WHAT is protein, what is complete protein + 15 COMPLETE Proteins vegetarians and vegans need to know

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March 29, 2019

NordenBladet – “Complete protein” is a term referring to the building blocks of protein- amino acids. There are twenty different amino acids which form a protein. And, there are nine amino acids which the body cannot produce, known as essential amino acids. As the body is not able to produce them on its own, we need to eat them. For a protein to be considered complete, it must contain all nine essential amino acids.

What is protein?
Proteins are large biomolecules, or macromolecules, consisting of one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, responding to stimuli, providing structure to cells and organisms, and transporting molecules from one location to another. Proteins differ from one another primarily in their sequence of amino acids, which is dictated by the nucleotide sequence of their genes, and which usually results in protein folding into a specific three-dimensional structure that determines its activity.

A linear chain of amino acid residues is called a polypeptide. A protein contains at least one long polypeptide. Short polypeptides, containing less than 20–30 residues, are rarely considered to be proteins and are commonly called peptides, or sometimes oligopeptides. The individual amino acid residues are bonded together by peptide bonds and adjacent amino acid residues. The sequence of amino acid residues in a protein is defined by the sequence of a gene, which is encoded in the genetic code. In general, the genetic code specifies 20 standard amino acids; however, in certain organisms the genetic code can include selenocysteine and—in certain archaea—pyrrolysine. Shortly after or even during synthesis, the residues in a protein are often chemically modified by post-translational modification, which alters the physical and chemical properties, folding, stability, activity, and ultimately, the function of the proteins. Sometimes proteins have non-peptide groups attached, which can be called prosthetic groups or cofactors. Proteins can also work together to achieve a particular function, and they often associate to form stable protein complexes.

Once formed, proteins only exist for a certain period and are then degraded and recycled by the cell’s machinery through the process of protein turnover. A protein’s lifespan is measured in terms of its half-life and covers a wide range. They can exist for minutes or years with an average lifespan of 1–2 days in mammalian cells. Abnormal or misfolded proteins are degraded more rapidly either due to being targeted for destruction or due to being unstable.

Like other biological macro molecules such as polysaccharides and nucleic acids, proteins are essential parts of organisms and participate in virtually every process within cells. Many proteins are enzymes that catalyse biochemical reactions and are vital to metabolism. Proteins also have structural or mechanical functions, such as actin and myosin in muscle and the proteins in the cytoskeleton, which form a system of scaffolding that maintains cell shape. Other proteins are important in cell signaling, immune responses, cell adhesion, and the cell cycle. In animals, proteins are needed in the diet to provide the essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized. Digestion breaks the proteins down for use in the metabolism.

Proteins may be purified from other cellular components using a variety of techniques such as ultra centrifugation, precipitation, electrophoresis, and chromatography; the advent of genetic engineering has made possible a number of methods to facilitate purification. Methods commonly used to study protein structure and function include immunohistochemistry, site-directed mutagenesis, X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry.

What is complete protein?
A complete protein or whole protein is a food source of protein that contains an adequate proportion of each of the nine essential amino acids necessary in the human diet. Examples of single-source complete proteins are red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, soybeans and quinoa. The concept does not include whether or not the food source is high in total protein, or any other information about that food’s nutritious value.

It was once thought that plant sources of protein are deficient in one or more amino acids, and so vegetarian diets had to specifically combine foods during meals, which would create a complete protein. However, the most recent position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is that protein from a variety of plant foods eaten during the course of a day typically supplies enough essential amino acids when caloric requirements are met. Normal physiological functioning of the body is possible if one obtains enough protein and sufficient amounts of each amino acid from a plant-based diet. In fact, the highest PDCAAS scores are not given to commonly eaten meat products, but rather to animal-derived vegetarian foods like milk and eggs and the vegan food soy protein isolate.

Total adult daily intake
The second column in the following table shows the amino acid requirements of adults as recommended by the World Health Organization calculated for a 62 kg (137 lb) adult. Recommended Daily Intake is based on 2,000 kilocalories (8,400 kJ) per day, which could be appropriate for a 70 kg (150 lb) adult.

Protein can be found in many different sources, including vegan complete protein sources:

Beans and peas
Soy Grains and vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Dairy products
Eggs
Meats and poultry
Seafood (fish and shellfish)
Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Pictures: 8x Pexels

15 Complete Proteins Vegetarians and Vegans Need to Know:

Buckwheat

Protein content: 6 grams per 1 cup, cooked.
It comes from the rhubarb family and it isn’t a type of wheat
Capable of improving circulation and lowering cholesterol levels
Must try ideas: use buckwheat as a protein in chili recipes

Spirulina

Protein content: 4 grams per 1 tablespoon
Part of the algae family and technically not a complete protein because it doesn’t contain methionine and cysteine)
You can turn it into a complete protein by adding seeds, nuts, oats, and grains
Must try ideas: add a spoonful to your favorite smoothie

Chickpeas

Protein content: 7.25 g per ½ cup.
Tasty and quite versatile vegan protein source. Use them like you would beans
Must try ideas: add them to stews and curries, roast them in the oven, add them to soups, or make hummus

Mycoprotein

Protein content: 13 g of protein per ½ cup serving
A fungus-based protein used as meat replacement
Must try ideas: use it like you would with meat

Hemp Seeds

Protein content: 5 g of protein per tablespoon
They add a sweet and nutty taste to smoothies, salads, and meals.
Must try ideas: Add it to smoothies, salads, fruits salads, and granola.

Almonds

Protein content: 16.5 g of protein per ½ cup.
A great snack.
Beneficial for eye and skin health
Help you meet your protein needs in a vegan way
Must try ideas: make almond butter or add them to green salads, vegetable dishes, granola, cereal, or fruit salads

Quinoa

Protein content: 8 grams per 1 cup, cooked.
Packed with fiber, manganese, magnesium, and iron
A great substitute for rice
Must try ideas: use it as a filling for a breakfast burrito

Rice and Beans

Protein content: 7 grams per 1 cup
When used together, they have a protein content like meat
A fantastic way to fill up after a workout
Must try ideas: use them as a filling during taco night

Lentils

Protein content: 8.84 g of protein per ½ cup
Quite versatile vegan protein sources
Must try ideas: try lentil soup or add it to rice, stews, curries, or salads

Potatoes

Protein content: 8 g of protein per serving.
Surprisingly, potatoes a great vegan protein source
Must try ideas: add them to soups and casseroles or enjoy them steamed, boiled, baked, or mashed

Broccoli

Protein content: 4 g of protein
Adding broccoli to your life can significantly increase your vegan protein for the day
Must try ideas: it is tasty in salads and stir-fries

Ezekial Bread

Protein content: 8 grams per 2 slices
Made from sprouted grains: spelt, lentils, wheat, barley, beans, and millet
Packed with fiber and vitamins
Must try ideas: use it as a base for a mini pizza

Seitan

Protein content: 21 grams per 1/3 cup
It has been used by Buddhist monks as a vegan protein source
Cook it in a soy sauce- broth in order to add gluten’s missing lysine for a chewy, meat-like food
Must try ideas: try seitan fajitas and stir-fry.

Pita and Hummus

Protein content: 7 grams in one pita and 2 tbsp of hummus
An easy lunch, but also works as a breakfast, snack, or dinner as well as a vegan protein-filled meal
Must try ideas: add your favorite veggies to the pita. Add some seitan, beans, or other vegan protein sources

Tofu

Protein content: 10 g of protein per ½ cup
A great and quite versatile vegan protein source. It can be used as a meat substitute and it ss great for baking
Must try ideas: try tofu scrambles for breakfast and baked tofu with your favorite side for lunch

Peanut Butter Sandwich

Protein content: 15 grams in one sandwich
Great for children who will not even notice that they are meeting their protein through a vegan protein source
Always use natural and organic peanut butter
Must try ideas: make peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and honey sandwiches. You can also add peanut butter and nut butter to lettuce wraps and tortillas

Featured image: Pexels/Ella Olsson

WHAT is masked depression and how can you spot its sneaky symptoms? + 15 HABITS of people with Concealed Depression

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 29, 2019

NordenBladet — Depression is a serious mental disorder which very often goes undetected for a long time. Those with concealed depression are fighting demons on their down, rarely sharing their battles with the people around them. Wounds are something that people are not open about, in most cases. We tend to keep things a secret and try to solve them on our own.

What is concealed depression?
In concealed depression or masked depression, individuals have an atypical form of depression where they do not typically report that they feel sad most of the time, but are masking their symptoms.

Someone who suffers from concealed depression specifically is programmed to deal with their symptoms in a way that makes them easy to miss by outsiders. These people often bottle up their thoughts and emotions, putting up a happy front for everyone else when in reality, they struggle with sadness or finding a purpose in life, in extreme cases even having suicidal thoughts.

“Concealed depression is sometimes called ‘smiling depression’ because the sufferer seems fine,” said Sally Winston, PsyD, a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA.org). “They go about their lives fulfilling their responsibilities, interacting apparently normally, and do not complain or share with others how they are feeling. They may be so used to being silently depressed that it is just experienced as ‘this is just the way I am; I am just a loser’ or ‘this is the way life is’ rather than ‘I am depressed.'”

What are the signs of concealed depression?
If you find yourself often feeling low but going to great lengths to make others believe you’re perfectly fine and happy, you may be suffering from concealed depression. Other signs to watch for are changes in your sleep and eating habits, feelings of fear and anxiety, using lifestyle hobbies like music and exercise to ward off feelings of sadness, and constantly making excuses to not spend time with friends and family members. “Vegetative signs like poor sleep or no appetite or pleasure do occur, but the sufferer feels there is no reason to seek help as it is hopeless to expect change,” Winston added.

Signs and Symptoms:
If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

– Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
– Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
– Irritability
– Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
– Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
– Decreased energy or fatigue
– Moving or talking more slowly
– Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
– Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
– Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
– Appetite and/or weight changes
– Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
– Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

The following 15 habits are some of the things people with concealed depression do.

They are often quite talented and very expressive
Many famous people have dealt with mental illness, and this battle is what gives them deeper emotions. Although we cannot always see it, their suffering is often reflected in their works.

They tend to search for purpose
We all need a purpose, simply to make sure that we are doing good and meaningful things in life. Depressed people also want to know the reason for their existence. And, they are much more susceptible to feeling anxiety or inadequacy.

Sometimes they make muted cries for help
We all need help sometimes. When we aren’t expecting someone to feel weak, we don’t see their cries for help. If you do notice their cries for help and help them in any way, you are creating a close bond with them.

They interpret substances differently
Depressed people have to try really hard to make themselves feel better, unlike most people. They know that sugar and caffeine will boost their mood, and that some medicines can help them, but they do need to put a lot of effort into feeling better.

They often have a very involved perception of life and death
In moments of despair, depressed people often seek answers to deep questions. What they do is a shift from a horrible mindset into another. And, while not everyone dealing with depression has suicidal thoughts, some do.

They have strange eating habits
The eating habits of depressed people are quite strange. Some of them eat more at their worst, while some don’t eat at all when they are in despair. It varies from person to person.

They have abnormal sleeping habits
Just like with eating, sleeping habits vary from person to person. People suffering from depression can either sleep all the time or not sleep at all.

They hurt when other people hurt
Extreme empathy is common in depressed people, so they often suffer when others are suffering. This is often the trigger of their emotional pain and it can be draining.

They always think of the worst-case scenarios
Interestingly, this can be both beneficial and stressful. Depression is associated with high intelligence, allowing people to respond to anything thrown at them. And, this makes them great problem solves.

They seek love and acceptance
People with concealed depression are hiding their depression in order to protect themselves. All they want is to be loved and accepted just like others are.

They have trouble shutting off their brains
Depressed people tend to over analyze things, whether good or bad. They are not able to shut off their brains, which in turn affects them much deeper.

They might have habitual remedies
Everyone has different remedies to ease their mind. For example, these people may do things like listen to music, exercise, go walking, etc.

They are always making efforts to seem happy
Depressed people are great at faking moods. They typically come off as normal on the outside, when in reality they are fighting their demons within themselves.

They are professionals at coming up with ‘cover-up’ stories
They are great at coming up with some quite believable excuses for the things they are going through. And, they often change the subject when things like skipping an appointment or canceling a plan comes up.

They have abandonment issues usually
Last but not least, depressed people are affected by abandonment much more than other people. When someone walks away from their life, it causes them to be more secretive and creates a sense of fear within them.

TREATMENT
There are different types of treatments available for mood disorders, such as therapy and medications. Behaviour therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy and interpersonal therapy have all shown to be potentially beneficial in depression. Major depressive disorder medications usually include antidepressants, while bipolar disorder medications can consist of antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants and/or lithium. Lithium specifically has been proven to reduce suicide and all causes of mortality in people with mood disorders. If mitochondrial dysfunction or mitochondrial diseases are the cause of mood disorders like bipolar disorder, then it has been hypothesized that N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), creatine monohydrate (CM), and melatonin could be potential treatment options. In determining treatment, two different depression scales are used most frequently. One of the depression scales is a self report scale called Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the second is the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). HAMD is a clinical rating scale in which the patient is rated based on clinician observation.

Note: Please do take into consideration that this site is for information only. You are still supposed to consult your doctor for further medical advice/treatment.

Featured image: Pexels/Pixabay

Key Project increases sustainability of Finland’s food system

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 26, 2019

NordenBladet — How have the Key Government Projects affected water resources protection and the circular economy? Climate change, protecting our water resources and ensuring the sustainability of food production require a shift to a system in which nutrients circulate. Over the past three years, the Key Government Project promoting the circular economy has invested more than EUR 30 million in water protection and nutrient recycling. Has Finland reached its goal of becoming a model country for nutrient and energy self-sufficiency?

The work initiated during the Key Projects is still ongoing, but we have clearly made progress in the shift towards a more sustainable food system, bioeconomy and circular economy. Many materials previously considered waste have seen an increase in value. Over the past few years, we have become more aware of the limited supply of mineral phosphorus and the greenhouse gas emissions generated by nitrogenous fertilisers.

Culture of experimenting leads to long-term business investments
According to an external evaluation carried out last year, the Key Projects have improved Finland’s nutrient-recycling knowhow and led to increased cooperation between businesses and research. The steps taken as a result of the Key Project on circular economy have a profound impact on all Finns in the form of clean food and water.

“Businesses have developed new methods for recovering manure, municipal wastewater and industry by-products and have turned the by-products into recycled fertilisers, animal feed, bedding and energy. Experiments have identified promising solutions that will continue to be developed even after the Key Project is complete,” says Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jari Leppä.

The goal is to use nutrient recycling to bring nutrients back to the fields that can best utilise them in the form of safe recycled fertilisers. Another project in the works is a quality management system for recycled fertilisers, which will help bring new fertiliser products to the market.

“Utilising all available nutrient streams is in line with the principles of sustainable development,” says Minister of the Environment, Energy and Housing Kimmo Tiilikainen. “Municipalities have made resource-wise choices by developing residential areas based on circular economy solutions. Recovering the valuable nutrients in wastewater must become common practice,” Tiilikainen continues.

Profitability and sustainability through closed loops

Various parts of the country have seen the development of closed loops, or agroecological symbioses, made up of local farms, food processors and bioenergy producers. In these networks, one operator’s waste is another’s raw material. Manure and other by-products are used to produce biogas, for example.

“Symbiosis brings profitability to farming and leads to increased local self-sufficiency, as the need to purchase outside energy and fertiliser decreases. It can even lead to better harvests,” Minister Leppä says. “Increased cooperation also brings improved social sustainability within the limits of the carrying capacity of the environment,” Minister Tiilikainen adds.

Tools to move forward
The Key Projects on nutrient recycling have been coordinated as a joint effort by the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. According to an assessment commissioned by the ministries, the knowledge and best practices gained through the Key Projects must be disseminated more broadly.

The Ministry of the Environment has launched a three-year programme to enhance the effectiveness of water protection based on lessons learned in the Key Projects. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is currently renewing the EU’s agri-environmental scheme, which will bring the results of the Key Projects into broader use. The ministries are preparing an action plan for nutrient recycling for 2019–2030. The upcoming renewal of the EU’s Fertiliser Regulation will also lead to changes in the utilisation and recycling of nutrients.

Inquiries:

Tarja Haaranen, Programme Manager, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 50 322 6029, firstname.lastname@ym.fi
Marja-Liisa Tapio-Biström, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358 295 162 400, firstname.lastname@mmm.fi

Climate change, protecting our water resources and ensuring the sustainability of food production require a shift to a system in which nutrients circulate. Over the past three years, the Key Government Project promoting the circular economy has invested more than EUR 30 million in water protection and nutrient recycling. Has Finland reached its goal of becoming a model country for nutrient and energy self-sufficiency?

Source: ym.fi

Mihkelson visits Hawaii with NATO PA Defence and Security Committee

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 19, 2019

NordenBladet —

Chairman of the Estonian Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Marko Mihkelson participates in the meeting of the NATO PA Defence and Security Committee in Honolulu, Hawaii (United States), where the Committee will visit several military bases and learn about the Pacific missile defence system.

“The Pacific region is of great relevance to the USA, the most important NATO ally. Besides the Russian and Chinese influence, a real threat caused by the North Korean nuclear programme has also emerged, especially during the last decades,” Mihkelson said before the visit. In his opinion, the visit will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the threat picture and the necessary deterrence measures in one of the most critical regions for the USA, and thus also for the whole Alliance.

In the beginning of April, NATO will celebrate its 70th anniversary. “During those years, NATO has become the strongest defence alliance of free democratic countries, which has a stabilising impact from the Pacific region to the Baltic Sea,” Mihkelson emphasised. “NATO has justified itself in every way, and it is the duty of the allies to contribute to maintaining the operational strength of the Alliance.”

Mihkelson thinks that the visit of the NATO PA Defence and Security Committee to Hawaii proves that the member states trust and defend each other, and are constantly ready for all-around cooperation.

The Committee will visit the marine base Camp H. M. Smith, the headquarters of the US Indo-Pacific Command, where the members of the Committee will be briefed about the missile emergency system and the Pacific Missile Range Facility. They will also go to the training centre and the underground fuel storage facility.

The members of the Committee will also visit Pearl Harbor military base, where they will be given an overview of the US Pacific Air Force and US Pacific Fleet, and the ballistic missile defence system.

Riigikogu Press Service
Epp-Mare Kukemelk
+372 631 6356, +372 515 3903
epp-mare.kukemelk@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Source: Parliament of Estonia

Climate Barometer 2019: Finns wish to have solutions to climate crisis at the heart of policy-making

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 18, 2019

NordenBladet — The Finns wish to see solutions to the climate crisis among the priority themes of the next government term and Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. Growing numbers of Finns have also changed their own behaviour to mitigate climate change. These are the conclusions to be made from a survey carried out by Kantar TNS, commissioned by the Steering Group for Central Government Climate Communications. The Climate Barometer 2019 survey was conducted to find out what the Finns think about climate change and climate policy before the general elections. An analysis was also made of how the views have changed since 2015.

Willingness to pay for a good policy
Four out of five Finns consider that urgent action is needed to mitigate climate change. The future Government should introduce even more policy measures to effectively mitigate climate change than what people thought before the previous general elections (increase in the share of the respondents from 52% to 70%). 75% of the respondents want the EU to serve as an example in climate change mitigation, independent of how this may impact on the EU’s competitiveness, and two out of three Finns consider that Finland should be a trailblazer in the introduction of new solutions that help to reduce emissions. As regards the general elections, 44% of the Finns would vote for a candidate who is active in climate change mitigation.

Three out of four consider that one the principles applied in taxation should be that those who cause emissions will also pay for them, which means that taxation could be reduced elsewhere. Almost half of the Finns think that the taxes on fossil fuels and on meat and milk products should be raised. As many as a third of the Finns would be prepared to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel powered passenger vehicles in 2030.

Climate change a threat to Finland’s economy and security
Compared to the situation four years ago, a larger share of the Finns (67%->76%) consider that the impacts of climate change in other parts of the world are a security threat to Finland. Quite many of the respondents (59%) consider that climate change constitutes an economic threat to our country. However, the majority of the respondents (80%) believe that the new kind of expertise and technical solutions needed to mitigate climate change may well create new jobs and improve Finland’s competitiveness.

The Climate Barometer also revealed strong support for development aid and assistance to the most vulnerable regions in facing the consequences of climate change among the Finns. More than 60% of the respondents consider that rich countries have the obligation to support the poorest ones in finding solutions to the climate crisis, and Finland should target more of its development aid to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Scientific background to climate change seen as stronger than before
According to the report of the International Panel on Climate Change IPCC published last October, there is a broad consensus within the scientific community that global warming is mainly caused by human activity. The Climate Barometer shows, however, that only 58% of the Finns consider that the scientists are unanimous as to what causes the warming. Still, this share is much higher than in 2015, when just a third of the respondents considered that the scientific community was in full agreement as to the causes of global warming.

The consensus that the impacts of climate change are already visible in different parts of the world and that much more negative impacts are to be expected than positive ones has stayed strong.

Growing numbers of Finns have changed their own behaviour to mitigate climate change
The concern about the impacts of climate change is already reflected in everyday choices. In 2015 only 29 % of the respondents told that they had changed their own behaviour because of climate change, but now the percentage was 41 %.

More than half of the Finns have reduced electricity consumption and almost half of the population are buying less because of climate reasons. About a third had calculated their own carbon footprint and a fourth intend to compensate for the emissions they are causing in the next few years. Well over half of the respondents wish to have more information on climate change and advice to make climate-smart choices.

For three out of four Finns it is important that the municipalities provide opportunities for climate-friendly everyday living for their residents. Of the car users 43% told that they were now driving less than before and had increased the use of sustainable mobility. About the same share of the respondents intend to drive less in the next five years and to increase the use sustainable forms of mobility: walking, cycling or public transportation. Less than a fifth intend to give up using their own cars altogether within the next five years. For about a third of the car users the next car they intend to purchase will be powered by electricity or gas. A clear majority of the Finns, 73%, are using a privately-owned car.

About 40% of the Finns have reduced flying because of climate reasons. About the same share of the respondents intend to fly less within the next five years. A little less than half (45%) have travelled by air over the past year.

City dwellers and the well-off more prepared to take efficient climate action
The survey also reveals a strong need for social justice in climate action. The views are quite strongly divided according to the place of residence and standard of living: in the capital region people are more in favour of climate action than in rural areas, and households with more money at their disposal show more support for policy actions and are also prepared to act themselves to mitigate climate change.

Ambitious climate policy finds support, in particular, among the young, highly educated and women, and the supporters of the Green Party and Left Alliance. People voting for the True Finns and the Centre Party have the most serious doubts regarding ambitions actions.

The main obstacle to effective climate action is the high price of climate-friendly products and services. Another key challenge is the fact that the political decision-makers do not have the courage to decide on solutions that might risk their re-election, while the representatives of those causing high emissions often have a strong position in societal decision-making.

How the survey was done?
The Climate Barometer survey on the Finnish citizens’ views concerning climate issues was conducted by Kantar TNS, commissioned by the Steering Group for Central Government Climate Communications. A total of 1,013 people aged 15–74 from different parts of Finland, excluding the Åland Islands, participated in the survey. Kantar TNS collected the survey material during its Gallup Forum respondent panel held on 1-7 March 2019. The survey’s margin of error is about 3 percentage points in either direction.

The steering group has representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Culture, Prime Minister’s Office, Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Finnish Environment Institute, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Motiva, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Academy of Finland, Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, Demos Helsinki, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, and Business Finland.

Inquiries:
Riikka Lamminmäki, Communications Specialist, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 50 576 2604, firstname.sukunimi@ym.fi

The Finns wish to see solutions to the climate crisis among the priority themes of the next government term and Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. Growing numbers of Finns have also changed their own behaviour to mitigate climate change. These are the conclusions to be made from a survey carried out by Kantar TNS, commissioned by the Steering Group for Central Government Climate Communications.

Source: ym.fi

Mythical FimbulWinter might have really happened in Norway

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 15, 2019

NordenBladet – Fimbulwinter is the harsh winter that precedes the end of the world and puts an end to all life on Earth, according to Norse Mythology. The Nordic researchers believe the myth might be a real climate disaster which happened in 535–536. Fimbulwinter is three successive winters, when snow comes in from all directions, without any intervening summer. Then, there will be innumerable wars, according to Norse mythology and the Finns’ national post Kalevala.

The event is described primarily in the Poetic Edda. In Denmark, Norway, Sweden and other Nordic countries, the term fimbulvinter is still used to refer to an unusually cold and harsh winter. Researchers in Norway and Sweden have in recent years found an increasing number of evidences of a disaster that struck the world and the region 1500 years ago, according to forskning.no.

The recent finding point out mythology might be related to the extreme weather events of 535–536, which resulted in a notable drop in temperature across northern Europe. There have also been several popular ideas about whether or not the particular piece of mythology has a connection to the climate change that occurred in the Nordic countries at the end of the Nordic Bronze Age from about 650 BC. Before that climate change, the Nordic countries were considerably warmer.

Half of Norway Died

Probably half of the people died in Norway and Sweden. Researchers now know more and more about the disaster. First the Fimbulwinter lasted three years.

The disaster must have hit Norwegians and Swedes harder. In 1910, the Swedish geographer researcher Rutger Sernander first launched the theory that the Fimbul winter may have been a real event in the Nordic countries. His hypothesis was that this was due to a climate catastrophe between 2000 and 2500 years ago.

Yet archaeologists did not find any evidence to support Sernander’s theory.

Now the recent finding indicate the climate catastrophe hit the world – and especially the Nordic countries 1500 years ago.

NASA and a Swedish archaeologist

The new research for the Fimbul winter started with the American space agency NASA in 1983, according to forskning.no.

Then the two NASA researchers Richard Stothers and Michael Rampino published a scientific overview of known volcanic eruptions back in time. Most of the research was based on ice cores picked up by the ancient ice sheet in Greenland.

Archaeologists came to conslusion that something very dramatic might have happened in the year 536.

Swedish professor Bo Gräslund from Uppsala University was the first to suggest that the Fimbul winter was a real event, and that it took place in the years after 536. He also pointed out that it was not only very cold and snowy winters but also no summer came several years.

Source: tnp.no

Entrepreneur Geir Olsen from Norway will sell Arctic ice cubes to bars and restaurants

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 15, 2019

NordenBladet – Norwegian entrepreneur Geir Olsen will supply bars, restaurants and cruise boats all over the world with exclusive ice cubes from Norway’s second largest glacier.

The company Svaice AS will extract ice cubes from Norway’s second largest glacier, but has been met with criticism from both environmental and tourism organizations, and politicians locally and nationally, according to NRK.

The ice cube comes from a sample of 50 tonnes of ice from Svartisen. Currently, the ice is located on a cold store in one of the buildings of the former solar cell company REC in Glomfjord, which went bankrupt in 2012.

Geir Olsen and his company Svaice AS bought the building cheaply, and have so far invested NOK 12 million in ice cube production.

Svaice applied to collect up to 3600 m³ of ice from Svartisen and transport it by helicopter. The application met violent protests both locally and nationally.

After the protest, the company has decided not to pick up ice during the tourist season in the summer. They will start in September and finish the production in April.

Geir Olsen rejects that ice cube production will affect the approximately 370 square kilometer glacier that extends through the municipalities of Rana, Meløy and Rødøy,

The tourism offices in Meløy fears the ice cube project will destroy the image of the region and fewer tourists will come.

They fear that the noise from helicopters, machines and vehicles will scare away the tourists.

When the idea was proposed in 2015, both Meløy municipality and the county municipality were positive . But then the mood has changed. Last year, both the County Governor of Nordland and Nordland County Council said that they did not want the continuation of the activities of the company.

However, in February this year, the County Governor withdrew his objection.

Geir Olsen is not willing to give up despite the criticism. He has worked for four years to realize the plans to sell exclusive ice cubes for drinks to be served in Monaco and Dubai.

New Zealand terrorist Brenton Tarrant had contact with Breivik in Norway

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 15, 2019

NordenBladet – The perpetrator of the terror attacks in New Zealand claims in his manifesto that he was in contact with Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 69 people in Norway in 2011, according to Australian media.

Australia’s Prime Minister confirmed on Friday that the suspected perpetrator of the terrorist attacks against two mosques in the city of Christchurch in New Zealand is Brenton Tarrant, “an Australian right-wing terrorist.”

The police confirm that at least 49 people have been killed and another 20 have been seriously injured after the terror attacks.

Australian Tarrant has come to New Zealand to plan and execute the attacks, according to Radio New Zealand.

In a manifest which was allegedly written by Tarrant, he refers to Anders Behring Breivik and claims he has been in contact with the Norwegian right wing extremist who killed 69 people in 2011. He also writes that he has received support for his plans from Breivik’s supporters.

Furthermore, he praises US President Donald Trump and calls him a symbol of renewed white identity.

The writings are an echo of what Anders Behring Breivik wrote in his manifesto, writes the Sydney Morning Herald.

Norway Prime Minister Points Out The Resemblence

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg also noted there are associations with the terror attacks by Breivik in Norway. She added that the terrorist attacks in New Zeland shows the importance of international work against extremism.

-But first and foremost, we today have to show solidarity with the families of all those killed and wounded, says Prime Minister Erna Solberg to VG.

This is a strong reminder that we have to fight extremism in all forms, she says.

-What this looks like is a terrorist attack from the right-wing extremist against immigrants and refugees, and even though it is across the globe, there is a strong reminder of how important it is for all of us to help us bring down tension, works against extremism, and that we have solidarity with each other when something like that happens, adds she.

Featured image: Australian right-wing terrorist Brenton Tarrant (on the left) and Anders Behring Breivik (on the right) serving life sentence in Norway. Photos: Twitter and Oslo Police

From good to “goodest”: Finland tops the Good Country Index

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 15, 2019

NordenBladet – Finland is number one in the newest Good Country Index, which seeks to measure “what each country on earth contributes to the good of humanity.” We talk to the index’s creator, Simon Anholt, about what it means to be “goodest.”

So many international rankings and reports exist. What sets the Good Country Index apart from the Global Competitiveness Index, the Prosperity Index, the World Happiness Report, the Environmental Performance Index and all the others?

The Good Country Index takes stock of 35 measurements that show countries’ contributions in seven different categories: science and technology; culture; peace and security; world order; planet and climate; prosperity and equality; and health and wellbeing.

In addition, and perhaps most importantly, the Good Country Index is all about what nations do for the rest of the world, not about what happens within their own borders.

“Pretty much every single one of [the other indexes] looks at countries’ internal performance in one way or another,” says Anholt. “Consequently, [they] treat the world as if it were made of entirely separate independent islands of humanity that have nothing to do with each other.”

Since the 1990s, London-based Anholt has advised the leaders of more than 50 countries in what became known as nation branding. In 2005 he founded the Anholt Nation Brands Index. Gradually perceiving a need for a new kind of study, he inaugurated the Good Country Index in 2014. (Finland was second that year.)

“Because we live in a massively interconnected, interdependent age, an age of advanced globalisation, it also made a lot of sense to look at how countries affect each other and affect the whole system,” he says.

While the Good Country Index gathers an immense amount of data, he characterises it as “a toe in the water;” it has limitations. “Reducing a country’s impact on the world to 35 data sets is obviously just a hint.”

The index also offers opportunities: “It is supposed to be the start of a new kind of conversation. The reason for it is to get people to start asking new questions about countries.”

This holds true no matter where your country ranks. In fact, the word “ranking” is misleading. The Good Country Index aims to encourage conversation, collaboration and cooperation, rather than competition to see who “wins” the rankings race.

“I’m not judging,” says Anholt. For this reason, the various categories of data aren’t weighted in the overall results. “I publish it in the form of a ranking because that’s the easiest way to crunch all of that data and present people with an overall picture.” A comparative listing gets people discussing the results.

After the release of the first edition of the index, Australian political activists told him they used the data matrix of the Good Country Index to focus questions for election candidates about how they would address certain categories in which the country was underperforming. “It’s a tool,” says Anholt. “If people do choose to use it to hold their governments to account, then that’s great. That means it’s working.” Finland is holding parliamentary elections in April 2019, and European Parliament elections happen in May 2019.

While the Good Country Index aims to encourage discussion and cooperation, it’s not against the idea of competition. If countries vie to be the “goodest,” that’s healthy.

“Competition is fine,” says Anholt. “It’s a very effective driver, but it only becomes a problem when it’s the only altar at which we worship, and that’s the case for most countries most of the time.” He believes that “the culture of governance worldwide” can shift from fundamentally competitive to fundamentally collaborative.

Work together a little more, compete against each other a little less; this is his straightforward suggestion. The Nordic countries, who possess a long history of regional cooperation, often find themselves at the top of the index (the newest results put Sweden, Denmark and Norway in third, fifth and seventh place).

What’s good for your neighbours and the rest of the world is frequently good for you, too. “You often end up doing better work domestically because you’re drawing inspiration and experience from other countries,” Anholt says. “You’re sharing good ideas.”

Out of the seven categories in the Good Country Index, Finland places highest in prosperity and equality, in which it is second. The 35 subcategories include birth rate; ecological footprint; renewable energy; giving to charity; accumulated Noble Prizes; creative goods exports; humanitarian aid donations; and number of UN volunteers sent abroad.

Finland’s strong suits are freedom of movement; press freedom; number of patents; number of international publications; foreign direct investment outflow; food aid funding; compliance with environmental agreements; and cybersecurity. One area for improvement is international students: Finland is famous for its education system, but figures indicate it should do more to attract foreign students.

“My message to Finland is the same message I would give to any country that comes top of the index,” says Anholt. “This is not a reward. Who am I to reward a country for its behaviour? This is a message about your obligations.”

Doing well in the Good Country Index indicates that a nation is good at collaborating and has “figured out a few things” that some of the others haven’t, says Anholt. It should “continue to demonstrate the benefit – domestic and international – of enhanced cooperation and collaboration.”

It’s about countries “making [themselves] willing and available to work with other countries,” says Anholt. “So it’s an opportunity for Finland to start working with other countries in a new way.”

“Countries working together” has hardly been a common rallying cry among politicians in recent years. We constantly hear the word “polarisation” in the news.

“If this isn’t the most obvious case for more cooperation and more collaboration, then what is?” asks Anholt. He’s talking about cooperation between people who are concerned about the world as a whole and those who focus more on their own countries. Both have validity, he says. “It’s very important that the Good Country Index doesn’t become another piece of tribalism.”

The measurements in the index point to difficult questions about climate change, human migration, healthcare, poverty and more. How do you stay positive when your work involves delving into these stats?

You create a country. In Anholt’s newest project, he and American Madeline Hung have co-founded the Good Country, most easily described as a virtual country, “to prove that if countries learn to work together, then we will start to make real progress.” Anyone who wants to participate in solving global challenges can sign up online and become a citizen.

In real life, Finland will continue to consider how its actions can contribute to humanity. At the moment, that’s the “goodest” thing to do.

Source: Finland.fi (By Peter Marten, January 2019)

APPLY to the thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme – Alumni Edition 2019!

By

Helena-Reet Ennet

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March 15, 2019

NordenBladet – If you have participated in the Foreign Correspondents’ Programme or Young Journalists, as it was first called in the 90’s, now you might have a chance for another Finland-packed experience. Foreign Correspondents’ Programme – Alumni Edition 2019 starts on June 10th and ends on June 16th, 2019.

Come and spend a week learning about Finland today, Finnish society and the Finnish way of life – not forgetting meeting friends that have had the same original and mind-blowing FCP experience in their lives!

Check out if you’re eligible and apply now HERE!

Who’s eligible for the 2019 FCP alumni edition?
This year’s Foreign Correspondents’ Programme – Alumni Edition is definitely for you, if you are:

a) A media professional that has participated in the programme of FCP or Young Journalists 1990 – 2015.
b) Has participated from or is currently living in Europe.
c) Is an active media professional working in a media house (TV, print or Web) or in social media, for example as an accomplished blogger or vlogger, or otherwise involved in the communications sphere or politics.
d) Is still interested in learning new things, meeting new people from different cultures and spending a week in Finland (full-time attendance required).
e) Is excited to meet Finland again and continue to be a lifelong friend of ours.

How to apply?
Applicants must fill an application in English and upload an English language CV including photo as an attachment.

The closing date for applications is 21st March 2019 at 24:00 hrs (Finnish time). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. The online application will be functional during 26th February at 00:00 hrs – 21st March 2019 at 24:00 hrs (Finnish time)

Selection process?
All together 10 representatives will be chosen from European coutries. The embassies in each country will make the selection, that is then confirmed at the Communications Department in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

The chosen alumni will be contacted by 8th April 2019 with travel arrangement information.

What does the programme include?
The Foreign Correspondents’ Program starts on 22th August and ends on 28 August 2016. Tentatively the program will be built around the following current topics: Finnish EU presidency, domestic and foreign politics, economical situation and business strengths, nature/forest, education and top science/research, media house visit, creative industries, food culture and urban culture, visit outside of Helsinki and a host-family weekend.

The alumni meeting’s short duration sets limitations to the program. Therefore any changes are possible.

There is an intention to include half-a-day for the participants own meetings and interviews. If the participant wishes to add extra days in the beginning or end of the program, it is very much possible but unfortunately the accommodation for those days is by her/his own expense.

What costs are covered?
The program covers the costs of travel to and from Finland, local travel in Helsinki, accommodation and the daily program, including transportation and some meals. The program does not cover medical insurance, per diem allowance or meals not listed as part of the program.

Blog: thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme
Facebook: thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme
Website: thisisFINLAND.fi

You may also contact:
Hannele Valkeeniemi, press counsellor, hannele.valkeeniemi@formin.fi

Featured image: NordenBladet/ Helena-Reet Ennet