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Albo lashed over new anti-Semitic attackA study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says. Chloe Robinson said reported strikes represent a fraction of their true extent, and a lack of protection measures leaves whales vulnerable as global shipping expands. The study found shipping takes place across 92 per cent of the ranges for humpback, blue, fin and sperm whales worldwide, but measures to reduce vessel strikes have been implemented in less than seven per cent of high-risk areas. "That could really spell, you know, potential extinction for some of these species," said Robinson, director of whales for Ocean Wise, a B.C.-based organization that provided data for the paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science. "A recent study estimated anything up to 20,000 whales are killed a year through ship strikes, globally, and that's just an estimate, a best-case estimate." Robinson said she was surprised to see Swiftsure Bank, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, emerge as a risk hot spot for strikes of fin, blue and humpback whales. The area is a "migration highway" for humpbacks, she noted. The study also identified a hot spot for the same three species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence between Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. "This is something that Ocean Wise has been looking into because a lot of the management measures occur offshore and not sort of within the Gulf of St. Lawrence itself and even the St. Lawrence Seaway, (which) leads down to the Great Lakes," she said. "That was a huge hot spot, which was really interesting for me." Robinson said there have been smaller studies on the risk of ship strikes in different regions, but the study published Thursday is the first to map the distribution of the four whale species, using a variety of data sources, then compare it with the Automatic Identification System, a tool used for tracking vessels worldwide. "This was really the first of its kind to map these two on top of each other," she said. The researchers found the highest levels of risk in the Indian, western North Pacific and Mediterranean, while it also identified high-risk areas in the eastern North Pacific, North and South Atlantic Ocean along with the South China Sea. The Southern Ocean was the only region that did not contain any ship-strike hot spots due to low levels of shipping, despite high use by whales, the study found. Robinson said the findings support a strong case for maritime authorities to adopt measures such as whale alert systems, speed limits and no-go zones. "We know where there are areas where there are lots of whales and lots of ships, so this is where we need to target for management," she said in an interview. Robinson said Canada is home to many "eyes on the water" and researchers exploring innovative techniques for monitoring whales. But the country lacks mandatory mitigation measures, and it's not alone. "Next to none of the measures globally are mandatory. So, having voluntary measures (is) great, provided people comply," Robinson said. Ocean Wise launched an alert system in 2018 that notifies large vessels of the presence of whales in Pacific Northwest waters, and Robinson said about 80 per cent of mariners from Washington state up to Alaska have signed up. The WhaleReport alert system mainly functions in what she describes as "inshore" waters around busy ports in Seattle, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The Port of Vancouver has also seen a high rate of compliance for its ECHO program, Robinson noted. The program encourages vessels to take voluntary steps, such as slowing down or staying farther away from whales, in order to reduce underwater noise and the potential for strikes in busy shipping areas. Robinson favours a multi-pronged approach to reducing ship strikes, but she said one single measure she believes could have a big impact would be equipping vessels with an infrared camera to detect whales within several kilometres. "Maybe some mariners ... respond better to knowing there 100 per cent is a whale 200 metres in front of your vessel, versus, 'slow down, there might be a whale here.'" Robinson said such cameras can cost between US$50,000 and $75,000. But the cost was a "drop in the bucket" of major companies' profits, she said. The cameras also present a public-relations opportunity for businesses to advertise themselves as operating in a more whale-friendly manner, Robinson said. "I know people who have had to go and have therapy after killing a humpback whilst at the helm," she added. "I think there's a lot to be said (for) the long-term benefits of this kind of technology." The study also found areas with lower traffic that could provide refuge for whales, especially with added protections. It shows the Arctic Ocean, for example, has very few high-risk areas for vessel strikes, and Robinson said some researchers view it as potential sanctuary. But without protections, Robinson said Arctic waters could become the next high-risk hot spot as sea ice melts with climate change, opening up shipping routes. "Knowing the plans to expand shipping routes into these areas to cut shipping time, make things faster, right through prime whale habitat, I think this is a really good opportunity to get ahead of the issue before it becomes an issue," she said. Whales play crucial roles in their ecosystems, including cycling nutrients that support other species, and they're a boon for tourism, Robinson said. They're also "magical" creatures that people feel connected to, she said, and they remain vulnerable after many species were hunted to the brink of extinction. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024.
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum has stated that the Niger Delta is the only region in Nigeria that can rightfully claim marginalisation or impoverishment. PANDEF was responding to a Thursday remark made by the Arewa Consultative Forum to President Bola Tinubu, which claimed that the economic policies of his government were impoverishing the North. However, the National Spokesman of PANDEF, Chief Christopher Ominimini, in a statement released on Saturday, stressed that oil, which is found in the Niger Delta region, is the mainstay of the nation’s economy. Yet, the people of the region have not seen corresponding development. Ominimini said that decades of oil exploration and extraction activities in the region had resulted in pollution of farmlands, rivers, and the environment, but the region has yet to see the benefits of this wealth. He expressed dismay that while the revenue from oil extracted from the Niger Delta goes to the Federal Government, revenue from other regions is kept within those regions, which he described as an injustice. The statement read: “Our resources feed the nation, while resources from other geopolitical zones, including the North, are kept for their own use and personal gain.” He continued, “The gold deposits in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country have not been considered for the benefit of the entire country, but rather for the indigenes and top individual businesses, including foreign nationals like the Chinese and Lebanese, all for individual benefits.” “Why do other regions mine and control their resources, while the oil and gas from the Niger Delta are controlled by the Nigerian state?” Ominimini argued that this selective injustice hurts the nation’s progress, stating, “Selective injustice or justice in a nation usually backfires.” He alleged that the insurgency in Northern Nigeria was linked to the theft of solid minerals, including underground raw gold, and questioned why the government destroyed local petroleum refineries in the Niger Delta while turning a blind eye to illegal mining in the North. Related News ACF suspends chairman for criticising Tinubu’s policies Soldiers arrest 28 suspected oil thieves in N'Delta Lakurawa terror group using drones to track military, civilians — Experts PANDEF also called on the Federal Government to provide a legal framework for artisanal miners to operate. He added that this would create jobs, reduce the waste of Nigeria’s earnings, boost technological knowledge, and decrease corruption, particularly as the country continues to import refined products. Despite the oil wealth in the Niger Delta, Ominimini highlighted that the people of the region do not know how much oil and gas are extracted, as efforts to meter the oil flow stations or the export terminals have been unsuccessful. Furthermore, most of the oil block owners are from regions outside the Niger Delta, reinforcing the lopsidedness of Nigeria’s system. “The Nigerian state is wicked to the Niger Delta Region,” Ominimini said. “The rulers prefer collecting penalties from international oil companies for flaring gas rather than addressing the environmental disaster caused by gas flaring, which could be converted for domestic use and economic purposes.” He went on to say, “Our fishing and farming activities are now impossible as our ecosystem has been destroyed by oil exploitation. Our lifespan is shortened, and we bear the brunt of the oil exploitation alone.” Ominimini lamented that no one in the federal government cared about the plight of the Niger Delta people, but warned, “If things do not change, God will come to our rescue.” He also pointed out that despite the oil found in the Niger Delta, oil block owners are mostly from other regions, and there is little or no corporate social responsibility from the International Oil Companies or the federal government. The statement concluded: “Our people have been excluded from participation in the oil industry. It seems like a well-planned scheme against the people of the Niger Delta. How can the only two executive positions on the NNPCL board be occupied by Northerners? What a shame!” Ominimini also questioned those complaining about marginalisation, saying, “Where were those complaining now when they were in positions of authority?” “The only region that can truly claim marginalisation or impoverishment in Nigeria is the Niger Delta Region,” he concluded. “PANDEF believes that justice must be holistic, and the most impoverished people in Nigeria are those of the Niger Delta. This must be addressed without delay.”U.S. Transfers $20 Billion Loan to Ukraine Backed by Russian Assets
Tajikistan has announced its support for the creation of a “green corridor” connecting Azerbaijan , Kazakhstan , and Uzbekistan , signaling a commitment to enhanced regional collaboration. In an interview with Report , Jamshed Shoimzoda , Tajikistan’s First Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources, highlighted the country’s untapped hydropower potential , noting that only 5% of it is currently utilized. Remarkably, 95% of Tajikistan’s energy production is already green , Shoimzoda stated. He emphasized that if Tajikistan’s full potential were harnessed, the energy generated would exceed the combined needs of Central Asian countries by four times. Shoimzoda also praised Azerbaijan’s efforts to establish transport corridors linking Central Asia to Europe , which could enable Tajikistan to deliver its green energy not only regionally but also to European markets. Shoimzoda noted that advancements in technology and lower costs have made this project feasible, despite its technical challenges two decades ago. In addition to energy, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan are exploring cooperation in mineral resource development . At a recent intergovernmental meeting, the two nations discussed leveraging Azerbaijan’s experience in this field to support Tajikistan’s burgeoning extraction industry.Wake Forest keeps Detroit Mercy at arm's length for win
10 hot-ticket gifts we predict will sell out on Black Friday 2024Formerly bankrupt restaurant chain reopens fifth location
Arnab Neil Sengupta For years, the intertwined issues of climate change and decarbonization seemed sacrosanct, almost immune to scrutiny. Scientists, economists, and policymakers often toed the line, wary of being labeled climate skeptics. But the intensifying debate over the global bill for decarbonization — whether its distant benefits justify the staggering immediate costs — is a welcome reckoning. The complexity of the debate, reflecting economic, technological, environmental and equity concerns, is only now beginning to dawn on the world. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s remark that “Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe’s problems are the world’s problems, but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems,” made in 2022 in the context of the Ukraine war, resonates strongly here. Climate change may be a politically popular issue in progressive cities and regions of Europe and the US, but it cannot dictate the priorities of the entire planet, especially when the projected global costs range from $3 trillion to $12 trillion annually. The US, of course, is poised for a dramatic policy shift. Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Chris Wright, a fossil fuel advocate, as energy secretary signals a pivot toward hydrocarbon exploration and production, potentially disrupting global climate agreements and inspiring other nations to challenge the conventional wisdom. “Climate activists, for the most part, do not dispute the hair-raising price tag; they simply consider the expense worthwhile when weighed against the catastrophic damage unchecked climate change is likely to inflict,” The Economist says in its latest issue in an article titled, “The energy transition will be much cheaper than you think.” But the jury is still out on whether the cost of decarbonizing the world economy is too high compared with the potential long-term savings and broader societal benefits. The Paris Agreement’s twin goals — limiting warming to “well below” 2°C and striving for 1.5°C by the end of this century — were adopted with laudable intent. Yet, the risk-reward calculus underpinning these targets looks tenuous when one considers the fact that economic modelers have a poor record of predicting technological advances. Critics and even advocates of decarbonization increasingly acknowledge the colossal upfront investments required, the risks to economic stability, and the disproportionate burdens placed on developing nations. The world’s reliance on fossil fuels is undeniable, with coal, oil, and gas responsible for over 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN. Shifting from these energy sources to renewables is critical, but fraught with challenges. Wealthier nations may have the resources for a smooth transition, but the Global South lacks the means to achieve this without substantial financial assistance — assistance that many developed countries are reluctant to provide amid concerns over governance and corruption in aid-receiving nations. Moreover, breakthroughs in technology that are essential for decarbonizing heavy industry and aviation remain uncertain, even though these sectors face significant challenges in transitioning to clean energy. Whether such breakthroughs will materialize soon enough is an open question. While urban transportation worldwide may gradually embrace electric or hybrid solutions, innovations such as green hydrogen for energy-intensive sectors are still in their infancy. Renewable energy sources do promise energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports, yet this is not universally applicable. Not all nations enjoy abundant solar or wind resources, and nuclear energy — once heralded as a solution — has grown less competitive due to rising costs. Still, proponents highlight declining costs of renewables and the job-creation potential in green energy sectors as compelling incentives for decarbonization. In public health terms, transitioning to cleaner energy offers clear benefits. Northern India’s annual smog crisis, a health catastrophe exacerbated by vehicle emissions and the burning of crop stubble, underscores the urgency of clean energy adoption. Studies from institutions such as Oxford University project long-term economic savings from accelerated decarbonization. But skeptics counter that these savings hinge on speculative technological advances and policy consistency. What is certain is that rapid decarbonization raises risks to economic stability and job losses in traditional energy sectors, which are, in fact, capable of meeting the energy needs of the planet without requiring trillions of dollars of additional investments every year. Saudi Arabia has championed a pragmatic approach, as articulated by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at a recent G20 session in Rio de Janeiro. He emphasized equitable and inclusive transitions, highlighting the Kingdom’s investments in technologies that have lowered emissions intensity in oil and gas operations. Saudi Arabia’s example shows that balancing environmental goals with economic and developmental priorities is possible. In the final analysis, the decarbonization debate cannot be reduced to binary positions. It is less about whether the world should transition and more about how to achieve it equitably, pragmatically, and sustainably. Revisiting the costs and methods is not a rejection of climate action, but an overdue acknowledgment of its complexity. The true challenge lies in ensuring that this moment of introspection leads to a consensus that, instead of raising ambitions, aligns ambition with affordability, leaving no country behind in the pursuit of a livable planet. Courtesy: arabnewsEvery Black Friday, there’s a number of viral products that everyone has on their Christmas wish list, and we don’t expect this year to be any different. However, not all of these popular items are going to stay in stock, and we have some insight on the ones that won’t. Black Friday is big business, and last year shoppers spent $222.1 billion during the entire holiday shopping season, according to Queue-it. Sales on Black Friday reached $16.4 billion (online and in stores), and this was a 9% increase from the year before. While it comes as no surprise that electronics are the most sought-after products of the holiday season, Queue-it said this accounts for the majority of holiday sales, jumping to $50.8 billion in 2023. Apparel, furniture, groceries and toys are the other hot sellers of Black Friday. Together, these five categories accounted for 65% of sales during the holidays last year and is only expected to grow in 2024. While many items that sell out over Black Friday are driven by a good deal, we also know that a hot product is just that — a gift that most people want to open on Christmas Day. So, here are our picks for the top 10 hot-ticket items that could sell out over Black Friday. The holidays are ripe for TV deals, and we expect shoppers to buy a ton of them in 2024, especially at Walmart. Consumers are trending toward bigger TVs and the super low-price deals over Black Friday force many models to sell out. This is especially true of popular models from Samsung, Hisense, LG and more favorites. Apple's smartwatches are a top pick among Apple fans. We’ve seen prices on the Apple Watch continue to trend downward, which was only spurred by the release of the new Apple Watch 10 in September. This pushed down prices on earlier models, with the best deals coming on the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch 9. For Black Friday, we think the prices will drop even lower and sell out due to high demand. Beats Solo3 Amazon.com Wireless headphones are one of the most popular products of 2024, and Beats are one of the top brands. We’re already seeing big markdowns on Beats Wireless Headphones, and we expect these price drops to continue into Black Friday. The Beats Solo3 is likely to be on sale for even cheaper than we’ve already seen, and we think they will sell out for Black Friday, with the possibility of other popular Beats headphones joining them. If you haven’t picked up a pair of Apple AirPods yet, this could be your year to do it. With Apple launching a fourth generation of AirPods earlier this year, the price on prevvious models are creeping lower. We think over Black Friday they’ll be at their cheapest price ever, with the AirPods (3rd Gen) likely to sell out. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Bluetooth speakers are a must-have for many this year, and with the big sound that comes from JBL’s speakers, it’s easy to see why they might sell out for Black Friday. These popular speakers come in a variety of portable sizes and waterproof designs. We expect big deals on JBL’s top-rated Clip 5 and Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker models. Apple iPad (10th Gen) Amazon.com One of Apple’s most sought-after products of the year was the iPad, and we saw the 9th Gen and 10th Gen models drop to their lowest prices ever. We think this year will bring some iPad bliss with even better discounts, but these deals will disappear just as fast as they arrive. We think that mega discounts on the iPad (9th Gen) and iPad (10th Gen) could cause sell outs, especially on Amazon. The Dyson Airwrap just might be the top product of Black Friday, as this is one of the rare times there’s a discount on the beloved hair styling tool. At $600, the Airwrap carries a hefty price tag, so any discount presented is a welcome surprise. But as we’ve seen in the past, any Black Friday deal on the Dyson Airwrap causes a crush of interest that’s followed by a sell out. Ugg Tasman slippers Amazon.com If you’ve tried to scoop up the UGG Tasman Slippers in previous years, you already know they never stay in stock for long. As the “it” slipper of the holiday season, UGG’s Tasman sells out multiple times over the holidays, even without a discount offered. We think that this year will be similar, with popular sizes and colors of the Tasman Slipper snatched up fast over Black Friday. Bissell Little Green Amazon.com The Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner is a popular home product that just can’t seem to stay in stock. With prices falling under $90, this mighty machine can be a blessing for pet owners and parents, as its compact size makes it easy to store and use when needed. We’ve seen the Little Green Machine sell out before, and we’d be surprised if it didn’t do it again over Black Friday. We’d be remiss if we didn’t include a top toy that we think will be hard to find and gift this year. Our pick is the Furby Galaxy Edition. This glow-in-the-dark Furby is based on the original Furby from the late ’90s with even more features, interactive modes and more fun. Making a comeback in 2023, we saw the revival of this popular toy sell out last year, and we expect the new Furby Galaxy Edition to do the same.Boy’s death at haunted hayride ruled accidental by coroner
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Raw milk, hailed by some as a natural and nutritious alternative to pasteurized dairy, may come with hidden dangers, according to a new Stanford University study. The research, published December 12 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reveals that influenza or flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days. The findings come at a time when outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cattle have raised concerns about the potential for a new pandemic. "This work highlights the potential risk of avian influenza transmission through consumption of raw milk and the importance of milk pasteurization," said study senior author Alexandria Boehm, the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Professor of Environmental Studies in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the Stanford School of Engineering. More than 14 million Americans consume raw milk annually . Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk is not heated to kill potentially harmful pathogens. Proponents of raw milk claim that it leaves more beneficial nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics than in pasteurized milk, and can boost immune and gastrointestinal health. The Food and Drug Administration has tied raw milk to over 200 outbreaks of illnesses, and—together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention —warns that germs, such E. coli and Salmonella, in raw milk present "serious" health risks, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The science behind the risk The researchers explored the persistence of a strain of human influenza virus in raw cow's milk at typical refrigeration temperatures. The flu virus , called H1N1 PR8, survived and remained infectious in the milk for up to five days. "The persistence of infectious influenza virus in raw milk for days raises concerns about potential transmission pathways," said study co-lead author Mengyang Zhang, a postdoctoral scholar in civil and environmental engineering. "The virus could contaminate surfaces and other environmental materials within dairy facilities, posing risks to animals and humans." Additionally, the researchers found that flu virus RNA—molecules that carry genetic information but are not considered a health risk—remained detectable in the raw milk for at least 57 days. By comparison, pasteurization completely destroyed infectious influenza in the milk and reduced the amount of viral RNA by almost 90%, but didn't eliminate the RNA entirely. Although exposure to influenza virus RNA does not pose a health risk, RNA-based testing methods are often used to conduct environmental surveillance of pathogens like influenza. "The prolonged persistence of viral RNA in both raw and pasteurized milk has implications for food safety assessments and environmental surveillance, particularly because many of the techniques used in environmental surveillance detect RNA," said study co-lead author Alessandro Zulli, a postdoctoral scholar in civil and environmental engineering . The research grew out of an earlier project focused on human norovirus and the subfamily of viruses responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Why it matters now In the U.S. alone, flu viruses infect more than 40 million people and kill more than 50,000 every year. These types of viruses can spread from animals to humans, as in the case of swine flu, which led to as many as 1.4 billion human infections globally in 2009-2010. Although bird flu has not proven as dangerous to people yet, it could mutate to become so. Recent detection of bird flu in cattle has raised questions about its potential transmission through milk and other dairy products. The study's findings underscore the importance of improving monitoring systems, particularly as bird flu continues to spread among livestock, according to the study's authors. The study complements earlier research involving several of the same researchers that pioneered the use of wastewater for detection of avian influenza. That analysis revealed commercial and industrial dairy waste as primary sources. By analyzing wastewater, public health officials could detect virus activity in nearby cattle populations. "We never thought that wastewater could be used to detect and respond to zoonotic pathogens circulating in the community," Boehm said. "It has been amazing to watch our work on detection in wastewater scaled across the United States and the world." More information: Alessandro Zulli et al, Infectivity and Persistence of Influenza A Virus in Raw Milk, Environmental Science & Technology Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00971