Step one in the process of creating a comprehensive transportation policy is for the United States to determine whether it is concerned with just energy security, or energy security AND greenhouse gas emissions. So said Robert Skinner of the Transportation Research Board. At a symposium earlier this year, he outlined the pros and cons of policy options for reducing travel activity, creating opportunities for travel by more efficient means, and other proposals. You can see the complete video of his speech, wherein he even stipulates that as part of a logical transportation policy, it wouldn't be off the mark to ask Americans to pay more for gasoline.

"To deal with GHG emissions and energy security in the United States, we must find substitutes for the petroleum-based fuels that our transportation system currently relies upon.  We will need continued refinements to our existing technologies, new vehicle and fuel options, and policies that provide incentives for consumers to make more fuel- efficient travel choices."  

Robert Lawler, Director of Transportation at MORPC, reflected on the importance of Skinner's visit to Columbus.

"Central Ohio's strategic location allows our logistics industry to participate in all phases of the supply chain, bringing many advantages to our region's industries. For example, raw materials and unfinished goods shipped into our region become finished goods, which are then distributed throughout the nation through our strong distribution system," he said. "As Mr. Skinner pointed out, as transportation costs increase, central Ohio's ability to minimize these costs will only enhance its position in the nation."

Debate about the implications of proposed "fracking" in Ohio's state parks was another local angle that aroused audience interest at this CCWA event, along with commentary about Ohio having refunded federal dollars that had been earmarked for the development of inter-city rail projects.    

The symposium was held over lunch at the recently renovated Columbus Foundation building. It was indicative of the quality content and high caliber experts we are so lucky to have associated with the Columbus Council on World Affairs.  If you missed this one, or any of the other outstanding events in the past several months,  read on for a recap... 

Anyone who wishes to hear from our expert speakers can do so, thanks to the addition of a "live webscast" system launched in the past year.   It enables free access in real time from the comfort of your home or office, or using your mobile device.  Full video archives of these lectures  are also viewable for free on our Vimeo page, usually two to five days after each event.  Here are some highlights from past programs:

Professor Stephen Buser gave Consumer Spending in the U.S. a grade of "A-", while stamping a disapproving "D" on Federal Debt.  The Real Estate Market earned an "E."  Find out why: http://vimeo.com/29764096/.

Tess Mateo wowed our audience with her group's vision for "Nine billion people, living well, and within the limits of the planet" by 2050. You may download her PowerPoint and see other resources related to her visit at http://columbusworldaffairs.org/2011/july-20-2011/.

Peter Hiscocks, seasoned journalist of BBC fame, described the Thompson Foundation's work to build democracy in at-risk countries through the use of citizen journalism training programs: http://vimeo.com/23656192/. 

Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright addressed an audience at Denison University, including 100 CCWA members who had seats reserved for them.  Special partnerships like this one with Denison make the benefits of membership in the Columbus Council on World Affairs even more rewarding.  For information, call Rhonda Nicholas at 614-229-4599.    

Scott Bates advised that we "don't underestimate the Midwest's influence on the Middle East." Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, his work has focused on developing new approaches to protecting the United States from terrorist attack.  He first spoke authoritatively to our symposium audience, and later adapted his style and message to be relatable to ninth graders at Columbus International High School.  He handled both masterfully.  Hear directly from Scott Bates: http://vimeo.com/23021613/.  

For a full listing of past events and links to video archives, visit our Resources page at www.columbusworldaffairs.org.  

Last March, the Council held its annual International Awards Ceremony (IAC), honoring Limited Brands as International Company of the Year and Todd Decker-Kaplonski as International Educator of the Year.  In Les Wexner's speech, he explained how the award made him reflect on the global nature of his enterprise.  Despite his enormous success, he said he still often thinks of LimitedBrands as the local start-up company he began decades ago. In anticipation of his address to our IAC audience, Wexner said he had to step back and to index the myriad international aspects of his business; the company has stores in 38 countries and, in a WOSU article, Wexner said he plans to open more stores in the Middle East.   

Todd Decker-Kaplonski has worked to enrich the education of his students through cultural activities and unique plays for his theater students.  He has helped the coming generation of leaders become excited about the rich diversity of Central Ohio. CCWA has engaged him as a breakout presenter at an  upcoming teacher workshop about Somalia and continues to use his insights -- and those from other past International Educators of the Year -- to enhance our k-12 programming.     

There were over 700 attendees at the last IAC ceremony, most of whom praised the speakers, efficiency of the event, food, and the African drummers who provided entertainment.  We expect that 2012's ceremony on March 15 will be just as exciting.  

Participants in this past spring's 29th Annual Global Issues Retreat included exchange students from Mexico, Russia, and Japan, and their peers from Central Ohio.  An intense agenda was presented,  equipping students with the knowledge and skills to work cooperatively on shared issues.  

Sessions focused on Human Trafficking, Strategies for Interacting with the Press and Government Representatives,  The Arab Spring Revolution in Egypt, Misconceptions about Pakistan, Diplomacy at the United Nations/Diplomacy in Everyday Life, Water Privatization, and Lebanon.  These learning activities were tempered with outdoor hikes, a Global Talent Show, and a pizza-making competition (ever tried Japan's popular "Mayo Jaga" with mayonnaise, potato and bacon?) that kept things fun for our young ambassadors-in-training.   

"By the end of the retreat, the only general regret was the fact that we couldn't stay longer," a student said in a survey.  The final group assignment was to make a video message to the victims of the Japanese earthquake. After consulting with their new friend Shin Ando about what would be most appreciated, the students decided to simply share a video message of good will in a wide variety of languages (the video can be seen here).  

Within hours of returning home, most of the students had found one another on Facebook and had begun to plan their reunion for the following weekend.  One student expressed gratitude that people from such diverse countries and cultures were brought together and had the opportunity to become friends when they otherwise never may have met.  "The people I spent the weekend with have become my extended family," another student commented.  The combination of learning experiences was summed up well by one participant who said that it was a "perfect combination of social, physical, and mental stimulation." 

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