Canada’s Trudeau will pursue pro-climate agenda

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Oil Sands ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Energy Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy And Environment ◽  
Environment Policy ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
The Government

Subject Canadian government emissions, energy and environment policy. Significance In February, the government is expected to make approvals decisions for new oil sands projects. Five years after signing the Paris climate accords, Canadian politics are increasingly defined by climate change and the economic and political trade-offs inherent in reducing its associated risks. Impacts Renewed interest and investment in Canada’s nuclear energy industry is likely. Quebec hydroelectricity exports may help north-eastern US states reduce their emissions. The Teck Resources’ Frontier project will likely be approved, but low oil prices might mean it is not completed. If the Conservatives win the next federal election (due by October 2023, but likely earlier), looser emissions policy is likely. Provincial elections pre-2023 will likely see some non-Conservative governments returned, meaning tougher climate action.

External factors will prod Russia into climate action

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Export Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Carbon Emissions Trading ◽  
Emissions Trading Scheme ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
The Government ◽  
Trading Scheme ◽  
The Eu

Significance This is still tentative planning but it indicates the Kremlin is being spurred into action by looming curbs on high-carbon products in China and the EU, Russia's key export markets. Russia has so far resisted calls for more ambitious commitments. Impacts Siberian forest fires will focus public attention on the environment, if not global warming. Blame for the wildfires, as with other environmental problems, will be weaponised in elite infighting. The government is interested in developing cheap, green hydrogen. A pilot carbon emissions trading scheme in Sakhalin could be scaled up to other parts of Russia.

Modi's regulatory crackdown on NGOs could backfire

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Supreme Court ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Similar Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Ability ◽  
The Supreme Court ◽  
The Government

Significance In April, similar action was taken against nearly 9,000 other non-profits. These moves are part of intensifying clashes between the government and civil society. Many NGOs are vocal opponents of Modi's key policies, and the government is frustrated at their perceived ability to harness popular opposition and use the judiciary to stall key projects. Impacts Government efforts on coal (and to a lesser extent nuclear energy) will still encounter NGO resistance. The Supreme Court may become embroiled in the NGO-government clash, portending costly and lengthy battles for investors. Western governments are likely to be more sensitive to Modi's regulatory crackdown, risking hurdles in improving diplomatic ties.

Kidal will be test of the state's return to north Mali

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Legislative Elections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Far North ◽  
The North ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Military ◽  
Northern City

Subject Kidal's significance. Significance In mid-February, the government deployed 600 soldiers and auxiliary forces to the far north-eastern city of Kidal and 200 more to Timbuktu, another key northern city. There are also plans to deploy troops to Menaka and Taoudenit. All these towns have been under the de facto control of shifting constellations of rebels, former rebels and militias since April 2012. The return of the military as part of a ‘reconstituted army’ consisting of one-third government soldiers, one-third former rebel fighters and one-third government-aligned militia members indicates a softening of tensions. Impacts The Kidal deployment may blunt some Western criticism of the Malian government’s performance. Legislative elections in March and talks with jihadists could yet change political balances in Kidal. Relations between the government and former rebels in the north are better now than in years. The Algiers Accord’s different provisions are so interconnected that the success of any one depends on agreement on multiple other elements.

Myanmar talks have not lessened two-track deal risks

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Peace Process ◽  
Armed Groups ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Government

Significance The talks are part of the effort to end decades of fighting between Myanmar's military (Tatmadaw) and various ethnic minority armed groups (EMAGs). Impacts Myanmar's government will need further Chinese support to bring north-eastern EMAGs back into the peace process. Vested economic interests will likely complicate reaching any peace deal. The government will have difficulty securing new NCA signatories while managing ties with the FPNCC. Pressure will grow for greater civil society involvement in the Panglong process, including media, hitherto barred.

Exploring Indian post-disaster temporary housing strategy through a comparative review

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arindam Biswas
Keyword(s):  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Temporary Housing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Comparative Review ◽  
The Government ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose Natural disasters not only cause dilapidated buildings and damaged infrastructure but also delay crucial aid for those affected in the event of a disaster and post-disaster recovery. An institutionally well-managed post-disaster housing strategy provides opportunities for physical and mental healing of its occupant. The time requires occupiers to remain in the temporary housing varies with circumstances. This paper aims to review post-disaster housing scenarios in India in comparison to two Asian cases from Indonesia and Japan. The study focuses on understanding Indian post-disaster housing strategies through a comparative review. Design/methodology/approach The research selects coastal cities of Tamil Nadu state, where the post-disaster temporary shelter and rehabilitation was planned and implemented after the Tsunami in 2004. The Tsunami created havoc in Nagapattinam and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. Nagapattinam district reported 6,051 fatalities and many more homeless people. After the Tsunami, the government took measures to supply safe, secured and on-site shelter provisions. Surprisingly, many such shelters were never occupied. In many instances, people actually preferred to spend years in a temporary shelter rather occupying government housing. This paper evaluates such events and investigates India’s post-disaster shelter strategy against the derived best practices. This study is based on the sequential/logical reasoning and understanding of the facts. Discussions and findings from this study can be further generalised into a comprehensive policy discussion. Findings The paper finds that the manner of planning and design of post-disaster housing programmes influence medium- to long-term recovery of its occupant. A certain element of trade-off between implementation and quality of habitation results into compromises to achieving the desired outcome. When faced with socio-political, economic and financial constraints, the decision-makers are required to make trade-offs in deciding the manner and quantum of allocating resources. Coordination among these agencies is troublesome. It is true for all countries and there is no distinct answer to it. Public consultation and community participation in long-term rehabilitation are crucial to meet the aspiration of the local people. Originality/value The paper contributes in discussing a comparison of post-disaster housing rehabilitation between India and the two cases from Indonesia and Japan. As a review paper, the objective is to highlight the synthesis and overall understanding of post-disaster housing strategies from two cases and compare it with India.

Evaluating public consultation in nuclear energy: the importance of problem structuring and scale

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margot Hurlbert
Keyword(s):  
Energy Policy ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Problem Structuring ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Field ◽  
The Government ◽  
Public Consultations

Purpose – This paper hypothesizes that in respect of developing nuclear energy, utilizing one process, on one occasion, and with only the development of nuclear energy as the “policy problem” on which consultations are based will not be successful; a more successful model occurs over the long term, utilizes an iterative process of engagement, and multiple framing of related energy issues (in addition to the development of nuclear energy). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews and analyzes the framing of issues and chosen mechanisms of public consultations employed by the Government of Saskatchewan in relation to the nuclear energy future for Saskatchewan. These mechanisms are reviewed based on the perceptions and comments made by members of the public within the consultations which were recorded, coded and analysed, as well as a series of semi-structured qualitative interviews with key personnel involved in the consultation process. The three mechanisms of public participation employed by the Government of Saskatchewan are analyzed and evaluated and a model developed to facilitate the analysis. Findings – Alternative measures of successful participation are useful. The framing of issues, the time frame of analysis, and quality of communication flows are all determinative of success. The utilization of a combination of participatory mechanisms is also beneficial. An optimal strategy of public consultations respecting energy is developed based on interviews with key personnel in the policy field. Research limitations/implications – This research is based only on the perceptions of participants expressed within the participatory processes and key personnel in the energy policy field of Saskatchewan. Originality/value – This paper offers a model linking several policy considerations useful to future energy policy public consultations.

Farming the “white gold” in a world heritage city

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
A.K. Siti-Nabiha ◽  
Dayana Jalaludin ◽  
Hasan Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Heritage ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Economic Profit ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Government ◽  
George Town

Subject area Public management, sustainability. Study level/applicability The case is suitable for undergraduate and masters' courses. Case overview The case is about the dilemma between the lucrative economic profit from swiftlet farming and the invaluable heritage and social wellbeing of the residents in a world heritage city. In 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) issued a letter to the Malaysian government expressing concern over the issue of the swiftlet industry in Georgetown, Penang. Swiftlet farming is a lucrative agriculture sector in Malaysia and is considered one of the key projects under the Malaysian Economic Transformation Program. Yet, this industry posed a threat to the well being of George Town due to its impact towards the city's heritage status. The operation of swiftlet farms in shop houses in George Town not only forces residents to coexist with thousands of swiftlets in the populated city, but also deteriorates the condition of its heritage buildings. A quick solution by the government authorities is needed in order to respond to UNESCO's enquiries. A fair consideration looking at the aspects of economy, environment and society is vital in ensuring the future of the city. Expected learning outcomes These include: understanding the complex issues of trade-offs between economic profit vis-à-vis the environmental social heritage; understanding and appreciating the conflicting governmental objectives and the way to address the conflicting demands of the stakeholders (NGOs, industry and business association and the general public); identifying and determining ways to align environmental interests with economic interests in order to formulate sustainable solutions; and formulating an action plan and providing practical recommendations to solve the problem. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes.

Reshuffles open way for reform of China's oil sector

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Energy Industry ◽  
Fuel Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
Oil And Gas Companies

Subject Outlook for China's oil sector. Significance China's 'big three' oil companies have this month announced changes to their top management. The three companies have been under pressure from corruption investigations, and the collapse in global oil prices has weakened them financially. The latest reshuffles reveal the importance of politics in shaping the behaviour of China's oil and gas companies, and with it the competitive landscape of China's energy industry and global oil and gas mergers and acquisitions. Impacts There will be partial consolidation of some NOC assets, but 'mega-mergers' are unlikely. China's oil and gas companies will invest overseas with more robust government backing. Sinopec and CNPC will focus on upgrading refining capacity to meet more stringent fuel quality standards. Foreign investors will find new opportunities as the NOC's sell assets and the government opens the sector to private firms.

Turkmenistan cannot sell more gas despite new finds

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Foreign Investment ◽  
Caspian Sea ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Energy Industry ◽  
The Caspian Sea ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Standard Response ◽  
The Government ◽  
Spending Cuts

Subject Turkmenistan's oil and gas prospects. Significance Turkmenistan has among the largest global gas reserves and recently reported a promising new find, but its limited export options and low gas revenues have led to economic crisis. The government has responded with energy industry personnel changes, spending cuts and a bid to attract more foreign investment. Impacts Shortages of goods and cash may lead to more local protests, which have so far been rare in this repressive state. The standard response of blaming sacking officials is looking less and less adequate. Turkmenistan may examine ways of getting gas across the Caspian Sea without building a full pipeline.

Research on the Fiscal and Taxation Policies to Promote the Development of Renewable Energy

2014 ◽  
Vol 1073-1076 ◽  
pp. 2483-2487
Author(s):  
You Li Wang ◽  
Shan Shao
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Energy Industry ◽  
Investment Incentives ◽  
Industry Development ◽  
Financial Investment ◽  
Energy And Environment ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Government ◽  
Renewable Energy Industry

At present, renewable energy industry development need the government’s support of powerful fiscal and taxation incentive policies in China. Many developed countries implement some fiscal and taxation policies to promote renewable energy industry. These policies are good inspiration for China to develop renewable energy industry. According to the status of renewable energy industry development in China, we should emphasis on the four aspects: first is to speed up the research and development of renewable energy technology through the financial investment; the second is to encourage renewable energy production by providing the loan subsidies and investment incentives; the third is to accelerate the product promotion of renewable energy through the government policy of purchasing and consumption subsidy; and the last one is to reduce the relative costs of renewable energy by the implementation of energy and environment taxes.

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