Latest news with #CalltoAction
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Container Terminals Launches Renewable Fuels at GCT Vanterm in Partnership with Tsleil-Waututh Nation's SPAL Corporation and the Burnaby Refinery
GCT celebrates the power of collaboration and climate action with the successful implementation of renewable fuels at GCT Vanterm in Burrard Inlet. Global Commitment Fuel Truck at GCT Vanterm Global Commitment Fuel Truck with Team at GCT Vanterm Vancouver, BC, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This World Environment Day, Global Container Terminals (GCT) proudly celebrates the power of collaboration and climate action with the successful implementation of renewable fuels at GCT Vanterm in Burrard Inlet. As of August 2024, renewable fuels have fully replaced conventional diesel in all terminal equipment, a major milestone in GCT's commitment to sustainability and responsible partnerships. This initiative not only supports GCT's environmental goals but also advances its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #92, by fostering meaningful economic partnerships with Indigenous communities. Collaboration at the Core The implementation of renewable fuels at GCT Vanterm was made possible through partnership with the Burnaby Refinery and the SPAL General Constructors Corporation, owned by səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). Renewable diesel delivers an industry-expected emissions reduction of 60–80%. In its first full quarter of use, GCT Vanterm achieved a 68% reduction in emissions, demonstrating the immediate and measurable environmental impact of this transition. Supporting GCT's Path to Net Zero This initiative is a key part of GCT's broader strategy to achieve a 45% absolute reduction in emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050. Renewable fuels are drop-in ready, allowing for rapid implementation without the need to replace equipment prematurely. This supports a practical and sustainable transition to hybrid and zero-emissions equipment, while reducing both operational emissions and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing waste. Partner Perspectives 'We are pleased to have been engaged by GCT and the Burnaby Refinery to deploy this product through collaboration—creating a true win-win-win scenario,' said Matt Thomas, Director of Economic Development, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). 'The adoption of renewable fuels not only addresses climate concerns in the short to mid-term but also demonstrates respect for our lands and shared future. This partnership fosters economic growth within our community and sets a strong example for future collaborations.' 'This collaboration reflects how we want to do business and the kind of neighbour we strive to be in the communities where we live and operate,' said Eric Waltz, CEO, Global Container Terminals. 'We're proud to reduce emissions while engaging Indigenous communities in meaningful economic partnerships. The successful deployment of renewable fuel at GCT Vanterm is a major step in our journey toward Net Zero.' 'The Burnaby Refinery is a leader in co-processing and the production and supply of renewable fuels,' said Martin Carter, Senior Vice President, Refining and Terminals, Parkland. 'Our team is thrilled to help advance the sustainability goals of GCT Vanterm while collaborating with səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).' Looking Ahead Deployment of renewable fuels is expanding across all GCT terminals in 2025, as the company continues to align its operations and procurement strategies with both sustainability and economic reconciliation. To learn more about GCT's sustainability journey and Indigenous partnerships, visit Attachments Global Commitment Fuel Truck at GCT Vanterm Global Commitment Fuel Truck with Team at GCT Vanterm CONTACT: Jennifer Perih GCT Global Container Terminals Inc. +1 604 267 5102 media@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nessel's office drops charges against University of Michigan Diag protestors
Rhiannon Willow, a PhD student and research assistant in the Physics Department, speaks at TAHRIR Coalition "Call to Action". July 1, 2024. Willow was one of seven people whose charges for trespassing and resisting and/or obstructing a police officer during campus protests were dropped Monday by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. | Photo by Jon King Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Monday that her office was dropping charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Michigan. The seven individuals; Oliver Kozler, Samantha Lewis, Henry MacKeen-Shapiro, Michael Mueller, Asad Siddiqui, Avi Tachna-Fram and Rhiannon Willow, were charged last September with trespassing and resisting and/or obstructing a police officer after an encampment by pro-Palestinian protestors on the university's Diag on the Ann Arbor campus was broken up by police in May 2024. All seven previously pleaded not guilty and were in Ann Arbor District Court Monday morning awaiting a decision on a motion for Nessel to recuse herself from the case when they learned of the dismissals. In announcing the decision to drop the charges, Nessel called the recusal motion a 'diversionary tactic,' and that because the case had become 'a lightning rod of contention,' it was no longer in the public's best interest to proceed. 'These distractions and ongoing delays have created a circus-like atmosphere to these proceedings,' Nessel said. 'While I stand by my charging decisions, and believe, based on the evidence, a reasonable jury would find the defendants guilty of the crimes alleged, I no longer believe these cases to be a prudent use of my department's resources, and, as such, I have decided to dismiss the cases.' Another factor in Nessel's decision was a letter the Detroit Free Press reported was sent to the court last week by the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, defending Nessel against accusations that she was biased against the Muslim and Arab American communities. 'We have learned that a public statement in support of my office from a local non-profit has been directly communicated to the court,' Nessel said in her statement. 'The impropriety of this action has led us to the difficult decision to drop these charges.' In response to the news, the TAHRIR Coalition, made up of dozens of pro-Palestinian student groups at the University of Michigan, said on social media that the decision 'is what happens when we resist and refuse to cower.' Pro-Palestinian protesters slam U of M for asking Michigan AG to press charges against students The protests were part of a wave of demonstrations at college campuses across the nation that began in the aftermath of Israeli military strikes in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. Meanwhile, Nessel's office continues to carry out an investigation of pro-Palestinian protesters accused of causing approximately $100,000 of damage at up to a dozen locations, including at the homes of University of Michigan President Santa Ono and University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker. A warrant sweep in conjunction with that investigation was carried out last month at locations in Ann Arbor, Canton and Ypsilanti. Charges have yet to be filed in those incidents. On Sunday, Ono announced he would leave the university later this summer to become the president at the University of Florida. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pharmaceutical Industry Issues Call for Collective Action to Address the Rising Global Burden of Chronic Disease
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, mental health, and neurological disorders are responsible for 75% of deaths worldwide. New research demonstrates that investing an additional 1% of GDP in public healthcare spending, where at least 40% is aimed at preventing and treating NCDs, could save close to 5 million lives each year in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Ahead of the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs and mental health this September, the global trade association representing the pharmaceutical industry urges collective action to reduce premature deaths from NCDs through existing cost-effective interventions. GENEVA & NEW YORK, March 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ahead of a major UN milestone, the global pharmaceutical industry has issued a "Call to Action" urging collective action across the globe to tackle the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, mental health, and neurological disorders. NCDs account for nearly 75% of global deaths. More than 18 million of the 43 million deaths that relate to NCDs are premature, with over 80% of premature deaths taking place in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). About 33% of the global population is living with an NCD1, up to one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetimes, and about one billion people are affected by a mental health condition. In 2021, it was estimated that investment in NCD prevention and control would yield an annual seven-fold return in LMICs within a decade. This approach, which includes lifestyle interventions such as healthy diet and exercise as well as primary healthcare, could lead to an expected USD 230 billion economic gain by 2030. New research carried out by Airfinity, which has been released as part of the Call to Action, and demonstrates that investing an additional 1% of GDP in public healthcare spending, where at least 40% is aimed at preventing and treating NCDs through primary health care, could save approximately 5 million lives each year in LMICs. This can be achieved through implementing existing cost-effective interventions such as cardiovascular disease management, diabetes screening, and respiratory care. The data supports growing consensus that more funding is needed to bend the curve on NCDs. The new research has been released by IFPMA, the trade association representing the pharmaceutical industry to the United Nations, ahead of the High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs and mental health this September. The meeting is expected to result in a political declaration to drive action to reduce the global burden of these conditions worldwide. Over 1,400 medicines have been approved for NCDs in the past 10 years2, which have transformed how we fight disease, and are improving the lives of hundreds of millions of people living with chronic conditions. Today, there are a further 9,600 NCD medicines at various stages of research and development3. Despite this progress, there are still significant barriers and delays in ensuring these medicines and vaccines can reach the people who need them, and there are still NCDs for which there is not adequate treatment. To improve end-to-end access for people living with NCDs, IFPMA calls for collective action to: Enable innovation: Foster a healthy innovation ecosystem, supported by robust IP protection, and improve awareness and uptake of medical innovation to address the global NCD and mental health burden. This should include essential and innovative NCD medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices, supported by appropriate health service delivery models. Mobilize investment: Commit to invest more efficiently and effectively in strengthening health systems and to have concrete and actionable financing plans for NCDs and mental health so that we can more equitably reach individuals with integrated prevention, treatment, and care. Drive implementation: Deliver effective programs and policies to ensure equitable access to NCD prevention, treatment, and care for all. Strengthen national health systems by integrating early screening, diagnosis, vaccination, comprehensive treatment options, and rehabilitation programs that effectively reach and address the needs of people living with NCDs and mental health conditions. Ensure accountability: Implement measures to ensure accountability and high standards across all relevant sectors of government and key health stakeholders to accurately improve and report on delivery of NCDs and mental health prevention, treatment, and care. This includes a focus on monitoring the impact of vaccination, early screening, diagnosis, and treatment programs. A political declaration that includes these recommendations can drive a vision for 2050 forward where there are fewer premature NCD deaths, reduced health systems strains, and healthier societies everywhere. Dr David Reddy, Director General of IFPMA, said: "While pharmaceutical innovation has led to incredible strides in how we prevent, treat, and cure diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health, too many people remain unable to get the healthcare they need. "The upcoming UN High-Level Meeting provides a real opportunity to refocus attention on how cross sectoral partnerships can help increase access to cost-effective medicines and vaccines in a way that can transform – and even save - the lives of millions of people worldwide." Supporting the call for collective action, Dr Kimberly Green, Global Director for Primary Health Care at PATH (Secretariat for the Coalition for Access to NCD Medicines and Products), said: "While investing in NCD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment represent public health 'best buys' and are considered cost-effective, improving accessibility of essential medicines and health products has been underrepresented in discussions ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting. Global, multisectoral action is needed to turn the tide on NCDs and reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket health costs for people living with these conditions. Investing an additional 1% of GDP in health care, where at least 40% is directed towards preventing and treating NCDs through strengthened primary health care, could save five million lives each year in lower-and-middle-income countries—an important proof point in a growing body of evidence. The time to invest in NCDs through primary health care is now." Notes to Editor According to the 2021 WHO Global Health Expenditure report, infectious and parasitic diseases account for the largest share of health spending (37%), followed by non-communicable diseases (26%). About IFPMA IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere. To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health. For more information, visit 1 Estimate by IFPMA, based on global prevalence numbers and assumption of two NCDs on average per person living with an NCD2 Clarivate Cortellis platform accessed in January 20253 Clarivate Cortellis platform access in January 2025. "Drugs", as defined in the Cortellis Competitive Intelligence database, may include small molecules, biologics, drug combinations, biosimilars, salts, and new versions of existing drugs with an element of innovation, like a new formulation. Only the most advanced stage of development globally is reported for each drug (for instance, if a drug is being investigated in both Phase I and Phase III for different indications, it would only be reported once, as being in Phase III). View source version on Contacts For further information, please contact: Elliot Dunster Executive Director, Communications+41 79 502 76 Micaela Neumann Manager, Communications+41 79 774 23
