The Ozone layer is on track to healing completely by 2050, NASA reveals

Jan 2 2023

Whatever happened to the ozone layer?

You may or may not have heard less about the phenomenon in past years, but that’s because the ozone layer is on track to recovery, if not full restoration.

That’s right, NASA data has revealed that the ozone hole has developed a shrinking trend over the past several years, with data released last October showing that the hole over the Antarctic reached an average of 8.9 million square miles.

Whilst the number remains intimidating as millions around the globe ramp up their efforts to save the planet, steady progress is being made, with the world responding to a shift towards disaster in past years with political decisions, consumer boycotts and more.

One of the main contributors to the ozone layer’s healing is the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty which entered into force in 1989 aimed at phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

Increased attention to the phasing out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the number one culprit to ozone depletion which is found in anything from aerosol cans to aircraft halon, has also contributed to the healing of the ozone layer.

Are YOU doing your part to protect the planet?

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Croatia adopts the Euro as its new currency in 2023

Jan 2 2023

Croatia is the latest country to enter the Eurozone as it enters 2023 by adopting the Euro as its currency.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the step “a great achievement for Croatia” and a symbol of the country’s deep-rooted attachment to the EU.

Locals and foreigners will still be able to use Croatian Kuna over the next two weeks as a transitional period comes into effect.

In addition to joining the Eurozone, Croatia also became the first country to join the Schengen zone in 11 years, a European area where people may travel without the need for border control.

Have you ever been to Croatia?

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Ghanian giant reported to be ‘World’s Tallest Man’ cannot stop growing

Jan 2 2023

Twenty-nine year-old man Sulemana Abdul Samed has become a solid contender for ‘World’s Tallest Man’ as he currently stands at 2.89 metres, but a logistics issue in his home country of Ghana presents a very particular problem.

Better known by his nickname ‘Awuche’ which means “Let’s Go”, the Ghanian goliath has surpassed the length of the measuring tool in his rural clinic in Ghana, which means that his height may not have been measured correctly.

Diagnosed with gigantism, Sulemana is reportedly still growing, with the clinic’s staff using a pole as an extension to their measuring scale in order to estimate his height.

To settle the debate for good, BBC reporter Favour Nunoo went to Awuche’s hometown of Gambaga to measure him with a measuring tape to find that he was 7 feet and 4 inches tall at that time.

The current Guinness World Record for world’s tallest man is currently held by 40-year-old Turkish man Sultan Kösen, who is 8 feet and 2.8 inches but as Awuche continues to grow “every three or four months”, that record may soon be broken.

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Over €1.4 million collected in annual Dar tal-Providenza fundraiser event

Jan 2 2023

A grand total of €1,445,665 was collected during Dar tal-Providenza’s annual ‘Festa ta’ Ġenerożità’ fundraising event on January 1st.

The funds collected will further contribute to the accommodation and care of of the 115 people with a disability living in the premises whilst also going towards renovation works in Villa Papa Giovanni in Siggiewi.

Dar tal-Providenza director Fr Martin Micallef stated that he hopes that the solidarity shown towards the home on the first day of the year will extend throughout 2023.

The annual telethon welcomed members of the public and eager contributors to their tent set-up in the home’s parking lot after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.

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