Helen Clark's Diary, 28 October
speech
Closing statement at the launch of 2022 Lancet Countdown Report
I was honoured to give the closing statement at the launch of 2022 Lancet Countdown Report on Health and Climate Change.
“Is it too late to act? No it isn’t. The evidence produced by the Lancet Countdown shows the many and immediate benefits which accelerated climate action would bring about. We could save millions of lives a year.”
CURRENT ISSUES
These are some of the issues off my recent Twitter feed:
GLOBAL
Russia. What is next?
“Russia’s political system appears to be entering the most turbulent period of its post-Soviet history. Western governments, too, are starting to worry that Russia could become ungovernable.” Check out this recent article in The Economist.
OECD 60th Anniversary Events
“Pleased to meet Paraguay at OECD Centre 60th anniversary events in Paris. Development Centre creates neutral space for dialogue and co-creation of sustainable development solutions across countries of all income levels, in keeping with JFK’s vision for it in 1961.”
Germany could head towards cannabis legalisation
“See Twitter trail on Germany’s consideration of cannabis legalisation: it’s in effect challenging EU Commission to confirm that what it intends is consistent with European law. If the outcome is positive, that could be a major turning point for drug law/policy reform in Europe.”
Conflict in Ethiopia
“Talks aimed at ending war in Tigray have begun in South Africa. It’s to be hoped that all sides support immediate end to hostilities, full humanitarian access, & withdrawal of foreign forces. Many in region have died from war, hunger, lack of medicine.” Reuters has more on this story.
Anti-Xi protests in China
“Systems of government which allow for freedom of expression & dissent are in the end more sustainable. Democracy has built in safety valves. We don’t always like the outcomes, but change is possible.” CNN has more on the story.
Presidential election in Brazil
“Brazil pollster: “You have the poor voting for Lula and the rich for Bolsonaro. You have black people voting Lula and whites for Bolsonaro. You have women voting for Lula and men for Bolsonaro. You have evangelicals voting Bolsonaro and Catholics for Lula.” The Guardian has more on this.
War in Ukraine
“More than 40% of Ukraine’s power supply has been destroyed in past 10 days of bombing, further threatening lives and health of a population under siege. 1100 towns and villages are without electricity and water. Ursula von der Leyen describes destruction as warcrime.” Check out this article in The Times.
“More troop movements on Belarus border with Ukraine. Earlier Russian assault towards Kyiv came from there. Is it bluff? Who knows? Russia denied plans for invasion in Feb until it happened. Surely further entanglement with this is last thing Belarus needs.” Forbes has more.
NEW ZEALAND
Fair Pay Law
“New Fair Pay Law passed in New Zealand: it makes it easier for workers to negotiate collectively with employers and enables creation of sector-wide agreements on pay and conditions. It should lead to more workers being covered by agreements.” More on this in The New Zealand Herald.
Decriminalisation of cannabis
“Encouraging to see openness to decriminalising cannabis across most of New Zealand political spectrum. The very narrow failure of a referendum on a specific proposal to legalise cannot be reasonably used as a justification to prevent any change at all.” See 1 News for more on this issue.
Check out my Twitter page for more information and links on these and more issues.
THE LATEST FROM THE HELEN CLARK FOUNDATION
WEBINAR Preventing the Next Pandemic
There is still time to register for our upcoming public webinar on preventing the next pandemic, co-hosted with our partners, WSP New Zealand.
31 October, 12 pm (NZT)
This webinar is free and open to all, but registration is required.
WE ARE HIRING!
Do you want to work at the Helen Clark Foundation? We are looking for a talented policy researcher - non full time hours, flexible work and remote work can be offered depending on how you want to work. Details at seek.co.nz/job/58952424
Why not join The Helen Clark Foundation and have your say on issues we support.