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Show NEWS A3 Dr. Minqi Li speaks on China, oil and climate By Chris Rawle Staff Writer Speaking as part of the International Center's Global Spotlight on China program, Dr. Minqi Li discussed the relationship between China, oil production and the effects on the climate during a recent speech entitled "China, Peak Oil and Climate Change." Dr. Li, currently an assistant professor of economics at the University of Utah, spoke of China's rapidly expanding role in regards to the world's energy consumption, rising from just under 10 percent in 1990 to just under 20 percent in 2009, and compared that to the United States' declining role, falling from 25 percent in 1990 to just under 20 percent in 2009. "China's energy consumption growth rate would double every nine years at the current rate," Li said. He followed by showing how China's increase in energy consumption could be problematic when taken in context of the recent peak in world oil production, stating that 28 significant oil proTrend continued failed to meet the GPA requirements. According to Portwood, they follow proper electoral processes. While incumbents running for office have the chance to build a network of supporters over a year's time, according to Clegg, the advisors who work directly with student government remain impartial and completely neutral during the election process. Gilbert Cisneros/UVU Review ducing countries have passed their peak, which in turn accounts for over 50 percent of the world's oil production. "Despite the surging of oil prices...the world oil production has hit a ceiling," Li said. Because of the increase in energy consumption and the decrease in oil production, Li concluded that the current climate is rising steadily, stating that 2010 was the warmest year since 1880. "For the moment, the global average temperature is one degree Celsius higher than pre-industrial times," Li said. "At the current rate, the temperature is rising by 0.2 degrees each decade." He said that global tem- peratures rising by 4 degrees Celsius would constitute a catastrophic scenario for the world's population, which, according to Li, is exactly where the world is headed. Asked to offer solutions for the current 21st century crisis, Li stated that disaster is only avoidable through the reformation or end of capitalism. Barring that, according to Li, we could be heading towards an ecological catastrophe, possibly resulting in the end of civilization and humanity. "That, basically, is the fundamental problem that we have to deal with this century," Li said. "There are many rules that govern the election process," said Nefi Acosta, chief justice and Elections Committee co-chair, in an email. "These rules are in place to allow for a fair and orderly election process and are enforced by the Elections Committee." Portwood, also co-chairing the Elections Committee, mentioned there is a possibility of a third party over seeing the elections in the future, but that a change like this would take some time. The running team will still have to receive 50.1 percent of votes cast in order to be elected, according to the election bylaws. Just because there is only one team running, does not necessarily mean they will be elected, as there is the option of doing a write-in or voting to not vote by leaving the ballot blank when casting the ballot. In place of a debate this year, the running team will be rt Cisneros/UKtReview Dr. Minqi Li spoke to students about the rising energy consumption in China. holding a question and answer session to get feedback from students in order to determine how they can best serve the student population during what will likely be their year in office. "There's a lot that can be improved here — and it will continue to be that way and students should recognize they can be the change they want to see," Portwood said. there could have been more publicity put out about it." Another facet that could be playing a part in decreased applications is the recent change in eligibility requirements. According to Phil Clegg, assistant vice president of student life, three years ago the GPA requirement to run was changed from 2.5 to 3.0, and there has been a decrease in applicants since this change. "This is the first time we've had this happen since I've been here, in the last 15 years, this is really uncom- Gilbert Cisneros/UVU Review mon," Clegg said. Although Portwood and Clegg have both advised other groups who were considering running for office, those groups decided it wasn't worth the money and effort to run, as they believed they couldn't win against the incumbents, according to Clegg. Students were not required to run with a group, and Portwood said there was a student who applied, but failed to meet the GPA requirements. OS ENGAGEMENT RING '111161 , -11•-• • *ice • 4, • Free whitening • Cleaning exam and xray for only $65.0r" • Evening appointments available • We take an emergency appointments with free exam ancl xras • We offer a LIVU discount which is generally a 60% reduction of our regular fees CANYON RIVER NTAL 5707 North. Canyon Road Suite 717) Provo, Utah 801-221-535 www.car9onriverciental.com Lost on 2/15/11 between 11:20 and 11:50 a.m. in the women's locker room in the PE building, or between the PE building and the Student Center. If you have found it or have any information, please contact the the Campus Police Lost and Found at 801.863.5555 or call 801.623.3882 or 801.717.8441 This ring has tremendous sentimental value. Please help us get it back. |