COP out? Yes! Sadly as expected, but what else could happen …

The 20th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change treaty ran over by a couple of days as delegates from over 190 countries “negotiated” the language of resolutions to control carbon emissions.  Rich countries don’t want to pay for past emissions; emerging economies don’t want their opportunity for …
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What we need to do if we’re to have a future.

Future Earth, a global initiative bringing together scientists across different disciplines, has launched its strategy to identify key priorities for sustainability.  The eight objectives are: Deliver water, energy and food for all Decarbonise socio-economic systems Safeguard the terrestrial, freshwater and marine natural assets Building healthy, resilient and productive cities Promote sustainable rural futures Improve human …
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How to speak money.

From The School of Life blog by the author of How To Speak Money, here are a couple of useful definitions: interest rates and real and nominal amounts (also related to interest rates).  Helpful and funny too … interest rates If I had to pick one term which summed up my reason for wanting to …
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Interpol now targetting individuals for trading endangered species.

Interpol is now asking for assistance from the public in tracking down nine key suspects.   This is the first time that individuals have been targeted. The trade in wildlife crime is said to be worth around $213bn per annum, according to the UN. The move has been welcomed by Convention on the International Trade in …
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We’re ALL living next to slaves. 36 million of them.

Walk Free published the 2014 Global Slavery Index which makes for sad reading.  167 countries have them, including some which really shouldn’t: Japan 240 thousand South Africa 110 thousand Singapore 5 thousand USA 60 thousand Italy 11 thousand Germany 11 thousand France 9 thousand UK 8 thousand Ireland 300 The report defines slaves as people …
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Malnutrition costs the global economy over 3 years’ GDP growth

The Global Nutrition Report said that  globally, malnutrition led to “11% of GDP being squandered as a result of lives lost, less learning, less earning and days lost to illness.” And the numbers are made more appalling by the fact that they cut both ways: not enough food and too much food.  Every nation except …
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The benefits of skills training.

Admittedly the title The One Thing Electricians, Chefs, and Entrepreneurs Have in Common attracted me because I’ve played electrician, cook and entrepreneur, so it caught my eye.  The article reinforces the knowledge that nurturing head, heart and HANDS is important to become a whole person. The One Thing Electricians, Chefs, and Entrepreneurs Have in Common …
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Some people call me an entrepreneur. Now I know why …

The Newfoundland Department of Employment claimed a boat owner wasn’t paying proper wages to his hired help.  So they sent an agent to Burin to investigate him. GOVT AGENT: “I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them.” Boat Owner: “Well, there’s Clarence, my hired hand; he’s been with me for …
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Data shows global growth now past tipping point. Global collapse occurring. Whole systems change imperative.

Economic research published by the University of Melbourne analysed the predictions made in the ground breaking 1972 book Limits to Growth, and notes that the actual trajectory followed in the four decades since has followed the worst case scenario. The 1970s computer model has proved remarkably accurate in predicting developments in the world economy, population …
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Genetically Modified Organisms and the deterioration of health in the United States

Genetically Modified Organisms and the deterioration of health in the United States by N.L. Swanson, 4/24/2013 Read this pdf: GMO-health Extracts: Peddlers of both chemicals and genetically engineered seeds claim that GMO food is “identical to non-GMO products.” They claim that genetic engineering is no different than plant hybridization, which has been practiced for centuries. …
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