In light of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, industries around the world are shifting their attention to engage with climate action.
Farmers are experiencing climate change firsthand and are now stepping up their plans to tackle it.
Anika Molesworth is a farmer, scientist, and storyteller who was awarded Farmer of the Year in 2015.
She is passionate about ensuring the best possible future for the planet and the food people consume.
Farmers on a mission
Australia has seen a shift towards higher temperatures and lower winter rainfall, which has had significant effects on many farmers.
Despite these trends, there remains much uncertainty over the long-run effects of climate change on farm businesses.
Molesworth says the decade-long Millennium drought changed her life forever. Between the years 2000–2010, very little rain fell in much of Australia.
Her home became dry and duststorms turned the skies red. That’s when she drew the correlation between the land, the climate, and the food on her plate.
Now, she is dedicated to raising awareness of climate change impacts on farms, and what actions must be taken to reduce emissions and adapt to changing conditions.
Farmers are severely impacted by extreme weather events, like drought or bushfires. These types of events impact the ability to grow produce.
Climate change and rainfall trends affect food prices, which vary depending on agricultural profitability and world prices.
Less words, more action
As the historical COP26 climate summit rolls into its second week in Glasgow, there is a renewed and heightened focus on the wellbeing of our planet.
We have seen world leaders pledge their emissions targets and plan to tackle climate change but some see the summit as a failure.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg lead a climate protest of thousands in Glasgow, aimed at attacking the climate policy of world leaders at the summit.
“Many are asking what it’ll take for people in power to wake up. But let’s be clear – they’re already awake. They know exactly what they’re doing. They know exactly what priceless values they’re sacrificing to maintain business as usual.”
“These conversations and commitments are a starting foundation, but we need to shift rapidly to action.”
Anika molesworth, scientist & farmer
Australia’s climate targets
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed the COP26 climate summit, saying that Australia had submitted a new nationally determined contribution.
He noted that Australia’s emissions would fall by 35% by 2030, far exceeding the Paris commitment.
Morrison is often criticised for his lack of ambitious climate change targets.
“The reduction targets the Australian Government has take to Glasgow are woefully inadequate and are not aligned with the science… This is putting Australians in the path of danger. “
The transition to electric vehicles is a major part of the world’s strategy to tackle climate change.
The Australian Government is looking to accelerate the rollout of 50,000 charging stations to support an expected 1.7 million EVs on the road by 2030.
However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he won’t be forcing Australians to do anything they don’t want to.
“We will not be forcing Australians out of the car they want to drive or penalising those who can least afford it through bans or taxes. The strategy will work to drive down the cost of low and zero emission vehicles, and enhance consumer choice.”
Insights on adapting to rapid change and empowering gig workers
In a rapidly evolving work landscape, microlearning platforms are crucial for the gig economy. Helen Doukas, CEO of Nuvo Work, emphasises how technology is enabling flexible work opportunities and necessitating agile learning methods.
She predicts that the gig economy will continue to grow, driven by a demand for skill-sharing and collaborative learning. Nuvo Work’s expertise-sharing platform is leading this transformation, providing gig workers with tailored resources to enhance their skills. By fostering continuous learning, Nuvo Work is helping create a more adaptable and prepared workforce for the future.
Navigating the Challenges of Generative AI in Election Communications
With the 2024 election approaching, the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigns is raising significant concerns about regulation and misinformation. At least 26 states have enacted bills to regulate AI-generated content, while others remain inactive.
As deepfakes and manipulated videos become more prevalent, there are increasing calls for comprehensive federal regulations. Recent instances of AI-generated misinformation have already influenced political campaigns, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to safeguard election integrity.
Israel has widened its military operations in Lebanon, launching a deadly airstrike in the northern region. The attack, which targeted a house sheltering displaced families, killed at least 21 people, leaving eight others injured, according to health officials. Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble for survivors.
This shift marks a significant escalation, as Israel had previously focused its strikes on the south, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s outskirts. Meanwhile, millions of Israelis are taking cover from cross-border rocket fire as the violence intensifies. Israel has also ordered the evacuation of 25 villages in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to continue targeting Hezbollah “without mercy,” even extending operations to Beirut. In eastern Lebanon, civilians like Jalal Ferhat and his family have fled toward the Syrian border in a desperate attempt to escape the worsening conflict.
