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19/06/2023 ---- 02/07/2023

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02.07.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

"Heat Dome Havoc: Texas and the Rising Threat of Extreme Heatwaves"

The Southern US, particularly Texas, experienced a lethal heatwave on June 17th, with temperatures reaching an unbearable 119F (48C). This extreme heat, which resulted in several deaths, was caused by a "heat dome," a ridge of high pressure that traps hot ocean air over a region. The heat dome, likened to a lid over a boiling pot, combined with an unusually warm Gulf of Mexico and the timing around the summer solstice, led to this extreme heat, explained John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas State Climatologist and director of the Southern Regional Climate Centre at Texas A&M University.

This alarming event is not isolated and is a clear indicator of the escalating impacts of climate change. Over the past century, Texas has warmed between half and one degree Fahrenheit, a subtle change with significant implications. If this trend persists, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) predicts a three to four-fold increase in days per year above 100F (38C) in Texas by the end of the century.

The human toll of such heatwaves is devastating, with extreme heat being the deadliest natural hazard in the US. Particularly vulnerable are children and adults over 65. In 2022 alone, heat-related illnesses claimed more than 275 lives in Texas, with the current heat dome causing at least a dozen deaths in Texas and Louisiana. A 2010 study revealed that a "wet-bulb" temperature of 95F (35C) at 100% humidity, or 115F at 50% humidity, marks the threshold where the human body struggles to maintain a healthy core temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

The economic implications are equally significant. Infrastructure upgrades to cope with future heatwaves come with a hefty price tag, with an estimated cost of US$66.5 bn (£52.7bn) for improving wind and solar resources in Texas by 2030.

Future projections are equally concerning. A 2021 report by Rutgers University suggests that three degrees of global warming could put 1.2 billion people at risk of heat stress annually. By 2070, four million Americans could be living outside "the ideal niche for human life," according to a joint effort between ProPublica and The New York Times.

The recent Texas heatwave is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of global extreme heat events due to human-induced climate change. Over the past three weeks, a high-pressure ridge has caused temperatures to rise above 48C (120F) in parts of southern US and Mexico. Over 40 million people, including residents of Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, have been under excessive heat warnings.

The heatwave has strained Texas's energy grid due to increased air conditioner use. The burning of fossil fuels has made such extreme heatwaves at least five times more likely, according to Climate Central, a climate science non-profit. Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist at Texas A&M University, emphasizes the unusual early arrival of such extreme heat, making this one of the hottest Junes ever recorded in southern Texas.

Michael Wehner, a climate and extreme weather expert at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, estimated that human-caused global warming made the Texas heatwave around 2.7C (5F) hotter. He warns, "Dangerous climate change is here, now." The current heatwave has not only claimed lives but also strained power grids, with power outages exacerbating the risks in cities like Memphis, where tens of thousands of residents remain without power following storms.

In conclusion, the recent Texas heatwave is a chilling reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change and a call to action to address its root causes. As we prepare for a future where such extreme heat events become increasingly common, the heat dome may have lifted, but the issue remains a burning concern.

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01.07.2023
THEME: HEALTH

Unveiling the Genetic Shield: A Defense Against Bird Flu

In an era where pandemics have become a reality, the discovery of a genetic defense against bird flu by scientists from the University of Glasgow is a significant development. Bird flus, since 1918, have triggered four pandemics, including the infamous 1918 flu pandemic, which claimed approximately 50 million lives. This pandemic, like the others, is believed to have originated from birds.

The scientists identified a segment of our genetic code, BTN3A3, which serves as a defense mechanism against bird flus. BTN3A3 becomes active in our nasal passages, throat, and lungs upon detection of an infection. This activation impedes the replication of bird flus, effectively thwarting their invasion. This defense mechanism has proven effective against most bird flus, preventing them from transitioning to humans.

However, all pandemic viruses to date have evolved to resist BTN3A3, allowing them to bypass this defense and infect humans. This was the case with the H7N9 bird flu, which developed heightened resistance to BTN3A3 in 2011 and 2012, leading to the first human cases in 2013.

Currently, the world's bird populations are grappling with the largest bird flu outbreak ever recorded, attributed to the H5N1 virus. Over half of the virus samples from birds and all seven human cases detected this year have demonstrated resistance to BTN3A3. This underscores that the ability to resist BTN3A3 is but one facet of the virus's threat to human health.

The research team, spearheaded by Prof Massimo Palmarini, director of the Centre for Virus Research in Glasgow, plans to routinely analyze the genetic code of flus circulating in birds. The objective is to identify and neutralize the dangerous strains before they can trigger a pandemic. Prof Palmarini is optimistic that this research will allow for accurate predictions of which viruses are likely to cross over to humans in the future.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has been dedicated to enhancing global animal health since 1924. They supervise various programs aimed at improving Veterinary and Aquatic Animal Health Services. Avian influenza, or 'bird flu', is a significant concern for WOAH due to its implications for the poultry industry, farmer’s livelihoods, international trade, and the health of wild birds.

Avian influenza is a highly infectious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild birds, and occasionally, mammalian species, including humans. The disease, caused by viruses divided into multiple subtypes such as H5N1, H5N3, H5N8, is spread through direct contact with secretions from infected birds or contaminated feed and water.

From 2005 to 2020, avian influenza resulted in the death or culling of 246 million poultry. During this period, humans have been sporadically infected with subtypes H5N1, H7N9, H5N6, with infrequent cases reported with subtypes H7N7 and H9N2.

WOAH has established international standards on avian influenza, providing a framework for effective surveillance and control measures. Through the OFFLU network, WOAH collaborates with partners to assess the risks of avian influenza viruses and offer guidance to the international community.

In conclusion, while bird flu remains a significant threat to both human and animal health, the discovery of our genetic defense and the relentless efforts of organizations like WOAH offer a ray of hope. As we continue to decode the mysteries of our genetic code and enhance our surveillance and control measures, we edge closer to a future where pandemics are relegated to history.

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29.06.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

The Tipping Point: Unraveling the Impacts of Human Activities and Climate Change on Ecosystems

Our planet is at a critical juncture with over 20% of our ecosystems on the brink of collapse, a worrying reality underscored by the intricate web of life under threat. This is not a mere environmental issue but a matter of survival for all species, including humans. The combined effects of human-induced stresses and climate change are accelerating this potential ecosystem collapse, a reality brought to light by the research of John Dearing, Gregory Cooper, and Simon Willcock.

Their study, published in Nature Sustainability in June 2023, utilized computer models to simulate future ecosystem behavior in response to changes. Focusing on forests and lake water quality, along with the Chilika lagoon fishery in Odisha, India, and Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean, the team conducted over 70,000 simulations. The alarming results suggested that the confluence of stress and extreme weather events could hasten ecosystem tipping points by 30-80%, potentially leading to collapses expected later this century occurring within the next few decades.

Interestingly, the study found that around 15% of ecosystem collapses in the simulations were triggered by new stresses or extreme events, even while the main stress remained constant. This underscores the importance of the speed at which stress is applied in determining system collapse. Unlike economic systems, collapsed ecosystems cannot be immediately restored with natural capital, highlighting the absence of ecological bailouts.

The research also questioned the accuracy of conventional modeling approaches in estimating the impact of climate and human activities on ecosystems. It revealed that while ecosystem collapses occur sooner under increasing primary stress, additional stresses and/or noise significantly expedite these collapses. This aligns with the UK Chief Scientist, John Beddington's prediction of a 'perfect storm' of global events by 2030 and the concept of 'cascades of collapse', where Earth's ecosystems rapidly destabilize.

Despite a global decrease in birth rates and an increase in renewable energy generation, population, greenhouse gas concentrations, and economic drivers continue to trend upwards. This is coupled with an increased frequency and magnitude of erratic events such as heatwaves and precipitation extremes, consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report.

The report warns that multiple climate hazards will occur simultaneously, and multiple climatic and non-climatic risks will interact, resulting in compounded overall risk and cascading risks across sectors and regions. There is a looming danger that many tipping points, including the collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, die-off of low-latitude coral reefs, and widespread abrupt permafrost thaw, could be triggered within the Paris Agreement range of 1.5 to 2 °C warming.

In conclusion, the research by Dearing, Cooper, and Willcock serves as a stark wake-up call. The combined effects of human activities and climate change could accelerate the collapse of our ecosystems, potentially triggering a catastrophic chain reaction of ecosystem collapses, an "ecological doom-loop". The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and immediate action is required to prevent a catastrophic collapse of our planet's ecosystems. Our survival, and that of our planet, hinges on our response.

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28.06.2023
THEME: WORLD

A Landmark Week in Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Strikes, Rebellion, and Military Advances

Last week was a pivotal period in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, characterized by deadly missile strikes, a rebellion within the Russian military, and significant progress made by Ukrainian forces.

On a tragic Tuesday evening, a missile strike by Russian forces devastated the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, claiming the lives of eight people, including three children. The strike occurred at 19:30 local time, impacting a busy restaurant and shopping area, and causing substantial damage to nearby apartment buildings. Among the 56 injured were an eight-month-old baby, three foreigners, and a 17-year-old girl. This attack is one in a series that has targeted Kramatorsk since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the White House both condemned the attack. Zelensky stated that the strike proved Russia deserved "only defeat and a tribunal", reflecting the White House's condemnation of Russia's "brutal strikes" on Ukraine.

Simultaneously, a rebellion was stirring within the Russian military. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the private army group Wagner, led a mutiny against the Russian government, protesting against government plans to take direct control of Wagner and defense officials' errors during the war with Ukraine. This rebellion, which was halted near Moscow to prevent bloodshed, revealed significant security issues within Russia. Although quelled without overthrowing President Vladimir Putin, it led to Putin's vow to bring the revolt's organizers to justice and his accusation of the West's desire for bloodshed in Russia. US President Joe Biden denied any involvement in the rebellion.

On the Ukrainian front, there were notable victories. According to the UK's Ministry of Defence, Ukrainian forces likely reclaimed territory occupied by Russia since 2014, making headway near the Russian-occupied village of Krasnohorivka, near Donetsk. The US pledged an additional $500 million in military aid to Ukraine, including more than 50 heavily armoured vehicles and missiles for air defense systems.

The United Nations reported widespread and systematic torture of civilians by Russian forces in Ukraine, including summary executions, with over 900 cases of arbitrary detention. Ukrainian forces were also reported to have detained 75 people, some of which were enforced disappearances. More than half of those detained by Ukrainian forces reported being tortured or mistreated.

As the tumultuous week concluded, the future of the conflict remains uncertain. The upheaval within the Russian military and the significant advances by Ukrainian forces could potentially alter the power dynamics in the ongoing conflict. The world continues to observe, hoping for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has already caused immense suffering.

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27.06.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Dolphin Mothers Use High-Pitched "Baby Talk" with Their Calves, New Study Reveals

A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has discovered that dolphin mothers use a high-pitched baby talk when communicating with their young ones. This fascinating finding not only adds to our understanding of the complex social lives of these intelligent marine mammals but also highlights the similarities between dolphins and humans in terms of how we communicate with our offspring.

Dolphins are known for their unique and complex communication skills, which include a signature whistle that each individual uses, similar to calling out their own name. Researchers recorded the signature whistles of 19 mother bottlenose dolphins in Florida's Sarasota Bay and found that the mother's whistle pitch is higher and her pitch range is greater when directed at her calves. The data for this study were collected over more than three decades using special microphones on wild dolphin mothers in the area.

The study was co-authored by Laela Sayigh from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Peter Tyack from the University of St Andrews, and Frants Jensen from Aarhus University. They focused on the bottlenose dolphin population in Sarasota, Florida, where dolphin calves stay with their mothers for an average of three years. This extended period of bonding allows the researchers to study the communication between mother and calf more thoroughly.

Baby talk, or motherese, is a common phenomenon in the animal kingdom. It is believed to help offspring learn to pronounce novel sounds or catch their attention. For example, humans use a higher pitch and exaggerated intonation when talking to babies, which is thought to help them learn the language more effectively. Similarly, the high-pitched baby talk used by dolphin mothers could serve a similar purpose in helping their calves learn to vocalize the many sounds needed for effective communication.

However, it remains unclear if dolphins use this baby talk for other exchanges or if it actually helps their offspring learn to "talk." Further research is needed to determine the exact purpose and benefits of this unique form of communication among dolphins. So, the next time you find yourself cooing at a baby, remember that you might not be the only species using baby talk to connect with the younger generation.

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24.06.2023
THEME: ECONOMY

Kenya and EU Strike Major Trade Deal, Boosting Agricultural Exports and Green Initiatives

Kenya and the European Union (EU) have signed a trade deal, the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which guarantees duty-free entry for Kenyan agricultural products into the EU market. This agreement will allow Kenya to export €1.2 billion ($1.31 billion) worth of mainly agricultural products to the 27-member bloc, significantly impacting the country's economy since 70% of Kenya's total flower production is sold in Europe.

The deal is the first broad trade agreement between the EU and an African nation since a similar agreement with Ghana in 2016. Kenya will gradually and partially open its market to European goods, with tariffs reduced over a 25-year period. Trade relations between the EU and Kenya have grown by 27% from 2018 to 2022.

As part of the commitment to sustainable growth, Kenya has agreed to enforce binding commitments related to environmental protection, climate action, fighting gender inequality, and strengthening labor rights. Kenya has also signed a trade deal with the United Kingdom in December 2020 and is currently negotiating with the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

In a separate development, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Denmark have launched a $1 billion green hydrogen fund to fight climate change. South Africa's energy transition plan includes setting up an export hub for green hydrogen, which is renewable energy produced without greenhouse gas emissions. The Netherlands and Denmark have expressed their support for South Africa's efforts and plan to contribute to the country's renewable energy, hydrogen, and infrastructure development.

The Kenya-EU trade agreement ensures duty-free and quota-free access for Kenyan goods to the EU, while EU imports to Kenya will receive progressive tariff reductions over 25 years, with some sensitive products excluded. Kenya's main exports to the EU are agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee, and cut flowers. The EU's Global Gateway initiative aims to increase investments in Kenya by hundreds of millions of dollars, countering China's Belt and Road program.

This deal is the culmination of trade talks between the EU and the East African Community (EAC) that started a decade ago, and the agreement is open for other EAC members to join. Partnerships like these are essential for fostering sustainable growth, promoting fair trade practices, and combating climate change. With the signing of this landmark trade agreement, Kenya and the EU have set a positive example for other countries to follow, paving the way for a greener and more equitable future.

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24.06.2023
THEME: WORLD

EU Imposes New Sanctions on Russia as Tensions Escalate with Wagner Group

The European Union (EU) has imposed an 11th round of sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, targeting the transit of goods and technology for military use through Russia and the sale of sensitive dual-use goods and technology to countries potentially reselling to Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the sanctions package, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns about the slower-than-desired counteroffensive against Russian forces.

Germany has announced an additional €381 million ($416 million) in humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and the EU will add €3.5 billion ($3.8 billion) to a fund for weapons for Ukraine. The UK's Ministry of Defence reports that Russia is building defensive lines in Crimea, and the International Ukraine Recovery Conference held in London saw over 60 countries attending, with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmygal estimating the rebuilding cost at $750 billion.

The situation in Ukraine has been exacerbated by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine on June 6th, causing flooding and a rising death toll, now at 41. Satellite images show four canal networks disconnected from the reservoir, which held 18 cubic kilometers of water before drying up. The loss of water from these canals is critical for food production in the region, as they yielded about two million tonnes of grain and oil seeds in 2021. The destruction of the dam has had a "huge impact on global food security," as Ukraine is a major exporter of sunflower, maize, wheat, and barley.

Tensions within Russia have escalated between the Russian military and the Wagner mercenary group, headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Prigozhin has accused Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu of ordering a rocket strike on Wagner's field camps in Ukraine, and the Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee has opened a criminal inquiry on charges of making calls for a military coup. In response, Russia's Federal Security Agency (FSB) has filed criminal charges against Prigozhin, punishable by 12 to 20 years in prison.

The feud between the Wagner Group and the Russian military leadership has led to increased security measures in Moscow and other Russian cities. Prigozhin has vowed to topple Russia's military leadership, claiming that Wagner's forces have entered the southern Rostov region, where Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is located. However, the Russian Defense Ministry has denied these claims and called on Wagner fighters to lay down their arms.

As tensions continue to rise within Russia and between Russia and the EU, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious. The United Nations has placed Russian forces on its annual blacklist for violating children's rights in Ukraine, attributing 136 child deaths in the country in 2022 to Russian forces and affiliated groups. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine remains on course towards opening EU membership talks, while the international community continues to monitor the situation and provide support for the beleaguered nation.

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19.06.2023
THEME: WORLD

Bridging the Gap: High-Level Talks Between the US and China Amid Tensions

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China comes at a critical time, as tensions rise over Taiwan and near-collision incidents between Chinese and US military vessels. The primary goal of the visit is to reestablish reliable communication lines between the two superpowers, due to Beijing's military not picking up calls from the Pentagon, increasing the risk of misunderstandings.

During his visit, Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang discussed Taiwan, China's support for Russia over Ukraine, and reports of a Chinese spy facility in Cuba. Trade is seen as a promising source of stability between the US and China, but human rights organizations urge Blinken to address China's human rights record.

On June 18, 2023, Blinken and Qin held a six-hour talk in Beijing, agreeing on four sectors: maintaining high-level contacts, advancing the China-US joint working group, addressing specific issues, and expanding people-to-people and educational exchanges. This meeting aimed to manage divergences and prevent China-US relations from spiraling out of control.

This visit marks the first trip to China by a top US diplomat since 2018, with China-US relations at their lowest point in decades due to disagreements on trade, national security, and technology. The Taiwan question remains a core issue, with China urging the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués.

Experts see this meeting as a "window of opportunity" to save bilateral ties from further deterioration, but the Taiwan question remains a crucial factor in the stability of China-US relations. In addition to the US-China talks, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Germany and France in March 2023, demonstrating China's commitment to bilateral ties with European countries and China-EU strategic ties.

During Li's visit, Germany unveiled its first-ever comprehensive national security strategy, advocating cooperation with China. France and Germany are also seeking deeper cooperation with China for a multipolar world order. The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, hosted by France on June 22-23, will be attended by Premier Li and other global leaders.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Beijing on Monday, marking the first US Secretary of State visit to Beijing in five years. The meeting aimed at improving US-China ties after a dispute over a Chinese surveillance balloon. Xi emphasized the need for a stable Sino-US relationship for the future of mankind, while Blinken emphasized the need for responsible management of competition between the two countries through open channels of communication.

Although no concrete agreements have been mentioned by either side so far, both the US and China have played down expectations of a major breakthrough during Blinken's visit. However, these high-level talks are a step toward bridging the gap between the two superpowers and managing their divergences to prevent further escalation of tensions.

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