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§ May 18th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
Hyundai is trying something few carmakers have of late – offering a small entry-level car with nice styling.
No, the Accent isnt as swoopy as the Sonata or even the Elantra. But its lines are crisp and give the car some flair. I drove a sparkling marathon blue 4-door GLS for the week and found it a great value.
Heres why.
First, it doesnt cost you much to get into an Accent. Base price on the 4-door is $12,545 and for that you get the same 1.6-liter fuel-efficient direct-injected 4-cylinder all aluminum engine as all Accents. It delivers 138 horsepower, so theres plenty of power for a light, 2,463 pound car.
Accent will easily get onto the highway and up to speed, quicker and with less grumble than several other small cars and SUVs Ive recently driven. That base car gives you a 6-speed manual transmission, which will save you a little gas too. The test car added a 6-speed automatic for $2,650.
The Accent includes Shiftronic automatic, which means you can shift manually. I did a few times and its simple. But the automatic functions well and uses the cars power efficiently. Shifts are barely noticeable.
The EPA says to expect 30 mpg city and 40 highway from this engine and transmission combination, which is impressive. I got 31.3 mpg in about 60% highway driving.
Handling is good. Accent feels light and easy to handle. The sedan turns well and feels relatively well planted, even in wet weather. In normal driving it borders on fun, but the variable-assist power steering, which firms up as the cars speed increases, doesnt deliver a great road feel. Yet its better than some small cars, including other Hyundai models.
Accent rides on a 101.2 inch wheelbase, which gets a tad choppy over really rough area streets. But generally its well controlled and easily as comfortable a ride as some pricier small cars. There were no severe jolts even on the worst roads.
Braking comes from vented front disc brakes and solid rear discs. ABS is standard, as are traction and stability control.
On the base GLS sedan only 14-inch tires are standard. But the test car added a Premium option package that ups that to 16-inchers and alloy wheels. This certainly helps improve the ride and handling.
Also in that package, which goes for just $1,300, is a keyless remote, fancier steering wheel with cruise control and radio buttons on the hub, along with Bluetooth hands-free phone system. The cloth seats are upgraded and other interior accents are improved along with a sunglasses holder overhead and a fancier storage box/armrest between the seats. Fog lights also come with the package, which pushed the test car up price to $16,625, along with carpeted floor mats and an iPod cable.
All that is enough, coupled with the simple yet stylish layout of the dash and interior, to make Accent feel much more refined inside than youd expect at this price. Even the interior is moderately quiet, something you also may not expect until youre paying at least $20,000.
Accents dash was a dark over light gray with matte silver accents on the dash and doors along with black accents around the center stack, with yet additional tasteful matte silver trim. Seats were gray cloth, but with a woven pattern on the seat back and bottom. None of this looks cheap.
Accents interior is roomy too, with loads of headroom, so four adults will fit comfortably. Theres a large (for this sized car) 14.0 cubic foot trunk, so plenty of room for cargo. The rear seats also split and fold down.
Seats are firm and mildly contoured. I found them comfortable, although its possible that hardness level could prove tiring on a long haul. Seats are manual, but the drivers seat has a pump handle to raise and lower its height.
The dash is well laid out with the main gauges easy to see through the tilt-only steering wheel that features radio, phone and cruise control buttons.
Hyundais center stack is both stylish and simple to see and use with vents at the top and a small radio/clock screen that glows blue below the vents. All buttons and dials are easy to use, and there are two large and one medium dial for the climate controls. Satellite radio is standard for 90 days, as with most cars now, and the Accent is MP3 and iPod ready.
Not many cars can be purchased for $12,500 to $16,000. But this one is worthy of a look if you, or another member of the family, need good comfortable basic transportation. The Accent GS 5-door starts at $14,695 and the top-end SE at $15,895. The sedan is available only in the GLS trim.
Mark Savage welcomes your questions and comments regarding new vehicles at Savageonwheels@yahoo.com.
§ May 17th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
Forget for a few minutes about your urge to make the absolute smartest fiscal choice. Yes, the economics of diesel ownership often take many, many years to work out as positive. Yes, diesels, as in the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, do generally cost thousands more initially; and yes, diesel fuel across the US costs more than gasoline.
Now let that go–after all, if you were going for the lowest costs, you probably wouldnt be looking at a more fashionable vehicle like the Beetle. That hurdle dismissed, wed surely pick VWs TDI version of the latest Beetle over the base car–and probably over the Beetle Turbo we just drove a few weeks ago.
If there was one engine that best fit the character of the first-generation (New) Beetle, it was the TDI diesel four that was offered in the New Beetle through the 2006 model year. Unlike the original base gasoline four- or five-cylinder engines in the Beetle, it had a relaxed, torquey character, a relatively narrow rev range, and just a bit of mechanical noise to both remind us of the original air-cooled Beetles and be satisfying on its own.
The 2013 Beetle TDI, which wont be out until later this summer, will get the latest version of VWs 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder, making 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. And like the 2.0T gasoline engine, it will be hooked up to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automated manual gearbox (not the five-speed manual or conventional automatic of the base five-cylinder Beetle models). In recent years, in Jetta, Golf, Passat, and even the Audi A3, weve found this engine to be both a perky performer and almost incredibly economical.
So its not surprising that in the 2013 Beetle the engine delivers a tremendously strong kick of torque, from standstill, along with a turbine-like whoosh of passing power, most of the time without the need even to downshift, at highway speeds. Plus, as we experienced on some two-lane stretches around Half Moon Bay, California, the TDI takes well to being revved and driven hard in the same way as you would a gasoline engine if the spirit strikes you.
Handling feels about the same as that of the Beetle Turbo wed recently driven (if a slight bit heavier in front), with rather quick-ratio steering and a light feel, as well as much crisper response than we ever expected from the former New Beetle. Part of the appeal of this package is that when youre not in the mood to downshift, you can simply let that wave of torque take you confidently out of one corner and on to the next. Ride quality was great; theres really no shudder at idle or excessive noise when you rev it; and interior appointments were as weve described for the 2012 VW Beetle models that are otherwise out at dealerships now.
Economical operation is of course part of that story, as much as were trying not to make it the only story here. EPA ratings for the latest Beetle TDI ring in at 29 mpg city, 39 highway. While those city ratings are about what youll see in shorter trips or urban commutes, we have a long history of seeing much higher real-world highway results in TDI models compared to their EPA ratings–so dont think 45 mpg is out of the question. In about 30 miles of some of the hardest, worst-case-scenario driving the TDI might encounter, we averaged about 25 mpg
Interestingly, while we drove the 2013 Beetle TDI, we dont yet have a price for it. VW officials confirmed that we can expect the TDI to fit into the lineup in the same way it did when it was last sold in the US, and in the same way its positioned in some of VWs current model lines (above the base engine, but just below the turbo)–so count starting prices in the low to mid twenties.
§ May 16th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
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§ May 15th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
SAN DIEGO–As more Americans opt for healthier diets that include fresh fruits and vegetables, new research presented at the Experimental Biology 2012 annual meeting reveals when price, waste and preparation time are considered, canned foods may offer a more affordable, convenient way to get needed-nutrients.
The study comes on the heels of a 2011 survey conducted on behalf of the Canned Food Alliance (CFA) that found US consumers underestimate the benefits of canned foods. In fact, nearly 40% of consumers surveyed said they think canned foods are less nutritious than frozen, and nearly 60% of those survey said they are not as nutritious as fresh foods.
For this study, researchers from Ketchum Global Health and Wellness conducted a market-basket study funded by CFA comparing the cost of obtaining key nutrients from canned, fresh, frozen and dried varieties of common foods. The market-basket study involved buying, preparing and analyzing canned, fresh, frozen and dried (where available) corn, green snap beans, mushrooms, peas, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, pears, peaches, pinto beans and tuna fish. The foods were cooked so that an accurate comparison could be made. All varieties purchased were with no added salt or sugar when available.
The foods were analyzed to determine the cost of several key nutrients, including protein, fiber, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate. The nutrient content was obtained from the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory, Standard Release 24. The nutrients selected for comparison were included because they are either “nutrients of concern for children, adolescents and adults and/or are those commonly found in the foods.
Findings for pinto beans, tomatoes, corn and spinach were particularly interesting:
- Canned pinto beans cost $1 less per serving as a source of protein and fiber than dried beans because it takes about 6 minutes to prepare a can of pinto beans compared to 2½ hours (soaking and cooking) for dried beans to be meal-ready.
- It is nearly 60% more expensive to obtain dietary fiber from fresh tomatoes as from the same portion of canned tomatoes. Not only is the price of canned tomatoes lower than fresh for the same serving size, but fresh tomatoes take longer to prepare, adding to the real cost of fresh.
- When looking at purchase price alone, fresh corn is less expensive than canned or frozen. However, when the cost of waste (most notably the cob) is factored in, as well as time to prepare, canned corn offers the same amount of dietary fiber as fresh at a 25% savings.
- With a lower cost-per-serving than fresh or frozen, canned spinach provides vitamin C at an 85% savings when compared to fresh or frozen.
“With economic concerns at the forefront today, households are challenged to meet dietary recommendations within budgetary constraints, the researchers said. “This research should assure families they are getting needed nutrition regardless of whether they choose canned, fresh, frozen or dried varieties. They can be confident in buying those foods that best meet their budgets, schedules, cooking abilities and taste preferences and still obtain important nutrients.
§ May 14th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
Women Want Small Economical, Men want Fast and Furious Cars
We have all heard the saying the need for speed and it seems when it comes to cars the classification between men and women are clear. The guys are looking at vehicles which are big, stand out and of course are fast. But, the ladies are looking at small imports that are fuel efficient and economical.
Many brands are looking at the models they have and are making changes that will appeal to both genders. The Volkswagen Beetle is a perfect example of the change that is being seen. In 2011, the VW came out with a new model that appealed to the guys as well as the gals and it was no longer a female car.
The mini car seems to be more popular with the ladies as well. Other brands that are great with the women are Mitsubishi, Honda, Kia and Nissan. Chrysler also makes the grade when it comes to female buyers as well while GMC has 73.5% of their purchases by the guys.
It appears that when it comes to fuel efficient the ladies are out shopping and when you are thinking of fast, flashy and eye catching you are going to be looking at the guys. One of the most popular cars for guys is the Porsche 911. The Ford F Series, Chevy Corvette and the Chevy Silverado are close to follow. For the ladies the Volvo S40 ranked the highest and the VW Beetle and Hyundai Tucson followed suit along with the Nissan Rogue.
Short URL: http://ewireinformer.com/?p=4140
§ May 9th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
Borton-Lawson
613 Baltimore Dr. Ste 300
Wilkes-barre, PA, 18702
USA
Press release date: May 3, 2012
The economical/environmental benefits of converting fleet vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) will be presented at an educational seminar sponsored by Borton-Lawson on Friday, May 4 at Genetti Hotel and Conference Center, Wilkes-Barre. The seminar, entitled The Road to Efficient Fleets: The Future is Compressed Natural Gas, will be comprised of six speakers well-known to the industry, culminating with a panel discussion/question and answer period led by a member of Borton-Lawsons professional staff. Two CNG vehicles, a Ford F-350 and GM truck, will be on display.
Each speaker will present on topics like the overall benefits of converting fleet vehicles to CNG, available grants and how to obtain funding, the future of the American auto industry, state-wide and national economical benefits, CNG distribution and logistics, how to start the conversion process and a case study to look at how Plains Township began utilizing a CNG refuse truck. Speakers include Joel Anstrom, Director of Hybrid and Hydrogen Vehicle Research Laboratory at PTI and Director of US DOE Graduate Automotive Technology Education at the Pennsylvania State University; Will Freeman, Coordinator – Corporate Development – Natural Gas Vehicle Market Development, Chesapeake Energy; Michael German, CEO, Corning Natural Gas; Allen Westbrook, Vice President Marketing, UGI Utilities; Cynthia Williams, Environmental Policy Manager, Ford Motor Company and Jerry Yozwiak, Plains Township Commissioner.
Invitees include representatives from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), Ford Motor Company, American Infrastructure, municipal and university officials, the Pennsylvania Governors office and many others.
The benefits of CNG-fueled automobiles are only recently becoming more well-known. With the abundance of natural gas in our region, it makes sense – economically and environmentally – to use this type of fuel, stated Christopher Borton, PE, Borton-Lawson CEO. Additionally, we want to assist our local municipalities, businesses, universities and the like in converting their fleets to CNG. Even the smallest steps we take now will aide in eliminating our countrys dependence on foreign oil down the road.
This event is co-sponsored by Genetti Hotel and Conference Center and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.
Borton-Lawson is a full-service architectural and engineering design firm with a team of over 215 experienced professionals whose daily mission is to make our clients vision a reality. Since 1988, Borton-Lawson has been a leader in the fields of architecture and engineering, with five business units comprised of architecture/facilities, land development, transportation, oil and gas and survey. With office locations in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Pittsburgh, State College, Towanda and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and Canton, Ohio, Borton-Lawson has a professional reputation well-known throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The entire Borton-Lawson staff is committed to delivering innovative solutions and quality service to every client. For more information about Borton-Lawson, please visit www.bortonlawson. com.
§ May 8th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
WATERLOO, ON, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
The Economical Insurance Group today issued the following statement in response to an April 14 article
in the Financial Post which contains significant errors of fact and demonstrates a
fundamental misunderstanding of the demutualization of property and
casualty (P&C) insurance companies.
Economical believes its stakeholders deserve to hear the facts directly
from the Company.
The decision to demutualize
The Board of Economical Mutual Insurance Company announced its intention
to pursue demutualization in December 2010 because it believed such a step was in the best long-term interests of
the Company. Among other advantages, demutualization will provide
Economical with greatly enhanced access to capital markets to fund
growth and to compete more successfully against non-mutual P&C
companies operating in Canada. (The Post incorrectly reported that the decision was made in May 2011.)
Distribution of demutualization benefits
The Post mistakenly implies that demutualization could result in the distribution
of all the Company’s mutual policyholders’ equity or “surplus” and that
this could amount to more than $1 million to each mutual policyholder.
Neither is the case.
Demutualization makes no change to the Company’s equity or surplus.
Mutual policyholders would receive common shares of a new stock
company. They can choose to keep those shares and remain investors or
sell them to another investor. What proceeds they receive for their
shares are paid by the buyer, not out of the surplus of the company.
Whether through an initial public offering or a sponsored
demutualization, mutual policyholders would receive an allocation of
the total transaction proceeds, which would be dictated by capital
market conditions. As the Company has previously stated, whatever the
total proceeds, they would be allocated through a formula developed by
Economical to be approved by regulators and that will include both a
fixed portion and a probably much larger variable component that would
consider a number of factors including how long each individual has
been a mutual policyholder with the Company. There will be significant
variation between what is received by longer-term and shorter-term
mutual policyholders. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the
size of the distributions.
The composition of Mutual Policyholders
There are 943 Economical mutual policyholders. The Post misstates Company figures by claiming one-third are “company executives
and brokers”. In fact, employees – at all levels in the Company -
account for only about 17%.Brokers represent just 3%. The vast
majority of mutual policyholders are long-term customers with no
employment or other business affiliation with the Company. Over 75% of
mutual policies have been in place for more than 10 years, and 45% have
been in place for more than 20 years.
The number of mutual policyholders reflects the reality that mutual
policies have had limited appeal to customers over the years. Until
2008, mutual policyholders were required to sign a promissory Premium
Note that exposed them to financial risk that cash policyholders did
not face. Mutual policies were only offered for homeowners’ fire
coverage on a principal residence, to customers who were claims-free
for five years, and who were prepared to make a three-year policy
commitment and sign the promissory note. The restrictions related to
the type of coverage and the form of promissory note was the common
practice due to historical provisions in the Insurance Act (Ontario).
Because homeowners’ insurance represents only 18% of Economical’s
outstanding policies, it is misleading to compare the number of mutual
policies to the entire universe of Economical policies.
Economical’s mutual policyholders are the owners of the Company, as
determined by law, the Company’s by-laws and by the precedent of the
mutual life companies which were allowed to demutualize in the 1990s.
As the legal owners, Economical’s mutual policyholders have the right
to vote on the demutualization proposal and to share in the allocation
of its benefits.
Claims from CAMIC
Economical is not a member of the Canadian Association of Mutual
Insurance Companies (CAMIC) which is quoted extensively in the Post article and has stated its opposition to demutualization on behalf of a
relatively small segment of the P&C insurance industry.
Economical’s decision to demutualize affects no one but Economical. No
other mutual insurance company is required to follow our lead and they
can simply choose not to. CAMIC members can remain mutual companies if
they believe that is in their best interests. Economical believes its
best interests lie in demutualization.
The president of CAMIC is quoted asking how an individual can purchase
an Economical mutual policy. Economical has previously announced it
placed a moratorium on new mutual policies in November 2010, prior to
the demutualization decision. He also questions how individuals would
know mutual policies even existed if they were not “connected” to the
Company. In fact, Economical made significant efforts over several
years to increase the number of its mutual policyholders which, at one
time, had declined to approximately 100. Its experience was that, even
among qualified customers with principal residence fire coverage, the
disadvantages of longer terms, added administrative burden, and
potential financial risk outweighed any advantages of mutual policies.
It is also inconsistent to question mutual policy ownership among the
board and employees when it is a basic tenet of good governance that
the interests of a company’s leadership should be aligned with the
interests of its owners, whether they are shareholders or mutual
policyholders. As part of its preparation for demutualization,
Economical has taken major steps to put its governance in line with the
best practices of Canadian public companies.
Progress on demutualization regulations
We have worked closely with the Department of Finance and other
regulators since announcing our intention to demutualize. We recognize
the challenges in developing a fair and transparent regulatory
framework that is needed to give P&C companies the strategic option to
demutualize should they choose to do so.
Based on our experience, we see no reason to doubt the stated commitment
of the Federal government to develop demutualization regulations as
soon as practically possible.
Economical’s commitment
Economical is committed to pursuing demutualization, provided that
regulations can be developed that allow it to proceed in the best
interests of the Company. The path we have chosen and our approach to
it is correct in law and is good public policy: it encourages
competitiveness, financial strength and innovation in Canada’s P&C
industry. Demutualization is in the best interests of the communities
we serve across the country.
About The Economical Insurance Group
Founded in 1871, The Economical Insurance Group is one of Canada’s
largest property and casualty insurers, with $1.7 billion in premiums
and $4.6 billion in assets. Based in Waterloo, this Canadian-owned and
operated group services the insurance needs of more than one million
customers through 19 branches and service offices across the country.
In 2010, Economical announced its decision to become the first
federally-regulated mutual property and casualty insurance company to
demutualize. Economical is currently reviewing strategic options and
will submit a comprehensive demutualization proposal for mutual
policyholder approval after the federal government’s development of
regulations and regulatory approval.
The Economical Insurance Group’s member companies include: Economical
Mutual Insurance Company® (including Western General® Farm Division),
Waterloo Insurance Company®, Perth Insurance Company®, The Missisquoi
Insurance Company®, Federation Insurance Company of Canada(TM), Family
Insurance Solutions and The Mattei Companies.
SOURCE Economical Insurance Group
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
Financial Glossary
Words used in this article:
§ May 5th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
Aaron Rakes says he saves hundreds of dollars per month by riding the bus, rather than driving each weekday from Chico to his job in Oroville.
It would cost me $300 a month for gas and upkeep if I drove a car, he said.
With the uptick in fuel prices, taking the B-Line Transit buses around Chico and other parts of Butte County is becoming an ever more popular way to travel. At he same time, this upsurge is helping the environment.
Riding the buses is economical and helps cut pollution by greatly reducing the number of cars on the road spewing carbon monoxide, said Jim Peplow, senior planner for the Butte County Association of Governments, which oversees the bus lines. Were on a pace to set the all-time record for the most bus riders ever this fiscal year.
Peplow said the previous record for ridership came during another spike in fuel costs back in 2008 and 2009.
However, he also attributed the increase in passengers to more efficient bus routes, times and schedules. In 2010, the B-Line began schedule changes that incorporated technology such as Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking. This permitted more exact stop times by identifying those that were running longer or shorter than their stated times.
This streamlining has helped the environment by cutting down the time buses spend idling at stops.
Another eco-friendly change came in 2011, with the purchase of 11 buses that run on clean diesel fuel. They replaced older, less fuel-efficient models. All B-Line buses now run on either eco-friendly clean diesel or compressed natural gas.
That same year, many stops shortened their intervals from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.
More than 500 B-Line bus stops are now made daily throughout Butte County. The record ridership seen in the first eight months of the current fiscal year has also been enhanced by 75 new bus shelters built in the last two years countywide. Each has colored, easy-to-read route schedules.
For anyone who hasnt ridden B-Line, there will be an opportunity to do so for free during the upcoming Spare the Air Day on Thursday, May 3. The special promotion is meant to encourage new riders as well as thank current ones, Peplow said.
Regular rates are $1.40, students ride for $1, and the fares cost 70 cents for seniors and the disabled. Regional fees to travel from Chico to Oroville or Gridley cost $1.80. Frequent riders can save by buying a 30-day pass for $35 (or $43 for the regional pass).
Its great for commuters, and you dont have to worry about driving, breaking down, crashing, or wear and tear on your car, Peplow said.
A much-anticipated future improvement will be the GPS updates on the B-Lines website (go to www.blinetransit.com to learn more). Expected as early as this summer, the service will allow the public to view minute-by-minute updates on the exact whereabouts and expected stop times of their buses. This information will be available on smart phones, tablets, laptops or home computers.
If you missed your bus stop time, you can check the GPS updates, and if its running late youll know you can still catch it, explained Peplow.
In the meantime, riders like Rakes continue to enjoy the buses not only for the economical benefit, but also for the friendly service.
The drivers are extremely polite. My young son loves them, Rakes said. When we take our regular bus, he says, Hes my favorite driver! because the driver gives him candy each time.
§ May 5th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
Earlier this week, Arrow Electronics Inc. (ARW – Analyst Report) announced its decision to open custom computer system integration fulfillment facilities in Brazil and India. The new facilities shall provide advanced original equipment manufacturing (OEM) services, considered to be more economical, technologically advanced, productive and user friendly.
Management expressed its exuberance on the decision to open these integration facilities at San Paulo, Brazil and Bangalore, India, by averring that market proliferation strategies have been of primary importance to the company and are implemented with the intent of satisfying its customer needs across the globe.
Arrow has been proactive with regard to its market expansion advancements. These new locations will add to Arrows already existing integration facility centers at Arizona, Hungary, China, Israel and Mexico.
Providing optimum value to customers has been an important aspect to Arrow. In early April, the company entered into an agreement with Ocular LCD, Inc. to add the latters Ocular Crystals Touch panels to its existing product database in North America.
It is noteworthy that these market expansion strategies have been executed in sectors which are proving to be incipiently profitable for Arrow. In 2011, consolidated sales across the Americas soared 34.2%, whereas the Asia Pacific region recorded sales growth of nearly 18.4%, annually. Hence, it would not be hyperbolic to infer that these current moves shall further abet growth at areas where demand is already escalating for Arrows products.
Avnet, Inc. (AVT – Analyst Report) declared that nearly 68% of its total sales in 2011 accrued from the Americas and Asia Pacific. Hence, Arrow should be on its guard regarding competitors with strong market shares across the regions of its existing and future operations.
The company currently retains a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates into a short-term Buy rating. We also maintain a long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock.
Read the full analyst report on ARW
Read the full analyst report on AVT
§ May 5th, 2012 § Filed under Economical § Tagged Economical Comments Off
Sustainable development has become an increasingly important topic in recent years. It is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.
Achieving sustainable development is perhaps one of the most difficult and pressing goals we face right now.
CRIs Autumn Szeliga has the story.
Global crises are posing greater challenges to peoples lives and even threatening human existence. Population growth, resource scarcity and worldwide environmental problems are emerging as globalization deepens. These issues combined can take a serious toll on the future of human development.
Twenty years ago, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro discussed environmental and developmental issues for the first time on a global scale. It produced the idea of sustainable development, taking into account the three dimensions of economic, environmental and social sustainability. Although these pillars are supposed to carry equal weight, many fear that the environmental focus is lagging.
Professor Kirit Parikh, former director of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, explains why.
The economical one is the one that everyone is interested in. And the consequences of economical development also clear some social problems. While for the environment, only when pollution became very high, then people tended to react to it. If climate changes take place, it will be a slow thing, and its not a kind of thing I can do by myself. Thats why I think it (the environmental focus) gets neglected.
Given the deteriorating state of the environment, it is high time to move forward in promoting sustainable development. As a result, global actors are now trying to foster greater international cooperation to advance the implementation of green economic development.
Mohan Peck from the Office of the Executive Coordinators for Rio+20 at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, explains what the UN is doing to promote sustainable development.
Since 1992, the global facility has been created. The UN development adopted a sustainable development program approach, and there is cooperation with countries. UN organizations never stop their tolls. This sentence doesnt make sense]. The needs are much greater than we have the capacity to deal with, so we have training programs, capacity-building workshops and ground-money projects. We work in partnership with governments, with other UN agencies, and even the private sector.
In many cases, the technology necessary for sustainable development already exists. Often, the problem is less about finding the solutions and more about implementing them. So what we need to focus is on how to overcome the obstacles blocking the implementation of green policies.
Arno Behrens, director of Energy at the Center for European Policy Studies, explains further.
The most important thing, I think, is actually government support. So if you have a strong government with a leadership, and to implement the green economy, then things can happen much faster. And coming from the EU, theres quite a kind of support, still for reducing green house emissions, for increasing the renewable things, and this is surely set to continue. And I want to repeat that government is the key on all levels.
It has been twenty years since the first UN conference on environment and development was held in Rio de Janeiro, and 10 years since the Johannesburg world summit on sustainable development. While some progress has been made in the realm of sustainable development since that time, much remains to be achieved. This is where the upcoming Rio+20 Conference comes into play.
Chao Qingchen, Deputy Director-general of the China Meteorological Administration, expresses optimism about the Rio+20 Conference.
At this Rio+20 Conference, there are two issues¡ªgreen economy and institutional governance. I think our government will be actively involved in this conference, and also to show what we have made and what we want to take. So I believe it will be a success for this conference.
The upcoming Rio+20 Conference must find ways to promote sustainable development and provide real solutions to environmental and other issues. It is a good chance for us to move away from business-as-usual policies and act to address environmental destruction as well as build a bridge to the future.
For CRI, Im Autumn Szeliga.
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