Ozone layer hits ‘significant’ milestone in road to recovery

Sep 21 2022

The recovery of the Earth’s ozone layer has just reached a significant milestone in its road to recovery, and scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hint at one possible reason.

The ozone layer itself is a region which forms part of Earth’s stratosphere which absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

A NASA publication delves deeper into the issue, explaining how without this layer, the intense UV radiation would essentially sterilise Earth’s surface.

During the 20th century, the impact of human emissions severely damaged the barrier and created a massive hole which opened up over Antartica.

Following recent research, the NOAA has found that concentrations of harmful chemicals that damage the layer dropped significantly, almost by 50%, in the stratosphere.

The decline in man-made emissions, coming from hairsprays and cleaning products for example, was the first step towards this healing.

Despite the momentary respite, scientists still highlight that the emissions need to continue declining as issues relating to climate change and global warming are having dire effects on the planet.

Meanwhile, the hole itself is predicted to fully recover by around the year 2070. Until then, the Antarctic hole is being monitored using 3D imaging technology.

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Here are some facts about Malta’s Independence Day

Sep 21 2022

Throughout its history, Malta was long dominated by various foreign powers – whether they were the Phoenicians, the Romans, the French, the Hospitallers or the British. Malta’s final ruler, Britain, granted Malta self-governance following the island’s brave resistance to the Axis powers and alliance to Britain during the Second World War.

But how did this exactly come about? The British arrived in Malta in 1800 to aid the people of the island expel the French forces. In 1814, Malta constitutionally and legally became a colony of the British Empire and began serving its purpose as a military base and island.

This put Malta utterly dependent economically on Great Britain’s military successes and expenditures. The fight for independence began in 1957 when Prime Minister Dom Mintoff put forth the ‘Break with Britain Resolution’ bill in parliament.

The bill was seconded by leader of the Opposition Dr Gorg Borg Olivier. In April 1958, the Labour Party resigned but Olivier refused to form the government. Mintoff, in response, sent a letter demanding for immediate and total independence for Malta.

A campaign for independence was kick started by the Labour Party through a string of demonstrations and protests, with Mintoff taking delegations to other countries to gain support for the cause for Independence.

Between 1958 and 1962, Malta’s political rights were taken over by Great Britain, leading to an increase in tension. In the latter year, for the general election, both major political parties put independence as one of the main goals of their manifesto.

The Nationalist Party won the election, with Gorg Borg Olivier asking for immediate independence shortly afterwards. The movement was met with much resistance, including the church which feared losing some of the privileges it retained due to British rule.

Archbishop Gonzi however changed his mind later on, due to the constitution being proposed by Malta’s government ensured that the Catholic Church retain its status on the island.

A referendum was held in May 1964 to ask the public about Independence. Olivier spent 10 weeks in Great Britain negotiating the needs of the Maltese population, with the British proposing a ‘Defence Agreement’ which the Labour Party refused.

On the night of 20 September 1964, the British flag was finally changed with the Maltese colours. In the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prime Minister Gorg Borg Olivier signed the new constitution which gave Malta complete independence.

A monument was inaugurated in 1989, created by artist Ganni Bonnici, which depicts a woman confidently striding into the unknown and releasing herself from the chains of the past. This was one of the highlights of Bonnici’s artistic career as the piece of art representing a significant milestone for Malta.

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2 grievously injured after two separate road accidents

Sep 21 2022

A motorcyclist and a pedestrian were both taken to Mater Dei Hospital yesterday evening following two separate road accidents.

The first incident occurred at around 1800hrs in Triq Għar Dalam, Birżebbuġa. Preliminary investigations revealed that an 46-year-old Egyptian man was hit by a Toyota Auris driven by a 22-year-old resident of Haż-Żabbar.

The second incident occurred at around 1915hrs in Triq Tumas Chetcuti, Ħ’Attard. Preliminary investigations showed that a 21-year-old Italian man lost control of his Niu N1S motorcycle and fell of the vehicle.

The men were taken to Mater Dei for further medical assistance and were later certified as having suffered serious injuries.

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Two men arrested after wounding man with butt of shotgun

Sep 20 2022

Two men, one aged 63 and the other 19, were arrested after they attacked a man and caused him grievous injuries in an argument which cured in Imqabba.

The assailants, residents of Qrendi and Imqabba respectively, were arrested by the police a few hours after the assault. The victim, a 42-year-old resident of Żurrieq, reported the attack to the police station a few hours afterwards.

During the altercation, which reportedly occurred at around 1400hrs, one of the assailants used the shotgun in his possession to club the victim.

The victim suffered injuries and had to get medical assistance from the health centre. The police identified the assailants later and arrested them in Imqabba.

#MaltaDaily