News
Update: June 2012
Building Global Infrastructure: Draft manuscript circulated for review
A draft version of Building Global Infrastructure, the fourth volume of the Patterns of Potential Human Progress series, is now in the hands of a number of infrastructure specialists for commentary and feedback. The completed volume will go into production in the fall for publication in January 2013. The volume builds on extensively expanded treatment of infrastructure within the International Futures model, with representation of both the demand for and the supply of transportation, energy, water/sanitation, and information and communication technologies. Forecasts of infrastructure are endogenized within the model and are directly connected to government finance, economic productivity, and health. Scenario analysis within the volume finds that universal infrastructure access targets by 2030 are unrealistic for many countries. We conclude that context-specific aggressive but reasonable targets are a more appropriate alternative policy intervention and put less strain on other government sectors, such as education and health.
Preparing to improve the representation of the environment and natural resources in International Futures
Dale Rothman attended the Gordon Research Conference on Industrial Ecology in Les Diablerets, Switzerland from June 17-22. As an invited speaker, Dr. Rothman’s remarks focused on the use of scenarios for structured and integrated thinking about sustainability and the International Futures model as a valuable tool for such efforts. We hope to connect further with a number of those at the meeting as we continue to work to enhance the representation of resource use and the environment in IFs.
Pardee Center research assistants graduate and continue their careers in new settings
Five of our excellent graduate students completed their Masters degrees at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies this spring and are starting new chapters in their careers and lives. Best wishes to Mark Eschbaugh, Eric Firnhaber, Greg Maly, Patrick McLennan and Alison Terry. You will all be missed and we hope you will remember to stop by the center from time to time!