Packaging: A Key to Climate Sustainability

This podcast, with a leading industry executive, discusses how US oil and gas companies, particularly in the independent sector, are expanding exploration and production activities to respond to both increasing energy needs at home and energy security for our allies, particularly in response to the invasion of Ukraine. It also discusses environmental benefits of increased use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), steps US companies are taking to reduce methane emissions, and efforts necessary to expand US production and exports for global energy security and environmental benefits, including permitting reform.

What can be done to address shortages in the health care workforce? In this episode of Sustaining Capitalism, we are joined by Cecilia McKenney, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Quest Diagnostics, to discuss workforce challenges facing the health care industry following the pandemic. Tune in to find out: How did the pandemic strain the health care workforce? How can employers better reengage and retain their workers? What are ways that health care providers can become more efficient through technology and training? What role can employers play in fostering pipelines developing future workers? What should policymakers consider to address labor shortage challenges?

In this podcast, Dr. Doug Shapiro, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, discusses college enrollment trends. The country's undergraduate student body dropped by nearly 1.4 million students during the pandemic and the enrollment decline continues. Dr. Shapiro provides insights from the research center's data on enrollment patterns across institutions of higher education. To learn more about the work of the National Student Clearinghouse, see https://nscresearchcenter.org/

One year in, the Russian invasion has brought far-reaching geopolitical changes, with shocks to global energy and food markets, higher inflation, and economic disruption. The human cost of the war has been incalculable as well. Join us for this timely podcast featuring an assessment of where the war stands now; how the West has responded to it; assessments of the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia, European energy security, and the nuclear threat; the future direction of US policy; and some surprising aspects of the war and its effects.  

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021, has the potential to extend broadband access to Americans previously unserved or underserved by our broadband infrastructure. As CED has previously highlighted, broadband is essential to American economic and civic life. Michael Romano of NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association joins us to discuss how the funding from the infrastructure law can be unlocked and used effectively.

Regulatory agencies often overstep their boundaries, with serious consequences both to the entities they regulate and the economy as a whole. This podcast will consider some recent examples of agencies exceeding their authority and offer a perspective on "smart regulation" in which Congress should speak with clear language and agencies stay within the mandate Congress has given them and consider the perspective of those who will be subject to the regulations.

As 2023 begins, there are many issues on the agenda for the US and Asia, ranging from the Taiwan Strait to Japan's new defense posture to economic challenges facing the region. Nirmal Ghosh, Washington correspondent of Singapore's Straits Times and veteran observer of US-Asia relations, shares his insights with us for a pivotal year.

Earlier this year, supply chains on both sea and land were severely strained. As the holidays approach, have things improved? Former Federal Maritime Commissioner Rob Quartel shares his thoughts on this and other global shipping issues. The podcast will also discuss the new Ocean Shipping Reform Act and other issues relating to the large volume of US and international commerce that arrives by ship.

In this podcast, the CEO of Novolex discusses the connection between packaging and climate sustainability, including innovative recycling of plastics, the unintended consequences of bans on types of packaging, and Novolex’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Travel is an essential part of the US economy, generating $1.9 trillion in economic output and supporting 9.5 million jobs. Travel recovery is essential for economic recovery. Join Jamie Mageau of US Travel as she discusses the latest post-pandemic travel trends.