#Emissions Test in Ottawa

[tubmanchev]

Emissions Test in Ottawa - Jim Tubman Chevrolet

Here at Jim Tubman Chevrolet, we offer Ontario’s Drive Clean Emissions Tests. Drive Clean is an emissions control program implemented by the government. It checks if your vehicle is running the way it should be and not emitting harmful emissions into the environment. If you would like to get more information about Etests, visit us today.

[drcleanair]

Breathe of Fresh Air: Air Quality Services in Ottawa | 2024

In the bustling city of Ottawa, where urban life meets natural beauty, ensuring clean and healthy air is paramount. The quality of the air we breathe directly impacts our health, productivity, and overall well-being. Thankfully, Ottawa boasts a range of air quality services Ottawa aimed at safeguarding the air we breathe and promoting a healthier environment for all.

Understanding the Need for Air Quality Services

As the nation's capital, Ottawa experiences its fair share of environmental challenges, from vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants to seasonal allergens and indoor air contaminants. These factors can contribute to poor air quality, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns.

Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, a growing number of businesses in Ottawa are offering specialized air quality services. These services cater to both residential and commercial clients, providing solutions to improve indoor and outdoor air quality.

Comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Indoor air quality is a significant concern, considering that Canadians spend the majority of their time indoors, especially during extreme weather conditions. Poor indoor air quality can result from various factors, including inadequate ventilation, mold growth, dust mites, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products.

To address these issues, professional air quality services in Ottawa offer comprehensive solutions tailored to individual needs. This includes air quality assessments, which involve testing for pollutants and identifying sources of contamination. Based on the findings, experts recommend appropriate measures such as air purifiers, ventilation systems, and humidity control devices to enhance indoor air quality and create a healthier living or working environment.

Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring and Management

While much attention is focused on indoor air quality, outdoor air quality also plays a crucial role in public health. Ottawa residents are exposed to outdoor pollutants generated by traffic, industrial activities, and natural sources. These pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ozone, can pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

To address outdoor air quality concerns, government agencies, environmental organizations, and research institutions in Ottawa collaborate to monitor air pollution levels and implement strategies to reduce emissions. This includes initiatives to promote sustainable transportation, enhance green spaces, and enforce regulations on industrial emissions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns raise awareness about the importance of minimizing personal contributions to air pollution through actions such as reducing vehicle idling and conserving energy.

Empowering Communities for Cleaner Air

Beyond individual actions and governmental efforts, community engagement plays a vital role in improving air quality in Ottawa. Local initiatives, such as tree planting programs, neighborhood clean-up events, and advocacy campaigns, empower residents to take an active role in protecting the environment and promoting cleaner air for future generations.

Furthermore, educational initiatives in schools and community centers raise awareness about the link between air quality and health, encouraging behavior changes that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable city.

Conclusion: Breathing Easier in Ottawa

In conclusion, air quality services Ottawa play a critical role in safeguarding the health and well-being of Ottawa residents. Whether addressing indoor pollutants or tackling outdoor emissions, these services offer tailored solutions to improve air quality and create a safer, healthier environment for all. By working together – individuals, businesses, and government agencies – we can ensure that Ottawa remains a breath of fresh air for generations to come.

[nipashautosales-blog]

Welcome to Nipash Auto Sales

WE OFFER FINANCING AS LOW AS 3.99 % O.A.C. ALL STUDENTS ARE WELCOME! Nipash Auto Sales is a Used Car Dealership since 1999 and located at 310 Queen Street East, Brampton. Nipash Auto Sales takes pride in presenting you vehicles ranging from $2000 to over $40,000. Weather you have Good Credit or Bad Credit, Nipash Auto Sales tries to get you the most competitive interest rates and the vehicles include Ontario Safety Standard Certificate and Drive Clean Emission Test within the selling price.18 years in business Nipash Auto Sales focuses on Family Values, Respect and Honesty along with customer service that is Par-Excellence! We go beyond our stated duties to bring you the best value for your hard earned money. Being Licensed from OMVIC and UCDA, we at Nipash Auto Sales work towards excelling the Standards set up by the honorary authorities. Nipash Auto Sales has grown from just 25 vehicles to 200 plus vehicles and has evolved into a strong dealership with repeat business and references from existing customers. We take pride in serving our customers from all over GTA, London, Windsor, Waterloo, Kitchener, Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara Falls, St. Catherines, Caledonia, Barrie, King City, Oshawa, Ottawa to as far as Montreal. None of the vehicles for Sale are Road-worthy without Safety and Drive Clean certification.

[atlanticcanada]

Ottawa spending $35.6 million on East Coast power grid technology

AMHERST, N.S. -- A new $92.7-million project aims to improve the sustainability and efficiency of grid technology on the East Coast.

The project -- dubbed Smart Grid Atlantic -- is a partnership between Siemens Canada Ltd., New Brunswick Power and Nova Scotia Power.

Ottawa is contributing $35.66 million towards the pilot project.

Announcements were made Thursday in Fredericton and Amherst, N.S., by Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey and federal Rural Economic Development Minister Bernadette Jordan.

Siemens says the partners will research and test in real-time how the grid can optimize the integration of renewables, ensure stability and manage decentralized distribution.

NB Power president and CEO Gaetan Thomas says the goal is to gradually reducing carbon emissions through innovative technologies.

A federal news release says the project will create 241 highly skilled jobs in Atlantic Canada.

It says the project will help improve power delivery to underserved communities and reduce future electricity costs for consumers.

"This partnership will be truly ground-breaking. Together with NB Power and Nova Scotia Power, we will develop and implement a powerful cloud-based Energy System Platform (ESP), allowing everyone to participate in the energy market," Faisal Kazi, president and CEO of Siemens Canada, said in a statement.

"The ESP will enable data analytics, ensure connectivity, provide tools for developers to create customer-focused applications and services, and use peer-to-peer technology to enable secure energy trading."

from CTV News - Atlantic http://bit.ly/2UhIsA5

[kayla1993-world]

Record profits for oil companies should be invested in climate action: Guilbeault (ctvnews.ca)

Canada's big oil companies are making record profits this year and should use some of that extra cash to invest in things that curb their greenhouse gas emissions, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Thursday.

His remarks come a week after Cenovus CEO Alex Pourbaix told analysts during a company conference call that a new federal tax credit isn't good enough to convince the major oilsands producers to start building a proposed carbon capture and storage project.

Carbon capture and storage trap emissions at their source and funnels them back underground or into products that can permanently store them, such as cement. The technology is controversial, with many climate scientists arguing it's unproven, expensive and allows fossil fuel production to continue.

The new refundable investment tax credit introduced in the recent federal budget is worth 50 to 60 percent of the investment for carbon capture, and 37.5 percent for transportation, storage or use of the emissions.

Projects that go to enhanced oil recovery—where the captured emissions are used to squeeze more oil out of the ground—won't qualify.

The tax credit will provide an estimated $2.6 billion over the next five years and $1.5 billion annually after that until 2030.

Last year, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers asked Ottawa to design the tax credit, so it pays for 75 percent of the cost of carbon capture projects.

Pourbaix said the industry will need more than what moved on to the investments.

But Guilbeault said in an interview Thursday that will not happen. "We won't be putting even more and more money on the table," he said. "They have to invest as well."

He said Pourbaix's comments are disappointing and that it's time for the industry to come to the table to show what it plans to invest to protect its future in a world where demand for oil and gas diminishes — and demand for unabated oil and gas diminishes faster.

"We want to invest in your sector to ensure that the sector and workers still have jobs, 10, 15 years from now, when more and more, the world will move toward a low-carbon future," Guilbeault said. "So we're putting our money where our mouth is, and we think they do the same."

And he said they have the money to do it. The same day Pourbaix talked about the tax credit, Cenovus reported its best first-quarter profit ever, at $1.6 billion. A year ago, profits were $220 million.

Cenovus has not yet responded to a request for comment. The company is not alone, with the price of oil being driven up by the war in Ukraine, pandemic-related supply chain issues and surging demand as pandemic lockdowns ease. Imperial Oil reported first-quarter profits of $1.17 billion, its best first quarter in 30 years. On Thursday, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. reported profits of $3.1 billion, compared with $1.38 billion a year ago.

"These companies are making record profits, they are investing some of them into ensuring that they have a future," Guilbeault said.

Last week, Pourbaix said oil prices rise and fall so decisions about investing in carbon capture can't be based on current prices.

"Oil prices right now are obviously very attractive, but we know probably before that project is ever in service, we'll probably test the bottom end of those prices again," he said.

The oil and gas sector produced more than one-quarter of Canada's total emissions in 2020. Ottawa is currently estimating the sector must cut its emissions by almost 40 percent from 2020 levels by 2030 if Canada is to meet its current emissions target.

An RBC analysis released last week said cutting oilsands emissions 40 percent by 2030 will cost between $45 billion and $65 billion.

Guilbeault said the industry has invested to cut its emissions. Although production increases mean overall emissions have risen, emissions per barrel are down 11 percent between 2005 and 2020 industry-wide, and in the oilsands alone they're down 12 percent.

"So they have invested in efficiency over the last few years and more than a few," he said. "I think the question now is, is it enough? And the answer to that is no."

Earlier this year, more than 400 climate scientists wrote to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland urging her not to proceed with the tax credit because the technology is unproven, expensive and a massive subsidy to the oil and gas industry.

At a committee hearing in Ottawa earlier this week, NDP MP Laurel Collins demanded Guilbeault hear that plea.

"This is absolutely the wrong direction," she said. "Why are you not listening to them?"

[joyfuldelusionchaosvaliant]

Science and Chemistry Classes

Carbon-capturing material could help industry reduce emissions and costs

by Michael Brown, University of Alberta

Alberta's world renown in carbon capture and sequestration is set to receive another lift thanks to the promise of a material invented and tested in the province that offers an efficient way to pull carbon dioxide out of industrial emissions. An team from the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering characterized a CO2   (CO.2) capturing microporous material developed by a group led by George Shimizu at the University of Calgary that attracts gas molecules and sees them stick to its surface. The material, named Calgary framework-20 (CALF-20), belongs to a family of microporous solids called metal-organic frameworks.Ph.D. student Tai Nguyen and Arvind Rajendran, associate professor in the U of A's Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, tested the capabilities of CALF-20 to uncover its unique properties that make it an excellent candidate for CO2 capture. Rajendran explained that the idea behind metal-organic frameworks has been around for decades after researchers began proving that a combination of metals and organic molecules, known as linkers, had the potential of concentrating gases from a mixture.In the case of CALF-20, a single gram has a surface area of more than 500 square meters. These materials can be packed in a column, much like a catalytic converter, and essentially fastened to the end of a smokestack.Rajendran likens the process that follows when the emissions are sent through the material to a group of people being sent through a shopping district."You will start seeing that the people who don't like to shop move ahead, whereas those who do will move slower," he said."Initially, the people who don't like to shop come out first."In cases where the emissions are made up of nitrogen and CO2, the nitrogen comes out first while the CO2 is left behind, adhering to the material. To move the CO2 along so the material can be reused, either the pressure in the column is brought down and the concentrated CO2 is vacuumed out, or the system is heated up using waste heat or steam."When you provide heat, the CO2 is released and we can start collecting it in a more concentrated form than what you sent in."Solving practical problemsThe problem with these materials, however, is that while they often work in the controlled confines of a lab, they don't work in the presence of water or other impurities. That's where Rajendran's team stepped in."The innovation in this material is that it can handle water nicely. This means you don't have to dry your gas before you filter it through this material, which reduces the need for a whole bunch of energy," he said.Rajendran added that the experiments needed to characterize how materials perform in the presence of water are challenging and laborious: "We had to develop new techniques, and it took the enormous patience of Tai to demonstrate the exceptional ability of CALF-20 to concentrate CO2 even in the presence of water."The experiments Rajendran's team conducted were corroborated by a research team led by Tom Woo at the University of Ottawa using advanced molecular simulations.Another challenge for carbon-capturing materials is that even the tiniest quantities of emissions byproducts, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide, can kill the ability of these materials to capture CO2, Rajendran explained."The big advantage in CALF-20 is that it works under practical conditions for thousands of hours, where almost all other previous developments did not," he said.Once concentrated, the CO2 is either compressed and stored in geological formations, pushed back into old wells for enhanced oil recovery or converted back into fuel, such as methanol, to be used in the creation of other products.Reducing emissions and costsZoramat Solutions, a company based at the University of Calgary, scaled CALF-20 to the multi-kilogram scale, and Innovate Calgary licensed it to Svante, an industry partner out of Burnaby, B.C., that has developed a commercial process. Svante has shown that the material is suitable in an industrial setting and is now testing it in a cement plant at a capacity of one ton per day."This is possibly the first large-scale commercialization of a metal-organic framework," Rajendran said. "These are the next-generation carbon capture technologies that not only reduce CO2 emissions but reduce the cost. These innovations were made possible through multi-institution and interdisciplinary collaborations of synthetic and theoretical chemists, chemical engineers and industry."He added the timing coincides with the rollout of provincial initiatives to reduce industry's environmental footprint, including Canada's first hydrogen HUB launched in the Edmonton region, backed by more than $2 million in funding from three levels of government. The region is well positioned for success because it has one of the lowest hydrogen production costs in the world, existing experience in hydrogen production, a vast network of pipeline infrastructure, and suitable and existing sites for carbon capture—all of which are necessary to upgrade natural gas into hydrogen for use as a low-carbon fuel."In Alberta we sequester close to two to three million tons of CO2 every year and we have become a world leader in this technology because we have some of the biggest demonstration facilities in the entire world," Rajendran noted."The capability to develop new materials, associated processes and scale-up for industrial demonstration asserts Alberta's position as a world leader in carbon capture and storage."The research at the U of A was supported by an Alberta Innovates Strategic Research Program award and an NSERC CREATE grant.The study, "A scalable metal-organic framework as a durable physisorbent for carbon dioxide capture," was published in Science.

[echoaudiology]

Hidden Hearing Loss: What is it and how do I treat it?

Hearing loss is often associated with damage to hair cells in the inner ear which are responsible for detecting vibrations in the environment and turning them into signals that engage the auditory nerves. Sometimes, there is a miscommunication between those hair cells and the hearing nerve, which is referred as “cochlear synaptopathy” or more commonly known as Hidden Hearing Loss. Hearing Loss presents itself as being able to hear just fine in quiet settings but can experience challenges when there is competing background noise and is not always detected on a standard Audiogram. Learn more about what is Hidden Hearing Loss and how to manage it by speaking with an Audiologist today.

How to Manage Your Hidden Hearing Loss

The protocols for assessing Hidden Hearing Loss are still be researched, but more advanced Audiology testing may sometimes help identify some problems that can’t be seen on a standard testing, such as Otoacoustic Emissions Testing, High-Frequency Testing, as well as a Speech-in-Noise Testing. The Audiologist also has to make sure to listen to the subjective hearing difficulties reported by their Patient. Here are some of the signs, possible risk factors and rehabilitation options for Patients with Hidden Hearing Loss:

Signs of Hidden Hearing loss:

Struggling with hearing people incorrectly

Overall preference for quiet settings

Feeling easily distracted or to being able to focus in noisy environments

Feeling like you have hearing loss

Possible Risk Factors

Frequent exposure to loud noise or even long exposure to low-level noise

Age

Autoimmune Disorders that attack cells that make myelin

Traumatic brain injuries

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation options depend heavily on the level of difficulties experienced by the Patient. Sometimes, just knowing what the issue is brings down their anxiety over the problem, and that alone helps them manage their difficulties better. Other times, adding the use of communication strategies is key to reducing their frustrations. In some cases, hearing aids can also help a lot as they are in this case, used to help manage the sound signals in the environment, but turning down the background noise, and helping to enhance speech, a function that the brain is having a hard time performing.

If you live in Orleans or the Ottawa area and think that you may have Hidden Hearing Loss, it’s time to schedule a visit to Echo Audiology. We want to know about your hearing problems, so that our team of Audiologists can help you manage your difficulties better. Our bilingual hearing clinic ensures that everyone in the community has access to high-quality rehabilitation solutions, which sometimes include hearing aid options and professional clinical services. If a hearing aid is the option for you, learn about our various funding and payment option programs to ensure you get the help you need at the price you can afford.

Originally Posted on: https://www.echoaudiology.com/hidden-hearing-loss-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-treat-it/

[tubmanchev]

Emissions Test in Ottawa - Jim Tubman Chevrolet

Here at Jim Tubman Chevrolet, we offer Ontario’s Drive Clean Emissions Tests. Drive Clean is an emissions control program implemented by the government. It checks if your vehicle is running the way it should be and not emitting harmful emissions into the environment. If you would like to get more information about Etests, visit us today.

Emissions Test in Ottawa, Emissions Test, Etests

[sparklingtg]

Reflective Journal of Consumption 2

Week Two

October 28th Monday

David’s tea

Baking mould

Grocery: Yogurt, orange, Kiwi.

I have an awareness of checking my account balance when I want to buy something now. Thus, when I went to the mall, I try to control my shopping desires. I calculated the money I must spend on rent, the internet, phone bills, electricity and food. Also, I convinced myself that “those items are useless”, or “You may just use them for one time, then, you will never touch them anymore”. It sounds like brainwashing, but it works. And I do not regret it when I back home.

However, I noticed that I have to drink something when I am not at home. This time is tea.

I bought a baking mould last year, but it is so large. I had to use more butter, flour, eggs and sugar when I baked cakes. I bought a smaller one to save ingredients for the next baking. That reminds me to plan well and reduce impulsive consumption.

October 30th Wednesday & October 31st Thursday

Limocar, Greyhound and Uber

Lunch: Burger King

Dinner: Chinese BBQ

Handbag for Mom

I bought a coach handbag for my mom when I went to Ottawa Outlets. I considered a lot before I made the decision to buy it. There was a 50% discount and my mom would be happy to receive it. I did not buy something for myself except food, and my brainwashing still worked. Hooray!

I have no driving license because I cannot see the road clearly in the evening. Although I might be a driver in a few years, I have to talk about transport and the environment issue. More and more people own their private cars, no matter new or second-hand cars. We all know the negative influence of exhaust emission from vehicle engines, but we cannot bike in snowy or rainy days, and public transportation cannot depart as your requirement. If we want to take public transportation, we have to follow the time schedule.

I took limocar (from Sherbrooke to Montreal) and greyhound (from Montreal to Ottawa) because I had to go to Ottawa to have an interview for my American visa. Plus, I did not find a carpool. If I could drive and I had a car, I could drive to Ottawa in three and a half hours. However, I spent almost six hours on taking public transportation (limocar and greyhound).

Air Pollution 101 | National Geographic

Air pollution pops out in my mind and I would like to discuss a little bit to strengthen my no driving decision. We suffer from a terrible influence on the consumption of fossil fuels. Air pollution is the by-product of economic and industrial development. Air pollution leads to some acute and chronic diseases (Kampa & Castanas, 2008). Some children in Beijing are prone to respiratory diseases because of air pollutants. Franklin, Brook & Arden Pope (2015) also illustrate that some matters of air pollution have negative effect on humans’ cardiovascular system, and those matters increase the incidence rate of cardiovascular diseases. It is urgent to deal with air pollution and maintain environmental sustainability.

Why is China’s air quality improving?

Reference:

CGTN. (2019, June 5). Why is China’s air quality improving? Retrieved from https://youtu.be/17lhPNSSayA

Franklin, B. A., Brook, R., & Arden Pope, C. (2015). Air pollution and cardiovascular disease. Current Problems in Cardiology, 40(5), 207-238. doi:10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2015.01.003

Kampa, M., & Castanas, E. (2008). Human health effects of air pollution. Environmental Pollution, 151(2), 362-367. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2007.06.012

National geographic. (2017, October 16). Air Pollution 101 | National Geographic. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/e6rglsLy1Ys

November 1st Friday

Rent/Phone bill/Bus pass

Rent, phone bills and bus pass are three necessary expenditures each month.

November 2nd Saturday

Brunch in Coco Frutti

Starbucks

In order to find a bright and nice place to study, Shaowei and I went to Starbucks, and I found the words to label ingredients on the cup, sleeve and napkin. The cup, sleeve, and napkin are made with 10%, 85% and 60% of post-consumer recycled fibre, respectively. I found a picture I took for Tim Horton's sleeve. It shows that it includes 85% of post-consumer recycled fibre.  

Starbucks cup, sleeve and napkin

Tim Horton’s sleeve

I observed in Starbucks, Tim Hortons and the bus stop café in Nicolls. Most students did not take their cups to buy coffee, and they use takeaway coffee cups. Do you think the paper coffee cup is recyclable? Actually, the answer is NO. The paper coffee cup, so-called poly-coated cup, includes plastic.

The truth about recycling coffee cups - Hugh's War on Waste: Episode 3 Preview - BBC One  

Consumers think their disposal coffee cups will be recycled because they throw them into recycling bins. However, those cups end up in landfills.

On October 30th, the CBC marketplace did a test to track the used coffee cups in Toronto. They found that by the end of the day, those coffee cups were found in the garbage only bins, both Starbucks and Tim Horton’s did that. These two coffee giants in Canada claimed that they recycled the used coffee cups, but they lied to citizens and fooled the public. After this news was exposed, Starbucks said they regret and would make progress. Three months later, the CBC marketplace did the same test. Nothing changed in Tim Horton’s. Starbucks set a new category of bins----Mixed recycling. However, the results were the same as three months ago.

Coffee cups: Starbucks and Tim Hortons recycling ends up in garbage (CBC Marketplace)

Coffee Cups UPDATE: Are Starbucks and Tim Horton's recycling? (CBC Marketplace)

Poortinga and Whitaker (2018) illustrate that because of technical, economic and social reasons, disposal coffee cups are hardly recycled. Moreover, people use disposal cups outside of the shops. In other words, those cups hardly back to the shops. The contamination of organic materials may make those cups unrecyclable (Poortinga & Whitaker, 2018).

From my perspective, reducing the utilization of disposal cups can restrict production. Besides the plant consumption in the cup-making process, “disposable coffee cups generate about one-and-a-half times their weight in carbon dioxide emission” (Poortinga & Whitaker, 2018, p. 873).

We cannot ignore individuals’ influence. Mulligan (2014) says that “sustainability needs to be a daily preoccupation for all of us because our capacity to live sustainably begins with our existing environmental impacts and our modes of interacting with other people and society at large” (p. 5). Therefore, to improve environmental sustainability, I will bring my reusable cup.

Reference:

BBC. (2016, July 28). The truth about recycling coffee cups - Hugh's War on Waste: Episode 3 Preview - BBC One. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/LGcd5aNBr4c

CBC News. (2015, October 30). Coffee cups: Starbucks and Tim Hortons recycling ends up in garbage (CBC Marketplace). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Y39-IZEuNDA

CBC News. (2016, January 29). Coffee Cups UPDATE: Are Starbucks and Tim Hortons recycling? (CBC Marketplace). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/cZuRmq6fy20

Mulligan, M.(2014). An introduction to sustainability: Environmental, social and personal experience. London, England: Routledge.

Poortinga, W., & Whitaker, L. (2018). Promoting the use of reusable coffee cups through environmental messaging, the provision of alternatives and financial incentives. Sustainability, 10(3), 873. doi:10.3390/su10030873

[certainheartrunaway]

Inter-American Proposal Removes 47 – 47.2 GHz from Bands under Study for 5G Services

The 34th meeting of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) Permanent Consultative Committee II (PCC.II) concluded a week of meetings on August 16 in Ottawa, Canada, in advance of World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19). The meetings were aimed at reaching regional consensus on WRC-19 agenda items. Attendees at PCC.II included ARRL Technical Relations Specialist Jon Siverling, WB3ERA, who is on the US delegation to WRC-19.

“The big news is that the Inter-American Proposal (IAP) going forward to ITU from CITEL countries has removed the 47 – 47.2 GHz Amateur Radio allocation from WRC-19 agenda item 1.13,” Siverling said. “We are putting forward a ‘no change’ proposal.” Supported by 13 member-states, the IAP would take frequencies in that range off the table for possible sharing with 5G International Mobile Telephony (IMT). Siverling conceded that other administrations could raise the issue at WRC-19.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) was to conduct and complete appropriate studies to determine spectrum needs for the IMT terrestrial component in the 24.25 – 86 GHz range, and studies on sharing and compatibility, while taking into account the protection of services with primary allocations on the band. ITU-R has not conducted any sharing studies between the IMT-2020 systems and incumbent Amateur Radio and Amateur Satellite services. “Therefore, it has not been demonstrated that the incumbent services can be protected, as required by Resolution 238 (WRC-15), and No Change is proposed for the 47 – 47.2 GHz frequency band,” the IAP said.

Fourteen administrations signed on to an IAP that voices no objection to an Amateur Radio allocation at 50 – 54 MHz in ITU Region 1 (Europe, the Mideast, and Africa).

Under WRC-19 agenda item 10 (future agenda items), language to protect the Amateur Radio primary 50 – 54 MHz allocation was included in a US proposal to study implementing space-based Earth Exploration Satellite Service (EESS) radars to operate in the 40 – 50 MHz range, in time for WRC-23, recognizing that 50 – 54 MHz is primary in Regions 2 and 3, with an alternative primary Amateur Service allocation in a number of Region 1 countries.

Also under agenda item 10, the frequency segment 47 – 47.2 GHz was removed from a proposal to study several additional frequency ranges for the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS).

Twelve member-states agreed to an IAP that supports no change to the existing allocation at 5725 – 5850 MHz, and 18 member states supported no change in the 5850 – 5925 MHz segment in the face of calls to consider these bands for higher power and outdoor wireless access points. The US and Canada are among countries with a secondary Amateur Radio allocation at 5650 – 5925 MHz.

Language in a Canadian contribution, with additions from the US delegation, was added regarding WRC-19 agenda item 9.1.6, which seeks to identify frequencies for medium- and high-power wireless charging of electric vehicles (WPT-EV). Delegates to PCC.II forwarded an IAP of No Change to the Radio Regulations. The wording emphasizes the requirement to properly set standards to avoid harmful interference to radio services from WPT-EV systems: “[A]s wireless power transmission and technology for electric vehicles continues to evolve, the protection of existing, planned, and future radiocommunication services against harmful interference, including unwanted emissions and harmonics, must be ensured. This can be achieved through further studies and the development or updating of applicable ITU-R recommendations and reports.”

The recent CITEL meeting was the last prior to WRC-19, which will be October 28 – November 22 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. — Thanks to Jon Siverling, WB3ERA, and Bryan Rawlings, VE3QN

SOURCE:ARRL

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August 15, 2019 in: Antenna No comments

“The Legendary G5RV Antenna” is the topic of the new (August 15) episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen…and learn!   Read more

BUILDING A DIY 2.4 GHZ HELICAL FEED FOR THE QO-100/ES’HAIL-2 SATELLITE

August 12, 2019 No comments

3/3 (6) element 50/70MHz Yagi (1.2m)

July 26, 2019 No comments

JVP Antennas back to the market!

July 24, 2019 No comments

UltraLight MLA antenna ver. 4 designed for lower HF bands.

July 22, 2019 No comments

Antenna Polarization [ ARRL PODCAST ]

July 18, 2019 No comments

Chameleon MPAS 2.0 Modular Portable Antenna System

July 10, 2019 No comments

K7RL on Camano Island overlooking the Pacific

June 27, 2019 No comments

3 element 50MHz LFA-Q Super-Gainer Quad Style Yagi

June 15, 2019 No comments

Vertical Antenna 8 bands trapped (10-12-15-17-20-30-40-80m) with wire radials 1/4 lambda for each one band.

June 11, 2019 No comments

Elecraft AX1 Portable QRP Antenna for KX2 ~ Unbox Test Review

June 09, 2019 No comments

Stringing Up Antennas – ARRL’s The Doctor Is In

June 06, 2019 No comments

Vertical Antennas tips and tricks on this weeks Q&A Wednesday! DXE

May 29, 2019 No comments

Equipment

EB104 HF Power Amplifier – 2,4KW water cooling system 5″ LCD touch screen for N0JSN

August 21, 2019 in: Equipment No comments

HF/6m linear amplifier 2400W MRF1K50H 2 pcs water cooling system 5″ LCD touch screen for N0JSN   Read more

NEW LNA + FILTER FOR RADIO ASTRONOMY HYDROGEN LINE OBSERVATIONS RELEASED BY NOOELEC

August 09, 2019 No comments

Yaesu FT3D First look at the new Handheld

August 07, 2019 No comments

PTRX-7300 Panorama Adaptor for the IC-7300

July 24, 2019 No comments

EXTRAFLEX BURY /.400″ – Low loss Coax Cable

July 12, 2019 No comments

Ultra-compact transceiver Lab599 Discovery TX-500

July 07, 2019 No comments

Compact In-Line stereo DSP noise cancelling module -BHI

June 30, 2019 No comments

Commradio CR-1a Receiver [ Video ]

June 27, 2019 No comments

1A2R – connect two radios to one amplifier [ 4O3A ]

June 26, 2019 No comments

RM Italy BLA-600 Review with Martin Lynch

June 26, 2019 No comments

MRF101AN: 100 W CW over 1.8-250 MHz, 50 V Wideband RF Power LDMOS Transistor

June 25, 2019 No comments

OMEGA- Portable radio

June 21, 2019 No comments

SunSDR2 DX – New 100 Watt SDR This Fall!

June 21, 2019 No comments

The post Inter-American Proposal Removes 47 – 47.2 GHz from Bands under Study for 5G Services appeared first on QRZ NOW – Ham Radio News.

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[allthecanadianpolitics]

Hey there - I'm really, really hoping to not get buried under a pile of angry posts, but could you explain why everyone is so opposed to pipelines? I'm no newbie to climate change, but I honestly do not understand the logic - wouldn't a pipeline eliminate emissions made by the trucks/trains/boats that are currently transporting oil? I live in Alberta, and that is the number one argument I hear in favour of pipelines. If it's invalid, I'd really like to know why so I can educate people.

Trucks do not generally transport oil. Trains do but they handle the minority of oil transports.

Ships transport oil that ship overseas regardless of land transport.

Pipelines do not just allow easier access, they allow production to increase, this leads to more oil extraction and more emissions. We should not be expanding oil production & emissions at a time where we have signed the Paris Climate Change accord, which demands a reduction of emissions:

Climate Science says that expanding the oil sands (i.e. approving oil pipelines that will increase production), is incompatible with keeping Earth’s climate at a ‘safe level’ (generally 1.5-2 degrees C rise):

Expanding Tar Sands Will Kill Paris Targets and Climate Stability, Report Finds

But the unrestricted approval of pipeline projects such as Trans Mountain and Line 3 could drive the expansion of bitumen production by nearly two million barrels a day over the next two decades, says the report. Current oil sands production is 2.5 million barrels a day and accounts for 60 per cent of Canada’s oil production.

That means that Canada could be adding more new oil production to global markets than Brazil and Libya combined.

As a result, emissions from Canadian oil could eventually gobble up 16 per cent of the world’s total carbon budget if it is to keep global temperature increases below 1.5 degree Celsius, or seven per cent of the two degree Celsius global carbon budget, the report found.

“Without action, Canada could become one of the fastest growing extractors of new carbon pollution over the next 20 years through the expansion of long-lived tar sands production,” adds the report.

Scientists Call for Halt to Canada’s Oil Sands Growth

Other scientists have warned that if the tar sands continue to be developed and the Keystone XL is constructed, it would make the international goal of keeping global warming under 2°C (3.6°F) extraordinarily difficult.

“Constructing pipelines to support the extraction of the Canadian tar sands commits us to investing in infrastructure that will insure we continue to extract and burn the most carbon-intensive fossil fuels on Earth at a time when we have to be moving in precisely the opposite direction — away from our reliance on fossil fuels toward renewable energy,” Mann said Wednesday.

Then there’s the issue that bitumen oil spills cannot be cleaned up:

LETTER TO PREMIER CLARK REGARDING DILUTED BITUMEN SPILLS

British Columbia is confronted with a proposal that will result in a 6-fold increase in the amount of tar sands crude moving through the province and onto our delicate coastal waters. Most of this thick tar sands oil is thinned with condensate, creating dilbit which is able to flow through the pipelines. A 2013 study by the Government of Canada titled Properties, Composition and Marine Spill Behaviour, Fate and Transport of Two Diluted Bitumen Products from the Canadian Oil Sands found that when the spilled bitumen is exposed to sediment in marine settings, it sinks; it also found that chemical dispersants tested on dilbit were not effective.

In 2016, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)—the scientific advisor to the United States Congress and President —released a more comprehensive study titled Spills of Diluted Bitumen from Pipelines: A Comparative Study of Environmental Fate, Effects, and Response. After examining the entire field of existing studies on the environmental fate of dilbit (including the Government of Canada 2013 report) over the course of nearly two years, the NAS concluded that when compared with commonly transported crudes, diluted bitumen behaves in fundamentally different ways when spilled.

The NAS found that as a result of weathering, dilbit can and will sink when spilled in water, increasing the impacts associated with a spill. Furthermore, the study concluded that there is no technique or equipment available to effectively clean up heavy oils that have submerged, mixed into the water column or settled on the bottom of fresh- or salt-water bodies. 1 The study also noted that the evaporating diluents are known to result in risks to human health and risks of explosions. The NAS report concluded that “when all risks are considered systematically, there must be a greater level of concern associated with spills of diluted bitumen compared to spills of commonly transported crude oils” and “[T]here are no known, effective strategies for recovery of crude oil that is suspended in the water column.”2

Then there is the issue of indigenous rights:

Although there are some First Nations that support oil development, there are many more that oppose it. The Government of Canada is refusing to grant consent to First Nations about energy projects going on in their territories. This is clearly not a moral or ethical way to get projects approved:

Canada violating UN indigenous right to pipelines consent: Grand Chief

Canada could face ’20 Standing Rocks,’ says Mohawk chief as Ottawa rejects need for ‘consent’

I could go on and on, but I hope this helps.

[oilchangersplus-blog]

How to Enhance the Life of  your Vehicle’s Tire

Most of the tire rotation shop strives to satisfy every client's tire concerns. In fact, being one of the top-rated tire providers is what every auto shop desires as well. Proper tire rotation required for a car, every tire expert adheres to maintenance programs outlined in every owner’s handbook.

Tires support to the performance of every car that is why you should have a regular maintenance or get tire rotation service, for this will certainly guard your savings and this will increase the life of your tires as well. By just rotating your tires, adjusting your tires, checking tire pressure, and having the right set of replacement tires based on safety and handling will have a huge impact on regular auto efficiency.

Excellent tire rotation Ottawa maintenance tips

1. Always inspect tire pressure to make sure that you have an appropriate inflation. Having a bad inflation can definitely make your tire irregular wear,  drive too much heat, and the braking and handling strength will badly down. take into account that it may cause physical malfunctions like sudden flats and tread separation. Take into account that having properly inflated tires will increase your handling, develop tread life, and raise fuel ability and general driver safety at the same time.

2. Follow the tire rotation pattern and schedules properly for this will certainly enhance your car's life.  Always check the recommended rotation guides for your vehicle which can be found in your owner’s manual. Planned tire rotations can balance and enhance front and side tire wear. Do consider that tire rotation will not avoid wear difficulties which are caused by damaged mechanical components.

3. Bear in mind that having balance tires is truly required. The uneven tires may be perceived in an event that becomes more visible at higher speeds. During early installation and even on remount balancing tires are very necessary. Try to visit trusted tire rotation shop like Oil Changers Plus to make sure that your tire is equal enough for a genuine drive.

4. Try to place new tires in sets or pairs. In fact,  having an addition of one new tire to the rotation cycle can make one's car become unpredictable and can cause sudden handling problems. Remember, most of tire rotation Ottawa recommends that every time new tires are needed,  you should install two new tires on the vehicle's rear part and the used tires should be shifted to the front of the vehicle.

5. Every time you want to keep your tires for next upcoming season, just ponder that always place your tire in a dark area away from direct sunlight with low humidity. Remember that tires must be stored away from grease, oil,  solvents,  or any kind of ozone-producing electrical devices, that have a worsening impact on every tire.

6. Be alert of a strange tire wear or scratch to your tires. Always do look out for signs of breaks, firm stuff, crashes, and swells as well. It is better to find a reputable tire rotation Ottawa so you can have more tips in improving the life of your vehicle's tire.

Tire is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. So as much as possible find the right rotation shop who can recommend some important tips on how or what is the best way to rotate tires. Remember by taking proper and right care of your tires can give you a safe and efficient travel and can help prolong the life of your tires as well.

[tubmanchev]

Emissions Test in Ottawa - Jim Tubman Chevrolet

Here at Jim Tubman Chevrolet, we offer Ontario’s Drive Clean Emissions Tests. Drive Clean is an emissions control program implemented by the government. It checks if your vehicle is running the way it should be and not emitting harmful emissions into the environment. If you would like to get more information about Etests, visit us today.

[benjamingourblog]

The Effects of PFOA and PFOS in Your Drinking Water

With more than 30 years’ experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Mark Nelson is a Class 1 Drinking-Water Operator and a CBWA (Canadian Bottled Water Association) Certified Plant Operator. As founder and president of Nelson Water in Ottawa, Mark focuses on dealing with challenging water treatment system designs for problem water. He also heads the largest water bottling plant in the city of Ottawa with a delivery network throughout the Valley.

While water in the first world tends to be of the highest quality, there are still potential contaminant issues that can compromise the safety of your water. One group of chemicals that has recently received media attention is PFCs. Two of the most common are PFOA and PFOS, so should you be concerned about these chemicals in your drinking water? In this article, we’ll explore the effects of these chemicals in water supplies and what you can do to ensure that you and your family are protected.

The PFOA and PFOS Basics

Both PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are artificial, toxic chemicals within the PFC family. These chemicals have been cited by Health Canada, the EPA, and other regulatory bodies as a threat to public health.

These chemicals were introduced into the environment through manufacturing processes. For decades both PFOA and PFOS were used to produce items such as cookware, adhesives, and clothing. The emissions from these factories allowed the chemicals to be released, and rainwater dissolved them, allowing them to pass through the soil and enter the groundwater.

PFOA and PFOS have started to be phased out of production, but these chemicals can linger within water supplies for years.

The Health Implications:

PFOA and PFOS have been shown to be carcinogenic, and water supplies contaminated with these chemicals is linked with an increased risk of several health issues. These include:

Kidney Cancer

Thyroid Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Ulcerative Colitis

Diagnosed High Cholesterol

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

These chemicals pose a particular health risk for pregnant women. There are studies that have linked PFOA and PFOS with fetal growth problems, including low birth weights. Generally, the health effects of these chemicals are higher for unborn babies and young children.

The main concern for PFOA and PFOS is bioaccumulation. Like lead, these chemicals can build up inside the body over time. This means that even small, consistent does can pose a danger.

A 2004 American research study concluded that 99.7% of the American population had PFOA in their bodies, with an average of 4 parts per billion in the blood serum. Fortunately, this number has declined since manufacturers phased PFOA out in recent years. However, it does highlight that this is a widespread issue that needs attention.

Testing for PFOA and PFOS

Health Canada has proposed maximum acceptable concentration levels of 0.0002 mg/l for PFOA and 0.0006 mg/l for PFOS in drinking water supplies. These are advisory levels and are not yet enforced. This means that there is no legal cap on the levels of PFOS and PFOA in public drinking water supplies, and water providers are not required to test for these chemicals.

There has yet to be comprehensive testing here in Canada, but in American testing, PFOA was found in drinking water supplies for 6.5 million people, in 94 public water systems across 27 states. While most of the samples were below the EPA advisory level, the average in some states was as much as 175 times higher than the EPA recommended limit.

This suggests that PFOS and PFOA are more widespread across both the USA and Canada, including small water systems and private wells. So, your water supply may be particularly vulnerable to PFOA and PFOS contamination if you live near factories, military sites, or airports.

Unfortunately, both PFOS and PFOA are invisible to the human senses. This means that even if your water supply does contain higher levels of these chemicals, you will not be able to taste or smell them, or notice a difference in the appearance of your water. The only reliable way to determine if your water supply is contaminated by PFOS and PFOA is with laboratory testing.

How to Remove PFOS and PFOA From Your Drinking Water

Generally, PFOA and PFOS resist most conventional water treatment technologies. Fortunately, there are ways to remove these chemicals from your water supply, including reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and granular activated carbon filtration.

Your water treatment specialist can guide you through the treatment options. Your ultimate decision will depend on the other contaminants in your water supply. For example, if you have hard water, an ion exchange system may be most appropriate. This type of water treatment system can remove the magnesium and calcium ions, in addition to any PFOA and PFOS. On the other hand, reverse osmosis may be more appropriate if you have other underlying water quality issues. RO systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants including viruses, metals, and chemicals

Protecting Your Family

Some experts suggest that a water pitcher or under sink filtration unit should be sufficient to limit your exposure to PFOA and PFOS. Unfortunately, this may not be enough. There is some research to suggest that these chemicals can be dermally absorbed. This means that every time you bathe or shower in contaminated water, you are being exposed to these harmful chemicals.

To eliminate this risk, you should consider a whole house or point of entry system. This will ensure that all of the water entering your home is treated before reaching your fixtures and water using appliances. This can also be helpful if you have contaminant issues that cause water staining or issues with your water using appliances, since the water is free of contaminants after the point the water supply enters your home.

If you’re unsure whether this is the right option for your home, be sure to discuss it with your water treatment specialist.

If you have concerns about PFOA and PFOS in your water supply, be sure to speak to your local water treatment technician. An experienced professional can not only test your water for contaminant levels, but also guide you through the treatment solutions that are most appropriate for the characteristics of your water supply. This will ensure that you and your family are protected against dangerous chemicals and other potentially harmful contaminants.

  The post The Effects of PFOA and PFOS in Your Drinking Water appeared first on .

The Effects of PFOA and PFOS in Your Drinking Water published first on https://medium.com/@OsmoWaterFilter

[mixedbagmag]

Not your average diplomats – Conflict resolution relies increasingly on diplomatic back channels | International

<![CDATA[ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ]]> Jan 21st 2020TALKS BETWEEN the Colombian government and the FARC rebels were trapped. The two sides cannot agree on how to provide those responsible for offences during the country’s 52-year civil war in order to account. But with the aid of Inter Mediate, the British charity, a means forward was discovered, involving the appointment associated with three independent attorneys on each part. In 2015 the pioneering transitional-justice offer was reached.Whenever official efforts to solve a conflict lack or bogged lower, another way must be discovered. “You need a referee,” says Jonathan Powell of Inter Mediate, “and which has to be someone who’s trusted by each sides.” The particular involvement of 3rd parties can take a lot of forms. They can assist as advisers (as in Colombia). They might open a back again channel (as Southern Africa’s ruling Nationwide Party did to be able to negotiate an end in order to apartheid with the Africa National Congress—representatives from the two hostile edges secretly met within an English country home owned by a gold-mining firm). Increasingly, they will establish entire choice avenues for conversation. Such diplomacy, called “Track 2”, floods the void still left by the official kind in “Track 1”.The term, first utilized in 1981 by a north american diplomat, Joseph Montville, covers everything from moderate workshops to main initiatives. Even the writer of a book about them, Peter Jones from the University of Ottawa, says Track two “defies easy definition”. To complicate issues, some variants combine into “Track 1.5” (run for yourself but with involvement associated with public officials), whilst “Track 3” links communities.They all have one main thing in common: they are growing. “When I actually first started in the first 1990s, you could possibly count on two fingers the number of organisations associated with this kind of work, however in the last ten years there’s been an expansion,” says Hrair Balian of the Billings Centre in Gwinnett. One driver, maybe, is an increase in discord. The UN Workplace for the Co-ordination associated with Humanitarian Affairs reckons there were 402 “political conflicts” in 2016, up from 278 a decade earlier. (It defines conflict commonly, including anything from your bloodbath in Syria to tetchy trades between Scottish nationalists and the British govt.)Track 2 endeavours proliferated during the chilly war. The Dartmouth Conferences fostered connections between cultural numbers, scholars and political figures from East plus West; the Pugwash Conferences brought collectively scientists. With communism’s collapse the need for choice tracks diminished. The very first two decades after the drop of the Berlin Wall structure brought some 30 major peace contracts, according to David Harland of the Swiss-based Center for Humanitarian Conversation (HD), a leader within private diplomacy. However the next decade noticed only seven or even eight. Technology offers enabled smaller organizations to pile directly into conflicts, making them messier and harder for the particular UN’s state-centric program to handle, Mr Harland argues. Meanwhile, 2 or 3 new wars begin each year.These are generally within countries, not really between them. In the trickiest cases, “Track one as a conflict-resolution device has really dropped its significance,” says Luxshi Vimalarajah, of the Berghof Basis in Berlin, one more leader in the field. The advantages of more flexible methods to bring the parties collectively creates a gap regarding private peacemakers.A few, like Jimmy Billings, a former American leader, have brought abilities honed in govt. Martti Ahtisaari, the president of Finland and like Mister Carter a Nobel peace laureate, setup Crisis Management Effort (CMI). Mr Powell co-founded Inter Mediate after, as an Uk official, pushing regarding peace in North Ireland.For dimension HD, with some 250 people, could competitor the diplomatic program of many a nation. At the other finish are numerous think-tanks plus NGOs. In the middle are usually expert facilitators such as Mr Jones’s Ottawa Dialogue or the United states of america Institute of Serenity (USIP). Nancy Lindborg, USIP’s boss, states that, after a post-cold-war lull, the revival of regional plus great-power rivalry once more requires greater dependence on Track 2 plus 1.5.Peace-building is not the only region for Track 2. In Delhi upon February 3rd-5th the particular “US-India Track II Dialogue on Weather Change and Energy” will gather, since it has each year within India or The united states since 2010, backed by the Aspen Start and other think-tanks. Considering that Donald Trump left the Paris agreement, such meetings (like similar sessions along with China) offer an opportunity to explain how much is nevertheless happening on the environment front. By a single estimate, action in subnational levels can reduce America’s greenhouse-gas emissions by as much as 37% over 2005 levels by 2030.As for Track three or more, it is a way of looking to ensure that a serenity effort is “inclusive, so that you don’t possess elite settlements”, states Jonathan Cohen, associated with Conciliation Resources working in london. In Yemen, CMI is working on nearby ceasefires and possibilities for a wider selection of voices to have their particular say in the recognized UN-led peace generate. Women’s representatives “have identified concrete, doable steps, to ensure women’s inclusion in the serenity process and in wider political decision-making,” says Sylvia Thompson, who manages CMI’s Yemen initiative.Endgame…Private diplomacy has constantly existed. But it offers acquired not only an extravagant name but the reputation and a group of established practices. The reputation rose which includes high-profile successes. The particular agreement that finished the civil battle in Mozambique emerged through patient function by Sant’Egidio, the Catholic organisation. HIGH-DEFINITION helped to assist in a ceasefire among Indonesia and separatists in Aceh: the particular Indonesian government “wouldn’t let an international government anywhere close to its internal affairs”, recalls Martin Griffiths, who played a top part (he has become the UN specific envoy for Yemen). Similarly, Spain’s wish to avoid mediation simply by other governments provided an opening regarding private diplomacy within negotiations with the Basque terrorists of ETA. Whereas officials often favour the state, personal facilitators can be a lot more even-handed.Although Monitor 2 is personal, the public sometimes will get a glimpse. “Oslo”, a play, dramatises the back-channel discussions in the 1990s among Israelis and Palestinians that led to the particular Oslo Accords. This highlights a vital element: deniability. Track two creates a safe area where ideas could be aired and plans tested, without recognized fingerprints. It can allow contacts with a deceptive state such as Northern Korea, or among adversaries such as Saudis and Iranians.The Track 2 conversation may begin with an operating paper and a plan of familiar stances before moving on—after an icebreaker dinner—to a more creative dialogue. Over time, with good fortune, trust and understanding develop. The Oslo meetings made improvement in part because a lot of those involved had used part in training courses between Israelis plus Palestinians organised for a long time by Herbert Kelman, a Harvard interpersonal psychologist. What Mister Jones calls “a facilitated, problem-solving dialogue” can help participants proceed from parroting set positions towards the joint discussion then joint proposals, that they can take to their particular authorities.No one might claim that Track two is easy, or fast. Facilitators have to “provide the space without dictating solutions”, says Microsoft Vimalarajah. “I’ve by no means seen a process that’s been very geradlinig.” This is not a casino game you get into unless of course you’re comfortable with the lowest batting average, records another expert. “Track 2 is limited, let’s be honest,” says Eugene Rumer of the Carnegie Diathesis for International Serenity, a think-tank. He’s been involved in “no bullshit” exchanges among Americans and Russians on security problems; the modest accomplishment may be to give food to a fresh idea or even two back to the particular Kremlin or the Whitened House. Sometimes facilitators do get tantalisingly near to a breakthrough—on legal rights for Kurds within Turkey, for example—only to be stymied with a mood change within government.Is Monitor 2 worth all of the effort? Not most people are a fan. Diplomats sometimes frown upon outsiders’ encroachment. America’s Logan Act associated with 1799 criminalises unauthorised negotiations that challenge government policy. The particular ethics of coping with people with blood on the hands is difficult.…or endless sport?One worry can be confusion. “There’s the proliferation of stars,” says Lakhdar Brahimi, a former Algerian diplomat now using the Elders, a group of peace-promoting statesmen. “Nobody may control it.” He points in order to Afghanistan and Southern Sudan as samples of “overcrowding”, with an abundance of well-meaning specific envoys and NGOs. Quality can endure, too. “I actually question the activities associated with some NGOs deceiving to do Track two,” says the particular Carter Centre’s Mister Balian, “especially if they start advocating for the particular side within a dispute.”A 2nd concern is that Monitor 2 can stay a mere talking-shop. Casual initiatives should be carefully connected to official diplomacy from the start: if Monitor 1 people have not really been involved in the preliminary brief they will not want to consider the debrief. An evident way of ensuring the credible transmission system is to include a few official representatives: therefore the increasing recognition of Track 1.5.A third problem is measuring usefulness. Backers—supportive governments, particularly Nordic ones, plus charitable foundations—want to learn whether their cash is well invested. But how to assess the success of what is usually a long-term business, largely hidden through view? Pathways regarding Peace, a UN-World Bank study, quotes that spending read more about conflict-prevention efforts conserve anything from $5bn a year to $70bn. Specific metrics for that cost-effectiveness of Monitor 2 are more difficult to devise.The entire impact can take yrs to become visible. Within Sudan the Billings Centre facilitated the “Guinea worm ceasefire” in 1995, allowing health services to achieve remote villages; this particular led to formal discussions, a peace contract and ultimately towards the separation of Sudan and South Sudan in 2011. More frequently it is a matter of creating relationships or planning solutions for use once the political time can be ripe.At the best, unofficial diplomacy complements the official kind. “They could do something that we couldn’t perform,” says Jordan Keating of their time as EL envoy for Somalia (he has considering that switched to the personal side as mind of the Brussels-based Western Institute of Peace), “and we could do something that they couldn’t perform.” But that diplomatic ecosystem grows, it needs to develop, with better co-ordination, savvier metrics plus, old hands claim, a greater focus on the particular grassroots. The wider the support at the base, the sturdier a peace is likely to be. Reuse this contentThe Trust Project <![CDATA[ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ]]>

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[youngsternantes]

Not your average diplomats – Conflict resolution relies increasingly on diplomatic back channels | International

<![CDATA[ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ]]> Jan 21st 2020TALKS BETWEEN the Colombian government and the FARC rebels were trapped. The two sides cannot agree on how to provide those responsible for offences during the country’s 52-year civil war in order to account. But with the aid of Inter Mediate, the British charity, a means forward was discovered, involving the appointment associated with three independent attorneys on each part. In 2015 the pioneering transitional-justice offer was reached.Whenever official efforts to solve a conflict lack or bogged lower, another way must be discovered. “You need a referee,” says Jonathan Powell of Inter Mediate, “and which has to be someone who’s trusted by each sides.” The particular involvement of 3rd parties can take a lot of forms. They can assist as advisers (as in Colombia). They might open a back again channel (as Southern Africa’s ruling Nationwide Party did to be able to negotiate an end in order to apartheid with the Africa National Congress—representatives from the two hostile edges secretly met within an English country home owned by a gold-mining firm). Increasingly, they will establish entire choice avenues for conversation. Such diplomacy, called “Track 2”, floods the void still left by the official kind in “Track 1”.The term, first utilized in 1981 by a north american diplomat, Joseph Montville, covers everything from moderate workshops to main initiatives. Even the writer of a book about them, Peter Jones from the University of Ottawa, says Track two “defies easy definition”. To complicate issues, some variants combine into “Track 1.5” (run for yourself but with involvement associated with public officials), whilst “Track 3” links communities.They all have one main thing in common: they are growing. “When I actually first started in the first 1990s, you could possibly count on two fingers the number of organisations associated with this kind of work, however in the last ten years there’s been an expansion,” says Hrair Balian of the Billings Centre in Gwinnett. One driver, maybe, is an increase in discord. The UN Workplace for the Co-ordination associated with Humanitarian Affairs reckons there were 402 “political conflicts” in 2016, up from 278 a decade earlier. (It defines conflict commonly, including anything from your bloodbath in Syria to tetchy trades between Scottish nationalists and the British govt.)Track 2 endeavours proliferated during the chilly war. The Dartmouth Conferences fostered connections between cultural numbers, scholars and political figures from East plus West; the Pugwash Conferences brought collectively scientists. With communism’s collapse the need for choice tracks diminished. The very first two decades after the drop of the Berlin Wall structure brought some 30 major peace contracts, according to David Harland of the Swiss-based Center for Humanitarian Conversation (HD), a leader within private diplomacy. However the next decade noticed only seven or even eight. Technology offers enabled smaller organizations to pile directly into conflicts, making them messier and harder for the particular UN’s state-centric program to handle, Mr Harland argues. Meanwhile, 2 or 3 new wars begin each year.These are generally within countries, not really between them. In the trickiest cases, “Track one as a conflict-resolution device has really dropped its significance,” says Luxshi Vimalarajah, of the Berghof Basis in Berlin, one more leader in the field. The advantages of more flexible methods to bring the parties collectively creates a gap regarding private peacemakers.A few, like Jimmy Billings, a former American leader, have brought abilities honed in govt. Martti Ahtisaari, the president of Finland and like Mister Carter a Nobel peace laureate, setup Crisis Management Effort (CMI). Mr Powell co-founded Inter Mediate after, as an Uk official, pushing regarding peace in North Ireland.For dimension HD, with some 250 people, could competitor the diplomatic program of many a nation. At the other finish are numerous think-tanks plus NGOs. In the middle are usually expert facilitators such as Mr Jones’s Ottawa Dialogue or the United states of america Institute of Serenity (USIP). Nancy Lindborg, USIP’s boss, states that, after a post-cold-war lull, the revival of regional plus great-power rivalry once more requires greater dependence on Track 2 plus 1.5.Peace-building is not the only region for Track 2. In Delhi upon February 3rd-5th the particular “US-India Track II Dialogue on Weather Change and Energy” will gather, since it has each year within India or The united states since 2010, backed by the Aspen Start and other think-tanks. Considering that Donald Trump left the Paris agreement, such meetings (like similar sessions along with China) offer an opportunity to explain how much is nevertheless happening on the environment front. By a single estimate, action in subnational levels can reduce America’s greenhouse-gas emissions by as much as 37% over 2005 levels by 2030.As for Track three or more, it is a way of looking to ensure that a serenity effort is “inclusive, so that you don’t possess elite settlements”, states Jonathan Cohen, associated with Conciliation Resources working in london. In Yemen, CMI is working on nearby ceasefires and possibilities for a wider selection of voices to have their particular say in the recognized UN-led peace generate. Women’s representatives “have identified concrete, doable steps, to ensure women’s inclusion in the serenity process and in wider political decision-making,” says Sylvia Thompson, who manages CMI’s Yemen initiative.Endgame…Private diplomacy has constantly existed. But it offers acquired not only an extravagant name but the reputation and a group of established practices. The reputation rose which includes high-profile successes. The particular agreement that finished the civil battle in Mozambique emerged through patient function by Sant’Egidio, the Catholic organisation. HIGH-DEFINITION helped to assist in a ceasefire among Indonesia and separatists in Aceh: the particular Indonesian government “wouldn’t let an international government anywhere close to its internal affairs”, recalls Martin Griffiths, who played a top part (he has become the UN specific envoy for Yemen). Similarly, Spain’s wish to avoid mediation simply by other governments provided an opening regarding private diplomacy within negotiations with the Basque terrorists of ETA. Whereas officials often favour the state, personal facilitators can be a lot more even-handed.Although Monitor 2 is personal, the public sometimes will get a glimpse. “Oslo”, a play, dramatises the back-channel discussions in the 1990s among Israelis and Palestinians that led to the particular Oslo Accords. This highlights a vital element: deniability. Track two creates a safe area where ideas could be aired and plans tested, without recognized fingerprints. It can allow contacts with a deceptive state such as Northern Korea, or among adversaries such as Saudis and Iranians.The Track 2 conversation may begin with an operating paper and a plan of familiar stances before moving on—after an icebreaker dinner—to a more creative dialogue. Over time, with good fortune, trust and understanding develop. The Oslo meetings made improvement in part because a lot of those involved had used part in training courses between Israelis plus Palestinians organised for a long time by Herbert Kelman, a Harvard interpersonal psychologist. What Mister Jones calls “a facilitated, problem-solving dialogue” can help participants proceed from parroting set positions towards the joint discussion then joint proposals, that they can take to their particular authorities.No one might claim that Track two is easy, or fast. Facilitators have to “provide the space without dictating solutions”, says Microsoft Vimalarajah. “I’ve by no means seen a process that’s been very geradlinig.” This is not a casino game you get into unless of course you’re comfortable with the lowest batting average, records another expert. “Track 2 is limited, let’s be honest,” says Eugene Rumer of the Carnegie Diathesis for International Serenity, a think-tank. He’s been involved in “no bullshit” exchanges among Americans and Russians on security problems; the modest accomplishment may be to give food to a fresh idea or even two back to the particular Kremlin or the Whitened House. Sometimes facilitators do get tantalisingly near to a breakthrough—on legal rights for Kurds within Turkey, for example—only to be stymied with a mood change within government.Is Monitor 2 worth all of the effort? Not most people are a fan. Diplomats sometimes frown upon outsiders’ encroachment. America’s Logan Act associated with 1799 criminalises unauthorised negotiations that challenge government policy. The particular ethics of coping with people with blood on the hands is difficult.…or endless sport?One worry can be confusion. “There’s the proliferation of stars,” says Lakhdar Brahimi, a former Algerian diplomat now using the Elders, a group of peace-promoting statesmen. “Nobody may control it.” He points in order to Afghanistan and Southern Sudan as samples of “overcrowding”, with an abundance of well-meaning specific envoys and NGOs. Quality can endure, too. “I actually question the activities associated with some NGOs deceiving to do Track two,” says the particular Carter Centre’s Mister Balian, “especially if they start advocating for the particular side within a dispute.”A 2nd concern is that Monitor 2 can stay a mere talking-shop. Casual initiatives should be carefully connected to official diplomacy from the start: if Monitor 1 people have not really been involved in the preliminary brief they will not want to consider the debrief. An evident way of ensuring the credible transmission system is to include a few official representatives: therefore the increasing recognition of Track 1.5.A third problem is measuring usefulness. Backers—supportive governments, particularly Nordic ones, plus charitable foundations—want to learn whether their cash is well invested. But how to assess the success of what is usually a long-term business, largely hidden through view? Pathways regarding Peace, a UN-World Bank study, quotes that spending read more about conflict-prevention efforts conserve anything from $5bn a year to $70bn. Specific metrics for that cost-effectiveness of Monitor 2 are more difficult to devise.The entire impact can take yrs to become visible. Within Sudan the Billings Centre facilitated the “Guinea worm ceasefire” in 1995, allowing health services to achieve remote villages; this particular led to formal discussions, a peace contract and ultimately towards the separation of Sudan and South Sudan in 2011. More frequently it is a matter of creating relationships or planning solutions for use once the political time can be ripe.At the best, unofficial diplomacy complements the official kind. “They could do something that we couldn’t perform,” says Jordan Keating of their time as EL envoy for Somalia (he has considering that switched to the personal side as mind of the Brussels-based Western Institute of Peace), “and we could do something that they couldn’t perform.” But that diplomatic ecosystem grows, it needs to develop, with better co-ordination, savvier metrics plus, old hands claim, a greater focus on the particular grassroots. The wider the support at the base, the sturdier a peace is likely to be. 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