Latest news with #CCAC
Irish Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Why does Ryan Tubridy's €150,000 payment seem like a bigger deal than looming climate fines?
Another week, another warning that Ireland is not going to achieve the cuts in greenhouse gas emissions agreed with the EU and as a result, will face 'billions' in fines. This time it took the form of an Environmental Protection Agency forecast that we will achieve reductions of 23 per cent by 2030 , compared to our target of 51 per cent. It follows last week's warning from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) and Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) that we face a 'staggering' bill of between €8 billion and €26 billion if we don't cut emissions. The bill takes the forms of an obligation to buy credits from other member states that exceed their targets. Funnily enough, national panic has not ensued and the opposition parties have devoted their energy to beating up the management of the national broadcaster live on Oireachtas TV. Whether or not Ryan Tubridy repays €150,000 to RTÉ would seem rather beside the point if the State is really facing a €26 billion bill in five years' time. Surely at least one member of the Oireachtas is wondering where we'll get the money. READ MORE Only a fool or a US president would deny global warming and its potential consequences at this stage. Persuading people to accept big changes to their lives in order to cut emissions is arguably the most difficult and most important challenge facing this Government and any government that comes after it. We don't even seem to be trying. The EU's efforts to make the impact of the climate crisis more immediate and tangible – in the form of fiscal penalties – should have pushed the Government into action. But they clearly don't take the threat of such enormous fines seriously. And they are probably on safe ground. Despite this week's upbeat assessment that the EU expects to come very close to its target of reducing emissions by 55 per cent compared to 1990 levels, the picture at the level of individual countries is much less even. Ireland may well be bottom of the class. The EU expects us to only achieve 60 per cent of targeted reductions, but we are in good company. The three largest EU members, Germany, France and Italy – which account for about 60 per cent of EU economic output – don't look like they are going to make it either. France will come close as the EU expects it will achieve 98 per cent of targeted emissions. However, its rate of reduction is slowing. Achieving reductions in areas including transport is proving difficult and forestry is absorbing less carbon than predicted. Ireland has experienced difficulties in the same areas. Italy will fall significantly short at 93 per cent of targeted emissions. Its plans around the adoption of electric vehicles and other measures are deemed unrealistic by Brussels. The desire of the country's right-leaning prime minister Giorgia Meloni to make Italy a 'gas hub' in the Mediterranean doesn't chime either. Germany – the largest EU economy – will miss its target by a lot. It is expected to achieve only 82 per cent of its target. Reversing the slowdown in Germany's manufacturing-driven economy is the top priority of the incoming coalition, which is less wedded to climate protection than its predecessor. The most likely scenario seems to be that we will arrive in a situation in five years' time where the three biggest EU economies – and three biggest contributors to the EU budget – undershoot their emission reduction targets. [ Smoking ban has important lessons for Ireland's approach to climate issues Opens in new window ] [ Sorry, kids. We blew your climate budget - but we really love our SUVs Opens in new window ] The idea that they will spend billions buying credits off EU member states that they already provide significant indirect support to seems far-fetched. It would be an act of economic self-harm on the level of Brexit or Donald Trump's tariffs. Ireland will be able to hide under their coat-tails, but if that is the strategy – as it appears to be – it's a pretty pathetic one. It says nothing good about our politics or our society that we duck these issues. It does say a lot about an endemic lack of seriousness that characterises a lot of public life. Leaving aside the moral failure that it represents, there is a danger that our already dwindling stock of goodwill with our European partners will shrink even further. Giving the two fingers to the EU's flagship climate action plan is not going to endear us to Brussels and the other member states.
Technical.ly
14-05-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
A Pittsburgh community college leans into ‘mechatronics' to upskill for debt-free careers
A federally funded mechatronics lab in Pittsburgh is helping students land tech jobs quickly without taking on student debt. In Pittsburgh's shifting landscape, regional manufacturers say demand for skilled workers in the field is growing fast, but companies are struggling to fill roles, according to Justin Starr, an endowed professor of advanced technology at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). His program aims to change that by preparing students with the skills needed to step into modern manufacturing careers, without putting them thousands of dollars in the hole. 'The story that sometimes gets lost is that manufacturing is different than it used to be,' Starr told CCAC launched a new lab for mechatronics, which is the study of mechanical, electrical and computer systems used to operate and automate modern manufacturing machines, in 2023. Backed by $1.8 million from the federal Build Back Better (BBB) Regional Challenge grant, the space is outfitted with cutting-edge robotics equipment commonly used in today's manufacturing facilities. Mechatronics students at CCAC have a graduation and job placement rate of over 90%, according to Starr, and students are walking away without debt because of the program's low cost, something that's increasingly uncommon in today's education system. 'What we do is teach students to be able to effectively operate advanced manufacturing lines so they can go out there and be the people who are building the equipment of today and tomorrow,' Starr said. Christofer Main, 21, is one of them. As a plastic extrusion technician at VEKA, a window systems manufacturer in Beaver County, Main is completing a two-year apprenticeship that allows him to work and earn a salary while studying at CCAC. Main said the program was a clear choice, especially now, when he has a baby on the way. 'With college, my wife, for example, she's $40,000 in debt,' Main said. 'I don't have $40,000 just laying around. Monthly payments are crazy. This way, I still get paid to come to school and I don't have to worry about that debt.' Fast, reliable access to a skillset that pays The program's associate degree graduation rates have fallen in recent years, but Starr said that's actually a sign of success. Students are getting the skills they need to be productive with employers after just one semester or one year. '[Students] will go get a job, and they might not stick around for a full two years,' Starr said, 'because they're making $35 an hour and they're 18 years old.' Ethan Miller, 18, another VEKA apprentice studying at CCAC, is currently making around $40,000, plus free schooling, straight out of high school. 'You can't go to college and get paid for it unless you're a football player,' Miller said. 'I can get paid to go to school, and school is free, no debt. That beats college.' For some, CCAC's program is also a path to stability in a new country. Nahid Khajazada came to Pittsburgh in 2021 after the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan. She's currently living in the city alone while her family remains overseas. After a year in CCAC's mechatronics program, she landed an internship with local startup RealBotics. Khajazada said she hopes to transfer to a four-year university and eventually start her own company. 'Here, I've learned a lot of things,' she said. 'I'm more confident with how to work with this kind of stuff.' 'Mechatronics' over 'advanced manufacturing' hooks more people Funding for CCAC's mechatronics lab comes from the New Economy Collaborative (NEC) of Southwestern Pennsylvania, which is administering $62.7 million of the BBB Regional Challenge grant. That $62.7 million is part of a broader $1 billion BBB initiative, launched in 2021 through the American Rescue Plan to spur post-pandemic economic recovery and revitalize communities impacted by decades of industrial decline. The NEC is deploying the funds through five projects across 11 counties in the region, including Pittsburgh. CCAC's mechatronics lab is part of Project Three, which focuses on upskilling workers and expanding career pathways into sectors like advanced manufacturing, a major industry in the Pittsburgh region that's driving real economic mobility, Starr said. There are over 90,000 people employed by over 2,800 manufacturing companies in the Pittsburgh region, according to data from the nonprofit organization Pittsburgh Regional Alliance. However, stigma around manufacturing remains, according to Starr. 'We have a lot of students whose parents maybe did manufacturing in the 70s and 80s, and they think it's dirty,' Starr said. 'They think it's a field where their son or daughter could get laid off if they go into it.' To get around this, CCAC uses the term mechatronics to convey that the skills it's teaching are high tech and part of the advanced manufacturing industry. The field blends traditional manufacturing skills, like wiring and mechanical drives, with advanced technologies such as programmable controllers and collaborative robots. 'Technology changes constantly,' Starr said, 'and if we're going to fill a need in the region, we need to train our students to use the equipment that either industry is using today, or that industry is going to be using tomorrow.'
Business Post
03-05-2025
- Business
- Business Post
A collective effort is essential to ensuring the long-term success of ESG initiatives
Sponsored With growing acceptance of how big a challenge climate change is there's growing realism and optimism about what can be done collectively With this year seeing seismic shifts in the geopolitical landscape, it made the latest ESG Spring Summit more pertinent than ever before. The summit, which took place on, April 30, focused on the journey businesses, governments, and society need to take to achieve a low-carbon future. Summit chair Ivan Yates, entrepreneur and broadcaster, welcomed everyone to the seventh summit, exploring the topic and highlighting the level of expertise in the room, including the 50+ speakers throughout the day. The day kicked off by setting the scene for sustainability in 2025 with an opening address from Derarca Dennis, partner and sustainability services lead at EY. She discussed how the link between sustainability and profitability is increasingly influencing corporate strategies, and stressed the importance of embracing it. 'I would say to at least think about having some kind of sustainability report, internal or external, it's to understand what are your targets, what are you measuring, what's driving your business, and what are you going to hold yourself accountable for,' she said. The international keynote followed and examined the choices governments must make to accelerate the transition to sustainability and turn targets into action. David Carlin, founder of DA Carlin and Company, delivered a virtual presentation discussing the current international landscape. He was optimistic that despite the current regression in tackling climate change shown by countries like the US, there were positives, like the record $2 trillion spent on green energy over the last year. That said, keeping within the 1.5C range of warming, let alone reversing it, is going to be challenging, so the approach needed differs. Then there was an overview of Ireland's changing climate and how to prepare for it delivered by Keith Lambkin, head of climate services at Met Éireann. Expanding upon some of Carlin's points, he was clear that net-zero won't restore the globe to its previous climate; it will only stop things from getting worse. With the scale of the issue set, it was time for the first panel session of the day, looking at Ireland's emission reductions and what needs to be done to meet greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. This panel included Ciarán Cuffe, architect, urban planner and MEP for Dublin 2019-2024; Jillian Mahon, member of CCAC and its Adaptation Committee and adviser on sustainable and alternative finance; Les O'Reilly, managed services country lead at HP Ireland; and Maurice Ryan, director of business development at Greenbelt Ltd. Mahon mentioned the importance of prioritisation and being focused on what we want to achieve on a national scale. Ireland has risen to the challenge before and can do so again. 'In times of crisis, we have tended to do big thinking… because there's such momentum in this country and such innovation.' The mid-morning sessions shone a spotlight on advancements in ESG regulation, beginning with an overview of the EU Omnibus package on sustainability. Jill Shaw, ESG and sustainability lead at A&L Goodbody, detailed the package, highlighting the Stop The Clock proposal and addressing misinformation about the proposed threshold. A panel discussion on CSRD reporting and the best ways to achieve accurate ESG reporting concluded this round of sessions. Joining Yates on stage was featuring Annabel Fitzgerald, head of sustainability at Energia Group, Jana Platau-Wagner, head of CSRD policies and engagement at Zurich Insurance Group, Joanne Grace, head of ESG governance and reporting at Glanbia plc, and Laura Mora, managing director at Ecoverify. Mora stressed the importance of measuring and collecting real data to help with decision-making and the importance of action throughout, that even in uncertain situations,'regulations evolve, and the most important element is to reduce the gaps to be sustainable'. Transitions, circularity, and supply chains For the late-morning sessions, attendees were split up into three streams, each with their own chair. Stream one focused on transition planning and was chaired by Meaghan Carmody, senior sustainability adviser for Business in the Community. After Carmody welcomed everyone, Maria Kelly, director at Skillnet Climate Ready Academy and head of policy at 20FIFTY Partners, delivered the first talk about developing a credible and impactful climate transition plan. Then there was an investor panel on how financial institutions, investors, and corporations assess the credibility and ambition of transition plans, featuring Aideen O'Hora, co-founder of SustainabilityWorks, and Mihai Diaconescu, ESG analyst at Irish Life Investment Managers. The final panel discussion of this stream was on making climate transition plans work. It included Lorraine Fitzgerald, head of sustainability at Glenveagh Properties; Patrizia Niehaus, CEO of KINTO Join; Rory Leahy, chief safety and sustainability officer at Bus Éireann; and Susan Breen, sustainability reporting lead at Bank of Ireland Group. The planet itself is undergoing changes that require mitigation and adaptation Stream two focused on redefining business models through circularity and was chaired by Geraldine Brennan, head of the circular economy at Irish Manufacturing Research, and circular economy leads at Circuléire. The keynote kicking off this stream discussed the advantages of circular businesses, and it was delivered by Narina Mnatsakanian, partner and chief impact officer at Regeneration VC in the Netherlands. Next were case studies on the circular economy in action, where four speakers shared their experiences. The speakers were Colette van Jaarsveld, founding executive director at Arcology System LTD; Mary O'Riordan, founder at HaPPE Earth; Heidi Hooper, operations environmental and sustainability manager at Iarnród Éireann; and Sadhbh Wood, co-founder and CEO at Bean Around. Finishing up this stream was a panel on unlocking business opportunities and scaling up the circular economy. This featured Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud; Gillian Kinsella, public policy and government relations manager at Pringles; Janet Lynch, circular economy and resources lead at Arup Europe; Portia Quinn, CEO and founder at Harley & Marley; and Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of Repak. The third and final stream was on driving the future of sustainable supply chains, chaired by Brian O'Kennedy, managing director at Goodbody Clearstream. This stream began with a fireside chat discussing the route from ESG to competitive sustainability. Ellie Walshe, head of sustainability at Suir Engineering, chatted with Julia Höglund, managing director of Position Green UK, about the challenges faced. Next up was a panel discussion on decarbonisation in the supply chain, during which Aoife O'Donnell, head of sustainability at Jones Engineering; Dave O'Shaughnessy, partner and sustainability technology lead at EY; and Owen Stephens, sustainability manager at PJ Hegarty Building Contractors, discussed Scope 3, data, and decarbonisation strategies. This stream concluded with a panel discussion on the future of sustainable supply chains, chaired by Kate Beahan, sustainability and responsible sourcing manager, Goodbody Clearstream. She was joined by Bill Doran, head of supply chain at Ei Electronics; Paul O'Donnell, global head of procurement and ESG at Hanley Energy; and Rosana Peixoto Lopes, scientist, strategist, and consultant. Developing sustainable change After the lunch break, all attendees reunited in the main room, where Yates greeted them. The afternoon focused on the skills needed by today's business leaders, starting with a panel discussion on what leadership skills are needed to push sustainable change. This featured Brian O'Kennedy, managing director at Goodbody Clearstream; Jean Cushin, associate professor of the School of Business in Maynooth University; Marian Curry, senior sustainability adviser at Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI); and Mary Lyons, director of enterprise, employees and skills at Solas, the Further Education and Training Authority (FET). When asked if there's a problem with older demographics in C-suite and CEO levels understanding why sustainability is important, Lyons mentioned that organisations generally find there are champions who are aware and can bring them forward. Next up was Geoff Tucker, director of Red C Research and Marketing, who examined consumer expectations and viewpoints on sustainability and what they expect from brands and businesses. One key point he made is that consumers are not interested in progress reports but want to see action. 'Do consumers want to pay more for sustainability? No, they don't. Sustainability isn't added on, it's built into the product,' he said. To conclude the day, there was one more panel discussion on business leaders' strategies to build momentum for sustainable change. Caroline Geoghegan, founder and CEO of CG Business Consulting; Claire MacEvilly, CEO of Airfield Estate; John MacNamara, head of corporate sustainability at Bord na Móna; and Sarah Blake, sustainability consultant at Earthology, participated in this panel. The topic of B-Corps — a certification that shows organisations meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability — came up. When quizzed on whether shareholders' views should be prioritised over this when they're taking the biggest risk takers, MacEvilly mentioned that shareholders are the biggest benefactors when things go well. When asked for her key takeaway from the discussion, Blake kept it simple: 'It's happening whether you like it or not, so get on that train.' With that wrapped up, Yates brought the summit to a close by giving his concluding remarks saying: 'The important role is providing leadership at this time.' 'Explain that this is about competitiveness and… if Ireland Inc can show it's doing best in class, it will make this country a better place to invest in.'
Hamilton Spectator
25-04-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Animal Alliance of Canada Continues Decades-Long ‘No Pets in Research' Campaign on World Day for Animals in Labs
TORONTO, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of World Day for Animals in Laboratories (April 24), Animal Alliance of Canada renewed its call to protect animals from the suffering of experimentation. Although it is impossible to know the exact number as not all labs are required to report, each year, at least three million animals are subjected to experiments in Canadian labs – enduring pain, distress, and often, death in the name of research. Animal Alliance of Canada, a national animal advocacy organization, opposes this continued reliance on animal testing and is particularly focused on ending the use of pets in research facilities. For decades, the Animal Alliance's 'No Pets in Research' campaign has fought to stop lost and surrendered companion animals from ending up in laboratories for use in research. The practice of selling or donating shelter pets to laboratories remains legal in Ontario – the only province that explicitly mandates it. As a result, more than 5,000 lost or abandoned dogs and cats are taken from Ontario pounds and shelters by research facilities each year. In fact, over 25,000 pet dogs and cats were sent from Ontario shelters to labs over a recent five-year period. Once these pets disappear into the world of animal research, it is nearly impossible for families to find out their fate. Animal Alliance warns that beloved family pets – who should be returned home or adopted out – are instead being used as test subjects behind closed doors. 'World Day for Animals in Labs is a stark reminder that countless animals, including our pets, suffer behind laboratory doors,' said Lia Laskaris, CEO of Animal Alliance of Canada. 'We started the No Pets in Research campaign decades ago, doing direct rescue of animals destined for research labs, because no one should ever lose a dog or cat and later discover they were sold to a lab. These animals are cherished family members, not disposable research tools. We've been working to end this cruel and outdated practice, and we won't stop until it's banned once and for all.' Animal Alliance of Canada is also shining a light on the broader issue of oversight and accountability in animal experimentation. The organization released a report scrutinizing the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) – the national body responsible for overseeing the use of animals in science. The findings are alarming: Canada is the only G7 country without federal laws regulating animal experimentation, relying instead on the CCAC's voluntary guidelines. Animal Alliance is encouraging the public to take action. Concerned citizens can support the No Pets in Research campaign by visiting , joining the mailing list for updates, and by spreading awareness of the issue. About Animal Alliance of Canada: Animal Alliance of Canada is a not-for-profit animal protection organization founded in 1990. For over 30 years, Animal Alliance of Canada has campaigned on behalf of animals of all species. From lobbying for legislative change to public education and grassroots campaigns, Animal Alliance works to protect wildlife, companion animals, lab animals, and farmed animals through constructive advocacy and electoral action. Media Contact: Bianca Del Bois, Director of Development & Communications, Animal Alliance of Canada Office: 416-462-9541 Email: bianca@
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sharing the inspirational story behind the movie 'Rule Breakers'
We spoke to Nahid Khajazada, a mechatronics student at CCAC, who was the inspiration behind the 2025 film "Rule Breakers," where a young girl in Afghanistan who wanted to learn robotics defied the Taliban and joined the country's first all-girls robotics team.
