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.”
Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.
In Short
Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.
Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.
The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.
It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.
An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.
Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.
The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.
This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.
Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.
The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.
Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.
In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.
Elon Musk defends DOGE cuts with Trump, claims Americans will receive what they voted for in Oval Office appearance.
In Short
Elon Musk supported the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during a meeting with President Trump, who signed an order to cut the federal workforce. Musk addressed concerns about DOGE’s transparency and potential conflicts of interest, asserting the agency acts transparently, despite calls for more information.
Elon Musk appeared with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on February 11, 2025, to support the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk defended DOGE’s proposed cuts, claiming they were reasonable and aimed at improving government efficiency.
Trump signed an executive order to enforce significant reductions in the federal workforce, allowing DOGE to oversee the hiring processes for agencies.
The order mandates a hiring ratio of one new employee for every four who depart, with exemptions for positions related to public safety and law enforcement.
Musk emphasized that Americans would receive what they voted for regarding DOGE’s changes, questioning the implications of bureaucratic control over democracy.
Trump expressed frustration with federal judges attempting to block DOGE’s initiatives.
Musk had previously suggested that a judge should be impeached after a ruling limited DOGE’s access to Treasury files.
Musk faced inquiries about DOGE’s transparency and potential conflicts of interest with his companies receiving federal contracts.
He asserted that DOGE operates transparently and shares updates on its official X account and government site.
However, as of the latest check, DOGE.gov had not provided new information.
A DOGE spokesperson stated that the agency is under the Presidential Records Act, potentially keeping their activities confidential for years.
Trump and Putin agree to talks aimed at ending Ukraine war, signalling potential improvement in US-Russia relations.
In Short
Trump and Putin agreed to start talks to end the Ukraine war, following a phone call that raised hopes for improved relations. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Hegseth indicated a shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine’s territorial claims and its NATO membership.
The two leaders communicated by phone on Wednesday. Trump expressed optimism about the potential results of this engagement, describing it as a necessary step towards peace.
This phone call followed a recent prisoner exchange, which Trump suggested might signal improving U.S.-Russia relations.
In his remarks on Truth Social, Trump highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing deaths resulting from the conflict. He noted Putin’s reference to his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statements indicated a shift in U.S. policy, dismissing Ukraine’s restoration to pre-2014 borders as unrealistic and stating that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not a viable goal.
Hegseth, during his first European visit as Pentagon chief, emphasised that security guarantees for Ukraine would require contributions from both European and non-European troops, requiring a collaborative international effort.
While Ukraine expresses a desire to reclaim its territory, Hegseth acknowledged the difficulty it might face in obtaining areas currently occupied by Russia.
He did not clarify the level of military support the U.S. would provide moving forward, nor did he suggest an imminent increase in arms supplies.
Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that they have a significant chance to end the war, with strong support from allies anticipated at the upcoming Munich Security Conference.