Activities of the Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway has created much controversial opinions and beliefs from ages and cultural groups. However, the aboriginal members of the Yinka Dene Alliance is strictly opposing to Enbridge’s 7.9 billion oil pipeline, which runs from Alberta to Kitimat, British Columbia. These first nations groups strives to protect their spiritual land, animals and ecosystem. Their argument is that a simple oil leak can easily destroy the natural habitat and balance of nature – especially endangered species that reside in the heart of the Nak’azdli territory.

Yet, the fact that the Nak’azdli depends on oil and fuel for their vehicles and boats (HOEKSTRA) contradicts their opposition with the pipeline.

Despite that, Nak’azdli members are trying to reduce fossil fuel consumption to demonstrate their protest and support their position of opposition. For example, Kwah Hall is now heated with an energy system that burns wood waste, and the grocery store, new elementary school and an apartment they own all se geothermal heating (HOEKSTRA). These actions from the first nations ultimately have an affect on the business world as well.

By trying to demonstrate their ability to survive with reduced fossil fuel consumption, the Nak’azdli members are leading the rest of the world with the notion of minimizing carbon emission. It is provides eco-friendly business inventions and ideas an opportunity to enter the field of business. At the same time, it forces the major energy delivery companies such as Enbridge Inc. to re-evaluate their plans, steps of measure and probability of plans – like the Northern Gateway plan. As seen, due to the First Nations protest, the final decision of the Northern Gateway has yet to be finalized.

Cite: HOEKSTRA, GORDON. There will be no Pipeline. 16 August 2014. 6 October October. <http://www.vancouversun.com/news/There+will+pipeline/10122968/story.html>.

Blog Commenting:

Cecilia Larson: Thumbs Up to Healthcare

The notion of Facebook allowing users to state their organ donation status has drastically influenced the medical field. The primary advantage of for the “donor status update” is making it easier for patients and hospital workers to find probably donors, fast. Yet, simultaneously, this feature also spreads the incentive of enlisting oneself as a possible donor. In a study published in the American Journal of Transplantation, it showed that “the social network gave a 21-fold boost to the number of people who registered themselves as organ donors in a single day” (Castillo). Furthermore, there was a “21.2 percent increase” (Castillo) of organ donors the day Facebook enabled the organ donation option. Ultimately, I agree with Cecilia Larson’s deduction that this option has ameliorated the consumer segments by making organ seeker and donor matching more efficient, rapid and simple.

Despite the numerous benefits of this status option, I can’t help but worry about privacy concerns. There are multiple people uses alternative names and information for social media accounts, making information confirmation between donors and medical facilities difficult.

Yet, on the contrary, an alternative user account name also creates a situation for which patients can limit who are able to view their posts and information. Ultimately those who desire anonymity and assurance of their data are able to contact others without feeling invaded of their private medical situation.

Thus, with the booming social media industry, the incorporation of a donor status for Facebook users has ameliorated the consumer relationships in the healthcare field.

Cites:  Castillo, Michelle. Study: Allowing organ donation status on Facebook increased number of donors. 18 June 2013. 5 October 2014. <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-allowing-organ-donation-status-on-facebook-increased-number-of-donors/>.

Toyota’s hydrogen powered car was showcased at the Paris Motor Show this year, announcing to the world of their new fuel-cell vehicle (FVC). This new vehicle is “powered by electricity, created by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, leaving water vapor as the only tailpipe emission” (Hotten). Despite the eco-friendly aspect of the Toyota sedan vehicle, critics have commented on hydrogen re-filling problems.

I believe that Toyota’s FVC is an excellent innovation by demonstrating the possibility of minimizing a car’s carbon footprint. However, this innovation is also in direct competition with the flourishing popularity of electric cars. Consumers, who are not readily accepting with this relatively new market, are slowly trying to adapt to the concept of driving hybrid vehicles and fully electric vehicles such as Tesla MS. Thus, the Toyota FVC will face low consumer rates being uncertain with the idea of a hydrogen powered car. Another problem is the limited hydrogen refueling stations, which will affect the number of consumers willing to by the Toyota FVC. For example, Toyota announces that there will be “15 publicly accessible stations by the end of 2015” (Hotten). Evidently, the lack of fueling stations limiting transportation will greatly impact this hydrogen powered car market, minimizing Toyota’s profit gains.

Cite: Hotten, Russel. BBC News. 2 October 2014. 4 October 2014.