World’s first tropical climate data center testbed, led by NUS and NTU, will boost Singapore’s competitiveness in sustainable data centers

The flexible, full-scale ‘live’ data facility brings together researchers and leading industry partners to develop and demonstrate best-in-class, energy-efficient cooling technologies customized for tropical environments

Business Announcement

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

 

IMAGE: 

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY MR ALVIN TAN (THIRD FROM RIGHT) LAUNCHED THE SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL DATA CENTRE TESTBED (STDCT) AT THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE. THE STDCT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND FOR THE TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

• ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR LEE POH SENG, STDCT PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
• PROFESSOR TEO KIE LEONG, NUS COLLEGE OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING ACTING DEAN
• PROFESSOR LIU BIN, NUS DEPUTY PRESIDENT (RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY)
• MR ALVIN TAN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY
• PROFESSOR LAM KHIN YONG, NTU VICE PRESIDENT (INDUSTRY)
• PROFESSOR WEN YONGGANG, STDCT PROGRAMME CO-DIRECTOR

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CREDIT: SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL DATA CENTRE TESTBED AT NUS

The Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed (STDCT) – the first of its kind for the tropical environment – hosted by the National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering (NUS CDE) is up and running, marking a significant milestone in data centre (DC) innovation in Singapore. 

The groundbreaking initiative, led by NUS and the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), is funded by the National Research Foundation in line with the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan1  to position Singapore as a leading centre for green services and solutions to transform sustainable industries. 

Bridging the gap between research and practical applications, this pioneer initiative brings together the academia and industry partners to fast-track the adoption of innovative and sustainable DC cooling solutions tailored for the tropical climate. These collaborative efforts will set new sustainability standards for DC operations in the tropics. 

The STDCT, which is the key infrastructure that supports a cutting-edge national-level research programme on DC innovations, was officially launched today by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr Alvin Tan, in the presence of distinguished guests from the academia research community and industry. 

DCs are the backbone of the digital economy, and they are power-hungry facilities with a large appetite for electricity, especially for those located in hot and humid climates such as Singapore. On average, about 40 per cent of a DC’s energy consumption goes into powering its cooling and ventilation systems. Efficient cooling technologies, which the STDCT will be pioneering, are therefore essential for reducing operation costs and lowering the environmental impact of DCs. 

Mr Ni De En, Director, Urban Solutions & Sustainability, National Research Foundation, said, “The Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed brings together researchers and companies to drive innovations in cooling technologies and improve the sustainability of data centres in our region. Such industry R&D platforms accelerate the translation and commercialisation of research, in support of our climate goals.”

Professor Liu Bin, NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology), said, “NUS is excited to host the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed on our Kent Ridge campus. This is an unprecedented initiative that aligns seamlessly with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and reinforces the nation and NUS’ commitment to sustainability. The STDCT programme, jointly led by NUS and NTU in close partnership with the industry, has been fostering a thriving ecosystem for innovative cooling ideas to flourish. The opening of the testbed facility today will accelerate the creation and translation of game-changing DC cooling technologies that are well-suited for tropical urban settings like Singapore, further advancing the sustainability efforts of the DC sector locally and beyond.” 

Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU Vice President (Industry), said, “The commissioning of the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of data centre operations in tropical climates. Led by NTU and NUS, in close collaboration with industry, it presents a sustainable solution for the operation and maintenance of data centres. It also reflects NTU's strong commitment to mitigating our impact on the environment, which is one of humanity’s grand challenges that we seek to address through our NTU 2025 strategic plan. As the world's first tropical climate data centre testbed, the STDCT sets a new standard, not just for Singapore but as a global benchmark for the intersection of cutting-edge technology, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency in data centre infrastructure." 

Key infrastructure for DC innovations in the tropics

The STDCT is an infrastructure that supports a comprehensive research programme to develop cooling solutions for the sustainable operation of DCs in the tropics which was initiated in June 2021. Since the programme’s inception, 20 industry collaborators have contributed state-of-the-art technologies and are actively engaged in technology co-development. (Please refer to the Annexe below for the list of industry partners).

To date, the STDCT has attracted more than S$30 million in investments for the facility and the five research projects led by scientists from NUS and NTU in collaboration with industry partners. STDCT has also received support from the Infocomm Media Development Authority. 

The testbed facility provides a platform for co-innovation, capitalising on the synergy between academia and industry to generate important discoveries and transformative advancements that would benefit the tropical DC sector. 

Setting new standards for tropical data centre operations

The STDCT stands as a flexible, full-scale live facility that combines cutting-edge research and real-world application. Occupying a floor area of 770 m2, this is a living lab for scientists to experiment and validate innovative cooling ideas, and it also serves as a de-risking platform for companies to test and optimise new technologies in a realistic, tropical setting. 

“The new testbed facility supports five research projects under the STDCT programme. These projects involve conducting holistic assessments to identify opportunities to raise the recommended temperature of conventional DCs, identifying the ‘sweet spots’ for sustainable cooling solutions, and integrating these technologies for optimal performance,” explained STDCT Programme Director Associate Professor Lee Poh Seng, who is from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NUS CDE. 

“Since its inception in 2021, the STDCT research projects have made significant progress and we are well on-track to realise the goals of the programme and make an impact,” commented STDCT Programme Co-Director Professor Wen Yonggang, who is also Associate Vice President (Capability Building) at NTU.

Ultimately, the STDCT programme aims to demonstrate the following outcomes in a tropical setting by mid-2024: 

• Reduce energy consumption by up to 40 per cent 
• Reduce water usage by 30 to 40 per cent 
• Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 per cent to less than 0.54 million tons per year
• Achieve Power Usage Effectiveness2 (PUE) of less than 1.2 for a combination of air and liquid cooling (This is below the current requirement of 1.3 set by the Singapore government, and the global average of 1.5 in 2022.)

A whitepaper will also be developed to provide recommendations on optimum DC design and operations, and this is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2024.
 
Innovative cooling solutions designed for the tropics

The STDCT will support five research projects. 

Three projects will focus on the development of cutting-edge cooling technologies. A research team led by NUS is designing a unique heat sink coupled with immersion cooling for enhanced cooling performance. Another NUS team is pioneering the world’s first direct chip hybrid cooling system, which consists of a high-performance hybrid sink design with two modes of cooling – air and liquid cooling. The third NUS team is validating the potential of a novel cooling solution that uses a high-performance hygroscopic material to significantly improve cooling efficiency. 

In tandem, scientists from NTU are leading two research projects: one project aims to establish the optimum temperature and humidity setpoints for air-cooling of data centres in the tropics, and the second project will develop a digital replica, i.e., digital twin, for multiple innovative cooling technologies of the testbed facility, to enable real-time performance modelling and prediction, and empower AI-based optimisation toward energy efficiency and sustainability. 

Talent Development

The STDCT programme not only addresses the immediate demand for sustainable DC operation practices in the tropics, but also nurtures talents to prepare the industry for future growth.

STDCT will establish strategic partnerships with industry standards organisations and leading corporations to provide learning opportunities for students and industry practitioners. These programmes are expected to be offered through the NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education in 2024. 

For a start, STDCT has offered two scholarships, which are supported by industry partners, to groom local talent in related fields such as AI-based digital twin and advanced liquid cooling systems.

Photo 2 (IMAGE)

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr Alvin Tan (left) toured the new Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed (STDCT) facility at the National University of Singapore (NUS). During the tour, he was shown the manifold wall within the STDCT, which is used for smart monitoring and control of operating parameters for better energy efficiency.

Hosted at the National University of Singapore, the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed is a groundbreaking initiative that brings together researchers and leading industry partners to develop and demonstrate best-in-class, energy-efficient cooling technologies customised for tropical environments.

Manifold wall within the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed for smart monitoring and control of operating parameters for better energy efficiency.

Liquid-cooled heat sink with air-cooled fin array to mitigate the risk of single-point of failure associated with liquid cooling.

CREDIT

Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed at NUS

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[1] The Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan by the National Research Foundation is a strategic roadmap shaping Singapore’s research and innovation activities over a five-year period. The RIE2025 aims to enhance Singapore’s scientific foundation, broaden its innovation and enterprise ecosystem, as well as scale up technology translation and strengthen enterprise innovation capabilities.

[2] PUE value of 1.0 signifies optimal power usage efficiency.

 

Annexe – Industry partners of the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed (STDCT)

1. Ascenix
2. CBRE
3. CoolestDC
4. Danfoss
5. Dell Technologies
6. Digital Realty
7. Eaton
8. Georg Fischer
9. GSM
10. Intel
11. Keppel Data Centres
12. M&C Engineering
13. META
14. Nalco Water
15. nVent
16. Red Dot Analytics
17. Shell
18. Sygna
19. Schneider Electric
20. Vertiv

 

CO2 neutrality in Germany and China: Leopoldina and the Chinese Academy of Sciences announce second Science for Future conference

Meeting Announcement

LEOPOLDINA

The world’s major industrial countries must significantly reduce their carbon emissions in order to fulfil the terms of the Paris Climate Agreement, under which 196 parties committed to ensuring that average global temperatures do not increase by more than 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Germany and China still depend heavily on fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal to meet their energy needs. However, both countries are developing strategies to achieve carbon neutrality within the next few decades. Successful implementation of these strategies requires further basic research and innovation. The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have thus, in advance of the UN Climate Conference (COP 28) that begins tomorrow in Dubai, announced the second joint Science for Future conference in Berlin/Germany in autumn 2024. The conference will focus on basic research aimed at achieving climate neutrality.

China wants to hit peak carbon emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060. Germany wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. To achieve these goals, both countries must develop and expand renewable energies in all sectors. It is also vital to continue promoting research into energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and carbon use and storage, as basic research makes an important contribution to the development of the technologies needed to advance these sectors.

CAS and the Leopoldina launched the Science for Future initiative in 2018 with the aim of highlighting the importance of basic research to society. The inaugural conference, under the heading “All Starts with Basic Research”, took place in Beijing in China in autumn 2019. The conference brought together internationally renowned established researchers and junior researchers. The next conference, scheduled for Berlin in October 2024, is headed “On the Path to Carbon Neutrality”. It will examine topics that are key to achieving climate neutrality, including CO2-neutral energy systems and technologies, the role of ecosystems as carbon sinks, global pricing mechanisms for carbon dioxide, a global carbon market, and international cooperation on energy and climate issues.

This second Science for Future conference will take place in Berlin on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 and on Wednesday, 30 October 2024: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/events/event/event/3129/

The joint announcement of the second Science for Future Conference by CAS and the Leopoldina is accessible via this link: https://www.leopoldina.org/science-for-future-conference-2024

The Leopoldina maintains close contact with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The aim of the cooperation is to promote exchange between the two scientific communities, for example as part of joint expert symposiums. In addition, the Leopoldina and its Chinese partners are jointly involved in providing international policy advice, for example by helping to develop statements for the G20 summits.

The Leopoldina on X: www.twitter.com/leopoldina  

About the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
As the German National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina provides independent science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society. To this end, the Academy develops interdisciplinary statements based on scientific findings. In these publications, options for action are outlined; making decisions, however, is the responsibility of democratically legitimized politicians. The experts who prepare the statements work in a voluntary and unbiased manner. The Leopoldina represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. This includes advising the annual summits of Heads of State and Government of the G7 and G20 countries. With around 1,700 members from more than 30 countries, the Leopoldina combines expertise from almost all research areas. Founded in 1652, it was appointed the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008. The Leopoldina is committed to the common good.

 

Economic crashes linked to rise in male suicides, vast review shows

Peer-Reviewed Publication

TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP

Governments need to fund health services to support people during recessions and economic crises, say the authors of a vast review of research on the topic to-date.

Their findings from this first-of-its-kind analysis shows that rates of suicide among men rise when countries face fiscal downturns.

Meanwhile results published today in the peer-reviewed Journal of Mental Health display that, despite poorer mental health being witnessed among all genders, women are shown to be at an overall greater risk of general poor mental health outcomes compared to men.

Issues are worse in countries where governments make cutbacks and where there is lower social spending at times of crisis such as the banks collapsing. Plus, job type and unemployment were found to be major triggers for problems such as depression and anxiety.

Experts from Canada and the UK led this research into the impact of financial meltdowns on psychological well-being.

They analysed nearly 100 papers, focused on major events such as the 2008 global crash. These included articles with huge national datasets of millions of people and also longitudinal research (monitoring impact over time).

The academics from the University of Montreal in Canada; and the UK institutions UWE (University West of England) Bristol, De Montfort, and Edge Hill, say their findings are timely given the cost-of-living crises affecting many countries and global events such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

“This review confirms the undeniable impact of national and international financial crises on population-level mental health and well-being,” states lead author Deborah Talamonti, a researcher affiliated with the University of Montreal.

“The studies included in our review show the long-term repercussions of financial crises and highlight the crucial and urgent need for social support and welfare systems to safeguard the mental health of individuals.”

“By addressing the distinct needs of various groups and populations, policymakers have the instruments to mitigate the mental health impact of financial crises and build a more resilient society.”

Only one previous study has investigated multiple financial crises. However, it was not as extensive as this new study which has reviewed 98 articles published worldwide up to 21 November 2022 with the majority from Europe followed by North America, Asia, and Australia.

These studies examined global events spanning 1990 to 20017 [DT1] and included the global financial crisis (2008); the Greek debt crisis (2007); the Asian economic crisis (1997); the South-Korean financial crisis (1997); the Finnish (1991) and Swedish (1990) economic recessions; and other periods of economic recessions, austerity, and financial or banking crises.

Most of the research studies focused on the impact of these financial crashes on suicide rates. The rest looked at depression and anxiety; and a small number at other mental health factors, such as stress, life satisfaction, well-being, and sleep quality.

Results showed that suicide rates generally increased both during and after financial crises, especially in men. Employment type influenced this trend – some manual workers such as labourers were at increased risk.

Unlike suicide rates, suicide attempts increased among women and men.

The evidence suggested that suicide rates were unchanged in some countries, a trend which the authors say may be because of the stronger welfare systems.

A rise in the number of people out of work following a financial crash predicted that anxiety and depression would increase too.

However, the authors point out that being employed after such an event did not necessarily protect people from mental illness. Increased workload and lower income were among possible work-related factors behind this negative impact, according to the authors.

The authors say financial crises exacerbate gender inequalities (e.g., women as caregivers and men as breadwinners).

Hospital admissions for mental health issues increased especially among women and people on low incomes. However, demand for mental health services decreased especially among unemployed.

This, the experts suggest, may be because people actively avoid to (or are not able to) seek help and end up in hospital as a result.

“What’s needed,” says, senior author Professor Mark Forshaw from Edge Hill University, “is enough funding from governments to reinforce healthcare systems, especially mental health services”.

“People will then get the support they need when countries are in financial meltdown,” Professor Forshaw, an internationally recognised expert in health psychology, adds.

“Education campaigns to empower people to identify potential symptoms and awareness-raising about the consequences of economic crashes are also required.”

Limitations of the research include the majority of the studies assessed were not conducted in the last three years due to the dominant focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, whose unique impact on mental health could have skewed the previous findings.

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JOURNAL

Journal of Mental Health

DOI

10.1080/09638237.2023.2278104 

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Systematic review

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

People

ARTICLE TITLE

The impact of national and international financial crises on mental health and well-being: a systematic review

 

Structural racism persists in radiotherapy

An article in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences emphasizes the urgent need for new, more inclusive modern medical terminology and grading tools to help reduce racial bias in radiotherapy treatment and education

Peer-Reviewed Publication

ELSEVIER

 

IMAGE: 

AUTHOR NAMAN JULKA-ANDERSON

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CREDIT: NAMAN JULKA-ANDERSON

Philadelphia, November 30, 2023 – Everyone should get quality care, no matter the color of their skin. However, implicit bias, micro-aggressions, and a lack of cultural understanding persist, leading to oppression and unequal treatment in healthcare. An insightful article in the new themed issue of the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences on specialized populations, published by Elsevier, highlights this serious problem, specifically addressing the assessment and treatment of radiation-induced skin reactions (RISR) in patients across the world undergoing external beam radiotherapy.

The article provides a stark example of how outdated perceptions and racialized myths have resulted in inadequate care for people of color globally. It discusses widely used assessment tools originally designed for white skin, which do not account for the diverse skin tones of patients. As a result, patients of color often face delayed recognition and management of adverse reactions, causing significant distress and burden on healthcare systems.

The article presents a historic clinical case from a Society of Radiographers special interest group in which a black patient with head and neck cancer was advised that their skin should be more resistant to radiation damage. The patient described the subsequent reaction to radiotherapy as their skin “was on fire,” causing them significant distress. The incident led to the patient seeking psychological support and reporting they felt “helpless.”

Radiation can harm anyone's skin, no matter its color. The way we check for skin problems during treatment doesn't always work for everyone. To address this issue, the author calls for a more inclusive and ethnically conscious approach in medical education and clinical practice. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging the unique characteristics of brown and black skin, including the visual and tactile differences in how RISR presents.

The healthcare industry is urged to adopt new, more inclusive medical terminology and grading tools to ensure that patient-centered care is provided to individuals of all racial backgrounds. The article underscores the critical need for education and collaboration to mitigate implicit biases and improve care for people of color.

Author Naman Julka-Anderson, Research Radiographer at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, explains, “It is essential that new and more inclusive guidance is developed for clinicians who deliver radiotherapy, ensuring that treatment and care are appropriately tailored to people of color. Understanding the diverse skin tones of patients and addressing the structural racism that exists within healthcare are imperative steps to ensure equitable care for all individuals.”

The article concludes with a call for a more inclusive and ethnically conscious approach in medical education and clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding the diverse skin tones of patients. The author suggests that addressing these issues is crucial to reducing racial bias, racial health disparities, and structural racism within healthcare services and ensuring patient-centered care for everyone.

 

 

 

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JOURNAL

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

DOI

10.1016/j.jmir.2023.09.021 

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Commentary/editorial

SUBJECT OF RESEARCH

People

ARTICLE TITLE

Structural racism in radiation induced skin reaction toxicity scoring

 

Unsafe lead levels in school drinking water: new UMass Amherst study IDs building risk factors

Half of faucets in MA schools built in the 1960s and 70s could be a source of elevated lead levels; research helps identify facilities at the greatest risk

Peer-Reviewed Publication

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts Amherst civil and environmental engineers have determined the factors that may help identify the schools and daycare centers at greatest risk for elevated levels of lead in drinking water. The most telling characteristic for schools in Massachusetts is building age, with facilities built in the 1960s and 1970s—nearly a third of the facilities tested—at the greatest risk for having dangerously high water lead levels. 

There is no safe exposure level to lead. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) recommends that schools and childcare facilities achieve the lowest lead levels possible, with a goal of 1 ppb (parts per billion) or less, often the lowest measurement that a laboratory can make. Childhood exposure can cause brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth and development, learning and behavioral problems, and hearing and speech issues. (In fact, today, the Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed changes to the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.)

The UMass study, published in the American Water Works Association’s journal Water Science, compared water lead-level data to a myriad of other characteristics that could influence these levels. “Is it certain types of fixtures? Is it certain types of buildings? Is it certain places? Is the chemistry of the water supply? Is there anything about the water treatment process?” says Emily Kumpel, one of the study authors and assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at UMass Amherst.

Building age was the most important contributing factor, for a few reasons. Legislation has been passed over the years to improve the safety of school water. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act Amendment in 1986 required the use of “lead-free” piping, solder and flux in buildings. The definition of “lead-free” was then refined to more stringent levels in 2011.

Kumpel explains that there is a clear “before” and “after” around each of these time points: 50% of water samples from buildings constructed in 1986 and earlier had a water lead level of 2.1 ppb or higher and 13.7% of samples were greater than 15 parts per billion (or 0.0015 mg of lead per liter of water). After 1986, this declined so that half of samples had one ppb or less of lead, and only 4.6% of samples had lead levels higher than 15 ppb.

Importantly, these results represent water lead levels captured at “first draw,” meaning the water had been stagnant in the pipes overnight. The pattern was similar when looking at samples after the pipes had been flushed for 30 seconds, though less pronounced and with significantly lower lead levels after flushing.

Buildings constructed in the 1960s and 1970s—about 30% of all schools tested—were the most likely to have faucets, water fountains or other fixtures with elevated water lead levels at first draw. Half of the first draw water samples taken from schools built in these decades had lead concentrations at or above 2.8 and 2.9 ppb respectively. Plus, 16% of fixtures in 1960s buildings and 19.5% of fixtures in 1970s buildings had first draw levels over 15 ppb.

“That means that if you go into a facility built in the ’60s or ’70s and are the first one to get a glass of water in the morning or after a long school break, you’d have a high chance of it having a dangerously high level of lead. However, if the tap was flushed or had been used throughout the day, this would drop substantially. This is why flushing or other remediation actions are important,” Kumpel says.

Schools built in the 1950s and 1980s were also at slightly lower, but still elevated, risk.

Kumpel explains that this reflects certain construction decisions that were made in particular places at particular times. She also notes that trends in Massachusetts likely extend to other parts of New England that aren’t so geographically different and likely had similar building trends and best practices over the years.

The study’s data came from the Assistance Program for Lead in School Drinking Water, a MassDEP and UMass Amherst water monitoring collaboration that began in 2016. This initiative now has information from more than 1,500 schools and childcare facilities. “This publicly available large data set has been used for previous studies as well, and provides a basis for facilities to take action to protect children’s health, including applying for funding to install filtered bottle fill stations under the Massachusetts School Water Improvement Grant (SWIG) program,” notes John Tobiason, professor and head of the UMass Amherst civil and environmental engineering department, who leads the UMass work in support of the MassDEP initiative and is a co-author on this paper.

Part of this current analysis of the results from MassDEP’s voluntary testing program included evaluating if the results may also serve a predictive purpose by identifying the risk factors for elevated water lead levels.

“As of last year, around 60% [of Massachusetts schools] have had sampling done and reported to this public database, but 40% have not, though each month more schools and childcare facilities are testing,” says Kumpel. “That was what we were trying to get at with this model: of those that haven’t yet tested, can we prioritize the places that we might need to look at the most? Using these factors, can we then predict where we should make sure to follow up?”

There are obvious implications for school administrators and legislators looking to enact environmental protections, but what are the takeaways for parents?

“It’s close to home for me as someone with young children,” says Kumpel. “But I’m also an engineer that works particularly on water distribution systems and providing safe tap water. This is why there are programs to test the water and report results, that way you can have the assurance that there is monitoring. This is where, as engineers, we strive to achieve due diligence and transparency.” Where lead was detected, technical assistance was offered for remediation actions, including help in applying for the SWIG grants for water bottle filling stations, she adds.

Her advice: stay informed. Massachusetts makes it particularly easy to do that. “Massachusetts has made the data available in a public database,” she says. “See if your child’s school or daycare has been tested. There is this free testing program so, as a parent, it could be advocating that your childcare provider or school sign up for the testing program and get that information.”

 

Contact:

Emily Kumpel, ekumpel@umass.edu

Julia Westbrook, jwestbrook@umass.edu 413-545-0149

Emily Kumpel and John Tobiason are also available to comment on the EPA's Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.

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JOURNAL

American Water Works Association

DOI

10.1002/aws2.1358 

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Data/statistical analysis

ARTICLE TITLE

Water lead levels in Massachusetts schools and early education and childcare facilities

Dow's Alberta petrochemical megaproject to get billions in government support

Story by Lisa Johnson • 


Premier Danielle Smith takes part in news conference where the US$8.8 billion Path2Zero Fort Saskatchewan project was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.© Provided by Edmonton Journal

Dow’s plan to expand capacity and decarbonize its petrochemical facility in Alberta could see up to $2.2 billion in tax credits and grants from federal and provincial governments.

Dubbed Path2Zero, the more than $11.5 billion project in Fort Saskatchewan, northeast of Edmonton, aims to reduce emissions by the equivalent of about one million metric tonnes of CO2 per year using carbon capture and storage, while converting hydrogen to power the site’s furnaces.

Touted as the world’s first net-zero emissions ethylene cracker and derivatives site of its kind, the project was first proposed in 2021. Michigan-based Dow Inc. is investing Cdn$8.9 billion, along with another $2.7 billion from partner companies.

CEO Jim Fitterling said at a Wednesday news conference government support at every level has been crucial in getting to a final investment decision, first announced by the board of directors Tuesday.

“It will serve as a leading example that industrial decarbonization is not only possible, but can also be profitable,” he said of the natural-gas-to-plastics complex.

The project will be the first to access federal investment tax credits targeted at carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and clean hydrogen worth up to $400 million.

Related video: Freeland, Smith announce major new Dow investment in Alberta (Global News)  Duration 1:58   View on Watch

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Wednesday the province will provide a 12 per cent grant as high as $1.8 billion, divided into three rebates over three years of production, through its Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program (APIP).

“This investment is a vote of confidence in Alberta,” said Smith.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Wednesday it’s proof that the Liberal’s economic plan is working.

“The green transition is an economic transformation that is comparable only to the industrial revolution itself, and countries around the world are in a competition to be the ones who are the leaders in that transformation,” Freeland said, pointing to the “really big cheque” that the United States wrote with its Inflation Reduction Act.

Industry groups, including in oil and gas, and both the federal and provincial governments, aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2050

Wednesday’s joint news conference comes a day after Smith announced the province will offer up to 12 per cent of capital costs for new projects under a similar, new program, the Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP)

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland meets Dow employees prior to a news conference where the US$8.8 billion DOW Path2Zero Fort Saskatchewan project was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.© David Bloom
‘Historic work’

Federal Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the “green plastic” plant represents the biggest project in Dow’s 126-year history.

“This is historic work,” he said.

Fort Saskatchewan Mayor Gale Katchur said it’s been about eight years since she was first asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement in talks on the project.

“Dow’s expansion will deliver a significant economic boost — it will create numerous jobs and attract more business ventures for years to come,” she said.

The company said the expansion could create 400 to 500 permanent jobs, as well as an estimated 8,000 construction jobs. To claim the federal tax credits in full, Dow will be required to pay prevailing union wages and to provide apprenticeship training.

Fitterling said the company decided to expand in Alberta because of the local workforce, low cost natural gas and feedstock ethane, along with access to existing CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure.


Dow chairman and CEO Jim Fitterling announces the US$8.8 billion Path2Zero Fort Saskatchewan project on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.© Photo by David Bloom

Dow plans to begin construction in 2024, with capacity additions expected to come online beginning with the first phase in 2027, and a second phase starting in 2029. It will include building a new ethylene cracker and boosting its polyethylene production capacity by two million tonnes each year.

Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association said in a news release Path2Zero will be one of the largest capital investments in the Industrial Heartland’s history.

“This investment signals that Alberta’s Industrial Heartland is a flagship global destination where companies can achieve both their economic and environmental goals,” said executive director Mark Plamondon.

Related
Varcoe: Dow to invest $8.8 billion in Alberta net-zero petrochemical project

Net-zero expansion remains Dow's top potential project

lijohnson@postmedia.com

UAW launches bid to organize Tesla and 'entire non-union auto sector' in US


FILE PHOTO: Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) speaks as U.S. President Joe Biden (not pictured) joins striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) on the picket line outside GM's Willow Run Distribution Center, in Belleville, Wayne County, Michigan, U.S., September 26, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo© Thomson Reuters

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United Auto Workers union said on Wednesday it is launching a first-of-its-kind push to publicly organize the entire nonunion auto sector in the U.S. after winning new contracts with the Detroit Three automakers.

The Detroit-based UAW said workers at 13 nonunion automakers were announcing simultaneous campaigns across the country to join the union, including at Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Rivian, Nissan, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Those automakers employ nearly 150,000 workers at their U.S. assembly plants, about the same number as those employed by the Detroit Three companies with which the UAW just signed new labor agreements, the union said.

"To all the auto workers out there working without the benefits of a union, now it's your turn," UAW President Shawn Fain said in a video posted on a website urging auto workers to sign electronic cards seeking union representation.

"The money is there. The time is right," he added. "You don’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay your rent or feed your family while the company makes billions. A better life is out there."

The UAW's deals with General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis included a 25% increase in base wages through 2028, cut the time needed to reach top pay to three years from eight years, boosted the pay of temporary workers by 150% and made them permanent employees.

Related video: Biden backs UAW aim to unionize Tesla, Toyota (Reuters)
Duration 2:16   View on Watch

The UAW detailed its organizing strategy. The union said if 30% of workers at a nonunion plant sign cards seeking to join, it would make that public. If 50% of workers seek to join, the UAW would hold a rally with Fain to tout the effort. At 70% and with an organizing committee in place, the UAW would seek recognition or demand a union representation vote.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, when asked about the UAW's efforts at the New York Times DealBook Summit Wednesday, said: "I disagree with the idea of unions." He said if Tesla is unionized, "it'll be because we deserve it and we failed in some way."

Tesla is the world's largest electric vehicle maker by market value.

Other automakers the UAW is targeting include Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Lucid and Volvo Cars.

Honda was cool to the idea of union representation at its U.S. plants.

"We do not believe an outside party would enhance the excellent employment experience of our associates, nor would it improve upon the outstanding track record of success and employment stability Honda manufacturing associates in America have achieved," it said in a statement.

A Subaru spokesman said the Japanese automaker has "consistently demonstrated a commitment to proactively do the right thing for its associates."

Officials with Toyota, Rivian and Volkswagen declined to comment and the other automakers could not immediately be reached.

The UAW effort with the nonunion automakers echoes the approach it took with the Detroit Three, where the union negotiated simultaneously with all three in reaching an agreement after a six-week strike.

The push comes as several foreign automakers have announced significant pay and other compensation improvements in response to the UAW contracts in a move many analysts and industry officials saw as an effort to keep the UAW out of their plants.

U.S. President Joe Biden this month backed the UAW in its quest to unionize other carmakers. "I want this type of contract for all auto workers and I have a feeling the UAW has a plan for that," he said at an event with Fain.

The UAW for decades has unsuccessfully sought to organize auto factories operated by foreign automakers. Efforts to organize Nissan plants in Mississippi and Tennessee failed by wide margins, and two attempts to organize VW's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, failed by a closer margin.

Harley Shaiken, a labor professor at the University of California, Berkeley, acknowledged the UAW's past failures, but said the environment is more positive now with the strong deals in place with the Detroit Three, a more favorable view of unions by the broader public and the support of the White House.

"This is the moment to try it, but it will be very difficult because the companies have raised wages to make this less likely and they will resist this across the board very strongly," he said. "It's going to be tough, but if there was a moment to seize, it's right now."


The new UAW organizing site - UAW.org/join - echoes the group's criticism of the Detroit Three automakers during its contract push, including noting corporate profits and CEO pay.

The website asks Tesla workers to join, saying CEO "Elon Musk is the richest man in the world, with a net worth of $230 billion. U.S. production has more than doubled since 2020, and Tesla’s sales are booming. The question is, will Tesla workers get their fair share?"

The UAW said one of its strongest campaigns was at Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, assembly complex, where 7,800 workers build the Camry, RAV4 and Lexus ES. Union officials have repeatedly pointed to Toyota as a top target.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Ben Klayman and Matthew Lewis)

UN commemorates International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People


30-11-2023 | 

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday held a meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People during which the UN Deputy Secretary-General and others called for peaceful resolution to the Palestinian question.

Denis Francis, President of UNGA of the 78th Session, said at the meeting that the UN stands firmly with the Palestinians and commemorates with a heavy heart the lives lost in the past seven weeks and the past 70 years.

He also called on the international community to take immediate action for the people of Palestine, especially those in Gaza.

"Let us be crystal clear: the Palestinian people – as all human beings – are entitled to their fundamental and inalienable right to live in dignity, with all liberties, freedom of movement, freedom from fear and from any want and with unfettered access to basic services," said Francis.

Zhang Jun, permanent representative of China to the UN, stressed at the meeting that the status quo in the Palestinian-Israeli situation is unsustainable.

The envoy urged a continuation of the humanitarian pause, pointing to Security Council Resolution 2712, which was passed on Nov 15 and represents the first resolution on the Palestinian-Israeli issue adopted since 2016.

Zhang also reiterated that all parties involved in the Palestinian-Israeli issue should ultimately realize the two-state solution through negotiations and fundamentally resolve the Palestinian-Israeli issue.

"The Security Council will continue to follow closely the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, to pursue the implementation of its relevant resolutions and support efforts towards an environment conducive to achieving peace, prosperity and security for both the Palestinian and Israeli people," he said.

Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, and Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, also attended the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to the meeting and pledged China's continuous efforts to uphold justice on the Palestinian question, actively promote peace talks and provide humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian side.

Also on the same day, an exhibition entitled "Palestine: A Land with A People" was inaugurated and will remain on display at the UN headquarters in the Visitors' Lobby in New York till Jan 8, 2024.

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is an annual observance designated by the UN General Assembly on Dec 2, 1977 to commemorate its adoption of a resolution on Nov 29, 1947 to partition the mandate of Palestine into two states.

(Reuters)

Guyana v Venezuela: Intriguing Pleadings in an (In)conspicuous Case

Written by Milosz Gapsa     

November 30, 2023

On 14 and 15 November, the ICJ held oral arguments on the request for provisional measures in Guyana v Venezuela. Although, initially the chances of Guyana’s success were deemed doubtful, the ongoing events and arguments put forward by the parties have unfolded as quite intriguing. If the Court were to address all aspects, surprisingly, this inconspicuous case could shed light on many fascinating elements of provisional measures proceedings. This post delves into these captivating features.

The dispute between Guyana and Venezuela

The dispute centres on the territory of Guayana Esequiba, renowned for its oil reserves. The 1898 Arbitral Award granted this land to Guyana, once a colony of the UK. However, since the 1960s, Venezuela has contested the decision, alleging political motivation. To address the dispute, the UK and Venezuela signed the 1966 Geneva Agreement. Upon gaining independence, Guyana became a party to the Agreement, which, in Article IV (2), stipulates that if the parties cannot reach an agreement, the UN Secretary General determines the method of dispute resolution. After the failure of good offices in 2018, the Secretary General selected the ICJ, prompting Guyana to formally initiate proceedings.

Venezuela objected to the Court’s jurisdiction, refraining from submitting a counter-memorial and abstaining from oral arguments. In the 2020 Judgment, the ICJ ruled in favour of its jurisdiction. Subsequently, Venezuela altered its procedural approach, engaging in the case and filling Preliminary Objections, asserting that the case is inadmissible based on the Monetary Gold principle and the absence of the UK. The ICJ, in its 2023 Judgment, declared the case admissible. On 31 October 2023, Guyana sought provisional measures related to the upcoming referendum in Venezuela on 3 December 2023. The referendum questions are:

1. Do you agree to reject, by all means in accordance with the Law, the line fraudulently imposed by the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award, that seeks to strip us of our Guayana Esequiba?
2. Do you support the 1966 Geneva Agreement as the only valid legal instrument for reaching a practical solution satisfactory to Venezuela and Guyana, in relation to the controversy over the Guayana Esequiba territory?
3. Are you in agreement with the historic position of Venezuela of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the Guayana Esequiba territorial controversy?
4. Do you agree to oppose, by all means, in conformity with the Law, Guyana’s pretension of unilaterally making use of a sea pending delimitation, illegally and in violation of international law?
5. Are you in agreement with the creation of a Guayana Esequiba State and for an accelerated plan to be developed for comprehensive attention to the present and future population of that territory that would include, among other things, the granting of Venezuelan citizenship and identity cards, in conformity with the Geneva Agreement and International Law, consequently incorporating said State on the map of Venezuelan territory?

Guyana requested an order to halt the referendum, particularly questions 1, 3, and 5. The aim was to avoid challenging the ICJ proceedings and escalating the dispute. Pursuant to Article 62(1) ICJ Rules, the ICJ posed three questions to both parties: (1) has the Supreme Court of Venezuela ruled on the validity of the referendum questions; (2) will the referendum occur on 3 December and (3) do referenda in Venezuela carry binding force.

Guyana’s arguments

During Guyana’s oral arguments, the focus was on analysing the referendum questions and statements from Venezuelan authorities. Little attention was given to the criteria for indicating provisional measures. Guyana argued that jurisdiction prima facie arises from the Judgments of 2020 and 2023, and the plausibility of Guyana’s rights stems from the Arbitral Award itself. Irreparable prejudice is anticipated in Venezuela’s potential: rejection of the Arbitral Award, disregard for a future ICJ judgment, and armed annexation of Guayana Esequiba. Urgency is based on the time remaining until the referendum (CR 2023/23 para. 21 (Reichler)). Guyana placed the most emphasis on the link between the request and the merits, as it was the main theme of Professor Pellet’s pleadings. The conclusion was straightforward: Venezuela aims to use the referendum to justify its future procedural and factual actions concerning Guayana Esequiba.

Venezuela’s arguments

The oral arguments by Venezuela took a starkly different trajectory. The opening statement from the Vice-President carried a distinctly political tone, affirming Venezuela’s non-recognition of the ICJ’s jurisdiction. She accused Guyana of being influenced by ExxonMobil and the USA, labelling the upcoming referendum as a celebration of democracy. She asserted that both Venezuela and its President, Nicolás Maduro, strongly support democracy. The Vice-President responded evasively to the Court’s questions, particularly concerning the binding nature of the referendum. Although she later referred to it as consultative (eg CR 2023/24 para. 48 (Rodríguez)), her earlier statement indicated that Venezuela would indeed implement the voices of its citizens (para. 24).

In Venezuela’s substantive stance, Professor Mbengue solely focused on three key points. Firstly, he highlighted errors in Guyana’s request, arguing it was filed at an inappropriate time since Guyana was previously aware of the upcoming referendum (paras. 5–6 (Mbengue)). Venezuela contended that Guyana’s presumed sovereign rights remain unaffected by Venezuela’s actions post-referendum (paras. 7–8). Additionally, there was a hypothetical accusation that Venezuela aims to exploit the referendum to disregard the judgment on the merits (paras. 12ff). According to Venezuela, the ICJ’s role is to settle the dispute, not to ensure compliance with the decision (para. 18). Secondly, Venezuela contends that organizing a referendum falls within its domaine réservé, and the ICJ has no right to comment on this matter (paras. 19–28). Thirdly, Venezuela has alleged a lack of jurisdiction. According to it, none of the previous judgments in the case confer jurisdiction upon the ICJ, and Guyana’s request exceeds the competence ratione materiae of the pending dispute (paras. 29–45).

Commentary

Paradoxically, Venezuela raised more intriguing points for analysis:

• Only settlement of disputes. An unresolved dispute concerns the objective(s) of provisional measures: whether those aimed at protecting the parties’ rights are distinct from those meant to non-aggravate the dispute, and what the protection of the parties’ rights entails. Regardless, Article 41 ICJ Statute must be understood very broadly. The rights of the parties do not end with the decision on the merits because there is an obligation to comply with it (Article 94(1) UN Charter). As President Jiménez de Aréchaga claimed in Aegean Sea, ‘The essential object of provisional measures is to ensure that the execution of a future judgment on the merits shall not be frustrated by the actions of one party pendente lite’ (16).
• Request not ‘in good time’. While Venezuela does not directly reference LaGrand, it alludes to its principle that the request must be submitted in good time (19). However, since even the request in LaGrand was deemed timely, the argument that Guyana had knowledge of the planned referendum for two years appears unconvincing here.
• Referendum as the domaine réservé. Venezuela deliberately sidestepped discussing customary law outlined in Article 26 VCLT. This is particularly noteworthy given its intent to implement the will of its people or, in Guyana’s words, to justify future actions based on it. Additionally, the argument that the ICJ lacks the right to comment on internal judgments is flawed. Venezuela failed to acknowledge that in ICSFT/CERD, the Court’s order directly contradicted the decisions of the Supreme Court of Crimea and the Supreme Court of Russia.
• Lack of jurisdiction. Pursuant to Article 73(1) ICJ Rules, a request can be submitted at any stage of the proceedings. Scholars emphasize that if made following the ICJ’s decision on jurisdiction, it strengthens the jurisdiction prima facie, as in Temple (Request). Therefore, Venezuela’s argumentation appears peculiar. The claim of a lack of jurisdiction ratione materiae also attempts to allude to the absence of the link between the request and the merits. While the ICJ decided this in Arbitral Award of 1989, the circumstances of that request (fishing in the contested territory) were entirely different.

Venezuela’s actions are quite surprising. Although its Supreme Court ruled on the validity of the referendum questions, its objectivity is questionable. Just a few days later, the Court hosted the pre-release of the documentary film ‘Our Esquibo’. Venezuela’s procedural strategy is also puzzling: on one hand, it appears before the ICJ and presents its arguments, while on the other hand, it officially asserts that the referendum will proceed. The context is made even more complex by public demonstrations in Venezuela and statements from authorities, especially its President, who sent a letter to the UN Secretary General stating that Venezuela does not recognize the ICJ’s jurisdiction over the dispute.

Political shakedowns in the Philippines threaten Marcos-Duterte alliance

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Vice-President Sara Duterte continue to enjoy high approval ratings. 

PHOTO: PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Mara Cepeda
Philippines Correspondent

MANILA – The honeymoon period for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Vice-President Sara Duterte may soon be over, with analysts saying recent power struggles indicate the growing rift between the two most powerful people in the country.

Both are scions of well-entrenched political clans and heirs of former strongman presidents: Sara is the eldest daughter of Rodrigo Duterte while Ferdinand, the latter’s successor, is the only son and namesake of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

The second year in office for the so-called “UniTeam” has been rocked by instability – a far cry from election day in May 2022 when they became the first president and vice-president tandem in four decades to secure a majority vote in the Philippines.


The tensions came to a head earlier in November, when the president and the House of Representatives he controls made consecutive moves that political analyst Cleve Arguelles of De La Salle University in Manila described as an apparent attack on Ms Duterte.

The House is led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin and close confidante. He is believed by political pundits to be harbouring presidential ambitions in 2028 like Ms Duterte, though both have not explicitly expressed their intentions to seek higher office.

“I definitely think this alliance is already over. For these tensions to be apparent in the public eye, it says a lot about the relationship inside the coalition,” Mr Arguelles said.

On Nov 9, Ms Duterte gave up on her bid to request for 650 million pesos ($15.6 million) worth of confidential funds in 2024 for both the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) and the Education Ministry, of which she is also secretary.

Weeks before this, lawmakers had repeatedly criticised her over the 125 million pesos that was transferred from Mr Marcos’ office to the OVP in 2022, and which Ms Duterte’s office spent in just 11 days.

This transfer is now the subject of a Supreme Court case filed by key opposition figures.

The feisty vice-president described her critics then as “enemies of peace”.


Days later, rumours in political circles swirled that lawmakers were allegedly planning to impeach Ms Duterte.

Mr Marcos said he was closely monitoring this plan but declared: “She does not deserve to be impeached.”

Then on Nov 13, a local court granted the bail request of former opposition senator Leila de Lima, the most high-profile political detainee during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, the vice-president’s father and Mr Marcos’ predecessor.

On Nov 28, the House ordered an investigation into a TV channel owned by controversial doomsday preacher and Duterte ally Apollo Quiboloy for allegedly spreading lies about Mr Romualdez’s foreign trips.

A day later, two House committees adopted a resolution that formally expresses the chamber’s position urging the Marcos government to cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) crimes against humanity probe into Mr Duterte’s bloody drug war.

In a turnaround from his previous hardline stance against the ICC, Mr Marcos said his administration is now considering resuming the Philippines’ ICC membership, which Mr Duterte had earlier terminated.

“These personal attacks on Sara Duterte, the resolution defending Romualdez, this sudden, new-found courage of the House to criticise Duterte – all these measures disempower the Dutertes,” said ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Dr Aries Arugay.

“And they are coming from politicians who, at one point, were so loyal to the Dutertes”.

Dr Arugay believes the vice-president has no one else to blame but herself now that she is a target of political elites who were supposed to be her allies.

He said election results did indicate that Mr Marcos would not have won the presidency if Ms Duterte had not given way to him. But the vice-president’s mistake seems to be her insistence on “imposing her sacrifice” – or her expectation of reward from the ruling coalition for the election victory.

“She felt that she was entitled to everything because, in her mind, the alliance is asymmetric because she has more power than the other,” Dr Arugay said.

“The thing is, by the second year, it was really obvious that her every move was for 2028. Then she became a target, which is the normal reaction of everyone in the political establishment,” he added.

Despite the issues, Ms Duterte insisted all is well between her and Mr Marcos.

“No, there are no cracks in our alliance,” Ms Duterte told reporters on Nov 28.

Mr Marcos and Ms Duterte continue to enjoy high approval ratings, but their numbers significantly plummeted for the first time in the September Pulse Asia survey.

From 80 per cent in June, Mr Marcos’ rating has fallen to 65 per cent. Ms Duterte’s approval rating in September is higher than that of Mr Marcos at 73 per cent, but it is lower than her 84 per cent approval rating in June.

Expect more political clashes between the Marcos and Duterte factions if this downward trend continues, said Dr Arugay.

“All this tells you that in Philippine politics, political tides can continuously shift. Therefore, you cannot be arrogant. You cannot have hubris. Political karma is a regular thing,” he said. “There will always be a reckoning.”

And the political infighting may have just begun, as the Philippines is only about a year away from the campaign season for the 2025 mid-term elections.

The polls will not just be a referendum on the Marcos presidency but also set the stage for whoever has ambitions to succeed him in 2028.