the Physical / Geographic Environment updated 2005 Oct 11

In class, we will have a discussion why Switzerland makes and exports "Swiss army knives", chocolate and watches (Rolex & Omegas) - in the context of the influences of the Geographic environment.

AGRICULTURE

Since UTSC draws students from an urban region it is doubtful that many students in the class have personal experience living on a large farm - so it is understandable if the students do not think much about farming
- however, farming is extremely important to the Canadian economy and a large part of our international business and a consequence of the "natural gifts" of our geographical environment
- it is important that Canadians continue to have the ability to produce our own food at a price which Canadians can easily afford in order to maintain our independence and high standard of living

agriculture products
- grains & oilseeds, (Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta)
- beef and pork (Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta)
- dairy products (milk, milk powder & cheese) ,  (Ontario, Quebec)
 

Canadian Federation of Agriculture www.cfa-fca.ca

"The agri-food industry plays an important role in the economic health of the country. " CFA
- representing over $70 billion worth of goods and services.(1996)

According to the CFA, "There are five major agricultural production sectors in Canada. In order of importance to farm cash receipts, these are:"
o grains and oilseeds (34%) -wheat, durum, oats, barley, rye, flax seed, canola, soybeans, and corn - Globally, Canada produces 17% of the world's rapeseed, 5% of the world's wheat, 9.9% of the world's barley, 14% of the world's oats
o red meats (27%) -   beef cattle, hogs, veal, and lamb
o dairy (12%)
o horticulture (9%)
o poultry and eggs (8%)
 
 

Global Warming an international business issue

Global Warming has gone from being an Environmental Issue to an International Business Management issue as governments and large companies negotiate to do business within the recommendations of the Kyoto Accord. Is Global Warming a reality - there are many arguments on both sides. The pictures below show one side of the argument.

..

Blomstrandbreen glacier  in Norway in 1928

.

Blomstrandbreen glacier  in Norway in 2002 A picture represents a thousand words

from the Greenpeace site at  http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/photosvideos/slideshows/the-incredible-disappearing-gl
 

Global Warming an international business issue

October 2005 Canada hosts a United Nations climate meeting Nov 28 - Dec 9 in Montreal The economic aspects are central to the agenda of topics discussed. Several economic and political experts describe the Kyoto Protocol as flawed and the meeting in Montreal in October 2005 has, as part of its purpose, an intention to have a more fruitful round of negotiations. It is understood that the Kyoto Protocol allowed so many exceptions to the guidelines that it became possible for the large industries of many countries to put pollutants into the air without consequence or action taken against the company. The goals of the Canadian government, as expressed by several officials associated with planning the conference, are 1. Environmental Effectiveness - set long-term targets for reductions in greenhous gas emissions 2. Sustainable development - developing countries will need assistance to grow economically without industry creating a problem as these new economies industrialize 3. Broad participation - go beyond governments to allow big industry associations and industry sectors to participate 4. Encourage countries to trade emissions credits 5. Exploit the most advanced technologies to make energy production more efficient and reduce air pollution 6. Extreme weather - learn how to adapt to climate change and the consequence of severe storms The story about the conference was carried in several media, including the Toronto Star. One of the best stories was an article Oct 11th by Peter Calamai see  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)  www.ipcc.ch

..
 .
Global Warming in China  www.worldviewofglobalwarming.org/pages/chinareport.html
 

witiger.com	CONTACT I MAIN PAGE I NEWS GALLERY I E-BIZ SHORTCUTS I INT'L BIZ SHORTCUTS I MKTG&BUSINESS SHORTCUTS I TEACHING SCHEDULE
	.
	MISTAKES ITEXTS USED I IMAGES I RANK IDISCLAIMER I STUDENT CONTRIBUTORS I FORMER STUDENTS I
	.

.