it Dicks in Space Suits By kolembo.wordpress.com Published On :: Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:40:04 +0000 Dead beetles die in their skins, and Seychellois, Mauritanians, Maurtians, Martians, Fighting with sun-tans all, and Bad lip jobs, In Nairobi, Silent giraffes grope for love, God, Tends to antelopes, The world ends In a traffic jam or, Dicks in space-suits building railways through the heart of a city. ♦Photo♦ Friends of Nairobi National Park -short evocative […] Full Article Poetry capitalism environment Kenya poem poetry UNEP
it Throw nothing away. It's time to upcycle By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:21:16 +0000 1 April 2012 , Volume 68, Number 2 In the circular economy nothing is wasted. Repair, not replace, is the byword. Felix Preston on a 30-year-old idea whose day is about to dawn Felix Preston Former Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Research Director, Energy, Environment and Resources Preston.jpg Photo: AP Photo/Keystone, Walter Bieri Full Article
it Graphic showing the role of satellite images in tracking environmental damage By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 31 May 2012 16:35:16 +0000 1 June 2012 , Volume 68, Number 4 Eyes in the skies keeping watch on a planet under stress. Click on the PDF link to view the graphic Graphic EyesInTheSkies.jpg Full Article
it Sustainability After Rio+20: Working Towards Global Governance By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:59:42 +0000 Director's Breakfast Briefing 5 October 2012 - 8:00am to 9:15am Chatham House, London Event participants James Bacchus, Chair, Global Agenda Council on Governance for Sustainability, World Economic Forum; Chair, Appellate Body, World Trade Organization (1995-2003); Chair, Global Practice, Greenberg Taurig LLP In the aftermath of the recent Rio+20 conference, James Bacchus will discuss the potential for establishing new trade, investment and other international rules and arrangements to promote sustainable growth. In particular, he will explore the interconnections and the international arrangements relating to food, energy, water, climate and other issues affecting global sustainable development.Attendance is strictly by invitation only. To enable as open a debate as possible, this event will be held under the Chatham House Rule.About Director's Breakfast Briefings. Full Article
it Tonga Energy Road Map: Energy Security, the Aid Paradigm, and Pacific Geostrategy By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 23 May 2013 13:00:07 +0000 Research Event 3 June 2013 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm Chatham House, London Event participants Lord Tu'ivakano, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga Lord Tu'ivakano, will deliver a keynote address on the development of the Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM), which plans for 50% of the country's energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020. The Kingdom of Tonga is highly susceptible to both climate change as well as changes in global energy prices due to its high dependency on imported oil. The TERM has required both ground-breaking whole-of-sector institutional changes in Tonga as well as innovative coordination across a range of development partners, including the World Bank, ADB and the UN. Key players in the international community have closely watched the development and implementation of the TERM as it presents a complete change in the aid paradigm that is not just specific to Tonga, or the energy sector. Registration for this event has now closed. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article
it Climate Change: Raising Ambition, Delivering Results By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:08:33 +0000 Conference 3 November 2014 - 9:30am to 4 November 2014 - 1:15pm Chatham House, London Overview Agenda Speakers Pricing Media partners Sponsors Audience profile Venue and accommodation Press registration Climate change is climbing the political agenda. Extreme weather has raised questions in public discourse about the role of anthropogenic warming and concerns about its future impacts; slowdowns in emerging economies and sluggish recoveries in the developed world mean debates about the impact of climate policies on energy bills and competitiveness have assumed particular significance. Against this background, governments are gearing up for a crucial series of agreements in 2015 with climate change at their core. The international community must agree new global sustainable development goals, a new framework on disaster risk reduction and, at the 21st UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 21) in Paris, a new global deal on climate change. The 18th Annual Chatham House Conference on Climate Change will take stock of developments in 2014, including the latest science, the findings of high-level commissions, initiatives from the business community and the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Summit at the end of September. Looking forward to COP 20 in Lima and beyond, this conference will examine opportunities to raise ambition and convert this into results.In particular, it will:Review the latest science on climate risk and the implications for business, society and politics Examine the benefits of a low carbon economy, and assess the costs of climate action and where they fall Discuss concrete measures to decarbonize key sectors and the barriers to action Identify the critical path to the UNFCCC’s Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in 2015, and look at whether, and how, support for ambitious action can be built among publics, business and politiciansThe Chatham House Rule To enable as open a debate as possible, this conference will be held under the Chatham House Rule.Twitter Suggested hashtag: #CHclimate DAY ONEMonday 3 NovemberSession One Taking Stock and Mapping the Road Ahead09:30-11:15What was achieved at the UN Secretary General’s High Level Summit in September? What is the outlook for COP 20 in Lima, and how can ambition be increased?How will success at COP 21 in Paris be defined?ChairRob Bailey, Acting Research Director, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham HouseKeynote AddressManuel Pulgar-Vidal, Minister of State for the Environment, Peru; President, COP 20, UN Framework for the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (on the record)Amber Rudd MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, United Kingdom (on the record)Questions and DiscussionChairJennifer Morgan, Director, Climate and Energy Programme, World Resources Institute (WRI) SpeakersSelwin Hart, Director, Secretary-General's Climate Change Support Team, United NationsDr Halldór Thorgeirsson, Director for Strategy, UN Framework for the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)Leena Srivastava, Executive Director, The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) Paul Watkinson, Head of Climate Negotiation Team, Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, FranceQuestions and Discussion11:15-11:45 RefreshmentsSession TwoLow Carbon Economy: Costs and Benefits11:45-13:00 What are the economic and social opportunities and benefits of a low carbon economy? Where do these occur? How much are they worth?What are examples of leadership among governments and business? What is needed to accelerate the transition and translate ambition into results?What has been the impact of climate policies on economic competitiveness? Which economies and sectors have been most affected? How has this influenced national and international climate politics?Chair's Opening RemarksMarianne Fay, Chief Economist, Climate Change Group, The World BankKeynote Panel DiscussionJeremy Oppenheim, Programme Director, New Climate Economy, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate Jos Delbeke, Director General for Climate Action, European Commission Dr Qi Ye, Director, Brookings-Tsinghua Center for Public Policy; Professor of Environmental Policy and Management at Tsinghua University’s School of Public Policy and ManagementJeremy Bentham, Vice President, Global Business Environment, ShellQuestions and Discussion13:00-14:00 LunchSession Three Concrete Steps to Action: Finance and Achieving Net Zero There is growing interest in the concept of net zero carbon emissions, for businesses, sectors and even countries. This session will examine the feasibility of net zero for the power and transport sectors, and for buildings and cities.ChairShane Tomlinson, Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham House Opening DiscussionManfred Konukiewitz, Co-Chair, the Green Climate Fund Matthew Kotchen, Professor of Economics, Yale University Farhana Yamin, Associate Fellow, Chatham HousePower and Transport14:45-15:45What do decarbonization roadmaps for the power and transport sectors look like? Is net zero feasible? If so, by when and how? What are the challenges posed by increasing renewable penetration, and how can they be managed? What are the implications of vehicle electrification for the power sector?What are the implications for infrastructure and investment?ChairShane Tomlinson, Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham House SpeakersAbyd Karmali, Managing Director, Climate Finance, Bank of America Merrill LynchDries Acke, Policy Manager, European Climate Foundation (Belgium) Olivier Paturet, General Manager, Zero Emissions Strategy, Nissan EuropeStefan Raubenheimer, Co-Founder and Director, South South North; Co-Director, MAPS Programme Questions and Discussion15:45-16:15 RefreshmentsBuildings and Cities16:15-17:15What is the state of the art for low carbon building; how can this be rolled out at scale? How can decarbonization objectives be incorporated into urban planning and regulation?How are the challenges and needs different for developed and developing countries? ChairFarhana Yamin, Associate Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham HouseSpeakersEd Mazria, Founder and CEO, Architecture 2030Tony Mallows, Director, Masdar City Questions and Discussion17:15 Close of day and drinks receptionDAY TWOTuesday 4 NovemberSession Four Climate Impacts9:30-11:15 ChairSir David King, Foreign Secretary's Special Representative for Climate Change, United KingdomKeynote AddressesHE Belete Tafere, Minister, Ministry of Environment Protection and Forestry, Ethiopia (on the record)Professor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Founding Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (on the record)What climate impacts are already being witnessed? Are these in line with expectations? What is the current state of attribution analysis?What are the implications for climate politics?What are the expected social, economic and environmental impacts under different climate scenarios? What is the most recent science since the deadline for Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fifth Assessment Report? Which countries and sectors are most vulnerable? What are governments and businesses doing to adapt?ChairSir David King, Foreign Secretary's Special Representative for Climate Change, United KingdomSpeakersChris Field, Founding Director, Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution of Science, Co-Chair of Working Group II of the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report Professor Myles Allen, Leader of ECI Climate Research Programme and Professor of Geosystem Science, University of Oxford Nick Mabey, Director, E3G Oilver Bettis, Chair, Resource and Environment Board, Institute and Faculty of ActuariesQuestions and Discussion11:15 - 11.45 RefreshmentsSession FiveThe Conditions for Action 11:45 - 13:00What is the current state of public support for climate action? What shapes attitudes and beliefs? How does this vary by country? What can create political ambition, nationally and internationally?What role can different stakeholders play in catalysing climate action?What immediate obstacles need to be overcome and what lessons can be learned from recent success? ChairSimon Maxwell, Executive Chair, Climate Development Knowledge NetworkKeynote AddressBill McKibben, President and Co-Founder, 350.org (on the record)Panel DiscussionAntonio Hill, Executive Director, Global Campaign for Climate ActionMichael Jacobs, Senior Adviser on International Climate Policy, The Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations Jennifer Morgan, Director, Climate and Energy Programme, World Resources Institute (WRI) Sergio Margulis, National Secretary of Sustainable Development, Secretariat of Strategic Affairs of the Presidency of Brazil Sir David King, Foreign Secretary's Special Representative for Climate Change, United KingdomQuestions and DiscussionClosing remarksRob Bailey, Acting Research Director, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham House 13:10 End of conference and lunch © The Royal Institute of International Affairs 2014 Keynote Speakers Jeremy Bentham Vice President, Global Business Environment, Shell Jos Delbeke Director General for Climate Action, European Commission Bill McKibben President and Co-Founder, 350.org Jeremy Oppenheim Programme Director, New Climate Economy, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate Manuel Pulgar-Vidal Minister of State for Environment, Peru; President COP20 Amber Rudd MP* Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, United Kingdom Professor Hans Joachim Schnellnhuber Founding Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research Belete Tafere Minister of Environment Protection and Forestry, Ethiopia Dr Qi Ye Director, Brookings-Tsinghua Center for Public Policy and Professor of Environmental Policy; Management at Tsinghua University’s School of Public Policy and Management Speakers Dries Acke Policy Manager, European Climate Foundation (Belgium) Myles Allen Coordinating Lead Author, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C; Professor of Geosystem Science, University of Oxford Oliver Bettis Chair, Institute and Faculty of Actuaries' Resource and Environment Board Marianne Fay Chief Economist, Climate Change Group, The World Bank Chris Field Founding Director, Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution of Science Selwin Hart Director, Secretary-General's Climate Change Support Team, United Nations Antonio Hill Executive Director, Global Campaign for Climate Action Michael Hogan Senior Adviser, Regulatory Assistance Project Professor Michael Jacobs Senior Adviser on International Climate Policy, The Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations Abyd Karmali Managing Director, Climate Finance, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Sir David King Foreign Secretary’s Special Representative for Climate Change Manfred Konukiewitz Co-Chair, The Green Climate Fund Matthew Kotchen Professor of Economics, Yale University Nick Mabey Co-Founding Director and Chief Executive, E3G Antony Mallows Director, Masdar City Sergio Margulis National Secretary of Sustainable Development, Secretariat of Strategic Affairs of the Presidency, Brazil Simon Maxwell Executive Chairman, Climate and Development Knowledge Network Edward Mazria Founder and CEO, Architecture 2030 Jennifer Morgan Executive Director, Greenpeace International Olivier Paturet General Manager, Zero Emissions Strategy, Nissan Europe Stefan Raubenheimer Co-Founder and Director, South South North; Co-Director, MAPS Programme Jose-Manuel Sanoval Coordinator, Colombian Low Carbon Development Strategy (CLCDS) and Mitigation Action Plans and Scenarios (MAPS) Leena Srivastava Hony. Executive Director (Operations), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Halldór Thorgeirsson Director for Strategy, UN Framework for the Convention on Climate Change Paul Watkinson Head of Climate Negotiation Team, Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, France Farhana Yamin Associate Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme [node:event_chair] PricingFor any questions about rates, please call +44 (0)20 7314 2782. FULL RATEEXCL. VATINCL. VATMajor corporate member ratesAll organizations£595£714 Corporate member ratesCommercial organizations£1,295£1,554Government departments£775£930NGOs and academics£495£594Standard ratesCommercial organizations£1,445£1,734 Government departments£845£1,014NGOs and academics£550£660 This conference will offer a unique opportunity to network with senior officials from businesses, government, NGO's and academic institutions.Our previous Climate Change conferences saw delegates from companies and institutions such as:AccentureAEA Energy & EnvironmentAgulhasArcelorMittalAssociation of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)Atkins LtdBank of America Merrill LynchBASF plcBayerngas Norge ASBeetle CapitalBG Group plcBHP BillitonBIRA-IASBBirdLifeBooz & CoBP plcBritish CouncilBT Group plcCAFODCairn Energy plcCambridge Centre for Energy StudiesCambridge Programme for Sustainable LeadershipCarbon Capture and Storage AssociationCarbon LeapfrogCarbon TrustCaritas InternationalisCatholic Fund for Overseas Development (CAFOD)CH2M HillChevron LtdChubu Electric Power Co IncCity of LondonClientEarthClifford Chance LLPClimate & Development Knowledge Network (CDKN)Climate Action Network (CAN)Climate and Health CouncilClimate SecureCoalition for an International Court for the Environment (ICE Coalition)Compassion in World Farming (CIWF)Conocophillips (UK) LtdControl RisksCo-operative GroupCranfield UniversityDeloitte Consulting LLPDepartment for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS)Department for International Development (DFID)Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)Ecofys UK LtdEcologic InstituteEDF EnergyEnergy Charter SecretariatEnergy Technologies InstituteEni S.p.AEnvironment AgencyEnvironmental Law Foundation (ELF)Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Environmental Resources Management (ERM)ENWORKSErnst & YoungEthical Investment Research Services Ltd (EIRIS)European Bank For Reconstruction & DevelopmentEuropean Commission (Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry)European ParliamentExxonMobil International LtdFauna & Flora InternationalFIA Foundation for the Automobile and SocietyFinnish Forest AssociationForeign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)Forestry CommissionFriends of the EarthGenesis Investment Management LLPGLG Partners LPGlobal CCS InstituteGlobal Humanitarian ForumGlobal Sustainability InstituteGlobal WitnessGlobeleq LtdGrantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, LSEGreater Manchester Chamber of CommerceGreenpeace InternationalHerbert Smith Freehills LLPHM TreasuryImperial College LondonINPEX CorporationInstitute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)International Association of Oil & Gas ProducersInternational Council on Mining and MetalsInternational Finance Corporation (IFC)International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)International Organization for Standardization (ISO)Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)Joseph Rowntree FoundationJPMorganKing's College LondonKPMGKuwait Petroleum CorporationLondon AssemblyLondon Metropolitan UniversityLondon School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)Maersk GroupMassey UniversityMcKinsey & CompanyMet OfficeMETREXMinistere des Affaires Etrangeres, FranceMinistry of Defence (Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre)Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NetherlandsMinistry of Foreign Affairs, FinlandMinistry of Foreign Affairs, PolandMinistry of Infrastructure and the EnvironmentMitsubishi CorporationNational Farmers' UnionNational Round Table on the Environment and the EconomyNetherlands Development Finance Company (FMO)NEXUS SingaporeNordic CouncilOffice of National AssessmentsOgilvyOpen Society FoundationOverseas Development Institute (ODI)Oxford UniversityPlan UKPricewaterhouseCoopers LLPPrivy Council OfficeProgressioQuaker Peace and Social WitnessQuébec Government OfficeRenewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP)Renewable Energy Systems Ltd (RES)Rolls-Royce International LtdRWE Power AGSave the Children UKSCA, Svenska Cellulosa AktiebolagetSchool of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)ShellStandard Chartered Bank plcStatoil (UK) LtdSustainAbility LtdSwedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDCTask ConsultTexas A&M UniversityThe 40 FoundationThe Climate GroupThe Gold Standard FoundationThe Norwegian Institute for Nature ResearchThe Open UniversityThe Prince of Wales Corporate Leader GroupThe Royal SocietyThe Saudi Fund For DevelopmentTokyo Electric Power CompanyTotal Holdings UK LtdUK Chamber of ShippingUK Collaborative on Development Sciences (UKCDS)United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)University College London (UCL)University of CambridgeUniversity of East Anglia (School of Environmental Sciences)University of EdinburghUniversity of Oxford (Department of Politics and International Relations)US Department of StateUSAIDWarwick Business SchoolWaterAidWorld Coal AssociationWorld Coal InstituteWorld Economic ForumWorld Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)World Vision UKWWF-UKXynteo LtdYorkshire Forward VenueChatham House10 St James's SquareLondonSW1Y 4LEUKconferences@chathamhouse.orgTelephone: +44 (0)20 7957 5729Fax: +44 (0)20 7957 5710If you wish to book the venue for your event please phone +44 (0)20 7314 2764DirectionsThe nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus which is on the Piccadilly and the Bakerloo Underground lines. From Piccadilly follow Regent Street southwards towards Pall Mall and take the first road on the right called Jermyn Street. Duke of York Street is the second road on the left and leads to St James's Square. Chatham House is immediately on your right.MapAccommodationAlthough we cannot book accommodation for delegates, we have arranged a reduced rate at some nearby hotels, where you can book your own accommodation. Please inform the hotel that you will be attending a conference at Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) to qualify for the Institute's reduced rate.Please note all rates are subject to availability.Flemings MayfairHalf Moon StreetMayfairLondon W1J 7BHTel: + 44 (0)20 7499 2964Fax: + 44 (0)20 7499 1817Standard Single from £199 + VATThe Cavendish London81 Jermyn StreetLondonSW1Y 6JFTel: + 44 (0)20 7930 2111Fax: + 44 (0)20 7839 2125Standard Single £205 + VATTo book The Cavendish onlineThe Stafford London by KempinskiSt James's PlaceLondonSW1A 1NJTel: 020 7518 1125Fax: 020 7493 7121Standard Single £230 +VAT This conference will be held under the Chatham House Rule. Information for journalists Press can request a press pass. Chatham House Conferences +44 (0)20 7957 5729 Email Full Article
it Africa's Responses to Climate Change: Policies to Manage Threat and Create Opportunity By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Sep 2015 10:30:01 +0000 Research Event 23 September 2015 - 12:00pm to 1:30pm Chatham House, London Meeting Summarypdf | 112.65 KB Event participants Dr Fatima Denton, Director, Special Initiatives Division, UN Economic Commission for AfricaDr Chukwumerije Okereke, Associate Professor, University of ReadingDouglas Brew, Director External Affairs, Communications and Sustainable Living for Africa, UnileverChair: Bob Dewar, Associate Fellow, Africa Programme, Chatham House African countries will be amongst the worst affected by climate change. High levels of poverty and underdevelopment combined with insufficient infrastructure exacerbate the already severe impact of global warming on resources, development and human security. In order to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, Africa’s leaders need to implement more robust environmental policies, increase local human capacity and encourage renewable energy entrepreneurship. Within international fora, they must better coordinate their position as some of the smallest contributors to global warming.Ahead of the upcoming UN conference on climate change in Paris, this discussion will examine the prospects for African countries to present a stronger collective voice within the international efforts against climate change, as well as the role that the international community and public and private partners can play in supporting local capacity and lower carbon economic growth. Department/project Africa Programme, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article
it Implications of climate change for the UN Security Council: mapping the range of potential policy responses By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:06:18 +0000 6 November 2015 , Volume 91, Number 6 Shirley V. Scott Full Article
it Europe’s Energy Union: Foreign Policy Implications for Energy Security, Climate and Competitiveness By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 30 Mar 2016 10:09:24 +0000 31 March 2016 By addressing structural divisions between member states, the Energy Union could have a beneficial effect on the EU’s capacity to conduct a unified and effective foreign policy, write Thomas Raines and Shane Tomlinson. Download PDF Thomas Raines Director, Europe Programme @TomHRaines Google Scholar Shane Tomlinson Former Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham House 2016-03-31-europe-energy-union.jpg True colour satellite image of Europe at night. Photo via Getty Images. SummaryPlans for an EU-wide Energy Union are taking shape, following the European Commission’s adoption in February 2015 of a ‘Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy’. The strategy underlines the EU’s ambition to attain ‘secure, sustainable, competitive, affordable energy for every European’.The initiative seeks to transform energy markets and energy/climate policy across the EU. Its goals include cross-border coordination and integration in energy security, supply, market operations, regulation, energy efficiency, low-carbon development, and research and innovation.There is an important foreign policy aspect to the Energy Union, given the imperative of managing security and supply risks in Europe’s neighbourhood and further afield. By addressing structural divisions between member states, the Energy Union could have a marked beneficial effect on the EU’s capacity to conduct a unified and effective foreign policy.Development of the Energy Union presents abundant challenges, however. Policy and legislative changes will need to be coordinated across 28 countries. Variations in EU member states’ attitudes to security and energy policy may lead to differences in, or clashes between, priorities. The wider context is also complicated. Interrelated challenges rooted in broader policy issues include the partial transition to low-carbon energy, and concerns over competitiveness relative to other major economies.The current EU approach to energy security and infrastructure focuses on natural gas. This ‘gas first’ approach risks crowding out other responses to the energy security challenge. It could result in the creation of ‘stranded assets’, if the future gas demand on which investments are predicated does not match projections. A narrow focus on new gas infrastructure could also impede development of other dimensions of the Energy Union.The markets for coal, oil, gas and renewables are changing significantly. The shale oil and gas ‘revolution’ in the United States has altered the economics of hydrocarbon fuels, and the plunge in oil prices since mid-2014 is causing energy businesses in the EU to reassess investment plans.The EU is rapidly expanding the use of renewable energy. Dramatically falling prices for renewables will challenge traditional energy utility business models. How the Energy Union enables market access for new business models will be key to determining future energy trajectories. Department/project Europe Programme, UK-EU27 Energy Cooperation, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article
it UK Unplugged? The Impacts of Brexit on Energy and Climate Policy By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 25 May 2016 10:43:26 +0000 26 May 2016 In the field of energy and climate change policy, remaining in the EU offers the best balance of policy options for Britain’s national interests. Download PDF Antony Froggatt Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme LinkedIn Thomas Raines Director, Europe Programme @TomHRaines Google Scholar Shane TomlinsonSenior Associate, E3G; Former Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House 2016-05-26-uk-unplugged-brexit-energy.jpg A line of electricity pylons stretches beyond fields of rapeseed near Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire, on 27 April 2015. Photo: Getty Images. SummaryOver the last 30 years the EU has played a central role in addressing the competitiveness, security and climate dimensions of energy policy among its member states. The UK has been critical in driving forward integration of the European energy market, and has been a strong advocate of liberalized energy markets and some climate change mitigation policies.If, at the June 2016 referendum, the UK does vote to leave the EU, energy and climate policy will be part of the overall package of issues to be negotiated, as it is unlikely that each sector will be treated separately. The model of relations for energy and climate may well be determined by political and public sentiment on higher-profile issues such as freedom of movement, rather than by what is best for the UK in these policy areas.The UK is increasingly reliant on imports, including from and through continental Europe, and its energy market is deeply integrated with that of its European neighbours. As a growing share of the UK’s electricity is exchanged with EU partners, it would be neither possible nor desirable to ‘unplug’ the UK from Europe’s energy networks. A degree of continued adherence to EU market, environmental and governance rules would be inevitable.This paper reviews the risks and trade-offs associated with five possible options for a post-exit relationship. Of these, the Norway or the Energy Community models would be the least disruptive, enabling continuity in energy market access, regulatory frameworks and investment; however, both would come at the cost of accepting the vast majority of legislation while relinquishing any say in its creation. The UK would thus have less, rather than more, sovereignty over energy policy.The Switzerland, the Canada and the WTO models offer the possibility of greater sovereignty in a number of areas, such as buildings and infrastructure standards as well as state aid. None the less, each would entail higher risks, with greater uncertainty over market access, investment and electricity prices. These models would reduce or even eliminate the UK’s contribution to the EU budget, but would also limit or cut off access to EU funding mechanisms.All five Brexit models would undermine the UK’s influence in international energy and climate diplomacy. The UK would no longer play any direct role in shaping the climate and energy policies of its EU neighbours, at a time when the EU’s proposed Energy Union initiatives offer the prospect of a more integrated and effective European energy sector. A decision to leave the EU would make it easier for a future UK government to change direction on climate policy, since only a change in domestic legislation would be required.‘Brexit’ could affect the balance of energy policy among the remaining member states. In its absence, the centre of gravity for EU energy policy might shift away from market mechanisms and result in weaker collective action on greenhouse gas reduction targets.In the field of energy and climate change policy, remaining in the EU offers the best balance of policy options for Britain’s national interests: the UK would continue to benefit from the integrated energy market, while maintaining influence over its direction and minimizing uncertainty for crucial investment. Department/project Europe Programme, UK-EU27 Energy Cooperation, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article
it Security and Climate Change: Are we Living in 'The Age of Consequences'? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 11 Nov 2016 14:23:00 +0000 Research Event 1 December 2016 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm Chatham House, London Event participants Brigadier General Stephen A. Cheney, CEO, American Security Project; Member, Foreign Affairs Policy Board, US Department of StateMajor General Munir Muniruzzaman, President and CEO, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies; Former Military Advisor to the President of Bangladesh Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, Director of Strategy, UK Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy; University College London; Former UK Government Climate and Energy Security EnvoyDr Patricia Lewis, Research Director, International Security, Chatham HouseChair: Rt Hon Sir Oliver Letwin MP, Former UK Cabinet Office Minister The US Department of Defense regards climate change as an ‘accelerant of instability and conflict’. A former head of the US Pacific Command described it as the most significant long-term security threat in his region. US federal agencies have recently been mandated to fully consider the impacts of climate change in the development of national security policy. This step-change in the US approach reflects the Pentagon’s conclusion that climate impacts are a ‘threat multiplier’ for security concerns – not just for the future – but which pose ‘an immediate risk to national security’.A new documentary from the US, The Age of Consequences, explores the links between climate change and security, including in current events in Syria, Egypt, the Sahel and Bangladesh. Our high-level panel will reflect on key sections from the documentary, which will be screened during the event, and explore whether security strategists, militaries and policy-makers in nations other than the US are fully cognisant of the risks posed by a changing climate, and whether they are ready to anticipate and respond to its potentially destabilizing effects.The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A.THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL AND REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article
it JCDC weighs options amid COVID-19 pause - 230 entries received for Festival Song Competition By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:07:52 -0500 By the month of May in any given year, the many and varied events and competitions staged by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) islandwide would have been in high gear. Each year the JCDC rolls out its much-anticipated menu board... Full Article
it JaRIA considers threats, opportunities in the ‘new normal’ By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:10:39 -0500 Industries across the world face uncertainty, as no one entity can absolutely declare when or if economies will revert to normal in the wake of COVID-19. The local entertainment industry suffers the same uncertainty – and to address it, the Jamaica... Full Article
it Collab shows we are one Caribbean - ‘We Got This’ presents a united regional front against COVID-19 By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:08:53 -0500 WHAT STARTED as an idea of two Barbadians – Ian Webster and Cheyne Jones – transformed into We Got This, a song which proved enough to stir the collective imagination of 25 recording artistes from 14 countries across the region, disseminating the... Full Article
it ‘Laugh Online’ with Ity and Fancy Cat By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:10:00 -0500 Widely considered the ‘kings of comedy’ in Jamaica, Ity and Fancy Cat have been serving up laughter to audiences for years. Their comedy series, The Ity and Fancy Cat Show, ended in 2017 but the duo continued to deliver high-quality entertainment... Full Article
it 5 Questions With … Walshy Fire By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:19:26 -0500 Event producers and entertainers still have a while to figure out how to right themselves after the threat of COVID-19 has passed. But that doesn’t mean they should wait until a vaccine is developed or until people begin to brave skies and crowds... Full Article
it Buju Banton calls new single with John Legend 'special' By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 10:31:00 -0500 LOS ANGELES (AP) — It’s been over a decade since reggae king Buju Banton and R&B star John Legend collaborated on a song, and the Grammy winners have reunited for a new track. Banton and Legend released the easygoing love song... Full Article
it Randeen Thomas: The Man with the ‘Mix’ By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 24 Apr 2020 00:16:43 -0500 IF MIXOLOGY is artistry in motion, then consider the instruments as the canvas, the ingredients as the paint, and Randeen Thomas as the Pablo Picasso of his time, giving spirits new life. Some might be familiar with ‘The Big Belly Bartender’,... Full Article
it An extremely fascinating website along with terrific posts! By investing.96.lt Published On :: Thu, 17 Mar 2016 16:18:48 UTC This is one of the very most fascinating web sites I have ever before observed. This is quite exciting because of its distinct subject matter as well as remarkable write-ups. Full Article Entertainment
it A very fascinating internet site along with great articles! By investing.96.lt Published On :: Thu, 17 Mar 2016 22:29:34 UTC This is one of the very most exciting internet sites I have actually ever observed. It is very exciting considering that of its one-of-a-kind subject matter and also amazing short articles. Full Article Entertainment
it Mark Ricketts | A nation with a capacity for caring, but much more is needed By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:25:29 -0500 The global pandemic is real, with almost 8,000 deaths worldwide and nearly 200,000 persons having contracted the virus in 155 affected countries. What is particularly comforting for this country, amid pain and the not knowing, is the bedside and... Full Article
it Donovan Stanberry | Revisiting food security amidst COVID-19 pandemic By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 29 Mar 2020 00:22:28 -0500 Between December 2019 and February 2020, The Gleaner published a series of articles on my behalf, exploring the issue of food security in Jamaica based on an analysis of the country’s food-import bill for 2018. The current COVID-19 pandemic, which... Full Article
it Douglas Orane | Cultural attitudes to enhance productivity - Case Studies numbers five and six By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 12 Apr 2020 00:16:41 -0500 In this article, I share my two final case studies, which examine changing our cultural attitudes to enhance productivity. Case study #5 – The role of punctuality An entrepreneur named Michael Fairbanks, who specialises in developing... Full Article
it Colin Steer | Cooperation, creativity and challenges in education amid COVID-19 By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 12 Apr 2020 00:10:43 -0500 Public reaction to the initial threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) was predictably mixed. While international news of the contagion across continents helped people to appreciate that this was not restricted to a particular region, not many people... Full Article
it Mark Wignal | A case for political agility, Dr Phillips By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 00:15:16 -0500 Many of us may feel right at this minute that in the same way the 19th-century American poet Edgar Allan Poe painted it in his tortured poem, The Conqueror Worm, we are sitting in a theatre, watching a play of hopes and fears “While the orchestra... Full Article
it Norris McDonald | Coronavirus, faith-based medicine and quackery By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 00:16:35 -0500 Four companies involved in one of America’s “largest price-fixing cases” are now behind the anti-malaria drug touted by Donald ‘The Great Impeached’ Trump as a snake-oil, cure-all treatment for COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus. Several... Full Article
it M. Sevala Naik | India and Jamaica: United in combating COVID-19 By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 03 May 2020 00:11:35 -0500 The global COVID-19 spread has gone from bad to worse, with over 3.2 million confirmed cases and close to 250,000 deaths, not only has this pandemic claimed innumerable lives, it has also destabilised economies by freezing trade and other economic... Full Article
it Peter Phillips | Protecting our people is priority in the COVID-19 fight By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 03 May 2020 00:11:19 -0500 The national priority at this time must be the protection of the Jamaican people against the onset of COVID-19. This has to be done by striking the balance between implementing protective public-health measures and providing a supporting economic... Full Article
it Mark Wignall | Party politics not for softies By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Sun, 03 May 2020 00:12:06 -0500 I cannot quite remember the exact day he called me, but I know that it was sometime in the early 1990s. Six weeks before that, he was selected as constituency caretaker for a rough garrison seat that was going through some changes, slowly but... Full Article
it Jamaica’s little helper – Dr Kazi-Ann Kasimbie By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:11:56 -0500 Empathetic, God-fearing, humanitarian, motivated, and optimistic – these are just a few words that come to mind when one thinks of Dr Kazi-Ann Kasimbie. Dr Kasimbie is the CEO and founder of Psychfactor Consulting Services, a psychological... Full Article
it Monique Lynch-Volunteering with a purpose By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:12:12 -0500 Monique Lynch is a 29-year-old who believes her purpose is to improve the lives of those around her, especially the downtrodden and persons living with mental health issues. This angel-on-earth in the eyes of many is a Jill of several trades as... Full Article
it Maintaining health with simple lifestyle changes By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:15:12 -0500 Let’s face it, ladies: boosting your health is not always your primary priority, but it needs to be. It doesn’t require a long, overbearing and spine-chilling regime. Simple lifestyle changes can get the job done! In the end you’ll be left with a... Full Article
it #PostingwithPurpose By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:16:52 -0500 “Don’t use social media to impress people, use it to impact people.” – Dave Willis This is the strategy used by The Distinguished’s 2020 Social Media Personality of the Year, Dr Terri-Karelle Reid, who has, in some aspect, impacted the... Full Article
it Sir, it is not PMS - Endometriosis can cause depression in your partner By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:10:59 -0500 Women with endometriosis have significantly higher rates of depression than women in the general population. That’s according to psychiatrist Dr Kristen Robinson-Barrett. It’s the end of endometriosis month, so Flair spoke to the expert to explore... Full Article
it Vox Pop: Coping with college and career in quarantine By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:14:28 -0500 It is definitely a make-or-break season for those trying to balance career and COVID-19 at home. For some, it is the ideal time to reconnect with themselves, family members and get creative with work. While with others, the cookie crumbles and they... Full Article
it Tacrolimus-Induced BMP/SMAD Signaling Associates With Metabolic Stress-Activated FOXO1 to Trigger {beta}-Cell Failure By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-20T12:00:26-08:00 Active maintenance of β-cell identity through fine-tuned regulation of key transcription factors ensures β-cell function. Tacrolimus, a widely used immunosuppressant, accelerates onset of diabetes after organ transplantation, but underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that tacrolimus induces loss of human β-cell maturity and β-cell failure through activation of the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway when administered under mild metabolic stress conditions. Tacrolimus-induced phosphorylated SMAD1/5 acts in synergy with metabolic stress–activated FOXO1 through formation of a complex. This interaction is associated with reduced expression of the key β-cell transcription factor MAFA and abolished insulin secretion, both in vitro in primary human islets and in vivo in human islets transplanted into high-fat diet–fed mice. Pharmacological inhibition of BMP signaling protects human β-cells from tacrolimus-induced β-cell dysfunction in vitro. Furthermore, we confirm that BMP/SMAD signaling is activated in protocol pancreas allograft biopsies from recipients on tacrolimus. To conclude, we propose a novel mechanism underlying the diabetogenicity of tacrolimus in primary human β-cells. This insight could lead to new treatment strategies for new-onset diabetes and may have implications for other forms of diabetes. Full Article
it PRMT1 Is Required for the Maintenance of Mature {beta}-Cell Identity By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-02-20T11:55:30-08:00 Loss of functional β-cell mass is an essential feature of type 2 diabetes, and maintaining mature β-cell identity is important for preserving a functional β-cell mass. However, it is unclear how β-cells achieve and maintain their mature identity. Here we demonstrate a novel function of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) in maintaining mature β-cell identity. Prmt1 knockout in fetal and adult β-cells induced diabetes, which was aggravated by high-fat diet–induced metabolic stress. Deletion of Prmt1 in adult β-cells resulted in the immediate loss of histone H4 arginine 3 asymmetric dimethylation (H4R3me2a) and the subsequent loss of β-cell identity. The expression levels of genes involved in mature β-cell function and identity were robustly downregulated as soon as Prmt1 deletion was induced in adult β-cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing analyses revealed that PRMT1-dependent H4R3me2a increases chromatin accessibility at the binding sites for CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) and β-cell transcription factors. In addition, PRMT1-dependent open chromatin regions may show an association with the risk of diabetes in humans. Together, our results indicate that PRMT1 plays an essential role in maintaining β-cell identity by regulating chromatin accessibility. Full Article
it Lamin C Counteracts Glucose Intolerance in Aging, Obesity, and Diabetes Through {beta}-Cell Adaptation By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-20T11:50:28-07:00 Aging-dependent changes in tissue function are associated with the development of metabolic diseases. However, the molecular connections linking aging, obesity, and diabetes remain unclear. Lamin A, lamin C, and progerin, products of the Lmna gene, have antagonistic functions on energy metabolism and life span. Lamin C, albeit promoting obesity, increases life span, suggesting that this isoform is crucial for maintaining healthy conditions under metabolic stresses. Because β-cell loss during obesity or aging leads to diabetes, we investigated the contribution of lamin C to β-cell function in physiopathological conditions. We demonstrate that aged lamin C only–expressing mice (LmnaLCS/LCS) become obese but remain glucose tolerant due to adaptive mechanisms including increased β-cell mass and insulin secretion. Triggering diabetes in young mice revealed that LmnaLCS/LCS animals normalize their fasting glycemia by both increasing insulin secretion and regenerating β-cells. Genome-wide analyses combined to functional analyses revealed an increase of mitochondrial biogenesis and global translational rate in LmnaLCS/LCS islets, two major processes involved in insulin secretion. Altogether, our results demonstrate for the first time that the sole expression of lamin C protects from glucose intolerance through a β-cell–adaptive transcriptional program during metabolic stresses, highlighting Lmna gene processing as a new therapeutic target for diabetes treatment. Full Article
it Insulin-Deficient Diabetic Condition Upregulates the Insulin-Secreting Capacity of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic Endocrine Progenitor Cells After Implantation in Mice By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-20T11:50:28-07:00 The host environment is a crucial factor for considering the transplant of stem cell–derived immature pancreatic cells in patients with type 1 diabetes. Here, we investigated the effect of insulin (INS)-deficient diabetes on the fate of immature pancreatic endocrine cell grafts and the underlying mechanisms. Human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells (EPCs), which contained a high proportion of chromogranin A+ NK6 homeobox 1+ cells and very few INS+ cells, were used. When the EPCs were implanted under the kidney capsule in immunodeficient mice, INS-deficient diabetes accelerated increase in plasma human C-peptide, a marker of graft-derived INS secretion. The acceleration was suppressed by INS infusion but not affected by partial attenuation of hyperglycemia by dapagliflozin, an INS-independent glucose-lowering agent. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that the grafts from diabetic mice contained more endocrine cells including proliferative INS-producing cells compared with that from nondiabetic mice, despite no difference in whole graft mass between the two groups. These data suggest that INS-deficient diabetes upregulates the INS-secreting capacity of EPC grafts by increasing the number of endocrine cells including INS-producing cells without changing the graft mass. These findings provide useful insights into postoperative diabetic care for cell therapy using stem cell–derived pancreatic cells. Full Article
it Pancreas Pathology of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) in Patients and in a LADA Rat Model Compared With Type 1 Diabetes By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-20T11:50:28-07:00 Approximately 10% of patients with type 2 diabetes suffer from latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). This study provides a systematic assessment of the pathology of the endocrine pancreas of patients with LADA and for comparison in a first rat model mimicking the characteristics of patients with LADA. Islets in human and rat pancreases were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for immune cell infiltrate composition, by in situ RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR of laser microdissected islets for gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 10, and the apoptosis markers caspase 3 and TUNEL as well as insulin. Human and rat LADA pancreases showed differences in areas of the pancreas with respect to immune cell infiltration and a changed ratio between the number of macrophages and CD8 T cells toward macrophages in the islet infiltrate. Gene expression analyses revealed a changed ratio due to an increase of IL-1β and a decrease of tumor necrosis factor-α. IL-10, PCNA, and insulin expression were increased in the LADA situation, whereas caspase 3 gene expression was reduced. The analyses into the underlying pathology in human as well as rat LADA pancreases provided identical results, allowing the conclusion that LADA is a milder form of autoimmune diabetes in patients of an advanced age. Full Article
it 30 low-key acquisitions who could pay off big By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 13:57:13 EDT Fans and analysts spend the entire offseason speculating where the top free agents could go, but sometimes an under-the-radar pickup can end up making a world of difference. As positional competitions begin to heat up at Spring Training camps this month, MLB.com's beat writers were asked to identify one potentially overlooked acquisition for each of the 30 clubs. Here's who they came up with. Full Article
it Braves open camp with eyes on the prize By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Fri, 15 Feb 2019 11:00:00 EDT As the Braves open camp, they'll provide a glimpse of how much they have progressed since claiming an unexpected division crown last year. Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies will once again be in a lineup that has been enriched by the addition of Josh Donaldson, the former American League MVP Award winner who thus far arguably ranks as baseball's top free-agent signee. Full Article
it Freeman pleased with Braves' offseason deals By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 14:17:17 EDT Freddie Freeman spent the offseason sharing excitement about the possibility that Josh Donaldson would not end up being the Braves' only significant offseason addition. Full Article
it 30 low-key acquisitions who could pay off big By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 13:57:13 EDT Fans and analysts spend the entire offseason speculating where the top free agents could go, but sometimes an under-the-radar pickup can end up making a world of difference. As positional competitions begin to heat up at Spring Training camps this month, MLB.com's beat writers were asked to identify one potentially overlooked acquisition for each of the 30 clubs. Here's who they came up with. Full Article
it O's ink veteran Escobar, extend spring invite By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 17:04:22 EDT The Orioles' cloudy infield picture gained some clarity Saturday when the team signed veteran shortstop Alcides Escobar to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Full Article
it Top prospect Diaz looks to break camp with O's By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Sat, 16 Feb 2019 15:49:39 EDT A lot has to go right for Yusniel Diaz to crack the Orioles' Opening Day roster. But the Orioles' No.1 prospect per MLB Pipeline isn't letting that impede his plans to compete for a spot anyway. Full Article
it O's pitchers welcoming high-tech revolution By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Sun, 17 Feb 2019 13:49:26 EDT Like so many pitchers in Major League camps, Orioles hurlers have extra sets of eyes on them this spring. The Edgertronic cameras, perched on tripods, are set about a stride's length beyond the backfield bullpen mounds at the club's Ed Smith Stadium complex, as conspicuous as the coaches standing cross-armed behind them. Full Article
it Mountcastle tries 1B as O's preach versatility By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Feb 2019 14:55:25 EDT Taking reps behind Chris Davis at first base, Orioles prospect Ryan Mountcastle became the most high-profile participant yet in the club's grand spring experiment. Full Article
it Pitch clocks nothing new to younger players By mlb.mlb.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Feb 2019 18:02:13 EDT Pitch clocks are set to make their Spring Training debuts this week, and it will be in games featuring hordes of players for whom playing on a timer is nothing new. Full Article
it Impaired Metabolic Flexibility to High-Fat Overfeeding Predicts Future Weight Gain in Healthy Adults By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-01-20T12:00:26-08:00 The ability to switch fuels for oxidation in response to changes in macronutrient composition of diet (metabolic flexibility) may be informative of individuals’ susceptibility to weight gain. Seventy-nine healthy, weight-stable participants underwent 24-h assessments of energy expenditure and respiratory quotient (RQ) in a whole-room calorimeter during energy balance (EBL) (50% carbohydrate, 30% fat) and then during 24-h fasting and three 200% overfeeding diets in a crossover design. Metabolic flexibility was defined as the change in 24-h RQ from EBL during fasting and standard overfeeding (STOF) (50% carbohydrate, 30% fat), high-fat overfeeding (HFOF) (60% fat, 20% carbohydrate), and high-carbohydrate overfeeding (HCOF) (75% carbohydrate, 5% fat) diets. Free-living weight change was assessed after 6 and 12 months. Compared with EBL, RQ decreased on average by 9% during fasting and by 4% during HFOF but increased by 4% during STOF and by 8% during HCOF. A smaller decrease in RQ, reflecting a smaller increase in lipid oxidation rate, during HFOF but not during the other diets predicted greater weight gain at both 6 and 12 months. An impaired metabolic flexibility to acute HFOF can identify individuals prone to weight gain, indicating that an individual’s capacity to oxidize dietary fat is a metabolic determinant of weight change. Full Article