Economy Montana’s housing crisis is a warning for older homeowners across the country Eliza Relman 2024-07-10T09:56:03Z Share icon An curved arrow pointing right. Share Facebook Icon The letter F. Facebook Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email. Email Twitter icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting. Twitter LinkedIn … Read more
Election staff in Cyprus endured sweltering conditions on Sunday as a heatwave sent temperatures soaring at polling stations without air conditioning during the twin parliamentary and municipal polls. Philenews received multiple complaints from polling centre workers reporting unbearable situations, with some feeling dizzy after long hours at hot school classrooms used as voting venues. “We … Read more
Cyprus is facing a severe water shortage with reservoir levels at a record low. The lack of rainfall has left many dams below average capacity, with the largest dam, Kouris, holding only 41.9 million cubic meters of water compared to 61 million last year. Overall, national water storage is at just 42.1% of capacity, down from 65.6% last year. The situation is expected to worsen as temperatures rise in the approaching summer months.
The Water Development Department has reduced irrigation water by 33% compared to last year due to drought and poor water conditions. The remaining water is allocated for irrigation, with the drinking water sector fully satisfied at 100%. Farmers were informed in advance about the reduced quantities and must plan accordingly. Dam capacity is at 42.1%, and if conditions remain the same, there may be a problem with water supply next summer. The Department is promoting efficient water use in agriculture with practical tips for irrigation during drought conditions.
Experts gathered in Nicosia to discuss strategies for enhancing the economic and digital inclusion of women, highlighting the persistent stereotypes that hinder women’s access to education in STEM fields.
Israel plans to allow more oil tankers to dock at a Red Sea port in Eilat despite environmental risks. The government wants to revoke restrictions on the amount of oil that can be unloaded at a jetty in the city, which sits near a coral reef. The curbs imposed in 2021 were eased temporarily during the Gaza war. EAPC, the state-owned company operating the pipeline, wants to receive more oil, but environmental regulators and Eilat’s mayor oppose the plan. Israel is pushing to ensure energy security amid conflicts with various groups. Netanyahu’s office recommended easing restrictions to include fuel for trade and domestic use. The environment ministry expressed concerns about the risks of more oil deliveries and cited past mishaps. EAPC welcomed the government’s U-turn, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Eilat facility for energy delivery. Israel imports most of its oil through seaborne trade, and the Emirati oil deal could be worth about million a year for EAPC. The Energy Ministry emphasized the need to handle oil deliveries properly to sustain the terminal economically.
Animals collapsed and people jumped on water tankers with buckets amid shortages due to blistering summer heat in north India. Delhi recorded temperatures touching 47 C (116.6 F) and saw its first heat-related death. Authorities are investigating a 52.9 C reading in one area. Delivery personnel are spending more time on scooters due to the heat, and companies like Zomato are taking measures to help them. The extreme temperatures have also led to more fires in several parts of the country. India, along with other countries in Asia, is experiencing unusually high temperatures, which scientists attribute to human-driven climate change. India has set a target of becoming a net-zero emitter by 2070.
Donald Trump allegedly offered Big Oil executives 0 billion in tax breaks if they donated billion to his campaign. Congressional Democrats are investigating this potential quid pro quo deal. Joe Biden plans to eliminate these tax breaks for the oil and gas industry if elected. The fossil fuel industry is lobbying to maintain these tax breaks, which are set to expire next year. Some attendees at Trump’s fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago included executives of smaller oil companies focused on fracking and gas exporting. The event was also attended by individuals with controversial backgrounds in the oil and gas industry.
The Environmental Impact Assessment for Cyprus’ National Strategic Land Transport Plan is open for public consultation until June 14, 2024. The plan aims to increase public transport usage to 17% and reduce car usage by 14%. The primary objective is to identify potential environmental impacts and propose measures to prevent or offset them. The plan includes increasing electric vehicle and hydrogen stations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as improving public transport with dedicated lanes and increased service frequencies. Measures like urban tolls and low-emission zones are proposed to discourage car use and reduce air pollution. The plan also includes incentives for sustainable transport modes and creating new job opportunities.
An Australian university is turning used coffee grounds into a material that can be added to concrete, making it stronger and more sustainable. This process could potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions from concrete production. The biochar created from coffee waste can replace up to 15% of the sand used in concrete, making the concrete 30% stronger and reducing the amount of cement needed by up to 10%. This innovation has the potential to reduce the amount of sand extracted for concrete production, which is environmentally destructive and in short supply. The coffee concrete has already been used in constructing a footpath, and there are plans to expand its use in major road projects. Millions of tons of used coffee grounds are produced globally and could be turned into biochar for concrete applications, potentially reducing emissions from food waste as well. Other universities are also researching the use of biochar in concrete, but RMIT was the first to utilize waste coffee grounds in this way.