Latest news with #KateRaworth
NZ Herald
17-06-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Chlöe Swarbrick and Green economics - the lost Monopoly lessons: Simon Wilson
Even while we lose trust in institutions. Even as we recognise that the mainstream policies we have relied on for so long cannot solve the health crisis or the infrastructure deficit and cannot protect us from the climate catastrophe or the AI revolution. Even as our media ecosystem relies ever more strongly on algorithms designed to destroy society. Margaret Thatcher said it, most famously: 'There is no such thing as society.' If it hasn't always been obvious what she meant, it should be now. We're not supposed to think and act communally, for the greater good. We're not supposed to notice what's not working and, more pointedly, to do anything about it. We're not citizens, we're consumers. What we're supposed to do is go shopping. But if the great establishment of liberal democracy has betrayed us, it doesn't follow that Donald Trump is the inevitable answer. We don't have to believe those who sow misery and discord in the world for their own advantage. We don't have to accept the demonisation of indigenous people, immigrants, trans people, feminists, by those who tell voters it's the 'others who are not us' who are causing our problems. Nor do we have to accept the marginalisation of scientists, academics, unionists, community leaders and journalists. We're told all the time that the left has no answers, but that isn't true. Kate Raworth invented Doughnut Economics, as a guide to learning how to live within planetary boundaries. Thomas Piketty has shown incisively how billionaires, as a class, don't liberate wealth and drive economic development, but instead suck wealth out of the economy. British economist Kate Raworth: How do we solve the intolerable dilemma? Photo / Getty Images Mariana Mazzucato has championed the risk-taking potential of the public sector in innovation: it was governments that funded the internet, touchscreens, voice-activation and GPS, before the private sector turned all that into smartphones. They, along with Jason Hickel, Adam Tooze, Janis Varoufakis and many others have produced bracing critiques of the failures of status-quo economics, otherwise known as neoliberalism. And in the real world, the Nordic countries regularly remind us that economic wellbeing, strong welfare and widespread social satisfaction are all possible, especially when society agrees not to be obsessed with lowering taxes. In this country, a month before the Government's Budget, the NZ Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) released Aotearoa Reimagined, a proposal for a different framework for economic and social progress. Largely ignored. The Green Party has a Green Budget, featuring a wealth tax designed to make free healthcare and early childhood education both realistic possibilities. It also proposes a Ministry of Green Works, to speed the creation of infrastructure that will serve the country resiliently and efficiently through the rest of the century. The party's emissions reduction plan sets out a programme the party says will allow us to decarbonise energy generation and consumption while improving public options for warmer homes, better transport and lower power bills. And the Greens also have an $8 billion industrial strategy, which includes a green jobs guarantee for at least 40,000 new jobs. None of this is fantastical. In fact, much of it draws on the same technologies, such as residential solar, the Government also supports. It's just that the Greens want to do it at scale and speed, without also indulging the fantasies of fossil-fuel industrialists who believe there is a future for their industries. Also, the Greens want a focus on poorer and more vulnerable communities. But if there's one thing guaranteed to generate some frothing at the mouth, it's Green economics. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the party's alternative budget was 'absolute madness. And kookiness.' Finance Minister Nicola Willis called it 'ludicrous la-la land', while Winston Peters started referring to 'Chloe Marx and Marama Engels'. Such deep thinking. On Tuesday the Greens released a Fiscal Strategy: a heavyweight piece of economic analysis that builds on the party's budget plans. At the strategy launch in Wellington, party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said that 'no field is treated with more mysticism than economics', and yet many economists and the politicians who follow them 'have nothing to say about why we have a society in which homeless people sleep on the pavement outside luxury stores'. 'We don't live in a game of Monopoly,' she added. Monopoly, she explained, was invented in the 19th century 'to teach children about the pitfalls of an economy based on land speculation and luck.' Land barons got a Get Out of Jail Free card. 'Somehow,' she said, 'the purpose has been lost.' Worth a try. Indeed it has. The Herald on Sunday published an editorial calling the Greens' budget 'delusional'. But isn't what we're doing now delusional? The Government just took expected wage rises worth $17 billion over four years away from low-paid women workers, so it could cut $14b worth of tax paid by the country's wealthiest people. That's delusional twice over. Once, in the belief that it's socially acceptable. Twice, in the belief that it will help the economy. See Piketty, above. Swarbrick said her party's spending plan is 'entirely credible' and 'will be recognised as such by international debt markets'. Yes, you'd expect her to say that. But she also pointed out that the list of critics of the Government's economic strategy includes 'such well-known Marxists as the IMF, the OECD and Standard & Poor's'. The IMF's critique, released last week, points to more delusion in what we're doing now. It says we don't lack 'entrepreneurial energy', but capital is rewarded for investing in low-productivity sectors. This translates into less investment in machines and technology and makes local investment half as efficient as in Australia and Finland and 60% less than in Denmark. Those Nordic countries again. This shouldn't be news, but somehow it needs to keep being said: As long as the rational thing to do with money in this country is to buy property, our productivity will keep falling. There's a very big thing going on in this critique. The IMF isn't full of Marxists. It isn't even the Green Party. And it isn't even arguing for radical change, compared with the economies of many comparable countries. It's no standard bearer for a sustainable circular economy or the elimination of poverty. It's just saying that conventional economic growth has been held back by the very governments that keep wringing their hands and blaming someone else. Often, it's unions. As for the OECD, it has long told us that we have all the headroom we need to take on more debt, so we can build the infrastructure, healthcare and other services we need. And that will help build prosperity. At that fiscal strategy launch on Tuesday, economists Ganesh Nana and Susan St John both rejected the idea that debt is merely a way to burden future generations. 'We're burdening future generations by not investing in the future,' said St John. Swarbrick noted that according to Treasury, the Government's books are in trouble if it has not allowed for 'two Covid pandemics happening at the same time, or 23 Cyclone Gabrielles'. A fraction too much caution. She also said, 'The Greens don't pretend we have all the answers. This is an iterative process.' Just as it was in the 1980s, she added, when what is now the neoliberal orthodoxy took hold. They didn't have all the answers then, either. 'People had some vibes, some ideology and some ideas.' Meanwhile, instead of reforming the tax system and genuinely boosting productivity, the Government continues to attack unions and their members. There's a really simple way to look at the value of unions. They fight for higher wages, and to the extent that they win, everyone is that little bit wealthier and therefore more able to participate in the economy. They help forge a sense of community; they make society healthier and wealthier. This is not delusional. The proof is Australia.
Observer
18-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
The blue carbon economy in Oman: Progress, challenges, and the road ahead
'We live a 'full world,' with an economy that exceeds Earth's regenerative and absorptive capacity by over-harvesting sources such as fish and forests and over-filling sinks such as the atmosphere and oceans.' —Kate Raworth. This quote highlights the excessive exploitation of natural resources, leading to an environmental crisis where consumption surpasses the Earth's regenerative capacity. As nations worldwide intensify their efforts to combat climate change, innovative strategies are emerging to reduce carbon emissions while sustaining economic growth. One such approach is the blue carbon economy, which leverages coastal and marine ecosystems—including seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes—to capture and store carbon dioxide. Oman, with its vast and diverse coastline stretching approximately 1,967 miles along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, boasts rich marine biodiversity. The country has embraced blue carbon strategies to align with its Vision 2040 and long-term sustainability goals. Collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and initiatives like the Oman Blue Carbon Project, Oman demonstrates a strong commitment to rehabilitating mangrove ecosystems and enhancing climate resilience. Oman has made significant progress in integrating blue carbon strategies into its economic and environmental policies. A key initiative is the Oman Blue Carbon Project, which aims to plant 100 million mangrove trees. This project is expected to enhance the country's carbon sequestration capacity and generate an estimated $150 million in economic benefits. Additionally, Oman has committed over $3 billion to improve food security by 2040, incorporating a vital mangrove restoration program to protect coastal communities from climate-related risks. A critical component of these efforts is the establishment of supportive policies and regulatory structures aligned with Oman's broader sustainability objectives. These measures create an environment conducive to long-term coastal conservation and economic development. Despite these efforts, several challenges persist. Large-scale mangrove restoration demands expertise in coastal ecology, soil quality management, and water salinity optimization. Ensuring mangrove survival across diverse coastal conditions presents a complex scientific challenge. While the government has made strategic decisions and substantial financial commitments, sustaining coastal restoration in the long term requires continuous monitoring and investment, including support from the private sector. Additionally, climate change poses a significant challenge despite Oman's relatively low contribution to global carbon emissions. Rising temperatures, sea level rise, and coastal erosion threaten restoration efforts. Adaptive strategies are necessary to ensure the resilience of coastal ecosystems. Moreover, balancing economic development—such as coastal tourism and urban expansion—with mangrove conservation requires a robust regulatory framework that integrates conservation policies into national development plans. Oman's universities play a crucial role in the success of blue carbon initiatives by fostering research, education, and policy recommendations. With world-class infrastructure, laboratories, and experts, universities can conduct scientific research on carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. They can develop innovative restoration techniques, such as biotechnology applications for mangrove resilience, and introduce specialized courses on blue carbon, climate resilience, and coastal sustainability. Universities also train students and local communities in planting, monitoring, and conservation practices while collaborating with government agencies, the private sector, and international institutions to adopt best practices in coastal ecosystem management. Community participation and awareness are vital in fostering a sustainable blue economy. Encouraging citizen science projects, where local communities contribute to coastal monitoring and data collection, can strengthen conservation efforts. Eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to mangrove conservation can further incentivize environmental stewardship. Additionally, businesses can implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs focused on coastal conservation, promoting long-term sustainability. Oman's commitment to advancing its blue carbon economy through large-scale mangrove restoration is a strategic step toward environmental sustainability. By involving universities, government agencies, and private stakeholders, Oman can overcome challenges and maximize the long-term benefits of its blue carbon initiatives. With careful planning, scientific research, and strong policy support, Oman has the potential to become a regional leader in blue carbon conservation and climate resilience. These efforts will not only enhance environmental sustainability but also contribute to economic diversification and global climate goals, solidifying Oman's role in the global movement toward a sustainable future. The author is Assistant Professor in Supply Chain Management, College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar University, Oman.
Mid East Info
06-02-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
Medlab Middle East puts laboratories under the microscope for a greener healthcare system
The Lab Sustainability Conference at the Medlab Middle East Congress explored how laboratories can adopt eco-friendly practices, optimise resources and balance sustainability with high quality patient care Speakers at the conference today discussed how climate change is leading to a range of health conditions including allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancers Elsewhere today at Medlab Middle East, experts discussed AI in clinical chemistry and provided updates on the Emirates Genome Programme. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 2025: As the healthcare industry intensifies its focus on environmental responsibility, the Lab Sustainability Conference was held today at Medlab Middle East, addressing the crucial role of clinical laboratories in building a more sustainable healthcare system. With rising global temperatures and increasing environmental challenges, the impact on healthcare and laboratory professionals is expected to grow significantly. The conference explored how laboratories can adopt eco-friendly practices, optimise resource use, and balance ecological, social, and economic considerations while maintaining high-quality patient care. One of the key discussions delved into the Doughnut Economy model and its relevance to laboratory sustainability. The economic framework created by economist Kate Raworth, aims to achieve sustainable growth without exceeding ecological limits. The model is shaped like a doughnut, where the inner ring represents essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education, and the outer ring symbolises ecological factors such as climate stability and biodiversity. The goal is to operate within this safe zone, ensuring economic and social progress without exceeding ecological limits. Opening the Lab Sustainability conference Dr. Rana Nabulsi, Chair, Lab Quality and Safety Committee, DLMP, Dubai Health, said: 'Medical laboratories and pathology departments around the world consume five to ten times more energy and five times more water than standard office spaces. Additionally, these departments are responsible for discarding 5.5 million tonnes of plastic into the oceans, leading to significant public health impacts due to microplastics. There are also considerable financial costs associated with energy consumption and waste output. Today, our esteemed speakers will explore various aspects of climate change, its effects on public health, and the solutions that laboratories can implement to help mitigate these risks.' Following the opening address from Dr. Nabulsi, Dr. Ali Al-Hemoud, a member of the Technical Advisory Group on Global Air Pollution for the World Health Organization (WHO) and a health research scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, led a fascinating session titled 'Immune-Mediated Diseases Associated with the Effects of Air Pollution.' The session focused on the exposome, which refers to the total collection of environmental exposures a person encounters throughout their life. Al-Hemoud said: 'Climate change is causing environmental hazards such as thunder storms, sand and dust storms and air pollution. Our research examines how these environmental hazards are affecting the exposome. These exposome factors, specifically air pollution, greenhouse gases, pollen and biodiversity will all detrimentally affect humans over their lifetimes. These factors can cause immune degradation, leading to immune-mediated diseases including allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancers.' Elsewhere today at the Medlab Middle East Congress, the Clinical Chemistry track explored the role of artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation in shaping value-based laboratory diagnostics, while the Molecular Diagnostics conference focused on cancer genomics and the genomics of rare diseases in the Middle East region. During the Molecular Diagnostics conference today, Dr. Mohamed Alameri, Head of Studies and Special Projects, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi provided the latest updates on the Emirates genome programme including its achievements, implications and future directions. The Medlab Middle East Congress, the world's only multi-disciplinary congress, concludes tomorrow with the Lab Quality, Blood Transfusion and Cellular Therapy and Immunology tracks. Offering 12 live, in-person tracks, the congress provides exceptional education as well as management solutions to assist medical lab professionals advance their skills and improve overall service. Medlab Middle East is the region's largest medical laboratory exhibition and conference, The previous edition of Medlab Middle East generated an estimated business value of USD670 million (AED2.46 billion), fueling medical laboratory growth across the Middle East and beyond. The 24th edition of the event concludes tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre. About Medlab Middle East: As the MENA region's most prominent medical laboratory exhibition and congress, Medlab Middle East plays a crucial role in advancing the value of laboratory medicine worldwide, shaping the future of diagnostics by providing an international platform for laboratory industry leaders, including manufacturers, dealers and distributors to share best practice, showcase innovations, collaborate and network. Medlab Middle East stems from 15 years of growth alongside the MENA region's largest healthcare event, Arab Health. Now in its 24th year, this annual medical laboratory meeting brings together exhibitors and attendees from over 180 countries. Medlab Middle East will take place from 3 – 6 February 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE. A digital event will occur from 4 December – 20 February 2025.
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Medlab Middle East puts laboratories under the microscope for a greener healthcare system
The Lab Sustainability Conference at the Medlab Middle East Congress explored how laboratories can adopt eco-friendly practices, optimise resources and balance sustainability with high quality patient care Speakers at the conference today discussed how climate change is leading to a range of health conditions including allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancers Elsewhere today at Medlab Middle East, experts discussed AI in clinical chemistry and provided updates on the Emirates Genome Programme Dubai, United Arab Emirates: As the healthcare industry intensifies its focus on environmental responsibility, the Lab Sustainability Conference was held today at Medlab Middle East, addressing the crucial role of clinical laboratories in building a more sustainable healthcare system. With rising global temperatures and increasing environmental challenges, the impact on healthcare and laboratory professionals is expected to grow significantly. The conference explored how laboratories can adopt eco-friendly practices, optimise resource use, and balance ecological, social, and economic considerations while maintaining high-quality patient care. One of the key discussions delved into the Doughnut Economy model and its relevance to laboratory sustainability. The economic framework created by economist Kate Raworth, aims to achieve sustainable growth without exceeding ecological limits. The model is shaped like a doughnut, where the inner ring represents essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education, and the outer ring symbolises ecological factors such as climate stability and biodiversity. The goal is to operate within this safe zone, ensuring economic and social progress without exceeding ecological limits. Opening the Lab Sustainability conference Dr. Rana Nabulsi, Chair, Lab Quality and Safety Committee, DLMP, Dubai Health, said: 'Medical laboratories and pathology departments around the world consume five to ten times more energy and five times more water than standard office spaces. Additionally, these departments are responsible for discarding 5.5 million tonnes of plastic into the oceans, leading to significant public health impacts due to microplastics. There are also considerable financial costs associated with energy consumption and waste output. Today, our esteemed speakers will explore various aspects of climate change, its effects on public health, and the solutions that laboratories can implement to help mitigate these risks.' Following the opening address from Dr. Nabulsi, Dr. Ali Al-Hemoud, a member of the Technical Advisory Group on Global Air Pollution for the World Health Organization (WHO) and a health research scientist at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, led a fascinating session titled 'Immune-Mediated Diseases Associated with the Effects of Air Pollution.' The session focused on the exposome, which refers to the total collection of environmental exposures a person encounters throughout their life. Al-Hemoud said: 'Climate change is causing environmental hazards such as thunder storms, sand and dust storms and air pollution. Our research examines how these environmental hazards are affecting the exposome. These exposome factors, specifically air pollution, greenhouse gases, pollen and biodiversity will all detrimentally affect humans over their lifetimes. These factors can cause immune degradation, leading to immune-mediated diseases including allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancers.' Elsewhere today at the Medlab Middle East Congress, the Clinical Chemistry track explored the role of artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation in shaping value-based laboratory diagnostics, while the Molecular Diagnostics conference focused on cancer genomics and the genomics of rare diseases in the Middle East region. During the Molecular Diagnostics conference today, Dr. Mohamed Alameri, Head of Studies and Special Projects, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi provided the latest updates on the Emirates genome programme including its achievements, implications and future directions. The Medlab Middle East Congress, the world's only multi-disciplinary congress, concludes tomorrow with the Lab Quality, Blood Transfusion and Cellular Therapy and Immunology tracks. Offering 12 live, in-person tracks, the congress provides exceptional education as well as management solutions to assist medical lab professionals advance their skills and improve overall service. Medlab Middle East is the region's largest medical laboratory exhibition and conference, The previous edition of Medlab Middle East generated an estimated business value of USD670 million (AED2.46 billion), fueling medical laboratory growth across the Middle East and beyond. The 24th edition of the event concludes tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre. -Ends- About Medlab Middle East As the MENA region's most prominent medical laboratory exhibition and congress, Medlab Middle East plays a crucial role in advancing the value of laboratory medicine worldwide, shaping the future of diagnostics by providing an international platform for laboratory industry leaders, including manufacturers, dealers and distributors to share best practice, showcase innovations, collaborate and network. Medlab Middle East stems from 15 years of growth alongside the MENA region's largest healthcare event, Arab Health. Now in its 24th year, this annual medical laboratory meeting brings together exhibitors and attendees from over 180 countries. Medlab Middle East will take place from 3 – 6 February 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE. A digital event will occur from 4 December – 20 February 2025. Website: Facebook: Twitter: @MedlabSeries #myMedlab Instagram: @ LinkedIn: Medlab Middle East For more information, please get in touch with Shamal Communications: Media Contact CATHERINE ALLTOFT ACCOUNT DIRECTOR E-mail :
