Harvard University

An economist explains: Textbook economics is badly flawed when it comes to climate change

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
University, McGill University, Climate change, University of Alberta, Tax, Letter, Growth, Nutrient, Climate, Policy, The Wealth of Nations, Textbook, Doughnut (economic model), Carbon, Keen, Harvard University, GDP, Water, Soil, Economics, Government, Wealth, Leach, Renewable energy

But economists are hardly infallible experts on the carbon tax and other fiscal measures implemented by governments.

Key Points: 
  • But economists are hardly infallible experts on the carbon tax and other fiscal measures implemented by governments.
  • While the carbon tax increase kicked in, the Alberta fuel tax was hiked by 13 cents the same day.
  • In other words, the carbon tax has been a blessing for Smith as she deflects attention away from her own government’s role in raising gas prices.

Double standards

  • For instance, some homeowners have blamed the carbon tax for higher electricity bills in Alberta, ignoring the fact that the carbon tax does not apply to the electricity sector.
  • Double standards abound on the carbon tax.
  • While protesters chant “Axe the tax,” they ignore that fossil fuel subsidies cost them more than the carbon tax.

Textbook economics backs carbon tax

  • As an economics instructor, a key lesson is that the carbon tax is the least costly method to address carbon emissions.
  • In my pedagogical paper on climate change, I refer to McGill University economist Chris Ragan, who states that the carbon tax is more efficient than regulation.
  • But the carbon tax incentivizes investment in new technologies to limit the tax payment.

The limits of textbook economics

  • The way textbook economics approaches climate change through externalities suggests it’s simply a minor aberration.
  • Energy and raw materials are ignored, which means that biophysical or ecological limits are disregarded in the pursuit of growth.
  • Keen argues that mainstream economics assumes 90 per cent of GDP will be unaffected by climate change.
  • In short, he argues, mainstream economics has been complicit in the existential crisis of climate change.

Radical solutions

  • But it may be too little too late, necessitating radical solutions beyond the carbon tax.
  • In this regard, Keen argues that carbon pricing is not enough, calling for carbon rationing.
  • This happens by going beyond textbook economics and technical jargon by highlighting the ecological and biophysical limits to growth.


I am not affiliated with any organization. Though, I have in the past done research assistance work for the Parkland Institute.

Sodexo Launches Massive Expansion of DefaultVeg Pilot, Making Plant-Based Meal Service a Norm at Campus Eateries Across USA

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Health, University, Partnership, Environmental psychology, Coffee, Harvard University, School, Journal, Sodexo, Food, Stanford University, Pomona College, Student, Generation Z, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Lehigh University, Boston College, Meal

DefaultVeg expansion to almost 400 campuses serving 1 million students coincides with a newly published study showing that consistently offering plant-based meals as the default option is highly effective at encouraging students to choose them, cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Points: 
  • The study conducted randomized controlled trials during the DefaultVeg pilot at three universities-Tulane University, Lehigh University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - with all-you-care-to-eat Sodexo dining halls.
  • These dining halls alternated between plant-based and meat-based dishes as the default option at one hot entree station.
  • Better Food Foundation supports students, staff and leaders at universities and other institutions to shift how food is served.
  • An organization incubated by Better Food Foundation, Greener by Default, provides consulting to providers seeking to implement plant-based nudges.

Wyss Institute’s AminoX project receives funding from Northpond Labs to accelerate innovation in protein-based therapeutics

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 8, 2024
Molecule, Research, Innovation, Patient, DNA, Wyss Institute, Engineering, Protein, Laboratory, Organic acid, Harvard University, CRISPR, Drug development, Wyss, Biological engineering, Therapy, Genetic code, FDA, Antiandrogen, Vocabulary, Fine chemical

This is the fourth Wyss project selected by Northpond Labs for additional funding.

Key Points: 
  • This is the fourth Wyss project selected by Northpond Labs for additional funding.
  • The Laboratory has previously funded the Wyss’ eRNA (now being commercialized by EnPlusOne Biosciences ), SomaCode , and Lab-on-a-Molecule projects.
  • “The AminoX platform has the potential to transform our ability to develop differentiated protein-based therapeutics by significantly expanding the vocabulary of building blocks that can be incorporated into biologics at high throughput.
  • We are thrilled that the AminoX team’s journey to the market will be accelerated by this support,” said Angelika Fretzen, Ph.D., M.B.A., the Wyss Institute’s Technology Translation Director & Chief Operating Officer.

The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®)’s Institute for Value-Based Medicine® (IVBM®) hosts event to highlight treatment options for obesity and minimizing risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 5, 2024
American Heart Association, Cardiovascular disease, Obesity, Public health, UH, Type 2 diabetes, Risk, Partnership, DSM-IV codes, Integration, Harvard University, American Journal, Central nervous system, Diabetes, Health, Research, Travel, Neuroendocrinology, Role, Doctor of Public Health, MBA, WTW, Campbell University, CINEMA, MSL

The Institute for Value-Based Medicine® (IVBM®) has gained recognition for advocating value-based care and advancing health care methodologies.

Key Points: 
  • The Institute for Value-Based Medicine® (IVBM®) has gained recognition for advocating value-based care and advancing health care methodologies.
  • The upcoming event will showcase a panel of health care experts engaging in discussions about the latest advancements in the fields of value-based care and population health practices.
  • The event aims to acknowledge and explore the challenges within these domains.
  • Their invaluable insights and contributions will enrich the event, making it an exceptional platform for cutting-edge discussions in the health care landscape.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Awards Distinguished Investigator Grants Valued at $1 Million to 10 Scientists Pursuing Innovative Mental Health Research

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Depression, Patient, Mitochondrion, Doctor of Science, Harvard University, Therapy, Research, Risk, Mental health, University of Pittsburgh, Brain, DSM-IV codes, Brown University, Cannabis, Memory, Safety, Spectrum, Mitophagy, Schizophrenia, Hippocampus, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Learning, University, Psychopathology, Cerebrospinal fluid, University of California, Distinguishing, PET, Biomarker, Hope, Baylor College of Medicine, Behavior, AMPA, Fragile X syndrome, PTSD, Pharmaceutical industry

New York, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) today announced it is awarding Distinguished Investigator Grants valued at $1 million to 10 senior-level scientists who are conducting innovative projects in neurobiological and behavioral research.

Key Points: 
  • New York, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) today announced it is awarding Distinguished Investigator Grants valued at $1 million to 10 senior-level scientists who are conducting innovative projects in neurobiological and behavioral research.
  • By funding transformative research focused on new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders, our Distinguished Investigator Grants are encouraging established scientists to continue advancing our understanding of mental illness and disorders of brain and behavior,” says Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President and CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
  • The ground-breaking work of the Distinguished Investigator Grant recipients will bring hope and healing to people and families impacted by mental illness.
  • We applaud these scientists for their extraordinary dedication, innovation, and leadership.”
    Recipients of the Distinguished Investigator Grants are full professors at research institutions in the United States and abroad.

H1 Launches New Solution Empowering Doctors to Find Global Health Opportunities

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Organization, Database, NGO, Non-governmental organization, Medical missions, Physician, Global health, Connect, Save the Children, Hospital, Politics, Herzog Hospital, Pleasure, Mouth, Harvard University, EHU, Nursing

With a renewed focus on building a robust global health network, H1 Connect leverages H1’s extensive network of 250+ life sciences companies, healthcare entities, and NGOs to connect doctors with various global health opportunities worldwide.

Key Points: 
  • With a renewed focus on building a robust global health network, H1 Connect leverages H1’s extensive network of 250+ life sciences companies, healthcare entities, and NGOs to connect doctors with various global health opportunities worldwide.
  • The solution enables doctors to build their own profiles, access global health training and resources through H1’s partners, collaborate with like-minded medical peers, and apply to join NGO “ready reserve” rosters or specific medical missions via a marketplace of global health opportunities.
  • Doctors often want to get involved during times of crisis, but finding volunteer opportunities that match their skill sets and interests takes significant effort.
  • H1 Connect simplifies the process by allowing doctors to create a profile in less than five minutes and automatically find and connect with volunteer initiatives.

Allegro MicroSystems Appoints Jennie Raubacher to its Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Government, Lehman Brothers, Automation, Wells Fargo, Business administration, Electronics, Acquisition, IPO, Harvard University, Stanford University, Management

MANCHESTER, N.H., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (“Allegro”) (Nasdaq: ALGM) a global leader in power and sensing semiconductor solutions for motion control and energy-efficient systems, today announced the appointment of Jennie Raubacher to Allegro’s Board of Directors (“Board”) as an independent director.

Key Points: 
  • MANCHESTER, N.H., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (“Allegro”) (Nasdaq: ALGM) a global leader in power and sensing semiconductor solutions for motion control and energy-efficient systems, today announced the appointment of Jennie Raubacher to Allegro’s Board of Directors (“Board”) as an independent director.
  • Jennie Raubacher joins Allegro’s Board with over 25 years of experience in investment banking focused on the semiconductor, technology and telecom sectors where she has advised global C-suite executives and boards of directors on strategic and financing transactions.
  • We are grateful for her sustained interest in Allegro and delighted to welcome Jennie to Allegro’s Board,” said Yoshihiro “Zen” Suzuki, Chairman of the Board.
  • It is an exciting time to join Allegro’s Board, and I am honored to be appointed,” said Jennie Raubacher.

TOMI Environmental Solutions, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2023 Financial Results

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 1, 2024
Hydrogen, MGH, Health, Hydrogen peroxide, Sale, Restaurant, Ionization, RELX, International, Webcast, Education, Harvard University, Food industry, GPO, Holiday, Global Biorisk Advisory Council, Academic Medical Center (Amsterdam), Police, Meat, Completion, Transport, Decontamination, Medication, AALAS, American Biological Safety Association, Research, Hospital, Food, ISSA, BIT, CES, Disinfectant, Conference, Horsepower, Growth, Assistant, MIT, Executive, School, Infection, DARPA, Environmental Health (journal), Raymond Castellani, Health care

FREDERICK, Md., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TOMI Environmental Solutions, Inc.® (“TOMI”) (NASDAQ: TOMZ), a global company specializing in disinfection and decontamination utilizing its premier Binary Ionization Technology (BIT) platform through its SteraMist brand of products, today announced its fourth quarter and year end 2023 results.

Key Points: 
  • FREDERICK, Md., April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TOMI Environmental Solutions, Inc.® (“TOMI”) (NASDAQ: TOMZ), a global company specializing in disinfection and decontamination utilizing its premier Binary Ionization Technology (BIT) platform through its SteraMist brand of products, today announced its fourth quarter and year end 2023 results.
  • Financial Results for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to December 31, 2022
    Total net revenue was $7,355,000 compared to $8,338,000.
  • Financial Results for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to December 31, 2022
    Total net revenue was $1,528,000 compared to $2,812,000.
  • TOMI will hold a conference call to discuss Fourth Quarter and year end 2023 results at 4:30 p.m.

TransCode Therapeutics Announces Appointment of Daniel Vlock, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Transcoding, Internal medicine, Temple University Hospital, CFO, Oncology, Patient, RNA, University, Cancer, University of Pittsburgh, Yale School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Infection, Therapy, Harvard University, Interim, Muscular dystrophy, Yale University, Pharmacia, Pharmaceutical industry

BOSTON, March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TransCode Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAZ), the RNA oncology company committed to more effectively treating cancer using RNA therapeutics, announced today that Daniel Vlock, M.D., has been appointed as the company’s Chief Medical Officer.

Key Points: 
  • BOSTON, March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TransCode Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAZ), the RNA oncology company committed to more effectively treating cancer using RNA therapeutics, announced today that Daniel Vlock, M.D., has been appointed as the company’s Chief Medical Officer.
  • Dr. Vlock is a medical oncologist with over 25 years of industry experience and 15 years in academia, including renowned institutions Yale University, University of Pittsburgh, and Harvard University.
  • While at Pharmacia, Dr. Vlock ran the Celebrex Oncology program involving two pivotal clinical trials and over 3,500 patients.
  • Dr. Vlock initially will serve on a part-time basis through TransCode’s arrangement with BioBridges LLC, a life sciences consulting company.

Revive Therapeutics Submits Type C Meeting Request Package to FDA for Clinical Study of Bucillamine to Treat Long COVID

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
COVID, Type, COVID-19, Patient, Heart rate, Research, RVV, Death, Doctor of Philosophy, Trial of the century, Cough, CDC, Harvard University, Fever, Safety, Therapy, Disorder, FDA, Economics, Hospital, Pharmaceutical industry

Following the submission of the Type C meeting request package, the Company expects to hear from the FDA on a firm date for the meeting.

Key Points: 
  • Following the submission of the Type C meeting request package, the Company expects to hear from the FDA on a firm date for the meeting.
  • The CDC estimates that 7.5 percent of U.S. adults have long COVID symptoms1.
  • Currently, the Company is exploring the use of Bucillamine as a potential treatment for long COVID.
  • The Company is advancing the clinical development of Bucillamine by leveraging the published research and data from its previous Phase 3 clinical trial (the “Study”) and is finalizing the regulatory and clinical package that includes a proposed clinical study for long COVID to present to the FDA.