NUNZIUM

News That Matters

18/09/2023 ---- 21/09/2023

PAST MONHT

month -1

HOMEPAGE

go_today

NEXT MONTH

month +1
21.09.2023
THEME: TECHNOLOGY

Innovative Approaches to Coral Reef Restoration: A Race Against Time

In an era where artificial intelligence and robotics intersect with marine biology, new and innovative methods are being developed to save the planet's coral reefs. Taryn Foster, a marine biologist working 40 miles off the coast of Western Australia in the Abrolhos Islands, is at the forefront of this critical work. Despite occupying only 0.2% of the seafloor, coral reefs are home to over 25% of marine species, underscoring their vital role in maintaining global biodiversity.

However, these underwater rainforests are under severe threat. According to the Global Coral Reel Monitoring Network, a mere 1.5C increase in water temperature could decimate between 70% and 90% of the world’s reefs by 2070. Cathie Page from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) reaffirms that climate change poses the most significant risk to these vibrant ecosystems.

Traditional coral restoration methods, involving the transplantation of small, nursery-cultivated corals onto damaged reefs, have proven slow, expensive, and insufficient. Foster is pioneering a new technique that involves grafting coral fragments into small plugs, which are then inserted into a moulded base and placed on the seabed in batches. This method is being advanced by Foster's start-up, Coral Maker, in collaboration with San Francisco-based engineering software firm Autodesk.

Autodesk researchers are training artificial intelligence to operate collaborative robots, or cobots, to automate coral propagation. The aim is to deploy these cobots from the lab to the seabed within the next 12-18 months. The anticipated funding for this state-of-the-art technology is expected to be sourced from the tourism industry and through the issuance of biodiversity credits, akin to carbon credits.

The restoration of coral reefs, however, requires a multi-pronged approach. Other strategies being investigated include coral seeding for larger-scale restoration and the cultivation of more resilient "super coral". AIMS is also spearheading a project called Reef Song, which plays healthy reef sounds on damaged reefs through underwater loudspeakers, attracting fish and enhancing reef recovery.

Coral reefs, formed by corals extracting calcium carbonate from the sea to create sturdy outer shells, are under significant threat. The restoration and preservation of these reefs demand substantial investment in time, effort, and funding. As Page from AIMS highlights, there is no single solution to the intricate ecological issue of coral reef degradation.

In this challenging landscape, the groundbreaking work of scientists like Foster is crucial. Their creative approaches to coral restoration, from grafting coral fragments to training AI-controlled robots, offer the best chance for preserving the world's coral reefs. The race is on to preserve these vital ecosystems, and the ultimate prize is a future where coral reefs continue to flourish, providing a habitat for a quarter of our marine species and preserving the beauty and diversity of our oceans.

READ MORE
21.09.2023
THEME: WORLD

The Global Chessboard: Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea's Intricate Political Maneuvers

The international political landscape is a complex chessboard, with nations intricately maneuvering to influence the balance of power. Central to this geopolitical drama are Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea, whose leaders' actions could potentially redraw global alliances.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains resolute in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Recently, he called on Donald Trump, a potential 2024 Republican presidential nominee, to disclose his peace plans. Zelensky firmly argues against any peace proposal that necessitates Ukraine to cede territory. He is lobbying for US support, including long-range missiles to equalize the battlefield, a matter currently under President Joe Biden's review.

Simultaneously, an intriguing alliance is emerging between Russia and North Korea. Despite a history of fluctuating relations over the past three decades, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has surprisingly declared Russia as his "first priority," a significant shift from the traditionally close ties with China.

Recent talks between these two leaders have broached a range of sensitive subjects, including potential military cooperation. Such an alliance could potentially destabilize the multilateral sanctions regime against Pyongyang, leading to far-reaching implications.

Back in Ukraine, Zelensky decried a "deliberate" assault on the city of Kostyantynivka, which claimed 15 lives, including a child. This attack, one of the most severe on Ukrainian civilians since spring, coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Ukraine. Blinken announced a US aid package exceeding $1bn for Ukraine during his visit.

In a notable development, the US aid includes the provision of depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine for the first time. Depleted uranium, known for its ability to pierce tank armor and ignite upon impact, is mildly radioactive. This development has sparked a debate about its safety and potential risk to civilians.

As this geopolitical drama unfolds, the stakes are escalating, and the outcomes remain unpredictable. The actions of these leaders could potentially alter alliances, redefine borders, and reshape global politics. Amidst this power play, the only constant is the ever-present uncertainty.

READ MORE
21.09.2023
THEME: WORLD

Nagorno-Karabakh: A Crucible of Conflict and Power Politics

Nestled in the South Caucasus, Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians, has been a focal point of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan for decades. The recent surge in military activities has reignited the long-standing tensions, tracing back to a separatist war that concluded in 1994.

Azerbaijan's President, Ilham Aliyev, recently proclaimed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh, following a 24-hour military offensive against ethnic-Armenian forces. Labelled as an "anti-terror" operation, it called for the dissolution of Karabakh's "illegal regime". The offensive resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 200 fatalities and over 400 injuries, and led to the displacement of thousands of civilians.

The escalating conflict prompted a ceasefire agreement, but allegations of violations quickly surfaced. Armenian officials accused Azerbaijan of launching an attack near the town of Sotk, a claim strongly refuted by Azerbaijan. The ceasefire terms, drafted by Azerbaijan and Russia, called for the disbandment of local Karabakh forces and the withdrawal of Armenian troops.

The conflict has sparked political unrest, with thousands of protesters in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation over his crisis management. Amid the chaos, discussions on "issues of re-integration" were held in Yevlakh, involving officials from Baku and Karabakh's Armenian representatives.

Russia, meanwhile, played a pivotal role by evacuating 5,000 people from hazardous zones. However, the ceasefire terms and impending negotiations were perceived by Caucasus specialist Thomas de Waal as biased towards Azerbaijan, leaving ethnic Armenians vulnerable. Pashinyan refuted any involvement in drafting the ceasefire text and urged Russian peacekeepers to ensure the safety of the local population.

The recent turmoil echoes the two wars fought over Nagorno-Karabakh post the Soviet Union's collapse, including the six-week war in 2020. That conflict resulted in several thousand deaths and enabled Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey, to regain territory, thereby isolating the ethnic Armenians. Moreover, Azerbaijan imposed a nine-month blockade on the only road into Karabakh from Armenia, leading to critical shortages of essential supplies.

International reactions to the conflict have been diverse. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Azerbaijan to halt its military actions, while Turkey, Azerbaijan's close ally, defended Baku’s actions. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the sharp escalation and appealed for an end to the violence. The EU and UN, meanwhile, have advocated for an immediate ceasefire and respect for the 2020 ceasefire agreement.

The Nagorno-Karabakh situation represents a complicated mix of historical disputes, geopolitical interests, and ethnic tensions. As the conflict persists, the lives of ethnic Armenians are caught in the crossfire, trapped between power politics and the fight for survival. The international community watches with apprehension, hoping for a peaceful resolution that safeguards the rights and safety of Nagorno-Karabakh's inhabitants. The power and politics chess game continues, with the people of Nagorno-Karabakh serving as pawns in this broader geopolitical match.

READ MORE

PAST MONTH

month -1

HOMEPAGE

go_today

NEXT MONTH

month +1