Seeing Through The Smoke: Amazon Report

In a world where news practically travels faster than the speed of light, social trends have also begun to change at an unprecedented pace. One minute the entire Instagram user base is up in arms over the wrongful imprisonment of an individual and then it is quickly forgotten the next. With the recent social media explosion of the Amazon rainforest, the issue becomes that it is not just a trend, but a sign of things to come.

Smoke that could be seen from Sao Paolo, Brazil (A city 3,000km from the Amazon) is a symbol of the current global status as far as resources are concerned. This stark reality has reached new heights for governing bodies of nation states as countries take on more a protectionist approach, resulting in trade wars and anti – globalization tactics. The clashing ideals of obligatory economical development and environmental sustainability seem to be at a crossroads with no end in sight.

Areas of contention for countries have certainly not gone unpublicized; fresh water, minerals, oil, etc…). But the focal point (and the case in point with the Amazon Rainforest) is that of arable and cattle ranching land. Author Dambisa Moyo makes great reference to this in her publication titled Winner Take All: China’s Race For Resources and What It Means for the World. The continent of Africa is also experiencing land clearing of an extreme caliber as developing nations look to make use of their most profitable sector. The conglomerate beef corporations of Brazil look to keep the industry healthy as well and make no reservations about their deforestation. Scarcity of resources makes for the exploitation in these emerging nations, which they cannot be totally faulted.

While it may be true that developing nations should not be pointed out as the single catalyst for the recent spikes in drastic climate change, there needs to be some responsibility taken. In recent years, we have seen developed nations shaming developing nations for their contribution to emissions, as a by-product of industrialization. In light of this, more reasonable pacts (Ex. The Paris Agreement) have formed to level out the playing field while still encouraging development. France, England, and various other Western countries did have their fair share of air pollution during industrial enterprise and are not ‘Holier than thou’ in this respect. There needs to be an extent of understanding when encouraging environmental friendliness.

Today, the unfortunate commonality between third world and first world countries is that of the short – term government state of mind. This has also led to the short – term thinking in the private sector (corporations looking only to please shareholders). It all lends to the need to see immediate economic growth with environmental conscientiousness.

With the smoke from the vast vegetation of the Amazon rainforest comes the underlying message for the world to see. The harmony of the world will depend on the ability of government bodies to cooperate and form meaningful agreements that look for resource optimization. Otherwise there will be much more smoke to come.

What is your opinion on Brazil’s handling of the fires?

Do you believe emerging countries will abide by environmental treaties, despite their demand for economic progress?

We would love to hear from you!

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For Africa aid is not the answer – what is?

Book Review Feature

This feature simply had to be written. For years, there has been a belief that foreign aid is the light at the end Africa’s long tunnel of suffering. 50 years and over a trillion dollars spent on this notion has left the continent stagnate, if not worse, by many standards.

And that is where author Dambisa Moyo comes in. Her celebrated 2010 book – Dead Aid: Why Aid is Not Working and How There is a Better Way for Africa – has flipped the aid model on its head. It is certainly worth a read.

The publication was made for anyone who wants to see Africa prosper, showing a perspective that many were afraid to publicize. It is well supported by bringing statistics from the World Bank (where the author was previously employed) and other credible sources to help prove why the aid funding is being squandered and why it needs to change.

In essence, Moyo proposes the four fundamental areas as alternatives:

Encouraging African countries to better utilize international bond markets
The justification here is that throughout history, many developing countries have leveraged this tool (Ex. South Asian countries in recent years).

Foreign Direct Investment
One strong source of growth in African countries thus far has been the result of Foreign investment employing locals and creating a ripple effect in the economy (China is currently the largest foreign investor in the continent). Various countries such as Ghana and Nigeria already have high approval rating of China and its impact.

More emphasis on Free Trade
Protectionism in the west for Agriculture is largely affecting the exports of the continent. African countries need to be able to focus on their competitive advantage (for most being natural resources). Arable and fertile land for crops is in huge supply here, which also happens to be in demand for the rest of the globe.

Micro Finance Instituions
Promoting the spread of micro finance to help better educate the local population on the flow of cash and the introduction of loans to help scale small business. (Another area Asia used to find growth). The ability to have more home – ownership would also increase the standard of living (owning assets as collateral).

Moyo points out that influx in cash received as a result of foreign aid has actually discouraged governments from seeking growth opportunities of their own. The above alternatives rather focus on becoming self – sufficient and on long term objectives.

Dead Aid displays the ability for African countries to cut the cord on aid reliance without causing them to have an economic free fall. Obviously this idea will not be immediately accepted by top officials and leaders who benefit from embezzling billions of dollars every year. It will take great leaps to repel the norm and follow Moyo’s vision.

What is your opinion on Moyo’s alternatives?

Thank you for reading and don’t forget to subscribe by email for the latest updates!

Sources:

Moyo, D., & Ferguson, N. (2010). Dead aid: Why aid is not working and how there is a better way for Africa. Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre.












The Un-Promised Land: Europe’s Migrant Crisis

The presence of refugees (people fleeing their home countries, due to various unforeseen circumstances) is certainly not a recent development in the world. Decades, even centuries, throughout history has shown masses of citizens forced (usually through war) to leave unbearable conditions . Although, it seems that the last 5 years or so has been the most severe and intense time for this topic.

Venezuela, being a prime example, has an estimated 3 million people exiting the country since 2015 in response to a economic and political crisis. The Syrian crisis, though, has been felt internationally with the global community taking in well over 6 million people. Europe has been the largest receiver of the displaced; on top of the already swelling numbers they continue to see from other Middle Eastern and African countries. It is also the continent that has had the most controversial management of these asylum seekers.

In 2015, Europe saw the highest amount of incoming migrant ships in recent history

The issue does not entirely lie on the shoulders of European officials, despite the story many have come to understand. Some ownership must be directed to the thousands of smugglers and traffickers (from the emigrants home country) who coerce individuals to pay enormous amounts of money to flee. They carefully orchestrate the journey for migrants to reach Libya, not providing the details of the voyage or a timeline of arrival. Refugees basically then go on a leap of faith across the Mediterranean to enter Europe at its southern most point; Malta, Greece, or Italy.

On barges, rafts and shifty boats, they travel for days – with anywhere from 200 – 1,000 people packed – suffering from sea sickness and dehydration. If they are lucky enough to be rescued by NGO responders, they will survive and have a chance to reach their destination (many being returned upon arrival as they do not have the proper papers / unable to claim refugee status). Despite this, NGOs and social groups (Topaz Responder from Malta, Italian Red Cross, Migrant Offshore Aid Station i.e.) working in the Mediterranean and Libyan Sea are still the lifeline for many.

Many migrants are not aware of the risk involved with crossing the Mediterranean

The contentious view of Europe’s part in the migrant crisis stems from the media, who is displaying two sides of the coin. One side shows the support programs and outreach Southern European countries are providing to immerse the new comers into their culture (as News source Al Jazeera reports on several occasions). Another side reveals examples such as Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini leading a coalition to stop the acceptance of migrants. It only adds to the idea that governments are criminalizing humanitarian aid by interfering with rescue missions. Receiving Europeans nations now see political opposition parties running on fear mongering and anti-migrant platforms to win in the short term. The irony in this situation is seeing the push back from European governments towards the citizens who they had colonized not so long ago.

Whatever your view is on the handling of European migrant crisis, there needs to be better plans implemented going forward. Various top officials, including UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May, have supported the idea of sending increased financial aid to Middle Eastern and African nations in the hopes of cutting down the migrant numbers from those nations. Increased Aid, as voiced by author Dambisa Moyo in her book Dead Aid, only increases corruption in already corrupt countries. The everyday citizen rarely sees any of that funding and it instead is squandered by semi-functioning governments.

What is your opinion on the European migrant crisis?
What would be a better process to collect the migrants from the sea to prevent fatalities?
How can we limit the number of smugglers / traffickers?
How can European governments improve the process / better understand the refugee and migrant needs?

Have your say by replying here or on social media!

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The Fighting Filipino Spirit

The morning could only be described in two very simple words; hot and dry. Plans were not particularly set the night before, but now it was obvious that it would involve being in and around water (Due to forecast high of 39 degrees for the day).

The Northern province of Pangasinan has much to offer, and on this particular day the post card area of Hundred Islands was the destination. Sitting on the Northwestern side of the Gulf of Lingayen, Hundred Islands is an ideal place for locals to spend a Saturday.

Headed now in the early morning heat towards the Gulf, country roads are strewn with waste and dirt. Steady along our path we pass through villages of all sizes with small huts and shops selling weekend traveler essentials. Suddenly we come around a corner to the sight of…

A vendor on a motorcycle makes his way to the Hundred Islands beach area

To say that this balancing act is remarkable would be an understatement. To say that it is a rare sighting in the country side of the Philippines or just in the Philippines in general would be untrue. Determination and a fighting spirit are very much at the core of the Filipino character. Resourcefulness is essential to their everyday life and the economy as a whole.

Given the obvious lack of faith in government to support even the most basic needs for a large portion of the poor, people have come to make something out of nothing. The daily struggle for shelter is seen in sprawling parts of Manila (the capital) where make – shift shacks are built out of anything one can possibly imagine. Tondo, the country’s largest slum, totals over half a million people and is growing at an alarming rate.

This struggle will only continue as thousands flock to cities from the countryside looking for work to support their families. Willing to provide anyway they can, citizens are usually drawn to creating small businesses. According to Philippines Department of Trade and Industry in 2017, 99% of businesses are either classified as small or micro (Casta. A ,2017). Unsurprisingly, you see these enterprising operations everywhere you go.

Shops line each side of the street in the Greater Manila Area

Everything from vulcanizing (tire repair) to wild life sales can be seen as daily business conducts on streets. “Street Hustle” or selling food and other goods on roads is done by men, women and even children who walk in between heavy traffic at all hours of the day. And the sad reality is this may be the only source of income for a entire family (families who could at the high end have 6 or more members at that).

A merchant sets up shop in the middle of the road

Despite all the trouble and turmoil in the daily life of the working class Filipino, they persevere. People known for their love of singing, it is not uncommon to hear someone casually belting out their favourite song at the moment in public. This infectious spirit is what many have come to love about this country and the people. It does have to be mentioned that there are many who enjoy the middle class privilege, but it is certainly not proportionate in terms of the entire population.

And so it begs the question, why aren’t we seeing a large shift of people into the middle class?

Some positive progress has materialized as of recent that is slowly (but surely) uplifting the nation. Growing Foreign Direct Investment from major players such as China and the United States is evident in everything from shopping malls to restaurant chains.

Tourism is flourishing and it can be seen in the governments effort to cleanup key tourist hot spots, e.g. Boracay and Manila Bay.

When discussing the well being of a nation, it is indeed small consistent improvements needed over years to make the change the citizens want to see. It is ideas formed into social aids that can positively affect the day to day life of someone.

Inside from An Outsider wants to hear from you. What do you believe could assist in promoting growth and sustainability in the Philippines? What has worked for other countries? What are the steps for creating a larger middle class? Have your say by responding here or on our social media.

Thank you for reading!

Sources

Casta, A. (2017). Department of Trade and Industry. Retrieved May 27, 2019, from https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti/index.php/2014-04-02-03-40-26/news-room/179-workshop-on-market-access-for-MSMe-set

The Journey Begins

Welcome to Inside From An Outsider.

And so the journey begins. Or perhaps it already started years ago, without full awareness or knowledge of it ever beginning. Gradually over time, an interest progresses into an unwavering passion that keeps us searching for more. On this pursuit, the more you discover the more you yearn to learn more.

Put simply, and really the only way to describe it. The study and discussion of foreign nations way of life and society is what Inside from an Outsider is all about. Willingness to understand how others live can be largely attributed to travel for most people. The origin of this very blog can be sourced to two recent trips abroad (Philippines in 2018 and Italy in 2017). It was in these reference points that one has now aspired to live a much more humble life and has continued the analysis of culture and lifestyle in general. It was in these experiences that one continuously questions the North American way of life. 

Novaliches Market, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Part of the motivation for seeking what is beyond our own country is disputing the true satisfaction of the North American day to day life. The daily rush in which we live out our rituals has been the standard for so long, we don’t even realize them. To stop and appreciate what we have around us is not a common practice. Socially, we have limited ourselves here as North Americans. This is certainly a debatable topic. In an effort to avoid being ungrateful for all the opportunities available in North America, we will look at both sides of the coin.

Those of you who have traveled abroad can attest that encountering customs and a way of life unique from your own can be a life changing experience. Suddenly the world opens up right in front of you and you realize that life can be so much more. It makes you rethink what your purpose is and what it can be.

Inside From An Outsider is a forum and a place for the interchanging of ideas. It is essential to hear from as many individuals as possible, sharing perspectives and learning from each other. There is certainly space to debate the ideas that are presented and also contribute to them. We want to hear from you.

Longobardi, Province of Cosenza, Calabria, Italy

The topic of economic development will be touched on frequently, especially that of developing nations. Various book reviews and authors will be included on the basis of micro finance and global economics as a whole. Two specific areas of interest as of recent are Brazil and African countries. The emerging BRIC nation of Brazil continues its expansion into international markets with much force, even through tough political times. African nations, such as Nigeria, have continued to show their resourcefulness and perseverance and there is much excitement to see their true economic potential. These examples will be a part of the conversation that we want you to join! 

The examination of how certain countries function will be an area that is weighed in on, looking closer at the micro and macro level of societies, such as China. Digging deeper into this will certainly bring up a political investigation in many cases as our example of China has a strong political influence in its local and foreign direct investment.

Igniting a flame is the exact metaphor for Inside From An Outsider; a flame that only grows stronger through the interaction of people and the spread of ideas. It is understood that cultural exploration can only happen through the dialogue of people. With that being said, if you are indeed reading this, it is encouraged that you contribute to the conversation and have your say.

Once again, welcome to Inside From An Outsider and stay tuned for our coverage of culture and economics in effort to take small steps towards making the world a better place.



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