global climate – local responsibility?

Still on this local theme here.

When I read things like this it makes me realize how much waste is going into national/international scale projects when all of that might be better going into local projects that make real change.

I’ve already talked about my lack of interest in the global warming debate simply because I don’t really care too much about EMISSIONS and CO2.  I believe that it’s bad and we’re destroying the world with fossil fuel use, it’s just that I see it as a much more holistic problem. It’s everything! Don’t just focus on one aspect.

Anyways, what if a lot more money just  went to the local economy’s for setting up better biowaste management (methane gas in the landfill is a big source of co2),  microgeneration plants (no big power plants), better transit, better care for the local agriculture etc?

Give the power to the municipalities and hold them to change and maybe we’ll see some more action.

Better yet, make a “national” campaign to enable the communities to compete with each other. People know what’s going on in their cities/towns usually more so than the whole country. Put up a campaign where the people can get involved and hold their local mayors etc. accountable – more you do, more money you can get for changing your community. Get people working together at that level and then in the newspapers have some kind of rating system of who’s doing what.

Make sense? Just a thought while drinking my morning coffee:)

Trade & Development: let the protectionists in?

Ok this has to be quick. Tons and tons to do and it’s almost 7pm.  In event planning mode like a mad woman.

Anyways, I just got back from a lecture on Trade & Development.

Interesting…

My background is in International Business, concentration in Int’l Trade & Marketing. So, I know a fair amount about GATT, WTO, regional trade agreemements (stumbling blocks or building blocks etc.), trade & development etc. etc. etc. Not always fresh in memory but Bretton Woods is located somewhere back there.

Anyways.. first lecture I’ve ever been to on Trade &Development where the lecturer espoused protectionism….

I was like seriously? This goes against almost every grain of theory I have ever been taught.  But, that just makes it all the more interesting. Especially since this has been one of the (many) ideological issues of which I won’t plant my feet solidly on the ground – I like to see both sides, which gets fairly annoying at times.  Background in international business yet I highly believe in supporting the local economy. I loved “buying Canadian” and I try to buy veggies with the “Suomi” sticker.

Granted, before I continue.. he wasn’t for protectionism per se. He just stated some of the merits of taking care of one’s own during economic hardship – and gave examples of how China, India, Finland and even Great Britain and America did this occasionally. Quickly – States during depression – i have a feeling that didn’t work out quite so well but as for China and India – true true, they cut themselves off of some bits to prepare themselves to join in this global world.  When countries that aren’t developed go straight into the global world they often tend to fail. Structural adjustment programs in the 80’s anyone? Then again, aren’t we supposed to do Trade NOT Aid!

But still – this is a good time to keep open the debate since Obama just ‘diluted’ but will still go with the “Buy American” clause in the US economic package. Right away when I heard about that, I as Canadian  like “Noooo…  This is gonna be bad for Canada”

But then again, working the local economy can be a good thing. Not always economically, but if you look at other measures, it’s pretty interesting. Who knew that little old isolated Cuba would be the only country in the world to have sustainable development.  Look at their health care system.

And Deep Economy (the Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future) was one of my favourite books, not espousing protectionism.. but definitely all for the local movement.

Big fundamental questions for a girl in international business working with “global growth venturing” all the while sitting on a fence about the developing and pushing for the local economy. Not to say I am now espousing protectionism. Not at all.  That usually leads to monopolies which leads into collecting monopoly rents (That ones for/from you Jay;)

It begs the question though… how sustainable is this global trade world if the only country that fits the bill is CUBA? Almost makes me laugh.. or cry, not sure yet.

Anyways open for debate. Times running out and need to get back to work!!!

BUT WHAT’S MORE SUSTAINABLE FOR THE FUTURE?

GO THE LOCAL ROUTE ?

GO FOR GLOBAL TRADE?

and more importantly.. how do you do both personally, commercially and politically?

Interesting. Will ponder while I desperately try to get invitations out…

a society built on misbeliefs…

Interesting quick  read via Boing Boing.

“Principles of the American Cargo Cult” tries to sketch the characteristics of “misbeliefs [that] constantly underlie bad arguments in public debate.”

Read here and then go back to reading …

Presenting my thesis in one hour. Chuggin’ along…