as some of the mine buildings have been maintained and the main North-South highway in the region crosses the property.

For more information on the Rana Project please refer to GEMCs website linked here.

1The past production and historical estimate for the Rna Project is reported in Carl Olaf Mathiesen and Rognvald Boyd, 2017: History of exploration of the nickel resources of the Rna Intrusion, Nordland, Norway, NGU Report 2017.31, available at https://www.ngu.no/upload/Publikasjoner/Rapporter/2017/2017_031.pdf .

Terms

Electric Royalties is creating the 1% NSR on the Rna Project for a total consideration of 2,000,000 common shares of the Company (Consideration Shares) and $100,000 cash payable to GEMC and SRH payble to GEMC and SRH in proportion to ownership. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a voluntary escrow lock-up agreement which provides that 50% of the common shares will be subject to a hold period of 4 months and one day, 25% for 8 months and the remaining 25% for 12 months. The transaction noted herein is subject to completion of due diligence, approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and other customary conditions.

Qualified Person

Mr. Paul Sarjeant, P. Geo., is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Global Energy Metals Corporation

(TSXV:GEMC | OTC:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1)

Global Energy Metals Corp. offers investment exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineralassets.

Global Energy Metals recognizes that the proliferation and growth of the electrified economy in the coming decades is underpinned by the availability of battery metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and other raw materials. To be part of the solution and respond to this electrification movement, Global Energy Metals has taken a consolidate, partner and invest approach and in doing so have assembled and are advancing a portfolio of strategically significant investments in battery metal resources.

As demonstrated with the Companys current copper, nickel and cobalt projects in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United States, GEMC is investing-in, exploring and developing prospective, scaleable assets in established mining and processing jurisdictions in close proximity to end-use markets. Global Energy Metals is targeting projects with low logistics and processing risks, so that they can be fast tracked to enter the supply chain in thiscycle. The Company is also collaborating with industry peers to strengthen its exposure to these critical commodities and the associated technologies required for a cleaner future.

Securing exposure to these critical minerals powering the eMobility revolution is a generationalinvestment opportunity. Global Energy Metals believe the the time to be part of this electrification movement.

For Further Information:

Global Energy Metals Corporation

#1501-128 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC, V6B 1R8

Email: info@globalenergymetals.com

t. + 1 (604) 688-4219

http://www.globalenergymetals.com

Twitter: @EnergyMetals | @USBatteryMetals | @ElementMinerals

Subscribe to the GEMC eNewsletter

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

Certain information in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks associated with regulatory approvals and timelines. Although Global Energy Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

GEMCs operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations.

For more information on Global Energy and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review the filings that are available at http://www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

We seek safe harbour.

Global Energy Metals Signs Agreement with Electric Royalties and Scandinavian Resource Holdings to Create 1% NSR on the Rana Nickel-Cobalt-Copper...

Stranger, to the Real Energy Revolution: Demand Flexibility and Connected Communities – Microgrid Knowledge

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

If you asked folks on the street about the energy revolution, theyd probably say something about wind and solar. Theyd be a bit behind the times. Renewables were the game changer a decade ago. Todays insurgent is energy flexibility.

By NeoLeo/Shutterstock.com

Energy flexibility is a software-driven ability imbued within advanced distributed energy resources, such as microgrids.

Flexible resources can quickly respond to change patterns of electricity use on the grid by producing or curbing electrons which is crucial because electrons are a lot like luck. Being at the right place at the right time means everything.

When and where the electric grid needs relief, flexible resources can come to the rescue. They turn on and off in response to price signals or the sudden cessation of wind or solar, situations that can cause too much demand to chase too little power supply on the grid. In that way, they act as a booster to renewable energy growth, as we strive to make it our dominant energy resource.

Flexible resources be they microgrids, energy storage or generators bring a new level of efficiency to the grid. They are a non-wires alternative, a disruptive technology that offers a way to make electricity more cost-effective, sustainable and reliable without building conventional transmission lines and power plants.

Even buildings can act as flexible resources as the US Department of Energy (DOE) highlights through its Connected Communities program, which last week allotted $61 million to 10 demonstration projects.

As described by the DOE, the buildings will use smart controls, sensors and analytics to talk to the grid. They will ramp up or down their energy use and on-site energy production accordingly, participating in demand response and ancillary services programs. This, of course, only occurs after the needs of the building itself are met.

From our homes to workplaces, this groundbreaking, grid-connected building technology will help reduce our impact while cutting energy bills, maximizing convenience and propelling our efforts to reach a carbon-neutral, clean energy economy by 2050, said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. These projects will help universalize technology that can maximize the efficiency and sustainability of Americas nearly 130 million buildings and make significant headway in the fight against climate change.

At least two of the grant recipients Ohio State and PacifiCorp are using microgrid technology in their flexible demand planning. Details are below, along with a list of other recipients.

The Ohio State University of Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State will work with ENGIE North America, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the University of California, Berkeley to demonstrate novel grid-interactive efficient building capabilities across 20 diverse campus buildings. Leveraging an existing mature connected campus, this project team will explore ancillary grid services across its university campus. The project will demonstrate a cybersecure predictive control of buildings and DERs to provide important but overlooked grid services like frequency regulation, synchronized reserve, and energy and capacity markets participation. Given the mature existing connected campus technologies, this project will have the opportunity to explore data privacy and cybersecurity plans, business models for institutional energy management, and occupant comfort across a range of building types and DER assets.

Xendee, partnering with ENGIE North America, is providing the techno-economic and engineering design solution for the connected communities project, which will also act as a scalable campus microgrid template for ENGIE and Xendee. The project will use Xendees Positronix Model Predictive Microgrid Controller, alongside other control methodologies, according to Michael Stadler, chief technology officer at Xendee.

PacifiCorp doing business as Rocky Mountain Power of Salt Lake City, Utah

PacifiCorp, based in Portland, Oregon, will work with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Utah State University, Wasatch Energy Group, GIV Group, Utah Transit Authority, Packsize International, Open Systems International and Sonnen to implement a utility-managed distributed energy resource (DER) control program that integrates diverse building types with a range of flexible loads to optimize grid services and improve building energy efficiency. The team identified a diverse but representative set of buildings that range from a large suburban apartment complex, a downtown complex of mixed-use retail and apartments, a university laboratory and an office building with a microgrid, a mass transit transportation center, a manufacturing building and a residential home. These buildings are in various stages of development with some in operation, some currently under construction, and others where the team can influence the design. The buildings are all electric and will use efficient heat pump-based HVAC (both central and minisplits) and domestic hot water, an adaptive building envelope and advanced lighting, achieving a minimum of 30% energy efficiency compared to the baseline of typical buildings.

IBACOS of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

IBACOS will work with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Tierra Resource Consultants, Energy and Environmental Economics, Meritage Homes, Duke Energy, Energy Hub and Elevation Home Energy Solutions to deliver 3.8 MW of aggregated flexible load from a comprehensive mix of DERs deployed in 1,000 residential dwellings, including new and existing single-family and multifamily owner-occupied and rental properties in Duke Energys North Carolina service area. This project implements key energy-efficiency upgrades for existing properties and will explore the capabilities of a connected network of DER technologies to deliver flexible distributed capacity at scale. The data collected from this project, including occupant experience data, will provide real-world insight on the aggregated grid impacts across a large service area.

Spokane Edo of Seattle, Washington

Spokane Edo will work with Avista Utilities, McKinstry, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Urbanova to upgrade up to 125 existing residential and commercial buildings. The team will implement energy-efficiency measures and DERs across a variety of Spokanes residential and commercial buildings to provide up to 2.25 MW of flexible load and grid benefits. Specifically, the project will demonstrate non-wire alternatives in its retrofits, thereby avoiding major capital investments in distribution infrastructure by creating virtual power plants from existing buildings. The project recruitment will be focused on equity across all customer demographics, including highly impacted and vulnerable populations in Spokanes Opportunity Zones.

Open Market ESCO of Boston, Massachusetts

Open Market ESCO will work with Fraunhofer USA, Cpower, Clean Energy Group, Logical Buildings, Sparhawk Group, SunRun and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to implement energy savings and flexible technologies across 2,000 homes. The project seeks to demonstrate the financeable pathways for existing affordable multifamily housing to become grid-interactive efficient buildings. This project will enroll up to 20 low-moderate apartment communities to strategically deploy and implement efficiency, demand flexibility, renewable generation and energy storage. The project team plans to focus on energy equity and will demonstrate pathways for bringing the energy savings, resilience, comfort and environmental benefits to these underserved communities.

Portland General Electric of Portland, Oregon

Portland General Electric (PGE) will work with Energy Trust of Oregon, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Community Energy Project, the National Energy Renewable Laboratory and Open Systems International to retrofit more than 500 buildings in North Portlands Overlook and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods. This project builds on a solid foundation of Portland General Electrics Smart Grid Testbed to demonstrate 1.4 MW of flexible loads, reduce the energy burden of low-income residents, and explore new ways to reach historically underserved communities. The project aims to utilize various energy-efficiency measures and connected devices, including smart thermostats and water heaters, and PGEs Advanced Distribution and DER Management Systems. Through its previous testbed success, this project team anticipates high levels of participation in and awareness of its flexible load programs, and strong community engagement and adoption.

San Jose, California. Photo by Uladzik Kryhin/Shutterstock.com

SunPower of San Jose, California

SunPower will work with KB Home, the University of California, Irvine, Schneider Electricand Southern California Edison to develop two new home communities including more than 230 homes. This project team will develop two testbeds with state-of-the-art new residential buildings that meet theDOEs Zero Energy Ready Homes criteria. Each all electric community will implement photovoltaic systems and home energy management systems. However, the two communities will compare the benefits of community level versus residential level energy storage batteries, while providing grid services to the local utility. This project may be the blueprint to follow for building new decarbonized homes of the future.

Post Road Foundation of Oakland, California

Post Road Foundation will work with New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Efficiency Maine Trust, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Knowledge Problem to deploy a Transactive Energy Service System (TESS) platform that enables grid-interactive control through two-way communication between DERs and a local energy market. The project will test TESS in three rural communities in New Hampshire and Maine, each consisting of 100 to 250 single-family homes, small commercial buildings and small industrial customers. The team expects that TESS will be able to do the following:

Slipstream Group of Madison, Wisconsin

Slipstream Group, in partnership with Madison Gas and Electric, the City of Madison, Rocky Mountain Institute, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and bluEvolution, will convert approximately 15 facilities in Madison, Wisconsin, to GEBs and add nearby electric vehicle charging. As these improvements demonstrate reliable and cost-effective efficiency and demand flexibility improvements, the project will expand to additional privately owned buildings, providing a scalable business model for utilities to install demand flexibility and energy-efficiency upgrades across multiple building sizes in the public and private sectors. The project will also deliver a GEB toolkit with integrated financing options to address opportunities in public and private buildings across multiple sizes and use cases.

Electric Power Research Institute of Palo Alto, California

Electric Power Research Institute will work with Gas Technology Institute, Seattle City Light, Community Roots Housing, Vistar Energy and Sentient Buildings to transform multifamily buildings in disadvantaged communities into grid-interactive efficient buildings. The project team will retrofit more than 2,000 dwellings in affordable housing communities in three geographically dispersed cities New York, Seattle and San Diego. By implementing efficiency, flexibility, storage and distributed generation, the project team will demonstrate different decarbonization pathways, reduce energy cost burden, improve system resilience and provide distribution and bulk grid services.

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Stranger, to the Real Energy Revolution: Demand Flexibility and Connected Communities - Microgrid Knowledge

Driving innovation in the Indian IVD industry – Express Healthcare

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

Jatin Mahajan, MD, J Mitra & Company talks about innovation and revolution of Indian IVD industry and role of J Mitra & Company in driving this change

The Indian IVD industry has grown in leaps and bound in the past couple of decades. As a result, the Indian IVD industry is playing a critical role in the international arena, providing quality and cost-effective IVD solutions to countries across all the continents, including the Americas and Europe.

But the story was completely different 50-60 years back. India was then a developing nation that met most of its requirements by way of imports. In the post-independence era, India was largely dependent on foreign IVD companies. India was an agrarian-based economy, and the government policy was skewed towards foreign direct investment and trade liberalisation. India, then, did not have the capabilities to sustain the domestic demands through domestic Indian companies. Driven by a profiteering mindset, foreign multi-national companies would dump high-cost, low-quality products in the Indian market. The absence of stringent regulations and quality control made India a very lucrative market for these unscrupulous companies.

The visionary Lalit Mahajan was quick to notice the quality gap and pricing anomalies. Armed with an engineering degree and a social mindset, Lalit Mahajan was keen to see India self-sufficient. He decided to play a decisive role in making India self-reliant in this arena. Driven by a social entrepreneurial mindset, an innovative streak, and a go-getter attitude, Lalit Mahajan decided to work towards a more self-reliant endeavor to change the IVD landscape in the country. He incorporated J Mitra & Company as a research-based biotechnology company. He was not interested in license manufacturing for MNC companies but instead wanted to develop products in India that catered to the domestic and global market. Rather than riding the wave, Lalit Mahajan was more interested in taking the risk and setting the trend.

Lalit Mahajan, a young engineer and budding entrepreneur resolved to develop and manufacture high-quality, low-cost IVD solutions. The immunology segment in the rapid test format in India was limited to pregnancy tests. J Mitra decided to change all this. It was the first Indian company to procure drug manufacturing licenses from the Indian government for critical tests in Rapid and Elisa formats like HIV, HCV, and HBV. J Mitra & co-pioneered the development, manufacturing, and marketing of IVD test kits. J Mitra introduced a range of tests for infectious diseases like Dengue, Malaria, HIV, HBV, HCV, Typhoid, Leptospira in rapid and ELISA test formats, and anti-Sera products and confirmatory tests like Western Blot for HIV. J Mitra has several products that are still global No. 1 after 10-20 years of their launch. Driven by extensive R&D, these products meet and exceed all the international quality certifications.

The success of J Mitra & Company drew more and more domestic companies into the IVD business, and today India is the most vital global supplier of IVD solutions. India has also become the international center for frugal medical devices engineering.

The Indian IND (in-vitro diagnostics) market is slated to reach approximately USD 2 billion in 2026, from its current revenues of USD 1.3 billion. Indias immunochemistry revenue accounts for the largest market share (i.e., 40%) of IVD revenue in India, followed by the clinical chemistry and hematology market. The IVD industry has showcased stellar performance, especially in the last 30 odd years, and this has resulted in India attaining the top spot on the global IVD map.

The Indian in-vitro diagnostics market is highly robust. The entire focus has been towards supporting the creation of an innovation-driven ecosystem for resource-poor settings. The industrys efforts towards developing tests and analyzer platforms are driven by the need for precision and reliability, domestic production (self-reliant), affordability, and reaching closer to point-of-care.

The factors that catalyze the Indian IVD markets innovative spirit are an increase of chronic diseases, a focus on point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, and rising awareness and acceptance of personalized medicine and companion diagnostics.

For J Mitra & Company, the vision is quality healthcare for all driven by the urge to catalyze higher quality of life through early detection of diseases and ailments.

Healthcare transcends society across geographies & regions, age categories, social strata, cultural aspects, and time-period considerations. Every human yearns for the absolute best health and long life.

Diagnostics serve the crucial task of improving health and quality of life. It is based on the 3 As Equitable accessibility, affordability, and appropriate use of good quality diagnostics are integral to high-quality health care. Precise diagnostics are essential for the effective management of diseases. These result in improved patient care and clinical outcomes and thus increases affordability due to the overall reduced cost of treatment.

Indian diagnostics are the best globally in terms of quality, precision, and affordability. And efforts are on to make them more cost-effective and ensure availability in the remotest corners and villages.

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Driving innovation in the Indian IVD industry - Express Healthcare

Blancco prevented 68M KG of E-waste in 2021 – RealWire

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Danzig

ESG report launched today reveals Blanccos circular economy focus, the companys positive social impact and its support for its customers in achieving their own ESG objectives

AUSTIN and LONDON October 20th, 2021 Blancco Technology Group (AIM: BLTG), the industry standard in data erasure and mobile lifecycle solutions, today announced that in 2021 it securely erased 54 million IT assets and other data bearing devices to prevent 68.2 million KG in electronic equipment waste going to landfill, with a pre-use carbon footprint of 5.6 billion KG. The data is based on information gathered from customers, and was revealed today in Blanccos 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.

The ESG report is a comprehensive overview of the metrics and policies that are material to Blancco Technology Group. In the report, Blancco demonstrates its initiatives in promoting a positive social and environmental impact. Blancco outlines its ESG accreditations and how it is shaping its approach to sustainability, aligning its objectives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through the secure erasure of data bearing assets, Blancco enables businesses to minimise their carbon emissions, keeping functional hardware in the circular economy, and reducing the need for physical destruction. Blancco engaged with a consultancy to carry out a carbon audit, to better understand its own impact on the environment and where improvement could be made. The report revealed that Blanccos 12-month CO2e emissions for 2020 decreased by 77%, compared with 2019.

A reduction in business travel and the adoption of flexible working during the pandemic, did influence this decrease. However, Blancco is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and while some business travel will resume, Blancco has assessed the opportunity for several board meetings to be held virtually reducing the need for transatlantic flights. Flexible working will be maintained and one UK office has been closed to continue to pursue emissions reduction. Where possible, Blancco encourages sustainable resource use across its employee base, and is considering green energy suppliers for its offices.

Blancco also highlights the work it is doing to promote inclusivity, diversity, connectedness, and its role in improving engagement with employees and the local community. It has worked hard to create a culture that is open and honest, rolling out several global initiatives to promote mindfulness and employee wellbeing.

The past year also saw Blancco collaborate with WANDisco, the global data company, in the UKs Laptop for Kids Campaign. The pandemic exacerbated issues of digital inclusion and many students were left without access to technology to continue with their education during extended periods of home schooling. The campaign has sourced more than 14,000 devices to date and put them in the hands of families in need. Through donations of free driver eraser licenses, Blancco securely erased over 2,500 donated used digital devices, with that number rising daily.

Blancco has continued to support its customers in maintaining high standards in business ethics and ensuring robust governance practices, including customer data security when using Blancco solutions.

The 2021 ESG report was developed in alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Boards (SASB) Software & IT Services standard, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

To understand more about how Blancco is enabling companies to engage with the circular economy, supporting its employees and local communities, and maintain best in class governance practices, read the full 2021 ESG report here: 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance Report

-ENDS-

Notes to editorsIf you have any questions or would like to speak to a Blancco representative about the report or to understand the role of software-based data erasure for IT assets and its influence on the circular economy, please contact Blancco@CCgroupPR.com.

About Blancco Technology Group Reduce Risk. Increase Efficiency. Be Sustainable.

Blancco Technology Group (AIM: BLTG) provides organizations with secure, compliant, and automated solutions that accelerate the transition to the circular economy. Each year, tens of millions of Blancco erasures allow top-tier organizations to protect end-of-life data against unauthorized access, safely redeploy data storage assets, and firmly comply with increased data protection and privacy requirements. Our precise device diagnostics help move used IT assets confidently into the circular economy, enabling enterprises, IT asset disposition (ITAD) vendors and recyclers, and mobile industry stakeholders to operate more sustainably.

Globally approved, recommended and certified by governing and industry bodies around the world, Blancco is the industry standard in data erasure and mobile lifecycle solutions. With 35+ patented or patent-pending ideas, we continue to grow the number of innovative solutions global companies can rely on to accelerate operations, secure their data, and grow their businesses. Read more about us at http://www.blancco.com.

ContactsBlancco Technology GroupLiz Adams, Global Marketing Director T: +44 (0) 7762 446179E: liz.adams@blancco.com

CCgroup for Blancco Technology Group (International)Florie Lhuillier / Adam Millar T: +44 (0) 20 3824 9214E: blancco@ccgrouppr.com

CCgroup for Blancco Technology Group (North America)Natasha Grach / Lori Scribner T: +1 619 798 0043E: blancco@ccgrouppr.com

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Blancco prevented 68M KG of E-waste in 2021 - RealWire

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