Interdependence Key in Fostering Renewable Energy
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Lundi le vingt-six mai deux milles huit -- Monday May twenty-sixth, two thousand and eight -- Lunes, veinte seis de mayo dos mil y ocho -- vol. 4, no. 1
Interdependence Key in Fostering Renewable Energy
his unifying perspective with
Briana Wright a sense of urgency, stating that
“Energy is central, integrative,
One of the most critical issues basic and fundamental to the
at the 2008 North American economy, quality of life, and en-
Forum on Integration’s Trium- vironmental concern. Perpetually
virate is energy policy. While renewable and non-greenhouse
the current conflict in Iraq gas generating are necessary for
heightens sensitivity to the all to survive.” He clearly believes
far-reaching consequences of that a comprehensive systems
petroleum supply disruptions, approach is required to solving
as well as the larger issue of a the energy equation. Innovations
finite oil supply, the discussion in in technology, public policy, busi-
popular media and from public ness enterprise and international
policy specialists has tended to agreements will all be necessary
focus on creating policy directed Renewable energy is the key to clean power for the future to overcome our current ob-
toward mitigating dependence to one of collaborative regional “lack of adequate investment in stacles to interdependence. With
on external oil supplies. Nations problem solving is emblematic energy assets, volatility in both respect to policy obstacles, he
including the United States are of this sixth annual Triumvirate oil and natural gas prices, and is optimistic that “most all can
increasingly deliberating over conference. It is not surprising political instability in key energy be overcome with the vision of
solutions to the problem of then, that such an approach pro- markets around the world” as North America as an energy bloc
energy independence. However, vides a promising organizational sources of concern over inad- and GHG bank and then the
Rick Van Schoik, Director of framework for one of the four equate energy security. Like Van will to solve this as part of our
the North American Center for themes of this year’s conference, Schoik, the CEA concludes that quality human development.”
Transborder Studies at Arizona Fostering Renewable Electricity an integrated North American The CEA promotes a more
State University, argues that the Markets. The concentration is electricity market, employing limited and conservative agenda,
key to the dilemma of meeting on electrical energy because it both conventional and emerging but one that is consistent with
increasing world energy demand accounts for the vast majority of technologies in a coordinated Van Schoik’s support for an en-
in the context of decreasingly energy demand and also focuses market strategy is essential for ergy bloc. The CEA advocates an
reliable resources lies in multi- efforts on a more finite problem our highly energy-dependent expanded cross-border transmis-
national energy interdependence than energy in all of its various industrial economies. sion grid, elimination of barriers
rather than in independence. manifestations. Van Schoik, whose diverse to cross-border electricity trade,
Such a paradigmatic shift from The March 2007 executive background includes obtaining and coordination of strategies to
single nations pursuing their summary of the Canadian Elec- a master’s degree in biology and reduce GHG emissions.
individual interests in isolation tricity Association (CEA) cites a teaching economics, punctuates (continued on page 3)
Canada’s Environ- than others; it becomes problematic, study conducted by the Environ- - Forecast -
however, when the need for energy ment Committee of the Association
Morning : Partly cloudy,
mental Agenda and the consequences of this need of Professional Engineers, Geolo-
17 degrees
pollute the environment necessary gists and Geophysicists of Alberta
Mark Majeski to sustain life. (APEGGA) concluded that 99.4%
Statistics have shown that Canada of its members (1,077 responded in
Afternoon: Scattered
With the arrival of a new millen- is the largest energy consuming na- total) agree that the earth’s climate
showers, 22 degrees
nium comes the question of how tion in the world per capita, while is indeed changing. A total of 25.7%
our society regards the environ- the United States holds the posi- blame human factors such as the
ment. Human beings are energy tion of the largest energy consum- burning of fossil fuels, changing
Night: Chances of thun-
dependant, some higher consumers ing nation world-wide. A recent (continued on page 4)
der showers, 21 degrees
p.3 Lundi le vingt-six mai deux milles huit -- Monday May twenty-sixth, two thousand and eight -- Lunes, veinte seis de mayo dos mil y ocho
Editor’s word Erik Badia
NAFTA is non negotiable
who find the most gain.
Hello! I am the Editor-In-Chief of the 2008
Alejandro Garcia de la Garza These insights add more fuel to the argument
edition of the TrilatHerald, a great honor, that NAFTA does not need to be reformed
and a truly unique privilege. On behalf of Current events have opened up the table for or reinvented, but complemented by addi-
all the journalists participating at the Trium- debate on the North American Free Trade tional treaties. The full benefits from trade
virate, I would like to welcome you to this Agreement, commonly known as NAFTA. agreements, says Robert Lawrence in his
wonderful event. I would also like to thank Talk of renegotiating the trade agreement has article “Much ado about NAFTA,” are only
everyone from FINA-NAFI, ACSUS, and become prevalent in the United States presi- realized when they are credible and provide
all the participating colleges and universi- dential race, and Chapter 11 on investment a permanent and reliable set of rules of the
ties from across North America, for mak- has brought some discussion about the future game that private decision-makers can count
ing this event happen. I am an American of NAFTA. But for many of the people in- on. If NAFTA is renegotiated it would likely
student journalist from Long Island, New volved with the pact, NAFTA is non negotia- call other U.S. agreements into question.
York, who is totally devoted to the craft. I ble; it can be complemented by new treaties,
was informed about the Triumvirate—at the but to do anything else would be, as some call
last minute—from a professor of mine. She it, foolish.
encouraged me to register, and once I saw the Both Mexico and Canada agree change can
event website and read more about it, I knew come through additional treaties that com-
the event was for me! I am very excited to pliment subjects such as labor rights and
get started, and I hope everyone participating environments, which would elevate the agree-
in this year’s Triumvirate is, as well. I believe
ments of both sides. According to Guillermo
this event will be a great experience for us all,
Rishchynski, Canadian ambassador in Mexi-
and I trust that everyone will come away with
co, NAFTA has worked very well during the
a sense of pride, accomplishment and exhila-
past 15 years, and he emphasized his belief
ration upon its conclusion. It appears to me
that even though the event can be stressful,
that NAFTA requires no renegotiation.
most students are able to have fun and enjoy Controversy surrounding Chapter 11 stems
it. Looking back at past TrilatHerald edi- from the idea that it attacks national sover-
tions, however, there was one concern that eignty, a notion that has taken root in Mexico
grabbed my attention. I noticed an instance on a larger scale. What Chapter 11 really
where participating students may have gotten does—something people are just starting to
a little too caught up in the moment, or were realize—is enhance sovereignty by fortifying
just taking the mock-debates a little too seri- the juridical frame in which all actors operate.
ously. Let us not forget that while this event And not only does it guarantee equal treat- Editor:
is supposed to be as realistic as possible, it is ment for both national and foreign investors, Erik Badia
still a simulation and as such, there is no rea- but in some cases, it provides foreign invest-
son to get upset with one another—we are all ment arguably better treatment than national
here working hard towards our goals. I am investment. Layout Editor:
aware that sometimes under duress people Carlos Gonzalez Barragan, a Harvard gradu- Damien Auger
can get agitated and irritable, and that many ate and PhD student at La Escuela de Gradu-
of us have very strongly opinions on these ados en Administración Pública y Política Journalists:
topics. However, a debate is meant to be a Pública (EGAP) in Monterey, Mexico, offers
civil engagement—two opposing ideas or his expertise on the subject. According to
methods being deliberated and considered— Barragan, Chapter 11 prohibits discrimina- Renewable energy commission:
there is no need to get personal. Having said tion, but says nothing about the treatment Mark Majeski
that, don’t hold back on your constructive of foreign investment in relation to national Selena Hill
thoughts and ideas. This event is meant to investment. In fact, Barragan notes, on cer-
encourage critical thinking, decision making tain occasions transnational corporations not
and team work—let your ideas fly! Challenge Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
only benefit from commercial treaties, but
yourselves and one another! Please enjoy the Briana Wright
also from double tribulation treaties. To find
first volume of the 2008 TrilatHerald; our
the benefits of foreign investment, one has to
team of journalists has worked hard to make
look at which sector it is concentrating in; in NAFTA chapter eleven
it as accurate, informative and entertaining as
possible. I encourage anyone and everyone to intensive capital economies, it is those who Alejandro De La Garza
come see us during the event and offer your have the capital who benefit. In international
thoughts, comments and criticisms. labor economies, however, it is the workers
Lundi le vingt-six mai deux milles huit -- Monday May twenty-sixth, two thousand and eight -- Lunes, veinte seis de mayo dos mil y ocho p.3
La chine et l’Inde, les nouveaux voleurs d’emplois
Les délocalisations hors Amérique du Nord Quant au Mexique, hier encore accusé de voleur d’emplois
par les travailleurs canadiens et américains victimes de la fermeture de
soulèvent l’inquiétude de la population plusieurs usines délocalisées vers les maquiladoras (zones désignées où
Judith Gratton il est permis d’importer une matière première, de la transformer puis
de l’exporter sans payer ni droits de douanes, ni taxes), il est lui aussi
Parmi les thèmes abordés cette année au Triumvirat 2008, les confronté aux effets négatifs imputés à la délocalisation. La hausse du
délocalisations des entreprises nord-américaines vers les pays émer- taux moyen de rémunération, qui a augmenté de près de 8,5 % seule-
gents tels que la Chine et l’Inde où les salaires sont bas suscitent beau- ment en 2002, expliquerait le transfert des grandes entreprises vers
coup d’insécurité au sein de la population. En effet, la perspective de l’Asie. Le Mexique ne représente plus le pays où les coûts salariaux
voir des entreprises transférer une partie de leurs activités à l’étranger sont les plus faibles. Inévitablement, cela porte un coup dur à ce pays
n’a rien pour rassurer l’opinion publique. Pourquoi? Et bien tout sim- qui tente par tous les moyens d’acquérir le statut de pays développé.
plement parce que désormais, la délocalisation affecte autant le secteur Et que dire de la situation canadienne ? Au même titre que
manufacturier que le secteur des services et que les travailleurs haute- ses partenaires de l’ALENA, le Canada n’échappe pas aux aléas de la
ment qualifiés sont aussi vulnérables que les travailleurs peu spéciali- mondialisation. Toutefois, bien qu’il ne soit pas immunisé contre les
sés quant au risque de perdre leur emploi. L’inquiétude devient de plus délocalisations des entreprises et les conséquences négatives qui lui
en plus palpable. sont rattachées, l’inquiétude de la population se fait moins sentir. «
Les enjeux relatifs à la délocalisation des entreprises n’occupent pas
Portrait de la situation américaine, pour le moment une place importante dans l’opinion publique puisque
le Canada a jusqu’à maintenant grandement bénéficié du phénomène
mexicaine et canadienne
mondial des délocalisations », souligne Abraham Hollander. Le savoir-
faire, l’expertise des travailleurs, les infrastructures, la stabilité de l’État
Aux États-Unis, par exemple, 72 % de la population croit que
ainsi que le coût de la main-d’œuvre et la fiscalité sont des facteurs qui
la délocalisation n’est pas une bonne chose pour l’économie puisque
contribuent considérablement à la position favorable du Canada en
les travailleurs perdent leur emploi au profit d’étrangers . Sans aucun
tant que pays d’accueil pour les entreprises qui veulent améliorer leur
doute, l’opinion publique exprime ici son mécontentement vis-à-vis un
compétitivité .
phénomène, qui croit-elle, n’apporte rien de positif aux citoyens. Ainsi,
en cette année d’élections présidentielles, il est évident que les leaders
L’impact des délocalisations hors Amérique du Nord sur
joueront la carte de la protection des travailleurs s’ils veulent récolter
les relations entre les pays membres de l’ALENA
l’appui de ces derniers. « En règle générale, le protectionnisme est tou-
jours payant d’un point de vue politique. Ça permet de gagner des élec-
Ce bref survol des situations américaine, mexicaine et canadienne
tions », affirme Abraham Hollander, professeur titulaire d’économie
face au phénomène des délocalisations hors de l’hémisphère nord-améric-
internationale à l’Université de Montréal. Ainsi, l’insécurité est pal-
ain laisse présager des discussions musclées durant le Triumvirat.
pable chez nos voisins du Sud.
(suite en page 4)
Interdependance continued
Cross-border “regional systems management” is possible because of Canada, the United States, and Mexico believe that such goals
of the complementary seasonal peak demands related to the different are indeed concrete and attainable. Van Schoik believes that energy
climates of the three nations, which allows them to exchange surplus interdependence is realistic. He feels that technological advances in
electricity. This would allow each nation to build for lower maximum energy storage and hydrogen generation are promising. Among tech-
capacities and dispose of excess capacity with less waste. The CEA nology transfer and resource sharing initiatives, he believes that the
emphasizes the need for long-term capital investment in the aging most feasible policy implementations will include a “GHG cap and
transmission infrastructure in order to increase the supply and ef- trade [that] allows the U.S. to import energy, for Canada to develop
ficiency of generation capacity. its oil sands and Mexico to sell GHG offsets, the ‘earnings’ used to
The CEA supports a gradualist approach to reducing GHG that buy technology.” He also includes conservation and insulation among
is based upon current technologies. The United States generates 50% the available strategies. With respect to renewable energy mandates
of its electrical energy from burning coal. Canada produces 60% of he points out that “most border states have renewable power sources
its electricity from hydroelectric generation, which is not defined as and some are aggressive. The utilities are translating mandates to the
a renewable energy, much to the chagrin of the CEA. Since neither private sector and meet it.” However, he adds that “more individual
nation is realistically willing or financially able to abandon their businesses and homes need to get on board.” The CEA advocates
respective lead industries, the CEA favors increasing and improving similar measures to promote demand-side pressures and energy ef-
U.S. “clean coal” technology and increasing “low-impact” hydroelectric ficiency. Fostering a political will for energy interdependence and a
generation in Canada. supportive public will can begin in collaborations such as the Trium-
Developing the political will to more ambitiously increase virate.
the renewable energy market is more likely, given that the leaders
Lundi le vingt-six mai deux milles huit -- Monday May twenty-sixth, two thousand and eight -- Lunes, veinte seis de mayo dos mil y ocho p.4
Voleurs d’emplois Nos partenaires
Depuis maintenant quelques années, les États-
Unis instaurent des mesures protectionnistes
anti-délocalisation afin de protéger les emp-
lois locaux et nationaux. Certainement, ces
mesures législatives sont adoptées par des
dirigeants qui s’élèvent contre les délocalisa-
tions en vue de séduire l’électorat. Toutefois,
cette popularité grandissante du protection-
nisme n’a-t-elle pas des conséquences néga-
tives pour le Mexique et le Canada ? En fait,
oui, répond Abraham Hollander. « Étant un
bénéficiaire majeur de la délocalisation des
entreprises américaines, le Canada est vul-
nérable aux changements de cap de la poli-
tique économique des États-Unis. En fait,
ces mesures protectionnistes n’offrent pas une
perspective reluisante pour le Canada, car les
milliers d’emplois destinés aux travailleurs
canadiens resteront aux États-Unis ». Nul
doute que cette situation refroidira les rela-
tions économiques canado-américaines. Le
ton risque de monter entre les défenseurs du
protectionnisme et ceux qui s’y opposent.
Le Mexique devra quant à lui jouer du coude
pour se faire entendre de son puissant voi-
sin. Déjà victime des délocalisations vers la
Nos collaborateurs
Chine et l’Inde, en l’occurrence des concur-
rents de haut calibre pour ce qui est d’offrir
des coûts salariaux moins élevés aux entre-
prises, l’économie mexicaine doit en plus af-
fronter le protectionnisme américain. Face
aux États-Unis, le défi s’annonce de taille en
cette année électorale à laquelle il faut ajouter Bloc Québécois
une lenteur économique. Les leaders de ce
pays défendront de poings fermes la protec-
tion des emplois s’ils ne désirent pas se mettre Bombardier
à dos la population. Faute de bons arguments,
et certes de bons lobbyistes, les délégués qui
représenteront le Mexique au prochain Tri- Consulado General de México
umvirat se heurteront à un mur.
Secértariat à la jeunesse du gouverne-
N.D.L.R.
Judith n’a pas pu être présente au Triumvirat ment du Québec
2008 pour des raisons familiales. Le Trilath-
erald se verra privé d’une aide importante, et
pour cette raison nous lui souhaitons lui offrir Secrétariat aux affaires intergou-
nos meilleurs voeux.
vernementales canadiennes
Lundi le vingt-six mai deux milles huit -- Monday May twenty-sixth, two thousand and eight -- Lunes, veinte seis de mayo dos mil y ocho p.5
Environmental Agenda continued
land use, and enhanced water evaporation sources like wind, biomass, small hydro and nounced by Harper seem to have ignored the
due to irrigation. Another 45.2% believe that ocean energy. Renewable heat energy was also politics surrounding Alberta’s main economic
climate change is caused by both human and addressed—ecoEnergy has reportedly set resource. These new developments in the Al-
natural factors. $35 million aside to increase the adoption of bertan oil sands are ironic considering the
Today, as global warming has become vir- clean renewable thermal technologies for wa- recent movement towards sustainable energy
tually inarguable as being fact, these concerns ter and space heating in buildings. In total, up sources and environmental consciousness.
regarding energy consumption assert a certain to 4,000 megawatts of renewable energy will Dr. Vic Adamowicz, Associate Dean and
pressure on Canada and the United States to be created. To put this in perspective, the sum Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture, Life,
find more sustainable energy resources. of this renewable energy is the equivalent of and Environmental Sciences at the Univer-
In the past, Canada has tried to generate a taking one million cars off the road. sity of Alberta, claims that Harper’s recent
sustainable future with the creation of “The “The ecoEnergy Renewable Initiative is declaration is, “Terrific, as it will diversify the
Canadian Renewable Energy Network” or yet another example of real action our gov- means in which we receive [our] energy... I
CanREN. Their purpose is to “increase the ernment is taking to protect the health of Ca- predict that there will be only 20 to 25 years
understanding of renewable energy to accel- nadians and the environment,” said Canadian left [of the Albertan oil sands]. We should
erate the development and commercializa- Minister of Natural Resources, Gary Lunn. start preparing ourselves for the day when the
tion of renewable energy technologies.” They “It will help make renewable sources of heat well runs dry... and this initiative seems to be
offer “general information on renewable en- and electricity a more affordable and realistic a great start.”
ergy sources, highlights the technologies and choice for more Canadians. We expect to add When asked if the Canadian government
applications being developed to harness these enough clean renewable electricity to power was doing enough as to promote renewable
sources, and presents Canadians with the about one million homes.” energy resources Dr. Adamowicz responded,
“The ecoEnergy Renewable Initiative “Surely the question of renewable energy
complements the regulatory approach of our sources has not been foremost on the agenda
proposed Clean Air Act,” Canadian Environ- as we have no shortage in energy-producing
ment Minister, John Baird said. “It will deliver resources. Europeans seem to have a lead in
real results now to improve air quality in our this issue as they have no choice. We have a
communities and the health of Canadians by choice in this matter and that is what makes
reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution.” this issue much more complicated.” On the
It seems, however, that Canada is attempt- subject of Americans consuming our oil, he
ing to foster renewable energy resources while commented, “This is even more difficult ter-
disregarding the devastating effects of its un- ritory... our environment is being severely
abated exploitation of natural resources. depleted and exploited but we seem to have
Canada’s National Energy Board recently no choice on the subject. They [the United
approved the Alberta Clipper oil pipeline, States] are dependent on us and it is crucial
Constructing wind power plants are which can carry 800,000 barrels per day to to keep these amicable relations for the sake
one way of promoting EcoEnergy our neighbours to the South. This pipeline of both parties.” According to the Canadian
alone will carry nearly as much petroleum Association of Petroleum Producers, in 2006
knowledge and support they need to make re- a day to the United States as did all other over 275,000 people were directly or indirect-
newable energy part of their everyday lives.” pipelines combined in 2004. The amount of ly employed in Alberta’s energy sector.
More recently, Prime Minister Stephen petroleum being sent to the United States “The ecoEnergy Renewable Initiative is a
Harper announced on January 19, 2007, that is expected to triple within the next decade. great start,” Dr. Adamowicz said. “Hopefully
the Canadian government would devote more Air pollution will only worsen with this mas- this will be the first of many developments.” It
than $1.5 billion in funding for the ecoEn- sive exploitation. Pollutionwatch.org ranks seems that Dr. Adamowicz’s hope may soon
ergy Renewable Initiative to boost Canada’s Alberta as being the most air contaminat- become reality as an environmental summit
renewable energy supplies. ing province of Canada. According to their is to be held by the APEGGA later this year
Harper said, “The ecoEnergy Renewable statistics, Alberta contributes over 32% of to address the issues of climate change, miti-
Initiative will harness the power of our envi- Canada’s total of “on-site releases with com- gation and adaption, and renewable energy.
ronment to help protect the environment for bined air release.” Ontario lies in second place These sessions would result in a report with
all Canadians.” with 19%. recommended strategies and a concerted ac-
This initiative will promote Canada’s With many health threats on the shoul- tion plan to be directed at policy makers.
supply of clean electricity from renewable ders of this industry, the recent initiatives an-
Lundi le vingt-six mai deux milles huit -- Monday May twenty-sixth, two thousand and eight -- Lunes, veinte seis de mayo dos mil y ocho p.6
Meet The Press
Alejandro Garcia de la Garza Greetings to all!
I am Selena Hill, currently a student of
Hello, SUNY College at Old Westbury and a
I am Alejandro Garcia de la Garza, and I was born in resident of Queens, New York. I am ma-
Monterrey, Mexico, where I have lived most of my life. joring in Media and Communications with
I like to travel as much as possible, and by studying a concentration in Women’s Studies. Upon
International Relations in Universidad de Monterrey, receiving my Bachelor’s degree, I aspire to
I have had the chance to travel several times to Europe achieve a successful career in the field of
and the United States. I look forward to studying and Journalism and a legacy of international po-
working in many other places. litical and social change. I am excited to take
advantage of all the opportunities presented
at the 2008 Triumvirate conference. I an-
ticipate meeting and networking with new
people and gaining knowledge and experi-
ence about resolving pervading issues affect-
ing the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
My name is Briana Wright and I
am currently pursuing a joint BA/
MA degree in Political Science at
Arizona State University in Tem-
pe, Arizona. My undergraduate
studies have focused on Politi-
cal Science and Classical Studies
with an emphasis on the Latin
language. In the fall I will begin
graduate courses for my Master’s
in American Politics. My enthu-
siasm for working in journalistic
environments stems from my ex-
perience as a page editor for my
Hello, I am Mark Majeski from Campus Saint-Jean high school newspaper, the Voice
(University of Alberta) in Edmonton, Alberta. I am of the Pride. I am thrilled to be
currently enrolled in Education and enjoy travelling, a part of this year’s TrilatHerald
playing sports, writing, and reading. and I look forward to working
with you all!
Hi,
My name is Damien Auger, and I’m actually doing the job nobody
wants to do in the journal. Anything technical about the journal is
my job. It might be fun sometimes, but it also meens if you don’t have
your journal delivered to your doorstep on time, it’s probably my fault.
However, if you come and ask me I’ll probably say it’s either the printer
or the computer, but that’s something else. The job isn’t that fun, but
I’ve always enjoyed working in a journal team. On the personal side, I
come from Montréal, I grew up on the “Plateau Mont-Royal” and even
though for those who know that neighborhood, I did grew up there
but I didn’t pick up the mentality yet. Hope you enjoy the volume 4 of
the Trilatherald this year, both for the content and the appearance.
You can also read
