NationStates Jolt Archive

I was digging around the forums, and I came across an idea that I thought seemed really interesting, but it doesn't look like anything came of it. Someone suggested setting up an environmental think-tank. Several people said it might be an interesting idea. But that seemed to be that. I don't think it exists, and I don't think it was ever set up.

The problem I see with UN environmental legislation is three things, neither of which are wholly our fault. Firstly, there's too little coherence. People don't seem to acknowledge the fact that there are other resolutions out there. For example, someone suggesting replacing Resolution #48, which Fonzoland is trying to repeal. Aside from the fact that resolution does nothing, there are already two further logging resolutions. Secondly, there's some really unrealistic suggestions (Promotion of Solar Panels, perhaps, which, while an admirable idea, just wasn't workable). As such, even well-intended resolutions suffer, and get mocked, ignored, or repealed. And thirdly, there's too many trying to change the world in one resolution. I believe in concentrating on smaller areas at a time: desertification, wetlands, rivers, and so on.

Anyway, those are just my thoughts; I'm sure others disagree with them. It's hard to debate them in a general sense, though, so I thought the think-tank would be good for that. We could also help people with their proposals, and come up with some good ones. For example, my family is in the timber industry, so I know bits about that; I know nothing about climate change. If we got together different people, it'd create a good knowledge base. It would also be open to all sorts, even anti-environmentalists, to make sure we got a sensible balance. Passing environmental legislation that cripples economies is worse in a way than passing none at all.

It wouldn't be an IC alliance or anything, but just something on an off-site forum - Invision always does ok - to provide, say, a general discussion forum, a place to discuss new proposals, and a place to help anyone out with their proposals. I know there are some think-tanks/interest groups already, and I wouldn't want to "get on their turf", but I don't think there is anything like this. Is anyone interested? I thought our slogan could be "We're not all tree-huggers, you know."

(P.S. If this does already exist, or something similar, could you point it out, as I'd obviously be interested in joining.)

I rather like this idea, namely having an off-site forum, to discuss environmental issues, and I'd participate!

If I may, it might be a good idea to encourage both NS and RL based experiences in any discussions. Though NS ultimately is the intended focus of the legislation, allowing RL material might help provide some details. This is assuming the group isn't IC.

edit: you might find a regional forum that already exists and ask them to make a special sub-forum. I only suggest this as it seems having some base flow in traffic / people is good.

http://s13.invisionfree.com/Green_Think_Tank

It's been set up. Yes, it's a crap name: if anyone can think up a better one, they get...I don't know, a joss stick. Anyone's welcome to join. I'll fill it out a bit later. I know this probably won't take off, but it's at least an idea that might get some useful thoughts going. And, if not, then at least it's another small nail in Invision's creaking coffin, courtesy of NS.

Well I'm in.

count me in as well. The empire takes environmental issues seriously and having the chance to see new ideas and research would be beneficial to creating new proposals.

Thanks to those who've expressed an interest; Mikitivity and Kirisubo, and anyone else, feel free to register on the forum.

I'll join, we enjoy debating environmentalist proposals and view their progression with great interest.

May the blessings of our otters be upon you.

Leonard Otterby
Ambassador for the Republic of Compadria to the U.N.

OOC: Nice idea - I've signed up.

We have just registered the Principality of Ausserland as a member of the Green Think Tank. Our nation would probably not be considered very "green", and no one in Ausserland has hugged a tree within recent memory*, but we think this is an excellent idea and hope it will be a successful one.

Our thanks to the honorable representative of Sheknu for establishing this organization.

*We are not counting old Mister Lohrfahz, who regularly hugs trees on his way home after long evenings at the Golden Boar Tavern.

Hurlbot Barfanger
Ambassador to the United Nations

Our nation is not green at all. We will, however, keep you in our sights as we continue to mull whether to join. Our distinction as the author of two failed environmental repeals may make membership a good idea.

Jack Riley
Ambassador to the United Nations

Jolly good show sir! Count us in!

I've signed up.

i've signed up as well

Signed up, AND made the first non-admin post! *Fonzoland gives himself a cookie*

Signed up, AND made the first non-admin post! *Fonzoland gives himself a cookie*

OOC: Yeah, and you posted while I was writing mine and congratulating myself for being the first non-admin poster! I hope your cookie's stale! ;)

OOC: Yeah, and you posted while I was writing mine and congratulating myself for being the first non-admin poster! I hope your cookie's stale! ;)

Well, what to do. You don't want to know what they say in Fonzoland about 2nd place... :p Delicious cookie, by the way!

Wow, thanks to everyone who's joined up. It'll take a little bit of time to get everything together, but hopefully it'll be an interesting endeavour. Thanks! Everyone is still welcome to join; if anyone just wants to be an 'observer', you don't have to register to post, so you can come and go.

Nice job Sheknu! This thing's only been in existence for 12 hours and it's already starting to get up and going.

I'm in!

Would you mind if I put a link in the UNO to the Green Think Tank?


On that note, I'd be happy to link *any* off-site forum or sub-forum interested in the UN on the UNO boards, such as the sovereignty and federalist groups. Just telegram or visit the forums and I'll get something setup.

But these groups should have something of an interest in the NS UN. For example, if your forum has a subforum decidated to the UN, a link directly there might help increase visiting traffic on your forum. :)

Groot Gouda has registered.

I'm very interested in the idea, but as what I know about environmental issues wouldn't half fill a thimble, won't join at the moment.

I will however keep an eye on what you are doing and if I see something you all are working on that I do know squat about and can contribute to, I'll certainly join then :).

I'm very interested in the idea, but as what I know about environmental issues wouldn't half fill a thimble, won't join at the moment.

I will however keep an eye on what you are doing and if I see something you all are working on that I do know squat about and can contribute to, I'll certainly join then :).

OOC:

Waterana, I wouldn't let that stop me. In fact, it didn't. I know about two pounds less than nothing about environmental issues, but I thought maybe I could help with some drafting and editing, so I joined. I know you're busy with your resolution now, but please don't forget to drop by the GTT when circumstances permit. I know your perspective on issues, even if not totally informed ones, would be welcome. :)

Hmm.

Anyway, Mikitivity, yes you can link it from your forum; anyone can. If you want me to put a return link in, I will do so.

Waterana, feel free to join, even if you don't feel you know much: it's just a discussion group, really. Anyway, Guest posting is enabled.

Ok Ausserland and Sheknu, message received :).

I'll see how I feel after my resolution is finished with, and may join up then.

count me in:cool:

Firstly, BUMP for new members. We're currently concentrating on getting Fonzoland's repeal of #48 passed, but all areas are welcome for discussion.

Secondly, http://support.invisionfree.com/index.php?showtopic=211462
Server 13 is down: it's not just the GTT site. Sorry 'bout that.

I'm not an enviromentalist, but I offer congratulations to the nation of Sheknu for their present impact on the UN

http://test256.free.fr/UN%20Cards/apprentice8py.jpg

I tried signing up...

"The page cannot be displayed."

I tried signing up...

"The page cannot be displayed."

The host (invision 13) has been down. Just try again later. :)

Count optischer in. This is a major issue for us, as we spend only $25,556,703,757.20 or 7% of our budget on it. We'd spend 13% of our budget on it if we didn't have to waste money on social equality and welfare.

Server 13 is online. The GTT is back! :)

and there was much rejoicing :)

Yaay...

*waves a little flag in celebration*

Server 13 is online. The GTT is back! :)


And I've now joined the forum, too, although how much (or, more probably, "how little") time I'll be able to give it remains to be seen...