Mass species extinction is taking place right before our eyes, and yet most of us hardly notice. The dying can't circulate online petitions or stage demonstrations. Often, we don't even know they exist. Of the estimated 8 million animal, fungi and plant species on our planet, only a fraction have been scientifically documented, according to the international biodiversity council IPBES. Yet according to scientists, the world may lose nearly 1 million species by 2030, with one species already becoming extinct every 10 minutes. This is catastrophic, because a world that lacks diversity is a dangerous place for all species, including humans. Later this year, at the second phase of the 15th UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, Canada almost 200 countries hope to agree on a new international framework for the protection of biodiversity . The agreement text is being prepared this week in Nairobi, Kenya. Will the global community succeed in halting the extinction crisis? Here's … [Read more...] about ‘Biodiversity loss is humanity’s greatest threat’
Harnessing windfall revenues optimal policies for resource rich developing economies
Your energy bills could soar EVEN higher to cover costs of collapsed Bulb Energy
Energy bills could soar even higher as customers face forking out to run collapsed firm Bulb. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng admitted he did not know if the £1bn-a-year cost would fall on a buyer for the firm, the Treasury, or all customers’ bills. Raising bills to cover the costs of propping up Bulb Energy, which failed in November, would be another blow to Brits as bills hit £2,800 a year this winter. But in a glimmer of hope, Mr Kwarteng also suggested electricity bills could be cut in future, by no longer pegging them to the price of gas. He said: “It cannot be the case forever that we can link directly our electricity prices to gas prices when gas is only a portion of the electricity generating mix.” Annual electricity and gas bills are already expected to hit £2,800 a year from October as the price cap is raised. Alongside this, the £2.7bn cost of 28 suppliers collapsing will be spread across customers' bills nationwide - adding about £94 per home. A deadline … [Read more...] about Your energy bills could soar EVEN higher to cover costs of collapsed Bulb Energy
Taiwan: China attack not imminent, but US watching closely, says Gen Milley
Published 6 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing A Chinese attack on Taiwan is not imminent, the top US general says, but the US is watching "very closely". China is clearly developing the capability to attack at some point, but deciding to do so would be a political choice, Gen Mark Milley told the BBC. China says Taiwan is a breakaway province that must be re-unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. It has accused the US of supporting Taiwan's independence, and vowed to "resolutely crush" any such attempt. There has been a marked escalation recently between China and the US - Taiwan's most powerful ally. China has been sending scores of warplanes into Taiwan's air defence zone, while the US has sent naval ships through Taiwan's waters. In May, US President Joe Biden said China was "flirting with danger" by flying its warplanes close to … [Read more...] about Taiwan: China attack not imminent, but US watching closely, says Gen Milley
Transcript: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on “Face the Nation,” July 3, 2022
The following is a transcript of an interview with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that aired Sunday, July 3, 2022, on "Face the Nation." MARGARET BRENNAN: Good morning and welcome to Face the Nation. Thank you for joining us this holiday weekend. We begin today with immigration and the win for the Biden administration last week in the Supreme Court; that of the ending of President Trump's remain in Mexico policy. To discuss that and more we want to welcome Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to this broadcast. Mr. Secretary, good morning to you, happy early Fourth of July. HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS: Good morning and the same wish to you, Margaret. Thank you. MARGARET BRENNAN: So what happens now that "remain in Mexico" is going away? Are you ending this policy immediately? And what happens to those individuals in the encampments waiting right across the border? SEC. MAYORKAS: Margaret, we were very pleased with the Supreme … [Read more...] about Transcript: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on “Face the Nation,” July 3, 2022
Using candy and jam to protect Brazil’s Amazon rainforest
Tapirs, jaguars, and giant armadillos are some of the 430 species of mammals that share a home with Luiz Henrique Lopes Ferreira in Brazil's eastern Amazon . Ferreira makes and sells sweets, jams, and liqueurs from more than a hundred varieties of local fruit trees. The 22-year-old is part of a new generation showing how forest communities with economic opportunities can help promote biodiversity protection and prevent deforestation. He lives in the Tapajos Arapiuns Extractive Reserve, which spans over 640,00 hectares (1.58 million acres) almost 90% of which is covered in forest. It is home to over 370 different types of bird, 99 species of fish and around 13,000 people, mostly Indigenous and mixed heritage caboclo communities. The Amazon rainforest is rich in biodiversity but many species are now under threat Identifying himself as Indigenous, Ferreira says that although he was born in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas State, the forest has been his real home since his … [Read more...] about Using candy and jam to protect Brazil’s Amazon rainforest
Heads of state: A walk among giant presidential busts
If you've always wanted to get close to a head of state, then make your way to this swampy field just outside Historic Williamsburg, Virginia, where gigantic and decaying busts – some 20 feet tall, weighing several tons each – portray every U.S. president from George Washington to George W. Bush. "They're just huge!" one visitor exclaimed. "This whole thing is vibe," said another. But they're an accidental tourist attraction. "You kind of would expect 'em to be, like, in a museum," said Ben. "Instead they're outside, just in the elements." All on the site of Howard Hankins' recycling center. Hankins, who is also a builder, had originally helped construct a park for the busts that opened in 2004 to capitalize on the Williamsburg tourism industry. But just six years later, "The economy hit 'em hard," he said. "They just couldn't keep the doors open. And they called me up and asked me if I'd crush 'em, cause I crush concrete." Correspondent Rita Braver asked, "Why didn't … [Read more...] about Heads of state: A walk among giant presidential busts
Brexit: IDS slams ruling elites for ‘locking to Europe’ in masterplan to slash red tape
Iain Duncan Smith says UK needs to focus on 'growth' Sign up for FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The former leader of the Conservative Party recently co-authored a report for the Centre for Brexit Policy, which argued that the establishment is holding the country back from unlocking its true potential. Instead of viewing the UK as a declining international force, the report argues Brexit gives Britain the chance to become a dominant global power now it is free from the EU’s shackles. Related articles IDS crushes Sturgeon's Indyref2 as ‘ridiculous’ distraction Iain Duncan Smith's cost-cutting masterplan to avoid 'disaster' In an … [Read more...] about Brexit: IDS slams ruling elites for ‘locking to Europe’ in masterplan to slash red tape
Nutrition expert explains why your diet isn’t working from stress to not chewing
How many of us have tried to improve our diet only to throw in the towel just days or weeks down the line? There are so many tips out there about what foods to eat - and which to avoid - it can be mind-bogglingly difficult to find out what works the best for you. As such it can all become rather overwhelming, but thankfully help is at hand. Before putting things right with your diet, it's vital look at what's wrong with it. Here, nutrition expert Lauryn Lax at BreakingMuscle.com outlines the main reasons why your diet isn’t working - and how to fix it. Want to get the latest health news direct to your inbox? Sign up for the Mirror Health newsletter HERE A great addition to your diet - avocados are rich in potassium, fibre and vitamins B, E and C ( Image: Getty Images) You’re not eating enough fat Diets that exclude or drastically limit fat tend to replace all those missing calories with carbohydrates, which sets you up to ride the blood sugar … [Read more...] about Nutrition expert explains why your diet isn’t working from stress to not chewing
The backlash against drag queens visiting schools is pure homophobia
Who better to lead school story time than a drag king or queen? From the outfits they wear, to the over-the-top expressions involved in their act, they’re professional performers who use their art form to bring stories to life and engage and captivate in a way that standard storytelling can’t – and with a little bit of a queer twist thrown in on top. But there’s more to Drag Queen Story Time than brilliant performances. There’s a serious reason why we want kids to see drag queens in their everyday lives. It’s why the recent backlash to a drag queen reading to kids at Glencoats Primary School in Scotland hurts so much. In this instance, a drag performer with the stage name of ‘Flowjob’, introduced as ‘Flo’ to the children, performed a one off story time session as part of LGBTQ+ History Month. This event was attended by teachers, the press and even a local MP. Dressed in a gown, covering her head to toe, she read a couple of short stories. However, despite … [Read more...] about The backlash against drag queens visiting schools is pure homophobia
Nature in crisis: How can we prevent biodiversity loss?
The world is currently witnessing biodiversity loss at a rate and scale unprecedented in human history. Over 1 million species are at risk of extinction. Many are disappearing before we have had a chance to discover them. Climate change, pollution and disappearing habitats are among the forces that have pushed nature toward a cliff edge. The situation is so severe that scientists say we are facing the " sixth mass die-off " — the scale of which has not been seen since the dinosaurs were wiped out 65 million years ago. Yet 2022 presents a window of opportunity, with the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Canada set to bring together world leaders to discuss a road map to deal with the crisis in nature. In our latest Global Ideas web special we take a deep dive into why protecting biodiversity is so critical, and what the concrete and effective solutions are to tackling the problem. 'Biodiversity loss is the greatest threat to humanity' What impact does … [Read more...] about Nature in crisis: How can we prevent biodiversity loss?