Author: Elias W.
Humanitarian aid, particularly under the supervision of the United Nations, has been a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. However, beneath the positive surface lies a concerning issue—corruption. This hidden problem weakens aid distribution and poses a threat to cultural heritage.Challenges in Aid DistributionCorruption destroys trustEffective humanitarian programs rely on trust between donors, recipients, and facilitators. Corruption within NGOs and governments erodes this trust, casting doubt and jeopardizing the essential foundation for long-term aid.Stigma surrounding corruptionThe reluctance of aid agencies to openly discuss corruption perpetuates a lack of transparency, impeding internal accountability and external oversight. This lack of openness…
In the pulsating heart of Dubai, the United Nations climate conference, COP28, is at a crucial juncture. As negotiators grapple with financing for climate adaptation and the precarious fate of fossil fuels, the Executive Secretary of the UN climate convention, Mr. Stiell, delivers a stern message: “All governments must give their negotiators clear marching orders.”The summit began on a promising note with the launch of a Loss and Damage Fund, offering a lifeline to vulnerable countries grappling with climate-related disasters. Yet, Mr. Stiell issues a sobering reminder that this is just the beginning; goodwill alone won’t cut emissions or save…
As we aim for a greener future, the construction industry stands at a crucial point. The 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction warns of increased carbon emissions in the post-COVID-19 era. This urgency calls for a change in urban design, with a focus on harnessing natural energy sources.The environmental impact of traditional building practices cannot be emphasized enough, contributing to a staggering 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions globally. From material extraction to construction, the sector’s practices intensify its carbon footprint. Unsustainable buildings further magnify this impact through high energy consumption, making it imperative to reassess and revolutionize urban…
As the year draws to a close, many individuals find themselves in a reflective state, contemplating the highs and lows of the past 12 months. While diverse traditions mark this introspective period, a recent survey sheds light on the evolving scenery of New Year’s resolutions, providing insights into the shifting priorities of individuals as they bid farewell to one year and welcome another.Forbes Health/OnePoll surveyThe Forbes Health survey asked 1,000 people in the U.S. about their New Year’s resolutions on October 23, 2023. A recent survey found that 62% of respondents feel pressured to make a New Year’s resolution. Interestingly,…
In the heart of Canada, a culinary renaissance is taking place, where chefs are rediscovering and celebrating indigenous foods, reviving a cultural identity that was once suppressed. Cezin Nottaway, an Algonquin chef, embodies this movement, crafting dishes like smoked roast moose with tea and onions in her log-cabin kitchen on the Kitigan Zibi reserve, just north of Ottawa. As she prepares for weddings, wakes, and charity events through her company, Wawatay Catering, she is part of a wave of Canadian chefs reclaiming and popularizing indigenous foods, breathing life into a culinary heritage that spans centuries.Ms. Nottaway’s culinary journey reflects a…
In the ongoing struggle for survival, the wild inhabitants of our planet exhibit an astonishing ability to adapt, especially when faced with the relentless pressures of hunting by humans. As Homo sapiens encroached upon the territories of the mighty elephants, these iconic creatures encountered a threat that demanded swift evolution to survive. In a captivating new study published in the journal Science, researchers delve into the remarkable journey of African elephants in Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, unveiling how they rapidly shed their tusks in response to the haunting specter of poaching.In the not-so-distant past, elephants evolved tusks, not as a…
In a surprising turn of events, Canadian author Dawn Walker has entered a guilty plea to charges related to the alleged kidnapping of her son and the creation of false identities — raising questions about the impact of falsified documents on judicial credibility and public trust.Walker, an indigenous woman from Saskatchewan, had initially been reported missing in the summer of 2022, prompting a high-profile search. However, she was later found safe in Oregon with her son. Subsequently, Walker faced a series of charges, including parental abduction, identity fraud, and forging a passport.The plea has brought to light a complex web…
Amidst seismic economic shifts, populism is reshaping political landscapes globally, challenging democracies and prompting introspection. Brian Marler, a Netherlands resident, sheds light on the consequences of neoliberal policies in his country, which have fueled economic inequality and given rise to extreme right-wing ideologies. Similar patterns echo across affluent nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States.The Dutch government’s commissioned policy review unveils staggering figures, indicating that the top 1% in the Netherlands commands 26% of the nation’s wealth, with the top 10% holding a commanding 61%. A comparable scenario unfolds in the United Kingdom, where the top decile controls…
As the wheels of progress turn, so too does the environmental impact of our transportation systems. In a world struggling with the dire consequences of climate change, the urgent call for sustainable transport echoes louder than ever. Saskatchewan, often revered for its vast landscapes, is not exempt from the global responsibility to curb emissions and steer towards a greener future. With the impending UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, casting its shadow over the world, Saskatchewan’s approach to vehicle qualifications takes center stage in the quest for sustainability.The recent proclamation of the inaugural World Sustainable Transport Day serves as a poignant…
In the urgent pursuit of mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity, the global community is increasingly turning to sustainable practices that harmonize with nature. One such effective method gaining popularity is Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR). This affordable technique revitalizes degraded lands, offering a lifeline to struggling ecosystems. ANR stands out as a cost-effective solution, breathing new life into damaged environments. It is a testament to the global community’s commitment to nurturing our ecosystems back to health.As nations confront the dual threats of climate change and biodiversity decline, models like Canada, Europe, and the Life Terra project showcase the important role of…