That the G20 summit failed to direct enough attention to important climate change challenges is noticeable. Although other important issues were given attention, I am glad to see that organizations like ONE International acknowledges this.
For instance, in today’s post on the ONE blog, Virginia Simmons acknowledges that:
“The G20 failed to call for resources to help the poorest countries adapt to the harmful impacts of climate change, and tackle its causes. It was disappointing that there was no mention of the urgency of addressing these needs.”
Indeed, it appears like the Swedish Minister for European Affairs, Cecilia Malmström, is right when stating that there is still “a long road to Copenhagen”. This is also discussed by Michael A. Levi in the latest edition of Foreign Affairs. A very interesting article..
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
The nuke infatuation
These past few days have been inspiring. First, world leaders gathered at the climate change summit in New York, and now more have gathered at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh. This of course contributed to directing more people’s attention to the climate change issue.
Although it is welcome to see that more and more “channels” are communicating the need for going green, there is something about this movement that really worries me – The infatuation with nuclear power. For instance, the latest blog post on Carl Bildt’s blog reads: “…Allt fler länder kommer – inte minst mot bakgrund av klimatfrågan – att bygga ut kärnkraften….”
Of course it is absolutely critical that we combat the climate change. And, hence, reducing the global emissions of CO2 is key. No question about it. But… if the only way to succeed with this is by relying on nuclear power, this makes me worried. At least I have gotten the impression that the scientists still don’t know how to deal with the waste yet..At least I remain skeptical to how “advanced” todays technology really is.. There is no need for me to start arguing about the risks involved with nuclear power. The history books speak for themselves.
What I'm saying is that there has to be better alternatives than nuclear power (that are also profitable). In fact, in the latest issue of the Harvard Business Review, there is a lot of focus on green technologies and sustainable innovations. More articles on these issues ought to get out to people outside the scholar society. More research needs to be done in disciplines like business, law, education, engineering etc.. The research that has already been published need to get out to the public. There are tremendous opportunities for journals, magazines, TV shows here. /Robert
Although it is welcome to see that more and more “channels” are communicating the need for going green, there is something about this movement that really worries me – The infatuation with nuclear power. For instance, the latest blog post on Carl Bildt’s blog reads: “…Allt fler länder kommer – inte minst mot bakgrund av klimatfrågan – att bygga ut kärnkraften….”
Of course it is absolutely critical that we combat the climate change. And, hence, reducing the global emissions of CO2 is key. No question about it. But… if the only way to succeed with this is by relying on nuclear power, this makes me worried. At least I have gotten the impression that the scientists still don’t know how to deal with the waste yet..At least I remain skeptical to how “advanced” todays technology really is.. There is no need for me to start arguing about the risks involved with nuclear power. The history books speak for themselves.
What I'm saying is that there has to be better alternatives than nuclear power (that are also profitable). In fact, in the latest issue of the Harvard Business Review, there is a lot of focus on green technologies and sustainable innovations. More articles on these issues ought to get out to people outside the scholar society. More research needs to be done in disciplines like business, law, education, engineering etc.. The research that has already been published need to get out to the public. There are tremendous opportunities for journals, magazines, TV shows here. /Robert
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
1 day to Pittsburgh
Now it's only one day to go..
The Pittsburgh Summit 2009 (G20) starts tomorrow.
Will be following the developments with great interest.
The Pittsburgh Summit 2009 (G20) starts tomorrow.
Will be following the developments with great interest.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Vive la crise!
Just read that according to IEA, this year's global emssions of CO2 will have been significantly reduced as a result of the financial crisis. Vive la crise!!!...or?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Official Release of Johan Norberg's new book!
Today is the official release date for the new book by Johan Norberg - Den eviga matchen om lyckan
I'm excited about attending the event, which starts in about 2 hours, where Norberg will be discussing wellbeing, happiness and joy with people from DN and the publishing company. A briefing will be added afterwards. Count on it!
/Robert
I'm excited about attending the event, which starts in about 2 hours, where Norberg will be discussing wellbeing, happiness and joy with people from DN and the publishing company. A briefing will be added afterwards. Count on it!
/Robert
Should Sweden introduce the Euro?
A topic that has been lively debated between my friends and I, for quite some time, has been whether or not Sweden should replace its currency "kronan" with the European "euro". Today there are several economists arguing for a switch, while other economists argue against it. So what is "the right thing to do" then? One thing appears certain: This is an issue where the experts disagree.
While enjoying an amazing mango pie with vanilla cream and hallonsoda at this really nice cafe at Nytorget earlier today, I noticed in the paper that there will be an open lecture at Stockholm University on October 6 on the topic "Should Sweden introduce the euro?" Swedish professor Harry Flam will be sharing his latest findings on the topic. After recently having gotten surprised by the view of a chief economist of a key player on the Swedish trade arena, I'm very excited about hearing Mr Flam's view..
/Robert
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