Thanks Mandy for petition.
I would not mind having a word with you about TTIP, the Bioeconomy and Steady State Economics at some point. Also the Carlyle Group.
Do we know where the National Science Foundation of the USA stand on the "Bioeconomy" agenda??
I do not believe some emerging technologies are regulated sufficiently or properly understood, so I am trying to keep an eye on the Trade Deals.
Trade Deals
TTIP - there is a day of action on 12 July.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/ournhs/martin-obeirne/nurses-fight-back-against-trade-treaty-that-threatens-nhs
http://www.waronwant.org/past-campaigns/trade-justice
http://waronwant.org/news/events/18143-no-ttip-national-tour-a-day-of-action
"The Center for Food Safety has published a thoroughgoing review of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) that is relevant to both sides of the Atlantic.
At the very heart of the corporate
impatience to tear up national regulations and food safety rules is the
scramble for control of distribution and supply chains. Where food is
procured locally, local buying power can support diversity and reduce
the distance food needs to travel, both now and in the post-fossil-fuel
economy that may be with us sooner than we ever thought possible.
Despite a European Union commitment to local food,
the Center for Food Safety warns that EU negotiators are trying to
unpick US public procurement schemes under the Buy American Act."
http://www.arc2020.eu/front/2014/06/ttip-setting-course-for-food-production-carve-ups/
Avvaz Petition............https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/EU_DG_for_Research_and_Innovation_US_National_Science_Foundation_Provide_funding_for_research_on_the_growth_dependence_o/?cwnSPhb
"Currently,
there is minimal research on growth dependence. Leading economists,
for example, never
question growth. The empty promise of politicians is "smart, sustainable
and inclusive growth". Similarly, the environmental strategy of the
OECD and the World Bank is
just “green growth”, there is no “Plan B”. And – as of now – there is no
funding for research on growth dependence, which can make one
pessimistic about
progress."
Mandy, do we know who is organising safety regulation of emerging technologies at the OECD with regard to their "bioeconomy agenda". Are there any conflicts of interest?
Thanks
Tessa
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2014 13:20:14 +0100
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Petition: Endless growth on a finite planet? Demand economic alternatives
To: [log in to unmask]
Interesting petition with not many signatures – yet!
Mandy x
From: Miklós A., via Avaaz.org
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 1:07 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Thanks for taking action!
Thank
you for signing my petition: Endless growth on a finite planet? Demand
economic alternatives!!
Every single person who joins strengthens our
call for action. Send the email below to friends and family, and post this
link on your Facebook wall:
Click
to share this petition on Facebook
Let's make change
together,
Miklos
---
Here's the petition for forwarding to your
friends:
Endless growth on a finite planet? Demand economic
alternatives!
Endless economic
growth is not sustainable on a finite planet. This common sense argument is
supported by strong scientific evidence. Major environmental problems that
undermine human well-being – such as climate change, various types of pollution
and the destruction of ecosystems – are largely driven by rising consumption
that increases the use of natural resources.
However, current
economies are dependent on growth. Too low or negative growth creates all
sorts of economic and social problems. Rising unemployment, increasing poverty
and mounting social tensions are just a few of these.
To resolve the
conflict between environmental and socio-economic objectives, a new economic
model is needed, one that is not based on growth. At a very minimum, we should try to reduce
our dependence on growth. Given the severity of environmental problems and
the fact that increasing wealth does not bring happiness above a certain
threshold, one would assume that economists and other researchers are busily
working on finding alternative economic models. They are not.
Currently, there is
minimal research on growth dependence. Leading economists, for example,
never question growth. The empty promise of politicians is "smart, sustainable
and inclusive growth". Similarly, the environmental strategy of the OECD and the
World Bank is just “green growth”, there is no “Plan B”. And – as of now – there
is no funding for research on growth dependence, which can make one pessimistic
about progress.
But this we can
change! By demanding funding for research on growth dependence, we can
encourage thinking about the many complexities that need to be addressed in
non-growing economies. In this way, new voices will be amplified in economics.
If economists change, policy advice will change. Furthermore, public discourse
will change. And, eventually, the world may change.
Please demand funding
for research on economic systems that do not have to grow endlessly to avoid
social problems. This is an inevitable first step towards sustainable
prosperity.
Thank you for signing and sharing the petition!
With hope:
Dr. Miklós Antal
Further information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9_Xc9wxByM
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/EU_DG_for_Research_and_Innovation_US_National_Science_Foundation_Provide_funding_for_research_on_the_growth_dependence_o/?tnXcgdb
Sent
by Avaaz on behalf of Miklos's petition
Avaaz.org is a 36-million-person
global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of
the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or
"song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our
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Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on
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