8kun Midnight Riders Posts (1)
#110148 at 2021-12-08 06:56:40 (UTC+1)
QR Midnight RIders #553: Your Haxxors are SHIT Edition
Crowley Commits to Net-Zero GHG Emissions By 2050
Mike Schuler
December 7, 2021
U.S.-based shipping company Crowley has committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across by 2050 across its entire business. To track progress and promote visibility into its emissions reductions, Crowley will be linking up with tech giant Salesforce to develop a maritime-specific GHG monitoring and modeling platform.
In order to reach its target, Crowley estimates that it will need to reduce overall emissions by 4.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gases per year, or the equivalent of removing more than 900,000 cars from the road every year. The company says the commitment is "aligned with the latest climate science to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius."
"Crowley is on a mission to become the most sustainable and innovative maritime and logistics company in the Americas," said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO. "Working together with our cusTomers, suppliers, policymakers and others across our value chain, we can meet the climate crisis head on."
As part of its goal, Crowley says it's creating partnerships across the industry with government and non-governmental organizations to collaboratively achieve decarbonization and climate action, including the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, which is focused on the North American maritime value chain, and the World Shipping Council focusing on the global container shipping industry.
"Crowley's value chain accounts for over 80% of our emissions across the enterprise. Collaboration with cusTomers and partners is key to our mutual success reaching net-zero emissions using science-based standards," said Alisa Praskovich, vice president of sustainability. "By creating mutual accountability, we will spur innovation through the open sharing of ideas."
The company says reducing GHG emissions is "a mission critical issue to Crowley's stakeholders," based on results from a recent materiality assessment and survey. "With a net zero commitment across all three scopes, the company will operationalize its emissions reduction," the company said.
"First and foremost, achieving net-zero emissions is the right thing to do for our planet and deeply aligns with Crowley's purpose. It is our responsibility as a leader to anticipate evolving stakeholder and cusTomer expectations," said Ray Fitzgerald, chief operating officer.
To promote visibility into its total emissions footprint, Crowley is engaging with Salesforce to co-develop a greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and modeling platform that will provide benchmarking, transparency and cusTomized disclosures.
"We're proud to be supporting Crowley, our first-to-market cusTomer in the maritime industry, in their sustainability journey to track and reduce their carbon footprint with Salesforce Sustainability Cloud," said Ari Alexander, GM of Salesforce Sustainability Cloud. "With Sustainability Cloud, Crowley can now have a 360 view of its carbon footprint, with auTomated dashboards that provide real-time, actionable insights so they can take meaningful climate action across their supply chain."
Other activities to date include introducing an all-electric tugboat and development of alternative energy vessels and offshore wind services. Crowley has formed a New Energy division that will provide offshore wind services in the U.S. and is developing a program that will allow cusTomers to select more sustainable fuels.
In the coming months, Crowley anticipates submitting its long-and short-term emission reduction goals to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and is set to release an enterprise-wide sustainability roadmap and complete its inaugural sustainability report in 2022.
[I checked out that "science based" target initiative link in the article. Website addy is:
https://sciencebasedtargets.org/
I'm just shakin muh head.]
8chan/8kun QResearch AUSTRALIA Posts (5)
#21687958 at 2024-10-01 10:13:11 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #37: EVERYTHING IS AT STAKE Edition
>>21677496
>>21677518
Hezbollah flags at protests shape as test of new hate-symbol laws
Tom Crowley - 1 October 2024
1/2
Federal police are investigating a Melbourne protest where Hezbollah flags were displayed in what shapes as an early test of hate-symbol laws passed late last year.
It comes as Immigration Minister Tony Burke told the ABC on Tuesday he had asked police to make him aware of any non-citizens caught up in investigations so he could cancel their visas, saying visitors would fail their character test if they were "inciting discord".
"We don't know whether they are actually on visas ... [but] we do have a higher standard if you're on a visa," he said.
"The normal principles that might be there where people will have arguments about freedom of speech - when you're a guest in someone's country, you're there as a guest."
AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the investigations were to determine whether the flags displayed at the protest, which called for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, violated laws prohibiting the display of hate symbols.
Those laws were passed in January primarily in response to the display of Nazi symbols, but they also cover the symbols of listed terrorist organisations such as Hezbollah.
Deputy Commissioner Barrett said the law laid out several conditions which would need to be met to secure a conviction, and these had not been tested in court.
"[It's] not just merely the display of the symbol; there are a number of elements that need to go alongside the display," she said.
"It's got to be done in circumstances in which a reasonable person would consider that the conduct either advocates inciting others to use violence or use force [or] could incite others to humiliate or intimidate based on religion ...
"The context around the conduct is extremely important ... If they're holding the flag, what are they saying? What are they chanting? What are they wearing? What sort of physical behaviour are they demonstrating?"
She added the AFP had been in contact with NSW Police over protests in Sydney but had not commenced any of its own investigations over that protest.
"Legislation is available to our state and territory colleagues as well, so it is the case that NSW Police can commence their own investigations."
NSW Police said it had seized two flags allegedly displaying Hezbollah's symbol. The ABC has verified at least one flag with a Hezbollah symbol on it, and some protesters also held photos of Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader killed in Israeli strikes last week.
The protests have drawn criticism from Jewish community groups, with Jewish Community Council of Victoria CEO Naomi Levin saying it was "highly disturbing" to see the flag of an organisation that had "perpetrated numerous ... murders of Jewish people not just in Israel but around the world".
Islamic Council of Victoria president Adel Salman condemned the use of the flag, which he said was held "an absolute minority of people". He said the protests were "purely about supporting Palestinians".
"These Hezbollah protests are not welcome," he said.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw told Nine radio on Tuesday the AFP was "taking action and we'll use the full force of the law as it applies to these offences ..."
"My view is it's un-Australian, it's against the law and it's not in accordance with our values," he said.
"So the fact that we have met the threshold of publicly displaying prohibited terrorist organisation symbols, we'll be taking action."
Dutton and Burke trade barbs over government response
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said it was the federal government's job to direct police how to enforce the laws.
"The direction ultimately is taken from the prime minister and the minister, and if the minister is saying to the [AFP] commissioner we don't want to see arrests, or we're just happy if you enforce - you know, keep the peace but not enforce the law, that needs to be made publicly known."
There is no suggestion any minister has directed the AFP not to enforce any law. And while the AFP can lay charges, convictions are a matter for courts.
Mr Burke said the laws were "the strongest statement on hate speech that the parliament has ever taken" but would "have to be tested before the courts".
Mr Dutton said parliament should be recalled if stronger laws were needed, which Mr Burke branded a political ploy.
"With Peter Dutton it is always about the Middle East and never about middle Australia ... If you wanted to recall the parliament, you'd do it on the cost of living," he said.
"These are laws that Peter Dutton supported when they were passed a year ago."
(continued)
#21354106 at 2024-08-05 11:36:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #37: EVERYTHING IS AT STAKE Edition
PM discards commitment to set up Makarrata body despite millions in funding
Tom Crowley - 4 August 2024
The federal government does not intend to create a national commission to lead "truth-telling" about First Nations history, departing from its pre-election promise to do so.
A Makarrata commission, named after a Yolngu word for coming together after a struggle, is the "culmination" of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Its intended purpose is to oversee both truth-telling and treaty-making between governments and First Nations.
But despite an election night promise to enact the statement in "full", and budget funding to establish a Makarrata commission, the government's enthusiasm for a commission had cooled by the time of the failed Voice referendum and its status has been unclear.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared to drop the commitment to the commission by denying it had ever been made.
"That's not what we have proposed," he told the ABC's Insiders program during an interview at the Garma Festival.
"What we've proposed is Makarrata just being the idea of coming together."
Funding allocated to Makarrata establishment
But a standalone Makarrata commission was part of Labor's costed policy platform prior to the federal election, and in its first budget the Albanese government allocated $5.8 million to its establishment.
That funding was meant "to commence work on establishing an independent Makarrata commission to oversee processes for agreement making and truth-telling".
The PM confirmed that intention in a radio interview in the Torres Strait in August 2022, saying a Makarrata commission would "of course" feed into a truth-telling process.
And in an interview on Insiders at Garma in August 2023, he said the funding was "about establishing a structure [for the commission], which will happen".
But in downplaying the need for a commission on Sunday, Mr Albanese insisted he had not changed his position.
"Makarrata [is] a Yolngu word that simply means coming together after a struggle," he said.
"I'm somewhat perplexed at why people see that as being complex."
He added truth-telling meant "engaging with land councils ... engaging with Native Title tribunals ... [and] engaging with First Nations".
"Now that might take forms as it evolves ... I don't pre-empt it. What it means is listening to and respecting First Nations people and then responding."
Makarrata more than 'fuzzy language'
Dean Parkin, who was heavily involved in the Uluru Statement and the referendum campaign, said the statement was "very clear" about the need for a commission.
"That was the election night commitment, it was to the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and [it] is very, very clear on that point," he said.
"The first element of the commitment has been carried through, the prime minister has been true to his word on that, and we would say that the remainder of the Uluru Statement from the Heart is outstanding, and it does involve a commission."
Katie Kiss, the newly appointed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice commissioner, told the ABC a Makarrata commission was "necessary".
"Makarrata is about coming together, but also about the rules of engagement and how we work in partnership to achieve the practical outcomes that people keep saying they want to achieve," she said.
"I think while it's all nice and fuzzy language about coming together, it needs to be much more than that."
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has ruled out pursuing truth-telling in any form.
"Under a government I lead, there will be no Makarrata and there will be no revisiting of truth-telling," he said on Friday.
"We're not spending money on Makarrata, but we are spending money and making sure it's spent wisely on the practical outcomes in schools, in health services, and in housing."
On Sunday, he accused Mr Albanese of "talking out of both sides of his mouth."
"What's the money in the budget for? What is his position?
"The prime minister is treating people like he did with the Voice, starving them of detail."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-04/pm-discards-commitment-to-set-up-makarrata-body/104181696
#21125827 at 2024-07-02 09:59:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #36: BADGE OF HONOR Edition
>>21119470
>>21119474
Fatima Payman enlists minor party specialist as Labor braces for backlash
Tom Crowley - 2 July 2024
1/2
Suspended Labor MP Fatima Payman has enlisted the advice of a minor party political "whisperer" as her party colleagues brace themselves for the possibility she will move to the cross bench.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese handed Senator Payman an indefinite suspension on Sunday after she said she would continue to defy the party's position on Palestinian recognition in parliamentary votes.
On Monday, the West Australian senator said she had been "exiled" by her colleagues and would reflect on "the best way to represent the people of Western Australia," opening the door to a party exit.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told 7.30 he was not sure if Senator Payman would still be with the Labor Party by the end of the week.
"That is a decision for her," Mr Albanese said.
"She has made a decision that she can't be bound by what puts our team together.
"I would like to see her rejoin the team and that option is certainly available to her."
Glenn Druery, a political operative nicknamed "the preference whisperer" for his history of helping minor parties achieve political success, told the ABC he had had "informal conversations in recent days with Senator Payman."
Mr Druery also said he had had "informal conversations with the Muslim community" about election strategies.
Asked if he was bothered by Senator Payman having conversations with people who want to thwart the government agenda, the prime minister said her moves were not his primary concern.
"I'm not focused on it, I've got a big job," he told 7.30.
'Teal-style' campaign to target Labor MPs over Gaza stance
It comes as a Western Sydney-based group called The Muslim Vote plans a "teal-style" political campaign to unseat Labor MPs by mobilising Muslim community anger over the government's stance on Gaza and on the question of Palestinian recognition.
A spokesperson for the group told the ABC it was a "grassroots" movement with over 2,000 volunteers and was preparing to endorse candidates in the Labor-held seats of Blaxland, Watson, McMahon and Werriwa.
"It is the first time that the Muslim community has realised that their vote does matter," the spokesperson said. "This has been a line in the sand."
Mr Druery did not specify which Muslim community group had contacted him and added he was not paid for his advice to the community group or Senator Payman.
"I believe in multi-party democracy and diversity in politics," he said.
But senior Labor sources believe the two are linked and that Senator Payman is actively considering aligning with The Muslim Vote. The group's spokesperson said "no formal discussions" had been had to that effect but that he could not rule it out in future.
The federal Labor caucus unanimously endorsed the PM's decision to suspend Senator Payman at a meeting in Canberra on Tuesday, and senior Labor MPs have privately expressed their frustration at her conduct.
But outside the parliament, Labor party members have voiced anger at the senator's treatment.
NSW Labor MP Anthony D'Adam, the co-convenor of Labor Friends of Palestine, told the ABC "the vast majority of the party membership think that the position she's taken is the right one on the right side of history, and want Labor to be on the right side of history."
Mr D'Adam said local Labor branches were passing resolutions "calling on the party to make a much stronger position."
"I think most ALP members look at the situation in Gaza and are horrified and expect Labor would be more strident in its criticisms of Israel," he said.
Mr Albanese remained staunch on the government policy though.
"We have consistently supported a two-state solution," he told 7.30.
"The problem with the motion that was moved by the Greens is it forgot to mention Israel.
"A one-state solution, whether it is Israel or Palestine is not in the interests of Israelis or Palestinians."
Senator Payman said on Sunday she had received a strong supportive response from Labor party members, and her social media pages have hundreds of supportive comments including from many people who identify themselves as party members.
(continued)
#20359492 at 2024-02-05 08:07:24 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #34: UNITED AGAINST THE INVISIBLE ENEMY OF ALL HUMANITY Edition
>>19841244 (pb)
>>19841257 (pb)
Chinese court sentences Australian Yang Hengjun to death with two-year good behaviour reprieve
Tom Crowley and Stephen Dziedzic - 5 February 2024
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Australian Yang Hengjun has been sentenced to death by a Chinese court, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed.
It is a suspended sentence that can be converted to a life sentence after two years subject to good behaviour.
The Australian citizen, writer and democracy activist has been imprisoned in China since 2019 on charges of spying, which he has always denied.
Senator Wong has called the court's decision "harrowing" and "appalling".
The Australian government has petitioned for his release, but officials had not been able to attend Dr Yang's closed trial, which began in 2021.
"We have consistently called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment for Dr Yang, in accordance with international norms and China's legal obligations," Senator Wong said.
"All Australians want to see Dr Yang reunited with his family. We will not relent in our advocacy."
Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the trial had been held "in strict accordance with the law" and claimed it had upheld Dr Yang's "procedural rights" and Australia's "consular rights".
Dr Yang was detained for two years before he was charged, and Australian officials have reported difficulties with consular access, but Mr Wang said the court had allowed Australian diplomats to "sit in on the sentencing".
Dr Yang's lawyers have until February 15th to decide whether to appeal. Any appeal process would delay the onset of the two-year window for good behaviour.
China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, was summoned to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) this afternoon for an explanation.
The meeting with DFAT secretary Jan Adams lasted 20 minutes. The ambassador ignored questions from the media as he departed.
Family 'devastated'
In a statement, a supporter of Dr Yang said his family was "shocked and devastated by this news, which comes at the extreme end of worst expectations. They will take time to process".
There have been ongoing concerns about Dr Yang's health. The 58-year-old has a large cyst on one of his kidneys.
Last year Dr Yang's family wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warning his health was rapidly declining and pleading with Mr Albanese to do "all in his power" to secure his release during his visit to China.
China's decision to release former state TV anchor Cheng Lei also briefly stoked optimism among some of Dr Yang's supporters that Beijing might be willing to show him some clemency.
"We have been inspired by the wonderful news of Cheng Lei's release and return to Melbourne," Dr Yang's family wrote.
"We hope that you, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Ambassador Graham Fletcher can achieve a second miracle by saving our father."
But one Australian government source said Dr Yang's case was "very different" to that of Cheng Lei's, although they did not provide any further detail.
(continued)
#20103729 at 2023-12-20 10:19:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #34: UNITED AGAINST THE INVISIBLE ENEMY OF ALL HUMANITY Edition
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds first official meeting with New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon
Tom Crowley - 20 December 2023
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met with newly elected New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon in Sydney today.
It is the first in-person meeting between the leaders since Mr Luxon was sworn in last month.
The pair discussed Mr Luxon's interest in exploring opportunities to participate in technology sharing under the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the UK and the US.
Mr Albanese said he was supportive of opportunities for greater co-operation between the two countries' defence forces.
The two leaders spoke warmly of their relationship, with Mr Albanese noting they had known each other for "a very long period of time", dating back to Mr Luxon's tenure as the chief executive of Air New Zealand, which overlapped with Mr Albanese's period as transport minister.
Mr Luxon thanked Mr Albanese for his recent decision to make it easier for New Zealanders to gain Australian citizenship.
"Just putting it out there, I think they're probably your best migrants," Mr Luxon said.
Mr Luxon, who leads the conservative National Party, became prime minister after weeks of negotiations with minor parties, resulting in a coalition with the ACT Party and the NZ First.
His first actions in the job included disbanding the Maori Health Service, reducing the use of Maori language in the public service, and announcing plans to repeal legislation to outlaw tobacco smoking.
Those decisions prompted accusations from Maori Party co-leader Hauauru Debbie Ngarewa-Packer that the government had deteriorated race relations to their worst level "since the earliest stages of colonisation".
Asked about those comments today, Mr Luxon said his government had a "difference of opinion" with the Maori Party and did not believe a separate health authority would deliver good outcomes.
Mr Albanese said he had "no intention of commenting on domestic New Zealand politics", but re-affirmed his own government's commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Last week, Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon joined with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to call for "urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire" in Gaza.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-20/anthony-albanese-new-zealand-christopher-luxon-meeting/103249888