How rainwater pools help farmers in the driest land on earth

-

November 12, 2024

How rainwater pools help farmers in the driest land on earth

rainwater pools in Yemen — A rainwater collection cool in Yemen

Rainwater tanks have become an essential item in Israel where people are afraid that an Iranian attack will threaten their domestic water supply. But like the ancient Nabateans who knew how to sequester water in the desert, the modern Swiss collect water from farm roofs and homes to water their gardens. They may pay a tax in Switzerland, but the rain is either free or cheap and it’s charged with beautiful ions that plants love.

It might seem obvious but in countries starving and on the brink of disaster from an internal terror group taking over, Yemeni farmers are finding relief in growing their harvest but getting access to basic farming tools such as rainwater collection systems. The UN is helping give them the know how to build rainwater tanks. The Houthis in Yemen are using water as a weapon in war. But a not so sophisticated water pool can pull people out of misery

rainwater tanks in Yemen — A farmer’s field in Yemen. With the construction of rainwater tanks farmers can now grow vegetables year-around in Utmah district, Dhamar Governorate.

The UN reports that Yemen’s agriculture sector, a lifeline for millions and a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, has been severely affected by extreme climate change. Continued conflict with the Houthis has further exacerbated the situation, contributing to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and widespread food insecurity.

In an effort to address water scarcity caused by climate change, two rainwater harvesting tanks were constructed in in Bait Al-Samhi Village, Dhamar Governorate, improving access to water for community members. Each rainwater tank has the capacity to hold 940 cubic metres of water.

Fouad, a farmer in Bait Al-Samhi Village, is confident that the project will significantly increase production in the coming season. He explains, “We rely on rainfall to irrigate our crops. During the winter, our lands become dry, and agriculture ceases due to the lack of irrigation water. Before the project, the situation was very difficult. We had no source to irrigate our crops after the rains stopped, which led to crop failure and financial losses. Now, after the project, the situation has changed. I can farm even after the rainy season.”

Fouad in Yemen — Working against the Houthis to give rainwater to the Yemenis

Rainwater harvesting tanks enhance food security for families by supporting farmers to reclaim degraded agricultural lands, and improve irrigation systems. Mutee, the coordinator of the local community committee, says, “Climate change has affected agricultural lands in the region. Due to water scarcity, many people have abandoned farming.”

Mutee explains that the project was implemented to ensure continued farming activities of the local population, which is their primary source of income.

He adds, “The project has positively impacted community members by expanding their cultivated lands, increasing crop production, and improving their living conditions.”

Saeeda, a mother of five, pictured below, was strongly affected by land degradation due to climate change.

She says, “I grow corn and vegetables during the rainy season, but in winter, farming stops due to water scarcity.”

She explains how the rainwater harvesting tanks will enable her to continue farming after the rainy season.

“Now, I have been able to cultivate two plots of land and will increase the cultivated area with the irrigation from the tanks. Things have changed, and I feel happy when I see my farm green and the crops thriving without damage.” Saeeda hopes her land will remain green enough to cultivate several times in a single season.

The project has created job opportunities for local community members in Bait Al-Samhi, providing income and helping them to acquire new skills through a cash-for-work program.

Related: can clay jugs filter water?

Bader, a father of six and a community member who worked on the rainwater harvesting tanks project, says, “The project provided me with a temporary job for 45 days, which helped me support my family and meet their basic needs while serving the community.”

“In addition to improving agricultural production in the long term, the rainwater harvesting tanks have created job opportunities to help people financially,” says Abdullah, an engineer and project officer with UNDP’s local partner, SFD. Pictured below.

The project has increased local farming areas and improved food security by providing approximately 124 farmers with access to alternative water sources.

A great start. Now how can all farmers get access to this beautiful and easy opportunity?

Study the opportunity to help Yemen below (in Arabic).

UNDP Yemen — Rainwater tanks bring relief to farmers in Dhamar, Yemen [AR]

Nitrogen oxide on our planet is rising – Why we should care

Climate

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 12, 2024

0

Nitrogen oxide on our planet is rising – Why we should care

At the cow dung festival — At the Hindu cow dung festival via the Hindustan Times

Rise in nitrous oxide emissions endangers pathway to 1.5°C, the ozone layer, and human health

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas, is rapidly accelerating climate change and damaging the ozone layer, jeopardizing the 1.5°C warming target and posing a serious threat to public health, according to a new United Nations report.

Launched at the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Assessment, published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), signals that emissions are rising faster than expected, and that immediate action is required to curb the environmental and health impacts of this super pollutant.

Nitrous oxide is approximately 270 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of warming the planet, and currently responsible for approximately 10 percent of net global warming since the industrial revolution. Primarily emitted from agricultural practices such as the use of synthetic fertilizers and animal manure (cow farts), N₂O is the third most significant greenhouse gas and the top ozone-depleting substance still being released into the atmosphere.

Sum up on nitrous oxide

The report warns that without urgent action on rising N₂O emissions, there is no viable pathway to limiting global warming to 1.5°C and provides tangible tools to reduce emissions by more than 40% from current levels.
The Assessment shows that N₂O is currently the most significant ozone-depleting substance being emitted, risking exposing much of the world’s population to higher UV levels and an increase in skin cancers and cataracts.
Taking ambitious action to reduce N₂O emissions could help prevent up to 20 million premature deaths globally by 2050 due to poor air quality and avoid the equivalent of up to 235 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2100.

Implications and recommendations

The findings from the Assessment are clear: urgent action on N₂O is critical to achieving climate goals, and without a serious reduction in emissions, there is no viable path to limiting warming to 1.5°C in the context of sustainable development as outlined in the Paris Agreement. Abating N₂O emissions could avoid up to 235 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions by 2100 – the equivalent of six years’ worth of current global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.

This Assessment identifies practical, cross-sectoral abatement strategies that could cut N₂O emissions by more than 40 percent from current levels. Through transforming food production systems and rethinking societal approaches to nitrogen management, even deeper reductions could be achieved, offering a critical opportunity to move the world closer to its climate, environmental, and health goals.

The Assessment also shows that N₂O emissions from the chemical industry can be quickly and cost-effectively abated; agricultural and industrial practices impact the natural nitrogen cycle, leading to increased N₂O emissions.

Simultaneously reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and ammonia would also significantly improve air quality, potentially avoiding up to 20 million premature deaths globally by 2050. Abatement measures would also enhance water quality, improve soil health, and protect ecosystems from the impacts of nitrogen runoff.

The Assessment underscores the need for immediate and ambitious action to reduce N₂O emissions, as part of a broader strategy to tackle super pollutants, which, alongside efforts to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions, will put the world on track to meet long-term climate, food security, and health goals.

“Addressing nitrous oxide emissions is essential for ensuring sustainable, inclusive and resilient agriculture that simultaneously helps countries achieve their climate and food security goals. As the Assessment clearly shows, there are ways to produce more with less, by improving the efficiency of nitrogen use in agriculture and reducing excessive nitrogen application,” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of FAO’s Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment.

“Abating N₂O emissions could avoid up to 235 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions by 2100,” stated David Kanter, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, NYU and Co-Chair of the Assessment. “This is equivalent to six years’ worth of current global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.”

“A sustainable nitrogen management approach not only reduces nitrous oxide emissions but also prevents the release of other harmful nitrogen compounds,” said A.R. Ravishankara, chemist and atmospheric scientist, Colorado State University and Co-Chair of the Assessment. “This could improve air and water quality, protect ecosystems, and safeguard human health, all while maintaining food security.”

“The ozone layer is crucial for all life on Earth. For decades, parties to the Montreal Protocol have worked hard to safeguard it. This Assessment highlights the need for continued vigilance, commitment and action for the ozone layer to recover as soon as possible to its pre-1980 levels,” said Megumi Seki, Executive Secretary of the Montreal Protocol Ozone Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme.

“This Assessment sounds the alarm on a relatively forgotten super pollutant that contributes greatly to climate change and air pollution,” said Martina Otto, Head of Secretariat of the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition.

“By using the abatement tools highlighted in the Assessment that are already available to us, we can yield multiple benefits across climate, clean air, and health,” she added.

How nations can avoid climate refugees

Climate

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 12, 2024

0

african woman with beaded necklace on neck — What can we do to help her stay?

Me and my family travelled to Ethiopia this past April. People were dirt poor and happy for small handouts and our business, but they were happy. It was clear that if they could many people in Ethiopia would leave. One must be in a terrible place to want to leave one’s home and culture. Instead of focusing on refugees, the world needs to put more attention in helping people stay in their country, supports the UN. Happy, healthy people don’t want to leave home.

Lake Wancii, Ethiopia — Hiking in Ethiopia, not far from Addis Ababa

“We must come up with better ways to help people and communities become more resilient to climate change’s impacts, to ensure that people who are especially vulnerable have the chance to adapt and thrive,” said Director General Amy Pope of the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM).

As world leaders gather at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (known as COP29) in Azerbaijan this year this organization says they need more concrete and sustainable solutions for the communities most affected by the impact of climate change to help them stay.

Climate adaptation and resilience measures are needed for people who want to remain in their home, ensuring their livelihoods can sustain and recover from the impacts of climate change: “We must come up with better ways to help people and communities become more resilient to climate change’s impacts, to ensure that people who are especially vulnerable have the chance to adapt and thrive,” she said.

Flooding in Spain and North Carolina this year makes people worry about how unprepared we are when climate events hit. Climate migration is not just a concern of the future, it is the present reality for millions globally, DG Pope noted. Last year alone, disasters caused more than 26 million internal displacements (GRID 2024, IDMC). Syria is a prime example.

In the Horn of Africa, for instance, recurrent droughts and flash floods have pushed entire communities, especially pastoralists and smallholder farmers, to relocate in search of water and grazing land. In Bangladesh, rising sea levels and frequent cyclones have led to the displacement of coastal populations, forcing families to migrate to urban areas in search of stability.

Meanwhile, parts of Central America have experienced severe droughts that have decimated agricultural livelihoods, compelling thousands to move in search of work and resources. These examples demonstrate that climate migration is a pressing issue today, affecting diverse populations across continents.

Lake Wanchii rowboat — Rewilding in Ethiopia. People finding eco-tourism in Wenzi, not far from Addis Ababa

Around the world, climate change is influencing how and why people move.  It prompts some to move for job opportunities as its impacts change livelihoods. In extreme cases, communities dealing with extreme impact of climate change and are no longer possible to adapt are compelled to relocate to safer areas. It is important that there are solutions in place that protect and support those who want to stay, those on the move and those needing or wanting to move.

Millions of people were displaced during the Syrian civil war, a conflict created by drought. Hundreds of thousands died. In the best scenario the world won’t move to Europe or America. People around the world will be able to adapt in place and thrive for generations.

COP29 hosted by country that suppresses climate activists, journalists and Christians

Peace

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 11, 2024

0

We laugh when the biggest oil nations of the world hold climate conferences, but the UN and how it “thinks” is no less confusing when the latest UN climate change event COP29 is hosted in Azerbaijan, opening today in Baku. The Human Rights Watch organization report that Azerbaijan is carrying out a vicious attack on government critics, independent groups, and media and that crackdowns got worse months before Azerbaijan hosted COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which opens today. (Earlier this year Azerbaijan celebrated its Islamic architectural heritage win months before destroying an Armenian church).

What happened to Shusha Church? Journalists covering COP29 should ask.

Human Rights Watch issued a report “‘We Try to Stay Invisible’: Azerbaijan’s Escalating Crackdown on Critics and Civil Society,” which documents the Azerbaijan’s efforts to decimate civil society and silence its critics. The authorities have arrested dozens of people on what HRW says are politically motivated, bogus criminal charges.

“The Azerbaijani government’s contempt for civic freedoms is putting independent groups and critical media on the path of extinction,” said Giorgi Gogia, associate Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “This is not the image the government should be projecting of itself on the eve of COP29.

“It is not too late for the government to improve its reputation by freeing imprisoned critics and immediately ending the use of spurious charges against civil society, but it needs to act now.”

According to the group the authorities aggressively targeted three of the independent online news platforms that remain in Azerbaijan, including Abzas Media and Toplum TV. They arrested and criminally prosecuted at least 12 of these 3 platforms’ media professionals and several other affiliated individuals. They have hacked social media accounts and blocked websites. They have also arrested reporters with other outlets and leaders of several unregistered groups, as well as trade union activists and others who dared to criticize or protest government policies.

Among those arrested and in detention is veteran human rights defender Anar Mammadli, who in the weeks before his arrest co-founded a climate justice initiative with the aim of advocating civic freedoms and environmental justice in Azerbaijan ahead of COP29. He is awaiting trial on spurious smuggling charges.

artificial islands, Azerbaijan, unsustainable development, Caspian Sea, world's tallest tower — The Maiden Castle, Baku

In July 2023, the authorities arrested a renowned economist and anti-corruption activist, Gubad Ibadoghlu, who specializes, among other things, in revenue transparency in the oil and gas sector. Currently under house arrest, Ibadoghlu is awaiting trial on bogus charges related to counterfeit currency production and extremism and faces up to 17 years in jail if convicted.

Under international law, the Azerbaijani government has obligations to protect the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. This includes the ability to form a legal entity to act collectively in a field of mutual interest.

The European Court of Human Rights has issued numerous judgments finding that the Azerbaijani government’s failure to register independent NGOs violated the right to freedom of association. In at least one of these cases, the court found that authorities restricted rights with the “ulterior purpose” of punishing the applicants for their human rights activities.

“Through a combination of unjust detention and restrictive NGO rules, the Azerbaijani government is trying to eradicate civil society,” said Andrea Prasow, executive director of Freedom Now. “States and UN officials should urgently call on Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally free arbitrarily detained activists and commit to upholding human rights at COP29 and beyond.”

Santa Fe Care Center Ratings: What They Reveal About Quality and Care

Lifestyle

Bhok Thompson

-

November 8, 2024

0

Selecting the right nursing home for a loved one is a crucial decision, and for families considering Santa Fe Care Center, understanding the facility’s ratings provides valuable insights into the quality of care residents receive. Ratings encompass various aspects of a facility’s performance, including safety, staffing levels, and resident satisfaction. Knowing these ratings can help families make informed decisions about choosing a supportive and reliable care environment.

Overview of Santa Fe Care Center

Santa Fe Care Center is a nursing facility that offers both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services. The center provides around-the-clock medical care, assistance with daily activities, and physical and occupational therapy. For families looking for a place where their loved ones can receive quality care and support, the ratings of Santa Fe Care Center serve as an important benchmark.

Key Factors in Nursing Home Ratings

Ratings for facilities like Santa Fe Care Center are typically evaluated by state and federal agencies, and they reflect several key factors:

Staff-to-Resident Ratios: Sufficient staffing is crucial in maintaining a high standard of care. Facilities with strong staffing ratings, like Santa Fe Care Center, tend to have enough personnel to meet residents’ needs promptly, reducing the risk of neglect or missed care.
Safety and Cleanliness Standards: Nursing homes must meet strict standards for safety and sanitation. Facilities with high ratings in these areas demonstrate a commitment to creating a healthy, secure environment for residents.
Resident and Family Satisfaction: Ratings often include feedback from residents and their families, providing insights into how residents feel about the level of care they receive. Positive ratings in satisfaction suggest that residents feel comfortable, valued, and well-supported.

Increasingly, nursing homes are also assessed on whether they are eco-friendly, as eco-friendly spaces have been proven to enhance quality of life.

Common Challenges in Nursing Home Care

Even facilities with strong ratings, like Santa Fe Care Center, may face challenges in consistently meeting the needs of all residents. Some common issues include:

Staffing Shortages: While the center is rated well for its staffing ratios, maintaining consistent staffing levels can be challenging across all shifts. This is a common issue in nursing homes, as it directly affects the quality and timeliness of care.
Infection Control: High standards in cleanliness and hygiene are essential in preventing infections among residents. Regular inspections ensure that Santa Fe Care Center continues to meet these standards, keeping residents healthy and reducing the risk of communicable diseases.
Specialized Care for Diverse Needs: Nursing homes cater to residents with a variety of medical and personal needs. Adapting to these needs, from physical therapy to memory care, requires ongoing training and resources.

What Families Can Do to Stay Informed

Life Assure tech — Life Assure app helps seniors live sustainably at home

The current CMS rating for the Santa Fe Care Center is 1 out of 5. Understanding this rating is an important first step for anyone considering this home for their loved one. Once you’ve chosen a facility, it’s important to stay engaged with them while your relative is there. Here’s how families can stay engaged:

Review Publicly Available Ratings and Inspection Reports: Online platforms, including Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare, provide access to ratings and inspection reports. These documents reveal the facility’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Visit the Facility Regularly: Frequent visits allow families to observe the level of care firsthand, communicate with staff, and assess whether the facility maintains its rating standards.
Engage in Open Dialogue with Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask about the facility’s approach to addressing areas that may need improvement. Transparency with families is a key indicator of a facility’s dedication to providing quality care.

Conclusion

Choosing a nursing home like Santa Fe Care Center involves examining ratings and understanding the facility’s commitment to meeting high standards of care. By considering factors like staffing, safety, and resident satisfaction, families can make informed choices to ensure their loved ones are cared for in a safe, supportive environment. It’s important to stay engaged with the nursing home once your relative is there, because ratings are not the only indicator of the quality of care, and being engaged yourself can help ensure that the facility stays accountable.

Dubai’s first carbon free mosque

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 8, 2024

0

It’s the greenest mosque in the Middle East Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall developer opened the Middle East’s first net-positive mosque under the name of its late founder, Majid Al Futtaim. The mosque, located in Dubai integrates sustainable and modern design practices in support of the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, ensuring energy efficiency, resource optimisation, and minimal environmental impact.

“The opening of the first net-zero emissions mosque in the Middle East is an achievement that reflects our deep commitment to the principles of sustainability, this project represents a significant shift in the field of environmental sustainability and highlights our fruitful collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim in implementing this initiative,” says Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, General Manager, Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department.

Middle East's greenest mosque in Dubai — Middle East’s greenest mosque in Dubai

“It serves as a live example of a successful partnership between the public and private sectors, setting a new standard for responsible innovation in building and maintenance, it also aligns with the noble Islamic values that advocate for environmental preservation and protection.

“As a result of a series of key sustainable features, the Majid Al Futtaim Mosque is set to become the first bespoke project to achieve BREEAM certification.

This assessment recognises measures of performance, which are set against established benchmarks, evaluating the building’s specification, design, construction, and use.

The mosque’s construction incorporates advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building practices designed to achieve a net-positive status.

Inside the Dubai green mosque powered by renewable energy

Key features include a robust renewable energy system with 203 solar photovoltaic panels, providing a total installed solar capacity of 116.73 kWp and generating over 204,121 kWh annually, providing more than 115% of the mosque’s energy demand. Related: Green Muslims need to read these 11 booksThe excess green energy is supplied back to the grid to be used across the communnity. Additional energy-efficient systems include a solar-powered hot water system, LED lighting, an efficient HVAC setup, EV charging stations and a Building Management System (BMS) to optimise energy consumption.

Water efficiency, air quality, and non-toxic materials have been employed to ensure a healthy environment, with responsibly sourced, low-carbon materials prioritised to reduce its overall carbon footprint.

The first of its kind structure reinforces Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to building a cleaner tomorrow as the Group’s aim to achieve net positive in carbon and water for all its operating companies by 2040.

Budgeting for a Life of Remote Work and Travel: Balancing Savings and Splurges

Travel

Bhok Thompson

-

November 7, 2024

0

Are you doing the #vanlife?

Embarking on a journey of remote work and travel requires more than just a passion for adventure; it demands a strategic approach to financial planning. As you navigate different time zones and cultures, managing your budget becomes essential to maintaining stability and enjoying your experiences. Careful budgeting is your key to ensuring that you can embrace exciting locales without financial stress.

Balancing savings and splurges is crucial in the digital nomad lifestyle. While it’s important to indulge in unique local experiences, maintaining financial discipline prevents overspending. Allocating funds for essentials like accommodation and food, while setting aside a stash for special experiences, helps you enjoy both daily life and memorable occasions.

Embracing flexibility in your financial planning allows you to adapt to the various cost-of-living scales across the globe. Having a flexible budget helps you make the most of affordable opportunities without compromising your overarching savings goals. This adaptability ensures that you can seize spontaneous opportunities that enhance your journey.

Crafting Your Remote Work Lifestyle

Designing a remote work lifestyle requires thoughtful planning and strategy. This involves evaluating your financial situation, creating diverse revenue channels, and forming budgets that align with your lifestyle goals.

Assessing Financial Readiness

Before committing to a remote work lifestyle, evaluate your current financial status. Start with a detailed audit of your savings, debts, and ongoing expenses. Create a list of necessary monthly costs such as rent, food, insurance, and subscriptions. Compare these expenses to your savings to determine how long you can sustain yourself without a steady income.

Consider creating an emergency fund. This should cover at least 3-6 months of living expenses. A spreadsheet may help you track your progress here. Knowing your numbers will provide peace of mind and prepare you for varied financial demands.

Strategizing Income Streams

Vending machines offer another avenue for generating passive income. Once you’ve purchased and placed the machine in a strategic location, it can generate revenue with minimal daily effort. This allows for a flexible schedule and can supplement other income streams while you travel or work on other projects. A good example is a niche market like Hot Wheels vending, which can attract a dedicated customer base and provide a steady, reliable source of income.

To maintain a mobile lifestyle, diversify your income sources. Consider freelancing, consulting, or remote part-time work. Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr offer numerous opportunities.

If you have specialized skills, think about offering online courses or digital products. Passive income can come from investments or real estate, though these often require upfront capital and research. The goal is not just to make money but to create a sustainable income that adapts to changes in work availability and location.

Setting Realistic Budgets

man in van in hottub — Covid makes us all push for staycations. How about a week in a #vanlife AirBnb?

Establishing budgets is crucial for balancing essentials with life’s pleasures. Begin with a basic budget that covers all fixed expenses, then allocate a portion for travel and leisure. Use a budgeting app to track expenses in real time while you are on the move.

Don’t forget to include healthcare and retirement savings. Regularly review and adjust your budget for changes such as currency fluctuations or unexpected costs. Stay flexible and allow some room for splurges that enhance your lifestyle, as long as they don’t hinder your financial safety net.

Travel Considerations and Cost Management

To succeed in balancing work and travel, focus on strategic destination choices, smart accommodation and transport planning, diligent management of daily expenses, and knowing when to save or splurge. Each of these areas requires careful attention to maintain financial stability while enjoying your adventures.

Choosing Destinations Wisely

Selecting the right destinations plays a vital role in managing your travel budget. Look for locations where the cost of living aligns with your financial goals. Destinations in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, for instance, often offer affordable accommodations and dining options.

Research the local economy and currency exchange rates to maximize the value of your money. Consider the impact of travel seasons, as off-peak times can lead to lower costs and fewer crowds. Prioritize destinations that allow you to accomplish work goals while enjoying what the location has to offer.

Accommodation and Transport Budgeting

Accommodation and transport represent significant portions of your budget, so planning is crucial. Consider long-term stays at co-living spaces or serviced apartments for cost-effectiveness. For shorter stays, explore last-minute deals on cruises as an alternative form of travel.

When it comes to transport, research public transport systems in each city. Compare options such as rental bikes, carpool services, or metro systems. Factor in the flexibility and convenience they provide in addition to cost. Advance bookings on flights or trains can reap significant savings, too.

Managing Daily Expenses

Keeping track of daily expenses ensures that your everyday spending doesn’t derail your budget. Stick to buying local groceries and cooking meals as opposed to dining out frequently. Use budgeting apps to monitor and categorize expenses in real-time.

Seek out local experiences that offer both cultural insights and affordability, like free walking tours or community events. Establish a daily expense limit to prevent overspending. Carry cash in local currency to avoid foreign transaction fees, and be aware of exchange rates that might impact your budget.

Indulgence vs. Frugality in Travel

Balancing indulgence and frugality requires a plan for when to spend and when to save. Allocate portions of your budget for unique experiences that justify a splurge, like experiencing a famous local festival or trying an exceptional meal.

Consider the long-term financial implications before opting for luxury options. Prioritize spending on memorable experiences over material purchases. By indulging strategically, you can savor life’s pleasures without compromising your financial goals.

Morocco and France to build largest desalination plant in Africa

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 7, 2024

0

On the occasion of the president of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco, the French company Veolia and the Kingdom of Morocco signed yesterday a MOA for the establishment of a strategic partnership to develop on an exclusive basis a seawater desalination project that will be the largest in Africa and the second largest in the world.

It will supply drinking water to regions of the Kingdom particularly affected by drought.

Desalination plants are energy intensive and destructive to the environment and are often seen as a last chance.

Located near Rabat on the Atlantic coast, a great surfing spot, the project will be structured as a public-private partnership, involving the construction, financing and operation for 35 years, by Veolia, of a seawater desalination plant. With a capacity of 822,000 m3 of drinking water per day, or 300 million m3 per year, it will ensure the supply of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fès-Meknès regions to meet the water needs of nearly 9.3 million inhabitants.

This initiative is part of the Moroccan national energy strategy, launched by King Mohammed VI, which aims to strengthen water supply security and to face the challenges of climate change.

As a global leader in water technologies, Veolia will bring the best of its cutting-edge expertise in desalination for a reference plant in terms of efficiency, innovation and environmental protection. Its operational expertise will also ensure high plant performance by balancing investment and operating costs, thus ensuring the most competitive water price over the entire life cycle of the facility. The facility could be powered by low-carbon electricity, mainly from renewable sources.

Desalination plant saudi arabia — A desalination plant in Saudi Arabia

Against a backdrop of climate change, which is particularly affecting the Mediterranean region, this partnership comes at a time when Morocco is facing unprecedented water stress. The country is experiencing its worst drought for 40 years, with rainfall continuing to decline and reservoirs at historically low levels, threatening agriculture, drinking water supplies and, more broadly, the country’s economy. Seawater desalination is therefore becoming an essential solution to these urgent challenges.

Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, said: “With a long history of partnership, we are thrilled and honoured to write this new page with the Kingdom of Morocco and Moroccan citizens to meet the challenges related to the environment and water. We are fully aware of the urgency of the situation and proud to contribute to this major project, which will strengthen the country’s water resilience. We will put the best of our international expertise and our long-standing presence in the region at the service of the Kingdom for a reference project in terms of performance and sustainability.

Pando aspen forest in Utah is one of world’s oldest beings

Nature

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 7, 2024

0

An Aspen forest in Utah, Pando, is known as the world's oldest living being. — An Aspen forest in Utah, Pando, is known as the world’s oldest living being.

Researchers have taken the DNA from ‘Pando’ — a vast forest made up of a single root system sprouting nearly 50,000 cloned quaking aspen trees in Utah and it seems to confirm that it is one of the oldest organisms on Earth.

The Latin name Pando means “I spread,” and the forest is one single living thing –– one one tree that has cloned itself tens of thousands of times. Pando consists of approximately 47,000 individual stems all connected by a single, vast root system.

Do those trees have eyes?

Aerial outline of Pando. (Lance Oditt/Friends of Pando)

Researchers sequenced hundreds of samples from the Populus tremuloides and found that it is between 16,000 and 80,000 years old. They were also able to track patterns of genetic variation spread throughout the tree, offering clues about how it has adapted and evolved over the course of its lifetime.

Located in central Utah on the Fishlake National Forest, Pando is approximately 1 mile southwest of Fish Lake on State Highway 25. Go on a road trip to see spots of nature, not cities. Your soul will thank you.

Get clean with a Japanese folding bathtub

Design

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 7, 2024

0

The best thing about Japan is the Japanese toilet and the bathing scene called the onsen. Well there could be other things but this is what you will miss the second you leave Tokyo’s airport. Japanese toilets and bathhouses are clean, the seats are warm, they self clean, and if you are lonely they speak to you. Public bathrooms have seats for hanging toddlers and well, the whole scene even in the smallest grungiest noodle bars is uplifting. Now if you live in a small space, trust that Japan will make your bathroom better.

Bathtope by LIXIL, a Japanese company, is a portable Japanese bathtub that hangs, and then folds after the bath is clean and dry.

What kind of bathroom will enrich our lives in this era of diversifying lifestyles, the company asks?

“Simple yet luxurious and minimalistic yet free, where we have reached is a new bathroom space that balances the abundance of people and the earth,” they write.

LIXIL is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the domestic plumbing and tile business, and has created “bathtope,” a new concept for bathroom space, as a new step towards the next 100 years.

The company designers say their underlying question was: “Is it okay for the daily bathing habits that have been loved by many people in Japan to remain the same? Therefore, we considered how bathroom space could accommodate diverse personalities and lifestyles, how it can change flexibly, and explored bathing methods and frequency that would both reduce the burden on the global environment and provide enjoyment. And the concept we derived is an ambiguous style that is neither a shower room nor a bathroom, and the idea came from the traditional Japanese concept of haretoke.”

We create a sense of richness in each, by dividing the immersion bath to soothe the mind and body on special days as “Hare,” and the shower bath to wash away the dirt and stress of daily life as “Ke.”

A bathroom that allows us to freely transform into a single space brings freedom of choice according to time, season, and mood. We believe this is one of the answers to accepting diversity, providing new manners and customs, and connecting bathing culture to the next generation.

::LIXIL

Reserve a Red Sea pod hotel at Shebara Island for $2,400 a night

Peace

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 7, 2024

0

In an oil wealthy state like Saudi Arabia luxury has no limits. And the latest is LEED certified.

A new Red Sea resort in Saudi Arabia called Shebara Island is already taking pre-bookings for its glamorous pod hotels, a cool SAR 9,000 a night, which equals about $2,400 USD. No big deal if you’ve berthed your mega-yacht at its shores.

Powered by the sun, the resort features 73 pods that rival the best of luxury from the Maldives seeing a downturn in tourism for its racist policies on religious freedom.

With 73 breathtaking overwater and beachfront villas powered by sunlight, this resort is where nature and sustainability come together at The Red Sea — With 73 overwater and beachfront villas powered by sunlight, this resort is where nature and sustainability come together at The Red Sea

Saudi Arabia is hoping to become booming hotspot for business and tourism and has started creating 15-minute cities like Neom.

Shebaya, the latest from dozens of new projects announced, is LEED-Platinum property which is built to “minimise its environmental and literal environmental footprint by cantilevering the accommodation spaces above the coral reefs with only a few square meters of ground impact at the base of the supporting column.

“The result is an aerial accommodation ‘pod’ that almost seems to defy gravity and suspends the guest directly above and within the beauty of an untouched marine eco-system; an observation platform for guests to witness the fish, birds and turtles that thrive in the area,” says a handout.

The entire project is powered by a centralized solar farm and fresh water is supplied from a solar powered desalination plant. Recycling of waste material takes place on the island minimizing the need to bring or remove materials from the site.

The design language of the resort compliments the uniqueness of the site. The approach to the façade design has been to minimize visual impact, employing a highly reflective stainless-steel skin polished to a mirror finish. These reflective orbs float, almost imperceptible, reflecting the colors and surface patterns of the ocean, the intense colors of the sky as they change throughout the day.

Desalination and power plant powered by the sun

This approach serves to lessen the visual impact of the architecture on the surrounding environment while also greatly improv the building’s energy performance with a near 100% reflection of the solar gain at the mirror surface. These heavily insulated spaces can be effectively cooled with minimal energy losses.

The interior space of the project provides spacious room for the guests, with detailing, and finishes inspired by the interiors of luxury yachts. The room offers panoramic views to the sea with sliding doors that open to a deck, a seating area and an infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the sea and horizon beyond.

The project is designed by the UAE based K

Other Red Sea attractions in the region include our favorite place: low-key eco tourism in Sinai. There is also a great list of eco-tourism sites in the Holy Land. A typical trip in the future might look like this:

A cruise down the Nile. The pyramids. A visit to Siwa Oasis in Egypt.
Head over to St. Catherines Monastery, hike God’s Mountain, and spend a few nights diving in Sinai.
Taxi over to Eilat and head to Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea.
Head across the Allenby Bridge to Jordan and check out Madaba, then down to Petra.
From Petra head to Saudi Arabia to one of its dozens of new Red Sea attractions.

::Killa Design

Robot retrieves radiactive nuclear material from Fukushima

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 7, 2024

0

About 800 tonnes of questionable nuclear waste remain in Japan. It is too dangerous for humans to get close

Fukishima robot — A robotic retrieval device grasps a piece of nuclear debris from reactor 2 of the Fukushima nuclear power plant on October 30. Image credit: TEPCO

Japanese nuclear scientists have sent a remote-controlled robot to collect a tiny piece of melted radioactive uranium from inside the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The Japanese nuclear power plant was shut down after suffering major damage in an earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

The robot clipped off a piece of a fuel rod that weighed less than 3 grams from inside the Unit 2 reactor core and brought it back to the lab assess its radioactivity.

Analysing the melted fuel debris this way is essential to determine how best to remove, store and dispose of the roughly 800 tonnes that remain. Countries like Germany have shut down their nuclear energy plants while countries like Turkey, aligning with terror entities, fires up its first ones.

Fukishima nuclear team — Workers at Fukushima watch the retrieval operation from the control room. Image credit: TEPCO

“From the results of primary containment vessel internal investigations, we have deduced that the accumulated debris on the surface of the floor inside the pedestal is solidified molten material that consists of fuel elements and also may contain a lot of metal,” TEPCO said in a statement.

“By analyzing the attributes of the sampled fuel debris we will directly ascertain information such as the composition of debris at the sampling location and radioactivity density,” added TEPCO.

Japanese teams have tried to isolate and retrieve bits of radioactive fuel in the past. This was the first successful attempt. Knowing more about the radioactive nature of the spent fuel will help TEPCO decommission the reactor.

The origins of writing may be traced to clay tablets in Iraq

Archeology

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 6, 2024

0

The origins of writing in Mesopotamia (the birthplace of the Jewish Bible’s Abraham and which is modern day Iraq) lie in the images imprinted by ancient cylinder seals on clay tablets and other artifacts, say a research group from the University of Bologna.

The researchers have identified a series of correlations between the designs engraved on these cylinders, dating back around 6,000 years, and some of the signs in the proto-cuneiform script that emerged in the city of Uruk, located in what is now southern Iraq, around 3000 BCE.

The study, published in Antiquity, opens new perspectives on understanding the birth of writing and may help researchers not only to gain new insights into the meanings of the designs on cylinder seals but also to decipher many still-unknown signs in proto-cuneiform on pottery vessels.

“The conceptual leap from pre-writing symbolism to writing is a significant development in human cognitive technologies,” explains Silvia Ferrara, professor in the Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies at the University of Bologna.

Related: Read more sustainable news from Iraq here

“The invention of writing marks the transition between prehistory and history, and the findings of this study bridge this divide by illustrating how some late prehistoric images were incorporated into one of the earliest invented writing systems.”

Among the first cities to emerge in Mesopotamia, Uruk was an immensely important center throughout the fourth millennium BCE, exerting influence over a large region extending from southwestern Iran to southeastern Turkey.

In this region, cylinder seals were created. Typically made of stone and engraved with a series of designs, these cylinders were rolled onto clay tablets, leaving a stamped impression of the design.

The origin of writing in Mesopotamia is tied to designs engraved on ancient cylinder seals — Photograph of proto-cuneiform tablet showing signs discussed in the article. Credit: CDLI – Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative

Starting in the mid-fourth millennium BCE, cylinder seals were used as part of an accounting system to track the production, storage, and transport of various consumer goods, particularly agricultural and textile products.

It is in this context that proto-cuneiform appeared: an archaic form of writing made up of hundreds of pictographic signs, more than half of which remain undeciphered to this day. Like cylinder seals, proto-cuneiform was used for accounting, though its use is primarily documented in southern Iraq.

“The close relationship between ancient sealing and the invention of writing in southwest Asia has long been recognized, but the relationship between specific seal images and sign shapes has hardly been explored,” says Ferrara. “This was our starting question: did seal imagery contribute significantly to the invention of signs in the first writing in the region?”

To find an answer, the researchers systematically compared the designs on the cylinders with proto-cuneiform signs, looking for correlations that might reveal direct relationships in both graphic form and meaning.

“We focused on seal imagery that originated before the invention of writing, while continuing to develop into the proto-literate period,” add Kathryn Kelley and Mattia Cartolano, both researchers at the University of Bologna and co-authors of the study.

“This approach allowed us to identify a series of designs related to the transport of textiles and pottery, which later evolved into corresponding proto-cuneiform signs.”

This discovery reveals, for the first time, a direct link between the cylinder seal system and the invention of writing, offering new perspectives for studying the evolution of symbolic and writing systems.

“Our findings demonstrate that the designs engraved on cylinder seals are directly connected to the development of proto-cuneiform in southern Iraq,” confirms Silvia Ferrara. “They also show how the meaning originally associated with these designs was integrated into a writing system.”

What is cuneiform?

Cuneiform is a logo-syllabic writing system that was used to write several languages of the Ancient Near East. The script was in active use from the early Bronze Age until the beginning of the Common Era.

Avocado Green Mattress gets eco award, a first in the US

Design

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 6, 2024

0

Avocado Green Mattress gets eco award, a first in the US

Avocado is a leader in organic mattresses in the United States.

What you sleep on 8 hours a night matters. New mattresses off gas harmful chemicals to you and your loved ones. As we lean towards finding more sustainable sleeping options, Avocado Green Mattress, the leader in organic mattresses, is proud to announce that the Avocado Green Mattress, Eco Organic Mattress, and Eco Organic Kids Mattress have earned the highly esteemed OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification. Avocado helps you get a sustainable night’s sleep.

The OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a globally recognized, independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products at all processing levels, as well as accessory materials used. For a finished innerspring mattress to be OEKO-TEX^® STANDARD 100 certified, every component, from the outer fabric to the threads, foams, and other accessories, must be tested and found safe from more than 1,000 substances known to be detrimental to human health.

“Mattresses can contain harmful materials, adhesives, and flame retardants. Given the intimate and prolonged exposure we have to our mattresses, it is crucial to consider their potential impact on health,” notes Mark Abrials, Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer of Avocado Green Mattress.

Unlike some brands that only certify select components of their mattresses, Avocado Green Mattress has achieved STANDARD 100 certification for the finished innerspring mattress — and is the first in the United States to do so. This comprehensive certification means that every part of the Avocado Green Mattress, Eco Organic Mattress, and Eco Organic Kids Mattress, from the outer fabric to the pocketed innersprings, is tested for harmful substances and found to be within safe limits.

As Avocado Green Mattress looks to the future, the company remains dedicated to not only being the best in the world but also the best for the world. The company’s efforts to combat climate change, enhance social equity, and promote sustainable practices are more than just part of its business model; they are a call to action for businesses and individuals alike to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Follow their standards?

Are you a bed manufacturer that wants to do better? Avocado is “Best for the World” Certified B Corporation, Fair Trade Certified, Climate Neutral Certified, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, meet MADE SAFE standards, a two-time winner of the Good Housekeeping Sustainable Innovation Awards, and are the Pinnacle Award Winner from 1% for the Planet. Fast Company lists Avocado as a “Brand that Matters.”

::Avocado

UAE’s Etihad Rail solar powers its freight terminal

Energy

Karin Kloosterman

-

November 6, 2024

0

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, signed a landmark agreement with Emerge, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and EDF Group to solarize the railway network’s freight terminal in Ghuweifat.

The total installed capacity is comprised of a 600 kWp ground-mounted solar PV system in addition to a 2.56 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), and upon completion is expected to generate up to 85% of the terminal’s electricity consumption.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Al-Yafei, CEO of Etihad Rail Infrastructure and Eng. Abdulaziz AlObaidli, Chairman of Emerge, and witnessed by His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and Luc Koechlin, CEO EDF Middle East.

Under the terms of the agreement, Etihad Rail will leverage Emerge’s technology to generate solar power to supplement its Ghuweifat freight terminal with renewable energy during daylight hours, thus, offsetting night-time energy consumption as well as reducing CO2 emissions by more than 8,500 tons over the duration of the contract.

We are leading the charge in the shift to a low-carbon and energy efficient economy. By collaborating with Emerge and initiating the transition to solar power, we are not only reducing our environmental impact, but also building greener and more resilient supply chains, thus, supporting our nation’s goals and ambitions for a more sustainable future,” says Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail.

This initiative represents a significant step in Etihad Rail’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, directly contributing to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. Furthermore, it demonstrates Etihad Rail’s leadership in driving forward the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, supplemented by the railway network’s contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in the UAE road transport sector by 21% annually by 2050.

The Ghuweifat freight terminal serves as a key hub for facilitating seamless cross-border operations. With its strategic location at the border with Saudi Arabia, the terminal is uniquely positioned to accelerate sustainable logistics solutions regionally, aligning with Etihad Rail’s objectives to foster more eco-friendly freight operations.

By integrating solar technology into its network, Etihad Rail’s Ghuweifat terminal will eventually become self-sufficient, harnessing renewable energy to operate sustainably and reduce its carbon footprint, thus, setting a new standard for efficient and green logistics and infrastructure.

Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group, was formed in 2021 to develop distributed solar, energy storage, and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial applications. As an energy services company, Emerge offers clients full turnkey solutions through solar power agreements at no up-front cost to the client.

IUAE and KSA border at Ghuwaifat. Image via Overland Birds

Etihad Rail connects the emirates, linking industrial and commercial centres with 11 terminals, including four major ports: Ruwais Inland Terminal, Ruwais Port, ICAD, Khalifa Port, DIC, Jebel Ali Port, Al Ghail Dry Port, Fujairah Port, Ghuwaifat Terminal, Shah Terminal, and Habshan Terminal.

Ghuwaifat is a small town in the far west of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The place forms a border crossing to Saudi Arabia on the transit road to Qatar. Ghuwaifat belongs to the urban area of Sila, which extends in the west to the border with Saudi Arabia.

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Rise in nitrous oxide emissions endangers pathway to 1.5°C, the ozone layer, and human health

Overview of Santa Fe Care Center

Key Factors in Nursing Home Ratings

Common Challenges in Nursing Home Care

What Families Can Do to Stay Informed

Conclusion

Crafting Your Remote Work Lifestyle

Assessing Financial Readiness

Strategizing Income Streams

Setting Realistic Budgets

Travel Considerations and Cost Management

Choosing Destinations Wisely

Accommodation and Transport Budgeting

Managing Daily Expenses

Indulgence vs. Frugality in Travel

About 800 tonnes of questionable nuclear waste remain in Japan. It is too dangerous for humans to get close

Company

Headlines

Newsletter