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The window to avoid climate disaster is getting smaller scientists warn

The window to avoid climate disaster is getting smaller scientists warn
Aug 9 2021 Share

Global scientists are officially warning how the window to cut our reliance on fossil fuels and avoid climate disaster is slowly closing. The world has been increasingly experiencing droughts, raging wild-fires and engulfing floods, changing the landscape of our home planet and making it less hospitable than ever before. Allegedly warming up 1.1 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels, the climate is racking up towards 1.5 degrees – the critical threshold which global leaders agreed would be best to stay under. 

This dire situation can only be reversed if green house gas emissions and carbon dioxide are cut from the atmosphere, with lead author of the IPCC’s 2001 report saying that there are zero years left to avoid dangerous climate change. The breakneck speed with which the Earth is warming baffled, and outpaced, scientific predictions. Even if the most optimistic scenario were adhered to, which is that emissions start dropping today, global temperatures will still peak above the deadly threshold. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the report a code red for humanity as efforts need to be stepped up drastically if we wish to survive. Many countries have missed the deadlines to cut their emissions, with a significant gap forming between what leaders are promising and what is actually needed by 2030. Climate researcher Michael Byrne stated that we knew what was coming and now its here. 

Heat waves have killed hundreds in the US Northwest and British Columbia, and heavy rainfall that used to occur once every 10 years now occurs 30% more frequently. Droughts now happen 70% more often globally. The chance to turn the tides is getting slimmer by the day. The further progress is prolonged, human lives are at stake, turning the world we inhabit into an inhospitable landscape at every turn. 

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Photo Source: The New York Times

‘The cultural sector will be left in shambles’; Jason Micallef addresses Notte Bianca cancellation

The cultural sector will be left in shambles- Jason Micallef addresses Notte Bianca cancellation
Aug 9 2021 Share

In light of the news that Malta’s 2021 Summer Carnival and Notte Bianca being cancelled, Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency Jason Micallef addresses the situation with bewildered shock and disappointment. Writing on Facebook, Micallef asks why Notte Bianca, which happens in the first weekend of October in Valletta, has been once again cancelled due to COVID-19 health measures.

He rhetorically asks whether Malta aims to go blindly into nothingness post-pandemic as arts and culture remain discriminated against by the health authorities. This, says Micallef, is the same economic, social and cultural sector in Valletta which achieved so much in the years prior to the pandemic. This same sector, however, is being abandoned to be destroyed, undoing all the progress. 

Jason Micallef points to the fact that most of Malta’s population is fully vaccinated along with herd immunity. He also asks whether arts and culture are considered less than sports or religious functions as the decisions being made post-COVID do not make any sense. Despite the vaccine rollout, herd immunity, potential for booster doses and certifications, the health authorities still seem to be placing the arts sector in between a rock and a hard place. 

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Photo Source: Jason Micallef FB

Summer Carnival 2021 cancelled

Aug 9 2021 Share

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage everything from our personal lives to everything we hold dear, Summer Carnival 2021 took a hit as Festivals Malta announced its cancellation. According to Festivals Malta CEO Annabelle Stivala, the event was cancelled in order to adhere to the guidelines issued by the health authorities which pertain to mass events. 

The decision was taken in order to not only safeguard the health of staff, carnival participants and technical crew but also that of the events’ patrons. Stivala thanked all the artists and those involved for all their work and cooperation. 

Despite this disappointing news, Festivals Malta is still working on other exciting events such as Muzika Muzika Sajf and Muzika Muzika il-Vjagg Ikompli the TV show. The entertainments industry continues to reel from the impact of the pandemic, having to adapt to unfortunate circumstances. 

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Photo Source: Jason Borg

Sarah Zerafa opens up about social media trolling in empowering post

Sarah Zerafa opens up about social media trolling in empowering post
Aug 9 2021 Share

Local influencer Sarah Zerafa opened up on social media about trolls calling her insults such as Scarface for as long as she could remember. Captioned alongside a natural photograph of herself, Sarah speaks out how this is her fans’ sign to never feel ashamed of one’s scars no matter how cruel other people can be. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sarah Zerafa (@sosazerafa)

Sarah encourages her fans to love themselves and own their skin as she shares more images of herself whilst hospitalised for her scarring and all the abusive comments she’s received over the years. But Sarah’s ability to turn these situations around and empower her fans has proved to be more powerful than the online negativity. 

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The post received immense praise and love by commenters, celebrating her empowering other women, whoever they are. 

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Photo Source: @sosazerafa IG