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.”
Holly is an anchor and reporter at Ticker. She's experienced in live reporting, and has previously covered the Covid-19 pandemic on-location. She's passionate about telling stories in business, climate and health.
Boston Dynamics has recently unveiled its latest creation, the electric Atlas robot, boasting enhanced agility and strength.
However, with its uncanny ability to contort and rise from the ground with an almost eerie grace, one might wonder if we’re witnessing the birth of the world’s first robot contortionist.
As this technological marvel flaunts its capabilities, one can’t help but ponder if we’re on the brink of a future where household chores will be effortlessly handled by robots moving like a fusion of ballet dancers and horror movie monsters.
With its cadaver-like movements and illuminated head, it’s hard not to speculate whether Atlas is destined to revolutionise robotics or simply rehearsing for a techno-horror rendition of The Nutcracker. As Boston Dynamics continues to push the boundaries of robotics, the line between science fiction and reality becomes increasingly blurred.
As the morning sun peeks through the curtains, many reach for that familiar brew, kickstarting their day with a comforting cup of coffee.
It’s a ritual ingrained in cultures worldwide, offering a jolt of energy to combat the grogginess of dawn.
But when is the optimal time for that caffeine fix? According to registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD, the answer isn’t crystal clear.
Some experts suggest delaying that first sip until mid-morning or later. However, DiMarino reassures coffee lovers that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this dilemma.
Meanwhile, the science behind coffee production unveils fascinating insights into its instant variant. Whether produced through freeze-drying or spray-drying methods, instant coffee offers convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Yet, beyond convenience, recent studies delve deeper into coffee’s impact on our bodies. Research exploring the acute effects of decaffeinated versus caffeinated coffee reveals intriguing findings on reaction time, mood, and skeletal muscle strength.
Moreover, investigations into the gut microbiome shed light on coffee’s influence on liver cirrhosis patients. A study analyzing the duodenal microbiome in this population found correlations between coffee consumption and microbial richness and evenness.
So, as you sip your coffee and ponder the day ahead, consider not just the flavour in your cup but also the subtle impacts it may have on your body and mind.
The renowned Montreal-based Just for Laughs comedy festival, one of the world’s largest international comedy events, will not grace the calendar in 2024.
The Canadian company overseeing the festival announced its cancellation this year, citing efforts to steer clear of bankruptcy. Having marked its 40th anniversary in 2023, Just For Laughs has long been a beloved fixture on the city’s cultural landscape.
With its absence raising questions about which event will inherit the title of the biggest comedy festival, speculation arises whether Melbourne will seize the mantle, given its burgeoning comedy scene and the success of its own Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
