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Boy struck by drone at Florida holiday show remains in intensive care, mother says
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The fifth season Smog isn’t merely 'environmental' issue anymore, it is public health emergency, socioeconomic burden Every winter, a thick layer of smog engulfs the Land of Five Rivers transforming our vibrant metropolises into a grey, choking haze. This annual catastrophe reminds us of the true cost of inaction – millions of lives, trillions of rupees, and around 7.0 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP lost to particulate matter. While it is most visible in the winter, its roots run deep, intertwined with longstanding deficiencies in urban planning, industrial regulation, and agricultural practices. Temperature inversions, trap pollutants close to the ground, creating a deadly cocktail of toxins that silently lingers in the air. Smog isn’t merely an ‘environmental’ issue anymore; it is a public health emergency, a socioeconomic burden, and a human security issue. In Punjab, over 11 million children endure life in one of the most polluted regions on earth, exposed to air quality index (AQI) levels as high as 1,900 – nearly 100 times the safe limits. Nasa’s satellites tell a similar story, with the OMPS Aerosol Index hitting as high as 4.5, with the maximum being 5, signaling an existential crisis. Despite being a public good, clean air remains a classic case of the tragedy of the commons – a shared resource exploited without accountability. Smog is Pakistan’s ‘fifth season’ the ultimate equalizer that spares no one and graciously infiltrates lungs rich and poor alike. It levels the playing field, indiscriminating, uniting us all under this thick choking layer of soot and dust. Yet, we have failed to truly measure, assess, and manage the true cost of smog, a public health crisis. The true cost of smog is vast and multifaceted, impacting health, the economy, society, and the environment. Health-wise, smog leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, premature deaths, and cognitive impairments, overwhelming the healthcare system and reducing life expectancy. Economically, it damages crops, reduces worker productivity, disrupts tourism, and strains energy systems, costing billions annually. Socially, smog exacerbates inequalities, disrupts education, and stifles human development by limiting mobility and well-being. Environmentally, it accelerates biodiversity loss, pollutes soil and water, and intensifies climate change. These interrelated costs are just a glimpse of what is at stake, with estimates, or rather underestimates, incurring between $22 billion and $48 billion of air pollution-related costs to the Pakistan economy annually. Yet, authorities continue to downplay the crisis, reflecting this cognitive decay, a systemic failure of governance of the highest order. What do we need to survive the smog crisis? A good lung capacity, sheer willpower, and, if one is lucky, a cup of chai to chase down that particulate matter. Rationally, a bankrupt nation under a green lockdown surely cannot afford such stopgap measures like cloud seeding, water sprinkling, smog-free towers, and air purifiers - all of which stand devoid of any long-lasting impact. Achieving clean air demands a transformative, sustained set of actions rather than superficial fixes. These include holding industries accountable through penalties for emissions and incentivising cleaner practices to internalise environmental costs. A cleaner transportation future can be realised through improved public transit, cleaner fuels, and infrastructure for carpooling and biking. Educating 240 million people on the fundamentals of smog, air quality, and climate is imperative. A combination of green tech accelerators that enable youth to develop innovative solutions, air quality research centres that generate critical data and insights, and early warning systems could also play a pivotal role. Scaling up affordable and sustainable alternatives to stubble burning, such as Happy Seeders, along with the widespread adoption of zigzag technology in brick kilns across Pakistan, can enhance productivity while reducing emissions. Urban and industrial reforms – such as promoting urban forestry, transitioning to low-carbon energy, and improving waste management – can also significantly decrease the volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. Regionally, Pakistan should lead efforts for a South Asian Air Quality pact, a charter of clean air quality, while forming synergies to decarbonise our economies at an unprecedented scale. Nationally, strong governance, backed by technocratic leadership and an adequate share for nature in the national budget, is essential to turn these transmission channels into a cleaner, healthier reality for all. It took Pakistan seven decades to register the devastating impacts of toxic air, and we surely cannot afford another seven to manage it. A staggering 98.3 per cent of the population now lives in areas where air quality exceeds the national standard of 15 g/m3. Alas, we now exist in a society where clean air has become a luxury, rather a basic right. It is evident that we have reached a tipping point, and must deliver, as the cost of inaction is too high, time too less, and impacts too grave. The writer is an environmental economist and can be reached at: hashimzaman1@gmail.comHØST PtX Esbjerg secures environmental approvals – development of installing up to 1 GW of electrolyser capacityAsian stocks mostly advance in quiet festive period trading
The narrative around the state of the Australian team has changed drastically following the first Test horror show against India but the reality is the writing has been on the wall since Justin Langer stepped down. While the condemnation of the team following the three-day demolition job at the hands of India, Australia's fall from grace has been anything but. After Australia offered barely a whimper against an Indian side destroyed 3-0 to New Zealand at home last month, the loss shined a light on the ugly reality that Aussie cricket fans are likely in for a rough few years. So far much of the discussion following the Perth Test has centred around the top five and for good reason. Their aggregate total across both innings (which includes ' night watchman stint in the second innings) was just 57. The last time it was lower was in 1888, some 136 years ago. But the slide hasn't happened overnight, it has been there to see but no one has wanted to look under the bonnet. If you take out , given the fact Perth was his debut Test, every single player in Australia's top five has seen their batting average fall in the last year or so. 's slide is the most notable and has led to calls for him to be axed. The 30-year-old is averaging just 30.28 in Test cricket since February last year. And a look at his last 10 innings shows just how badly out of form he is. Labushcagne has scored 10, 1 not out, 3, 5, 1, 2, 90, 6, 2 and 3 for an average of just 13.66 across that period. While Steve Smith has managed just three centuries in his 36 innings since the start of 2023, a far cry from the years under Langer when he was widely regarded as the best batsman in the world. Travis Head has also seen his Test average slide of late and is starting to show signs that his late-career resurgence may have ended and even if it hasn't he is likely to hang up the gloves either at the end of this summer or next. And while most of the attention is on the batting unit, things are also trending down on the bowling side as well. Apart from the fact Australia's top bowlers are all in their 30s, most of their averages are also getting progressively worse. Since taking over the captaincy, Cummins' bowling average has suffered, going from 19.43 before he was skipper to 24.75. Starc is also trending in the wrong direction and while 37-year-old Nathan Lyon continues to perform, the reality is this will either be his last or second last summer of cricket. The overall age of the squad is a serious issue especially given the lack of top emerging talent coming through at Sheffield Shield level. The average age of Australia's team in Perth was 33.11 years old while the Indian side was just 27.10. While the two waiting in line for their shot in the Test side after impressing at Shield level, and Michael Neser, are 35 and 34 respectively. It is a similar story for the batters, with the batsmen in line for a call-up if Labushagne is dropped. But both of them are in their 30s, further showcasing the dire state of Australia's future cricket stocks. The lack of pressure and talent coming through has also led to a certain degree of complacency in the Australian side. And with that comes the sense that regardless of how they perform their spot in the side is safe. This was perfectly illustrated by skipper Cummins saying he'd be shocked if the Test side was changed ahead of the Adelaide Test despite it being clear changes need to be made after the Perth Test. And a lot of that complacency can be dated back to when Langer was pushed out by the Australian team. when Cricket Australia only offered him a six-month contract extension, despite the coach leading his side to Ashes and T20 World Cup glory just months earlier. Langer saw it as a slap in the face considering the success he brought to the side. But the writing was on the wall that he'd lost the dressing room, with Cummins in particular leading the push for a change of coach. The players spoke out about Langer's intensity and passion for the sport going overboard at times, and several players said they were keen to bring in a calming presence. However, has this change led to the Australian side lacking bite and the fighting spirit that has made the team so feared being lost? While following Langer's exit the Aussies won the Ashes on English soil, the World Test Championship and a World Cup, the lack of fight in the side was laid bare in last year's series against the West Indies and again against Pakistan this year. In the ODI decider against Pakistan many found it troubling to see Cummins taking happy snaps at a Coldplay concert as Australia suffered a series defeat. And following the shock ODI loss the Australian side looked out of sorts in the first Test against India. It is something Langer simply wouldn't have allowed and it could spell bad news in the years to come as culture isn't something that can be fixed overnight and the Australian side has seemingly lost the burning desire to win. The lack of determination and aggression is clear for all to see and it is something that commentator Mark Levy is deeply troubled by. "They are not aggressive enough," Levy told on Tuesday. "They are not in your face, the Aussie teams I grew up with under Alan Border, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and even Michael Clarke, they were just combative to the point where they were called a pack of wild dogs at one stage. "We don’t want to go that way again. But they are just a bit too nice in Perth so hopefully they address that." The sad state of the current side was something called out by several pundits during and following the first Test defeat to India. And only added to it. When asked about where the Aussies need to go after the dismal performance on Sunday, Hazlewood replied: “You probably have to ask one of the batters that question probably, I’m sort of relaxing and trying to get a bit of treatment and I’m looking mostly to next Test." It was an answer that underlined the frustrations of the bowling unit and pointed to a disconnect between the batters and bowlers. even started to question whether cracks had begun to appear and suggested there may be a "divide" in the playing group. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri also said Hazlewood's comments showed there were "mental cracks" in the Aussie team and went on to say the current side is the first Aussie team an Indian side wouldn't fear in a long time. "Having come to Australia for 30 or 40 years, this is the first time an Indian team is feeling, ‘you know what, we are better than the opposition in their own backyard’," Shastri said. “Quietly they will be thinking ‘we will have to lose it here’."
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Two people were rescued when a California pier under construction partially collapsed and fell into the ocean Monday as the state’s central coast was pounded by heavy surf from a major storm expected to bring hurricane-force winds to the seas off the Pacific Northwest, authorities said. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco, as the storm rapidly gained strength. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Lifeguards rescued two people from the water and a third person was able to swim to safety, officials with Santa Cruz Fire Department said. No one had serious injuries, Mayor Fred Keeley said. The mayor said the section of the wharf that collapsed had been damaged over time. The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter. Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water around 12:45 p.m. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely. Some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s has been briefed and the state’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. Forecasters warned that storm swells will continue to increase throughout the day. “We are anticipating that what is coming toward us is more serious than what was there this morning,” the mayor said. Ocean swells along California’s central coast could reach 60 feet (18 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service’s Ocean Prediction Center said on X. Winds off Oregon and Washington could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and seas will build over 30 feet (9.1 meters), forecasters said. The end of the pier that broke off had been shut down during renovations. The portion, which included public restrooms and the closed Dolphin restaurant, floated about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) down the coast and wedged itself at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River. Those who fell into the water were two engineers and a project manager who were inspecting the end of the wharf, officials said. No members of the public were in the area. Building inspectors were now looking at the rest of the Santa Cruz Wharf’s structural integrity. Monday’s collapse came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm. ___ Dazio reported from Los Angeles. Martha Mendoza And Stefanie Dazio, The Associated Press
Five things to know about Panama Canal, in Trump's sights
For most, Thanksgiving is all about the big meal. , which may be roasted, smoked, brined or deep fried, side dishes, followed by pies (yes, multiple — pecan? pumpkin? apple?) typically amount to a buffet of choices. While many people can enjoy this abundance without much issue, for others, the and encouragement from friends and family to eat more than usual can also . But is there a reason to when it comes to your health? When we talk about , we often mean “eating past the point of comfortable fullness,” says Brenna O'Malley, a dietitian and founder of . In the short term, like: Acid reflux Tiredness Stomach pain Bloating Gas Heartburn Nausea Elevated blood sugar In the short term, most symptoms of overeating pass. However, chronic overeating can come with a slew of health issues. One risk of chronic overeating is that it can . When your blood sugar spikes, as it does when you overeat, your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from your blood into your cells for energy. Insulin resistance means that cells won’t accept the glucose that insulin is trying to deliver, and that can lead to weight gain, as well as fatigue. When left untreated, insulin resistance can , which must be addressed with medication, diet and lifestyle changes. Chronic overeating can also stop you from understanding your hunger cues, thanks to something called leptin resistance. and it helps us know when we should stop eating. When we overeat regularly, however, the production of that hormone is thrown out of whack. That can ultimately lead us to overeat more, and therefore gain weight, because we aren’t aware that our stomachs are full. When we overeat regularly, we may also not be fueling our bodies properly with the right kinds of food. For example, it may be easier to overeat candy, which has little nutritional value and no hunger-satisfying elements like protein or fiber, than it is to overeat protein or vegetables. When you aren't giving your body the nutrition it needs, you can be at risk for things like , which can occur when you eat too many refined carbs or sugars. Often the reaction to overeating is just as much a mental one as it is physical. “Sometimes there’s an inner dialogue that comes up, that includes shame or guilt. You may think ‘Oh no, what’s going to happen now that I overate?’” says O'Malley. While our brains might spiral on the notion that one bigger meal — or even several bigger meals in a short period — might have catastrophic effects on our bodies, that’s not the case. Dietitian says that while overeating consistently for a month could lead to weight gain, “ that most of us don’t even gain a pound this time of year. “It’s important to remember that weight gain does not happen from one meal or even one day or weekend of eating,” she says. “No meal can make or break anything.” Joel Totoro, director of sports science at , says that while it’s easy to look at our food consumption in terms of the day-to-day, and even meal by meal, our bodies can “adjust to highs and lows in the short term.” “I look at averages over months and years instead of the daily fluctuations in total food consumed,” he explains. It’s important to remember that holiday food isn’t just about calories. “Aside from providing energy and nutrients to sustain us, food and eating meals have a social component,” Totoro adds. “The holiday season is a time for celebration, social connection and enjoyment of unique culinary experiences. Food is not just fuel but also a cultural and social connector. Sharing a meal with loved ones can enhance well-being and contribute to a sense of community, which are essential aspects of a healthy lifestyle.” O'Malley says that when we think of the holidays, it’s best to “zoom out a little bit” and remind ourselves of that bigger picture. One meal, or even a series of meals, won’t greatly impact our lifestyles, especially if we resume our normal routines after the holidays are over. That may be hard to understand if you see major changes on the scale, but O'Malley reminds us that as much as seven pounds over the day, due to things like fluid retention and hormones. Still, O'Malley knows that the holidays can be a challenging time for some people around food, not just because of the fear of overeating, but because the holidays alter our routines. Even though there may be a big meal coming at the end of the day, she recommends eating “something substantial in the morning” so that you aren’t starving and prone to eating past your comfort level. Overeating is often associated with being out of our routines. While it may not be realistic — or desirable — to adjust the holiday menu to something closer to what you typically enjoy, O’Malley recommends “adding in things that feel familiar to our typical routine.” That can include healthy, fun movement: If you usually workout at the gym, but are visiting family for the holidays, taking a walk (either with or away from your family) can make you “feel good” — without focusing on food. Totoro says you can even “incorporate some physical activity into these holiday festivities,” whether that’s “backyard football on Thanksgiving, a walk with the family after dinner, or even dancing the night away” as a way to enrich the social aspects of the season. O’Malley reminds us that it’s important to think about the holidays not as a time of unbridled indulgence, but of a time of year where you “get to spend time with people you love, and eat foods that remind you of people or traditions.”
Retail Don't miss out on the headlines from Retail. Followed categories will be added to My News. Millions of Aussies are set to take advantage of the biggest sales of the year by spending an extra $7.5 billion as Black Friday deals hit new heights this weekend. The latest Finder research revealed one in three Australians have already scooped up a deal or plan to take advantage of the Black Friday sales on November 29, while 13 per cent of shoppers are holding out in hope of finding a bargain on Cyber Monday on December 2. Millions of Aussies are taking advantage of Black Friday sales. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Black Friday sales kicked off early this year as many retailers launched special deals throughout November. And shoppers snapped up plenty of bargains having each spent on average $607 – or the equivalent to $6.3 billion nationally – across the sales, according to Finder. It’s expected as Black Friday and other sales roll out before Christmas, shoppers will each spend a further $722 on average on – or $7.5bn nationally – before the end of the year. Clothes and shoes top of the list of must buys for many shoppers, with 62 per cent of those surveyed stating they were hoping to grab a bargain. Electronics and gadgets came in second with 41 per cent, while beauty, skincare, and makeup was also a high sale priority with 33 per cent shoppers looking to purchase these items on sale. The Black Friday Sales give shoppers a chance to get some bargains before Christmas. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Food and alcohol and accessories bargains were also on people’s shopping list (29 per cent each), while only 26 per cent of shoppers were looking to buy toys on sale. According to news.com.au’s shopping expert Kara Byers, the most sought after items this year include big household purchases such as robot vacuums, Dyson stick vacuums, air fryers , mattresses, as well as pricey tech and electronics such as headphones, laptops and TVs. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in beauty products, COSRX snail mucin, K18 hair mask and the much-coveted Dyson Airstrait are really popular,” Ms Byers said. “When it comes to tech, there’s always interest in headphones, especially Apple AirPods . Samsung devices – like the new Galaxy ring and tablet are selling quickly and, as we get closer to Christmas, TVs and projectors are being snapped up”. “We are finding most brands and retailers will drop their biggest and best discounts during Black Friday and this year, brands are offering up some incredible deals earlier than the actual November 29 start date. So if you see an item you want, we recommend snapping it up,” she said. Meanwhile, the latest Roy Morgan data estimated Australians will spend $6.7bn in the four days between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which will see an increase by 5.5 per cent in spending compared to the same period last year. Australian Retail Association chief industry affairs officer Fleur Brown said the healthy increase in spending is a positive outcome for retailers after a difficult year marred by tighter consumer budgets. “Shoppers are being savvier than ever with their dollars, which is why they are flocking to sales events like the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend to stock up on gifts and personal items,” Ms Brown said. “The full peak season period is predicted to see a more modest 2.7 per cent increase in spending, highlighting not only the growing popularity of Black Friday/Cyber Monday but also the role it is playing in this year’s cost of living challenges. “It’s clear that shoppers still want to enjoy the little luxuries while being wallet-conscious during the cost-of-living crisis.” Ms Brown said shoppers are using sale periods like Black Friday as an opportunity to save big on their Christmas shopping. “Shopping habits are shifting, with more people looking to sales events and buying their Christmas presents earlier than ever,” she said. “Retailers are hopeful this spending boost will hold them in good stead for the New Year.” Australians are also expected to spend $28 billion on food, marking an increase of 4.2 per cent from 2023, according to Roy Morgan. Small businesses will benefit from consumer spending throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Picture: NewsWire / David Mariuz CommBank Small Business Banking executive general manager Rebecca Warren said small businesses are also set to take advantage of the sales. “Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the start of a busy season for Australian small businesses as we head into the last month of the year,” Ms Warren said. “As consumer demand for a good deal reigns and more competition enters the market, it’s not too late for small businesses to take advantage of tent pole moments like these major shopping events. “Our data shows the top five best performing industries by spend during the 2023 festive season were restaurants and bars, beauty and barber shops, clothing and department stores, homewares and travel. “While these industries continue to perform well, the festive season generates gains for the broader small business community, driving revenue into supporting sectors like marketing and advertising, printing, courier and delivery services.” More Coverage Huge fine to stop supermarket price gouging Jessica Wang Pleas to RBA to ignore Black Friday boom Cameron Micallef Originally published as Aussies set to spend $7.5bn during Black Friday sales More related stories Retail Major Aussie food company collapses A major Australian food company will end production this week, leaving farmers who are owed millions in the lurch. Read more Retail Huge fine to stop supermarket price gouging Australia’s major supermarkets could face at least a $10m fine if they are sprung breaching a new mandatory code in a bid to make things fairer for farmers and families. Read more
As Elon Musk Touched $400B Net Worth, He Dropped a Lesson for ALL: UbuntuNEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH) between February 29, 2024 and September 4, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important January 21, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Celsius common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Celsius class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31677 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 21, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Celsius materially oversold inventory to PepsiCo, Inc. (“Pepsi”) far in excess of demand, and faced a looming sales cliff during which Pepsi would significantly reduce its purchases of Celsius products; (2) as Pepsi drew down significant amounts of inventory overstock, Celsius’ sales would materially decline in future periods, hurting Celsius’ financial performance and outlook; (3) Celsius’ sales rate to Pepsi was unsustainable and created a misleading impression of Celsius’ financial performance and outlook; (4) as a result, Celsius’ business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as indicated in defendants’ Class Period statements; and (5) consequently, defendants’ statements regarding Celsius’ outlook and expected financial performance were false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Celsius class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31677 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com
The first commercial batch of made-in-Canada low-carbon aviation fuel sourced from non-food grade canola and tallow has been produced and quickly purchased. Fuel retailer Parkland Corp. said Tuesday it has successfully produced about 100,000 litres of the fuel at its refinery in Burnaby, B.C. “using existing infrastructure.” Parkland senior vice-president Ferio Pugliese said it means production can easily be scaled up, but only if Canada provides the necessary conditions to create an ecosystem around the nascent commodity and its adoption across the country. “We need to do more to make low-carbon air travel a reality,” Pugliese said during the announcement in Vancouver on Tuesday. “We need a long-term Canadian solution for low-carbon, sustainable aviation fuel.” While the potential for emission reduction is massive with production in Canada is also significantly more expensive, Pugliese said. He notes that similar low-carbon fuels used in vehicles, buses and ferries have about one-eighth of the carbon content when compared to traditional fuels. Pugliese said other countries such as the United States incentivize production and use of low-carbon jet fuel, creating the necessary ecosystem to support a local industry. “Currently, the Canadian aviation industry purchases low-carbon aviation (fuel) from other countries and imports it from across the globe into Canada. That makes little sense.” Parkland began trying to develop the fuel in 2017, and the entire batch of the first production run has already been bought by Air Canada. Pugliese said the purchase of the fuel by Air Canada completes a value chain within the country that shows local development, production, sale and use of low-carbon jet fuel can be achieved to the benefit of everyone — but only if the support from government is there. “Airlines need very practical solutions, and today, right here in B.C., Parkland has created a made-in-Canada solution to a global challenge,” he said. The comments echoed that of WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech, who in 2023 said the global push for decarbonizing commercial aviation by 2050 will cause spikes in airfares unless governments intervene. Part of the challenge, von Hoensbroech said, is that alternative energy sources such as electric or hydrogen aircraft remains a long way from reality, making the sector difficult to decarbonize. In February, a pair of industry groups, including the National Airlines Council of Canada, said the country needed incentives matching that of the United States to spark production of sustainable aviation fuels. Commercial aviation giant Airbus has said that low-carbon jet fuel can reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by about 80 per cent, and development is ongoing for planes to be able to run completely on it instead of needing to mix it with conventional fuels. But Airbus also said the ecosystem for the fuel is still “in its infancy,” with just 600 million litres produced last year, making up 0.2 per cent of all aviation fuel for 2023. “Appropriate regulatory mechanisms and inventive structures still need to be put in place, and even then, there are challenges associated with the limited availability of land and biowaste,” Airbus said of the technology on its website. Airbus has said it is increasing its own use of low-carbon fuels with a goal of reaching 30 per cent of its total fuel mix by 2030.Elon Musk’s latest attempt to save X ignores the real problem
Sharpton's 'pay to play' scandal 'ricocheting around the halls' of MSNBC, insider says: 'Can't be acceptable'The four million households who pay for energy via pre-payment meters (PPMs) are being overlooked, a leading poverty group has warned. High prices and the concentration of energy use in the winter months mean most households with a PPM will need to spend more than 30 per cent of their income on energy costs during the winter months the Resolution Foundation claimed. Resolution said families were sitting in cold, dark homes and are being overlooked when it comes to the Government’s decarbonisation plans, raising questions on the extent to which they will be able to reap the rewards of cheaper energy that the net zero transition is expected to deliver. Resolution said bills are set to be more than £1,700 per yera in 2025 compared with just under £1,300 in late 2021 – and the position of some pensioners has deteriorated following the Government’s announcement to means test Winter Fuel Payments. Resolution said those on PPMs made up a quarter of the poorest fifth of English households. These household pre-pay for energy, compared with 1.5 per cent of the richest fifth – and in social and private renting households, where 38 and 18 per cent of families, respectively, are on PPMs, compared to just 2 per cent of owner occupiers. This seasonal spike forces families to either spend a very high proportion of their income to keep themselves warm, or to endure cold living conditions that mean their health is compromised. Pre-payment meter customers will need to spend nearly a third of income on energy during the winter months The Resolution Foundation said pre payment meter customers often turned their heating for short periods of time, or only in some rooms, as a way of better managing credit levels. It argued that heat pumps, which are expected to provide most home heating in a low carbon future, are inefficient when used in this way and therefore can cost more to run. Although PPM customers are not likely to feature prominently in the early rollout of heat pumps, these issues will need addressing to avoid them being the last consumers left connected to the gas grid. These are tricky subjects that we will examine in more detail in 2025. So, while energy bills continue to dominate headlines, we need to spare a thought for vulnerable PPM customers who are set to face unsustainable pressures on budgets this winter and continuing struggles with high levels of debt. Looking ahead, more attention will need to be paid to how this group fares amid the race to net zero.