Showing posts with label explore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label explore. Show all posts

Canada's Ruling Conservatives at War with Science

Due to a number of actions from the ruling Conservative government, science funding in Canada is in a woeful state. This includes efforts to monitor and research issues related to the environment. Total public funding for science and technology has dropped by 12 per cent in the past four years, according to a recent Statistics Canada report. Of even more concern is where federal money is being allocated. Almost all of the $454-million in new research and development funding announced by the federal government for 2013, went public-private partnerships, largely for commercialization.

The federal government's funding largely eschews basic research which is so vital not only to developing profitable new innovations but for the wider aim of our collective betterment. Scientific research is also indispensable to informed government policy.

As explained by scientist Dr. David Suzuki, “There is a systematic attack on science and democracy taking place in Canada, and the Harper government isn’t even trying to hide it. But scientists cannot and will not be silenced, not when we are facing an irreversible climate catastrophe like the tar sands.”

On September 16th, 2013, “Stand Up for Science” rallies were held in 14 cities across Canada. These protests called on the federal government to better support science done in the public interest.

Canadians need to be informed of the importance of federally funded scientific research that among other things, monitors the state of the environment and provides solutions.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Stand Up For Science: Canadian Rallies Against the Federal Government's Cuts and Censorship

Today, Monday September 16th, 2013, people across Canada are standing up for science against a federal government who has systematically eroded federal support for scientific research.

The campaign know as “Stand Up for Science” includes rallies scheduled for 14 cities across Canada. At these gatherings people will demand that the federal government stop their anti-science campaign and provide more support for science which is in the public interest.

Most Canadians want policy and legislation that is based on the best scientific research. However, under Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper federally funded science has been decimated either through budget cuts or through communications restrictions. Their scientific censorship opposes basic freedoms and the public interest. Scientists should have the freedom to comment and help inform policy.

The ruling Conservatives are powerful supporters of the oil industry and the tar sands in particular. This may be one of the factors behind their anti-science crusade. It should come as no surprise that they have limited scientific research and censored scientists that expose petrochemicals which make people sick and contribute to climate change.

As Canadians we need to stand up for science. Click here for more information about the Stand Up For Science rallies, taking place across Canada on Monday, Sept. 16.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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White Paper - Redefining Value: The New Metrics of Sustainable Business

This complimentary report provides a recap of key themes and takeaways from New Metrics '12, in the form of reflections on recent lessons, leading case studies and forthcoming opportunities.

We are seeing rapid shifts in the following three areas:

1. The degree to which citizens trust business
2. The degree to which people care if any individual brand persists,
3. The degree to which society is beginning to hold business accountable for addressing many of the social and environmental challenges we face.

The metrics by which we define and measure value must change if for no other reason than to respond to these shifts.

Nothing can drive faster organizational response to a changing business environment - or facilitate realignment between corporate functions or within value networks - than a shift in the metrics used to track success.

In 2011, Sustainable Brands launched a series of conversations on this topic, both online and via the New Metrics of Sustainable Business Conference. The conference convened again in 2012, and in 2013 there will be a third installment of the annual gathering (for more information see below).

The objective at New Metrics of Sustainable Business Conference has been to bring together thought leaders from business, non-profits and academia to realize three objectives:

1. Understand the rapidly evolving progress towards developing and implementing New Metrics globally
2. Advance the state of the art through focused discussions based on case studies; and
3. Nurture the emergence of new mental models to deliver and benefit from new forms of value.

For more information on New Metrics '13, which will take place on September 24-25 in Philadelphia, click here.

To access the New Metrics complimentary white paper click here.

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