Microsoft

Industry: Technology
Practices: Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030 and to reduce water use by replenishing more than it consumes. Its data centers are designed to reduce water and energy consumption significantly, and the company is focused on shifting toward sustainable hardware production and recycling practices.




Club of Amsterdam Journal, February 2025, Issue 271

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CONTENT


Lead Article

New set of human rights principles aims to end displacement and abuse of Indigenous people through ‘fortress conservation’
by John H. Knox, Professor of International Law, Wake Forest University

Article 01

Livestock animals use very different amounts of antibiotics
by Our World in Data, Author Hannah Ritchie

The Future Now Show

New Forms of Governance
with Rob van Kranenburg & Reto Brosi

Article 02

Hans Labohm: Chronicles of Climate Hysteria
by Tom Nelson Pod

News about the Future

> Bittensor
> Carbon Orchard

Article 03

Reclaiming Control: An Analysis of Europe's Path to Digital Sovereignty
by Igor van Gemert, CEO focusing on cyber security solutions and business continuity

Recommended Book

Embedding Enterprise Risk Management and Building Resilience:
the Practical Guide

by Reto Brosi & Ching Guei Tan

Article 04

The Internet of Medical Things: Revolutionizing patient-centric care
by GE HealthCare

Climate Change Success Story

IoT (Internet of Things)

Examples

Futurist Portrait

Scott Steinberg
The Master of Innovation



 

Tags
Agriculture, Antibiotics, ARCHITECTURE, Data, Digital Governance, ENERGY, FOOD, Healthcare, Indigenous, Innovation, Internet of Things, IoMT, IoT, MOBILITY, Resilience, Risk Management, The Internet of Medical Things, Water, Wildlife











Welcome






Felix B Bopp
Producer, The Future Now Show
Founder & Publisher, Club of
Amsterdam


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Quotes



Rob van Kranenburg: "One of the most vital arguments in my upcoming #Statecraft and #Policymaking in the Age of Digital Twins, Digital Democracy and the Internet of Things is building a European phone."

Scott Steinberg: "Unpredictability is the only thing we can predict and uncertainty the only certainty for businesses and working professionals going forward."

Hans Labohm: "I was already afraid that the climate hype would give rise to more regulation and a tendency of our economic model towards central planning. And we knew, from the experiences and also from the theory, of the 70s that the central plan produces model and less prosperity and less freedom for the people. So as an economist, I was afraid of such a development.”

 

 

= ChatGPT

 

CONTENT

 

Lead Article

New set of human rights principles aims to end displacement and abuse of Indigenous people through "fortress conservation"
by John H. Knox, Professor of International Law, Wake Forest University


John H. Knox





Many protected areas, including California`s Yosemite National Park, displaced Indigenous people in the name of protecting wildlands. Matthew Dillon/Flickr
John H. Knox,
Wake Forest University

For more than a century, conservationists have worked to preserve natural ecosystems by creating national parks and protected areas. Today the Earth faces a global biodiversity crisis, with more than 1 million species at risk of extinction. This makes it even more important to conserve places where at-risk species can thrive.

In 2022, governments around the world committed to protect 30% of the entire planet by 2030, nearly doubling the current coverage. They also agreed to respect the rights of Indigenous peoples, whose lands contain large shares of the world`s remaining natural ecosystems.

But such promises have often been broken. Historically, governments and private conservation organizations have typically insisted that only pristine, human-free parks can properly conserve nature. In many places, including U.S. national parks, authorities have forcibly removed people who lived on and cared for those lands for centuries.

I am a lawyer and law professor, and my work has focused on human rights, environmental law and areas where they overlap. From 2012 to 2018 I served as the first United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and the environment. In my work, I have heard many reports of human rights abuses associated with these forced displacements, including murder, rape and torture.

To address this problem, the U.N. Environment Programme convened a series of meetings starting in 2022 that brought together representatives of Indigenous peoples, conservation organizations, rights-based organizations and funders. The result is a set of core human rights principles for conservation organizations and funders, which will be formally announced on Dec. 13, 2024.


Despite progress to protect their rights, many of the world`s Indigenous peoples face discrimination and threats to their livelihoods and ancestral lands.

The history of "fortress conservation"

Indigenous peoples and others who live on undeveloped lands are on the front lines of battles against illegal mining, logging and poaching. They are generally more effective than governments at preventing deforestation and loss of living species, and they do so far more cost-effectively.

Studies confirm that protecting the human rights of Indigenous peoples results not only in better lives for these communities but also better conservation of the lands where they live.

However, governments often do not recognize Indigenous peoples` legal rights in their ancestral lands. And Indigenous communities receive only a small fraction of the billions of dollars directed toward climate and biodiversity protection.

Making matters worse, Indigenous people often are evicted from their land in the name of conservation. This practice began in the United States in the late 19th century with the creation of Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks. Among the peoples who lost their homes were the Miwok from Yosemite and the Shoshone from Yellowstone.

Over the following century, the pursuit of what came to be called "fortress conservation" spread around the world. Colonial European powers took this strategy to Africa and Asia; after countries there became independent, international conservation organizations based in North America and Europe continued to push their governments to create national parks on the Yosemite and Yellowstone models. Researchers estimate that millions of people were dispossessed, suffering physical harm and, in many cases, the loss of their cultures.

Painting of three Native Americans with several dogs on a rocky plateau.


"Mariposa Indian Encampment, Yosemite Valley, California," by Albert Bierstadt, c. 1872. Native Americans living in Yosemite Valley were initially allowed to remain in the park after its creation in 1872, working as laborers and selling goods to tourists. But in the 20th century, park officials slowly pushed them out of the valley and destroyed their homes.
forum.netfotograf.com/Wikimedia

Stewards at risk

In recent years, growing evidence that fortress conservation is both morally repugnant and ecologically ineffective has led nations to formally reject it. At an international conference in 2003 in Durban, South Africa, conservationists adopted an action plan that promised to create and manage protected areas "in full compliance with the rights of Indigenous Peoples."

Nonetheless, many protected areas still prohibit Indigenous peoples from remaining in or returning to their ancestral homes. When they try to return, park rangers treat them as criminals. In some cases the rangers, who are often poorly trained, abuse them further by beating, torturing or even killing them.

In 2019, news reports publicized allegations of abuses against Indigenous communities in parks in Asia and Africa that were supported by the World Wildlife Fund, one of the largest global conservation groups. The increased attention led to multiple investigations, congressional hearings and suspension of millions of dollars in U.N. and U.S. government funding to the organization for projects in the Congo Basin.

Investigators found that rangers in Salonga National Park, the largest park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, regularly punished local residents by beating them with sticks, bayonets and the butts of weapons and engaging in sexual abuse. Investigators there also heard multiple allegations of rape and murder.

The World Wildlife Fund was not accused of encouraging or participating directly in such abuses, but it co-managed Salonga and paid its rangers. An independent panel of experts, on which I served, concluded that the organization had failed to effectively prevent or respond to the violations and had continued to fund the rangers even after learning about the allegations. Since then, stories of similar abuses have continued to proliferate.

In 2024, for example, Human Rights Watch reported on allegations of violent evictions of Indigenous Chong residents by a conservation organization, Wildlife Alliance, that co-manages a conservation project in Cambodia`s Cardamom National Park. And rangers working for African Parks, a private conservation organization that manages more than 20 national parks in 12 African countries, were accused by human rights organizations of beating and sexually assaulting Baka Indigenous people in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.

Human rights principles for conservation

Conservation is not fundamentally at odds with human rights. Many Indigenous peoples, conservation organizations and others are trying to replace fortress conservation with a truly inclusive approach that safeguards human rights and the environment.

For the past two years, I have worked with people from many different organizations, under the auspices of the U.N. Environment Programme, to clarify human rights principles that we believe should apply in conservation. Our focus is on affecting the behavior of private conservation organizations and funders, who play critical roles but often receive far less scrutiny than governments.

Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Nature Conservancy funnel hundreds of millions of dollars in financial and technical support from donors in wealthy nations to protected areas around the world. In many cases, they manage or co-manage parks directly.

The principles that will be announced on Dec. 13, 2024, are not binding, but they reflect and summarize widely accepted human rights standards. They are based on key concepts that urge conservation organizations and funders to:

  • Adopt commitments to respect human rights.
  • Embed the commitments in their work.
  • Institute processes to ensure that they identify and address human rights concerns.
  • Avoid causing or contributing to human rights abuses.
  • Use their influence to try to ensure that their partners, including government agencies, do not engage in abuses themselves.

In particular, the principles call on conservation organizations and funders to respect the rights of Indigenous peoples, including their right to decide whether to give their free, prior and informed consent for conservation initiatives and projects.

The principles have already been supported by more than 70 organizations and individuals, including the U.N. special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous peoples and the U.N. special rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment.

More remains to be done, including creating a regular conference to bring conservation organizations and funders together with Indigenous peoples to jointly address issues of conservation and human rights. But these principles are an important step toward greater protection for nature and the people who live closest to it. The Conversation

John H. Knox, Professor of International Law, Wake Forest University

 

 

 

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.


CONTENT

Article 01

Livestock animals use very different amounts of antibiotics
by Our World in Data, Author Hannah Ritchie



 

 

CONTENT

 

The Future Now Show

New Forms of Governance
with Rob van Kranenburg & Reto Brosi

"Rob van Kranenburg & Reto Brosi talk about the evolution of data gathering and management systems, the challenges of technological advancement and governance, and the potential of creating a European phone to regain control over personal data and services. They also explore the concept of disposable or pseudonymous identities, the importance of engineers in governance discussions, and the need for a working group on cybernetics to explore new governance models. Lastly, they touche on the concerns of intelligence agencies and the role of influential individuals in the digital world." AI summary by Zoom

 

 


 










Moderator



Statecraft and Policymaking in the Age of Digital Twins
Digital Democracy and the Internet of Things
by Rob van Kranenburg




Overview

  • Proposes a political framework that aims to develop a next-generation internet for Europe
  • Presents policy recommendations for the digital transformation in Europe
  • Based on empirical evidence from various industries and institutions

This book describes the transition from basic automation to pervasive computing, ubiquitous computing, ambient intelligence, and the Internet of Things, and its effects on democratic decision-making and governance in Europe. It diagnoses a lack of political agency and technical capabilities in the West that has accelerated the end of the model of entrepreneurial government in favor of a new paradigm: Cyber-physical Systems. Offering an analysis of the digital transformation process in various industries and institutions, the book highlights the severe repercussions and impacts on democratic decision-making and the legitimacy of the Westphalian model of the nation-state. Readers will learn how the convergence of cloud systems, data platforms, and connected objects is facilitating this transformation process, one characterized by a virtual representation of every person, object, and machine – a digital twin.

The book argues for balancing centralization and decentralization in a cybernetic framework with human-centric values at its core. Further, it proposes a political framework that aims to develop a next-generation internet for the five hundred million citizens of Europe, one capable of enforcing and promoting digital hegemony while safeguarding the rights and proactive capabilities of said citizens. In closing, the book makes the case for a hardware wallet built on European chip requirements and platforms and running on its own OS to promote technical European integration on infrastructure, applications, and services. Given its scope, the book will appeal to policymakers and practitioners interested in European digital governance and autonomy, as well as scholars of public administration, public policy, and political science.


Credits


Rob van Kranenburg
Senior Policy and Communication Expert at Martel Innovate

Ghent, Belgium
martel-innovate.com

IoT Council
theinternetofthings.eu

Disposable Identities - blog
disposableidentities.eu


Moderator

Reto Brosi
Efficient and effective ERM
Basel, Switzerland


Megrow Consulting GmbH
Managing Director

www.megrow.ch





Felix B Bopp
Producer, The Future Now Show

Founder & Publisher, Club of Amsterdam
clubofamsterdam.com


The Future Now Show

clubofamsterdam.com/thefuturenowshow


You can find The Future Now Show also at
LinkedIn: The Future Now Show Group
YouTube: The Future Now Show Channel


 

Article 02

Hans Labohm: Chronicles of Climate Hysteria
by Tom Nelson Pod


Hans Labohm, an economist and former expert reviewer for the IPCC, discusses his skepticism towards the current climate change narrative. He critiques the alarming predictions about global warming, CO2 emissions, and climate policy, presenting data that contradicts these claims. Labohm argues that CO2 is not a threat but rather benefits the environment and questions the effectiveness of policies like the Paris Agreement. He also touches on the societal and economic impacts of climate alarmism and the consequences for those skeptical of mainstream views.

 

 

 

 



Hans Labohm

Hans H.J. Labohm (* 1941) is a Dutch economist and journalist. He is a member of the Dutch party VVD.

He studied economics and economic history at the University of Amsterdam. From 1987 to 1992 he was permanent representative of the Netherlands to the OECD and a member of the OECD DAC in Paris.

He writes, among other for de Volkskrant, Het Financieele Dagblad, Trouw and NRC Handelsblad.

Labohm is considered one of the leading figures in the climate denial movement and is a member of various climate denial organizations, including the International Climate Science Coalition, CFACT, EIKE and the Heartland Institute. In 2017 he appeared at a “climate conference” in Düsseldorf organized by EIKE and CFACT.

 




CONTENT

 

News about the Future

> Bittensor
>
Carbon Orchard


Bittensor

"There is no greater story than people's relentless and dogged endeavor to overcome repressive regimes. Whether we notice it or not, centralized firms, markets and authorities are engaged in a never-ending disempowerment of human people`s autonomy. Bittensor is creating a new future for humanity, where new economies and new commodities are decentralized by design and where no single entity is a sole authority.

At the core of the Bittensor ecosystem is the production, marketing and selling of digital commodities. At the expanding periphery of this ecosystem are the entire internet geographies of ecosystems.

Everything is decentralized. Digital commodities like compute, data, storage, predictions, and models are transformed into intelligence. When digital commodities are recast as intelligence, then new architectures are discovered, new commodities are produced and surprisingly cheaper ways to achieve innovations are being revealed - the possibilities are turning out to be limitless.

TAO, the decentralized currency, fuels the production of this intelligence in subnets.These intelligence-producing subnets are then innovatively connected in productive and profitable ways, feeding one intelligence into another.

Entrepreneurs with skills and ideas will use Bittensor when they are deprived of investments from traditional sources of capital. And most important, any such entrepreneur can participate profitably and thrive in the Bittensor ecosystem.

You can be a consumer of a subnet's digital commodity. Or if you are a subject-matter expert, for example an ML practitioner, then be a subnet miner, produce best predictions for your customer and earn TAO. Or, you can be a subnet validator, find markets, enterprises, small-businesses, application developers or end-users, for these digital products, generate revenue and earn TAO. Or you can just be a subnet owner and create fertile grounds for the growth of your subnet validators and subnet miners and earn TAO."

 

 


 

Carbon Orchard

A Groundbreaking Paradigm in Carbon Removal

Spiritus has introduced its innovative "Carbon Orchard", redefining the landscape of direct-air-capture (DAC) technology.

We refer to Spiritus’ DAC approach as a Spiritus “Carbon Orchard”

Every Orchard uses passive air contacting (no fans), a low temperature desorption process, and a modular design that allows rapid scale-up.

The solid sorbent, called “Fruit”, adsorbs CO2 from the ambient air through passive contacting and is conveyed to a centralized, fully-contained and novel non-TVSA desorption system.

Once desorbed, the Fruit are circulated back to the contactors, referred to as “Trees”, for additional passive air contacting, repeating the cycle.

Carbon Orchard represents a Rubik's Cube solution to efficient DAC technology. By integrating a highly cost-effective sorbent material, low-energy consumption, and a modular design, Spiritus has unlocked a novel method for tackling the challenge of megaton-scale carbon removal.

 

 



CONTENT

Article 03

Reclaiming Control: An Analysis of Europe's Path to Digital Sovereignty
by Igor van Gemert, CEO focusing on cyber security solutions and business continuity

 

 

 

Introduction

The rapid digitalization of society has transformed the way economies operate, with cloud services and digital infrastructures becoming integral to both public and private sectors. However, this transformation has also led to increased dependence on foreign technologies, raising concerns about digital sovereignty. This article analyzes the iBestuur webinar held on 9 okt 2021, which brought together experts to discuss the challenges and strategies related to achieving digital autonomy in Europe.

Participants:

  • Michiel Steltman (Moderator), Director of the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Association.
  • Queeny Rajkowski, Member of Parliament for the VVD and member of the Committee on Digital Affairs.
  • Witte Wijsmuller, Policy Advisor at the European Commission, focusing on European cloud policy.
  • Kees Verhoeven, Former Member of Parliament for D66, now a digital advisor in the sector.

Overview of the Webinar

The webinar commenced with an acknowledgment of the pervasive integration of cloud services in modern businesses. It highlighted that the initial enthusiasm for digitalization has been tempered by growing concerns over dependency on foreign technologies, particularly those from the United States and China. The discussion was catalyzed by Professor Lokke Moerel's presentation at the Waag conference, where she emphasized the vulnerabilities arising from this dependency.

Key Themes Discussed

  • Dependence on Foreign Technologies
  • Geopolitical Tensions and Cybersecurity Threats
  • Regulatory Approaches vs. Innovation
  • Role of Government and Policy Recommendations
  • European Collaboration and Initiatives

Discussion

The webinar illuminated the complexity of achieving digital sovereignty. On one hand, there is an urgent need to protect national security and economic interests by reducing dependency on foreign technologies. On the other hand, Europe must avoid protectionism that could hinder innovation and contravene international trade agreements.

The discussion revealed that while regulatory measures are important, they are insufficient on their own. A balanced approach that includes:

  • Innovation Promotion: Encouraging the development of cutting-edge technologies within Europe.
  • Education and Awareness: Increasing political and public understanding of digital sovereignty issues.
  • International Standards: Participating in global dialogues to establish norms and standards that protect data privacy and security.

Conclusion

The iBestuur webinar provided valuable insights into the challenges and potential strategies for achieving digital sovereignty in Europe. The consensus among the participants is that Europe must act decisively to reduce its digital dependency through a combination of regulation, investment in innovation, and strengthened European collaboration. This multifaceted approach is essential to safeguard national security, promote economic prosperity, and uphold democratic values in the digital age.


References

  • European Commission initiatives on digital sovereignty.

  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

  • Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI).

Note: As this analysis is based on a webinar discussion, specific citations are limited to the content presented therein.

Conceptual Evolution

The European Union's approach to digital sovereignty has evolved from a market-based perspective to a more strategic orientation[1]. Under Ursula von der Leyen's leadership, digital sovereignty has become a central guiding principle, though its definition remains somewhat nebulous[2].

Core Components

The EU's digital sovereignty framework consists of three main elements:

- Indigenous technology development within the EU
- Global norm-setting for data governance
- Market restrictions on non-EU actors[1]

Policy Implementation Challenges

Several key challenges have emerged in implementing digital sovereignty:

Strategic Tensions

- Balancing protectionism with international cooperation
- Managing high levels of existing digital dependencies
- Reconciling sovereignty aims with multistakeholder governance[5]

Practical Limitations

- Lack of advanced domestic technology sector
- Dependencies on foreign software and hardware
- Limited tools for global leadership in emerging technologies like AI[3]

Alternative Approaches

Some experts suggest moving away from "digital sovereignty" terminology toward:

- "Digital responsibility" focusing on partnerships and cooperation
- Open strategic autonomy maintaining international collaboration
- Balanced approach combining protective and promotional measures[5][6]

Policy Framework

The EU has developed a comprehensive policy stack including:

- Investment screening mechanisms
- Export controls
- Economic coercion instruments
- Telecommunications security measures
- Big Tech regulation[6]

Future Directions

To strengthen its position, the EU needs:

- Better coordination among policy institutions
- Greater investment in technological competitiveness
- Enhanced understanding of digital interdependencies
- Balanced approach between protection and promotion of interests[6]

The success of EU digital sovereignty will largely depend on finding the right balance between autonomy and international cooperation while building domestic technological capabilities[1][6].

Citations:

[1] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/digital-sovereignty-in-practice-the-eus-push-to-shape-the-new-global-economy/

[2] https://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/safeguarding-european-values-digital-sovereignty-analysis-statements-and-policies

[3] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13501763.2023.2295523

[4] https://eucyberdirect.eu/research/digital-sovereignty-narrative-policy

[5] https://www.cfr.org/blog/why-eu-should-stop-talking-about-digital-sovereignty

[6] https://www.clingendael.org/publication/open-strategic-autonomy-digital-dimension

What are implications if the war with russia breaks out and the USA will cut internet connections ?

Here's an analysis of the potential implications of internet disconnection during a conflict with Russia

Critical Services Disruption

- Healthcare and emergency services would lose coordination capabilities[1]
- Payment systems and ATMs would cease functioning[1]
- Educational institutions would lose online learning capabilities[1]
- E-commerce would halt, affecting supply chains[1]

Infrastructure Effects

- Power grids could face operational issues[1]
- Transportation networks would be compromised[1]
- Water systems management would be impacted[1]
- Financial markets would face severe disruption[1]


Technical Considerations

Network Resilience

Complete internet shutdown is difficult due to:

- Multiple redundant cable systems across different routes[2]
- Distributed nature of global internet infrastructure[1]
- Alternative routing possibilities through other regions[2]

Vulnerable Points

- Chokepoints where multiple cables converge[4]
- Island nations with limited terrestrial connections[4]
- Regional hubs with high cable density[4]

Economic Impact

Financial Consequences

- Trillions of dollars could be wiped from economies[1]
- Global financial system disruption[1]
- High repair costs ($7-12 million per cable)[2]
- Business operations would be severely impacted[1]

Mitigation Factors

Existing Safeguards

- NATO has established monitoring centers[1]
- Multiple alternative routing paths exist[4]
- International cooperation frameworks are in place[5]
- Technical governance remains largely apolitical[5]

The complete disconnection of internet services between major powers would be catastrophic but is technically difficult to achieve due to the redundant nature of global internet infrastructure. The more likely scenario would be partial disruptions causing significant but not total communication breakdown.


Citations:

[1] https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/could-russia-deliver-on-the-threat-to-cut-the-us-and-europe-off-from-the-internet/

[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/2-cut-undersea-internet-highlight-a-fragile-global-network-2024-11

[3] https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/10/internet-shutdowns-explainer/

[4] https://theconversation.com/ukraine-war-kremlins-threat-to-interfere-with-undersea-data-cables-may-be-bluster-but-must-be-taken-seriously-208125

[5] https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/internet-fragmentation/disconnecting-countries-from-the-global-internet/

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges the contributions of Michiel Steltman, Queeny Rajkowski, Witte Wijsmuller, and Kees Verhoeven for their insightful perspectives during the webinar.




About Igor van Gemert

Igor van Gemert is a renowned figure whose expertise in generative artificial intelligence (AI) is matched by his extensive 15year background in cybersecurity, serving as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and trusted adviser to boardrooms. His unique combination of skills has positioned him as a pivotal player in the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation projects across critical sectors including defense, healthcare, and government.

Van Gemert's deep knowledge of AI and its applications is informed by his practical experience in safeguarding digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. This dual focus has enabled him to contribute significantly to the development of secure, AIdriven technologies and strategies that address the complex challenges faced by these highstakes fields. As an adviser, he brings a strategic vision that encompasses not only the technical aspects of digital transformation but also the crucial cybersecurity considerations that ensure these innovations are reliable and protected against cyber threats.

His work in defense, healthcare, and government projects demonstrates a commitment to leveraging AI and cybersecurity to enhance national security, patient care, and public sector efficiency. Van Gemert's contributions extend beyond individual projects to influence broader discussions on policy, ethics, and the future direction of technology in society. By bridging the gap between cuttingedge AI research and cybersecurity best practices, Igor van Gemert plays an instrumental role in shaping the digital landscapes of critical sectors, ensuring they are both innovative and secure.


CONTENT

Recommended Book

Embedding Enterprise Risk Management and Building Resilience:
the Practical Guide
by Reto Brosi & Ching Guei Tan
Kindle Edition

 






WHY

Organisations with well-embedded Enterprise Risk Management aremore successful and resilient. They also enjoy better reputation with their stakeholders. Enterprise Risk Management and Resilience-Building are the tools of choice to strive in the VUCA world.


THE BOOK

The authors provide ample practical advice how to pre-empt and mitigate any challenges along the journey to improved risk maturity. The guidance and solutions are applicable to all industries, all types of organisations, regardless of industry and location. Embracing and applying these techniques will make a tangible, positive difference to the build-up of resilience in your organisation. The first chapters succinctly describe "what good looks like"; subsequent parts outline possible stumbling blocks and most importantly, how to circumnavigate and manage any hurdles.


AUTHORS



Dr. Reto Brosi and Ching Guei Tan are certified ERM-practitioners, experienced managers and seasoned business leaders. They lecture at universities and publish podcasts and blogposts about ERM.



Article 04

The Internet of Medical Things: Revolutionizing patient-centric care 
by GE HealthCare

The Internet of Things is one of the most important technologies of the 21st century. The Internet of Medical Things, or IoMT, brings this technology to the world of healthcare by shifting from device-centric technology and architecture to a modern connected architecture where the focus is on patient-centric monitoring. GE HealthCare is shifting the paradigm in patient monitoring solutions, building an IoT platform, for a world where healthcare has no limits.

 

 

CONTENT

Climate Change Success Story

IoT (Internet of Things)

 

 

IoT (Internet of Things) technology has become a key tool in tackling climate change by enabling smarter, more efficient use of resources and improving environmental monitoring.
Here are some successful applications:


1. Smart Agriculture and Water Management

- Precision Agriculture: IoT sensors monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and crop health, optimizing water and fertilizer use. This reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions from over-fertilization.
- Irrigation Systems: IoT-enabled systems control water usage based on real-time weather data and soil conditions, minimizing waste in agriculture, which is a major water consumer.

2. Energy Efficiency in Buildings
- Smart Buildings: IoT systems can reduce energy consumption by monitoring lighting, heating, and cooling, automatically adjusting them based on occupancy and weather data. This significantly lowers emissions from energy use.
- HVAC Optimization: IoT sensors optimize heating and cooling systems, reducing emissions by adjusting based on the number of occupants, room temperature, and even air quality.

3. Renewable Energy Management

- Smart Grids: IoT enables energy grids to respond to supply and demand in real time, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. By balancing loads and optimizing energy distribution, IoT helps cut down on fossil fuel reliance.
- Wind and Solar Monitoring: Sensors monitor performance and environmental conditions, helping maintain renewable energy efficiency and reducing maintenance trips, which lowers emissions.

4. Environmental Monitoring and Pollution Control

- Air Quality Sensors: IoT sensors in urban areas provide real-time data on pollutants, enabling rapid responses to reduce emissions in high-pollution zones.
- Wildfire Detection: IoT devices can detect early signs of wildfires through temperature and smoke sensors, allowing quicker containment and reducing CO2 released by large fires.

5. Waste Management
- Smart Waste Collection: IoT-enabled bins inform waste collectors when they are full, optimizing collection routes, reducing fuel use, and lowering emissions.
- Recycling Management: Smart sorting technologies help recycle materials more efficiently, reducing the need for raw material extraction, which often has a large carbon footprint.

6. Climate Resilience in Infrastructure
- Flood and Weather Monitoring: IoT sensors monitor real-time weather and flood risk, allowing cities to prepare for extreme events. This helps reduce disaster recovery costs and protects critical infrastructure from climate impacts.

These examples show that IoT solutions not only support climate goals by reducing emissions but also build resilience to climate impacts, making them powerful tools in the fight against climate change.

 

 

Climate Change Success Story

Examples

The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change by providing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable practices. These examples showcase the transformative potential of IoT in driving sustainable practices and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Below are some noteworthy success stories where IoT has been instrumental in combating climate change:

1. Precision Agriculture



IoT-enabled devices and sensors help farmers optimize water usage, monitor soil conditions, and reduce chemical fertilizers.

Case Study:
The Climate Corporation (US) uses IoT for weather tracking and soil analysis to improve crop yields while conserving resources. This approach reduces water consumption by up to 30% in some regions.

2. Smart Grids for Energy Efficiency



Smart grids powered by IoT allow for better energy distribution, reducing waste and integrating renewable energy sources.

Case Study:
Enel X deployed IoT-based smart grids in Italy, enabling dynamic energy management and integrating solar and wind energy. This reduced Italy’s carbon footprint by millions of tons annually.

3. Smart Buildings and Cities



IoT sensors in buildings monitor energy consumption and optimize lighting, heating, and cooling.

Case Study:
The Edge Building (Netherlands) is one of the world’s greenest buildings. IoT systems manage energy use, achieving energy neutrality.

4. Wildlife and Ecosystem Monitoring



By USFWS Mountain-Prairie - Tracking Mountain Lions

IoT devices help track endangered species, monitor ecosystems, and mitigate climate-related risks like wildfires.

Case Study:
WWF's Connected Conservation Program in Africa uses IoT-enabled collars and sensors to monitor and protect rhinos from poaching, preserving biodiversity crucial for ecosystem balance.

5. Reducing Food Waste



IoT in cold chain logistics ensures perishable goods remain fresh during transport, reducing food waste.

Case Study:
Zest Labs uses IoT sensors to monitor the freshness of food in real time, cutting food waste by up to 50%.

6. Renewable Energy Management



IoT optimizes the operation of wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage systems.

Case Study:
Siemens Gamesa integrates IoT for predictive maintenance of wind farms, boosting efficiency and cutting downtime.

7. Urban Water Management



Smart water meters and leak-detection systems reduce water waste in cities.

Case Study:
City of Cape Town installed IoT water meters during a severe drought, reducing water usage by 60% in some neighborhoods.

8. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Smart Transportation



IoT in EV charging stations and traffic management reduces urban emissions.

Case Study:
Oslo, Norway, uses IoT-based systems to promote EV adoption, achieving a significant reduction in citywide greenhouse gas emissions.
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is rated as one of the world's smartest cities — based on innovative policies in electric mobility, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, public transport modernization and road safety improvement.

9. Climate Data Collection and Analysis



IoT sensors monitor environmental conditions in real time, aiding in disaster prediction and response.

Case Study:
The UN Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) uses IoT to track global climate patterns, providing data for policy decisions.

10. Ocean Health Monitoring



IoT devices monitor ocean temperature, acidity, and pollution, aiding marine conservation.

Case Study:
The Smartfin Project equips surfers with IoT-enabled fins to collect data on ocean health, supporting climate research.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTENT

Futurist Portrait

Scott Steinberg
The Master of Innovation

 




Keynote Speaker and Business Strategist

Hailed as The Master of Innovation by Fortune magazine, and World’s Leading Business Strategist, award-winning strategic consultant, trends expert, and professional speaker Scott Steinberg is a bestselling expert on leadership, change + innovation. One of America’s top futurists (per the BBC); the author of Make Change Work For You and Millennial Marketing; and among today’s top business strategy + leadership training providers, the Fortune 500 calls him a "
defining figure in business" and "top trendsetter to follow."

Corporate Business Motivational Keynote Speaker Scott SteinbergA strategic adviser to C-level leaders and four-star generals, firms like IBM, Ford, and the US Dept. of Defense regularly seek his insight. As the CEO of BIZDEV: The International Association for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, and management consulting + market research firm FutureProof Strategies, he helps partners understand emerging trends - and drive growth around them. His motivational speeches, leadership seminars and training workshops show executives and educators how to become more effective - and make both they and their businesses indispensable in an increasingly disposable world.

One of the world`s 150 most influential keynote speakers + futurists, and today`s #1 generations expert and technology expert (per Google), he offers breakouts, workshops, and speeches at meetings/events, and has consulted on dozens of industry-leading solutions.

Innovation Consultant and Futurist

As an industry consultant, Steinberg has helped top corporations from Microsoft, Sony and Intel to ESPN and MTV adapt to changing consumer, high-tech and social trends. Hailed as a top technology futurist by leading media outlets including NPR, Newsweek, TIME, BusinessWeek and The Wall St. Journal, his advisory work enables clients to identify emerging cultural and technological forces and create powerful business strategies that meet changing market needs.

This eye for business analysis has led to his work as a strategic insider for 600+ publications from CNN to The New York Times and Fast Company, and pioneer in the field of digital publishing. A nationally-syndicated columnist who routinely explores topics including change, innovation and connecting generations, he’s also the creator and host of Gear Up, Rolling Stone`s first dedicated blog and video series devoted to consumer technology. A regular guest on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, he serves as a featured expert for Fast Company, Inc., Entrepreneur, The Huffington Post and more.

Motivational Speaker for Meetings & Events

A dynamic keynote speaker for business, consumer and youth events, Scott provides custom speeches and seminars for corporations, associations, schools and professional organizations worldwide. Tailored options are available for both domestic and international programs, including motivational speaking presentations and training workshops, which clients say are "engaging," "phenomenal" and "consistently keep audiences on the edge of their seat." Blending expert commentary with timely insights, analysis and humor, his key note speeches provide practical advice and actionable strategy that viewers can immediately execute upon. Experience includes guiding meetings, panels, conferences, tradeshows, seminars, executive summits and corporate retreats.

Trends Expert: Business, Consumer, Technology & Youth

As a noted entrepreneur and market researcher who’s successfully founded and sold multiple high-tech and Photo Sigconsumer-facing businesses, Steinberg`s work combines data-driven analysis with practical experience and expert qualitative insight. Able to skillfully apply insights gained in years operating on the commercial world`s front lines to research findings, he readily translates business intelligence into real-world solutions. Whether transforming the shape of underperforming businesses or re-imagining household-name products and brands, he actively works to educate, elevate and empower tomorrow`s leaders and management teams.




Futurist Keynote Speaker Scott Steinberg: How to Succeed in the New Era of Smart
by Dan Dwight

Futurist keynote speaker and bestselling future trends expert Scott Steinberg explains how to succeed in an age where every business solution is connected and competition is just a click or call away.






CONTENT

 

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