'Great approach to climate change and planetary health' Javin 'Jay' Pierce Univ of Vermont LinkedIn 28 March 2024 #DeepAIGeneratedImage #Indigenous #Climate #SpaceshipEarth #Water
United Kingdom
In the UK, the Labour and Conservative parties have dominated the political landscape for most of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Conservative-Labour Dominance: Since 1945, these two parties have alternated in power, with only brief interruptions [4]. This represents a continuous period of approximately 80 years of Conservative-Labour dominance.
Historical Context: Prior to Labour's rise, the Liberals were the main opposition to the Conservatives. Labour overtook the Liberals in the 1920s, becoming the second-largest party in 1922 [1] [4].
Canada
In Canada, the Liberal and Conservative parties have been the dominant political forces since Confederation in 1867.
Liberal-Conservative Dominance: The Conservative Party was the founding political party of Canada, governing for the first 29 years after Confederation [6]. Since then, these two parties have alternated in power, with some interruptions, for approximately 156 years.
Historical Context: The modern Conservative Party of Canada, formed in 2003, is a successor to earlier conservative parties, including the Progressive Conservative Party [9].
Shared Colonial Legacy
The long-standing two-party systems in both countries can be linked to their shared colonial history:
1. Westminster Model: Both Canada and the UK follow the British Westminster model of government, featuring a prime ministerial system and similar legislative structures[3].
2. Gradual Independence: Canada's evolution from a colony to an independent nation was a gradual process, with key moments like the Battle of Vimy Ridge (1917) and the patriation of the Constitution in 1982 [7].
3. Political Continuity: The dominance of two major parties in both countries reflects a degree of political stability inherited from the British system.
4. Economic Policies: Both Conservative parties have historically focused on similar economic policies, such as tax reduction and budget balancing [2] [6].
5. Indigenous Impact: The colonial legacy has had lasting effects on Indigenous peoples in both countries, with policies of dispossession and exploitation continuing under post-colonial governments [3].
Conclusion
The long-standing two-party dominance in both the UK and Canada (80 and 156 years respectively) reflects their shared colonial heritage and the gradual evolution of their political systems. This continuity has allowed for the persistence of certain colonial-era structures and attitudes, even as both nations have developed their own distinct political identities.’
Source: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/for-how-may-continuous-years-i-PjfpVxg7Qiqqa0amuxifyQ#0
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Party_(UK)
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservative_Party_of_Canada
[3] https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/politics-law/bonds-of-empire
[4] https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7529/CBP-7529.pdf
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservative_Party_(UK)
[6] https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/conservative-party
[7] https://www.royal.uk/canada
[8] https://www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/sites/constitution_unit/files/147.pdf
[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Conservative_Party_of_Canada
[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Canada
[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Canada_(1763%E2%80%931867)
Conservative Influence on Colonial Policy
The Conservative Party, traditionally associated with imperial interests, played a crucial role in shaping colonial policies:
1. Defense of Imperial Integrity: In the 1830s, Conservatives positioned themselves as defenders of imperial integrity and colonial constitutions against Whig innovations [1].
2. Retention of Empire: Conservative leaders like Robert Peel advocated for retaining the empire, rejecting proposals for its abandonment [1].
3. Colonial Constitutions: Conservatives emphasized the importance of carefully organized colonial constitutions to prevent colonial discontent [1].
4. Shift in Colonial Governance: Contrary to common belief, Conservatives did not always advocate for centralized control from London. By the early 1850s, they showed support for settler self-government [1].
Labour Party's Impact
The Labour Party's rise to prominence in the 20th century brought new perspectives to colonial policy:
1. State Intervention: Labour advocated for increased state intervention in socioeconomic life, which extended to colonial affairs [2].
2. Shift Towards Decolonization: Labour's victory in 1945 marked a leftward shift in British politics, which eventually contributed to the process of decolonization [2].
3. Social Reforms: Labour's focus on social security, housing, and education reforms in Britain also influenced colonial policies, promoting similar initiatives in the colonies [2].
Shared Colonial Legacy
Despite their differences, both parties operated within the framework of Britain's colonial legacy:
1. Imperial Expansion: The Victorian era, dominated by Conservative and Liberal governments, saw dramatic expansion of the empire, often through violent means [3].
2. Evolving Colonial Management: Both parties had to address the challenges of managing an increasingly diverse empire, from India to Africa [3].
3. Response to Anti-Colonial Movements: As anti-colonial movements gained strength, both Conservative and Labour governments had to adapt their policies [3].
4. Foreign Policy Shifts: In the late 1930s, both parties supported rearmament in response to growing international tensions, impacting colonial defense policies [4].
The alternating dominance of Conservative and Labour parties in the UK throughout the 20th century led to a gradual evolution in colonial policies. While Conservatives initially focused on maintaining imperial integrity and constitutional structures, Labour's rise brought increased emphasis on social reforms and eventual decolonization. This political dynamic reflected broader changes in British society and its relationship with its colonies, ultimately shaping the transition from empire to Commonwealth.’
Source: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/for-how-may-continuous-years-i-PjfpVxg7Qiqqa0amuxifyQ#1
Citations:
[1] https://academic.oup.com/histres/article/94/265/532/6291436
[3] https://www.britannica.com/event/Victorian-era
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Conservative_Party_(UK)
Areas of Collaboration
1. Diplomatic Cooperation: Canada and the UK have maintained close diplomatic ties, with both countries maintaining High Commissions in each other's capitals. They have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on diplomatic cooperation, promoting co-location of embassies and joint provision of consular services [1].
2. International Organizations: Both countries work closely together in various international organizations, including the OECD, OSCE, NATO, G7, G20, and the Commonwealth. This collaboration allows them to promote shared values on the global stage [4].
3. Security Partnership: Canada and the UK maintain a strong security relationship, encompassing military, law enforcement, and intelligence cooperation. This partnership is rooted in their historical alliance during major conflicts[4].
Divergences in Addressing Colonialism
1. Constitutional Independence: Canada has taken significant steps to distance itself from its colonial past. The Canada Act 1982 ended the necessity for Canada to request certain types of constitutional amendments from the British Parliament, marking a clear break from colonial-era governance structures [1].
2. Indigenous Relations: Canada has made efforts to address its colonial legacy through treaty-making and self-government agreements with Indigenous peoples. The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and ongoing efforts to implement its recommendations demonstrate a more proactive approach to addressing colonial injustices [2].
3. Foreign Policy Divergence: Canada has shown a willingness to diverge from UK foreign policy, as evidenced by its stance during the 1956 Suez Crisis. This incident marked a definitive break in Canada's loyalist foreign policy and demonstrated its growing independence in international affairs [1].
4. Approach to Empire: While the UK has maintained closer ties with its former colonies through the Commonwealth, Canada has focused more on building relationships based on mutual interests rather than historical colonial connections [3].
Challenges in Mitigating Colonialism
1. Persistent Colonial Structures: Despite efforts to address colonial legacies, both countries still grapple with deeply embedded colonial structures in their political systems. In Canada, this is particularly evident in ongoing issues related to Indigenous rights and land claims [2].
2. Political Divisions: In Canada, there are differing approaches to international relations among political parties. Conservative leaders have shown a preference for closer ties with the UK and the "Anglosphere," while Liberal governments have tended to prioritize relations with the EU and a broader range of international partners [3].
3. Economic Interests: Both countries continue to balance addressing colonial legacies with maintaining economic interests, which can sometimes conflict with efforts to fully decolonize their political and economic systems [5] [6].
In conclusion, while Canada and the UK collaborate in various international forums and maintain strong diplomatic ties, their approaches to mitigating the effects of colonialism in their political systems differ significantly. Canada has taken more explicit steps to address its colonial past, particularly in relation to Indigenous peoples, while the UK's approach has been more focused on maintaining influence through the Commonwealth. Both countries continue to face challenges in fully addressing the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism in their political structures and international relations.’
Source: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/for-how-may-continuous-years-i-PjfpVxg7Qiqqa0amuxifyQ#2
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada%E2%80%93United_Kingdom_relations
[2] https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1314977704533/1544620451420
[3] https://ukandeu.ac.uk/canada-brexit-politics-anglosphere-or-eurosphere /
[4] https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/relations.aspx?lang=eng
[5] https://www.jstor.org/stable/485128
[6] https://www.jstor.org/stable/40194081
Acknowledging Historical Injustices and Their Ongoing Impacts
Recognizing the lasting effects of colonialism is crucial for developing effective climate and environmental policies. In Canada, the government has acknowledged the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, including the impact of residential schools and the loss of traditional lands [2]. This recognition has led to initiatives such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aims to address the ongoing impacts of colonialism [2].
Recognizing Indigenous Sovereignty and Land Rights
Both Canada and the UK have made strides in recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and land rights, although challenges remain. In Canada, the concept of Aboriginal title has been recognized by the Supreme Court, acknowledging that Indigenous peoples have a unique relationship with their traditional lands [9]. This recognition has led to the negotiation of modern treaties and land claims agreements, which can provide a framework for Indigenous-led environmental management [6].
Valuing and Incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Indigenous knowledge systems offer valuable insights for addressing environmental challenges. By incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into policy-making and conservation efforts, both countries can develop more holistic and effective approaches to environmental protection [7]. For example, Indigenous-led nature-based solutions (NbS) in Canada have shown promise in addressing climate change while also promoting biodiversity conservation [7].
Supporting Indigenous-Led Climate Initiatives
Both countries have begun to support Indigenous-led climate initiatives, recognizing the unique position of Indigenous communities to lead effective environmental stewardship. In Canada, the government has announced funding for Indigenous-led climate solutions in remote communities, aiming to reduce reliance on diesel fuel and transition to clean energy sources [3]. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also supports Indigenous rights and self-determination.
Ensuring Equitable Access to Resources for Adaptation and Mitigation
Addressing the unequal distribution of resources resulting from colonial legacies is essential for effective climate action. Both countries need to ensure that Indigenous communities have equitable access to resources for climate adaptation and mitigation. This includes financial support, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs [7].
Creating Thriving Economies
Balancing climate action, economic development, and environmental protection is crucial for creating thriving economies that benefit all members of society. This approach aligns with Kate Raworth's concept of "doughnut economics," which emphasizes meeting the needs of all within the means of the planet [7].
By implementing these principles, Canada and the UK can develop more effective, just, and sustainable policies for addressing the climate crisis and environmental protection. For example:
1. Indigenous-led conservation: Supporting Indigenous-led protected areas and conservation efforts can lead to more effective biodiversity protection while also respecting Indigenous rights and knowledge [7].
2. Co-management of resources: Establishing co-management agreements between government agencies and Indigenous communities for natural resources can lead to more sustainable resource use and equitable economic benefits[6].
3. Climate finance: Ensuring that climate finance mechanisms are accessible to Indigenous communities and support their own climate initiatives can lead to more effective and culturally appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies [3].
4. Policy reform: Reviewing and reforming existing policies and legal frameworks to better align with Indigenous rights and knowledge systems can lead to more just and effective environmental governance [8].
By embracing these approaches, Canada and the UK can work towards reconciliation and healing the wounds of colonialism while also addressing pressing environmental challenges. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of social justice, environmental protection, and economic well-being, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future [7].
Source: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/both-canada-and-uk-governments-Yq_sAllfST2KRAtVi.Ji5Q#0
Citations:
[1] https://journals.uclpress.co.uk/ljcs/article/id/990/
[2] https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/indigenous-sovereignty
[3] https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/10/canada-announced-funding-for-indigenous-led-climate-solutions/
[4] https://www.bisa.ac.uk/articles/how-do-colonial-legacies-shape-contemporary-global-political-economy
[6] https://unimelb.libguides.com/c.php?g=960328&p=6971221
[8] https://academic.oup.com/book/51727/chapter/419840752
[10] https://impactmap.cam.ac.uk/resolving-aboriginal-land-claims-and-resource-related-rights/
[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Canadian_Crown_and_First_Nations,_Inuit_and_M%C3%A9tis
‘Climate justice principles and practices can help Canada and the UK develop more effective, just, and sustainable policies for addressing the climate crisis while working towards reconciliation and healing colonial wounds. Here's how these principles can be applied:
Acknowledging Historical Responsibility
Climate justice recognizes that wealthy and powerful nations bear greater historical responsibility for climate change [1]. Both Canada and the UK, as developed nations with colonial pasts, should:
- Commit to more ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with their historical contributions
- Provide increased climate finance to support developing nations and Indigenous communities
Ensuring Equitable Distribution of Costs and Benefits
Climate justice demands fair sharing of both the burdens and benefits of climate action [1]. To achieve this, Canada and the UK can:
- Implement just transition policies for workers in high-carbon industries
- Ensure that climate adaptation and mitigation resources reach the most vulnerable communities
Promoting Procedural Justice
Fair, accountable, and transparent decision-making processes are crucial for climate justice [1]. Both countries should:
- Involve Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups in climate policy development
- Create "ethical spaces" that foster mutual respect between Indigenous and settler societies in collaborative climate projects [4]
Recognizing Different Experiences and Rights
Climate justice acknowledges that different groups experience climate change impacts differently [1]. Canada and the UK can address this by:
- Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into climate strategies
- Supporting Indigenous-led nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate mitigation and adaptation
Supporting Indigenous-Led Climate Initiatives
Both countries have begun to support Indigenous-led climate action, recognizing the unique position of Indigenous communities to lead effective environmental stewardship. For example:
- Canada has announced funding for Indigenous-led climate solutions in remote communities, aiming to reduce reliance on diesel fuel and transition to clean energy sources [2]
- The Canadian government is investing in the development of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and related projects [4]
Integrating Rights-Based Approaches
Climate justice links human rights and development to achieve a human-centered approach to climate action [3]. Canada and the UK should:
- Ensure that climate policies respect and protect Indigenous rights
- Develop frameworks that prioritize Indigenous knowledge and promote co-management of resources
Creating Thriving, Sustainable Economies
By balancing climate action, economic development, and environmental protection, both countries can work towards creating economies that benefit all members of society while respecting ecological limits. This aligns with concepts like Kate Raworth's "doughnut economics" [4].
Conclusion
By embracing these climate justice principles, Canada and the UK can develop more effective, just, and sustainable climate policies while addressing colonial legacies. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of social justice, environmental protection, and economic well-being, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future [4].
Source: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/both-canada-and-uk-governments-Yq_sAllfST2KRAtVi.Ji5Q#1
Citations:
[1] https://www.carbonbrief.org/in-depth-qa-what-is-climate-justice/
[2] https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/10/canada-announced-funding-for-indigenous-led-climate-solutions/
[7] https://climateemergency.ubc.ca/when-will-climate-justice-be-served/
[8] https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/news/climate-justice
NOTE Perplexity: ‘Exercising critical thinking, independently verifying the validity and reliability of data, and fact-checking information from generally reliable sources are crucial for users of AI language software for several reasons:
Hallucinations and Inaccuracies: AI language models, even advanced ones, can generate responses that are not grounded in reality, a phenomenon known as "hallucinations." These models can confidently provide incorrect or misleading information, which can be particularly problematic if users rely solely on the model's responses [1][2][4].
Limited Training Data: AI models are trained on specific datasets, and their accuracy is limited by the quality and scope of these datasets. For example, Google's DataGemma tool, while effective, has limitations in terms of the data it can access and the questions it can answer accurately. If the relevant data is not in the model's training set or database, the model may not provide accurate or reliable information [1].
Real-Time Information Challenges: AI models often struggle with real-time events or breaking news, as their training data may not include the latest developments. This can lead to incorrect or outdated information being provided, as seen in the case of Meta AI's responses to the attempted assassination of former President Trump [4].
Subjective Framing and Nuance: Fact-checking is not always straightforward, as AI models may not capture the nuances of human communication. A quote or statement might be technically accurate but misleading due to the context or framing. Human judgement is often necessary to understand the full implications and context of the information provided [5].
Error and Unknown Rates: Studies have shown that even the most accurate AI fact-checking models have error rates. For instance, Originality.ai, which has a high accuracy rate of 72.3%, still has a small error rate and may return "unknown" results for certain queries. This underscores the need for users to verify information independently [2][3].
Manipulated Media and Information Warfare: Bad actors can engineer ways to circumvent AI fact-checking tools, spreading misinformation or manipulated media that might evade detection. This means that relying solely on AI for fact-checking can leave users vulnerable to misinformation [5].
Impact on Decision-Making: For important decisions or critical information, relying solely on AI model responses can be risky. Incorrect or misleading information can have significant consequences, whether in personal, professional, or public contexts. Independent verification from reliable sources ensures that decisions are based on accurate and trustworthy information.
In summary, exercising critical thinking and independently verifying the validity and reliability of data from generally reliable sources are essential because AI language models can generate inaccurate information, have limitations in their training data, struggle with real-time events, lack nuance in their responses, and are not immune to errors or manipulation. These factors highlight the importance of a multi-layered approach to fact-checking to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information used for important decisions.
Citations:
[2] https://originality.ai/blog/ai-fact-checking-accuracy
[3] https://originality.ai/automated-fact-checker
[4] https://about.fb.com/news/2024/07/review-of-fact-checking-label-and-meta-ai-responses/
[5] https://www.niemanlab.org/2022/12/ai-will-start-fact-checking-we-may-not-like-the-results/
[6] https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Steps-in-fact-checking-AI-generated-content
[7] https://libguides.uel.ac.uk/artificial-intelligence/using-ai-critically
Source: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/explain-why-it-is-important-fo-wLezjtPtReucQFNpfsd9ZA #OpenSourceAI #Perplexity 21 October 2024
Links
https://labradorleadstheworld.blogspot.com/2025/01/by-embracing-certain-climate-justice.html https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS-FU0ElQpvsO36uZHELWWd9SBqXsFyRX9QevNtoeERg0Dem18uUt3wWDc28bkkfWtEAbu4rEVKGyMs/pub ‘BY EMBRACING CERTAIN CLIMATE JUSTICE PRINCIPLES CANADA UK can develop more effective, just and sustainable climate policies while addressing colonial legacies. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of social justice, environmental protection and economic well-being, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.’ #LandBack #Self-Determination #AIOpenSourceMaterials #Perplexity Llewelyn Pritchard 6 January 2025
Practically this involves:
1. Acknowledging historical injustices and their ongoing impacts
2. Recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and land rights
3. Valuing and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge
4. Supporting Indigenous-led climate initiatives
5. Ensuring equitable access to resources for adaptation and mitigation
6. Creating thriving economies by better balancing climate action, economic development with environmental protection.
‘By applying the fundamental principles of Climate Justice, Canada and the UK can address the complex challenges created by colonial policies and work towards a more just and sustainable approach to climate action. This application recognizes Indigenous rights, knowledge and practices as essential components of environmental protection and climate action, thus promoting a fundamental shift in approach to addressing climate change and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and Mother Earth.’ #AI #Perplexity Llewelyn Pritchard 3 January 2025
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