NUNZIUM

News That Matters

14/09/2023 ---- 16/09/2023

Coral reefs are the vibrant underwater cities that, despite only occupying 0.2% of the ocean floor, provide a habitat for a quarter of all marine species. Yet, these vital ecosystems are under severe threat. According to the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, a mere 1.5C rise in water temperature could lead to a devastating loss of between 70% and 90% of the world's reefs. Some scientists even project a grim future where these reefs could vanish entirely by 2070.

Marine biologist Taryn Foster, based in the Abrolhos Islands off Western Australia, is working tirelessly to rewrite this impending narrative. In partnership with the San Francisco-based engineering software firm Autodesk, Foster has co-founded a start-up, Coral Maker, with the objective of accelerating the coral restoration process.

Coral reefs, primarily located in tropical waters, construct their hard outer shells by extracting calcium carbonate from the sea, thereby forming the bedrock of reefs. However, these crucial ecosystems are increasingly susceptible to heat and acidification, leading to a higher risk of disease and death as oceans warm and become more acidic.

Traditional coral restoration techniques, which involve transplanting small corals grown in nurseries onto damaged reefs, are both slow and expensive, offering limited aid to the vast number of reefs at risk. Foster is exploring a novel system that could potentially revolutionize this process. The technique involves grafting coral fragments into small plugs, which are then inserted into a moulded base and placed on the seabed in batches.

In a groundbreaking development, Autodesk researchers are training artificial intelligence to manage collaborative robots, or cobots, to automate the repetitive tasks involved in coral propagation. Integrating this technology into the field poses significant challenges, such as handling delicate, living coral and safeguarding electronics from saltwater. Despite these obstacles, the team is optimistic about having the robots operational within the next 12-18 months.

To fund this technological venture, Coral Maker is planning to issue biodiversity credits, similar to carbon credits. The start-up is relying on demand from the tourism industry, which has a significant stake in preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the reefs.

Coral Maker's efforts, however, are only part of the solution. Other innovative strategies are being investigated, including coral seeding for larger-scale restoration, breeding more resilient "super coral", and even geo-engineering clouds to reflect sunlight and protect the coral.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is also playing a crucial role in this battle with a unique initiative, Reef Song. This project uses underwater loudspeakers on damaged reefs to mimic the sounds of healthy reefs, thereby attracting fish and promoting reef regeneration.

The mission to save the world's coral reefs is a monumental one, necessitating a significant investment of time, money, and human effort. As AIMS scientists stress, addressing coral reef degradation is a complex ecological issue with no single solution.

Ultimately, the future of our oceans and their vibrant coral cities will be determined by a combination of scientific innovation, economic incentives, and a global commitment to combat climate change. The race is on to preserve these vital ecosystems, the irreplaceable rainbows of the ocean.

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The intricate alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, marked by a history of mutual support and defiance of international norms, is once again under the microscope. The relationship, which has been fraught with tension and intrigue for over three decades, is characterized by Russia's tolerance of North Korean cyber operatives within its borders, even when they target Russian entities.

The recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un—their second in four years—has brought the dynamics of this alliance into sharper focus. The summit reportedly centered on regional and global issues, occurring simultaneously with North Korea's defiant launch of ballistic missiles in violation of UN resolutions. This act, along with Kim's declaration of the strategic importance of DPRK-Russia relations and his endorsement of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, has stirred global concern.

Despite North Korea's nuclear threats and human rights abuses, the Kremlin appears willing to deepen its cooperation with Pyongyang. This partnership is not without controversy, as evidenced by Kim's request for Putin's assistance in alleviating UN sanctions during their first summit in April 2019. The recent meeting hinted at potential military collaboration and a possible arms deal, both of which would contravene UN Security Council Resolution 2270.

Russia’s collaboration with North Korea extends to the aerospace sector and employment of North Korean workers on various Russian projects, such as the 2018 World Cup stadiums. These actions, along with allegations of Russia violating UN sanctions by laundering North Korean coal, suggest Moscow's diminishing regard for sanctions against North Korea in the current geopolitical landscape.

The Moscow-Pyongyang alliance could have significant implications beyond their bilateral relationship and the situation in Ukraine. Their mutual support, seemingly immune to global opinion, was underscored when Kim expressed unreserved support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. The two leaders' discussions included potential military cooperation, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Their visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a rocket assembly and launch site, further indicated Russia's commitment to assist North Korea in satellite construction.

Concerns have been raised by the US and South Korea regarding the possibility of Pyongyang supplying Russia with weapons and ammunition. While North Korean expert Fyodor Tertitskiy expressed skepticism about a significant deal without China's approval, Siemon Wezeman of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) noted North Korea's large stocks of ammunition compatible with Russian artillery systems. In exchange for military aid, Kim may be seeking advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, along with food aid for his nation.

The ripple effects of the Moscow-Pyongyang alliance are already being observed globally. Recent short-range ballistic missile launches from North Korea's east coast, detected by South Korea and Japan, have triggered an increase in defense cooperation between South Korea, the US, and Japan.

In sum, the Moscow-Pyongyang alliance, with its defiance of international norms and potential for far-reaching implications, is a matter of global concern. As these nations appear willing to risk international condemnation to advance their interests, the world watches with anticipation, waiting to see the fallout from this controversial alliance.

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