Doha conference to showcase urban greening in arid climates

Green Prophet

-

February 26, 2024

Water availability, urban heat island effect, and energy use are major concerns shared by desert cities around the world. Taking place on 5th and 6th March 2024 at Expo 2023 Doha Qatar, the AIPH Green City Conference will showcase urban greening strategies that cities in arid zones can adopt to create liveable environments.

The Conference is organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) with the support of Host Expo 2023 Doha Qatar and Headline Sponsor Biblo. Prominent speakers from around the world will present on the Conference theme of ‘city greening solutions for arid environments’.

In the opening session, AIPH is pleased to welcome Prof David Simon, Professor of Development Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London. Prof Simon’s research focuses on cities, climate change and sustainability, and the relationships between development theory, policy and practice. His recent book ‘Sustainable Human Settlements within the Global Urban Agenda’ explores the dynamics of the UN’s SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities – and how it is understood in different regional and national contexts. This opening presentation will showcase Prof Simon’s work with Earthna on arid cities.

The second speaker in the opening session is Kishor Rajhansa, Chief Operating Officer of the Global Carbon Council (GCC). Based in Qatar, Mr Rajhansa is a climate change, energy, and sustainability leader with 28 years of experience. He is responsible for operating GCC, a carbon-offsetting programme that assists organisations in reducing their carbon footprint. This is achieved by developing stringent but simplified standards and establishing transparent certification processes.

Jordan dry climate design — Jordan’s dry climate design

During the second session, the Conference will focus on local and regional initiatives that combat challenges that arise in desert cities. Founder and Chair of the Society of Sustainability & Green Materials (SSGM), Dr Ali Al Jassim will present the non-profit’s work to raise awareness and improve knowledge sharing in sustainability, green materials, and circular economy in the UAE. The Society’s work involves supporting the development of policies and regulations that advance these goals.

khareef fog collector doha, Qatar — The Fog Collection Project successfully collected 350,000 gallons of water from fog during the Khareef. In Doha

Joining Dr Al Jassim in this session is Jala Makhzoumi, Vice President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) and Acting President of IFLA Middle East. In her presentation, Ms Makhzoumi will motivate the focus of greening to go beyond the physical space to embrace intangible processes and consider perceptual and emotional perspectives of urban nature. Through this, an enduring stewardship of natural resources in cities and globally can be achieved. Dr Saeed Alhassan Alkhazraji continues the theme of caring for natural resources to describe innovative research for solving water issues using nature. Technologies developed at Manhat produce water by mimicking the natural water cycle.

The issues faced by arid cities are not unique. In the afternoon session of the Conference, speakers from other regions will present the living green solutions being employed to combat shared issues. Speakers will showcase the initiatives being employed to mitigate urban heat in Asia, re-naturing cities through nature-based solutions, and how AI can offer easy access to nature data.

Conference speakers include:

Prof. David Simon, Professor of Development Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London, and author of ‘Sustainable Human Settlements within the Global Urban Agenda’
Kishor Rajhansa, Chief Operating Officer, Global Carbon Council
Dr Ali Al Jassim, Chair of the Society of Sustainability & Green Materials (SSGM)
Jala Makhzoumi, Vice President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) and Acting President of IFLA Middle East
Huda Shaka, Director of Urban Strategy and Planning, Gehl
Dr Saeed Alhassan Alkhazraji, Founder, Manhat
Dr Mario V Balzan, Senior Lecturer at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), and Managing Director at Ecostack Innovations
Diane Lee, Media Relations Manager – Asia Region, AIPH
Thomas Gooch – Founder/CEO of Office of Planetary Observations (OPO)

On the second day of the Conference, on 6th March 2024, delegates will visit key green city sites in the Doha municipality. For more information about the speakers and the program, and to book your place at this inspiring meeting, visit the AIPH Website.

European weaponry systems failing in Ukraine due to ESG policies entering Western weapons industries

Karin Kloosterman

-

February 26, 2024

0

Does ESG have a place in war? Russian and Ukrainian armies report weapons failing because rats are eating eco-cables

Not so long after Hamas attacked Israel and the Israel-Gaza war begun, newspapers in England were discussing the environmental footprint of war, begging the question – should war also consider the ecological consequences of harm to the planet done while fighting? Agent orange, nuclear bombs at Hiroshima. The world has learned that even in war there are limits. But should we be okaying weapons made with eco-materials that are sub-par with real plastics?

The argument from green organizations should be consistent but it seems absurd that when the Houthis are sinking ships carrying oil, Greenpeace does nothing to condemn them. It is also absurd now that armies of Russia and the Ukraine are battling a third front on the war against each other: rodents are coming out in full force, causing weaponry to fail. The cause?

New ESG regulations called for corn starch-based insulation cables in the weapons – cables that the mice like to eat. Remember Israel’s car eating camels and the Susita?

According to Visegrad:

“European countries have supplied weapon systems The dilemma of ensuring electrical insulation durability is a problem for modern weapons. The issue affects countries where ESG (Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance) guidelines are making their way into the arms industry”

Reports of European weaponry systems failing in Ukraine due to ESG policies entering Western weapons industries.

Cable insulation is increasingly made out of corn fiber instead of synthetic materials.

Mice prefer corn fiber over synthetic materials pic.twitter.com/O7uCeLjvuv

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 25, 2024

Image via essanews

UN slams Dupont and Chemours for dumping PFAS Forever Chemicals

Karin Kloosterman

-

February 22, 2024

0

NBC covers report on forever chemicals linking them to teeth — NBC reports on Forever Chemicals (PFAS), tooth decay, and and Dupont back in 2020 (NBC)

American chemical companies DuPont and Chemours have discharged toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the local environment, completely disregarding the rights and wellbeing of residents along the lower Cape Fear River in North Carolina, UN experts report. We know there are Forever Chemicals in drinking water in Germany, and this is the latest report to come out. America’s NBC covered the problem with Dupont back in 2020.

Members of communities have reportedly been denied access to clean and safe water for decades: “Even as DuPont and Chemours had information about the toxic impacts of PFAS on human health and drinking water, the companies continued to produce and discharge PFAS,” experts from the UN said in a press statement: “DuPont and Chemours have produced, marketed and profited from PFAS for decades, contributing to a global toxic contamination problem.”

Given the UN’s tarnished track record by allowing its team to be infiltrated with Hamas terrorists we hope that its profound biases aren’t influencing this report.

What are Forever Chemicals and where do they come from?

Personal care products like shampoo or dental floss and cosmetics like nail polish and eye makeup as well as some plastics, grease-resistant paper, fast food containers, stain-resistant coatings on carpets, upholstery and other fabrics, all contain PFAS. PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals also known as forever chemicals because they are highly persistent, meaning that they do not easily degrade in nature and can cause harm for decades, even centuries.

The UN experts expressed alarm at the exports of PFAS-hazardous waste from The Netherlands to the United States, in a breach of international law.

“DuPont and Chemours appear to have impermissibly captured the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and delayed its efforts to properly regulate PFAS chemicals,” the UN added, accusing the US of human rights abuses.

“Health and environmental regulators in the United States have fallen short in their duty to protect against business-related human rights abuses, including providing the public, particularly affected communities in North Carolina, with the type and amount of information necessary to prevent harm and seek reparation. Where legal action has been taken against the two companies, enforcement and remediation measures have been inadequate,” the UN experts said.

Shortcomings by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and the courts undermine community’s right to information and their right to an effective remedy. The experts raised these concerns with the US Government which is yet to reply.

The UN experts sent letters to DuPont and Chemours. In their replies, DuPont and Chemours explained how they have changed their corporate structures and operations. In this regard, the experts expressed their apprehension at how this corporate restructuring has posed further obstacles to achieving accountability and effective remedies. Corporate restructuring should not lead to impunity for human rights abuses, the experts said.

The UN experts also expressed grave concern at reports that Chemours had applied to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for an air permit to expand its PFAS production.

The experts said the companies continue to spread disinformation about PFAS. For example, PFAS are being touted as essential for semiconductors and plastics needed in the energy transition and the fight against climate change. “Decarbonization strategies must be integrated with detoxification strategies and guided by human rights” the experts said.

Who are the UN experts?

American environmental lawyer Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights; Canadian “warrior lawyer” David R. Boyd, Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment; Spanish lawyer Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Nigerian lawyer Damilola Olawuyi (Chairperson), Robert McCorquodale (Vice-Chairperson), Elżbieta Karska, Fernanda Hopenhaym, and Pichamon Yeophantong, Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.

The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.

Balanced rain for foraging walks in Israel

Shmuel Naiman

-

February 22, 2024

0

The flowers and leaves here in Khirbet Urva connect us with our ancestors who lived on this hilltop here millennia ago. Notice the rows of stones, the remainders of Urva’s walls. Under that unnatural-looking mound in the center left lies an ancient house or something.

Israel Is Both Sick and Healthy – In the midst of a tragic war, this winter’s rains are remarkably balanced.

These are strange times in Israel. Israel the People are perhaps in more trouble than anytime since the Holocaust. Our nation is in pain, alone and afraid. Yet Israel the Land is healthier than ever, because this year’s winter rains are falling hard and steady, balanced and healthy.

Healthy Israel

Throughout the Torah, the Land of Israel’s state of health is expressed by the winter rain cycle. When they come on time, nurturing the year’s new life, Israel is healthy and thriving, and supports its children with bountiful harvests. When they don’t arrive, or if they come at the wrong time, Israel falls ill, and its children, in turn, suffer from drought.

Here is the Torah’s first blessing for those who follow its ways faithfully:

I’ll give the rains in their time, and the land will give its harvest, and the trees of the orchard will give their fruits (Leviticus 26:3)

To which the Ramban (Nachmanides) commented: “He began with the rains, because when they come on time, as is proper, the air will be pure and good, and the springs and rivers good. This will bring health to physical bodies, and all the fruits will be plentiful and blessed by them [the rains].”

Then people won’t get sick, and they and their animals won’t miscarry or be barren. Their days will be full, because when bodies are large and healthy, they survive their whole lifespan. This is the greatest of blessings.

Israel the Land is healthy from balanced rain, because health means balance. A healthy Israel, in turn, supports healthy and balanced lives for Israel the Nation. Therefore, Jews gather during the fall festival of Sukkos for a special rain-prayer, and gather again in the spring festival of Pesach to pray for dew instead of rain.

Healthy rain, like we’re experiencing this year, is spread out evenly along the winter months. Every week or two, there’s a few days of rain, then a break to allow Natural Israel to absorb the blessing and grow its plants. The ground isn’t parched nor a muddy morass.

When we’re out on foraging walks these days, Israel shouts its vibrant health from the countless leaves, flowers, and shrubs in every corner of the countryside. New, fresh life greets us at every turn.

Khirbet Urva

Last week, we were foraging on Khirbet Urva, a lovely hilltop village near Bet Shemesh that dates back at least to the Second Temple Period. Khirbet Urva isn’t particularly well known; I doubt it receives more than a few dozen visitors a year. When every second hill in the area sports millennia-old settlements, only a select few get famous, often simply because they are the most accessible by car.

In places like Khirbet Urva, the verdant foliage between the rows of ancient stones bonds together the places and people of the past, present, and future. Foraging here makes Israel come alive; our heritage isn’t just half-buried buildings and walls, because local wild plants silently bear witness to the march of time. We roam around eating the plants whose ancestors were eaten by our ancestors right here.

One of my favorite annual plants, milk thistle, guzzles huge quantities of water in its upward rush. The milk thistle now is in the “celery stage,” where we forage the juicy stalks.

Take a look at one of Khirbet Urva’s scores of milk thistle patches:

Both Sick and Healthy

I don’t know how to resolve God’s conflicting signals to Israel: terrible war but thriving healthy rain.

But I don’t really think it’s a problem, because both are true. Inside the midst of tragedy, God is sending us a message of comfort and hope with the pitter-patter of raindrops on our windows.

For that we can be grateful.

Rain-life Today

Maybe you’re wondering why you should care about Israel’s rainfall in the 21th century when most of the country’s water comes from desalination?

In my new book, Land of Health: Israel’s War for Wellness, I explain how rain is the model of livelihood that descends as a gift from heaven, as opposed to river-based life which we wrest away from nature. Land of Health is available now on Amazon, in bookstores in Israel, and directly from me in Bet Shemesh, Israel.

Upcoming Foraging Walk in RBS

Would you like to join me on a foraging walk in Natural Israel?

Hawthorne Berries — Hawthorne berries in IsraelBible

Contact me today to book your private walk. I’m also guiding a discounted open walk in Ramat Bet Shemesh on Election Day (Tuesday, February 27). The walk will have two parts: an easy walk in the local Yarmut Park, followed by an easy hike on a nearby hill that sports a Second Temple Period clay lamp factory and town.

Shmuel Chaim Naiman is a health teacher and foraging guide in Ramat Bet Shemesh. He writes about healthy Jewish living and Israel’s natural world, teaches the nightly Healthy Jew class at Yeshivas Lev Hatorah, guides popular foraging walks, and offers personalized health coaching. He recently published a book, Land of Health: Israel’s War for Wellness, which is available on Amazon and in bookstores (in Israel). Learn more at healthyjew.org, and contact him at [email protected].

Japanese newspaper with seeds you can plant

Art

Isabella Hannah

-

February 22, 2024

0

Japanese newspaper with seeds you can plant

The newspaper that makes the world greener — Green newspaper Japan

After finishing reading your newspaper, have you ever wondered what to do with it? This is given that you are reading a print edition: Well, a Japanese publisher of The Mainichi Shimbusha newspaper has introduced a novel initiative called the ‘green’ newspaper, offering a unique solution: you can plant the newspaper once you’re done with it. It has seeds embedded in the paper.

Why was this concept developed? As a means of tidying up urban areas while also contributing to environmental efforts, the Green Newspaper by the Japanese Daily was conceived. it’s a way to also teach people about climate change and sustainability issues.

If you’re inspired by the innovative spirit behind Japan’s plantable newspaper, you might also explore how language and sustainability connect in your own career. For those fluent in Japanese, there are growing opportunities to find remote Japanese language jobs on Jooble. Whether you’re passionate about translation, teaching, or support roles, these positions allow you to leverage language skills while contributing to diverse fields.

First introduced on ‘Greenery Day’ on May 4th, 2016 in Japan this special edition was dedicated solely to environmental news and printed on 100% biodegradable paper with plant-based inks. Each page contained embedded seeds that, when planted, would sprout into flowers attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

Some copies even had seeds for growing herbs! Instructions were included for tearing used newspapers into smaller pieces and planting them in soil. With print advertising’s branding being 185% stronger than digital according to Newswoks’ report on Print vs Digital Advertising (2020), incorporating plantable pages adds an extra allure to the printed word.

Who came up with this idea? The concept originated from Dentsu Inc, one of Japan’s largest advertising agencies, collaborating with The Mainichi, publisher of The Japanese Daily.

Has it been effective? The Green Newspaper is not the first environmental initiative undertaken by The Japanese Daily. They’ve earned a reputation through previous campaigns, such as water donation drives for populations facing drought and unsafe drinking water.

Their eco-friendly newspaper has seen significant success, with a daily circulation exceeding four million copies nationwide and revenues surpassing eighty million yen, equivalent to over £500,000.

The initiative has involved schools, educating children and raising awareness about current environmental issues, thereby instilling the importance of recycling in the next generation.

The Japanese Daily isn’t alone in embracing sustainable planting initiatives. With Europe boasting a recycling rate of 74%, innovative recycling methods are gaining popularity. Plantable greeting cards are increasingly common in stationary shops and supermarkets. Businesses are also adopting eco-friendly promotional materials like seed sticks and plantable papers for business cards, leaflets, and flyers. Plus, you can make them at home. Or make seed bombs which also fun.

How is seed paper made?

Seed paper isn’t a novel concept but rather a slow-growing trend. It’s a simple mixture of recycled paper, water, and small flower or herb seeds. You can even make it at home. Here are the steps:

Tear up your old paper of choice and put it in a blender.
Fill blender with warm water.
Blend until there are no visible paper chunks.
Stir in the seeds. Choose tiny seeds like parsley, lettuce, or za’atar – or flowers.
Strain the mixture to remove excess water. Very important.
Spread the pulp thinly to dry.
Once dry, use it for various purposes like cards or tags, knowing that wherever it ends up, it will eventually bloom into flowers.

So, next time you’re done with a newspaper or come across one during your travels, consider recycling it into something new. And for special occasions, opt for plantable cards, knowing you’re contributing to the planet’s well-being, one page at a time. Oh and kids love making paper. It’s the number one activity we have done with kids over the years. Consider turning your paper into greeting cards, birthday cards or Ramadan cards.

Healthy Jew fights against war with wellness

Shmuel Naiman

-

February 22, 2024

0

The Healthy Jew is an online publication about healthy Jewish living and Israel’s natural world, written by me, Shmuel Chaim Naiman, a health teacher and foraging guide based in Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.

After October 7, The Healthy Jew enlisted to defend the Jewish people – not to fight the war of bodies (with guns and tanks) or minds (online and in the media), but to combat fear, anxiety, stress, and negative drama. Our enemies want us to stop living, caring, and connecting. They want us to see Israel as the “land that eats its inhabitants.”

We win the war for wellness by practicing healthy Jewish living and appreciating Israel’s natural world. In this war, everyone is a soldier.

For the past 4 months, The Healthy Jew has been waging war with two free weekly newsletters:

Healthy Jewish (Wednesday) shows you how to defeat terror with healthy Jewish living strategies that are particularly useful for times of crisis. We won’t allow the enemy to stop us from living, caring and connecting. Israel needs healthy Jews!
Natural Israel (Sunday) invites you to exchange, if only for a moment, Israel’s current images of pain and fear with pictures of purpose and health. The failed spies said Israel is “the land that eats its inhabitants”; we’re joining Yehoshua (Joshua) and Calev’s (Caleb) response: “The land is very, very good!”

Now you can read many of The Healthy Jew’s best ideas and advice in new book, published this week together with Yeshivas Lev Hatorah: Land of Health: Israel’s War for Wellness.

The first part of Land of Health builds on Natural Israel’s posts about the healthy body of the Jewish people – the Land of Israel.

The second part, based on Healthy Jewish posts, offers practical strategies for healthy living during challenging times.

Finally, Land of Health presents The Healthy Jew’s mission and programs for teaching healthy Jewish living and discovering Israel’s natural world.

Land of Health comes with dozens of stunning pictures of healthy living throughout Natural Israel.

The book is available in bookstores throughout Israel, on Amazon, and directly from the author. Reach out.

Shmuel Chaim Naiman is a health teacher and foraging guide in Ramat Bet Shemesh. He writes about healthy Jewish living and Israel’s natural world, teaches the nightly Healthy Jew class at Yeshivas Lev Hatorah, guides popular foraging walks, and offers personalized health coaching. He recently published a book, Land of Health: Israel’s War for Wellness, which is available on Amazon and in bookstores (in Israel). Learn more at healthyjew.org, and contact him at [email protected].

Going to Climate Week 2024 in Barcelona?

Climate

Green Prophet

-

February 22, 2024

0

Going to Climate Week 2024 in Barcelona?

The third edition of World Conference on Climate Change & Sustainability will provide an opportunity to focus attention on the opportunities, challenges and solutions towards net zero worldwide. It will follow up on the first and second edition, held in 2022 and 2023 in Frankfurt and Rome respectively. Climate Week 2024 aims to accelerate collaboration and integrate climate action into global pandemic recovery. Building forward opens an opportunity to address social inequalities and invest in sustainability development that is good for humanity and nature.

The 3rd World Conference on Climate Change & Sustainability, scheduled to take place from October 21-23, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain.

The theme for our upcoming conference is “Tech and Tomorrow: Charting Progress in Climate Change & Sustainability.”

Joining this year’s Climate Week 2024 Barcelona event you’ll learn how people are affected by climate change – from Midwest farmers to coastal residents and urban dwellers. Everyone is a climate stakeholder. You’ll also learn about the people who are finding solutions to climate change, and you’ll get ideas of how to take action to help address climate change.

Target Participants:

Speakers, Delegates, Poster Presentation, Exhibitors, sponsors, Students, Academicians, Researchers, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Environmental Scientist, Climatologists, Ecologist, Meteorologists, Marine Biologist, Geologists, Biologists, Architects, Anthropologists, Agronomist, Industrialists, Petrologists, Photovoltaic Specialist, Governmental Organizations, NGO ‘s.

Key Importance:

Measuring climate change and assessing environmental, economic and social impacts
Exploring mechanisms for effective environmental planning and sustainable resource management
Advancing strategies and techniques for climate change mitigation and adaptation
Enhancing the involvement and integration of different stakeholders across international, national, state, city, and community levels for environmental sustainability
Reporting pilot cases and exemplars that can help address climate change issues.
Outlining public and private sector investment goals to combat the climate crisis around the world.
This Climate Week would illustrate that more countries, businesses, and citizens are stepping up to meet the challenges of the climate emergency.

The core objective of Climate Week 2024 is to provide a vibrant platform for discussions on climate and sustainability societies. The aim is to foster an environment that sparks innovative ideas and lays out clear pathways for their practical implementation. As one of the leading european conference in this field, attendees can expect to delve into the most recent developments and issues related to climate change. This three-day scientific gathering will feature keynote sessions covering a wide spectrum, including the effects of climate change, climate policies (such as clean energy policies), air quality measures, subsidy reform, smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, educational and civil society involvement, nature-based solutions, and more.

Climate Week 2024 has been designed to bring together a diverse range of exploration and case studies from around the world, offers contemporaneous sessions and numerous networking opportunities. Attendees will engage with leading experts from organizations, agencies, business leaders, scientists, global and regional companies, investors, academia, entrepreneurs, and more. The focus is on collaborative efforts to deliberate and mitigate the climate crisis through sustainable business solutions, disruptive technology, and advanced knowledge.

Importance of Topic

These changes in climate have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only our health but also the ecosystems we rely on. Human-induced climate change is already affecting various weather and extremes climate globally. There are many evidences of climate change like heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and tropical cyclones, with a growing acknowledgment of their connection to human activities. Projections indicate that climate change will exacerbate the frequency, intensity, and impacts of certain extreme weather events. Taking action to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as opposed to 2°C, could potentially spare around 420 million people from frequent exposure to extreme heatwaves.

The primary focus of Climate Week 2024 is to engage the scientific community toward the next frontier of research—exploring the intricate relationship between earth and climate change. This global conference provides a platform to learn about the latest developments and challenges in areas related to climate change & sustainability. Conference sessions will cover the health co-benefits associated with a broad spectrum of climate policies, spanning clean energy, air quality measures, subsidy reform, smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, educational and civil society involvement, nature-based solutions, and more, during the three-day experts gathering.

The Organising Committee and Scientific Steering Committee of this event extend an invitation to all those actively engaged in addressing climate change and sustainability development. They encourage participants to embrace and build upon the research and climate science presented, integrating perspectives from their respective constituencies. The goal is to make the findings from this conference to the unique contexts of different locations.

The conference seeks participation from decision-makers, regulators, experts, scholars, public figures, and stakeholders across Member States, international organizations, industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations involved in nuclear energy, climate change, environment, economic, and social development portfolios. The event anticipates the engagement of invited speakers, who will deliver valuable presentations and/or participate in panel discussions, enriching the collective discourse on climate action.

::Climate Week

Sexual Crimes in the October 7 War

Act
Politics

Julie Steinbeck

-

February 21, 2024

0

Like Al Qaida, Boko Haram and ISIS who brutally raped and murdered women as a form of terror, Israel has just released an alarming report about the sexual violence of Hamas from Gaza. It is a difficult report to read but we have a copy here (links to PDF). The Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel’s first official report regarding the Hamas attack on October 7 highlights the following key points:

Sexual crimes were systematically and intentionally committed.
Four main arenas of sexual abuse were identified.
The sexual assaults and acts of rape involved multiple participants and included sadistic practices characterized by brutal features.

Orit Sulitzeanu, CEO of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, emphasized the significance of the report, stating that it leaves no room for denial or disregard. The report clearly indicates Hamas’s strategic decision to harm Israel through kidnapping citizens and committing sadistic sexual crimes. Silence in response to these atrocities is unacceptable, and international organizations are urged to take a clear stance.

The report, authored by Dr. Carmit Klar Chalamish and Noga Berger, consolidates evidence and concludes that the sexual crimes were not isolated incidents but part of a systematic, targeted strategy. It focuses on sexual and gender-based violence during the October 7 massacre and subsequent war, serving as a primary testimonial foundation indicating widespread sexual crimes.

The methodology involved analyzing numerous pieces of information, including testimonies, interviews, and direct information received by the ARCCI. Findings reveal brutal acts of violent rape, often involving threats with weapons and collaboration among perpetrators. Sexual and gender-based violence occurred systematically in various arenas, including festivals, kibbutzim, IDF bases, and captivity.

The report’s authors highlight the brutal nature of the assaults, designed to inflict sadistic terror and reinforce their impact on victims and communities. The ARCCI, founded in 1990, operates as an umbrella organization for nine rape crisis centers in Israel, addressing around 50,000 calls each year. It works to promote rights and services for survivors of sexual abuse and reduce its prevalence in Israeli society.

Read with caution. The full report is here.

David Popa’s art at Hegra disappears into the sand

Ancient
Art

Isabella Hannah

-

February 21, 2024

0

Take a moment to behold a marvel destined to vanish from sight—an ephemeral masterpiece unveiled amidst the boundless expanse of the Saudi desert, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra in AlUla. A pair of hands that fade back into the sand. This is the ultimate in sustainable art.

New York artist, David Popa: ephemeral earth frescoes created with earth pigments, charcoal and water.

Dubbed “Hands from Sands” by David Popa, the sculpture was commissioned for the I Care campaign. This initiative, orchestrated by the Royal Commission of AlUla, serves as a clarion call to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s cultural legacy.

Crafted from sustainable materials “Hands from Sands” epitomizes preservation, echoing the campaign’s overarching mission to nurture and conserve the country’s historical tapestry. It’s a mixed message, since Saudi Arabia is also building the 15-minute-city, The Line and other extravagant cities and holiday destinations.

More about the site: Once a bustling node along ancient trade routes, Hegra now stands as an open-air museum, boasting over a hundred meticulously preserved tombs and rock carvings.

In the canvas of Hegra, “Hands from Sands” spans over a hundred meters. For Popa, the process transcends mere creation; it is a communion with nature, a dance with the elements. Employing only natural materials, delicately mixed with source water, the artist imbues his creation with the spiritual.

AlUla includes other sites to see such as Maraya, a venue covered in mirrors. And Saudi Arabia is building a slow train to Jordan.

maraya in the desert, saudi arabia — Maraya in Alula

Older and wanting to have a baby? Bathe your ovaries in the sun

Health

Karin Kloosterman

-

February 21, 2024

0

Fertility may be enhanced by more sun exposure, finds new study

Women who are late to find a partner or who put a focus on a career, usually have a harder time getting pregnant in their 30s and certainly in their 40s as they become less fertile. But a new study suggests the sun might give your egg follicles a boost.

A research team looked at seasonal fluctuations in AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels. Their pioneering study revealed that during the summer, women of late reproductive age — between the ages of 30 and 40 — experience increased secretion of the hormone from their ovaries. This phenomenon is suggested to be attributed to heightened exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

“The ovaries secrete the anti-Müllerian hormone, and its level in the bloodstream is linked to ovarian function,” explains Dr. Ruth Percik from the Institute of Endocrinology at Sheba Medical Center. The results of the study were published in the journal Steroids. It may be used to help improve IFV success rates.

She adds: “While the hormone level is specific to an individual woman at a given point in time and does not provide a definitive assessment of the status of her fertility, evaluating its value, trend, and comparison to the age group is the best indicator of fertility that we have. For this reason, every woman who wants to get pregnant, or is trying to, is sent for an AMH test. In Israel, all of these tests are directed to the central laboratory in Sheba. Our research group investigated the seasonal variability of the AMH tests in order to gauge how the ovaries respond to UV radiation.”

The researchers compared the AMH results of 2,235 Israeli women to the recorded levels of UV radiation. For younger women, aged 20-29, no statistical relationship was found between UV exposure and AMH level. On the other hand, among older fertile women, aged 30 to 40, a statistically significant seasonal pattern emerged: These women, whose egg reserves are in decline, responded positively to sun exposure.

The groundbreaking research was led by Prof. Carmit Levy of the Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, in a team effort of Ph.D. student Roma Parikh and Prof. Yftach Gepner of the School of Public Health, all from the Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University.

“This is a preliminary, pioneering human epidemiological study,” says Prof. Levy, “and we need to be cautious about inferring a causal relationship between fertility in women and exposure to UV radiation.

“Our research suggests that the female reproductive system is indeed more fertile in the summer, but we still have no information on the mechanism or actual success rates.”

Particularly interesting is the absence of this effect among younger women in their 20s. According to Dr. Percik, this may be attributed to the ample egg reserve found in young women. “Based on my interpretation of the findings, women at the onset of their reproductive age are less in need of signals from the sun, which affect hormonal pathways that have not yet been sufficiently studied.

This effect was most pronounced among women aged 35 and older. One caveat: Exposure to the sun’s UV radiation should always be done in moderation, and further research is required in order to determine whether such exposure actually helps fertility, and how much exposure is needed. And just to be safe, you can make your own organic sunblock using this recipe.

Artificial coral reefs shift focus from real ones, protecting nature

Animals

Karin Kloosterman

-

February 21, 2024

0

Artificial coral reefs shift focus from real ones, protecting nature

artificial reef, red sea — Artificial reef, Red Sea in Eilat

Artificial reefs help preserve coral reefs by shifting divers away from the natural ones, according to new long-term study in the Red Sea

If you were lucky to dive into the Red Sea 25 years ago the undersea life was much different to today where Red Sea coral reefs have turned brown, and corals are dead and dying. Busy shipping lanes in the Red Sea, pollution, sunscreen, extra lights and global warming are leading to the decline of Red Sea coral.

When Green Prophet visited Egypt’s national park, Ras Abu Galum in Sinai, this past fall, beginner snorkelers from Egypt and around the world crowded through a small entry point and at every point of the couple of hours that we were there, snorkelers were standing on the reef.

Coral Reef seed bank proposed for Australia

This, researchers hope, can stop – if they make more artificial reefs for snorkelers and divers to play on –– allowing the natural reefs to recover. Divers are essentially tourists who truly love coral reefs and invest a lot of time and effort to watch them. But divers also cause damage to corals, often unintentionally, through disturbing and re-suspending sand, touching them, hitting them with their equipment, and scaring fish away.

Artificial reefs have been proposed as a means of diverting diving pressure from the natural reef to alternative sites, thus preserving both dive tourism and the coral reef.

Red Sea diver Faris is a professional snorkeler and diver at Abu Galum. He tells Green Prophet that he tries to educate the locals about standing on the reef but it oesn't help. — Red Sea diver Faris is a professional snorkeler and diver at Abu Galum. He tells Green Prophet that he tries to educate the locals in Egypt about standing on the reef but it doesn’t help.

The problem was noticed years ago in Eilat, Israel on the Red Sea and, as a result, in cooperation with the Nature and Parks Authority, Prof. Nadav Shashar of Ben-Gurion University’s Marine Biology and Biotechnology Program and the OBS company, an artificial reef was established there on the border of the nature reserve enclosing the natural coral reefs.

The artificial reef was established in 2006 and, in 2007, corals, which were grown in a special coral nursery, were planted on it. Since then, it has attracted many species of reef fish and other invertebrates that are difficult to find on the natural reef.

The new long-term study, just published in Oceans, tracked the movement of dives before and after the placement of the reef. Before its installation, the introductory diving instructors had to lead their trainees into the reserve to enjoy the dive. However, afterwards, it became a magnet for divers, especially guided dives, and introductory dives. Since introductory dives to the natural coral reefs in the reserve have almost completely stopped.

artificial reef traffic map — See how the artificial reef serves as a detour site to the natural reef.

What’s more, the reef remains as attractive as ever 15 years after its installation, thus deciding the question of whether an artificial site would be attractive even after it was no longer a novelty.

You are drinking nanoplastics in your bottled mineral water

Act
Health

Karin Kloosterman

-

February 19, 2024

0

plastics in drinking water

A new microscopic technique zeroes in on the poorly explored world of nanoplastics, which can pass into blood, cells, and your brain

We buy bottled water, mineral or cleaned, in order to optimize our health. Yet people don’t think about the plastics in the bottle or for how many days they sit under the hot sun before you buy the bottles. Turns out a new study at Columbia University is shedding light on just how much microplastics are coming with your serving of water. A new study suggests that bottled water can contain up to an astonishing 240,000 nanoplastic particles per liter.

These minuscule particles are small enough to potentially enter our bloodstream and organs, posing unknown risks to our health and the implications of consuming these tiny particles are yet to be fully understood. The particles are so small that they can pass the blood brain barrier.

Thanks to our addiction to plastic, microplastics are showing up basically everywhere on Earth, from polar ice to soil, drinking water and food. Formed when plastics break down into progressively smaller bits, these particles are being consumed by humans and other creatures, with unknown potential health and ecosystem effects. One focus of research: bottled water, which has been shown to contain tens of thousands of identifiable fragments in each container.  

Now, using newly refined technology, researchers have entered a whole new plastic world: the poorly known realm of nanoplastics, which are the spawn of microplastics that have broken down even further. For the first time, they counted and identified these minute particles in bottled water. They found that on average, a liter contained some 240,000 detectable plastic fragments—10 to 100 times greater than previous estimates, which were based mainly on larger sizes.

The study by researchers at Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, and Columbia Mailman School of Public Health was just published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The researchers say that nanoplastics are so tiny that, unlike microplastics, they can pass through the intestines and lungs directly into the bloodstream and travel from there to organs including the heart and brain. They can invade individual cells, and cross through the placenta to the bodies of unborn babies. Medical scientists are racing to study the possible effects on a wide variety of biological systems.

“Previously this was just a dark area, uncharted. Toxicity studies were just guessing what’s in there,” said study coauthor Beizhan Yan, an environmental chemist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. “This opens a window where we can look into a world that was not exposed to us before.”

What are nanoplastics?

gold dust graduation from Walmart — The gold dust bought at Walmart may make your graduation photo pretty. But one blow and it’s forever cycling as microplastics that will get into our lungs.

Microplastics are defined as fragments ranging from 5 millimeters (less than a quarter inch) down to 1 micrometer, which is 1 millionth of a meter, or 1/25,000th of an inch. (A human hair is about 70 micrometers across.) Nanoplastics, which are particles below 1 micrometer, are measured in billionths of a meter.

Plastics in bottled water became a public issue largely after a 2018 study detected an average of 325 particles per liter; later studies multiplied that number many times over. Scientists suspected there were even more than they had counted, but good estimates stopped at sizes below 1 micrometer—the boundary of the nano world.

“People developed methods to see nano particles, but they didn’t know what they were looking at,” said the new study’s lead author, Naixin Qian, a Columbia graduate student in chemistry. She noted that previous studies could provide bulk estimates of nano mass, but for the most part could not count individual particles, nor identify which were plastics or something else.

The new study uses a technique called stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, which was co-invented by study coauthor Wei Min, a Columbia biophysicist. This involves probing samples with two simultaneous lasers that are tuned to make specific molecules resonate. Targeting seven common plastics, the researchers created a data-driven algorithm to interpret the results. “It is one thing to detect, but another to know what you are detecting,” said Min.

The researchers tested three popular brands of bottled water sold in the United States (they declined to name which ones), analyzing plastic particles down to just 100 nanometers in size. They spotted 110,000 to 370,000 particles in each liter, 90% of which were nanoplastics; the rest were microplastics. They also determined which of the seven specific plastics they were, and charted their shapes—qualities that could be valuable in biomedical research.

plastic waste beach

One common one was polyethylene terephthalate or PET. This was not surprising, since that is what many water bottles are made of. (It is also used for bottled sodas, sports drinks and condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise.) It probably gets into the water as bits slough off when the bottle is squeezed or gets exposed to heat. One recent study suggests that many particles enter the water when you repeatedly open or close the cap, and tiny bits abrade.

However, PET was outnumbered by polyamide, a type of nylon. Ironically, said Beizhan Yan, that probably comes from plastic filters used to supposedly purify the water before it is bottled. Other common plastics the researchers found: polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate, all used in various industrial processes.

A somewhat disturbing thought: the seven plastic types the researchers searched for accounted for only about 10% of all the nanoparticles they found in samples; they have no idea what the rest are. If they are all nanoplastics, that means they could number in the tens of millions per liter. But they could be almost anything, “indicating the complicated particle composition inside the seemingly simple water sample,” the authors write. “The common existence of natural organic matter certainly requires prudent distinguishment.”

The researchers are already reaching beyond bottled water. “There is a huge world of nanoplastics to be studied,” said Min. He noted that by mass, nanoplastics comprise far less than microplastics, but “it’s not size that matters. It’s the numbers, because the smaller things are, the more easily they can get inside us.”

Among other things, the team plans to look at tap water, which also has been shown to contain microplastics, though far less than bottled water The researchers are now studying microplastics and nanoplastics generated when people do laundry, which end up in wastewater—so far, by a count of millions per 10-pound load, coming off synthetic materials that comprise many items of clothing.

Turkey sets renewable energy goal of Turkey 7,500 MW goal for industrial renewables 2024

Energy

Karin Kloosterman

-

February 18, 2024

0

Turkey sets renewable energy goal of Turkey 7,500 MW goal for industrial renewables 2024

Turkey says it will be Net Zero by 2053 and has declared a significant advancement in its renewable energy sector, allocating 7,500 megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity for industrial use this year. Net Zero by 2053 seems arbitrary and a long way off but consider Canada has declared it will be Net Zero by 2050.

Turkey is emphasising the role of renewables in reducing foreign oil and gas dependence and lowering the current account deficit, said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. He stated that $5 billion USD in investments would be made for renewables starting immediately.

With an addition of over 2,800 MW in renewable energy capacity installations last year, Turkey increased the share of renewables in electricity production to 42% of its total energy needs. Bayraktar highlighted the national target of 5,000 MW of annual renewable energy additions, aligning with Turkey’s strategy to address the current account deficit and tackle climate change.

As the carbon border adjustment looms in 2026, he urged manufacturers to cut carbon emissions, underscoring the crucial role of renewable energy in this effort.

Solar power is a growing part of renewable energy Turley, with 10 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels generating 5% of the country’s electricity. Solar thermal is also important. These are the solar panels that heat water on home roofs. Although similarly sunny as Spain, Turkey has installed far less solar power than Spain.

Discovering the Ultimate Practical and Beautiful Gift for Her

Design

Bhok Thompson

-

February 16, 2024

0

Choosing the perfect gift for a girl can often prove to be a daunting task. It’s a delicate balance between finding something that is both practical and beautiful, without breaking the bank. While there are plenty of options available, ranging from everyday essentials to extravagant indulgences, it’s important to choose a gift that is both thoughtful and meaningful. In this article, we’ll explore why a keychain with an engraved photo inside a 3D crystal is the ultimate compromise, offering practicality, beauty, and affordability in one perfect package.

The Challenge of Finding the Right Gift:Selecting the ideal gift for a girl can be a daunting challenge. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. Practical gifts like mugs or cosmetics are often appreciated, but they may lack the personal touch that makes a gift truly memorable. On the other hand, extravagant gifts like jewelry or high-end gadgets can be prohibitively expensive for many gift-givers. Striking the perfect balance between practicality and beauty is essential to finding a gift that will truly delight the recipient.

The Allure of Practicality and Beauty Combined

A keychain with an engraved photo inside a 3D crystal offers the perfect combination of practicality and beauty. Unlike traditional gifts that may be easily forgotten or discarded, a personalized keychain serves as a constant reminder of the bond shared between the giver and the recipient. Whether it’s a cherished memory captured in a photograph or a special moment shared between loved ones, the engraved photo inside the crystal adds a sentimental touch to an everyday item.

Advantages of a Personalized Keychain

There are numerous advantages to choosing a keychain with an engraved photo inside a 3D crystal as a gift for her. Firstly, it’s a practical item that serves a useful purpose in everyday life. Whether it’s used to keep track of keys or adorn a purse or bag, a personalized keychain is both functional and stylish. Secondly, it’s an affordable option that won’t break the bank. Unlike expensive jewelry or gadgets, a personalized keychain offers a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on sentimentality or beauty. Lastly, it’s a thoughtful and meaningful gift that can be customized to reflect the recipient’s personality and interests. From cherished family photos to memorable vacations, the possibilities are endless when it comes to selecting the perfect image to engrave inside the crystal.

Preserving Priceless Memories

One of the most significant advantages of a keychain with an engraved photo inside a 3D crystal is its ability to preserve cherished memories. Whether it’s a snapshot from a special occasion, a candid moment with loved ones, or a beloved pet’s portrait, the engraved photo serves as a timeless memento that captures the essence of a cherished memory. Unlike traditional gifts that may fade or lose their significance over time, a personalized keychain ensures that memories will be cherished and remembered for years to come.

When it comes to finding the perfect gift for her that is both practical and beautiful, a keychain with an engraved photo inside a 3D crystal is the ultimate choice. It’s a thoughtful and personalized gift that combines practicality with sentimentality, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, a personalized keychain is sure to be appreciated and treasured by the recipient. So why wait? Explore our collection of 3D picture keychains today and find the perfect gift that will make memories last a lifetime.

Make Hibiscus Tea and Hibiscus Sherbet

Food
Health

Miriam Kresh

-

February 15, 2024

0

Winter time is tea time. What’s more comforting than sipping a mug of hot tea when it’s freezing outside? There’s a wide range of herbal teas to enjoy, but let’s go past the usual mint and chamomile (delicious though they are) to something a little unconventional: hibiscus flower tea. I saw a reference to hibiscus tea and sherbet in this post about meeting Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy, and found the recipes.

Most hibiscus flowers are edible, but not all. If you live where the variety known as Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) grows, pick it freely, and make tea from the fresh or dried flowers. Give other hibiscus varieties a pass, unless you have an authoritative source affirming that they’re safe to consume. In any case, you’ll probably want to pick up the dried flowers at a health food store. They last 6 months if stored in an airtight container, away from light.

Roselle makes a beautiful, deep red tea, and its flavor is sweet and sour, like cranberries.

Health benefits of hibiscus?

Hibiscus contains melatonin, which helps you get a night’s sleep. Have a small snack with a cup of hibiscus tea before bed time, and you’ll sleep better for it.
The flowers are loaded with vitamin C, perfect for a hot winter drink.
Hibiscus is known to bring blood pressure down, which brings a caveat: if you’re already taking meds to reduce blood pressure, avoid this flowery tea.
The tea is somewhat diuretic, helping to flush toxins and bugs out when you’re sick.

Another caveat: hibiscus flowers have phytoestrogens that may cause early labor for pregnant women. Drinking a lot of hibiscus tea (more than 1 cup daily) may also affect the performance of birth control pills.

Making hibiscus tea is like using any other herbal: steep 1 teaspoon dried flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, then strain into a mug and drink. Add lemon or lime juice if desired, and sweeten with honey.

Now how about a delicious hibiscus sorbet? Don’t save this light, floral sorbet for the summer. Serve it after any rich meal for a refreshing dessert. And it’s vegan.

Hibiscus Sorbet

Light sorbet made from hibiscus flowers

small pot
whisk
mesh strainer
ice cream maker
airtight container
ice cream scoop

1⅓ cups 300 g granulated or raw cane sugar
1 cup 40 g dried hibiscus flowers
2 Tbsp. 10 g fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

STEP 1

In a small pot over medium heat, whisk 3½ cups (800 grams) cold water, the sugar, and the hibiscus flowers. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat and stir in the ginger. Cover the pot and refrigerate until completely cooled, about 1 hour.

STEP 2

When you are ready to churn the sorbet, set a fine mesh strainer over the bowl of an ice cream maker. Strain the hibiscus mixture, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the solids. Churn the mixture according to the manufacturer’s directions until the sorbet is thick and frozen, with the consistency of soft serve, about 30 minutes. Transfer to an airtight metal or plastic container and freeze until set, at least 3–4 hours.

STEP 3

To serve, dip an ice cream scoop or spoon in hot water, or temper the sorbet in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before scooping. Serve immediately.

Red hibiscus sorbet from Sudan tea or karkade

Dessert

hibiscus, vegan

You can punch up this sherbet with 2 tablespoons of tequila, rum, or gin, if you want. Add after Step 1.

Enjoy!

Hibiscus sorbet recipe from Saveur.com

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Does ESG have a place in war? Russian and Ukrainian armies report weapons failing because rats are eating eco-cables

What are Forever Chemicals and where do they come from?

Who are the UN experts?

Israel Is Both Sick and Healthy – In the midst of a tragic war, this winter’s rains are remarkably balanced.

Healthy Israel

Khirbet Urva

Both Sick and Healthy

Rain-life Today

Upcoming Foraging Walk in RBS

How is seed paper made?

Fertility may be enhanced by more sun exposure, finds new study

Artificial reefs help preserve coral reefs by shifting divers away from the natural ones, according to new long-term study in the Red Sea

A new microscopic technique zeroes in on the poorly explored world of nanoplastics, which can pass into blood, cells, and your brain

What are nanoplastics?

Health benefits of hibiscus?

Hibiscus Sorbet

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Company

Headlines

Newsletter