Agenda
Change in the dynamics of Global Geopolitics
Brexit and Chill
Drishya Sobhana Narayanan, reporting from the Trilateral Commission (TLC), summarises the extensive deliberation over the implications of Brexit, and reasons for Euroscepticism.
The TLC, comprising of the crusaders of the world’s power, who met to discuss the hot affairs of geopolitics, decided to commence debate with the most compelling topic of the hour. Brexit referendum, followed by its negotiations, have the economists and politicos of the world, at large, to scratch their heads over the forthcoming effects.
Prime Minister of the state of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe mentioned that Japan is the second largest investor in Britain, and Brexit does not prove good for its investors. Mr. Abe reminded the committee that Japan has sent a warning, along with a set of requests, to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). He also stated that further delaying of a reciprocating reply would lead to serious consequences.
Theresa May, Prime Minister of the (UK), established that Brexit was the wish of the citizens, and the government is only doing its duty, to uphold it, as expected of any democracy. Mrs. May stated that, post Brexit, inflation has been lower and that business investment is up 2.5 per cent. Her primary concern was that of the British nationals in the European Union (EU) and the EU citizens in the UK. However, according to a report by Financial Times on 1 May 2017, EU nationals in the UK would require to fill out an 85 page long document for applying for permanent residence.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the Indian politician, reminded the committee that Brexit referendum was not binding, and pointed out that representatives are elected so as to take informed decisions. To make such decisions, that involve many nuances of foreign policy, a popular vote should not have had leverage over experienced political judgement.
Li Zhaoxing, Former Foreign Minister of People’s Republic of China, from Beijing, extended Chinese interests of fresh trade relations between the UK and China, after the Brexit procedure, citing the fruitful BRICS meeting in India between the three countries. Justin Trudeau and Admiral Di Paola versed that the EU is far less appealing, after the exit of Britain, and might only lead to the much talked about domino effect.
Mr. Henry Kissinger, former immigrant, and lifetime member of the TLC, urged the committee to look into the increasing incidences of fear-mongering tactics that have been blinding the nations with Euroscepticism. According to him, whatever the outcome may be, the UK is still a part of Europe, if not the EU, and that the Union must see it as a potential compatriot rather than a foe. Many other members also agreed that the emerging far right movement is an indicator of a major political shift.
To all these predicaments, Mr. David Rockefeller, founder of the TLC, reverted that whatever the cause, protectionist politics are against the very foundation of the TLC and concluded the debate by saying that solutions are the need of the hour. He suggested a revision of the trade deals between Japan and the EU, and the United States of America and the EU, in order to define the place of the UK in these deals, and that defaulting of these matters would attract action from the World Trade Organisation.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan).
The TLC, comprising of the crusaders of the world’s power, who met to discuss the hot affairs of geopolitics, decided to commence debate with the most compelling topic of the hour. Brexit referendum, followed by its negotiations, have the economists and politicos of the world, at large, to scratch their heads over the forthcoming effects.
Prime Minister of the state of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe mentioned that Japan is the second largest investor in Britain, and Brexit does not prove good for its investors. Mr. Abe reminded the committee that Japan has sent a warning, along with a set of requests, to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). He also stated that further delaying of a reciprocating reply would lead to serious consequences.
Theresa May, Prime Minister of the (UK), established that Brexit was the wish of the citizens, and the government is only doing its duty, to uphold it, as expected of any democracy. Mrs. May stated that, post Brexit, inflation has been lower and that business investment is up 2.5 per cent. Her primary concern was that of the British nationals in the European Union (EU) and the EU citizens in the UK. However, according to a report by Financial Times on 1 May 2017, EU nationals in the UK would require to fill out an 85 page long document for applying for permanent residence.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the Indian politician, reminded the committee that Brexit referendum was not binding, and pointed out that representatives are elected so as to take informed decisions. To make such decisions, that involve many nuances of foreign policy, a popular vote should not have had leverage over experienced political judgement.
Li Zhaoxing, Former Foreign Minister of People’s Republic of China, from Beijing, extended Chinese interests of fresh trade relations between the UK and China, after the Brexit procedure, citing the fruitful BRICS meeting in India between the three countries. Justin Trudeau and Admiral Di Paola versed that the EU is far less appealing, after the exit of Britain, and might only lead to the much talked about domino effect.
Mr. Henry Kissinger, former immigrant, and lifetime member of the TLC, urged the committee to look into the increasing incidences of fear-mongering tactics that have been blinding the nations with Euroscepticism. According to him, whatever the outcome may be, the UK is still a part of Europe, if not the EU, and that the Union must see it as a potential compatriot rather than a foe. Many other members also agreed that the emerging far right movement is an indicator of a major political shift.
To all these predicaments, Mr. David Rockefeller, founder of the TLC, reverted that whatever the cause, protectionist politics are against the very foundation of the TLC and concluded the debate by saying that solutions are the need of the hour. He suggested a revision of the trade deals between Japan and the EU, and the United States of America and the EU, in order to define the place of the UK in these deals, and that defaulting of these matters would attract action from the World Trade Organisation.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan).
And The Rockes Fell Into Place
Drishya Sobhana Narayanan, a sucker for conspiracy theories, met the living storm himself, the founder of The Trilateral Commission (TLC). Here are the details from an exclusive interview with Mr. David Rockefeller.
Q: With the rise of populist, anti-establishment movements happening around the world, what does this mean for bodies like the Bilderberg Conference and the TLC?
A: More than anti-establishment, I see that there is a far-right kind of political approach, with respect to the governance, they want to have. As far as committees like the TLC and the Bilderberg Conference are concerned, I feel that these are, at their core, economic councils. As much as political, they are economic as well. Having a far-right approach would hinder the kind of progress that we would need economically. It would fracture the markets, rather than unite them, thus, breaking the hopes of global market integration that the TLC would ideally want to have.
Q: The Rockefeller family has always been a pioneer of philanthropy and giving. How important is this value in the world today?
A: I think philanthropy is extremely important especially with respect to many European countries pulling out their support from the refugee crisis today. When governments do not, themselves, take burden to fend for the people in need, herein private philanthropic organisations and institutions play a major role in bridging that gap which the governments have created and catering to people in need.
Q: Would you call Donald Trump a potential member of the debates of the TLC?
A: Yes, definitely. I think he would be an extremely interesting member to the debates happening in the TLC, given his expertise on how to run a business economically and his interesting political views.
Q: You have been suffering from several health issues, and have just recently undergone your seventh heart transplant surgery. Every life has a journey, so, what do you wish to see at the end of yours?
A: I have seen lots of governmental transitions especially those in the United States of America; lot of presidents come and go - right from Nixon’s presidency to Trump’s - and lots of changes in foreign policy. One thing which has remained constant is that USA is trying to exert its influence throughout, economically and politically. USA has been extremely protective about both its sovereignty, and the power which it has been trying to exert all through.
Q: What is your vision for the TLC?
A: The greatest obstacle that we had was Brexit which happened with United Kingdom (UK) voting to leave the European Union (EU). This tremendously hampers having a single market kind of an economy. Since the first day of the conference, I have been against the idea, and have spoken about how this is a huge setback for most business men. I have been suggesting solutions like having alternatives to UK rather than investing in UK. It is important for us to start reallocating our investments and resources to countries, like Switzerland, which have much more powerful trade relations with the EU which most of us in Trilateral right now would benefit from. I have been suggesting these, knowing that my companies have been doing a great job right now.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan).
Q: With the rise of populist, anti-establishment movements happening around the world, what does this mean for bodies like the Bilderberg Conference and the TLC?
A: More than anti-establishment, I see that there is a far-right kind of political approach, with respect to the governance, they want to have. As far as committees like the TLC and the Bilderberg Conference are concerned, I feel that these are, at their core, economic councils. As much as political, they are economic as well. Having a far-right approach would hinder the kind of progress that we would need economically. It would fracture the markets, rather than unite them, thus, breaking the hopes of global market integration that the TLC would ideally want to have.
Q: The Rockefeller family has always been a pioneer of philanthropy and giving. How important is this value in the world today?
A: I think philanthropy is extremely important especially with respect to many European countries pulling out their support from the refugee crisis today. When governments do not, themselves, take burden to fend for the people in need, herein private philanthropic organisations and institutions play a major role in bridging that gap which the governments have created and catering to people in need.
Q: Would you call Donald Trump a potential member of the debates of the TLC?
A: Yes, definitely. I think he would be an extremely interesting member to the debates happening in the TLC, given his expertise on how to run a business economically and his interesting political views.
Q: You have been suffering from several health issues, and have just recently undergone your seventh heart transplant surgery. Every life has a journey, so, what do you wish to see at the end of yours?
A: I have seen lots of governmental transitions especially those in the United States of America; lot of presidents come and go - right from Nixon’s presidency to Trump’s - and lots of changes in foreign policy. One thing which has remained constant is that USA is trying to exert its influence throughout, economically and politically. USA has been extremely protective about both its sovereignty, and the power which it has been trying to exert all through.
Q: What is your vision for the TLC?
A: The greatest obstacle that we had was Brexit which happened with United Kingdom (UK) voting to leave the European Union (EU). This tremendously hampers having a single market kind of an economy. Since the first day of the conference, I have been against the idea, and have spoken about how this is a huge setback for most business men. I have been suggesting solutions like having alternatives to UK rather than investing in UK. It is important for us to start reallocating our investments and resources to countries, like Switzerland, which have much more powerful trade relations with the EU which most of us in Trilateral right now would benefit from. I have been suggesting these, knowing that my companies have been doing a great job right now.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan).
The Triangulate’s Thoughts
Reporter of the Trilateral Commision (TLC), Drishya Sobhana Narayanan, sets out to find the viewpoints of the individuals on the implications of populist politics onglabal trade.
The question posed to the committee was -
"Quoting to a Reuters report on March 11, 2017 “US employers have hired workers at a robust pace in February and wages have grinded higher. There has been an increase in nonfarm payrolls. Employment gains have also risen.” Protectionism is now also seen to favour the United Kingdom and Great Britain’s growth post the Brexit decision. Is the rise of protectionism still a threat to global trade and economics?"
Out of 20 members in the TLC, it is to be noted that 65 per cent have voted that they saw populism as a threat to progression of trade ties over the world. About 20 per cent disagree disagreed with the stance.
Members have strongly maintained their stance. Although, even with a heavy weightage to positive, it is interesting to see that the committee had not tried yet tried to give any solution to work on changing this crucial political scenario until later.
To deal with this situation, the delegates could use their majority to influence the naysayers and assert their stance so as to for change their stance.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan).
The question posed to the committee was -
"Quoting to a Reuters report on March 11, 2017 “US employers have hired workers at a robust pace in February and wages have grinded higher. There has been an increase in nonfarm payrolls. Employment gains have also risen.” Protectionism is now also seen to favour the United Kingdom and Great Britain’s growth post the Brexit decision. Is the rise of protectionism still a threat to global trade and economics?"
Out of 20 members in the TLC, it is to be noted that 65 per cent have voted that they saw populism as a threat to progression of trade ties over the world. About 20 per cent disagree disagreed with the stance.
Members have strongly maintained their stance. Although, even with a heavy weightage to positive, it is interesting to see that the committee had not tried yet tried to give any solution to work on changing this crucial political scenario until later.
To deal with this situation, the delegates could use their majority to influence the naysayers and assert their stance so as to for change their stance.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan).
Of Military and Men
On a mission to help readers comprehend the military prowess and intelligence strategies of the current global political scenario, Drishya Sobhana Narayanan, reporter, presents her views with regards to the Trilateral Commission (TLC).
Since 2009, there has been a steep decrease in the military spending, by the world, in the units of percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In March 2016, according to a Reuters report, People’s Republic of China increased its military spending by only 7.6 per cent. This had then been the lowest increase in military spending by China in the past six years. However, drawn from a report in December 2016, China now indicates an increase in military spending for the year 2017. This change clearly indicates mistrust, which has resulted from the dynamics of political changes, and unrest in the western nations.
With Brexit happening, there is a lot of speculation regarding trust between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom. With the indication of a hard Brexit, it is still unclear whether there would be friendly cooperation between the two, regarding counter terrorism and intelligence. Losing the aid of intelligence bureaus, such as the British MI6, could prove detrimental to the security of EU. There is a lot of paranoia that the Russian intelligence bodies could use this breakage to their advantage and fuel more conflicts.
Also owing to the rise of far-right and populist springs in political structures, nations are speculated to increase military spending to assure citizens of their safety with countries, like the United States of America (USA), seeking a historic military spending boost under its new president. This trend in military spending can also be blamed to the social change where Islamophobia has been a rampant display. According to a Reuters report on 16 February 2017, James Mattis, the Defense Secretary of the USA, has out rightly rejected ideas of military collaboration with Russia. This came as a relief and puzzlement for the citizens of USA, who had seen Mr. Donald Trump developing friendly relations with Mr. Vladimir Putin on numerous occasions, the ones who read, at least.
One worrying case to be noted is the rise in tensions between India and Pakistan, along their borders, with ceasefire violations and mistrust between the nations, due to the rise of protectionist and populist politics. There have been several talks and negotiations between the two nations which have, till now, led nowhere but India being an ally of USA and Pakistan being an ally of China, this is one faction that could lead to more volatility and increased military spending.
Led by an authoritarian head of state, Philippines is a nation that has started to increasingly be a threat to global security. On February 26 2017, Philippian army declared airstrikes on Abu Sayyaf, a German man. Philippines has previously also been criticised for its inhumane policies in the war on drugs.
The writer can only feel pessimistic as it can be seen, from the above instances, that there are volatilities emerging in all factions of the TLC, and USA is now under a fickle minded leader. The EU seems like a failed experiment and Asia, with numerous unresolved internal conflicts.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan).
Since 2009, there has been a steep decrease in the military spending, by the world, in the units of percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In March 2016, according to a Reuters report, People’s Republic of China increased its military spending by only 7.6 per cent. This had then been the lowest increase in military spending by China in the past six years. However, drawn from a report in December 2016, China now indicates an increase in military spending for the year 2017. This change clearly indicates mistrust, which has resulted from the dynamics of political changes, and unrest in the western nations.
With Brexit happening, there is a lot of speculation regarding trust between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom. With the indication of a hard Brexit, it is still unclear whether there would be friendly cooperation between the two, regarding counter terrorism and intelligence. Losing the aid of intelligence bureaus, such as the British MI6, could prove detrimental to the security of EU. There is a lot of paranoia that the Russian intelligence bodies could use this breakage to their advantage and fuel more conflicts.
Also owing to the rise of far-right and populist springs in political structures, nations are speculated to increase military spending to assure citizens of their safety with countries, like the United States of America (USA), seeking a historic military spending boost under its new president. This trend in military spending can also be blamed to the social change where Islamophobia has been a rampant display. According to a Reuters report on 16 February 2017, James Mattis, the Defense Secretary of the USA, has out rightly rejected ideas of military collaboration with Russia. This came as a relief and puzzlement for the citizens of USA, who had seen Mr. Donald Trump developing friendly relations with Mr. Vladimir Putin on numerous occasions, the ones who read, at least.
One worrying case to be noted is the rise in tensions between India and Pakistan, along their borders, with ceasefire violations and mistrust between the nations, due to the rise of protectionist and populist politics. There have been several talks and negotiations between the two nations which have, till now, led nowhere but India being an ally of USA and Pakistan being an ally of China, this is one faction that could lead to more volatility and increased military spending.
Led by an authoritarian head of state, Philippines is a nation that has started to increasingly be a threat to global security. On February 26 2017, Philippian army declared airstrikes on Abu Sayyaf, a German man. Philippines has previously also been criticised for its inhumane policies in the war on drugs.
The writer can only feel pessimistic as it can be seen, from the above instances, that there are volatilities emerging in all factions of the TLC, and USA is now under a fickle minded leader. The EU seems like a failed experiment and Asia, with numerous unresolved internal conflicts.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan).
A Certain Necromance
A CERTAIN NECROMANCE
Drishya Sobhana Narayanan, corresponding from the Trilateral Commission (TLC), writes on the rise of Asia, with focus on Chinese policies, and notes the air of nostalgia in committee for the time when the west was ‘great’.
The TLC resumed session on a unanimous choice to discuss what Asian emergence means for the future of geopolitics.
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, emphasised that with Asia’s rise, and the United States of America (USA) under poor governance, Germany has been proving to be a prominent leader of the west and, thus, pressed on why it was beneficial for all arenas of geopolitics for Germany to get a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) decision making.
Mr. David Rockefeller, founder of the TLC, blamed the stagnancy and confusion of upcoming trade deals, to the lack of certainty in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), revolving Brexit. He suggested that Switzerland would be an excellent alternative to the (UK) considering that although Switzerland is not a part of the European Union (EU), bilateral trade is much more feasible because of the European Economic Area (EEA).
Mr. Henry Kissinger, political scientist, prophesised that, just like most of the World Bank Chiefs have been American, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) chiefs, European, People’s Republic of China would be trying to build such a body to work with the East Asian nations. However, he argued that this point must be received in a positive manner for two reasons. Firstly, the G20 Summit has been helping in keeping all the political instability under control. Secondly, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has major countries, as members, that involve open trade discussions with China.
To counter Chinese monopoly over the Asian continent, Meghan L. O’Sullivan, former National Security Advisor to the USA, suggested that TLC could come up with steps to enhance trade with neighbours of China, like Vietnam and Philippines. Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, asked the Triangulate to be vary of Chinese emergence by stating that China’s meteoric geopolitical rise is unfavorable to the policies of the western nations. Increased military spending by China had indicated the need to oversee their priorities. To this, David Rockefeller argued that China has, in fact, been a major driver of vibrant geopolitics, and that the Transatlantic bloc must absolutely look into ideas for more diverse trade deals with the Asian bloc. This, in turn, would also help in easing of diplomatic fragility.
Lorry Esposito Murray, former aide of George W. Bush, wanted the committee to debate on the latest economic reforms in China, and opined that demonetisation in India is not a positive indicator for its economy. Theresa May, Prime Mister of the UK, then, mentioned the uncertain conditions of Republic of Korea with its upcoming elections that seem favourable for the People’s Party, whose likely candidate is a proponent for better ties with Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. She said that this would further add to the already perplexing foreign policy entanglements.
Seeing a huge exclusion of mention of the UK in committee, Theresa May clinched the discussion, declaring that the UK has plans to look into healthier investment and trade relations with India, which is Asia’s largest fastest growing economy. However, the reporter would like to mention that Philippines is the fastest growing economy, according to reports by Bloomberg as recent as January 2017.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan)
The TLC resumed session on a unanimous choice to discuss what Asian emergence means for the future of geopolitics.
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, emphasised that with Asia’s rise, and the United States of America (USA) under poor governance, Germany has been proving to be a prominent leader of the west and, thus, pressed on why it was beneficial for all arenas of geopolitics for Germany to get a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) decision making.
Mr. David Rockefeller, founder of the TLC, blamed the stagnancy and confusion of upcoming trade deals, to the lack of certainty in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), revolving Brexit. He suggested that Switzerland would be an excellent alternative to the (UK) considering that although Switzerland is not a part of the European Union (EU), bilateral trade is much more feasible because of the European Economic Area (EEA).
Mr. Henry Kissinger, political scientist, prophesised that, just like most of the World Bank Chiefs have been American, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) chiefs, European, People’s Republic of China would be trying to build such a body to work with the East Asian nations. However, he argued that this point must be received in a positive manner for two reasons. Firstly, the G20 Summit has been helping in keeping all the political instability under control. Secondly, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has major countries, as members, that involve open trade discussions with China.
To counter Chinese monopoly over the Asian continent, Meghan L. O’Sullivan, former National Security Advisor to the USA, suggested that TLC could come up with steps to enhance trade with neighbours of China, like Vietnam and Philippines. Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, asked the Triangulate to be vary of Chinese emergence by stating that China’s meteoric geopolitical rise is unfavorable to the policies of the western nations. Increased military spending by China had indicated the need to oversee their priorities. To this, David Rockefeller argued that China has, in fact, been a major driver of vibrant geopolitics, and that the Transatlantic bloc must absolutely look into ideas for more diverse trade deals with the Asian bloc. This, in turn, would also help in easing of diplomatic fragility.
Lorry Esposito Murray, former aide of George W. Bush, wanted the committee to debate on the latest economic reforms in China, and opined that demonetisation in India is not a positive indicator for its economy. Theresa May, Prime Mister of the UK, then, mentioned the uncertain conditions of Republic of Korea with its upcoming elections that seem favourable for the People’s Party, whose likely candidate is a proponent for better ties with Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. She said that this would further add to the already perplexing foreign policy entanglements.
Seeing a huge exclusion of mention of the UK in committee, Theresa May clinched the discussion, declaring that the UK has plans to look into healthier investment and trade relations with India, which is Asia’s largest fastest growing economy. However, the reporter would like to mention that Philippines is the fastest growing economy, according to reports by Bloomberg as recent as January 2017.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan)
THE HOT TOPIC
Drishya Sobhana Narayanan, reporting from the Trilateral Commission (TLC), writes on climate change policies, focusing on the views of prominent individuals and nations of the globe.
On Saturday, 15 October 2016, a staggering 197 nations signed a legally binding agreement to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions at the Montreal Protocol at Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. The highlight of the agreement was that two of the opposing nations, the United States of America (USA) and People’s Republic of China, had signed in affirmative. These two nations have been under heavy scrutiny for contributing to air pollution with the lack of sanctions on industrial and estate development.
However, on 25 January 2017, five days after assuming presidency, President of the USA, Mr. Donald Trump, ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to remove the section on climate change from its website. Years of work, that the EPA officers had accomplished, had gone down the drain. According to Mr. Trump, climate change is a ‘hoax made up by China’ to undermine the USA. The President has been increasingly hostile towards scientific facts that seem to be hindering his outdated business ideals. Mr. Trump prefers to cherry pick on facts and ‘alternate facts’ that support his claims. President Trump’s policies, and likeliness to withdrawal from Paris Agreement of 2015, has attracted disapproval from all around the world.
While the USA has taken several steps backwards, China had been working closely with former President of the USA, Mr. Barack Obama, on the aforementioned Paris Agreement of 2015. China, in the recent years, has faced one of the worse consequences of air pollution, with cities being blanketed by smog. China is now implementing the right steps to usher positive climate impacts. It has secured a future as a reliable world leader in climate change policies.
Another interesting connect to be noted is that right-leaning Prime Minister of India has also come out as a climate change sceptic. At the Paris meet, Mr. Narendra Modi claimed that climate change is not India’s fault. While the fact remains that, just like the situation in Beijing, and other cities in China, New Delhi had also faced an episode of hazardous smog, during last winter, in 2016.
Nevertheless, there are many well informed, powerful individuals, across the globe, who have worked for climate change. Mr. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has given many an example as to how to provide an environment friendly, affordable but advanced technology.
In 2016, the TLC issued a triangular paper on energy security and climate change, which included topics such as Prospects for the next Paris Climate Change Agreement summit, that is, COP21, for Europe, which is a partnered program with the United Nations Environment Program. But with the ongoing Brexit negotiations, it seems that the result of the summit might just prove to have loopholes. Another subject, addressed by the paper, was that of sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, and to discuss the conditions of nuclear power.
The Triangulate must now see into the working of many of the emerging scientific breakthroughs and concepts engineered in many educational institutions. The Triangulate could look into funding of such promising projects and, thus, help the innovators, alongside the members, who, could gain newer technologies.
Climate change is an issue that just cannot be ignored as it affects every single living being on the earth. The TLC’s influential decisions would prove to be something that changes the course of humanity itself.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan)
On Saturday, 15 October 2016, a staggering 197 nations signed a legally binding agreement to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions at the Montreal Protocol at Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. The highlight of the agreement was that two of the opposing nations, the United States of America (USA) and People’s Republic of China, had signed in affirmative. These two nations have been under heavy scrutiny for contributing to air pollution with the lack of sanctions on industrial and estate development.
However, on 25 January 2017, five days after assuming presidency, President of the USA, Mr. Donald Trump, ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to remove the section on climate change from its website. Years of work, that the EPA officers had accomplished, had gone down the drain. According to Mr. Trump, climate change is a ‘hoax made up by China’ to undermine the USA. The President has been increasingly hostile towards scientific facts that seem to be hindering his outdated business ideals. Mr. Trump prefers to cherry pick on facts and ‘alternate facts’ that support his claims. President Trump’s policies, and likeliness to withdrawal from Paris Agreement of 2015, has attracted disapproval from all around the world.
While the USA has taken several steps backwards, China had been working closely with former President of the USA, Mr. Barack Obama, on the aforementioned Paris Agreement of 2015. China, in the recent years, has faced one of the worse consequences of air pollution, with cities being blanketed by smog. China is now implementing the right steps to usher positive climate impacts. It has secured a future as a reliable world leader in climate change policies.
Another interesting connect to be noted is that right-leaning Prime Minister of India has also come out as a climate change sceptic. At the Paris meet, Mr. Narendra Modi claimed that climate change is not India’s fault. While the fact remains that, just like the situation in Beijing, and other cities in China, New Delhi had also faced an episode of hazardous smog, during last winter, in 2016.
Nevertheless, there are many well informed, powerful individuals, across the globe, who have worked for climate change. Mr. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has given many an example as to how to provide an environment friendly, affordable but advanced technology.
In 2016, the TLC issued a triangular paper on energy security and climate change, which included topics such as Prospects for the next Paris Climate Change Agreement summit, that is, COP21, for Europe, which is a partnered program with the United Nations Environment Program. But with the ongoing Brexit negotiations, it seems that the result of the summit might just prove to have loopholes. Another subject, addressed by the paper, was that of sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, and to discuss the conditions of nuclear power.
The Triangulate must now see into the working of many of the emerging scientific breakthroughs and concepts engineered in many educational institutions. The Triangulate could look into funding of such promising projects and, thus, help the innovators, alongside the members, who, could gain newer technologies.
Climate change is an issue that just cannot be ignored as it affects every single living being on the earth. The TLC’s influential decisions would prove to be something that changes the course of humanity itself.
(Edited by Srishti Sankaranarayanan)