We seem to have been at the peak of exclusionary global nationalism when the pandemic arrived and it COULD have been well-managed rapidly with a unified cooperative international effort (e.g. led by a UN unimpeded by its dysfunctional veto mechanism) — while vaccines were being collaboratively developed — but nationalistic fear and division reigned instead, closing borders, wealthy nations making private deals with global pharmaceutical firms, thus increasing the global death toll.
" …
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic marks the most significant, singular global disruption since World War II, with health, economic, political, and security implications that will ripple for years to come. The effects of climate change and environmental degradation are likely to exacerbate food and water insecurity for poor countries, increase migration, precipitate new health challenges, and contribute to biodiversity losses. Novel technologies will appear and diffuse faster and faster, disrupting jobs, industries, communities, the nature of power, and what it means to be human. Continued pressure for global migration—as of 2020 more than 270 million persons were living in a country to which they have migrated, 100 million more than in 2000—will strain both origin and destination countries to manage the flow and effects. These challenges will intersect and cascade, including in ways that are difficult to anticipate. National security will require not only defending against armies and arsenals but also withstanding and adapting to these shared global challenges
I am glad to see that our current leadership realizes that we are part of this world and that global issues affect us. We also do better as a team rather than dictating what we think the rest of the world should do.
It was nice to see Joe allowing the host to be front and center in the group picture instead of rudely shoving everyone else aside.
Unfortunately, the problems on that ball can be compared to the ‘super ball’ that was a hit years ago. No one could accurately predict its course or destination, regardless of the intent of the launcher. But one can make a sincere effort anyway.
Concretionist almost 3 years ago
It’s a start. Late, small, not very hopeful. But it’s a start.
superposition almost 3 years ago
We seem to have been at the peak of exclusionary global nationalism when the pandemic arrived and it COULD have been well-managed rapidly with a unified cooperative international effort (e.g. led by a UN unimpeded by its dysfunctional veto mechanism) — while vaccines were being collaboratively developed — but nationalistic fear and division reigned instead, closing borders, wealthy nations making private deals with global pharmaceutical firms, thus increasing the global death toll.
" …
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic marks the most significant, singular global disruption since World War II, with health, economic, political, and security implications that will ripple for years to come. The effects of climate change and environmental degradation are likely to exacerbate food and water insecurity for poor countries, increase migration, precipitate new health challenges, and contribute to biodiversity losses. Novel technologies will appear and diffuse faster and faster, disrupting jobs, industries, communities, the nature of power, and what it means to be human. Continued pressure for global migration—as of 2020 more than 270 million persons were living in a country to which they have migrated, 100 million more than in 2000—will strain both origin and destination countries to manage the flow and effects. These challenges will intersect and cascade, including in ways that are difficult to anticipate. National security will require not only defending against armies and arsenals but also withstanding and adapting to these shared global challenges
…"
https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/GlobalTrends_2040.pdf
dflak almost 3 years ago
Let’s hope they do better than Sisyphus.
dflak almost 3 years ago
I am glad to see that our current leadership realizes that we are part of this world and that global issues affect us. We also do better as a team rather than dictating what we think the rest of the world should do.
It was nice to see Joe allowing the host to be front and center in the group picture instead of rudely shoving everyone else aside.
Alberta Oil Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Reminds me of dung beetles.
sandpiper almost 3 years ago
Unfortunately, the problems on that ball can be compared to the ‘super ball’ that was a hit years ago. No one could accurately predict its course or destination, regardless of the intent of the launcher. But one can make a sincere effort anyway.
Michael G. almost 3 years ago
Something has balled up our works.
Bookworm almost 3 years ago
Looks like a new Chrichton novel; The Sisyphos Syndrome.