Inbox and environment news: Issue 632

July 28 - August 3, 2024: Issue 632

Manly Dam's plastic Trail Build: bushland being removed - wallabies pathway to water being blocked SMDCC states

Construction of the new raised plastic boardwalk at Manly Dam has commenced. The REF states the link trail is to be approximately 433 m long and will consist of a raised 1.8m wide fiberglass reinforced plastic boardwalk on galvanised steel pilings traversing bushland to finish at the northern end with a short section of coloured concrete path.

The width of the boardwalk had also previously been reduced from 2.2m wide to 1.8m wide based on feedback received by the Northern Beaches Council from the Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park Advisory Committee.

Council's webpage also states the boardwalk is proposed to be approximately 392m long, with concrete paths added on at end points.

The REF states the works would impact 0.12 ha or 1200 m2 of native vegetation, with 1.8m x 433m =  779.4 m2 of bushland removed in the footprint of the pathway, or 0.0779 of a hectare. 

The project has all the hallmarks of a fait accompli as the announcement of the project took place on March 14, 2021 via the then NSW State Government's Metropolitan Greenspace Program and Council's agreement to a like for like funding

This had been preceded by the 2019-2020 Recommended Council Project Funding of $859,952.00 to the NBC for a Trail and Boardwalk at the site.

North Harbour Reserve received $200k under the same grant system in 2020-21 grants round, $599, 720 for the Bayview shared path which has just been completed in the 2021-22 grants and $450,000.00 for Freshwater Beach playground in 2022-23.

Under the Places to Roam (PTR) aligned program, funded under the aligned $50 million Open Spaces Program for new and improved open spaces to swim, play, roam and ride and connect with nature, Northern Beaches Council received two grants in the 2021-22 successful grant projects; Frenchs Forest, the Pipeline Active Transport Corridor, $2,137,080.00, currently on pause for a re-plan, and for Freshwater, the McKillop Headland Boardwalk and Artwork, $1,550,000.00.

Sydney metropolitan councils can also apply for funding for community garden and bushcare programs under PTR - but so far Warriewood creeks remain choked with weeds and dying.

The MGP is a long running open space grants program, which started in 1983. The 2023-24 objectives are to:
  • improve regionally significant open space, including links between bushland, parks, centres and waterways
  • enable more effective public use of regionally significant open space
  • improve access to a diverse mix of open space opportunities for the community of Greater Sydney and the Central Coast
  • promote partnerships between state and local government
  • support projects that demonstrate a commitment to improved outcomes for health, sustainability, climate change and communities.
  • to provide and improve open space that supports housing supply.
Mentioned again in these objectives is:
Priority will be given to projects that increase and improve open space to support housing supply.

Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park (Manly Dam) is a 375 hectare bushland reserve. A November 2021 Study recorded 1124 species of plants in the study area, including five NSW-listed vulnerable species, two endangered and one critically endangered species. In the animal and insect world, 38 mammals, 172 bird species, including some migratory birds, 11 species of frogs, 43 species of reptiles, 92 species of insects and 15 species of spiders, along with fish, including the Climbing Galaxias, freshwater crustaceans and aquatic macroinvertebrates call this State Park home.

The vision for Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (in Warringah Council the Plan of Management of 2014) is:

A large protected area of bushland and waterways, with a diversity of flora and fauna, high water quality and scenic value, that ensures protection of its natural environment and cultural values, conserves threatened species and communities, provides opportunity for a variety of recreational activities in a low-key natural setting, offers an educational asset and acknowledges its importance as a war memorial park. 

However the first 600 acres, gazetted on December 8 1939 was 'for public recreation' and continued the same as more parcels were added - no mention was ever made of what the site was already home to, or how important this site may now be in the ever-diminishing bushland of the Sydney basin as a place for nature.  

A Community Consultation for the Manly Dam trail via the Northern Beaches Council ran 11 February 2022 to 13 March 2022, almost a year after the March 2021 photo op., and two years after the grant had already been allocated.

Other photos, taken by the Save Manly Dam Bushland on Saturday July 27 2024, show some of the footprint of the works so far:




The Save Manly Dam Bushland posted on social media on the same day:

IS THIS WHAT THEY CALL  "STEWARDSHIP" ?
Northern Beaches Council has the significant responsibility of caring for Manly Warringah War Memorial Park. Which, in recent years, has earned both "State Park" and "NSW Heritage" status because of its rich biodiversity values, as documented in this community initiated project https://manlydambiodiversityproject.org

If you've visited the park recently you will have noticed a large swathe of ugly cleared vegetation (see above photos).  

This previously sensitive intact bushland was where small birds nested in safety, endangered pygmy possums found sanctuary and where wallabies had an unobstructed water source. Now, sadly, the ancient sandstone rocks are being drilled into to create footings for a $1.8 million plastic boardwalk

Some of Australia's top ecologists were involved in documenting  wildlife and plants for the above linked to study. All of them recommended that there should be NO more  fragmentation of bushland for tracks because of the negative impacts it was having on biodiversity. But it appears that yet again our Council would rather spend money on "infrastructure" than conserving this unique natural oasis.  We have many many parks on the Northern Beaches but only one place where the natural bushland was specifically conserved to create Australia's only living war memorial. Imagine how $1.8m could be used to benefit our diminishing threatened species !!

As the Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee we try and campaign to protect nature that cannot speak for itself (see Boardwalk Empire video in comments) and for the humans that love this wonderful wild environment. Sorry we failed you this time.  Australia, not surprisingly, has the world's worst extinction rate.

The project cost has risen since March 2022 and the closing date for Tenders of December 6, 2022. The Disclosure of Class 1 Contract shows the contract, awarded on January 15 2024 to Rare Environmental Pty Ltd of Brookvale, has an estimated amount payable to the contractor under the contract (excluding GST) of $2,189,394.00. With GST the bill is $2,408,333.10. Provisions for Variations to the amount will be allowed. 

If no Variations come in (contractors in other construction formats tell clients to allow around 10% atop quotes for these) the project is costed at $5,561 per metre. 

How much the planning, drawings, REF consultant, PR and community consultation has cost so far is atop this. The 2022/23 Council Budget statement included:
  • Manly Dam Boardwalk 300,000; NSW Public Spaces Legacy Grant funding for delivery of a boardwalk and connecting trails at Manly Dam
The Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee urged 'We Can Do Better' to the early 2022 community feedback period.

The SMDCC are not alone in noticing the way to water will be blocked to larger mammals by the build. In the feedback to Council wallabies are mentioned by 24 respondents - albeit some of these listing the same in the same way, indicating a form reply had been penned by someone - but all pointing out that: 

''As a frequent visitor to the Dam I have noticed several wallabies use the access to the water edge via the small Bay Area which is now proposed to have a ‘viewing platform’. I feel this would impact the access and overwhelm the the small bay. The proposal says it would allow flora and fauna access but I cannot see how the wallabies can negotiate this structure.''

Council's response to this in the Briefing Note on the Engagement Report prepared for the Council Meeting was:

'The boardwalk will not destroy bushland and wildlife habitat. This construction  methodology has been chosen over a terrestrial path because of the low impact it will have on the bushland, the hydrology of the slope and allowing movement of flora and fauna under or over it.'

The Concept Design illustrates what Council believes wallabies will be able to 'leap over in a single bound' (?) without one padded paw getting caught:


Proposed viewing deck - Artists rendition/NBC

The aim of this project, as Council's webpage for the project states, is to ''provide a safer connection and improve accessibility between the two picnic areas. This is especially important for more vulnerable groups such as children, older adults and wheelchair users.''

And:

''Once the trail link between Picnic Areas 2 and 3 is completed, we will start investigating options for completing a safe connection from Picnic Area 3 to Picnic Area 4. The exact nature of this connection will be determined through in-depth site analysis and design process but may include a number of different options such as simple wayfinding with no formal path to formal pathways or boardwalks.''

The width of the plastic boardwalk is so prams and wheelchairs going in opposite directions can pass each other.

The Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), which will be used despite numerous objections to this material being installed in this environment, has a used-by date of 25 years according to industry sources, indicating Council is signing residents up, alike its plastic sportsfields and playgrounds policy, to fund the replacements for the same every 10-25 years and try and dump the half-life ever after refuse products on overseas countries as disposal depots - also another cost with a half-life of ever after that may come back to these shores with the next incoming tide, ever after.

There are also potential problems with using this product in areas with UV exposure. [1.]

The main benefit of this project is it will keep those who walk here safe from those who speed along the access road rather than sticking to the speed limit, which had been a walkway option for this scheme, and would have necessitated the destruction of much more bushland, understorey, and old growth trees according to Council's responses. 

Council anticipates opening the connection in time for the 2024/25 Summer, subject to weather.

Mentioning the weather and the installation of more plastic in the natural environment is not the only deposit the Manly Dam State Park is being impacted by just lately. 

In a Pittwater Online report of February 2024, Ancient Fish Habitat Despoiled: Curl Curl Creek Choked With Silt - Runs Into Manly Creek - Manly Dam, Manly Dam, with a reservoir extending into Allambie Heights, was being despoiled by run-off from the new Forest High School site on Allambie Rd, several people had reported extensive amounts of mud in the creek. 

On June 23, 2024 the SMDCC reported yet another incidence of run-off of uncontained silt from the construction site:

"LET'S SEE HOW MUCH MUD WE CAN POUR INTO MANLY DAM".
You’d think that was the actual brief from the NSW Government. Because no matter how many alarm bells that have been rung, sediment from the new Forest High School build at Allambie Heights keeps on flowing off the site and into Manly Dam's main feeder creek. And it's been doing this since January when we first beseeched urgent action be taken. 

What has Northern Beaches Council, The EPA, The Dept of Education, the state government and our local political reps been doing about this you might ask ?  Good question.  Manly Dam has now been closed for recreational use because of the high turbidity and the water has turned a strange yellow colour all the way to the lagoon. We shudder to think of the disastrous effect this has had on some of our rare aquatic species- such as the "Climbing Galaxias".

Yesterday we put yet another formal request for action to the EPA.

Meanwhile previously untouched bushland has sadly been extensively cleared for a new "Boardwalk" (we pleaded that its aims could achieved without this destruction).  It's unfortunate that when much of the world is busy "re-wilding"  our Council seems to want to "de-wild" our natural environment.''

The SMDCC photos of that incident:






One of the SMDCC images from the February report illustrates what happens in the creeks and catchment:


Will the Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park and its permanent residents survive these dual 2024 onslaughts?
Is that another fait accompli of a perpetual putting humans before all other species outcome?

SMDCC records and photos from December 2017, when the Manly Vale public school was expanded into McComb Hill, previously wildlife habitat, attribute the deaths of everything that once lived there to their homes being destroyed and wildlife being chased by the noise and destruction onto the adjacent roads.

Council has stated, 
''Some felt the area should be left alone and kept natural. Concerns and questions were raised by respondents regarding impact on local wildlife, loss of native vegetation, accessibility, boardwalk materials and width, flood management and ongoing maintenance. These are addressed in the community engagement report.

In response to feedback, our plans will include additional offset planting as well as signage with educational messaging along the trail to promote environmental awareness.'

The SMDCC continues to state they would prefer the Council to practice environmental conservation.
1. UV exposure can have detrimental effects on FRP structures. When exposed to sunlight, the polymer matrix in FRP can degrade and weaken over time. This degradation process, known as photodegradation, can lead to reduced structural integrity. Additionally, UV exposure can cause discoloration, fading, and surface cracking in FRP, affecting its aesthetic appeal. It is crucial to protect FRP structures from exposure to prevent premature UV deterioration and ensure their long-term performance.

Make it safe: protect wildlife when fishing

by NSW Fisheries

Reducing fishing litter, lost gear and pollution
Fishing-related litter has been identified as a key environmental threat in NSW and elsewhere around the world. As well as impacting on aquatic habitats – and being a really bad look for all recreational fishers, litter can harm aquatic life. Although the amount of fishing-related litter may not be as high as other types, it can have a bigger impact on wildlife that interact with it.

Birds, turtles, platypus, seals and other aquatic animals can be accidentally injured by discarded fishing tackle by becoming entangled or ingesting the fishing gear - such as lost fishing line, hooks, sinkers, lures, traps and nets.

Also, visitors and their dogs that visit popular fishing sites to walk their dogs can also be impacted by fishing litter, especially discarded hooks.

No one likes the sight of litter or fishing waste when spending a day by the water so remember to always responsibly dispose of rubbish, bait and unwanted tackle - even if it is not yours!

Bin your used line and hooks

Fishing related litter has been identified as an important environmental threat, particularly for interactions with marine animals. Hook and line bins installed in fishing hotspots offer a disposal solution for waste fishing line and tackle.

If these bins are used correctly, they will help reduce the risk of litter making its way out into the environment and reduce the risk of interactions with our wildlife.

The bins are designed to allow for correct disposal of fishing line and tackle and are made from 100% recycled material. They will help create awareness on the issue of recreational fishing litter and inspire individuals to do the right thing and dispose of unwanted gear responsibly.

The department has been collaborating with local councils and organisations to determine the best locations to place the bins and have been installing the bins since 2021. These locations are usually around public facilities, fishing hotspots and boat ramps. We are currently working with more councils around the state to roll out more of the bins. Keep your eye for them in your local area!




Handy tips to help reduce fishing-based litter and marine debris include:
  • Go packaging free - Before you go fishing, properly dispose of packaging from any new gear. Using a tackle box is a great way to keep gear tidy, accessible and packaging-free, preventing litter from getting into our waterways.
  • Stash your trash - Be mindful of where you keep your litter while fishing to prevent it from attracting wildlife or being blown or washed away.
  • Fish smarter - Fishing in areas with snaggy structure? Think before you cast. Fish towards the features rather than over them, or carefully present your bait above any structure to improve your catch rate and reduce gear loss. Familiarise yourself with fishing techniques that minimise gear loss and marine litter.
  • Mind your lines - Keep a close eye on your lines and gear while fishing. Attending your lines can prevent lost tackle and means you can avoid unwanted interactions with wildlife and other water users.
  • Remove bait and secure hooks when you're not fishing to avoid any interactions with kids, dogs, and wildlife.
  • Look out for hook and line bins that are specifically designed for used and discarded recreational fishing gear.
  • Leave no trace - Leave your fishing spot cleaner than you found it. After fishing, take a moment to scan and clean up any unused bait, fish waste, and any litter, even if it isn't yours.
  • Collect and properly dispose of unused bait, bait packaging, fish waste, and litter, even if it isn’t yours. Leave your fishing spot cleaner than you found it
  • If a public bin is overflowing, find another bin or take your rubbish home with you.
  • Make it safe - When disposing of fishing line, cut it into small pieces and ensure that it is secure within the bin to reduce the risk of entangling scavenging birds and wildlife.
  • Get involved - Go the extra mile and participate in any  ‘Clean Up’ events that are taking place in your local area. By participating, you'll not only be making a positive impact on the environment but also contributing to the social fabric of your community and recreational fishing.
Pollution
When cleaning your catch, be mindful where your fish waste ends up. You should place it in the bins provided or take it home with you.

It is particularly important not to dispose of fish waste into sheltered waters such as small bays and estuaries, as it can have a negative impact on water quality and the local environment. As the waste decomposes through bacterial action, it can cause dissolved oxygen to become depleted, reducing water quality and impacting the wildlife that inhabit the ecosystem.

Fish waste can also create unpleasant odours, especially during the warmer months. It can also attract fish scavengers such as stingrays, or other wildlife (such as pelicans and seals in certain locations) to the area which, although providing a food source for them, alters their normal behaviour and could potentially impact on their health and fitness. It can also result in creating an unsafe environment for the community.

When disposing of fishing line whilst fishing, cut it into small pieces and ensure that it is securely contained within the bin to reduce the risk of entangling scavenging birds and wildlife like this unlucky cormorant tangled in fishing line on the Central Coast.


Photo: Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue team.

Make use of hook and line bins at popular fishing spots or recycle lines if this option is available.

How to reduce injuries and interactions:
  • Always attend your lines and check your crab traps and nets regularly. Reducing set time for any fishing gear reduces the chances of harm to accidentally caught aquatic animals.
  • Use environmentally friendly crab traps and nets to reduce your bycatch or adapt your current gear.
  • Use of crab traps and nets when fishing towards an estuary’s headwaters has a higher risk of interacting with platypus. Please be extra vigilant, check traps and nets regularly and consider moving gear further downstream.
  • Remember opera style yabby traps are not permitted in NSW.
  • Minimise interactions with birds - avoid bird feeding and nesting areas and keep your distance so as not to disturb them.
  • Be aware that interactions causing disturbance with shorebirds and mammals can have negative impacts on their health, well-being and survival.
  • Be familiar with ways to minimise litter and lost fishing gear and dispose of it properly.
  • Respect your catch – whether they are your target species, a pest species or whether they are scavenger that you try to avoid. All fish you interact with should be treated with respect and released or humanely euthanised using best practice. The community is discouraged from directly targeting, disturbing or interacting with rays adjacent to boat ramps and fish cleaning facilities as they are often important to the local community.
The Fish For Life - Keep It Clean initiative is funded by the Recreational Fishing Trusts and Marine Estate Management Strategy.

Crown Land Reserves Improvement Fund: Local Grants 2023-2024 Total $625,699.00

Governor Phillip Park. photo by A J Guesdon/PON.

Announced: July 3 2024

The NSW Government will provide $14.578 million in grants to maintain and upgrade Crown land reserves and community facilities to support the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW communities.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) grants will fund more than 140 community projects across the state.

These upgrades will improve community facilities, including sporting clubs, recreation areas, walking tracks, cycleways, public halls, museums, childcare centres, swimming pools, showgrounds, cultural institutions, camp sites, and racecourses.

The 2023-2024 grants, from Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), will support projects in the Sydney region, from the northern beaches in the east to the Blue Mountains in the west and north to the Hawkesbury.

The local allocation, for projects to be completed in 12 months, is $625,699.00 in total for 2023-2024.

Crown reserves support communities by providing land for recreation, such as parks, ovals and walking tracks. They provide land for organisations and facilities such as public halls, showgrounds, campgrounds, racecourses, surf life saving clubs, PCYC clubs, and Scouts and Girl Guide groups.

Reserves support tourism and local jobs, businesses and economies through activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and wildlife watching.  They also protect sensitive areas of environment for native plants and animals, and areas of cultural and heritage significance to local and Aboriginal communities.

Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula allocations, some similar to those that have been announced in March 2023, include:

  • Governor Phillip Park: $121,000.00 - Ongoing Weed control at Palm Beach
  • Hitchcock Park and foreshores: $28,600.00 - Weed control and regenerate native bushland at Careel Creek
  • Camp Kedron, Ingleside: $25,562.00 - Eradicate weeds in the bush areas on the Camp Kedron reserve and on the reserve perimeter that borders Ku-ring-gai National Park
  • Camp Kedron, Ingleside: $30,000.00 - Replacement of balcony and stair handrails on main building at Camp Kedron.
  • Lake Park, Narrabeen: $30,000.00 - Weed control and coastal heath restoration at Lake Park
  • Wakehurst Parkway: $24,000.00 - Improve, protect and restore threatened ecological communities within a high conservation wildlife corridor, targeting priority and environmental weeds listed in the Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Management Plan.
  • Oxford Falls Regional Reserve: $22,500.00 - Control of targeted weeds and continuation of spraying seedlings at Oxford Falls
  • Jamieson Park, Narrabeen:  $22,000.00 - Undertake bush regeneration to restore Endangered Ecological Communities in an iconic, high biodiversity value reserve and target the control of priority weeds
  • Dundura Falls, Terrey Hills: $24,958.00 - Ongoing weed control at Dundundra Falls Reserve
  • Dee Why Cliffs Reserve: $9,350.00 - Expansion of existing weed control at Dee Why Headland
  • Beverly Job Park: $133,100.00 - Develop a safe, inclusive multi-use facility for young people living in and around Narraweena that allows for a constructive recreational outlet.
  • Allenby Park: $44,000.00 - Control of highly invasive weeds and restore the habitat for threatened species known to occur in Allenby Park
  • Griffith Park, Manly: $30,000.00 - Weed control and protection of Themeda grasslands, Griffith Park
  • Harbord Lagoon and Reserve: $29,678.00 - Control of widespread invasive weeds and maintenance of native species plantings
  • Harbord Lagoon and Reserve: $29,700.00 - Ongoing control and maintenance of invasive weeds along the riparian margin of Curl Curl Lagoon
  • Harbord Lagoon and Reserve: $21,251.00 - Weed control at Harbord Lagoon and Reserve


back of Hitchcock park:  AJG/PON photo

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) will provide grants to Crown land managers right across our state to maintain and improve public reserves for the benefit of hundreds of local communities and many thousands of residents.

“This year more than $14.6 million in grants will support 144 projects to maintain and upgrade reserves and community facilities, enhancing the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW residents.

“Maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves is vital for community health and well-being to allow residents to enjoy quality open spaces, access community and recreation facilities, and immerse themselves in nature.”

Previously: 

Lake Park, Narrabeen. Photo: AJG/PON

Barrenjoey access trail closed on weekdays until november

NPWS Notice

Barrenjoey access road is closed on weekdays from Monday 8 July 2024 to Thursday 31 October 2024 due to construction worksPedestrian access to Barrenjoey Lighthouse will be via Smugglers track.

The Smugglers track is a grade 3 walking track – mostly stairs. It is a steeper and more challenging walk to the top of the headland. Please consider your ability prior to ascent.
For further information please call the local area office.




South Collaroy Foreshore & Stormwater Improvements: Detailed design and environmental assessment - Have your say

Closes: Sunday 18 August 2024
The damaged section of the existing seawall, along with a stormwater outlet at the Rock Pool will be upgraded with new infrastructure designed to contemporary engineering standards, restoring the structural integrity of the seawall, promenade and stormwater culvert.

The work will be conducted using a staged approach (A & B - view the detailed design at webpage below) to improve the efficiency and increase the capacity of the stormwater network. Additionally, it will enhance pedestrian safety, beach access and visual amenity.

The details of proposed works include:
  • >reconstructing around 70 metres of damaged seawall
  • >reconstructing around 112 metres of the existing stormwater culvert from the Collaroy Surf Club Carpark to the Rock Pool outlet
  • >reconstructing the existing beach access staircase, and
  • >construction of a new junction pit with wet weather surcharge slot.


Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches: Surf Swap & Repair Market

Presented by Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches in partnership with the Northern Beaches Council.

Join us for our annual coastal community marketplace to swap, sell, repair or repurpose your preloved surf gear and support sustainable surfing on the Northern beaches.

+ Meet the shapers and makers of quality, sustainable, durable hollow-wooden surfboards, reef friendly sunscreen brands and local innovators of upcycling waste into surf art & accessories.

Soak up the winter sun and enjoy cool tunes, great coffee, ☕️🫖🌯and delicious eats from the wonderful local Ocean St - cafes Driftwood Cafe, Black Honey or enjoy a Surf Swap Burger special at the Narrabeen Sands Hotel. 🍔🌮🥗

The Sands hotel will be hosting a Happy hour afterwards from 4 -6pm for everyone to celebrate the day.🍻

So much to love!:
  • Marketplace - Trade your preloved surfboards, stand ups & surf gear (wetsuits, fins, leg ropes, helmets, booties, covers etc)
  • Repair workshops - Learn how to do a minor board fix-up (don’t forget to bring your board
  • Upcycling - drop off your end of life wetsuit at the Rip Curl collection stall
  • Sustainable surf brand stalls - showcase of Australian brands leading the way with innovative sustainable solutions for reducing the environmental impact of surfing.
  • Creative cool surf art & accessories made from waste
  • A Beach clean up with Emu Parade - Do your bit to clean up the beach in return for a free coffee or hot chocolate
A waste free event. BYO refillable water bottle & reusable coffee cup #beoceanfriendly

Sustainable Surf Brand Stallholders - Sine Surf, Varuna Surf, Patagonia, Ripcurl, WAW Handplanes, Sunbutter sunscreen, Surfboard Souls Manly, Pittwater Eco Adventures, Surfsock, Boomerang Bags Northern Beaches 


Avalon Beach Bike Facility: Have Your Say

Comments opened: Mon 8 Jul 2024
Comments close: Sun 11 Aug 2024

Council states it has collaborated with Avalon Beach residents to find out what they value most and what features make Avalon Beach such a special and unique place. Through this collaboration, Council developed the 'Avalon Beach Place Plan, My Place: Avalon', which was adopted in 2022.
The place plan sets out a number of short, medium and long-term actions for Council to implement, including:
Action item 13: Create an off-road bicycle facility aimed at young people.

The bike facility would be a designated space for bike riders of a range of abilities and confidence levels, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.
Location

Council have identified two sites where a bike facility could be installed:
  1. Des Creagh Reserve
  2. Avalon Beach Reserve.
Council states both sites are large enough for a bike facility and installation of a bike track and landscaping is permissible under the Plan of Management. They are easily accessed on foot, bike and by car or public transport, and close to other complementary recreational facilities and amenities.

The strengths and constraints of each site are summarised on Council's webpage. Council states they want to hear from you to see which site you prefer for a bike facility.




Images: Location and options plan - NBC

Echidna Love Season Commences

It's time to slow it down on the roads! Echidnas breed from mid-June to early September in NSW, so from now on, male echidnas begin to actively seek out females to mate.

Echidnas are most active in the lead-up to their Winter mating period, so if you live in an area with lots of native bush nearby, you may have a small spiny visitor. 

Echidnas live solitary lives but in breeding season, the female is suddenly very popular and up to 10 males will start to follow her around. This courtship can last up to a month, at which time the female will make her choice from the remaining males. 

The females breed every 3-5 years – they do not have a proper pouch but the mammary glands swell up on either side of the belly when an egg develops and the egg is laid directly into it. A blind, naked puggle emerges from the egg about 10 days later. Milk is secreted through special pores on the female’s belly. Puggles are suckled in this rudimentary pouch for two or three months. When the puggle develops spines and becomes too prickly, the mother will build a nursery burrow for it.

Unlike many other native animals, Echidnas are relatively unafraid of people and can pop up in the most unexpected places.

If you see an echidna and it is NOT injured please leave it alone and DO NOT approach it and do not attempt to contain it. Never relocate any healthy echidna as it risks them losing their scent trail or leaving young unattended in the burrow. Echidnas have a type of inbuilt GPS which we don’t want to interrupt.

The best thing to do in this situation is for everyone to simply to leave the area for a period of time, allowing the echidna to make its own way. If you have a pet please keep it contained well away from the animal, and you will find that the echidna will move away as soon as it is sure it is out of danger, and feels secure.

If you do find a distressed or injured echidna over the next few months, please call Sydney Wildlife Rescue For 24/7 Emergency Rescue or Advice, Ph: 9413 4300 or WIRES on 1300 094 737.



Photo: a Mona Vale echidna. Picture courtesy Alex Tyrell

Sewing Bee with Boomerang Bags at Kimbriki Ingleside: july 27

Saturday, 27 July 2024 - 10:30 am to 02:30 pm
Whether you’re a sewing enthusiast, a beginner, or never touched a sewing machine in your life, this event welcomes everyone.

Boomerang Bags is an initiative that aims to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags by creating reusable cloth bags. At the Sewing Bee, you’ll have the opportunity to sew, sort materials, or try screen printing.

Bring along a textile item that needs repairing or just come along and help out on the day.
The event runs from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. You’re more than welcome to arrive at anytime and stay for as long as you want.

Not only will you have a great time and meet new people, but you’ll also be making a positive impact on the environment. By creating these reusable bags, we’re helping to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable living.

So mark your calendars and join us for the Sewing Bee with Boomerang Bags! Let’s come together, have fun, and sew our way to a greener future.

Location
The Hub, Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre Kimbriki Road, Ingleside


Sails to Shelter: 2024

Do you have aging sails or sails you no longer need? RPAYC is supporting Bambak, a new business repurposing retired sails from ending up in landfills through their Sail-to-Shelter program in Vanuatu. They repurpose recycled sails to build shelters and household goods in Vanuatu and Australia, promoting community well-being and environmental health.
On the weekend of 20-21 July, a special drop-off bin will be on-site at RPAYC. 

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - RPAYC
16 Mitala Street, Newport


National Tree Day 2024: planting at Narrabeen Sunday July 28

Sunday, 28 July 2024 - 10:00 am to 02:00 pm
Everyone is invited to help Council revegetate this important wildlife corridor with native plants. Make Narrabeen a cooler, greener and more connected place for our community and wildlife.

Please wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes, gloves and a hat. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
Meet at the registration marquee at the end of the car park off Ocean Street, on south side of the Bridge.
Suitable for children.
Parking is limited at the site. There are larger Council car parks at North Narrabeen Surf Club and on the north side of the bridge near the rock pool.


Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs

The Berry Collective at 1691 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale collects them for Oz Bread Tags for Wheelchairs, who recycle the plastic.

Berry Collective is the practice on the left side of the road as you head north, a few blocks before Mona Vale shops . They have parking. Enter the foyer and there's a small bin on a table where you drop your bread ties - very easy.

A full list of Aussie bread tags for wheelchairs is available at: HERE 


Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed

Details:

Stay Safe From Mosquitoes 

NSW Health is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes when they are out and about this summer.

NSW Health’s Acting Director of Environmental Health, Paul Byleveld, said with more people spending time outdoors, it was important to take steps to reduce mosquito bite risk.

“Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,” Byleveld said.

“Mosquitoes in NSW can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin, Ross River and Barmah Forest. The viruses may cause serious diseases with symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

“People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease, particularly after the detection of JE in a sentinel chicken in Far Western NSW.

The NSW Health sentinel chicken program provides early warning about the presence of serious mosquito borne diseases, like JE. Routine testing in late December revealed a positive result for JE in a sample from Menindee. 

A free vaccine to protect against JE infection is available to those at highest risk in NSW and people can check their eligibility at NSW Health.

People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:
  • Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.
  • Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
  • Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
  • Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
  • Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
  • Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
  • While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.
Remember, Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up to protect from mosquito bite. For more information go to NSW Health.

Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey

This survey aims to document mountain bike related incidents on public land, available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K88PSNP

Sent in by Pittwater resident Academic for future report- study. The survey will run for 12 months and close in November 2024.

Report fox sightings

Fox sightings, signs of fox activity, den locations and attacks on native or domestic animals can be reported into FoxScan. FoxScan is a free resource for residents, community groups, local Councils, and other land managers to record and report fox sightings and control activities. 

Our Council's Invasive species Team receives an alert when an entry is made into FoxScan.  The information in FoxScan will assist with planning fox control activities and to notify the community when and where foxes are active.



marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast

A new wildlife group was launched on the Central Coast on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast (MWRCC) had its official launch at The Entrance Boat Shed at 10am.

The group comprises current and former members of ASTR, ORRCA, Sea Shepherd, Greenpeace, WIRES and Wildlife ARC, as well as vets, academics, and people from all walks of life.

Well known marine wildlife advocate and activist Cathy Gilmore is spearheading the organisation.

“We believe that it is time the Central Coast looked after its own marine wildlife, and not be under the control or directed by groups that aren’t based locally,” Gilmore said.

“We have the local knowledge and are set up to respond and help injured animals more quickly.

“This also means that donations and money fundraised will go directly into helping our local marine creatures, and not get tied up elsewhere in the state.”

The organisation plans to have rehabilitation facilities and rescue kits placed in strategic locations around the region.

MWRCC will also be in touch with Indigenous groups to learn the traditional importance of the local marine environment and its inhabitants.

“We want to work with these groups and share knowledge between us,” Gilmore said.

“This is an opportunity to help save and protect our local marine wildlife, so if you have passion and commitment, then you are more than welcome to join us.”

Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast has a Facebook page where you may contact members. Visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076317431064


Watch out - shorebirds about

Summer is here so watch your step because beach-nesting and estuary-nesting birds have started setting up home on our shores.
Did you know that Careel Bay and other spots throughout our area are part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)?

This flyway, and all of the stopping points along its way, are vital to ensure the survival of these Spring and Summer visitors. This is where they rest and feed on their journeys.  For example, did you know that the bar-tailed godwit flies for 239 hours for 8,108 miles from Alaska to Australia?

Not only that, Shorebirds such as endangered oystercatchers and little terns lay their eggs in shallow scraped-out nests in the sand, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Threatened Species officer Ms Katherine Howard has said.
Even our regular residents such as seagulls are currently nesting to bear young.

What can you do to help them?
Known nest sites may be indicated by fencing or signs. The whole community can help protect shorebirds by keeping out of nesting areas marked by signs or fences and only taking your dog to designated dog offleash area. 

Just remember WE are visitors to these areas. These birds LIVE there. This is their home.

Four simple steps to help keep beach-nesting birds safe:
1. Look out for bird nesting signs or fenced-off nesting areas on the beach, stay well clear of these areas and give the parent birds plenty of space.
2. Walk your dogs in designated dog-friendly areas only and always keep them on a leash over summer.
3. Stay out of nesting areas and follow all local rules.
4. Chicks are mobile and don't necessarily stay within fenced nesting areas. When you're near a nesting area, stick to the wet sand to avoid accidentally stepping on a chick.


Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing

Possums in your roof? Please do the right thing 
On the weekend, one of our volunteers noticed a driver pull up, get out of their vehicle, open the boot, remove a trap and attempt to dump a possum on a bush track. Fortunately, our member intervened and saved the beautiful female brushtail and the baby in her pouch from certain death. 

It is illegal to relocate a trapped possum more than 150 metres from the point of capture and substantial penalties apply.  Urbanised possums are highly territorial and do not fare well in unfamiliar bushland. In fact, they may starve to death or be taken by predators.

While Sydney Wildlife Rescue does not provide a service to remove possums from your roof, we do offer this advice:

✅ Call us on (02) 9413 4300 and we will refer you to a reliable and trusted licenced contractor in the Sydney metropolitan area. For a small fee they will remove the possum, seal the entry to your roof and provide a suitable home for the possum - a box for a brushtail or drey for a ringtail.
✅ Do-it-yourself by following this advice from the Department of Planning and Environment: 

❌ Do not under any circumstances relocate a possum more than 150 metres from the capture site.
Thank you for caring and doing the right thing.



Sydney Wildlife photos

Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed

Pittwater Online News has interviewed Lynette Millett OAM (WIRES Northern Beaches Branch) needs more bird cages of all sizes for keeping the current huge amount of baby wildlife in care safe or 'homed' while they are healed/allowed to grow bigger to the point where they may be released back into their own home. 

If you have an aviary or large bird cage you are getting rid of or don't need anymore, please email via the link provided above. There is also a pressing need for release sites for brushtail possums - a species that is very territorial and where release into a site already lived in by one possum can result in serious problems and injury. 

If you have a decent backyard and can help out, Lyn and husband Dave can supply you with a simple drey for a nest and food for their first weeks of adjustment.

Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when

For further information or to confirm the meeting details for below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367 or visit Council's bushcare webpage to find out how you can get involved.

BUSHCARE SCHEDULES 
Where we work                      Which day                              What time 

Avalon     
Angophora Reserve             3rd Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Dunes                        1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Golf Course              2nd Wednesday                 3 - 5:30pm 
Careel Creek                         4th Saturday                      8:30 - 11:30am 
Toongari Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon (8 - 11am in summer) 
Bangalley Headland            2nd Sunday                         9 to 12noon 
Catalpa Reserve              4th Sunday of the month        8.30 – 11.30
Palmgrove Park              1st Saturday of the month        9.00 – 12 

Bayview     
Winnererremy Bay                 4th Sunday                        9 to 12noon 

Bilgola     
North Bilgola Beach              3rd Monday                        9 - 12noon 
Algona Reserve                     1st Saturday                       9 - 12noon 
Plateau Park                          1st Friday                            8:30 - 11:30am 

Church Point     
Browns Bay Reserve             1st Tuesday                        9 - 12noon 
McCarrs Creek Reserve       Contact Bushcare Officer     To be confirmed 

Clareville     
Old Wharf Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      8 - 11am 

Elanora     
Kundibah Reserve                   4th Sunday                       8:30 - 11:30am 

Mona Vale     
Mona Vale Beach Basin          1st Saturday                    8 - 11am 
Mona Vale Dunes                     2nd Saturday +3rd Thursday     8:30 - 11:30am 

Newport     
Bungan Beach                          4th Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
Crescent Reserve                    3rd Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
North Newport Beach              4th Saturday                    8:30 - 11:30am 
Porter Reserve                          2nd Saturday                  8 - 11am 

North Narrabeen     
Irrawong Reserve                     2nd Saturday                   2 - 5pm 

Palm Beach     
North Palm Beach Dunes      3rd Saturday                    9 - 12noon 

Scotland Island     
Catherine Park                          2nd Sunday                     10 - 12:30pm 
Elizabeth Park                           1st Saturday                      9 - 12noon 
Pathilda Reserve                      3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon 

Warriewood     
Warriewood Wetlands             1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 

Whale Beach     
Norma Park                               1st Friday                            9 - 12noon 

Western Foreshores     
Coopers Point, Elvina Bay      2nd Sunday                        10 - 1pm 
Rocky Point, Elvina Bay           1st Monday                          9 - 12noon

Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities

Bush Regeneration - Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment  
This is a wonderful way to become connected to nature and contribute to the health of the environment.  Over the weeks and months you can see positive changes as you give native species a better chance to thrive.  Wildlife appreciate the improvement in their habitat.

Belrose area - Thursday mornings 
Belrose area - Weekend mornings by arrangement
Contact: Phone or text Conny Harris on 0432 643 295

Wheeler Creek - Wednesday mornings 9-11am
Contact: Phone or text Judith Bennett on 0402 974 105
Or email: Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment : email@narrabeenlagoon.org.au

Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater


Ringtail Posses 2023

Lethal bird flu could decimate Oceania’s birds. From vigilance to vaccines, here’s what we’re doing to prepare

Phillip Allaway/Shutterstock
Tiggy GrilloCharles Sturt University and Simone VitaliMurdoch University

Avian influenza viruses have infected the world’s birds for millennia. We first became aware of them in the 19th century, when mass deaths of poultry triggered interest in what was then called “fowl plague”.

But in 2021, something fundamental changed. As the world grappled with COVID lockdowns and economic chaos, the birds of the world were encountering a new strain, known formally as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 2.3.4.4.b. It spread easily and was capable of causing disease and death in a far wider number of bird species than previously seen before.

So far, it has triggered the culling of half a billion farmed birds and killed millions of wild birds. (This is a different strain to the HPAI H7 strains which have infected poultry farms in Australia).

If this new strain gets to Australia, carried on a migratory wild bird, it could pose similar risks to our unique wildlife. But we haven’t been sitting still. Australian researchers, governments, veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators have been urgently preparing for its arrival.

Why is this strain so bad?

This strain has now made it to every part of the world bar Australia, New Zealand and Pacific nations. The virus killed many birds in the northern hemisphere before crossing to the Americas. In South America it proved particularly lethal, infecting and killing massive numbers of birds and marine mammals such as sea lions.

Many strains of bird flu are “low pathogenicity”, meaning they tend not to cause severe disease. But these strains can evolve into highly pathogenic strains if they spill over from wild birds into poultry, as we’re seeing with the current outbreaks in poultry farms in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.

Prior to 2024, Australia had experienced eight previous outbreaks of H7 HPAI in poultry, all of which were eradicated by culling poultry and isolating farms.

This new H5N1 2.3.4.4.b strain is much more worrying for our wildlife, because it transmits very easily between wild birds. It has proven it can kill mammals, including marine mammals, predators and scavenger species that eat birds.

It also poses a real threat to our poultry industries. If H5N1 2.3.4.4b were to enter Australia, we could see more outbreaks in domestic poultry, which in turn could affect the supply of chicken and eggs – both very popular sources of animal protein in Australia.

Given the virus is present worldwide, including in Antarctica, you might wonder why it hasn’t made it to Australia yet.

Avian influenza travels most easily in waterfowl such as ducks. Australia’s waterfowl are not migratory and only travel short distances between Australia and countries to the north.

But Australia is on the path of several flyways from Asia, along which millions of shorebirds migrate every year in spring. Some seabirds also migrate from the Atlantic.

How are we preparing?

The devastation the virus has caused overseas has given Australia time to prepare.

We can’t stop wild birds from migrating here. But we can slow the spread and protect at-risk wildlife from other threats such as invasive predators, giving them the best chance to survive the virus if it arrives.

Around Australia and on our sub-Antarctic islands, a network of veterinarians, researchers, government officials, rangers and wildlife rehabilitators is on alert looking for sick birds with signs, such as respiratory illness.

sandpiper bird
Shorebirds such as the common sandpiper migrate long distances, offering a potential avenue for the virus. selim kaya photography/Shutterstock

If a bird showing these signs is spotted, they will call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888). Members of the public are also encouraged to report sightings.

Other plans for the virus include:

  • restricting human movements in and out of virus-affected areas, where appropriate
  • surveillance to see how the virus is moving with wildlife
  • triage and clinical responses to the virus, including euthanasia for dying birds.

We have created information toolboxes to help wildlife managers and carers to manage risk and reduce transmission if the virus is confirmed here. These include improving baseline biosecurity, clearing away carcasses, restricting human movement to reduce spread, and euthanasing dying birds.

For threatened species, we can explore the merits of vaccination trials for captive birds. New Zealand authorities are trialling this method.

But such vaccination must ultimately serve the welfare interests of wildlife. There are many complexities to consider.

Globally, vaccination of free-ranging wild birds has occurred for just one species – the endangered Californian condor, considered particularly at risk because of its low numbers.

Black swan event?

Overseas, waterfowl, shorebirds and seabirds have proven especially susceptible to the virus. Avian predators are also at risk if they eat sick birds or their carcasses.

Specific data on Australian species are limited, but at least one local species, the black swan, has been found to be highly vulnerable to the virus because they lack some protective genes.

The sheer variation of our ecosystems might offer some protection. We have many transient bodies of water, such as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. If the virus arrived during a period of drought, it could have a different impact than if it arrived during flooding rains, which fill lakes and encourage movement of wild waterfowl.

Because this strain is very new, we don’t know yet what the long term outcome will be.

It’s possible birds which survive an infection will become immune and survive to breed. But some species and populations may not be able to survive this first assault.

This threat is new territory for Australia. Many of the other animal diseases we worry about and prepare for only attack one species, such as African swine fever, or only affect non-native wildlife (such as foot and mouth disease). But this strain of bird flu has attacked over 500 bird species and is infecting a growing number of mammal species.

What can you do? Keep an eye out for any sick or dead birds – and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline if you do. The Conversation

Tiggy Grillo, COO, Wildlife Health Australia; Adjunct Lecturer, Charles Sturt University and Simone Vitali, Wildlife Health Australia Program Manager (Emergencies); Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Murdoch University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Yes, Australia’s environment is on a depressing path – but $7 billion a year would transform it

Jamie PittockAustralian National UniversityBradley J. MoggridgeUniversity of Technology Sydney, and Martine MaronThe University of Queensland

The condition of Australia’s environment continues to decline. Many Australians wonder if it’s possible to reverse this depressing trajectory – and our landmark assessment released today shows the answer is yes.

Our report, launched today by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, demonstrates how repairing Australia’s landscapes is not only achievable and affordable, it’s in the national interest.

Using the best available science and expert advice, we identified 24 actions worth A$7.3 billion each year over 30 years, which could repair much of the past two centuries of degradation.

For context, the investment amounts to about 0.3% of Australia’s gross domestic product. It’s also far less than the estimated $33 billion a year Australians spend on their pets.

This report is the most comprehensive of its kind undertaken in this country. It is a tangible, practical pathway which challenges the notion that repairing our continent is a task too big and expensive to tackle.

The strong case for repair

Australia’s population is projected to grow to 37 million by 2052. Earth’s population will reach ten billion in the same period. Global food demand will increase and competition for land will intensify.

Climate change makes the environmental repair task more pressing. The Australian continent has already warmed almost 1.5°C since records began. We have experienced shifts in rainfall patterns, droughts, bushfires, flooding and more. Extreme weather is predicted to become even more frequent and severe.

About half Australia’s land surface has been significantly modified since European settlement, and at least 19 ecosystems are collapsing due to climate change and other pressures.

And the capacity of agricultural landscapes to maintain productivity has significantly declined, and they are becoming less able to support native species and ecosystems.

Our key findings

Our assessment focuses on five key landscape components identified as degraded in successive State of the Environment reports: soils, inland water, native vegetation, threatened species and coastal environments.

We defined objectives for each component, and actions to meet them, based on public policy ambitions and expert advice. We then sourced data to identify where in the landscape each action is required, and the spending it would entail. Independent experts reviewed our findings.

Our blueprint identifies 24 practical actions needed now to repair Australia’s degraded landscapes. See the below infographic for full details.

The list includes:

  • applying lime and gypsum to agricultural soils to improve productivity

  • remediating high-risk gullies

  • encouraging landholders to restore vegetation along the banks of rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands

  • restoring 13 million hectares of degraded native vegetation

  • addressing key threats and restoring habitat for threatened species

  • maintaining or improving the condition of degraded salt marsh ecosystems.

We estimate investment of $7.3 billion each year (in 2022 dollars) is needed from 2025 to 2054 to deliver these all actions. That includes:

• $580 million to repair the productive base of agricultural soils

• $2.9 billion to fix fragmented, degraded river systems

• $1.7 billion to restore ecosystems to at least 30% of their pre-1750 extent

• $1.2 billion to mitigate imminent extinction risk and ensure medium-term survival of Commonwealth-listed threatened species

• $35 million to maintain and improve estuary health

• $640 million in transaction costs (such as legal fees, data and compliance)

• $250 million a year to maintain the improvements (such as monitoring, and management of pests, weeds and fire).

How will Australia pay for this?

We cannot accurately measure the true cost of environmental degradation to the environment, people and the economy. But evidence suggests these costs far outweigh the cost of nature repair.

Our report proposes measures for Australia that are feasible and fiscally responsible.

And they also address multiple objectives. For example, restoring native vegetation across 13 million hectares would also abate almost one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent – equal to 18% of Australia’s net emissions over the next 30 years.

Through carbon markets, private landholders could be paid to regenerate native vegetation. Our analysis shows this could generate 7% to 15% of the investment needed.

The investment we propose would also support employment and jobs in the short- and long-term. This would promote a strong circular flow of income, generating government revenue in the form of income tax, GST and associated revenues.

A broad range of financing mechanisms is needed to enact this plan. As a starting point, we suggest:

  • significantly increased public investment for stewardship programs, Indigenous land managers and threatened species recovery

  • revenue-neutral changes to the tax system to encourage conservation and remove subsidies that degrade the environment

  • public investment in the federal government’s green bond program, which will enable investors to back public projects that contribute to environmental repair

  • using markets and other emerging private sector solutions to encourage conservation on private land

  • fundraising via philanthropy.

Indigenous Australians are key

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been stewards of Country for more than 60,000 years and have continuing cultural connections to land and waters.

We propose four key measures to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples leading roles in managing and repairing landscapes:

  • increase Indigenous ownership and management of land and water

  • recognise the value of traditional knowledge in areas such as managing species and using fire to maintain the health of Country

  • establish and improve programs to employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to repair and manage Country, such as expanding Indigenous ranger programs and providing resources and long-term funding

  • ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are supported to generate meaningful, commercially sustainable employment and businesses on Country through land and water ownership.

A healthier, more resilient Australia

All Australians are stewards of this unique land and seascape. It is our responsibility to ensure nature is preserved for its own sake, and for current and future generations.

Our plan expands on successful efforts to conserve the environment. It won’t fix everything – for instance, it did not address air quality, urban settlements or marine environments.

But the actions we propose – if done together, at scale, and built into broader public policy reforms – will leave our landscapes healthier and more resilient.

Australians don’t have to choose between a healthy environment and a productive economy – we can have both.


The report underpinning this article was prepared by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists with input from more than 60 experts. See the report for the full list of contributors.The Conversation

Jamie Pittock, Professor, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National UniversityBradley J. Moggridge, Professor of Science and Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement), University of Technology Sydney, and Martine Maron, Professor of Environmental Management, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Environmental pollution and human health – how worried should we be?

Michelle Spencer/Oliver Jones
Oliver A.H. JonesRMIT University

If not the root of all evil, chemical pollution is surely responsible for a good chunk of it. At least, that’s how it feels sometimes when reading the news and the latest research.

From hormone disruptors in our rivers and drugs in our drinking water, to PFAS and microplastics just about everywhere, it seems there’s plenty to worry about.

The list of potential health effects is also scary. Pollution is linked to infertilitycancerreduced immune function, and more.

So it’s not surprising many people feel chemicals are intrinsically bad, though that’s not the case. But how worried should we really be, and can we reduce the risks?

In the air we breathe

Globally, pollution is a serious problem – particularly air pollution.

A digital dashboard showing various air quality measurements
Portable air monitors can measure air quality in real time. These readings were taken at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station in July 2024. Oliver Jones

The Lancet Commission on pollution and health estimates pollution is responsible for about 9 million deaths a year and economic losses in the trillions of dollars.

The burden of disease falls heavily on developing countries, but even in Australia air pollution causes significant harm.

Fortunately, we can monitor air pollution, even at home. We know what levels are dangerous, and how to reduce exposure. But what about things we can’t monitor, or know less about?

The water we drink

In June, the Sydney Morning Herald implied tap water throughout Australia was contaminated with alarming levels of PFAS. But the levels detected fall within Australia’s drinking water guidelines. They just happen to exceed the United States’ new safety thresholds, which don’t come in for five years.

Chemical structures of two PFAS molecules
Chemical structures of PFOS and PFOA, two types of PFAS. Oliver Jones

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of highly persistent chemicals characterised by carbon-fluorine bonds.

Although PFAS in your water sounds awful, we don’t know if water is the main route of exposure or what the actual risks are.

PFAS is also in dustcookwarewaterproof clothingcosmetics, and other consumer products.

The presence of PFAS is an emotive subject, thanks to films such as Dark Waters and documentaries like How to Poison a Planet.

Found everywhere from Mount Everest to the ocean depths, PFAS have been associated with negative health effects including cancer and reduced immune response.

What is generally missing from both research papers and news reports is context – details on the dose and duration of exposure needed to cause such effects.

The levels of PFAS needed to cause health effects tend to be orders of magnitude higher than those typically found in the environment. So while it’s not great that we’ve polluted the entire planet with these compounds, the health risks for most of us are likely to be low.

New technologies are being developed to reduce PFAS in water and soil.

But given their widespread distribution and extreme persistence, we should perhaps reevaluate PFAS risks and regulations (as the National Health and Medical Research Council is doing).

If you want to reduce your exposure, you can consider using water filters and avoid non-stick pans and other products that contain PFAS.

Many non-stick pans now boast they are PFAS-free. Sadly this is not always the case. Ceramic pans can be a good, PFAS-free option, but these are actually silica-based and may not last as long.

And the food we eat

Everyone knows pesticides give you cancer right? Well, actually no. This is another area where public perception has jumped ahead of the science.

An orange plastic container that used to hold pesticides on grass
Discarded pesticide container in Werribee, Victoria. Oliver Jones

The usual suspect, glyphosate, is usually claimed to cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But this is a catch-all term covering more than 60 different types of lymphoma, which can vary significantly.

Multiple independent regulatory agencies worldwide list glyphosate as non-carcinogenic. A study of more than 54,000 people who applied pesticides for a living found no link to cancer.

Small amounts of pesticide residue are permitted on our food, but concentrations are in the parts per trillion (for reference, a trillion seconds is 31,710 years).

The evidence suggests parts per trillion of pesticides do not increase the risk of cancer in people. But if you want to reduce your exposure anyway, washing and cooking vegetables and washing fruit is a good way to go.

Microplastics are everywhere

Microplastics (plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter) are now found everywhere from the top to the bottom of the planet.

They have been reported in food and drink, including saltseafood, various meats and plant-based proteinsfruit and vegetables as well as bottled and tap water.

Again, it sounds scary – but several reports of microplastics in food and blood have been firmly criticised by other scientists. The widely (mis)reported claim that we eat a credit card’s worth of microplastic each week was debunked by YouTuber Hank Green.

The World Health Organization recently concluded evidence of the health effects of microplastics is insufficient. However, they also make the point that this is not the same as saying microplastics are safe. We need more data to understand the risks.

Avoiding plastic bottles and food packaging can reduce exposure, as can having hard floors rather than carpets, and regular vacuuming.

We need new recycling technology to reduce plastic waste. Ultimately, we may need to wean ourselves off plastic entirely.

Where to from here?

I am not suggesting we should not worry about pollution – we should. But just because something is present does not automatically mean it is causing harm. To my mind, air pollution is the biggest worry so far, with more proven health effects than microplastics or PFAS.

Scary headlines generate clicks, views and likes but they rarely reflect the science.

We must understand relative exposure and the nuances of risk assessment. We need sensible debate, evidence-based approaches and new techniques for monitoring and assessing the impacts of, low (parts per trillion) pollutant concentrations.

This should help prevent and mitigate potentially harmful exposures in future.The Conversation

Oliver A.H. Jones, Professor of Chemistry, RMIT University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The greater stick-nest rat almost went extinct. Now it’s found an unlikely ally: one of Australia’s worst weeds

Take 2 PhotographyAuthor provided
Annie Grace KraeheAustralian National UniversityKathryn HillUniversity of AdelaideRobert S. HillUniversity of Adelaide, and Vera WeisbeckerFlinders University

Greater stick-nest rats (or “stickies” as they are affectionately named) are one of Australia’s most adorable small native mammals.

These guinea-pig sized rodents build large communal nests which can be a metre high and 1.5 metres wide, using their sticky urine to glue sticks and leaves together. Remnants of their nests from thousands of years ago have been found in caves, with plant fragments protected by the urine. They live in arid, almost waterless parts of Australia, and live on fruit and succulents.

The greater stick-nest rat once roamed across the Nullarbor, from northern Victoria through to Exmouth in Western Australia. But their nests weren’t enough to protect them from feral cats and foxes. By the 1930s, they had been driven to extinction on the Australian mainland. A tiny population of 1,000 survived only on the Franklin Islands, offshore from Ceduna in South Australia. A related species, the lesser stick-nest rat, has likely gone forever.

Our new research on surviving stick-nest rats has found something unusual – these rodents are chowing down on one of Australia’s worst invasive plants, African boxthorn.

For the stick-nest rats, though, this plant spells opportunity.

Of island refuges and thorny bushes

To look at, the Franklin Islands don’t seem like prime wildlife territory. But these low-lying, shrub covered islands in the Nuyts Archipelago suit the greater stick-nest rat just fine. Conservationists used these survivors to seed new populations on two other South Australian islands, Reevesby and Saint Peter Islands, as well as a feral-proof fenced reserve in Western Australia.

Their total numbers have now grown to about 3,000, enough for its status on the international Red List of threatened species to be moved from endangered to vulnerable.

But is this sustainable? Can offshore islands and onshore fenced reserves free of foxes and cats keep stick-nest rats safe indefinitely?

To find out, we investigated what food the animals prefer in one of their newer homes, Reevesby Island in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf.

To our surprise, we found these rats seemed most at home amongst African boxthorn, an invasive weed of national significance. Even more unexpectedly, they were turning up their noses at the native vegetation around them in favour of this noxious weed.

Why was this surprising? Of all the weeds in Australia, African boxthorn is one of the worst. Native to South Africa, this shrub defends itself against giraffes and other herbivores with spines up to 15 centimetres long.

In Australia, birds and small mammals feed on its berries and transport its seeds to new areas. Mature plants can grow up to 5 metres tall, forming impenetrable thickets armoured with large thorns. On farms, it disrupts livestock movements, blocks access to water sources and takes over land. In natural areas, it can offer a safe haven for rabbits.

But none of this fazes the greater stick-nest rat. On Reevesby, we found stick-nests deep inside the boxthorn, well-manicured entrances to other nests in thickets too dense to see into, and large amounts of poo pellets showing the native rodents were feeding in the area.

The boxthorn bed and breakfast?

So, were the animals just living in the boxthorn, or did they use it as a food source as well? To find out, Annie Grace Kraehe spent a week surveying vegetation and collecting poo samples from around their nests. She then spent months sifting through the samples and identifying plant fragments under a microscope.

The work was worth it because it gave us a clear answer: African boxthorn makes up just over half of the stick-nest rat’s diet on the island, despite making up only a tenth of the available vegetation. They were also using the thorny branches in their nests.

What does this mean for conservation?

The difference between hero and villain is often a matter of perspective. The same can be said for boxthorn.

Stick-nest rats appear to love boxthorn for the same reasons we hate it. Its famous thorns and dense growth offer excellent cover for a small furry mammal. Prey animals such as rodents don’t like to venture far for a meal if they can avoid it, so they make like Hansel and Gretel and eat the house.

It’s not unknown for invasive weeds to benefit some native species, especially when the ecosystem is already disturbed.

Research on little penguin colonies in Tasmania has found the birds seem to benefit from the dense growth and fearsome thorns of African boxthorn, which provides better protection against predators compared to native vegetation.

Similarly, invasive blackberry and lantana are often hated due to the way they form impenetrable thickets which push out native plants. But lantana and blackberry have been found to provide critical habitat and food sources for bandicoots, blue wrens, antechinuses and bush rats.

In fact, these food-providing protective thickets have made it possible for these species to thrive in severely disturbed ecosystems, such as the suburbs of Adelaide and Melbourne.

Costs and benefits

Does this mean we should avoid eradicating boxthorn if small endangered mammals survive nearby? We can’t say either way for now.

We need to do more research to see if the greater stick-nest rat truly benefits from African boxthorn, and weigh any benefit against the damage boxthorn does to ecosystems. If, for instance, the boxthorn keeps growing on Reevesby Island, it could push out native plants and trigger an ecosystem collapse. In that scenario, boxthorn might go from benefit to threat.

What our research does show is how adaptable these social rodents are. That gives us hope for their re-establishment elsewhere – as long as feral predators are controlled or absent.The Conversation

Annie Grace Kraehe, PhD candidate, Australian National UniversityKathryn Hill, Research associate, plant ecophysiology, University of AdelaideRobert S. Hill, Executive Dean, Faulty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, and Vera Weisbecker, Associate Professor, Flinders University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Landmark new research shows how global warming is messing with our rainfall

Steven SherwoodUNSW Sydney and Anna UkkolaUNSW Sydney

The past century of human-induced warming has increased rainfall variability over 75% of the Earth’s land area – particularly over Australia, Europe and eastern North America, new research shows.

The findings, by Chinese researchers and the UK Met Office, were published overnight in the journal Science. They provide the first systematic observational evidence that climate change is making global rainfall patterns more volatile.

Climate models had predicted this variability would worsen under climate change. But these new findings show rainfall variability has already worsened over the past 100 years – especially in Australia.

Past studies of the observational record either focused on long-term average rain, which is not systematically changing globally, or rainfall extremes where changes are hard to measure accurately. This study looks solely at variability, which refers to uneven timing and amount of rainfall.

The results are consistent with previous research, including ours. This means dry periods are drier than in the past, and rainy periods are wetter.

Alarmingly, the problem will worsen as global warming continues. This raises the risk of droughts and floods – a pertinent issue for Australia.

What the study found

The research shows a systematic increase in rainfall variability since the 1900s. Day-to-day rainfall variability increased by 1.2% per decade, globally. The trend was more pronounced in the latter half of the century, after 1950.

The increase in variability means rain is more unevenly distributed over time. It might mean a year’s worth of rain at a given location now falls in fewer days. It can also mean long, dry periods are interspersed by torrential downpours, or drought and flooding in quick succession.

The researchers examined observational data and found since the 1900s, rainfall variability has increased over 75% of the land areas studied. Europe, Australia and eastern North America were particularly affected. These are areas for which detailed and long-running observations are available.

In other regions, the long-term trend in rainfall variability was less prominent. The authors said that may be due to random changes in variability, or errors in the datasets.

The increase in daily rainfall variability occurred in all four seasons worldwide, although seasonal differences emerged at smaller, regional scales.

The authors say the increase is largely the result of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, which have created a hotter and more humid atmosphere, more intense rain events and greater swings between them.

They say the findings pose new challenges for weather and climate predictions, as well as for resilience and adaptation by societies and ecosystems.

How global warming affects rainfall

To come to grips with these findings, it helps to understand the factors that determine how much heavy rain a storm produces – and how these factors are being affected by global warming.

The first factor is how much water vapour is present in the air. Warm air can contain more moisture. Every degree of global warming creates a 7% increase in the average amount of water vapour over a given patch of the surface.

Scientists have known about this problem for a long time. Earth has warmed 1.5°C since the industrial revolution – equating to a 10% increase in water vapour in the lower atmosphere. So this is driving storms to become rainier.

Second is how strong the storm winds can get, and third is how easily large raindrops form from smaller cloud particles. More research is needed to understand how these factors are affected by climate change, but the current evidence is that together they further amplify increases in rainfall over short time intervals and for very extreme storms, while reducing the increases for weaker storms.

How does this fit in with Australian research?

The findings released overnight confirm research by us and others into rainfall variability in Australia.

Analysis of daily extreme rainfall totals across Australia in present and future simulations revealed future increases were likely to exceed expectations from many past studies. Rainfall is likely to increase more sharply in the most extreme events, and appears to do this nearly everywhere on the continent.

In 2022, we looked at rainfall hour-by-hour in Sydney using radar data. We found the maximum hourly rainfall increased by 40% in Sydney over the past two decades.

Our findings have major implications for Sydney’s preparedness for flash flooding. More intense downpours are likely to overwhelm stormwater systems designed for past conditions. But it is not clear how much of this remarkable regional increase in severe rains is due to climate change, or how widespread it is.

Increasing variability also means a greater risk of drought. Climate models suggest rainfall variability in many parts of Australia will keep increasing, unless greenhouse gas emissions are rapidly reduced.

A change in only a handful of heavy rainfall days can make or break a drought in Australia. This means even small changes in variability can bring more devastating droughts in the future as dry periods become drier.

Heeding the warning

Policymakers can often be overly focused on whether their part of the world is becoming wetter or drier overall. But as this new research shows, it’s variability they should be worried about.

This volatility might come in the form of worse droughts. Or it might mean much bigger increases in extreme rainfall and flooding.

The variability will challenge governments and communities in many ways, from managing scarce water resources to coping with natural disasters. We should start preparing for these future challenges now.

And as this dire global problem worsens, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming, becomes ever more pressing.The Conversation

Steven Sherwood, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Change Research Centre, UNSW Sydney and Anna Ukkola, ARC DECRA Fellow, UNSW Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Monday was the warmest day recorded on Earth. But how do scientists actually measure that?

Andrew KingThe University of Melbourne

In the past week, Earth’s record for the hottest day was broken twice. Sunday July 21 was declared Earth’s hottest day since records began, when average surface temperature reached 17.09°C. On Monday the record fell again, when average temperatures reached 17.16°C – and Tuesday was almost as hot.

The declarations were made by Copernicus, the European climate change service. They made international headlines – especially in the northern hemisphere, which has been experiencing extreme summer heat.

Determining the global average temperature on any given day is complex. It involves thousands of observations using high-tech equipment and in some cases, sophisticated computer models.

So let’s take at look at how scientists take the planet’s temperature, and what these broken records mean.

How we know it’s hot

The global average surface temperature is the main indicator used to track how the climate is changing, and the measure used under the Paris Agreement.

It is derived from a combination of both the average temperature of air just above the land surface and in the upper layer of the ocean.

Several organisations develop estimates of Earth’s average surface temperature using a variety of methods. Aside from Copernicus, they include national organisations in the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan.

All datasets produced by these agencies point to a very clear warming trend since 1900.

Most datasets are based on directly observed temperatures from weather stations on land and floats on the ocean, both of which contain thermometers. Satellites in space are also used to gather inferred estimates.

The advanced methods used today, and the many thousands of observations, mean daily temperature data is far more accurate than in years past. The further back in time we go, the more uncertain the estimates of global average surface temperatures.

What is Copernicus?

The Copernicus Climate Change Service is part of the European Union’s Earth observation program. To generate its temperature estimates, Copernicus uses not just observations, but a computer model simulation.

The model simulates temperatures at two metres above the land surface everywhere across the globe. The results are combined with an estimate of oceans’ average surface temperature derived from direct observation and satellite information.

Copernicus’ use of information from a model simulation means its method differs slightly from other datasets. However, the method is well regarded and provides global estimates of average surface temperatures within a couple of days.

Unpicking the temperatures

We know the climate is changing at a rapid pace. But why is this record daily heat occurring now?

As the graph above shows, the global average surface temperature follows a distinct seasonal cycle. Temperatures in July are typically about 4°C higher than in January.

The difference comes down to the larger land masses of North America, Europe and Asia, as compared to those in the southern hemisphere.

Land warms up much more quickly than the ocean. By July each year, northern hemisphere land masses have usually heated substantially, while the southern hemisphere oceans are still slowly cooling. This means very high average global temperatures are only possible in northern summer and not the southern.

Still, the record high temperatures of this week are well beyond those seen before 2023. This is partly due to an El Niño – which typically brings hotter-than-average temperatures – and other factors such as high solar activity and reduced air pollution from falling shipping emissions.

Increased solar activity means the Earth receives more energy from the sun, while reduced air pollution can mean more energy from the sun reaches Earth’s surface.

Crucially, these record-high temperatures would be all but impossible without the planetary warming caused by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Global carbon dioxide emissions hit record highs last year. This means we are likely to see more heat extremes and record high temperatures in coming decades.

What’s coming next

In April this year, experts declared the 2023/24 El Niño had ended. This is likely to lead to a slight cooling in global average surface temperature anomalies in coming months – albeit to levels still well above pre-industrial conditions. This is on top of the cooling as we move past the July peak discussed above.

Global average surface temperature is not the only indicator of global warming. For example, scientists also use sea level rise and glacier retreat to track climate changes. Other less formal observations, such as cherry blossoms in Japan blooming earlier, are also useful.

But no matter which indicator we use, the evidence is clear: Earth is getting hotter, and human activity is to blame.

The year 2023 was the hottest in modern records. There is a decent chance 2024 will be hotter still. Only when humanity greatly reduces its greenhouse gas emissions will the pace of record-breaking temperatures slow.The Conversation

Andrew King, Senior Lecturer in Climate Science, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Almost 1 in 6 of the world’s banknotes feature wildlife – and they’re not always the creatures you’d expect

Guy Castley
Guy CastleyGriffith University and Clare MorrisonGriffith University

Banknotes and coins help shape our national identity. The images they display emphasise historical events, prominent personalities, or scientific, industrial and technological advances. Sometimes they highlight biodiversity, including distinctive plants and wildlife.

Our new research studied wildlife imagery on banknotes from across the globe. We wanted to find out how often native animals appeared, and which species were most commonly depicted.

Almost one in six of the 4,541 notes we analysed, from 207 countries, featured wildlife. We identified intriguing patterns of use in different countries, from mammals in Africa and birds in South America to marine life in island nations. Some countries readily embraced wildlife, while others neglected them altogether.

Our research highlights an opportunity to raise public awareness of wildlife more broadly. In particular, showcasing threatened species on banknotes may lift their profile. This should be part of a broader conversation effort that builds community support for protecting biodiversity.

What we found

We trawled through a book titled Standard Catalog of World Paper Money and recorded every image of native animals on banknotes between 1980 and 2017.

Our analysis showed a wide range of animals depicted on banknotes. In most cases we could identify the species.

Images of wildlife appeared on more than 15% of the 4,541 notes we reviewed, from 207 countries. We identified 352 individual species.

In total, we found 883 depictions of native wildlife on 689 banknotes from 92 countries. That leaves 115 countries with banknotes devoid of wildlife.

Three heat maps (fauna generally, birds, mammals) illustrating how wildlife imagery is used on banknotes throughout the world.
Most countries do not feature images of wildlife on banknotes. These maps show the global distribution of (A) total fauna depicted, (B) birds depicted, and (C) mammals depicted. Newbery et al., (2024)

Birds (195 species) and mammals (96 species) were the most widely used across all countries, followed by fish (25 species), reptiles (15 species) and invertebrates (15 species), then frogs or toads (6 species).

Significant differences existed among countries and regions. For example, currency from African nations frequently featured mammals.

In contrast, banknotes in South and Central American nations often featured birds. This reflects the higher diversity of birds in these tropical rainforest regions.

Island nations frequently depicted marine wildlife such as swordfish, whale sharks and green turtles. But they also included land-based species found only on these islands.

The results suggest that for many countries, native wildlife is valued and forms part of their national identity.

Some nations have started to make explicit links between animals depicted on their currency and their values and aspirations.

In South Africa, the Reserve Bank links the iconic “big five” native animals on their banknotes to its core values:

  • rhino: protecting a shared future and accountability
  • African buffalo: unity and cohesion through open communication
  • African savanna elephant: stability, confidence and the building of social bonds to preserve respect and trust
  • lion: leadership and guidance to achieve excellence
  • leopard: independence, integrity and honour.
A collage of images representing the 'Big Five' in Africa: the rhinoceros, African buffalo, the African elephant, lion and leopard.
The iconic ‘Big Five’ animals of sub-Saharan Africa often appear on banknotes in the region. These are the rhinoceros, African buffalo, the African elephant, lion and leopard. Guy Castley

What about Australian currency?

Just two of the Australian notes in the series we analysed depicted wildlife. The $5 note has an eastern spinebill, while the $10 note has a sulphur-crested cockatoo.

However, more banknotes have been issued since we conducted our analysis. In 2019 the Reserve Bank added a bird to each banknote denomination, as well as an accompanying plant (typically an Acacia species). These images are part of the latest banknote security features, as follows:

Introducing the $5 note, in 2016.

Depicting threatened species

Almost a third (30%) of all wildlife depicted represented threatened species. For most groups of animals this is higher than the proportion of species currently listed as threatened with extinction. Species on banknotes include the critically endangered black rhinoceros, blue-throated macaw and hawksbill turtle.

In 2012, Fiji introduced a range of threatened species on their banknotes to raise awareness of their plight. So popular is their so-called “flora and fauna currency”, the community often refers to the notes by the species depicted on them, rather than the denomination. We have observed locals saying an item for sale costs a kulawai (red-throated lorikeet), rather than $5, or one nanai (Fijian cicada), instead of $100.

Australia could certainly do more to raise the prominence of our unique and threatened wildlife on its currency. Images currently used depict iconic and recognisable species – and not those most in need of conservation attention.

There is some evidence, albeit limited, to suggest featuring threatened species on banknotes may be used to aid their protection. For example, magazines published by conservation groups tend to use images of popular, attractive or well-known animals (“charismatic fauna”) that may or may not be threatened, to raise awareness and funds. Recent research analysing social media has also shown that sharing wildlife imagery led to direct conservation action.

And researchers have suggested advertisers using wildlife images should pay a fee, such as a royalty, which could then be spent on conservation efforts.

Looking beyond banknotes

Showcasing species on currency is an opportunity to foster national pride and raise awareness of each nation’s unique fauna. But for threatened species, there is no guarantee this will ultimately lead to their protection.

The depiction of animals on banknotes should be accompanied by other efforts to raise public awareness of their plight, such as education campaigns, public policy initiatives and fundraising drives.

More research is needed into the public impact of wildlife imagery on banknotes and how this might translate into conservation gains.

The authors wish to acknowledge the significant contribution made by Beaudee Newbery in collating and analysing the wildlife depictions on global banknotes as part of his research at Griffith University.The Conversation

Guy Castley, Associate Professor, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University and Clare Morrison, Lecturer in Ecology, Griffith University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Your world is different from a pigeon’s – but a new theory explains how we can still live in the same reality

Edijs K/Shutterstock
Catherine LeggDeakin University

The human eye registers three colours of light: red, green and blue. But pigeons (and many other animal species) can also see a fourth colour, ultraviolet.

The “four-dimensional” colour space pigeons see may contain millions more colours than ours. To a pigeon, for example, many flowers show patterns that are invisible to us.

Despite the long history of close association between our species, we might say humans and pigeons live in quite different worlds. If different species effectively live in different worlds, does that mean our biology constructs reality?

The question of whether reality exists outside or inside our heads has troubled philosophers for millennia. In a recent paper, my colleague André Sant’Anna and I propose a pragmatic way to resolve this dilemma, based on inquiry and action.

How many worlds are there?

There is a long tradition in philosophy called “realism”. In the realist view, there is just one world with pre-given features that are independent of the mind observing them – and discovering these features is the job of science.

But if something is entirely independent of our minds, how can we know it with our minds? Isn’t this a contradiction in terms?

So there is an equally long history of philosophical argument that the features of reality somehow depend on experience. These thinkers claim that reality does not come pre-carved (at what Plato famously described as a natural set of “joints”). There are as many worlds as there are sets of experiences, and each set of experiences creates a unique perspective (or what Edmund Husserl called a “life-world”).

This deep dispute over the nature of reality and worlds has arisen in almost every generation of philosophers.

How do our bodies shape our experience of the world?

There is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional realism called “enactivism”, which draws inspiration from cognitive science.

Enactivism made its debut in 1990, in a book by Francisco J. Varela, Eleanor Rosch and Evan Thompson called The Embodied Mind. Bringing together scientific biology, Husserl’s life-worlds and Buddhist philosophy, the authors theorised that just as a living creature grows and repairs its own body, it “enacts” its own environment as having features of importance to itself, such as food or danger.

Photo of a blue flower with a tracery of faint white lines.
Some flowers show different patterns in ultraviolet light. ClaraHF/Shutterstock

As Thompson later wrote,

a cognitive being’s world – whatever that being is able to experience, know, and practically handle – is conditioned by that being’s form or structure.

The limits of the life-world

On the face of it, though, enactivism leaves certain important questions unanswered.

Photo of a stuffed pigeon.
The stuffed body of Cher Ami on display in the Smithsonian. US Signal Corps via Wikimedia

First, how do species successfully interact with each other when their perceptual capacities seem to put them in quite different life-worlds? For instance, during the first world war, a pigeon named Cher Ami heroically carried a message that saved the lives of 200 British soldiers despite being shot down by enemy fire, for which he was awarded a gold medal.

Second, it seems scientists should be able to investigate how different species’ different bodies create different perceptual experiences. But if all species – including ourselves – are “locked up” in their own life-worlds, such inquiry is impossible.

These two issues are what we set out to resolve in our recent paper.

Do shared experiences and actions create reality?

We propose a new alternative to the dilemma of understanding reality as either pre-given or located in subjective individual experiences, drawing on the ideas of pragmatist philosopher Charles Peirce. We argue for an inquiry-based realism, whereby reality depends on our minds but is still public and objective.

As we explain it, reality is grasped through pragmatic agreement. This means individuals align their expectations about what others will do in similar lived situations.

So, for instance, although a WWI soldier and a pigeon with their different eye structures perceive a shooting enemy quite differently, they pragmatically agree that he is dangerous when they both move away. As we saw with Cher Ami, humans and pigeons can also agree on the supreme importance of reaching “home base” with a delivery.

This highlights a key characteristic of pragmatist philosophy. It does not define cognition as a kind of consciousness, an idea that has led to apparently insoluble philosophical problems.

Rather, pragmatists view knowledge of reality as implicit in what we can do, most especially what we can do with others.

Pragmatic agreement with other species

Of course, there will be many matters on which different species do not currently have pragmatic agreement. For instance, while humans and pigeons both understand the danger of an enemy firing a gun, it would be lost on a dung beetle happily feeding in the same WWI trench.

But we should not hastily conclude from this that reality must always be plural. Peirce’s inquiry-based account of reality expresses an optimistic hope that over time we can find ways to bring species into ever greater pragmatic agreement.

Unlike a human or pigeon, a dung beetle would not perceive somebody firing a gun as a threat. Klimek Pavol/Shutterstock

What is required is that we put ourselves into the same environments, do similar things, and develop shared goals. Thus Peirce defined truth as “the opinion which is fated to be ultimately agreed to by all who investigate”.

We believe our account provides a nuanced and original vision of reality for enactivism. It allows creatures’ unique perceptual powers a role in shaping their own reality, but it also allows that reality is objective, in a different way than traditional realism.

We are arguably only beginning to understand how to understand the realities in which non-human animals live. Peirce’s philosophy shows us how such understanding can be achieved over time. And if we can manage to increase our pragmatic agreement with other species, we stand to receive many gifts in widening the reality in which we ourselves live.The Conversation

Catherine Legg, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Deakin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Ghosts of species past: shedding new light on the demise of NZ’s moa can help other flightless birds

Paul Martinson / Te PapaCC BY-NC-ND
Damien FordhamUniversity of AdelaideJamie WoodUniversity of AdelaideMark V. LomolinoState University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Sean TomlinsonUniversity of Adelaide

New Zealand was once home to giant flightless birds called moa. They had grown accustomed to life without predators. So the arrival of humans in the mid-13th century presented a massive – and ultimately insurmountable – challenge to their existence.

Moa were unable to cope with even low levels of hunting by people. All nine species of moa were driven to extinction soon after first contact with humans. These moa populations collapsed and disappeared so swiftly it seemed impossible to trace their declines, until now.

In our new research, we reconstructed patterns of population decline, range contraction and extinction for six moa species. We simulated interactions of moa with humans and their surroundings using hundreds of thousands of scenarios. Then we validated these simulations against information from fossils.

We found all six species collapsed and converged on the cold, isolated mountains of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. These happen to be the same sites where the last of New Zealand’s flightless birds can be found today.

A watercolour painting of the crested moa (_Pachyornis australis_) from the series: Extinct Birds of New Zealand.
New Zealand’s giant flightless birds, such as the crested moa (Pachyornis australis) shown here, retreated to cold, isolated mountaintops as they headed for extinction. Paul Martinson / Te PapaCC BY-NC-ND

The Polynesian colonisation of New Zealand

Oceanic islands tend to be hotspots of biodiversity, harbouring some of the most bizarre evolutionary marvels on Earth. They include daisies the size of treeselephants the size of great Danes, and countless species of flightless birds.

Unfortunately, islands are also hotspots of extinction. This is particularly true for oceanic islands in the Pacific, which were among the last areas on the planet to have been settled and transformed by humanity.

Human expansion across the Pacific began some 4,000 years ago, when people set out on extraordinary sea voyages from Taiwan. They first headed south into the Philippines, and then onto some of the most isolated islands on the planet.

These daring journeys required impressive seafaring vessels and navigational skills to cross thousands of kilometres of open waters.

Migration into central and east Polynesia was the final phase of these ancient voyages. It culminated in the colonisation of the New Zealand Archipelago in the mid-13th century by Polynesians, the ancestors of Māori.

People started fires, hunted animals and introduced invasive species – including Pacific rats. Accordingly, New Zealand’s unique biodiversity was decimated in one of the largest and most rapid collapses of native wildlife in the Pacific.

A watercolour portrait of the North Island giant moa _Dinornis novaezealandiae_ from the series: Extinct Birds of New Zealand.
Moa ate fruit, seeds, leaves and grasses. The North Island giant moa Dinornis novaezealandiae lasted longer than other species. Paul Martinson / Te PapaCC BY-NC-ND

Range collapses and extinctions of moa

Moa disappeared within three centuries of human arrival. But they didn’t all go at once.

Our research suggests Mantell’s moa went first, within just 100 years. Almost another 100 years would pass before the extinction of any other moa species.

Mantell’s moa was especially vulnerable to extinction because of its slow population growth rate. Unfortunately, even low but sustained harvesting well exceeded the bird’s capacity to reproduce and compensate for these losses.

Other species were slightly more resilient. They benefited from attributes such as higher growth rates, larger ranges, bigger populations or better abilities to live at higher altitudes (far from people).

The stout-legged moa lasted the longest. It finally disappeared some three centuries after human arrival.

Our research suggests all moa disappeared from high-quality lowland habitats first. These were places favoured by people.

The rate of population decline then decreased as you go higher into the mountains and further away from the coastline.

It was previously thought the ranges of species under pressure would contract to their optimal or preferred habitats, where they were most abundant, rather than as far away from people as they could get.

A watercolour painting showing the rear view of Mantell's moa (_Pachyornis geranoides_), one of New Zealand's extinct flightless birds
Our research suggests Mantell’s moa (Pachyornis geranoides) was the first moa species hunted to extinction. Paul Martinson / Te PapaCC BY-NC-ND

Today’s flightless birds cling to moa refuges

Our research also took a closer look at the distribution of New Zealand’s living flightless birds.

Closeup of a critically endangered kākāpō, a nocturnal, flightless parrot
The critically endangered kākāpō. FeatherStalker Don, Shutterstock

It turns out ancient moa refuges now harbour populations of endangered native flightless birds including the takahē, weka and great spotted kiwi. Moa refuges were also the last mainland habitats for the critically endangered kākāpō.

These sites do not provide optimal habitat for living flightless birds either. Rather, they remain the most isolated and relatively untouched by humanity.

While New Zealand’s remaining flightless birds are no longer being hunted to extinction, threats to their survival still align with human activity.

Habitat loss and impacts of invasive species follows waves of European settlement across New Zealand, which gradually progressed from lowland sites to the less hospitable, cold and mountainous regions.

Efforts to conserve New Zealand’s remaining flightless birds can heed lessons from the ghosts of species past. The sad demise of the moa highlights the immense importance of isolated areas. If we are to prevent future extinctions, we need to protect and preserve these remote, wild places.

Our research also offers a new approach to understanding past extinctions, especially on islands where fossil and archaeological data are limited.The Conversation

Damien Fordham, Associate Professor of Global Change Ecology, University of AdelaideJamie Wood, Senior Lecturer, Ecology and Evolution, University of AdelaideMark V. Lomolino, Professor emeritus, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Sean Tomlinson, Research Associate, Ecology and Evolution, University of Adelaide

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The greenest games ever? How claims of Olympic sustainability hit a reef in Tahiti

Getty Images
Belinda WheatonUniversity of Waikato and Holly ThorpeUniversity of Waikato

A greener games? Certainly that is what Paris promised when it made environmental sustainability, innovation and leadership central to its successful bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Organising Committee promised “historic” progress on climate goals, halving the carbon footprint of previous games in Rio and London.

To achieve this, Paris will cut carbon emissions across travel, construction and operations such as catering and accommodation. All Olympic sites will connect to the public electricity grid, avoiding diesel electricity generation.

To enhance social, economic and environmental sustainability, new construction has been minimised by using existing and temporary venues.

All laudable objectives that align with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) goal of using the games to “inspire sustainable futures around the world”. Despite the bold claims, however, the way Paris has delivered its surfing event in Tahiti illustrates just how challenging it is to turn rhetoric into reality.

Tahitian coast and mountains viewed from the ocean with small craft in foreground
Tahiti’s southwestern coast makes a spectacular backdrop for the Olympic surfing events. Getty Images

Olympic surfing on a Pacific atoll

Surfing debuted at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020-21. But an international surfing event is challenging to organise and run, and few cities can guarantee quality waves and ideal weather conditions for the duration.

While the Tokyo surfing ran smoothly, the wave quality on the Japanese east coast was not ideal for high-performance competition.

Initial reports suggested Paris was building an artificial wave pool. But such an energy intensive and costly facility would have been difficult to align with the host’s sustainability goals.

France’s Atlantic coast then became the favoured venue, but was later supplanted by Teahupo’o in Tahiti, French Polynesia, almost 16,000 kilometres from Paris.

While the IOC has been committed to a “one host city” model, recent policy changes in its Agenda 2020+5 allow for increased flexibility. Hosting the Olympics can now involve several cities and even regions or countries.

And it’s not hard to see why Teahupo’o became the preferred option. One of the world’s most challenging and dramatic surf breaks, it is already part of the pro surfing world circuit (although until recently it was deemed too dangerous for women, who were excluded from 2006 till 2022).

In 2024 it will showcase the spectacular, athletic nature of modern surfing against a stunning Polynesian island backdrop. Holding the event in Tahiti, it was claimed, would “bring a sense of belonging to overseas French territories”.

In the end, however, the choice of surfing venue has proved highly controversial, causing local and international protest.

Local versus global

Teahupo’o is a small settlement on the main island of Tahiti’s southwestern coast. Locals first became alarmed when leaked plans for an Olympic village revealed vast new infrastructure.

This included two-lane roads, a car bridge, electricity groundwork, coastal embankments, a floating pontoon for spectators and scaffolding for 200 officials.

Residents and environmental groups quickly responded, raising media attention and demanding greater transparency and public participation. As Teahupo’o mayor Roniu Poaru stated:

Our population accepts the Olympic Games, but that comes with conditions […] the goal is to preserve our environment.

Compromises were eventually reached. New infrastructure would be kept to a minimum, with competitors living on a cruise ship. Olympic staff, press and officials would be housed with residents or in local guesthouses.

With limited capacity for live spectators, viewing screens will be set up in the local town and in the capital, Papeeti.

Woman surfer on wave with hands raised
‘It’s a spiritual belief’ – Vahine Fierro during the women’s final of the Tahiti Pro competition at Teahupo'o earlier this year. Getty Images

Tower of trouble

The greatest concern, however, has been over the construction of a new aluminium judging tower to replace the existing structure, which was deemed unsafe by the Olympic organisers.

This involved drilling into the delicate coral reef, which scientists say could have dire consequences for the reef ecosystems.

A global petition was launched to stop the new tower. The International Surfing Association, which is responsible for developing and running Olympic surfing, said it would not support any new construction on the reef.

Despite this, the head of the Paris organising committee and President of French Polynesia were said to be “in lockstep together” and “united in their desire to see the judging tower built”. And so it was, albeit a scaled back version.

But many Tahitians remain upset at what they saw as a disrespectful process. Tahitian surfer Vahiné Fierro, who is representing France in the event, described the reef environment as “our temple”:

It’s a spiritual belief, living incarnation of our heritage, and our ancestral land.

Ironically, as our earlier research revealed, such beliefs express the very essence of surfing’s Polynesian origins, which the IOC has been so keen to showcase through surfing’s inclusion in the Olympics.

‘Greenwashing gold’

The controversy surrounding the surfing event at the Paris Olympics highlights the many challenges in delivering sustainable mega-events.

Many scholars and activists remain unconvinced by the IOC’s environmental claims, and have questioned whether the organisation is really “greenwashing gold”.

Indeed, the IOC continues to be highly selective about how it measures its operations to support various Utopian projections and environmental promises. And research evaluating Olympic sustainability between 1992 and 2020 has shown it has declined over time.

According to Georgina Grenon, the environmental excellence director for Paris 2024:

We want to show that another model is possible and create a legacy for major sporting events. We don’t claim to be perfect, but we want to show that we can do things differently.

Hosting the surfing event in Tahiti is certainly doing things differently. But it raises yet more questions about the IOC’s claims of leadership in environmental sustainability.The Conversation

Belinda Wheaton, Professor, School of Sport, Health and Human Performance, University of Waikato and Holly Thorpe, Professor in Sociology of Sport and Gender, University of Waikato

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Timber venues, river swimming and re-use: how the Paris Olympics is going green – and what it’s missing

A temporary stadium in the Champ-de-Mars, Paris. Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock
Tony HeynenThe University of Queensland and Prabhakaran Vanaraja AmbethThe University of Queensland

As Paris prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the sustainability of the event is coming under scrutiny.

The organisers have promoted Paris 2024 as the greenest Olympics ever, aiming to halve the carbon emissions of previous Olympics. They have drastically cut back on building new stadiums and venues, and have relied heavily on wood as a building material for new infrastructure and used low-carbon concrete. This approach has another benefit: it’s cheaper.

But hosting the world’s biggest sporting event, with thousands of athletes and millions of spectators, will still come at an environmental cost.

This has led to calls for a radical rethink of the Olympic Games, including for it to be scaled back. But longer term, Paris 2024’s sustainability efforts may create a lasting legacy for the city – and for future games.

The Greenest Games?

The vision for Paris 2024 is simple: “do more with less, do better and leave a useful legacy”.

These Games will be the first to align with the sustainability-focused New Norm plan outlined by the International Olympics Committee.

Hosting the Olympics is a huge undertaking. Previous Olympics have seen host cities spend billions on new stadiums and competition venues. But once the competition is over, many of these expensive buildings are little used – or even abandoned.

It’s also carbon intensive. Paris organisers intend to halve the emissions of London 2012 and Rio 2016, but even so, these games will add an estimated two million tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere – the same as the annual emissions of a small country like Malta or the Bahamas. Paris won’t have the lowest emissions of recent Olympics – the COVID-affected, spectator-free Tokyo 2020 Games takes that title.

How are these games greener?

To make the Paris Games greener than they have been, organisers have come at the challenge from many directions.

First, authorities are using what they already have. Fully 95% of all Olympic infrastructure was already there. Temporary stadiums have been built near famous landmarks, to make use of the spectacular setting. But only one permanent venue has been built – the aquatics centre, built largely from carbon-storing timber, covered in solar panels and with an advanced water recycling system. After the games, it will become a community venue.

Athletes will certainly notice the focus on sustainability. The athletes’ village – which will be repurposed afterwards as social housing – has no built-in air conditioning. Instead, it was meant to rely on natural breezes and a geo-thermal cooling system. This move proved controversial, and many teams – including Australia’s – began planning to bring portable aircon to ensure athletes can sleep well during the summer nights. Organisers have changed course, and have moved to install 2,500 portable units.

athletes village paris
The athletes’ village was built to be green – but aircon proved a sticking point. Antonin Albert/Shutterstock

Athletes and spectators will notice a change in their food. Over 60% of meal options will be vegetarian, helping to lower the carbon footprint.

The Olympic venues will be powered exclusively by renewable energy. This is a big change. Previous games have powered their venues with noisy generators, to ensure there are no power outages.

As part of a “circular economy” approach, 90% of the products used for Paris 2024 come from recycled materials or will be re-used later. The medals, for example, are of fully recycled metal, including an original piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower. Mattresses from the athletes’ village will be re-used by the French army. In the background, apps and checklists are being used to map and assess the carbon footprint of every aspect of games delivery.

So why are there still lingering concerns? Critics have pointed out these laudable efforts can only go so far.

About 50% of the emissions from the Paris Games will come from the travel and accommodation of athletes, officials and millions of spectators. These emissions – especially from air travel – are very hard to reduce. Organisers will use carbon offsets in a number of countries to compensate for these emissions. As our recent assessment of Brisbane’s 2032 Games shows, relying on offsets is not the most sustainable option compared with reducing emissions in the first place.

paris airport people
It’s hard to green the games entirely, given millions of people will travel to see them. Marc Bruxelle/Shutterstock

Are the Olympics compatible with a greener future?

Allegations of “greenwashing” have been levelled at some of the over-hyped credentials of the Paris Games. And more generally, critics have argued the Olympics in their current form are not compatible with a greener future. Some want the Olympics to adopt a decentralised model sharing hosting over multiple countries.

The World Cup will use this model in 2030, but still faces mounting criticism of the transport emissions necessary as teams and spectators traverse three continents.

Others have argued the games should be rotated on a roster of just three or four cities, which already have the appropriate infrastructure.

For their part, the International Olympic Committee has pointed to the power of the games to bring the world together in fractious times.

There are other benefits to the current system. Cities which host the Olympics Games have a rare opportunity to think bigger. In Paris, authorities have invested a whopping A$2.2 billion in infrastructure to clean up its long-polluted river – allowing it to be used for open-water swimming and triathlon in the Olympics and providing a cleaner river for Parisians to enjoy. As Olympic authorities focus on sustainability, host cities can use the Paris example and go further to become global role models.

We may well need novel forms of carbon accounting to quantify the legacy of hosting the Olympics. The new idea of Scope 4 emissions allows researchers to account for emissions avoided in the future due to Olympic initiatives. For example, the 415km of cycleways connecting Paris’s Olympic venues will be used by the public long after these games end.

The Paris Games may well be remembered not only for photo finishes and new records, but for the sustainability efforts of the organisers. While these games aren’t emissions-free, they are a substantial improvement over their predecessors. Let’s hope the organisers of future games, including Brisbane, pick up the baton.

Alexandre Urban contributed to this articleThe Conversation

Tony Heynen, Program Coordinator, Sustainable Energy, The University of Queensland and Prabhakaran Vanaraja Ambeth, PhD student, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Paris Olympics promote sustainability for good reason: Climate change is putting athletes and their sports at risk

The 2024 Summer Olympics go for green as organizers try to slash their carbon footprint. AP Photo/Michel Euler
Brian P. McCulloughUniversity of Michigan

Europe is in the midst of a heat wave, and while Olympic athletes in Paris for the 2024 Summer Games might be spared the worst of it, the weather will still be hot.

As global temperatures have risen, major sporting events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup have had to adapt to high heat and extreme storms to keep athletes and fans safe and allow the games to go on.

Olympic organizers have moved events such as marathons to early mornings and even to cooler cities. FIFA, the governing body for world soccer, pushed the 2022 Men’s World Cup back from its usual time in June to late November so it could be held in Qatar.

A sand court with bleachers on all sides and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Many of the Olympic events, such as beach volleyball, will be played outside in the heat. AP Photo/Thomas Padilla

The heat risks and the environmental impact of major sporting events have led some people to question whether these events should be held at all. But as someone who studies sport management and sustainability in an area I coined “sport ecology,” I believe that radical approach misses the benefits, including the Olympics’ ability to promote sustainable actions to the public worldwide.

How rising global heat affects the Olympics

Sports have good reason for caring about sustainability: Climate change can put athletes’ and fans’ health at risk and even put the future of some sports in doubt.

Winter sports face the greatest threats from climate change as temperatures rise and precipitation changes, dramatically shortening winter sports seasons in many areas. In 2022, the Beijing Winter Games had to artificially create snow so it could have ski runs at all. The International Olympic Committee has delayed its decision to select Winter Games host cities for 2030 and beyond because of the uncertainty of winter sports.

In the summer, global warming fuels extreme heat and storms that can affect the quality of the competition and the health of the athletes and spectators.

Major sport federations and leagues, as well as the Olympics, have responded to the risks by delaying competitions to cooler times of day or yearimplementing water breaks and offering more player substitutions.

Organizers of the Tokyo Summer Games, held amid a fierce heat wave in 2021, had preemptively moved the marathon to Sapporo, more than 500 miles north of Tokyo, so athletes could run in cooler weather. They also delayed competitions during the Games to avoid extreme heat and excessive rain.

Olympic progress toward sustainability

Any large event like the Olympics can produce vast carbon emissions through its construction, transportation needs and energy use.

That impact, and the risks it creates for sports and their athletes, are why sustainability has been a pillar of the Olympic charter since 1996 and is a focus of its planning for the future. In 2012, the London Olympics pioneered a new international certification standard, ISO2012, which provides guidelines for any large event to make more sustainable choices, from construction to catering.

The 2024 Paris Games, from July 26 to Aug. 11, and Paralympic Games, Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, are certified to the latest standard, and organizers are taking many steps to reduce their climate impact.

The organizers plan to power the events’ operations with 100% renewable energy from wind and solar. They are using existing venues when possible, had new ones built with low-carbon concrete and recycled materials, and brought in thousands of seats made of recycled plastic.

All furniture and temporary buildings approved for the Games also must have a contractually guaranteed second life, rather than going into a landfill. All of the competition venues are on public transportation, allowing for fewer vehicles in the streets. Even the food is targeted for a 50% emissions cut compared with the average meal by increasing the use of plant-based foods. The Paralympics will use the same venues and housing in the weeks that follow.

A stadium with an open roof showing a bright blue track and green field below.
The Stade de France, originally built for the 1998 World Cup, will host many of the 2024 Paris Games’ track and field events. AP Photo/Thomas Padilla

That doesn’t mean the 2024 Olympics won’t have a large carbon footprint, however, particularly as many spectators and athletes arrive by plane. But the organizers are aiming for the construction and operations emissions to be half those of the London and Rio Games in 2012 and 2016.

World’s fair of sustainability

The Paris Olympic Games is an example of what large sporting events can do to reduce their impact on the environment and promote sustainability solutions to a global audience. Spectators will experience sustainability firsthand, and organizers will promote the Games’ sustainability efforts.

Such campaigns can influence people’s everyday behaviors and even increase their advocacy for sustainability in their home communities.

Suggestions to reduce the scale and size of sports events or even eliminate commercialized sports, ending spectator sports as we know them, overlook the ability of sports to influence and change human behavior.

Sustainability efforts at the Paris Games.

Sustainability is a constantly evolving process of learning from the past to improve for the future.

The 2024 Olympics’ strategies, building on those used in previous events, and what Paris learns in carrying them out, will also help in planning for future events, including the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

In essence, the Olympic Games, the largest sporting event in the world, is a sport sustainability world’s fair. It highlights what is possible for a sporting event through collaborations with international corporations to reduce its environmental impact. And it influences others to follow suit, whether that is other sporting events, leagues and federations or spectators from around the world.The Conversation

Brian P. McCullough, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Michigan

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

False stereotypes mean endangered animals are being protected in the wrong places

Nick Harvey Sky
Nick Harvey SkyChr. Michelsen Institute and Susanne ShultzUniversity of Manchester

Giant panda reclining in cloudy hills eating bamboo, European bison picking their way through gloomy and lichen-draped forests and Cape mountain zebra roaming arid mountains. Ideas of how and where these species live are fixed in the public imagination, in conservation practice and even in some species’ names – but they may simply be stereotypes.

Species stereotypes can develop when research is carried out on a small, biased sample that isn’t representative of a species’ entire natural range. They often give an overly narrow, or just plain wrong, idea of what is needed for survival and breeding.

This problem is particularly acute after range declines, as something can’t be studied where it no longer exists. The idea that the giant panda is so often depicted as eating bamboo may be an artefact of them being restricted to “ecologically suboptimal refuges” rather than a quirk of evolution. In an ideal world, pandas would use a wider range of forest types and have a varied diet much more similar to other bears.

What this means for conservation is that protected areas may not be ideal for the species they are supposedly there to protect.

panda eating bamboo
Pandas evolved to eat more than bamboo. Matyas Rehak / shutterstock

Similar to the common assumption that pandas prefer to live only on bamboo, there has long been a belief among conservationists that the critically endangered black rhino, given the choice, prefer to eat acacia trees.

But we thought that understanding of black rhino biology, including its diet, could also be a stereotype because habitat loss and the ongoing threat of poaching mean populations are mostly fenced into isolated reserves dotted across the species’ former range.

They are also an excellent test case for busting stereotypes because intensive anti-poaching monitoring has produced some of the most detailed information on births and deaths for any free-living species.

Rhinos struggling in their supposedly ideal habitat

We conducted research in three reserves across the Laikipia plateau in northern Kenya: Lewa, Ol Jogi and Ol Pejeta. This region’s upland savanna ecosystem is exceptional as it has maintained a community of large mammals that can mostly freely migrate. Black rhino however are fixed in place by special fences, and growing numbers mean that rhino are being moved to found new populations. The risk of new populations failing to establish themselves is heightened if the identification of new areas are based on a species stereotype.

Black rhinos are considered to mainly eat trees and to prefer acacia, distinctively thorny and often flat-topped. So when rhinos eat grass it’s taken as an indicator of poor habitat, or of competition with other tree and shrub browsers such as elephants.

The first hint of a stereotype was our finding that females in Ol Jogi have fewer calves and die younger than those in Lewa and Ol Pejeta. This was surprising because Ol Jogi should be an ideal habitat.

Savannah landscape at sunset
Ol Jogi’s acacia trees should be perfect for black rhinos – in theory. tonyzhao120 / shutterstock

The Ol Jogi landscape is classic East African savanna, with rocky outcrops standing proud above wooded grassland. In the dry season the green of the dominant acacia trees stands out against the straw-coloured grass and the red-brown earth. Acacia makes up a higher proportion of the trees here than on the other two reserves, so why should the black rhino population be struggling? By picking up dung and sequencing the plant DNA found within it, we have uncovered at least part of the story.

Rhinos actually prefer grass

The idea for this research was that how an animal’s diet changes from season to season can uncover what its preferred diet would be. For a savanna herbivore, there is far more to eat in the wet season so we expect that they should focus on finding the best food available. In contrast, in the dry season they should eat whatever they can get their teeth into.

In the wet season, we found that black rhino consistently ate less acacia and more grass. The more acacia a rhino ate in the dry season, the larger the shift away from it in the wet season. Together, this suggests that grass is actually a preferred food and acacia functions as a “fallback food”.

Importantly for conservation, females with larger seasonal dietary shifts, which were restricted to acacia in the dry season, bred more slowly. Most of the acacia-eating, diet-shifting, slow-breeding females live on Ol Jogi, whereas rhinos on the other two reserves could consume more grass year-round and breed more often.

The heavy reliance of Ol Jogi rhino on acacia as a fallback food, which leads to slower breeding, and the historically overlooked importance of grass, can at least partly explain why the population does not perform as well. This is crucial for black rhino conservation because habitats are deemed suitable or not largely based on the availability of trees, and particularly acacia.

Conservation may be incorrectly estimating how many rhinos reserves can support, and risk identifying areas where rhino will breed slowly, and be at risk of dying out, as prime habitat. Money and effort may be wasted by trying to conserve this iconic species in the wrong places.

More widely, many species are confined to small parts of their historic range. We cannot just assume that they have clung on in optimal habitat, where they live now may just be a historical accident. Conservation needs to explicitly test where and how species do best, or it may squander its limited resources and the best chances we have to prevent extinctions.The Conversation

Nick Harvey Sky, Postdoctoral researcher, Chr. Michelsen Institute and Susanne Shultz, University Research Fellow, University of Manchester

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Fewer bees and other pollinating insects lead to shrinking crops

Insects are the primary pollinators of most flowers and crops. Niklas_Weidner/500px via Getty Images
Rachel MallingerUniversity of Florida

Many plants, from crops to carnations, cannot bear fruit or reproduce without bees, beetles, butterflies and other insects to pollinate them. But the population of insect pollinators is dropping in the U.S., due in part to pesticides, climate change, invasive plants and diminished habitats. Rachel Mallinger, assistant professor of entomology at the University of Florida, explains why these insects are in decline and how homeowners can create yards and gardens that are good for pollinators.

Rachel Mallinger discusses insect pollination.

The Conversation has collaborated with SciLine to bring you highlights from the discussion that have been edited for brevity and clarity.

What kind of insects pollinate?

Rachel Mallinger: A lot of different insects pollinate. Insects visit flowers for many purposes, often for food, to get nectar or to get pollen. Sometimes they’ll visit flowers to mate or to lay eggs or as refuge. Bees are the primary pollinators for a lot of plants, but flies, wasps, beetles and butterflies also play an important role.

How ecologically critical are insect pollinators?

Mallinger: A small percentage of flowering plants are pollinated primarily by wind, but new research suggests that as much as 90% require animal pollinators. Although birds, bats and other mammals also pollinate, insects are the main pollinators for the vast majority of those plants.

Without insects and their pollination, these plants would not be able to reproduce, and we would see a dramatic decline in plant diversity and abundance. Without insect pollinators, these plants wouldn’t produce the seeds and the fruit that feed many animals – including people.

Have insect pollinator populations declined?

Mallinger: Recent studies have shown pretty dramatic declines in insects generally, and this has been shown even in conservation lands. So we think that in highly developed areas, insect declines are probably even more dramatic.

I study primarily native wild bees. Here in North America, we have between 4,000 and 5,000 species. For many species, we don’t know if they’re declining. Of the ones that we do have some information on, it’s estimated that about half are declining and about a quarter are imperiled and potentially on the road to going extinct.

The insect pollinators that tend to be most at risk are ones that are specialists – those that require really unique, specialized food or nesting resources. Also ones that already have a limited range. For example, maybe they are found only on islands or in a small area.

Although many bee populations are in danger, there’s much you can do to help.

What about the economic importance of insect pollinators?

Mallinger: Crops pollinated by animals, primarily insects, make up about one-third of our agricultural production in terms of acreage. A study in the state of Georgia found over US$360 million per year in crop pollination services provided by insects in that state alone.

What do insect pollinators need to be healthy?

Mallinger: Aside from pollen and nectar, some insect pollinators require additional food sources. For example, butterflies in the caterpillar stage need foliage from their host plants.

Other insect pollinators, like wasps and flies, are carnivores in the larval stage, so during that time they need to eat small arthropods – like spiders and centipedes – and insects.

Beyond that, they need nesting habitat. The majority of our insect pollinators nest below ground, and so they need ground that is relatively undisturbed, bare and accessible. Other pollinators nest in woody debris, stems and reeds. And some pollinators, like butterflies, just lay their eggs on host plants.

Additionally, pollinators need environments that are free from toxins. So they need environments that are not regularly sprayed with pesticides, including insecticides.

What stressors are leading to declines in insect pollinator populations?

Mallinger: I would say there are five main stressors.

Land use change is one. This can be the conversion of wild lands to agriculture or to development.

Climate change is another stressor. It changes the average temperature that these pollinators are experiencing and increases the chance of extreme temperatures and weather events. Hurricanes and flooding can be really detrimental and destroy the habitat for pollinators.

Third, pesticides and other chemicals in our environment that are toxic.

Invasive plants can be really detrimental for pollinators. They can take over an area and replace the native plants that pollinators depend on. That’s four.

And finally, pathogens and parasites.

All five of these stressors can interact. For example, climate change may increase the likelihood of invasive plant species, pathogens and parasites thriving. Land use change can also increase the likelihood of invasive species.

What can homeowners do to help pollinators?

Mallinger: Planting a diversity of flowering plants for pollinators is one of the best things you can do. Aim to have at least three plants flowering at any given time, and look for a diversity of flower colors and shapes. Different pollinators have different preferences. You can have flowers that are yellow, blue, purple, pink, red and white.

In terms of floral shapes, plant some flowers that are flat and are accessible for pollinators with small mouthparts. And also plant some flowers with medium-length tubes, and some with long tubes.

Focus on native plants and try to seek out plants that might not just be the common types that you find in the big box stores. Go to native plant nurseries and seek out resources online.

Additionally, try to have nesting habitat in your garden. If the space allows, have some woody debris around for the pollinators that nest above ground. This can include things like logs, stems and reeds. Also manage your area to be as chemical-free as possible. This includes reducing pesticide use.

Keep in mind that many pollinators that nest below ground are not aggressive and are solitary. It’s just one individual pollinator and her nest.

Watch the full interview to hear more.

SciLine is a free service based at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a nonprofit that helps journalists include scientific evidence and experts in their news stories.The Conversation

Rachel Mallinger, Professor of Entomology, University of Florida

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Counter-drug strategies in Central America are worsening deforestation, threatening many species of birds

Baltimore orioles breed in eastern and central North America, then migrate south to wintering grounds in Florida, the Caribbean and Central America. phototrip/istock via Getty Images
Amanda D. RodewaldCornell University

Activities associated with cocaine trafficking threaten two-thirds of the most important landscapes in Central America for 196 forest bird species, including 67 migratory species. This is the key takeaway from a study that colleagues and I published in June 2024 in the journal Nature Sustainability.

Our findings suggest that there is real potential for drug-related deforestation to negatively affect populations of migratory birds. Many of these species are unusually concentrated in winter in Central America, which has a comparatively smaller area than their summer breeding regions in North America.

For 1 in 5 migratory species that travel to Central American forests annually, including familiar birds like the Baltimore oriole, more than 50% of their global population winters in areas that are becoming more attractive to traffickers. For half of migratory species, at least 25% of their populations winter in these areas.

Baltimore oriole range map during breeding, non-breeding and migratory seasons.
Baltimore orioles are widely dispersed across the U.S. and Canada during breeding season, but are much more concentrated in Central America and northern South America in winter. eBirdCC BY-ND

As examples, an estimated 90% of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler population spends winters in these vulnerable landscapes, along with 70% of Philadelphia vireos and 70% of golden-winged warblers.

Why it matters

Nearly half of Earth’s migratory bird species are declining, and 1 in 5 species are at risk of extinction. Since 1970, North America alone has lost 3 billion breeding birds – more than 25% of its total population. Birds perform many important ecological roles, including eating insects, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds, and their presence often is a reliable measure of the overall health of an ecosystem.

The illicit drug trade is a major driver of forest loss in Central America. Drug traffickers cut down tropical forests to create landing strips and roads, and to establish farms and ranches. They use these businesses to launder their profits into the legal economy.

These activities, in turn, often lead to further forest loss, development and criminal activities. In some Central American countries, so-called narco-deforestation is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all deforestation.

A growing body of evidence suggests that current drug policies and interdiction strategies, which focus almost exclusively on drug suppliers, are making narco-deforestation worse. Traffickers may respond to interdiction efforts by shifting activities to more remote and intact forested areas – zones that are especially important for wildlife.

Indeed, one recent study showed that U.S.-led interdiction efforts within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor – a patchwork of protected areas that runs from Mexico to Panama – pushed traffickers into zones with the highest densities of jaguars in Central America.

Black polygons on this map highlight areas in Central America that provide habitat in winter for migratory birds and are becoming more suitable for narco-trafficking. In North America, darker colors indicate regions that support greater numbers of these species during breeding season. Rodewald et al., 2024CC BY-ND

How we did our work

More than 1 million birdwatchers have submitted data to eBird, a global participatory science initiative that collects observations to document bird distribution, abundance, habitat use and trends. This information helps scientists understand in detail how numbers of birds in particular locations change through the year, and to diagnose and mitigate key threats to bird populations.

In our study, we combined eBird data on bird abundance and distribution with previously published information on changes in the likelihood that landscapes would experience cocaine trafficking in the future. We summarized these changes as a measure of “suitability” for drug-related activities.

Suitability, in this case, was estimated from social and environmental features that have been shown to be attractive to narco traffickers. For example, areas that are forested, far from roads and sparsely populated are more likely to conceal activities than heavily used areas near towns.

Map showing where deforestation and important areas used by migratory birds overlap
This map shows important landscapes for 67 migratory forest bird species (purple) in Central America; areas becoming more suitable for narco-trafficking (peach); and zones where these two uses overlap (brown). Rodewald et al., 2024CC BY-ND

What’s next

Our study adds to existing evidence that drug interdiction efforts may push trafficking activities into increasingly remote and forested areas, many of which provide important habitat for migrating birds. Narco-trafficking is just one reminder that the futures of humans and nature are tightly intertwined.

To avert negative consequences for people and nature, governments could consider expanding or strengthening measures to help local communities monitor and protect their land. Research shows that community control often is an effective way to conserve natural areas, reduce poverty and protect wildlife.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.The Conversation

Amanda D. Rodewald, Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Compulsory voting in Australia is 100 years old. We should celebrate how special it makes our democracy

Paul StrangioMonash University

For nearly 200 years, the notion of American political exceptionalism has had currency in the United States: it is an idea rooted in the nation’s status as the first modern republic. As we watch from afar, disturbed yet mesmerised by the latest chapter of violent political division in America, the country seems less a paragon than a symbol of democratic pathology.

America’s certainty in its political uniqueness is symptomatic of a brash national chauvinism. By way of contrast, Australia is prone, if anything, to undue bashfulness about its democratic credentials. How else can we explain that this month marks the centenary of the most extraordinary feature of the country’s democratic architecture, and yet the anniversary is slipping by with neither comment nor reflection. I refer to compulsory voting, which was legislated in the federal parliament in July 1924.

Compulsory voting is not unique to Australia. Calculating how many countries abide by the practice is notoriously difficult, since in around half the nations where compulsory voting exists in name it is not enforced. Most estimates, however, put the figure in the vicinity of 20 to 30.

If not unique, Australia’s experience of compulsory voting is highly distinctive for a number of reasons.

First, its emergence in the early 20th century was consistent with the nation’s larger tradition of innovation and experimentation when it came to electoral institutions and practices. This record is typically traced back to the pioneering in the 1850s of the secret ballot (sometimes called the “Australian ballot”) in a number of the Australian colonies and the embrace of other advanced democratic measures in the second half of the 19th century.

These included manhood suffrage, payment of MPs and the extension of the franchise to women, beginning in South Australia in 1894. The innovations continued in the 20th century with such things as preferential voting and non-partisan bureaucratic electoral administration.

Second, Australia is alone in embracing compulsory voting among the Anglophone democracies to which it typically compares itself. The electoral systems of Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States are all based on voluntary voting.

Third, unlike many other compulsory voting countries, Australia does not pay lip service to its operation. Electoral authorities enforce compulsory voting, albeit leniently. It has been strongly upheld by the courts and is backed by a regime of sanctions for non-compliance.

Fourth, compulsory voting has been consistently and unambiguously successful in achieving high voter turnout. Though there has been a slight downward trend in turnout at the past five national elections (it hit a low of 90.5% in 2022), it has not fallen below 90% since the adoption of compulsory voting a century ago.

This is around 30% higher than the recent average turnout in countries with voluntary voting. It is also well above the recent average in countries with compulsory voting systems.

Fifth, the public has strongly and consistently backed the practice. Evidence from more than half a century of opinion polls and election study surveys shows support hovering around the 70% mark.

An impregnable practice

Perhaps the most singular aspect of the nation’s experience of compulsory voting, however, is how seemingly impregnable is the practice if measured by its durability, the dearth of controversy over it, the consistency of its enforcement by authorities and the way citizens have dutifully complied with and supported it. Together these things make Australia an exemplar of compulsory voting internationally.

This is not to say compulsory voting has been a sacred cow in Australia. In the final decades of the 20th century and first decade of this century, there was a concerted push to end the practice emanating principally from within the Liberal Party.

The torchbearer of the agitation for voluntary voting was the avowed libertarian South Australian senator, Nick Minchin. For Minchin, compulsory voting was anathema:

[…] in relation to the most important single manifestation of democratic will, the act of voting, I profoundly detest Australia’s denial of individual choice. It seems to me that an essential part of a liberal democracy should be the citizen’s legal right to decide whether or not to vote. The denial of that right is an affront to democracy.

Minchin had a number of like-minded supporters of voluntary voting in the Liberal Party. Among them, importantly, was John Howard, whose prime ministership coincided with the mobilisation to abolish compulsory voting.

Howard had been on record as an opponent of the practice since his entry to the federal parliament in 1974. The Liberal Party campaign against compulsory voting manifested in, among other things:

  • the party’s federal council resolving in favour of voluntary voting
  • shadow cabinet endorsing a recommendation for a change of policy to voluntary voting being placed before the joint Liberal-National party parliamentary room
  • the introduction in the South Australian parliament of two bills to repeal compulsory voting by successive Liberal state governments
  • Coalition members of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters repeatedly recommending the abolition of the practice.

In the end, these agitations achieved nought. The most fundamental reason was that the opponents of compulsory voting failed to generate community resentment towards the system. Howard, while restating his preference for voluntary voting, admitted as much in 2005 when shutting down debate on the issue in his government:

As I move around the country, I don’t get people stopping me in the street and saying, “You’ve got to get rid of compulsory voting.”

Indeed, election survey data suggests the Liberal campaign coincided with a firming of public support for compulsory voting. In the two decades since, opposition has been dormant. For the foreseeable future, Australia’s compulsory voting regime is secure.

An Australian democratic exceptionalism?

As noted above, compulsory voting has kept voter turnout at elections above 90% for the past century. Kindred democracies marvel at, and envy, this level of participation. It affords legitimacy to election outcomes in this country. Significantly, it also produces a socially even turnout.

Compare this to the situation in this month’s United Kingdom election. Turnout is estimated to have slumped to a record low 52%. There was a clear pattern of the “haves” exercising much greater say at the ballot box than the “have nots”. Those who stayed away from the polls were predominantly less well-off, non-homeowners, the young, the lower-educated and of minority ethnic background.

Australia cannot be complacent in this regard. Low and declining turnout in remote electorates with high Indigenous populations is the most worrying chink in the performance of compulsory voting. In 2022, turnout in the Northern Territory seat of Lingiari fell to 66.8%. Even so, the practice largely succeeds in achieving inclusive voter participation across the country.

Crucially, compulsory voting is also recognised as one reason the political centre holds better in Australia than in many comparable nations. It exercises a moderating influence because it ensures it is not only impassioned partisans at either end of the political spectrum who participate in elections. This in turn means they are not the chief focus of governments and political parties.

Under a compulsory voting system, middle-of-the-road citizens and their concerns and sensibilities count. This inhibits the trend towards polarisation and grievance politics evident in other parts of the globe. It helps explain why Australia has been less receptive to the aggressive conservative populism that has taken root in the United States and Europe.

Compulsory voting also goes hand in hand with other institutional bulwarks of the nation’s democracy. While there is plenty of evidence in Australia of increasing disaffection with politics, one thing that helps bolster faith in the democratic system is the politically independent national electoral authority, the Australian Electoral Commission.

The AEC’s trusted impartial administration of the electoral system lends integrity to the democratic process. So do the many procedures it manages to facilitate voting. To name a few: Saturday election days, assistance for the ill, aged and those from non-English-speaking backgrounds, mobile polling stations, postal, absentee and early voting, and active and regular updating of registration.

Indeed, Australia has been described as “the most voter-friendly country in the world”. Compulsory voting encourages this accessibility: if citizens are obliged to vote, then it becomes incumbent to smooth the path to them participating. The ease of voting in Australia contrasts with what goes on elsewhere, for example, the rampant state-based voter-suppression practices in the United States.

Dare we suggest, then, that compulsory voting is a mainstay of an Australian democratic exceptionalism? That we little note, let alone extol, the practice is perhaps not only a product of an inherent national modesty but because it is second nature after 100 years. Habituated to being compelled to participate in elections, we are inured to its specialness.

Let’s hope this casual familiarity does not induce apathy rather than vigilance when next the system is challenged.The Conversation

Paul Strangio, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Monash University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

From The Pages Of The Past:

80 surfers rescued from Avalon rips
SYDNEY, Sunday. — More than 80 surfers were rescued al Avalon Beach today after a sandbar collapsed. Lifesavers ran a shuttle service of surf lines to bring them to the shore.
Additional lifesavers were tailed to active duty after the club captain, Richie Burnett, saw the condition of the surf was becoming dangerous. Bad rips surrounded the sandbar.
Burnett sent lifesavers on boards beyond the breakers to watch for surfers in difficulties.
When the sandbar finally gave way many surfers, including small children, were left struggling in deep water.
The strong rip washed many a long way out. In some cases lifesavers held three surfers on their boards until help came.
Some of the rescued were treated on the beach and others in the club's ambulance room. 80 surfers rescued from Avalon rips (1964, November 30). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107512265


North Avalon 1964 (l to r) Bob Brown, Dorothy De Rooy, 'Nat' Young and 'Midget' Farrelly. There's a video of this surf comp available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Udbm5TYXUk
Photo: ABHS

Seen In Sydney  – Seven Species Of Gull Or Tern In Stunning Scenery

by Birds In Backyards TV, July 2024

Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp. 2024

Now in its 20th year, we’re excited to be running the Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp.  Open to ages 12 – 24 years, the Comp is a great way for young people to experience film. It's a great opportunity for sharpening or developing talents, creating imaginative short films while competing for a prize pool of $3000 plus industry supported prizes. Finalists films will be screened at HOYTS.

Registrations now open

Key events and dates
  • Team registrations: Now open
  • Filmmakers Workshop: Sun 4 Aug, 1030am The Collaroy Swim Club (above Collaroy Surf Club)
  • Secret rules revealed: Fri 9 Aug, 5pm
  • Film submissions open: Fri 9 Aug, 5pm
  • Film submissions close: Sun 11 Aug, 11:59pm
  • Finals and Awards Night: Thu 29 Aug, HOYTS Warringah Mall
Checklist
  1. One team member to register your team
  2. One team member to pay $50 + booking fee for the team entry
  3. Each team member to complete the Participant Consent and Indemnity form.
  4. Register for our free Filmmaking workshop (optional, but highly recommended)
  5. Check this webpage on Fri 9 Aug, 5pm for the secret rules, and the items and phrases you need to include in your film.
  6. Don't forget to check the Competition rules and guidelines. Start filming!
  7. Submit your film by Sun 11 Aug, 11:59pm


Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp Workshop
When: Sunday, 4 August 2024 - 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: The Collaroy Swim Club 1054 Pittwater Rd., Collaroy
This workshop is for those participating in the Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp

Register your team and join the kick-off event for a filmmaking workshop.

Get ready and get the edge as industry professionals talk about writing, producing, tech (phones and cameras), videography, cinematography and editing.

Stay for team brainstorming after the workshop, where they will be on-hand 12.30 - 1.30pm to answer questions.

Pizza included. Not mandatory, but highly recommended.

Open to ages 12 - 24 years
For young people  age 12 - 17 years attending the workshop, Guardian permission will be needed at checkout. The Guardian must complete this section to make the booking.

Pricing: Free for registered teams


Avalon Beach Bike Facility: Have your Say

Comments opened: Mon 8 Jul 2024
Comments close: Sun 11 Aug 2024

Council states it has collaborated with Avalon Beach residents to find out what they value most and what features make Avalon Beach such a special and unique place. Through this collaboration, Council developed the 'Avalon Beach Place Plan, My Place: Avalon', which was adopted in 2022.
The place plan sets out a number of short, medium and long-term actions for Council to implement, including:
Action item 13: Create an off-road bicycle facility aimed at young people.

The bike facility would be a designated space for bike riders of a range of abilities and confidence levels, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.
Location

Council have identified two sites where a bike facility could be installed:
  1. Des Creagh Reserve
  2. Avalon Beach Reserve.
Council states both sites are large enough for a bike facility and installation of a bike track and landscaping is permissible under the Plan of Management. They are easily accessed on foot, bike and by car or public transport, and close to other complementary recreational facilities and amenities.

The strengths and constraints of each site are summarised on Council's webpage. Council states they want to hear from you to see which site you prefer for a bike facility.




Images: Location and options plan - NBC

Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches: SURF SWAP & REPAIR MARKET

Presented by Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches in partnership with the Northern Beaches Council.
Sunday August 11 2024: 12-4pm

Join us for our annual coastal community marketplace to swap, sell, repair or repurpose your preloved surf gear and support sustainable surfing on the Northern beaches.
+ Meet the shapers and makers of quality, sustainable, durable hollow-wooden surfboards, reef friendly sunscreen brands and local innovators of upcycling waste into surf art & accessories.

Soak up the winter sun and enjoy cool tunes, great coffee, and delicious eats from the wonderful local Ocean St - cafes Driftwood Cafe, Black Honey or enjoy a Surf Swap Burger special at the Narrabeen Sands Hotel.

The Sands hotel will be hosting a Happy Hour afterwards from 4 -6pm for everyone to celebrate the day.🍻

So much to love!:
  • Marketplace - Trade your preloved surfboards, stand ups & surf gear (wetsuits, fins, leg ropes, helmets, booties, covers etc)
  • Repair workshops - Learn how to do a minor board fix-up (don’t forget to bring your board
  • Upcycling - drop off your end of life wetsuit at the Rip Curl collection stall
  • Sustainable surf brand stalls - showcase of Australian brands leading the way with innovative sustainable solutions for reducing the environmental impact of surfing.
  • Creative cool surf art & accessories made from waste
  • A Beach clean up with Emu Parade - Do your bit to clean up the beach in return for a free coffee or hot chocolate
A waste free event. BYO refillable water bottle & reusable coffee cup #beoceanfriendly 

Sustainable Surf Brand Stallholders - Sine Surf, Varuna Surf, Patagonia, Rip Curl, WAW Handplanes, Sunbutter sunscreen, Surfboard Souls Manly, Pittwater Eco Adventures, Surfsock, Boomerang Bags Northern Beaches.


New Driver Knowledge Test online launched for learner drivers

People wanting to get their learner licence will now have the option to take their Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) in the comfort of their home or anywhere with internet access with the launch of Transport for NSW’s Driver Knowledge Test online.

A commitment in the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, the Driver Knowledge Test online has been developed by Transport for NSW in conjunction with Service NSW and comes with a host of benefits, including supporting a broader, deeper understanding of the road rules and safe driving practices.  

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary, Safety, Environment and Regulation Sally Webb said the new DKT online delivers a modern learning experience and an accessible path for learner drivers.

“We know that learning has changed over the years and this new digital, accessible and interactive product is a reflection of how people learn today,” Ms Webb said.

“It gives easier access to the test to people who are in regional or remote locations who may not live close to a Service NSW Centre and it also has text to speech functionality which makes the product accessible for people with low literacy or dyslexia.

“It provides a cost benefit because the test can be taken as many times as needed to pass and a fee of $55 is only paid when you come into the Service NSW Centre to apply for your learner licence and have your photo taken.”

“Most importantly, it is an engaging way for people to learn about the road rules and safe driving behaviour, which forms the foundation of how they drive once they are on the road,” Ms Webb said.

Service NSW A/Executive Director Partnerships, Projects & Insights, Lauren Nagel, said  the DKT online provides several other benefits.

“Service NSW is all about making it easier for the customer to interact with Government and by simply offering the Driver Knowledge Test online, aspiring drivers can complete the course and test at a time and place with internet access that suits them,” Ms Nagel said.

“By going online, this means students don’t need to miss out on school or extra curricular activities to visit a Service Centre to complete the test. They can do this in the comfort of their own home and at any time. The Driver Knowledge Test online is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

“If customers are unsuccessful passing, learners won’t have the hassle of organising another visit to a Service Centre and trying to find a time that works with parents or guardians to drive them there, they can simply try again at home.”

“Within 12 months, we’re expecting about 200,000 customers to complete the DKT online so this will also free up our Service NSW team members to dedicate their time to other critical transactions,” Ms Nagel said.

DKT online also allows young people to get a head start as it can be accessed at 15 years and 11 months. When it is passed, they can visit a Service NSW Centre on their 16th birthday to apply for their learner licence.

The DKT online will initially launch in English and Simplified Chinese. Additional languages will be added in the future.

Similar products for learners have already had success in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The statewide launch in NSW comes after a successful 6-week pilot in metro and regional locations with 94 per cent of participants giving the product four or five stars.

To enrol in DKT online or for further information visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/driver-knowledge-test-online
Photo Creator: PHIL CARRICK 

Your Voice Our Future: have your say

The NSW Government is seeking feedback from young people on how the government can better support them in NSW.

The Minister for Youth, the Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC and the NSW Government is seeking feedback from young people aged 14 to 24 years on how the government can better support young people in NSW. The online survey asks about:

  • the important issues that young people face
  • what is not working well for young people in NSW
  • how the NSW Government should support and better engage with young people.

Your feedback will be summarised and and shared with the Minister for Youth, the Hon. Rose Jackson to inform ministerial priorities. It will also be promoted across NSW Government departments to help deliver better programs and services for young people. By completing the survey, you can go in a monthly draw to win a gift card of your choice up to the value of $250*.

This survey has been developed by the Minister for Youth, the Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC, the Office of the Advocate of Children and Young People (ACYP) and the Office for Regional Youth.

When we ask for your name and contact details

If you opt in to receive more communications about this work, you will be asked to provide your contact details so that you can be kept updated. You may also be contacted to see if you would like to participate in further surveys or activities.

If you opt in to enter the monthly draw, your contact details will be needed to request your preferred e-gift card so we can deliver it via email, if you win. If you win, we may publicise your first name, age and suburb on NSW Government webpages, social media and other public communications.

If you are under 18, you will also need to provide the contact details of your parent/guardian who may be contacted directly to confirm consent for you to participate.

*View the terms and conditions (PDF 140.28KB) and privacy policy (PDF 140.26KB)

Have your say by Tuesday 31 December 2024.

You can submit your feedback via an online survey, here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/your-voice-our-future


School Leavers Support

Explore the School Leavers Information Kit (SLIK) as your guide to education, training and work options in 2022;
As you prepare to finish your final year of school, the next phase of your journey will be full of interesting and exciting opportunities. You will discover new passions and develop new skills and knowledge.

We know that this transition can sometimes be challenging. With changes to the education and workforce landscape, you might be wondering if your planned decisions are still a good option or what new alternatives are available and how to pursue them.

There are lots of options for education, training and work in 2022 to help you further your career. This information kit has been designed to help you understand what those options might be and assist you to choose the right one for you. Including:
  • Download or explore the SLIK here to help guide Your Career.
  • School Leavers Information Kit (PDF 5.2MB).
  • School Leavers Information Kit (DOCX 0.9MB).
  • The SLIK has also been translated into additional languages.
  • Download our information booklets if you are rural, regional and remote, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or living with disability.
  • Support for Regional, Rural and Remote School Leavers (PDF 2MB).
  • Support for Regional, Rural and Remote School Leavers (DOCX 0.9MB).
  • Support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander School Leavers (PDF 2MB).
  • Support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander School Leavers (DOCX 1.1MB).
  • Support for School Leavers with Disability (PDF 2MB).
  • Support for School Leavers with Disability (DOCX 0.9MB).
  • Download the Parents and Guardian’s Guide for School Leavers, which summarises the resources and information available to help you explore all the education, training, and work options available to your young person.

School Leavers Information Service

Are you aged between 15 and 24 and looking for career guidance?

Call 1800 CAREER (1800 227 337).

SMS 'SLIS2022' to 0429 009 435.

Our information officers will help you:
  • navigate the School Leavers Information Kit (SLIK),
  • access and use the Your Career website and tools; and
  • find relevant support services if needed.
You may also be referred to a qualified career practitioner for a 45-minute personalised career guidance session. Our career practitioners will provide information, advice and assistance relating to a wide range of matters, such as career planning and management, training and studying, and looking for work.

You can call to book your session on 1800 CAREER (1800 227 337) Monday to Friday, from 9am to 7pm (AEST). Sessions with a career practitioner can be booked from Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm.

This is a free service, however minimal call/text costs may apply.

Call 1800 CAREER (1800 227 337) or SMS SLIS2022 to 0429 009 435 to start a conversation about how the tools in Your Career can help you or to book a free session with a career practitioner.

All downloads and more available at: www.yourcareer.gov.au/school-leavers-support

Word Of The Week: programme

Word of the Week remains a keynote in 2024, simply to throw some disruption in amongst the 'yeah-nah' mix. 

Noun

1. 1. a written or printed list of the events, performers, etc, in a public performance. 2.  a performance or series of performances. 3. a set of related measures or activities with a particular long-term aim. 4. a series of coded software instructions to control the operation of a computer or other machine. 

Verb

1. provide (a computer or other machine) with coded instructions for the automatic performance of a task. 2. arrange according to a plan or schedule.

From French programme, from Late Latin programma (“a proclamation, edict”), from Ancient Greek πρόγραμμα (prógramma, “a written public notice, an edict”), from προγράφω (prográphō, “I set forth as a public notice”), from πρό (pró, “before”) + γράφω (gráphō, “I write”). Doublet of programma.

Compare Program: a sequence of coded instructions that can be inserted into a mechanism (such as a computer) b. dated : a complete plan for solving a problem by the use of a mechanism (such as a computer) that includes both instructions to be inserted into the mechanism and plans for human activities such as interpreting output.

In British English, 'Program' is used in context with computers, while programme is a preferred spelling. Similarly, in American English, the word program is acceptable for everything while both programme and program are preferred in Australian English.

A programme is a booklet available for patrons attending a live event such as theatre performances, concerts, fêtes, sports events, etc. It is a printed leaflet outlining the parts of the event scheduled to take place, principal performers and background information. In the case of theatrical performances, the term playbill is also used. It may be provided free of charge by the event organisers or a charge may be levied.

The programme generally contains photos of the production, a cast list, biographies of the actors and production staff involved, the name of the theatre, background information, and can contain advertisements. For example, the programme for the original production of Man of La Mancha contained articles by the staff about how the production was created. The first theatre programmes were issued in the mid-nineteenth century in magazine format. The original theatre programme first appeared in the 18th century. The early playbills were basic, with only enough pages to list the cast members and information on the play's locale and scenes. There were usually only four pages: the cover advertised the show, a back page displayed the theatre layout, and the two interior pages listed all the credits. Not all early programmes were printed, but written by hand or cut and pasted together from the letters of other printed documents. The latter was especially done by theatre entrepreneur Sarah Baker, who owned several theatres in Kent, during the late 18th century.

In early British theatre, the cast was very important. Audiences were very familiar with leading actors and a particular player could draw a larger crowd. The programme was a kind of contract between the theatre and the audience, because if an audience paid to see a particular actor and they were not presented with him, there was the immediate risk of crowd hissing, orange throwing, or even rioting. This sometimes resulted in property damage and physical assault.

Programmes were not only distributed in theatres, but also on the streets. The distributors were often women who worked for the theatre by selling oranges as refreshments to audiences. However, there was still a large rate of illiteracy among theatre goers. This resulted in companies of actors traversing urban streets with a beating drum while announcing upcoming venues.


The programme from Ruy Blas and the Blasé Roué, 1889

Lions in a Uganda park make a perilous journey across a 1.5km stretch of water: study suggests the drive is to find mates

Alexander Richard BraczkowskiGriffith UniversityChristopher J. O'BryanMaastricht UniversityDuan BiggsNorthern Arizona University, and Robynne KotzeUniversity of Oxford

Domestic cats will do almost anything to avoid contact with water. Not so for their wild cousins, though. Lions, tigers and jaguars have had to adapt to water and sometimes take the plunge for survival.

And this is what we observed on the late evening of 1 February 2024. Our research team in Uganda filmed two male lions swimming in a waterway in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. But what was unusual was the distance and the danger: the lions swam an estimated 1.5km across the Kazinga Channel, which connects two lakes in the park. The channel has a high density of hippos and Nile crocodiles, which are known to attack lions.

The footage, caught on a high-resolution thermal camera, shows the lions making three attempts across the 6 metre deep channel (and returning to shore), before starting to swim towards the south of the park.

Tibu and Jacob on their fourth attempt swimming an estimated 1.5 km across Uganda’s Kazinga Channel. Video shot by Luke Ochse.

The swim is as remarkable in illustrating the physical strength of the animals, as it is a symptom of a deeper problem – of male lions having to take extraordinary risks to find lionesses.

We are four researchers with over 50 years of combined experience in conservation, big cat ecology, and the complexities of people and wildlife living together. One of us (Alexander) led the field team that filmed this event.

Our long-term research in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park shows that sex ratios for lions there are flipped towards males at a 2:1 ratio. A healthy lion population would be female dominated instead. From monitoring these male lions almost daily, our field team has observed them swimming across this channel seven times in the space of a year.

In our new scientific paper we suggest that the male lions are making the risky swims, braving crocodiles and hippos, to find females. They are not always successful in finding mates, and when they get battered by resident males, they swim back to their own territory. There is also a small chance that the lions are swimming to avoid a human community located at the only formal crossing point connecting the two parts of the park, a narrow, 40-metre-long bridge near a village.

Park managers and conservation NGOs in the park now need to find innovative ways to stabilise the female population and stem the decline of lions overall.

Big cats and water regularly mix

Some big cats have a strong affinity for water. Jaguars in the Brazilian Pantanal and the western Brazilian Amazon regularly catch and kill caimans (the South American cousin of the African Nile crocodile). Another population on the beaches of Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park hunts sea turtles.

Asiatic tigers have been filmed swimming across rivers in India and Russia, playing in pools, and hunting in water. One study even shows water is a key factor in their welfare.

Jaguars are responsible for the majority of caiman deaths in parts of their Amazonian range. Similarly to other big cats, jaguars will ambush the caiman, and then deliver a strong bite to the back of the head.

When it comes to African lions, one population is particularly fond of swimming in and even hunting in water – the lions of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Especially during the flood season, resident lions regularly swim short distances across channels or wade across inundated floodplains.

Braving crocodile and hippo encounters is almost a daily occurrence, and even cubs as young as two months old are forced to take to the water as the prides navigate their waterlogged territories in search of hunting opportunities. While they don’t particularly enjoy these crossings, they have adapted to their flooded homes out of necessity. Most of these crossings, though, are less than a few hundred metres.

Lions in Tanzania and Zambia’s Victoria Falls have also been known to swim a few hundred metres.

But we could find no evidence of lions anywhere in Africa or Asia engaging in long distance swims.

The footage of the two male lions swimming across the Kazinga channel is therefore remarkable.

Long swim tells a bigger story

The swimming behaviour points to an increasing global trend: animals are taking greater risks to find mates, food and new homes.

In South Africa, biologists tracked a 352km journey of an 18-month-old male leopard as he crossed three countries in his attempt to find territory. He was eventually killed in a snare in eSwatini.

A mountain lion in the US, P22, crossed a 10-lane freeway in Los Angeles.

And a herd of Asian elephants was recently documented crossing nearly 500km across farms and rural towns in southern China, likely to find a new home with better access to food.

To connect or to manage

Conservation practitioners and the public are often left with two choices: let wildlife move and hope for the best, or help them get where they need to be.

Monarch butterflies migrate tremendous distances between North and Central America with no conservation intervention. In some places, like the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation area, which encompasses 36 formally protected areas between Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, lions may still be able to move freely between national parks in areas of low human density.

Once human populations reach a certain threshold, however, conflict between people and lions may arise. Maintaining corridors requires action to reduce conflict and keep corridors open.

The other option is to actively help wildlife get to habitats and mates that will ensure their populations persist. For example, management authorities moved lions between populations, and even culled them, in South Africa to manage their populations.

In other areas, conservationists have reintroduced lions or restored them to parts of their range. But they can only do so in fenced or heavily managed parks.

The challenge for Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is how to restore the female population. A combination of bad luck and human threats led to unnatural losses of females including two recent poisoning events, and even an electrocution event where three lionesses were killed. Any lion conservation strategy has to keep the people that live closely with them in mind.

Orin Cornille, Bosco Atukwatse and Luke Ochse contributed to the research on which this article is based.The Conversation

Alexander Richard Braczkowski, Research Fellow at the Centre for Planetary Health and Resilient Conservation Group, Griffith UniversityChristopher J. O'Bryan, Assistant Professor of Planetary Health, Maastricht UniversityDuan Biggs, Professor and Chair, Southwestern Environmental Science and Policy, Northern Arizona University, and Robynne Kotze, Research Coordinator, The Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

A delicious history of the apple – from the Tian Sian mountains to supermarket shelves

Serin QuinnUniversity of Warwick

Reading labels in the supermarket, you may have wondered where your apples come from – but have you ever thought about why you’re eating apples in the first place? Author Sally Coulthard’s new book gives you the answer to this question – and to many more you’d never thought to ask.

From the birthplace of the apple in the Tian Sian mountains of Kazakhstan to the modern mass-production of popular varieties like Pink Ladies, Coulthard gives a step-by-step account of how apples became one of the best-known fruits in the world.

Apples might seem a typically British fruit but, like rhubarb or commercial strawberries, the apples we eat today are not native to Britain. They are actually the result of global trade and migration going back thousands of years.

The earliest apples in Britain were the wild crab variety, which are too small and sour to bring much pleasure – although they were later used for making cider and verjuice (a highly acidic juice). We have the Romans, Normans and medieval monks to thank for our sweet apples. They carefully brought over cuttings and saplings of their favourite fruit, and from there they spread across the globe.

If there’s one thing that defines the history of the apple, it’s variety. Ever heard of an Early Julien, or maybe a Teuchat’s Egg? How about a Flushing Spitzenburgh? By the late 19th century, nearly 1,500 varieties were recognised in Britain alone. Throughout history, gardeners went mad for finding and creating different kinds, crossbreeding hundreds of new apples across the world.

Unfortunately, if you want to try a Bedfordshire Foundling or a Catshead today, you’re out of luck. Through steady commercialisation, most of these varieties have been lost to history, and today’s consumers have at best seven types to choose from in British shops.

A loss of biodiversity

In 1618, gardener William Lawson wrote about an apple tree “which I have knowne these forty yeeres, whose age before my time I cannot learne, it is beyond memory, tho I have enquired of divers aged men of 80 yeeres and upwards”. Lawson’s story would be familiar to most people in his time, for whom centuries-old apple trees were a normal sight.

For us, the landscape is very different. The hardest part of Coulthard’s history to swallow is the loss of diversity over the past hundred years. A shocking 80% of traditional orchards have been destroyed in this time, which a recent National Trust study has described as an equivalent landmass to Isle of Wight.

While the Trust has promised to plant 4 million blossoming trees by 2030 to provide food for pollinating insects, the fate of British apples very much hangs in the balance.

Painting of apples in a basket
Ribston Pippins in a Rush Basket with Mistletoe Sprig by Eloise Harriet Stannard (1895). Norfolk Museums ServiceCC BY-NC

Coulthard shows that our orchards are actually a casualty of post-world war attempts at increasing food security; with old trees making way for vegetable and grain crops. Ironically, it’s meant that today less that 40% of the apples bought in the UK are produced here, which is costing the environment through transport emissions.

The recent election brought promises of increased food security from all parties, although it remains to be seen how this will play out.

Still, The Apple reminds us that nothing is new under the sun, as four-time prime minister William Gladstone (1809-98) once pleaded with British farmers to grow more apples when faced with the same issue of foreign apple imports overtaking in the market. There was even a Gladstone apple named after him – maybe there’ll be a Starmer next?

If we do return to British-only apple production, we might also regain some of the seasonal food habits and traditions which made apples special in the first place. The apple tree only produces fruit from early autumn to winter in the northern hemisphere, which is why so many of our winter traditions centre around apples. Some of these we still have, like apple-bobbing around Halloween, while others are mostly forgotten, like the traditional “lambswool” drink of ale mixed with roasted apples.

Even to me, a historian of tomatoes (coincidentally first called “love apples” in English) the idea of a 300-page book on just apples seemed a little daunting. Thankfully, Coulthard’s lively and engaging style makes it a real treat, and an easy read for any history lover.

Even if you know nothing about British history, The Apple makes sure to provide plenty of context for each twist and turn. And as each chapter ends with a deeper history of 12 apple recipes – from homely apple pie to powerful applejack liquor – it leaves you with plenty of food for thought.



Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.The Conversation


Serin Quinn, PhD Candidate, Department of History, University of Warwick

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Desk jobs can be killers – here’s how strength training at work can help

Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock
Ashley GluchowskiUniversity of Salford

Physical inactivity is a killer. When we become inactive, we lose muscular strength. When we lack muscular strength, we may be more likely to experience a host of health issues, including cognitive decline, poor mental health, musculoskeletal conditions, have a fall, get seriously injured, become hospitalised, and develop diabetes, heart disease, dementia, frailty, functional disability and even some forms of cancer.

The weakness caused by sedentary lifestyles places an unsustainable burden on carers and healthcare systems.

Lack of activity comes at a terrible price. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the cost of physical inactivity to public healthcare systems between 2020 and 2030 will be around US$300 billion (approximately £232 billion). In 2022, the UK government said lack of physical activity was associated with one in every six of the country’s deaths.

Historically, people became less active as they grow older. But now, younger people, especially those involved in sedentary work such as desk jobs, are becoming inactive, physically weak, taking more long-term sick leave, and retiring earlier.

Sedentary working conditions can lead to mental fatigue, aches and pains, and may even be a contributing factor to the all-time high of economic inactivity in the UK. Large employers – those with at least 1,000 employees – spend around £2 million annually on sickness absence.

Strength training is one of the most effective types of exercise for physical and mental health – and it’s one of two main recommendations listed on WHO’s physical activity guidelines. Unfortunately, strength training is also the physical activity that people are least likely to stick with.

For desk workers, taking strength breaks – such as body weight squats at your desk – has been shown to immediately increase blood flow, improve brain function including mental arousal and concentration, and reduce the feelings of fatigue.

However, in my experience as a clinical exercise physiologist, people tend to think they are not young, fit, energetic, or active enough to start strength training. But research has found the opposite to be true. Starting strength training, at any age and at any fitness level, leads to increased energy levels and spontaneous increases in physical activity.

Other barriers to getting started with strength training include a lack of time, a lack of specialist knowledge, and uncomfortable commercial gym spaces. These barriers are [exacerbated for women] who are more likely to have caring responsibilities, leaving little time to focus on strength training for health.

If we know the importance of strength, and strength training, and we know the barriers holding people back from participating, why do we continue to fall short in the global challenge of improving physical activity levels? Why is there a shortage of successful programmes in real-world settings?

My latest research found that people in the 40-60 year-old age bracket knew the benefit of having muscular strength and of participating in strength training, but lacked the practical know-how to participate. They called for an increase in support on where to find the details they need to feel confident enough to start with strength training.

Currently, they are left googling and hoping that the information they find is credible and evidence-based. Research participants also felt that the workplace was a missed opportunity to offer strength training support.

Keeping a healthy workforce

Do employees think that simply handing out free gym passes as part of their employee wellbeing package somehow overcomes the barriers of time (and childcare) we face when trying to get to the gym after work and knowing what to do when we get there?

Employers will need to put in more effort if they want to avoid the consequences of sedentary working conditions. We can’t wait until people reach a health crisis to intervene. We need to provide proactive and practical support for people to take care of their health while at work.

It makes sense that employers would want to provide the time and space for their employees to get their strength training session in during the workday. This could look like hiring an exercise physiologist or strength coach to come into the office or even using technology to deliver strength sessions virtually and on-demand to employees who work from home. Programmes could even gamify participation to build camaraderie within and between departments or companies.

What’s more, building this healthy habit now is likely to lead to more people taking that habit well into their retirement years – keeping people stronger, more active, more independent and healthier for longer.

Providing strength training support for 30 minutes, twice per week seems like a small sacrifice for a healthier, happier, more productive, and resilient workforce.

If you’re looking for the easiest way to improve physical activity levels, health, and office culture all at the same time, then look no further. Implementing strength training in the workplace seems like a pretty strong investment to me.The Conversation

Ashley Gluchowski, University Fellow and Clinical Exercise Physiologist, School of Health & Society, University of Salford

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Want to sleep longer? Adding mini-bursts of exercise to your evening routine can help – new study

Jennifer GaleUniversity of Otago and Meredith PeddieUniversity of Otago

Exercising before bed has long been discouraged as the body doesn’t have time to wind down before the lights go out.

But new research has found breaking up a quiet, sedentary evening of watching television with short bursts of resistance exercise can lead to longer periods of sleep.

Adults spend almost one third of the 24-hour day sleeping. But the quality and length of sleep can affect long-term health. Sleeping too little or waking often in the night is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Physical activity during the day can help improve sleep. However, current recommendations discourage intense exercise before going to bed as it can increase a person’s heart rate and core temperature, which can ultimately disrupt sleep.

Nighttime habits

For many, the longest period of uninterrupted sitting happens at home in the evening. People also usually consume their largest meal during this time (or snack throughout the evening).

Insulin (the hormone that helps to remove sugar from the blood stream) tends to be at a lower level in the evening than in the morning.

Together these factors promote elevated blood sugar levels, which over the long term can be bad for a person’s health.

Our previous research found interrupting evening sitting every 30 minutes with three minutes of resistance exercise reduces the amount of sugar in the bloodstream after eating a meal.

But because sleep guidelines currently discourage exercising in the hours before going to sleep, we wanted to know if frequently performing these short bursts of light activity in the evening would affect sleep.

Activity breaks for better sleep

In our latest research, we asked 30 adults to complete two sessions based in a laboratory.

During one session the adults sat continuously for a four-hour period while watching streaming services. During the other session, they interrupted sitting by performing three minutes of body-weight resistance exercises (squats, calf raises and hip extensions) every 30 minutes.

After these sessions, participants went home to their normal life routines. Their sleep that evening was measured using a wrist monitor.

Our research found the quality of sleep (measured by how many times they woke in the night and the length of these awakenings) was the same after the two sessions. But the night after the participants did the exercise “activity breaks” they slept for almost 30 minutes longer.

Identifying the biological reasons for the extended sleep in our study requires further research.

But regardless of the reason, if activity breaks can extend sleep duration, then getting up and moving at regular intervals in the evening is likely to have clear health benefits.

Time to revisit guidelines

These results add to earlier work suggesting current sleep guidelines, which discourage evening exercise before bed, may need to be reviewed.

As the activity breaks were performed in a highly controlled laboratory environment, future research should explore how activity breaks performed in real life affect peoples sleep.

We selected simple, body-weight exercises to use in this study as they don’t require people to interrupt the show they may be watching, and don’t require a large space or equipment.

If people wanted to incorporate activity breaks in their own evening routines, they could probably get the same benefit from other types of exercise. For example, marching on the spot, walking up and down stairs, or even dancing in the living room.

The key is to frequently interrupt evening sitting time, with a little bit of whole-body movement at regular intervals.

In the long run, performing activity breaks may improve health by improving sleep and post-meal blood sugar levels. The most important thing is to get up frequently and move the body, in a way the works best for a person’s individual household.The Conversation

Jennifer Gale, PhD candidate, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago and Meredith Peddie, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Retaining Flavour while removing caffeine − a chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee

Several processes can take most of the caffeine out of coffee. AP Photo/John Minchillo
Michael W. CrowderMiami University

For many people, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is the start of a great day. But caffeine can cause headaches and jitters in others. That’s why many people reach for a decaffeinated cup instead.

I’m a chemistry professor who has taught lectures on why chemicals dissolve in some liquids but not in others. The processes of decaffeination offer great real-life examples of these chemistry concepts. Even the best decaffeination method, however, does not remove all of the caffeine – about 7 milligrams of caffeine usually remain in an 8-ounce cup.

Producers decaffeinating their coffee want to remove the caffeine while retaining all – or at least most – of the other chemical aroma and flavor compounds. Decaffeination has a rich history, and now almost all coffee producers use one of three common methods.

All these methods, which are also used to make decaffeinated teastart with green, or unroasted, coffee beans that have been premoistened. Using roasted coffee beans would result in a coffee with a very different aroma and taste because the decaffeination steps would remove some flavor and odor compounds produced during roasting.

The carbon dioxide method

In the relatively new carbon dioxide method, developed in the early 1970s, producers use high-pressure CO₂ to extract caffeine from moistened coffee beans. They pump the CO₂ into a sealed vessel containing the moistened coffee beans, and the caffeine molecules dissolve in the CO₂.

Once the caffeine-laden CO₂ is separated from the beans, producers pass the CO₂ mixture either through a container of water or over a bed of activated carbon. Activated carbon is carbon that’s been heated up to high temperatures and exposed to steam and oxygen, which creates pores in the carbon. This step filters out the caffeine, and most likely other chemical compounds, some of which affect the flavor of the coffee.

These compounds either bind in the pores of the activated carbon or they stay in the water. Producers dry the decaffeinated beans using heat. Under the heat, any remaining CO₂ evaporates. Producers can then repressurize and reuse the same CO₂.

This method removes 96% to 98% of the caffeine, and the resulting coffee has only minimal CO₂ residue.

This method, which requires expensive equipment for making and handling the CO₂, is extensively used to decaffeinate commercial-grade, or supermarket, coffees.

Swiss water process

The Swiss water method, initially used commercially in the early 1980s, uses hot water to decaffeinate coffee.

Initially, producers soak a batch of green coffee beans in hot water, which extracts both the caffeine and other chemical compounds from the beans.

It’s kind of like what happens when you brew roasted coffee beans – you place dark beans in clear water, and the chemicals that cause the coffee’s dark color leach out of the beans into the water. In a similar way, the hot water pulls the caffeine from not yet decaffeinated beans.

During the soaking, the caffeine concentration is higher in the coffee beans than in the water, so the caffeine moves into the water from the beans. Producers then take the beans out of the water and placed them into fresh water, which has no caffeine in it – so the process repeats, and more caffeine moves out of the beans and into the water. The producers repeat this process, up to 10 times, until there’s hardly any caffeine left in the beans.

The resulting water, which now contains the caffeine and any flavor compounds that dissolved out from the beans, gets passed through activated charcoal filters. These trap caffeine and other similarly sized chemical compounds, such as sugars and organic compounds called polyamines, while allowing most of the other chemical compounds to remain in the filtered water.

Producers then use the filtered water – saturated with flavor but devoid of most of the caffeine – to soak a new batch of coffee beans. This step lets the flavor compounds lost during the soaking process reenter the beans.

This animation shows the steps to the Swiss water process.

The Swiss water process is prized for its chemical-free approach and its ability to preserve most of the coffee’s natural flavor. This method has been shown to remove 94% to 96% of the caffeine.

Solvent-based methods

This traditional and most common approach, first done in the early 1900s, uses organic solvents, which are liquids that dissolve organic chemical compounds such as caffeine. Ethyl acetate and methylene chloride are two common solvents used to extract caffeine from green coffee beans. There are two main solvent-based methods.

In the direct method, producers soak the moist beans directly in the solvent or in a water solution containing the solvent.

The solvent extracts most of the caffeine and other chemical compounds with a similar solubility to caffeine from the coffee beans. The producers then remove the beans from the solvent after about 10 hours and dry them.

In the indirect method, producers soak the beans in hot water for a few hours and then take them out. They then treat the water with solvent to remove caffeine from the water. Methylene chloride, the most common solvent, does not dissolve in the water, so it forms a layer on top of the water. The caffeine dissolves better in methylene chloride than in water, so most of the caffeine stays up in the methylene chloride layer, which producers can separate from the water.

A diagram showing some of the ways to decaffeinate coffee.
A few chemical processes can remove the caffeine from coffee beans. Andy Brunning/Compound InterestCC BY-NC

As in the Swiss water method, the producers can reuse the “caffeine-free” water, which may return some of the flavor compounds removed in the first step.

These methods remove about 96% to 97% of the caffeine.

Is decaf coffee safe to drink?

One of the common solvents, ethyl acetate, comes naturally in many foods and beverages. It’s considered a safe chemical for decaffeination by the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have deemed methylene chloride unsafe to consume at concentrations above 10 milligrams per kilogram of your body weight. However, the amount of residual methylene chloride found in roasted coffee beans is very small – about 2 to 3 milligrams per kilogram. It’s well under the FDA’s limits.

OSHA and its European counterparts have strict workplace rules to minimize methylene chloride exposure for workers involved in the decaffeination process.

After producers decaffeinate coffee beans using methylene chloride, they steam the beans and dry them. Then the coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures. During the steaming and roasting process, the beans get hot enough that residual methylene chloride evaporates. The roasting step also produces new flavor chemicals from the breakdown of chemicals into other chemical compounds. These give coffee its distinctive flavor.

Plus, most people brew their coffee at between 190 F to 212 F, which is another opportunity for methylene chloride to evaporate.

Retaining aroma and flavor

It’s chemically impossible to dissolve out only the caffeine without also dissolving out other chemical compounds in the beans, so decaffeination inevitably removes some other compounds that contribute to the aroma and flavor of your cup of coffee.

But some techniques, like the Swiss water process and the indirect solvent method, have steps that may reintroduce some of these extracted compounds. These approaches probably can’t return all the extra compounds back to the beans, but they may add some of the flavor compounds back.

Thanks to these processes, you can have that delicious cup of coffee without the caffeine – unless your waiter accidentally switches the pots.The Conversation

Michael W. Crowder, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Seafloor sediment reveals previously unknown volcanic eruption 520,000 years ago in south Aegean Sea

Researchers obtained cylindrical core samples from almost 3,000 feet – nearly a kilometer – within the seafloor. Erick Bravo/IODP
Molly Colleen McCantaUniversity of Tennessee

“Core on deck!”

For two months, whenever I heard that cry, I would run up to the deck of the JOIDES Resolution to watch the crew pull up a 30-foot (10-meter) cylindrical tube filled with layered, multicolored rock and sediment drilled from the seafloor beneath our ship.

people in protective gear and hard hats on a ship's deck, raising a long metal tube with water coming out the bottom
The crew drilled more than 780 cores from the seabed on the expedition. Erick Bravo/IODP

In the winter of 2022, I spent two months cruising the south Aegean Sea on board the International Ocean Discovery Program’s JOIDES Resolution as part of IODP Expedition 398. My geologist colleagues and I used this former oil exploration ship to drill deep into the seafloor and reveal the volcanic history of the area off the coast of Santorini, Greece.

As a scientist who studies the chemistry of volcanic rocks, I use my expertise to correlate volcanic sediments to the eruption that caused them and to understand the conditions that magma experienced both at depth underneath a volcano and during an eruption.

Our expedition’s drilling of the seafloor revealed a massive but previously unknown volcanic eruption that took place more than 500,000 years ago. This discovery expands our understanding of the volcanic activity in the chain of volcanoes comprising the South Aegean Volcanic Arc, which will allow for a more accurate hazard analysis of this region.

Building a more complete volcanic history

Archaeologists have long been fascinated with the late Bronze Age eruption of Santorini around 1600 BCE. This eruption is associated with the decline of the Minoan civilization on the nearby island of Crete. Geologists also have significant interest in the region, due to the volatility of the volcanic and seismic activity in this area that is home to about 15,000 residents and attracts around 2 million tourists per year.

Although there’s significant on-land documentation of the Santorini volcano, scientists know that this record is incomplete. On land, erosion, vegetation and additional eruptive events often cover or obscure older volcanic deposits, resulting in a fragmentary history. The deep-sea drilling enabled by the IODP’s JOIDES Resolution gives researchers access to a geologic record rarely preserved on land.

Following a volcanic eruption, pyroclastic materials – pieces of rock and ash formed during the eruption – settle through the water column to collect on the seafloor. There, clays and biological material, such as the shells of tiny marine organisms, rain down continuously, capping the volcanic rock deposits. This process preserves a record of an individual eruption as a single layer. Layers build with time, with each successive volcanic event creating a near-continuous chronologic record of the volcanic history of the region.

Expedition 398’s mission was to access this deep-sea record in order to document the extensive history of eruptions in each area of concentrated volcanic activity.

IODP Expedition 398

IODP Expedition 398 collected drill cores to better understand the volcanic history and recurrence interval of the Santorini, Christiana and Kolumbo volcanoes in this region. The JOIDES Resolution crew drilled 12 sites to a maximum depth of 2,950 feet (900 meters) below the seafloor. We recovered more than 11,000 feet (3,356 meters) of total core over 780 cores.

As technicians cut the core into 4½-foot (1½-meter) sections, scientists would gather to see what material had been recovered. After bringing the cores to surface pressure, the team would split them lengthwise, photograph them, analyze them for physical properties such as magnetic susceptibility, and describe the material. Core describers measure and record the geologic composition of each rocky unit contained within.

Two researchers lean over a table holding long cylinders of seafloor sample cut in half
After the long, cylindrical cores are cut lengthwise, researchers pore over the layered sediment inside. Erick Bravo/IODP

As the geochemistry lab lead, I took small samples of multiple layers of volcanic rock and ash to dissolve into solution and analyze for their trace element composition. During an eruption, magma crystallizes and mixes with elements in the water and rock it comes into contact with. The resulting chemical changes in the magma are unique to the conditions of that particular eruption. So once I figure out the chemical composition of the deposit samples, I can fingerprint their volcanic origin.

Our discovery: The Archaeos Tuff

During the expedition, our group of researchers discovered a thick, white pumice layer at multiple sites, in several different basins. Shipboard biostratigraphy dated each occurrence of the layer to the same age: between 510,000 and 530,000 years ago. Geochemical correlations suggested the composition was the same across drill holes as well.

Finding the same layer across these basins allows our research team to model how big the eruption that caused it might have been. We used seismic data collected during the expedition to determine that the bulk volume of the volcanic sediment is about 21 cubic miles (90 cubic kilometers), with thicknesses up to 490 feet (150 meters) in some places. In addition, we determined that this layer of volcanic rock was spread over 1,100 square miles (3,000 square kilometers) of this region in the southern Aegean Sea.

aerial view of ship on blue sea with islands in background
The JOIDES Resolution cruised the southern Aegean Sea, including near the Kameni islands within the Santorini caldera, which were created by volcanic eruptions. Thomas Ronge/IODP

Our team named this deposit the Archaeos Tuff, from the Greek word archea for ancient. The name reflects the rock’s Greek origin, as well as the fact that it was significantly older than much of the volcanic activity we know about on land.

Based on the Archaeos Tuff’s characteristics, we can understand the nature of the volcanic eruption that formed it. Its thickness and distribution over a wide area suggest that the Archaeos Tuff is the result of a single, high-intensity eruption. The numerous vesicles, or tiny holes, in the rock indicate that a large amount of gas was released at the same time as the liquid magma. These little gas bubbles paint a picture of a powerful eruption in which a great deal of volatile gas was released quite quickly.

Yet despite its evident size and ferocity, this eruption did not correlate with any previously known on-land deposits or large eruptions. The relative lack of on-land material suggests a mainly submarine eruption. Once we knew what we were looking for, our team was able to match our newly discovered deep-sea layer of volcanic sediment to a few small, previously uncorrelated on-land deposits on Santorini, Christiana and Anafi islands. The presence of these deposits indicates some breach of the sea surface during the eruption, which again fits with our picture of an energetic eruption.

Further study of the Archaeos Tuff’s composition and age confirmed the unique nature of the rock deposit left by this eruption. Based on the data we collected, our team believes the Archaeos Tuff is the result of an eruption six times bigger than the Bronze Age Minoan eruption, leaving behind rock deposits 30 times thicker. The presence of such a large volcanic deposit tells us that the South Aegean Volcanic Arc is more capable of producing large submarine volcanic eruptions than scientists previously recognized.

Identifying the Archaeos Tuff expands what we know about volcanic processes in the south Aegean Sea. It suggests a greater propensity for hazardous submarine volcanism than previously realized – and that officials need to reevaluate volcanic hazards to the surrounding population.The Conversation

Molly Colleen McCanta, Associate Professor of Petrology and Planetary Geoscience, University of Tennessee

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

White rice with side dishes isn’t really ‘traditional’ Japanese food. So where did we get this idea?

Delicious in Dungeon Wiki
Laura Emily ClarkUniversity of New England

At first glance, Netflix’s popular Japanese animation Delicious in Dungeon is a strangely food-obsessed dungeon-crawler fantasy tale.

Upon a closer look, however, it reveals itself as a striking parody of the popular “gourmet genre”. The series invites us to think critically about how food traditions are created and conformed to.

It also reminds us that food is highly political and that the “culinary nationalism” we see around the world – and particularly in Japan – is more complicated than most people realise.

Delicious in Dungeon is a ‘seinen’ anime. These productions are usually targeted at young Japanese men. Netflix

A culinary high fantasy

Delicious in Dungeon was initially released as a comic book in 2014, before being adapted for TV by Japanese animation studio Trigger. Its distribution by Netflix this year has given the seinen (meaning “youth”) anime a global audience.

Despite being a dungeon crawler, the series has an unusually explicit focus on food. Our group of heroes must keep themselves fed while on their epic quest. Specifically, they must embrace (with varying degrees of enthusiasm) danjon meshii: slaying monsters and eating them.

The show’s creators use a range of visual and narrative tropes borrowed from the Japanese “gourmet” genre. Typically, works in this genre (including books, movies, shows, comics and more) feature a careful discussion of ingredients, a demonstration of their preparation and an evaluation on the final product.

The order in which this happens can vary depending on the specific work. For example, the popular Netflix show Midnight Diner typically provides the full recipe at the end of each episode.

Although the ingredients and method of preparation shown in Delicious in Dungeon are … unusual … the show still follows this pattern to a T. Whether the characters are making a mandrake and bat meat kakiage, or a basilisk egg omelette, they discuss the ingredients, prepare the meal and react as they eat it.

Even the characters who are the most uncomfortable with having to eat monsters have moments of eye-watering happiness when they taste the delicious flavours.

The show falls within the ‘gourmet genre’, all the while dissecting and poking fun at it. Netflix

Conversations about food

By talking explicitly and consistently about food taboos (such as “must you eat the monsters you kill?”) and food values (such as “food should be shared with others”), Delicious in Dungeon draws our attention to a number of ideas that usually hide beneath the surface.

What is “natural” to eat? Why are some food practices considered taboo? And who gets to decide?

Our “foodways” – our cultural and social practices regarding the creation and consumption of food – are where community, connection and in-group/out-group dynamics are formed.

Food is constantly at the centre of battles of authenticity, tradition and values (never mind issues of scarcity and sustainability). As described by Japanese literature academic Tomoko Aoyama in her book Reading Food in Modern Japanese Literature:

the seemingly simple and ordinary may turn out to be surprisingly complex, once we pay attention to it […] Food has been discovered, invented, classified, and scrutinised, as well as enjoyed, consumed and devoured.

Policing tradition and authenticity

Since the early 2000s, various arms of the Japanese government have been on a quest to define (and protect) “authentic” Japanese food.

One eyebrow-raising example was a 2006 program created for the certification of authentic Japanese restaurants outside Japan. It has since been largely replaced by Japan’s non-governmental, non-profit Organisation to Promote Japanese Restaurants Abroad and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries promotion of businesses that use Japanese ingredients.

Perhaps the most significant change in Japanese food tradition was the successful UNESCO Intangible Heritage bid of 2013, which saw washoku enshrined as a “traditional dietary culture”.

The term washoku (“wa” meaning Japanese and “shoku” meaning food) emerged during the modern Meiji period (1868–1912) to describe food from Japan alongside a sudden influx of European foods. But it was an everyday term of no special significance; there was no uniform opinion of what “Japanese” food was.

After the bid, a previously undefined range of food practices carried out by millions of people was reduced to a single meal which includes a serve of white rice with multiple side dishes.

Although washoku has been enshrined as ‘traditional Japanese food’, it wasn’t popularised until relatively recently. Nullumayulife/FlickrCC BY

Washoku is essentially an “invented tradition” that was only recently awarded cultural significance and repackaged for an international audience. As Japanese culinary scholar Eric Rath explains:

Washoku is an idealised dietary lifestyle focusing on food popularised from the 1960s onwards, meant to impress audiences outside Japan and guide domestic eating habits.

In fact, many elements of modern Japanese cuisine didn’t become mainstream until the past 100 years. For instance, the vast majority of Japan’s population rarely ate pure white rice before the 1950s. It was the rice rationing of the wartime government that introduced white rice into people’s daily fare.

Before this period, there was massive variation in food practices and the types of food eaten depended on the region and climate. Generally speaking, however, a “traditional” Japanese diet from pre-modern times included single-pot meals combining millet and barley (sometimes mixed with rice) and local vegetables.

Another example of a dish considered purely Japanese, but which isn’t, is ramen.

Ramen is the result of immigration and cultural intermingling. Shutterstock

Ramen was developed in the early 1900s by Chinese immigrants in Japan, to serve to blue-collar workers. It underwent several changes and adjustments before it became the rich dish we know and love today.

Eating with your eyes

Regardless of the historical reality, our shared imagination of “Japanese food” continues to thrive in fictional worlds and the gourmet genre.

Netflix in particular has engaged with the genre through older hits such as Midnight Diner and more recent releases such as The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House.

The first pre-Netflix Midnight Diner season premiered in 2009. The anthology was acquired by Netflix Japan in 2016. Netflix

A number of novels translated from Japenese to English such as The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai can also be understood as part of this trend.

When we see the characters in Delicious in Dungeon debate how to best prepare their dishes, or gasp in pleasure at the wonders on their palates, we’re actually seeing a parody of the gourmet genre and a critique of culinary nationalism.

So the next time you encounter the words “traditional” next to food, you might want to ask yourself: what is this person trying to sell me – and why?The Conversation

Laura Emily Clark, Lecturer in Japanese, University of New England

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Elder abuse awareness campaign important step towards ending scourge of abuse

July 23, 2024
The launch of a multi-million dollar elder abuse awareness campaign is a positive step towards ending the scourge of abuse impacting an estimated one in six older Australians, COTA Australia says.

The Federal Government today announced the launch of a $5 million dollar advertising campaign aimed at encouraging older people to open up about poor treatment – including from their children and grandchildren.

CEO of COTA Australia, the leading advocacy organisation for older people, Patricia Sparrow, said awareness-raising is one piece of the puzzle when it comes to addressing the serious issue.

“The statistics around elder abuse are shocking. It’s estimated one in six older people experiences abuse, but we also know that it’s an under-reported issue and that the figures are likely much higher than that,” Ms Sparrow said.

“Systemic issues like ageism mean that all too often elder abuse is overlooked or dismissed. Anything that helps bring the issue to the forefront of people’s minds and provides practical tools to address it is very welcome.”

Ms Sparrow said the recent evaluation of the 2019-2023 National Elder Abuse Plan showed a need to continue to increase awareness of the issue and for further safeguards to be put in place to protect older people.

“It’s important the Federal Government develop and release a new National Elder Abuse Plan that continues this important work. This advertising campaign is an important part of that, but we should also look to other measures too such as fixing our Power of Attorney laws,” Ms Sparrow said.

“We have a situation where each state and territory has its own, often weak, Power of Attorney laws which is contributing to our unacceptably high rates of elder abuse.

“We’ve all heard stories of unscrupulous relatives or acquaintances using our inconsistent and weak Power of Attorney laws to get away with abusing vulnerable older Australians.

“Elder abuse takes many forms and we need serious action on many fronts. This significant awareness-raising campaign is a great step forward, but fixing the Power of Attorney laws as part of increasing and effective safeguards against elder abuse, is another obvious and urgent step we need to take.”

New war memorial honouring Australians who served in the Middle East

The NSW Government has announced it is investing $2 million to build a new war memorial dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Middle East campaigns of Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families.

Delivering on a key election commitment, the new war memorial has been funded in the 2024-25 NSW Budget with completion anticipated by the end of 2026.

Along with other work, this represents a vital step in recognising the contributions and sacrifices of contemporary veterans, and ensuring their legacy is honoured for generations to come.

The current proposal is for a memorial to be constructed at The Domain, the site of Sydney’s first Anzac Day service in 1916.

The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs will work with Botanic Gardens of Sydney to confirm an appropriate location for the memorial within the Crescent Precinct of The Domain.

The Government has undertaken extensive consultation to ensure a new memorial meets the expectations of the veteran community.

Consultation efforts have included current serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force, and their families.

The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs will lead the ongoing consultation process and will work closely with RSL NSW, Legacy, the Families of Veterans Guild and the broader veterans community to ensure all voices are heard and the memorial appropriately honours the sacrifices of contemporary veterans and their families.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“It is time that NSW has a significant memorial for the recent Middle East conflicts.”

“Establishing a new memorial is not just about honouring the past, but also about acknowledging the ongoing contributions and sacrifices of our contemporary veterans.

“Our Government will work hard in consultation with the Federal Government to understand the challenges that Australian veterans from recent conflicts face.

“We want to make sure their views are heard, their service and sacrifice are recognised, and their needs are supported.

NSW Minister for Veterans Affairs David Harris said:
“This is an important step to consider how to mark the service and sacrifices veterans made in conflicts since 1990.

“We are committed to ensuring that the voices of veterans and their families are at the forefront of this process. Their input is invaluable in shaping a memorial that truly reflects their experiences.

“The strong support shown in consultations so far highlights the community’s recognition of the need for this memorial. It’s a powerful reminder of the respect and gratitude we owe to our contemporary veterans.”

from the pages of the past:

80 surfers rescued from Avalon rips
SYDNEY, Sunday. — More than 80 surfers were rescued al Avalon Beach today after a sandbar collapsed. Lifesavers ran a shuttle service of surf lines to bring them to the shore.
Additional lifesavers were tailed to active duty after the club captain, Richie Burnett, saw the condition of the surf was becoming dangerous. Bad rips surrounded the sandbar.
Burnett sent lifesavers on boards beyond the breakers to watch for surfers in difficulties.
When the sandbar finally gave way many surfers, including small children, were left struggling in deep water.
The strong rip washed many a long way out. In some cases lifesavers held three surfers on their boards until help came.
Some of the rescued were treated on the beach and others in the club's ambulance room. 80 surfers rescued from Avalon rips (1964, November 30). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107512265


North Avalon 1964 (l to r) Bob Brown, Dorothy De Rooy, 'Nat' Young and 'Midget' Farrelly. There's a video of this surf comp available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Udbm5TYXUk
Photo: ABHS

Age Pension Information Session

When: Thursday, 1 August 2024 - 02:00 pm to 04:00 pm
Where: Mona Vale Library, 1 Park St, Mona Vale

Learn about age pension support for older Australian's at our free information session presented by Services Australia. This session will cover:
  • Australia's Social Security agreement
  • How much pension you can receive
  • Working while you receive the age pension
  • How to report your income
  • How to claim the age pension
Free, bookings essential.
NB: This session may be cancelled if there are low bookings.

Funding for on-site pharmacists in aged care homes

July 24, 2024
The Australian Government is providing $333.7 million for community pharmacies and residential aged care homes to employ pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care homes.

On-site pharmacists will work alongside other aged care professionals to improve medication management and ensure older people are using their medications safely.

This investment will give residents and care providers regular and reliable access to pharmacist advice about safe and appropriate use of medicines.

Having trusted pharmacists on-site to regularly review medications will give older people and their families more trust and confidence in the care they are receiving.

We want older people to have access to high quality healthcare that’s right for them and delivered through a team of professionals including general practitioners, nurses and pharmacists.

From 1 July 2024, community pharmacies have been able to access funding of $138,282 per annum for a full time equivalent aged care on-site pharmacist. 

Also from 1 July 2024, where community pharmacies are unable orchoose not to participate or a suitable agreement is not reached between the residential aged care home and the pharmacy, residential aged care homes can employ pharmacists directly.

Visit the department’s website to find more information about Aged care on-site pharmacists.

Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells stated:
“Making sure older people have access to safe and quality healthcare is a priority for the Albanese Government. 

“Having pharmacists on-site in residential aged care homes gives greater assurance to residents and their families that their medications are being managed safely and appropriately.

“Residents of aged care homes and their care providers will benefit from the clinical care provided by the on-site pharmacist, including easy access to flu vaccines and COVID boosters.”

A Call to Volunteer Trainers and Students

Come and share your knowledge or learn more about your device! 
Computer Pals for Seniors Northern Beaches would love to hear from you. We are a not-for-profit organisation helping seniors navigate the wonderful world of technology.

We teach in term times Monday to Friday in a relaxed fun environment.

Common topics requested by Students are: Sending and receiving emails, discovering useful apps, safe banking online, learning how to take and store photos, avoiding Scams, and basically being able to operate their device with confidence.

We teach Android/Apple tablets and phones, and Apple/Microsoft/ Chromebook laptops.

We are based at the Tramshed Arts & Community Centre, 1395a Pittwater Road, Narrabeen, near the B-Line bus stop.

Why not give us a call on 0478 920 651



Manly Sailability Needs Volunteers

We have a fantastic team of volunteers who help us with a range of jobs. A roster system ensures that we don’t overdo things but many of our volunteers nevertheless are there even when they’re not on the roster. We set up a marquee for shade, put out the urn for tea and coffee, bring the boats out from the shed, set up the boats and put them into the water, sail the boats, ensure that everyone signs in, operate the radio, observer on the safety boat, and at the end of our day’s sailing, do all this in reverse.

You don’t have to be a sailor to be a volunteer, landlubbers are most welcome too. And some of our volunteers are themselves disabled.

Volunteering for Sailability Manly will give you many amazing personal rewards… for starters, what better way of spending a few hours on a Saturday than on Manly Cove? And you’ll find that you will grow as a person through meeting and interacting with a diverse range of wonderful and inspiring people with various disabilities. 

If you’re not a sailor don’t let that stop you – we have numerous things that need doing on the jetty and we’re happy to take you for a sail or even train you to become a sailor if you wish. 

Please help us share Freedom on the Water, regardless of ability, by getting involved and  contact secretary@manlysailability.com.au

NSA slams scammers as they hit an all time low

July 10,2024
National Seniors Australia (NSA) is slamming scammers who target victims of previous scams promising financial recovery and reiterates calls to be suspicious of offers to recover funds for an upfront fee.

National Seniors Australia (NSA) is slamming scammers who target victims of previous scams promising financial recovery and reiterates calls to be suspicious of offers to recover funds for an upfront fee.

According to information today released by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), reports that involve a money recovery element are on the rise. Between December 2023 and May 2024, Scamwatch received 158 reports with total losses of over $2.9 million, including losses from the original scam.

The number of reports increased by 129% when compared to the six months prior, however financial losses decreased by 29% from $4.1 million.

NSA Chief Executive Officer Mr Chris Grice said it is concerning to see Australians aged 65 and older were the largest reporting group and suffered the highest average losses.

“These are not just numbers – these are real and often vulnerable people with retirement funds, life savings and legacies intended for family and charities. To scam someone once is bad enough, to scam that same person again as they attempt to recover their financial loss is simply deplorable – it’s the lowest of the low,” Mr Grice said.

“Most services, communications and transactions are now online. For many older people, being online and navigating the internet is still new and fraught with fear, and rightly so.

“Scams are getting more sophisticated and harder to identify. Investment, education, and training are critical to help give older Australians skills and confidence to safely use online services.”

In May, NSA welcomed the government’s $42 million investment to extend the Digital Literacy for Older Australians program – Be Connected until June 2028. NSA continues to promote the Australian Federal Police’s cyber ABC safety videos to help everyone be confident and safe online.

“It is disappointing but not surprising to hear older people are targeted. We encourage anyone who is online, especially seniors, to follow the advice of the National Anti-Scam Centre and to help protect against scams by: 
  1. saying no, 
  2. deleting and blocking attempts of contact; 
  3. verifying who you’re speaking with and 
  4. protecting your personal information
“If you have been scammed, immediately call your bank, and report your experience to the National AntiScam Centre. You can also call IDCARE for support on 1800 595 160.”

For more information about how the scam works and how to protect yourself visit the ACCC

Grattan on Friday: Eyes are on Sunday’s reshuffle but government’s fears are about Wednesday’s inflation number

Michelle GrattanUniversity of Canberra

After Thursday’s announcement that cabinet ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O'Connor were stepping down from the frontbench, all public attention came on to the reshuffle to be unveiled on Sunday.

Behind the scenes, however, something else is preoccupying the government. Ahead of the June quarter inflation figure out on Wednesday, the collective holding of breath is palpable. That number, and its consequences, could affect the government’s political fortunes for months.

The markets expect inflation to increase from the previous quarter’s 3.6% annual figure. If that happens, days of debilitating public speculation will follow, about whether the Reserve Bank at its August 5–6 meeting will raise interest rates or decide, in light of an economy that’s crawling along the ground, to hold them steady.

Australia’s inflation rate has come down from 7.8% in the December quarter of 2022 to the March quarter’s 3.6%. But a turn upwards, even relatively small, would get people worried.

Who’d want the job of bank governor Michele Bullock right now? If rates were hiked in August, Bullock would take a heap of flak. But, unlike the government, she doesn’t face an election. Critics, especially the opposition, would accuse the government of fuelling inflation with its budget cost-of-living measures, although Treasury has estimated they reduce inflation.

The Westpac forecast for the June quarter is an annual rate of 3.8%. Inflation is being fed by rises in petrol prices, insurance and rents.

This week the markets’ expectation of an August rate rise is still relatively low. So for the government, there is an encouraging chance of dodging the bullet – and the ire of home buyers.

On the other hand, the bank has made it clear it won’t be deterred in its fight against inflation. Bullock said after the board’s June meeting: “We need a lot to go our way if we are going to bring inflation back down to the 2–3% target range. The board does need to be confident that inflation is moving sustainably toward target and it will do what is necessary to achieve that outcome.”

The government points out that as inflation falls, it doesn’t necessarily come down in a straight line. However, its earlier expectation (or hope) that by the end of this year inflation could be within the bank’s target range must be in doubt, although Treasurer Jim Chalmers wouldn’t concede that.

An August rate rise would be a heavy blow for the government, but even if that is avoided, the crucial rate fall it is looking for is a long time away. And how much political advantage an eventual single rate decrease would bring is likely limited, after home buyers have faced more than a dozen increases.

The latest Freshwater Strategy poll, published this week in the Australian Financial Review, shows voters in a funk of pessimism, which will take a lot of turning around.

More than half (56%) think the country is headed in the wrong direction; fewer than three in ten (29%) believe it is going the right way. Some 50% say the economy will have worsened a year from now; just over one in five (21%) believe it will have improved.

Meanwhile Sunday’s reshuffle will aim at removing barnacles as well as giving an opportunity for a refresh of the team.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles is expected to be moved, in an effort to neutralise what has been a fraught issue for Labor.

Giles, a Victorian left winger who was a solicitor for asylum seekers and reacted emotionally to Labor’s 2015 embrace of turning back boats, was always likely to strike trouble in this post. Then the High Court decision forcing the release of a batch of immigration detainees put him into a spotlight that often had him looking near frozen.

There has been speculation his senior minister, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, may also be shifted. O'Neil’s performance has been lacklustre. Anyway her behemoth department is too large and unwieldy, ranging from cyber security to border control. Administratively, it performs poorly.

What Albanese should do is break up Home Affairs, and elevate the immigration minister into cabinet. But that would be radical.

The obvious replacement for Burney is Malarndirri McCarthy, assistant minister in the Indigenous portfolio, who was formerly a member of the Northern Territory parliament. It would be a big step up for her, in an area where Labor appears to have lost its way since last year’s failed Voice referendum.

It’s hard to avoid the conclusion the government in recent months hasn’t wanted Indigenous affairs policy to the fore, especially in the run up to the August Northern Territory election. Or perhaps it simply hasn’t been able to work up a plan. The referendum left the government dispirited and with a vacuum, and Burney exhausted.

A changing of the ministerial guard does (or should) provide an opportunity to draw a line under the referendum debacle, and embark on a policy refresh.

Late next week Albanese will attend the Garma festival in northeast Arnhem Land. Garma is far more than a cultural gathering. It is an occasion that brings together Indigenous leaders, as well as politicians and others with a stake in or connection to Indigenous affairs.

One attendee this year will be Danielle Wood, the head of the Productivity Commission, which next week will release its latest update on the Closing the Gap results. It doesn’t take that report to tell us that on many fronts, the gap is yawning.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy is one of the Productivity Commission’s new policy areas of focus; it will be consulting on a research plan in coming months.

The commission is not the only specialist economic player working in Indigenous affairs. The Treasury also has a unit devoted to this policy area. Chalmers himself is taking an increasing interest.

The involvement of economic departments and agencies is vitally important to achieving progress, for a couple of reasons. One is that the bureaucracy supporting Indigenous policy hasn’t been nearly as strong as required. Another is that if communities could be given a lot more economic sustainability, that could help alleviate (albeit not solve) some of the social problems.

As things stand, if he disappeared off the scene today, Albanese would have only a failed legacy in Indigenous affairs. He needs to use the months ahead and (assuming) a second term to turn that into some substantial positive achievements. We know from history it won’t be easy.The Conversation

Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

AvPals Term 3 2024

FraudGPT and other malicious AIs are the new frontier of online threats. What can we do?

Bayu AnggorojatiMonash UniversityArif PerdanaMonash University, and Derry WijayaMonash University

The internet, a vast and indispensable resource for modern society, has a darker side where malicious activities thrive.

From identity theft to sophisticated malware attacks, cyber criminals keep coming up with new scam methods.

Widely available generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools have now added a new layer of complexity to the cyber security landscape. Staying on top of your online security is more important than ever.

The rise of dark LLMs

One of the most sinister adaptations of current AI is the creation of “dark LLMs” (large language models).

These uncensored versions of everyday AI systems like ChatGPT are re-engineered for criminal activities. They operate without ethical constraints and with alarming precision and speed.

Cyber criminals deploy dark LLMs to automate and enhance phishing campaigns, create sophisticated malware and generate scam content.

To achieve this, they engage in LLM “jailbreaking” – using prompts to get the model to bypass its built-in safeguards and filters.

For instance, FraudGPT writes malicious code, creates phishing pages and generates undetectable malware. It offers tools for orchestrating diverse cybercrimes, from credit card fraud to digital impersonation.

FraudGPT is advertised on the dark web and the encrypted messaging app Telegram. Its creator openly markets its capabilities, emphasising the model’s criminal focus.

Another version, WormGPT, produces persuasive phishing emails that can trick even vigilant users. Based on the GPT-J model, WormGPT is also used for creating malware and launching “business email compromise” attacks – targeted phishing of specific organisations.

What can we do to protect ourselves?

Despite the looming threats, there is a silver lining. As the challenges have advanced, so have the ways we can defend against them.

AI-based threat detection tools can monitor malware and respond to cyber attacks more effectively. However, humans need to stay in the mix to keep an eye on how these tools respond, what actions they take, and whether there are vulnerabilities to fix.

You may have heard keeping your software up to date is crucial for security. It might feel like a chore, but it really is a critical defence strategy. Updates patch up the vulnerabilities that cyber criminals try to exploit.

Are your files and data regularly backed up? It’s not just about preserving files in case of a system failure. Regular backups are a fundamental protection strategy. You can reclaim your digital life without caving to extortion if you are targeted by a ransomware attack – when criminals lock up your data and demand a ransom payment before they release it.

Cyber criminals who send phishing messages can leave clues like poor grammar, generic greetings, suspicious email addresses, overly urgent requests or suspicious links. Developing an eye for these signs is as essential as locking your door at night.

If you don’t already use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, it’s time to do so. This combination multiplies your security, making it dramatically more difficult for criminals to access your accounts.

What can we expect in the future?

Our online existence will continue to intertwine with emerging technologies like AI. We can expect more sophisticated cyber crime tools to emerge, too.

Malicious AI will enhance phishing, create sophisticated malware and improve data mining for targeted attacks. AI-driven hacking tools will become widely available and customisable.

In response, cyber security will have to adapt, too. We can expect automated threat hunting, quantum-resistant encryptionAI tools that help to preserve privacy, stricter regulations and international cooperation.

The role of government regulations

Stricter government regulations on AI are one way to counter these advanced threats. This would involve mandating the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they are equipped with robust security features and adhere to stringent standards.

In addition to tighter regulations, we also need to improve how organisations respond to cyber incidents and what mechanisms there are for mandatory reporting and public disclosure.

By requiring companies to promptly report cyber incidents, authorities can act swiftly. They can mobilise resources to address breaches before they escalate into major crises.

This proactive approach can significantly mitigate the impact of cyber attacks, preserving both public trust and corporate integrity.

Furthermore, cyber crime knows no borders. In the era of AI-powered cyber crime, international collaboration is essential. Effective global cooperation can streamline how authorities track and prosecute cyber criminals, creating a unified front against cyber threats.

As AI-powered malware proliferates, we’re at a critical junction in the global tech journey: we need to balance innovation (new AI tools, new features, more data) with security and privacy.

Overall, it’s best to be proactive about your own online security. That way you can stay one step ahead in the ever-evolving cyber battleground.The Conversation

Bayu Anggorojati, Assistant Professor, Cyber Security, Monash UniversityArif Perdana, Associate Professor in Digital Strategy and Data Science, Monash University, and Derry Wijaya, Associate Professor of Data Science, Monash University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

DF65 Masters Challenge 2024 

It was one epic battle between RSYS and RPAYC on Thursday July 25 at the DF65 Masters Challenge, with the course set across the water in Bayview.

After a morning of close competition, RPAYC reclaimed the coveted DF65 Interclub Challenge trophy with a 214 to 173 final result! Congratulations to all who competed. The trophy does look great in our cabinet!



Photos/report: Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - RPAYC

Radio Controlled Yachting

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
THURSDAYS FROM 09:30-12:30
We sail every Thursday morning.
Meet at the Club for a coffee at 9:00
Sailing from 9:30 till 11:30.
Bring your Yacht or learn how to kit your own yacht out.
Contact Phil Burgess 0413 200 608 to come and try it out.

The DragonForce 65 has undergone a major transformation to bring the quality and appearance up the high standard set by its bigger brother the DragonFlite 95, without affecting the competitiveness of previous versions. New tooling for the hull sees an increase in hull strength while retaining the same shape and weight. Key rig fittings, the Gooseneck, Compression Strut, Masthead Fitting and Jib Boom front end fittings have been redesigned for maximum efficiency and easier assembly. The new version 6 now comes with 50 micron Mylar film sails with a clean new style. The improvements don't stop there, the digital rudder servo has been given a 10% boost in torque and improved electronics.

Nominate someone inspiring for an Australian of the Year Award

Nominate an inspiring older person or someone making a difference to the lives of older people for a 2025 Australian of the Year Award.



Do you know someone who is achieving great things as they get older? What about an aged care worker or volunteer dedicated to helping older people?

If someone comes to mind, why not nominate them for a 2025 Australian of the Year Award?

For the last 65 years, the Australian of the Year Awards have celebrated the achievements and contributions of exceptional Australians. In 2025, we'd love see more nominations for Senior Australians and those improving the lives of older people.

You can nominate an older person who is making Australia a better place, like Glenys Oogjes, 2024 Victoria Senior Australian of the Year. Glenys is the head of an influential animal advocacy group and has been a force behind historic changes in Australian animal policy. 

You can nominate someone making a positive difference to the lives of older people, like Professor Ralph Martins, 2010 Western Australia Australian of the Year. Ralph is recognised as a leader in research into Alzheimer’s disease. He is responsible for a series of breakthroughs that have advanced the understanding of Alzheimer’s across the world.

Nominating someone for an award is easy. Being nominated gives amazing Australians the opportunity to share their passion, gain more support and shows them the recognition they deserve.

Categories include:
  • Australian of the Year
  • Senior Australian of the Year (people aged 65 years or over)
  • Young Australian of the Year (people aged 16 to 30 years) 
  • Australia’s Local Hero.
Nominations close 31 July 2024

Visit Australian of the Year Awards to submit your nomination.

Photo Credit the National Australia Day Council 2024

New incentive payment for general practitioners to ensure better health services for aged care residents

July 25, 2024
The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive supports aged care residents to receive regular visits from their general practitioner (GP) and the care team with an ongoing care plan.

GPs and practices can receive incentive payments for each of their patients living in residential aged care by following the program guidelines and ensuring they register for MyMedicare.

Sole practitioners can also register for the incentive.

Aged care residents, their GPs and the GP’s practice must be registered with MyMedicare to participate.

Aged care residents and their families and carers can talk to their GP about this program and MyMedicare.

Australian Government ensuring more nurses in aged care homes

July 23, 2024
One year on from the introduction of the 24/7 Registered Nurse (RN) responsibility, the Australian Government is continuing to deliver on its promise to put nurses back into residential aged care, the government has stated.

Aged care homes now have an RN on-site and on duty 24 hours a day, on average 99 per cent of the time, allowing greater care for older Australians and continuing our mission to restore dignity to aged care.

About 92 per cent of aged care homes report having a registered nurse on-site 24/7, a 6 per cent increase from 86 per cent in July 2023.

We have also seen improvements to the care minutes being delivered in residential aged care. 

Older people in residential aged care are receiving an additional 3.9 million minutes of direct care every single day under the Albanese Government, including 1.7 million additional minutes of care from registered nurses. 

The sector is delivering an average of 204.2 total care minutes, which includes 40.2 minutes from an RN. 

Fewer rural and remote aged care providers have sought an exemption from the 24/7 RN responsibility in its second year, as they have been able to meet or surpass the minimum RN coverage threshold.

This continuous improvement reflects the collective impact of aged care reforms delivered by the Government, including workforce reform, and strong support from the aged care sector who are committed to providing the best possible care to residents.

For more information, see the 24/7 registered nursing dashboard and the care minutes dashboard. 

Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells stated:
"Labor entered government determined to improve the quality of care for older Australians.”

“The fact there is now a RN onsite in aged care 99% of the time on average across Australia shows we have delivered.”

“Under the Albanese Government, older people in aged care can receive attention from an RN whenever they need it.”

“This is what caring for our older generation looks like and I want to thank the nurses who have worked with us to lift the standard of aged care.”

Dr Danielle McMullen elected unopposed as new AMA President

July 24, 2024
Current Vice President Dr Danielle McMullen FRACGP has been declared by the returning officer as the next President of the Australian Medical Association after nominating unopposed — the first unopposed leader since Dr Steve Hambleton.



AMA President Professor Steve Robson said Dr McMullen — a highly respected leader in the health landscape — has developed excellent relationships, including a robust relationship with federal Minister for Health Mark Butler.

“I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Dr McMullen, who has proven her mettle in her vice-presidential role for the past two years and as President of AMA NSW before this period,” Professor Robson said.

“Having worked with Dr McMullen so closely I can confidently say I can’t think of a better person to advocate for members, and all doctors on improvements to our health system.”

“Dr McMullen is a strong but inclusive leader. She brings poise and vibrancy to the role of AMA President. The respect and recognition that Dr McMullen has around the country has translated into broad support of her candidacy for the AMA President role.”

Dr McMullen said she was looking forward to representing all doctors across the health system, which is under strain in all areas, including in general practice, public hospitals, mental health and in the private health sector.

“The AMA is the voice of the medical profession and the only group representing all doctors across the country of all specialties and stages of career. I’m ready to take on the challenge along with my colleagues,” Dr McMullen said.

“There is an urgency and a readiness to take the best bits of our healthcare system and strengthen them; to support our excellent doctors and other health workers; to invest in prevention and early intervention; and to invest in general practice so that Australians have ready access to their doctor when they need them. While there are many threats to the health system, there are also great opportunities.

“Some of the areas I will focusing on in my presidency include getting waiting lists down and improving the value proposition of private health insurance.

“Our first priority needs to be boosting investment in general practice. It's the cornerstone of our healthcare system with our GPs looking after Australians from birth to death and through all the ups and downs in between.

“With an ageing population and increasing chronic disease, we need everyone in our healthcare system working together. Patients need a usual GP working in a team to ensure they can access care when they need it, to prevent their illness deteriorating to the point they need to be in hospital. When patients do need hospital care, that care needs to be timely and well-coordinated.”

Delegates at the AMA’s National Conference in just over a week’s time will elect a Vice President, with two candidates nominating: A/Prof Julian Rait and Dr Xavier Yu.

Delegates will also vote on a motion to introduce a hand-over period of 2 months for new presidents, with the new leadership team to take over from October 1.

Exercise can help boost your brain power

There continues to be a lot of research into the effects of exercise – at various levels of intensity and frequency. 

The overwhelming message from the findings is that exercise is an easy-to-achieve path to better health, longer health, and happier health as we age. 

New University of Queensland research adds to the bank of evidence, with researchers finding that high-intensity interval exercise improves brain function in older adults for up to five years.  

The research involved volunteers doing physical exercise followed by brain scans. 

Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett from the university’s Queensland Brain Institute led the study, which he said was the first controlled study of its kind to show exercise can boost cognition in healthy older adults not just delay cognitive decline. 

“Six months of high-intensity interval training is enough to flick the switch,” he said. 

Exercise is important in activating stem cells and increasing the production of neurons in the hippocampus, improving cognition. 

A large cohort of healthy 65–85-year-old volunteers joined a six-month exercise program, did biomarker and cognition testing, and had high-resolution brain scans. 

They were then followed up five years after the program. The amazing result was that they still had improved cognition, even if they had not kept up with the exercises. 

Exercise intensity is the key
During the study, the researchers assessed the impact of three exercise intensities: 
  • Low – predominantly motor function, balance, and stretching. 
  • Medium – brisk walking on a treadmill. 
  • High – four cycles running on a treadmill at near maximum exertion. 
It was only the high-intensity interval exercise that led to cognitive improvement that was retained for up to five years. 

"On high-resolution MRI scans of that group, we saw structural and connectivity changes in the hippocampus, the area responsible for learning and memory,” the institute’s Dr Daniel Blackmore said. 

“We also found blood biomarkers that changed in correlation to improvements in cognition. 

“Biomarkers can be useful in predicting the effectiveness of the exercise a person is doing.” 

Dementia hope
Ageing is one of the biggest risks for dementia, a condition that affects almost half a million Australians. 

The scientists hope the trajectory of ageing can be changed and people are cognitively healthier for longer with a simple intervention-like exercise. 

“We can potentially save our community from the enormous personal, economic, and social costs associated with dementia,” Professor Bartlett said.  

With one in three people aged 85 likely to develop dementia, the impact of the research could be far-reaching for aged care. 

The researchers hope the finding can inform exercise guidelines for older people and that further study can assess different types of exercise that could be incorporated into aged care. 

The researchers are now looking at the genetic factors that may regulate a person’s response to exercise to establish who will and who will not respond to the intervention. 

High intensity not high impact
Any exercise is better than none, and high intensity exercise seems to give an additional advantage. 

In a Norwegian study, which also found the benefits of exercise, an exercise session involved a 10-minute warm-up, followed by four lots of four-minute intervals where participants’ heart rates reached about 90% of their peak rate. 

So, you don't have to run to be at high intensity. You can climb stairs or walk briskly uphill and you will be at 90% of peak heart rate, which is good news for older adults especially if you have arthritis. 

Physical activities that build endurance:
  • Brisk walking or jogging 
  • Yard work (mowing, raking) 
  • Dancing 
  • Swimming 
  • Biking 
  • Climbing stairs or hills 
  • Playing tennis or basketball 
There are simple things do start you on your exercise journey. Increase your endurance or “staying power” to help keep up with your grandchildren during a trip to the park, dance to your favourite songs at a family wedding, and rake the yard and bag up leaves. 

It’s recommended you build up to at least 150 minutes of activity a week that makes you breathe hard. Try to be active throughout your day to reach this goal and avoid sitting for long periods of time. 

Safety tips
  • Do a little light activity, such as easy walking, before and after your endurance activities to warm up and cool down. 
  • Listen to your body: endurance activities should not cause dizziness, chest pain or pressure, or a feeling like heartburn. 
  • Be sure to drink liquids when doing any activity that makes you sweat. If your doctor has told you to limit your fluids, be sure to check before increasing the amount of fluid you drink while exercising. 
  • If you are going to be exercising outdoors, be aware of your surroundings. 
  • Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothes as needed for hot and cold weather. 
  • To prevent injuries, use safety equipment, such as a helmet when bicycling. 

We have too few aged care workers to care for older Australians. Why? And what can we do about it?

Butsaya/Shutterstock
Hal SwerissenLa Trobe University

In a country like Australia, we all expect that when we get old, we’ll be able to rely on a robust aged care system. But aged care providers can’t find staff and a crisis is brewing.

If the problem isn’t fixed, there are serious risks to quality and access to services for older people who need support. There are also broader social, economic and political consequences for undervaluing the rapidly expanding health and social assistance workforce.

Aged care employs around 420,000 people. Around 80% of those are front line staff providing care and demand for them is increasing rapidly.

Australians are ageing

The number of people aged 80 and over is projected to double by 2050. At the same time, informal family care is becoming less available. In the next 25 years, twice as many aged care staff will be needed.

Currently, about 1.4 million older people receive aged care services, including basic and more intensive home care and residential care.

Health care and social support job vacancies and ads are the highest of any industry. Between 30,000 and 35,000 additional direct aged care workers a year are already needed. By 2030 the shortfall is likely to be 110,000 full time equivalent workers.

Why don’t enough people want to work in aged care?

Despite recent pay increases, it is difficult to attract and retain aged care workers because the work is under-valued.

The Australian workforce is undergoing profound change. A generation ago, manufacturing made up 17% of the workforce. Today it has fallen to 6%. By contrast, the health care and social assistance workforce has doubled from 8% to 16%.

The manufacturing workforce has declined, while health, aged care and social assistance has risen. ABS 6291.0.55.001 Labour Force, Australia.

Manufacturing jobs were mainly secure, full-time, reasonably paid jobs dominated by male workers.

By contrast, jobs in aged care are often insecure, part-time and poorly paid, dominated by women, with many workers coming from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Since moving to take over aged care in the 1980s, the federal government has over-emphasised cost constraint through service privatisation, activity-based funding and competition, often under the cover of consumer choice.

The result is a highly fragmented and poorly coordinated aged care sector with almost 3,200, often small and under-resourced providers centrally funded and regulated from Canberra.

This has led to high levels of casualisation, low investment in training and professional development, and inadequate supervision, particularly in the home care sector.

Aged care is facing a perfect storm. Demand for care and support staff is increasing dramatically. The sector is poorly coordinated and difficult to navigate. Pay and conditions remain poor and the workforce is relatively untrained. There are no minimum standards or registration requirements for many front-line aged care staff.

What are the consequences?

An understaffed and under-trained aged care workforce reduces access to services and the quality of care and support.

Aged care providers routinely report it is difficult to attract staff and they can’t meet the growing demand for services from older people.

Staff shortages are already having an impact on residential care occupancy rates falling, with some regional areas now down to only 50% occupancy.

Woman shows her grandmother photos
The aged care workforce is women-dominated. africa_pink/Shutterstock

That means older people either don’t get care or they are at increased risk of neglect, malnutrition, avoidable hospital admissions and a poorer quality of life.

Inevitably, lack of aged care workers puts pressure on hospital services when older people have nowhere else to go.

What needs to be done?

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Australia will need a massive increase in the number of aged care workers and the quality of the care they provide. Wages have to be competitive to attract and retain staff.

But better pay and conditions is only part of the story. Unless aged care becomes a career the community recognises, values and supports, it will continue to be difficult to train, attract and retain staff.

The recent Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted the need for a more skilled workforce, emphasising the importance of ongoing professional development for all staff.

To date the federal government’s aged care workforce initiatives have been underwhelming. They are a limited and piecemeal rather than a coherent workforce strategy.

In the short term, skilled migration may be part of the solution. But progress to bring in skilled aged care workers has been glacial. Currently only about 1% of providers have agreements to bring in staff from overseas. At best, overseas migration will meet only 10% of the workforce shortfall.

Registration, qualifications and training for direct care work have to become mandatory to make sure care standards are met.

Much more significant and systematic incentives and support for training will be needed. Supervision, career progression and staff development will also have to be dramatically improved if we are to attract and retain the workforce that is needed.

“Learn and earn” incentives, including scholarships and traineeships for aged care, are needed to attract the future workforce.

At the same time, a much broader investment in upskilling the entire workforce through continuing professional development and good quality supervision is necessary.

Like manufacturing a generation ago, aged care needs to become valued, skilled, secure and well-paid employment if it is going to attract the staff that are needed to avoid a looming crisis.The Conversation

Hal Swerissen, Emeritus Professor of Public Health, La Trobe University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Golf: neuroscience reveals the secrets of better putting – new study

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Laura CareyUniversity of the West of Scotland

The world’s best golfers make playing look so effortless, it’s hard to imagine what’s going on inside their minds. But modern neuroscience allows us to do exactly that. My team’s new study shows how different parts of an expert golfer’s brains are activated when they putt their ball into the hole.

Putting is a crucial part of golf. Using their putter when the ball is on (or just off) the green, golfers gently roll their ball towards the hole. Good putting distinguishes the most successful players in any tournament, as it can make up 40-50% of the total number of strokes on each round (on average, around 1.8 putts per hole). Winning a tournament can often come down to holing a final, dramatic putt.

Our team focused on what makes golfers good at putting, particularly the mental processes required to do it consistently well. Putting’s structured routine makes it easy to study and analyse. Before each putt, golfers enter a preparation phase where they stand still with the putter just behind the ball (a position called the “address”). This period can provide insights into the mental and physical processes involved in preparing to putt.

To explore these mental processes, we measured brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG), which measures electrical activity in the brain. This offers an accurate way to measure the timing of brainwaves as they happen, making it ideal for sports research.

Scientists categorise brainwaves based on their frequency ranges (measured in Hertz), which are associated with different functions. The brainwaves researchers mainly explore in putting are the theta band (4 -7 Hz: associated with concentration and error detection in motor tasks), the alpha band (8-12 Hz: attention and arousal control), and the beta band (12-30 Hz: associated with motor preparation).

In our study, published in the Journal of Frontiers in Psychology, myself and colleagues tried to see if there were differences in brain activity between successful (when the ball goes into the hole) and unsuccessful putts.

Successful putts show distinct brain patterns

We recruited 28 expert-but-amateur golfers (20 of whom were men) with an average age of 24.2 years to participate in a testing session. These participants each made 140 putts while wearing an EEG head system to record their brain activity.

We used two methods to analyse their brain activity. The first was “time-frequency analysis”, which examines how signal frequencies change over time. This allowed us to measure what was happening in the brain in the final three seconds before the player made contact with the ball for each putt.

The second was “movement-related cortical potentials”, which helps us understand how the brain plans, prepares and executes movements. In our case, the movement was the golfer beginning their the putting action.

Our study reveals that successful golf putts show distinct patterns of brain activity.

Golf ball just on the tipping point of the hole.
A good putt can win a tournament. vchal/Shutterstock

From the time-frequency analysis, we found successful putts were associated with changes in beta and theta brainwaves in the final three seconds before putting. Successful putts showed a more pronounced decrease in beta activity during preparation than unsuccessful ones. This suggests these golfers had better preparation when they went on to putt the ball into the hole.

Based on this finding, we would advise players to commit to their stroke and have a clear plan in mind, so they can experience the earlier onset of beta suppression. Crucially, they should not alter their plans just before putting the ball.

If they are not sure of what strategy to use – in other words, what direction they should aim the ball and how hard to hit it – we would recommend stepping away, then re-starting the process of hitting the putt with a clearer plan.

Commit to your stroke

In our study, successful putts also tended to show lower theta activity in the frontal region of the brain, especially just before contact between putter and ball. The higher theta activity during unsuccessful putts may indicate hesitation or the need to adjust the motor plan before execution.

Our findings emphasise the importance of committing to your stroke when putting. It’s common coaching advice, but now we have data to back up why it’s so crucial.

Our analysis of the movement-related cortical potentials also found differences in brain activity. Successful putts were associated with more efficient processing and less energy expenditure, compared with unsuccessful ones. So, successful putts cost the players less brainpower.

Many golfers report knowing what it “feels like” to putt well. It’s hard to replicate this feeling consistently, though. If you want to putt better, practise your skills so you can dependably perform the motor action and handle the pressure of competition.

This finding supports the “neural efficiency” theory in sports research, which says that experts have less neural activity when they complete a task related to their profession.

Across different sports, from archery to tennis, researchers have found experts are simply more efficient in their mental processing, which allows them to activate different parts of their brains when they play. In other words, practising a sport doesn’t just change your body – it can literally alter your mind.The Conversation

Laura Carey, Lecturer in Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Australia’s largest iron ore deposits are 1 billion years younger than we thought

Victor Yong/Shutterstock
Liam Courtney-DaviesUniversity of Colorado Boulder

Iron ore is the key ingredient in steel production. One of the fundamental resources for the Australian economy, it contributes A$124 billion in national income each year.

This is not surprising, considering Western Australia is home to some of Earth’s largest iron ore deposits, and 96% of Australia’s iron ore comes from this state. Yet despite the metal’s significance, we still don’t know exactly how and when iron deposits formed within the continent.

In new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, we answer some of these questions by directly measuring radioactive elements in iron oxide minerals which form the basis of these resources.

We found that several of Western Australia’s richest iron deposits – such as Mt Tom Price and Mt Whaleback – are up to 1 billion years younger than previously understood. This redefines how we think about iron deposits at all scales: from the mining site to supercontinents. It also provides clues on how we might be able to find more iron.

A medium distance view of a weathered mountain with bands of rock clearly visible.
Punurrunha or Mt Bruce, part of the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Julie Burgher/FlickrCC BY-NC

Where does iron ore come from?

Billions of years ago, Earth’s oceans were rich in iron. Then early bacteria started photosynthesising and rapidly introduced huge amounts of oxygen into the atmosphere and oceans. This oxygen combined with iron in the oceans, causing it to settle on the sea floor.

Today, these 2.45-billion-year-old sedimentary rock deposits are called banded iron formations. They represent a unique archive of the interactions between Earth’s continents, oceans and atmosphere through time. And, of course, banded iron formations are what we mine for iron ore.

These sedimentary deposits have distinctive, rhythmic bands of reddish iron and paler silica. They were alternately laid down on the sea floor seasonally. Such remarkable rocks can be visited today in Karijini National Park, WA.

A rusty red rock with darker bands of red visible throughout.
Typical banded iron formation at Fortescue Falls in Kaijini National Park, Western Australia. Graeme Churchard/Wikimedia CommonsCC BY

The iron content of these banded iron formations is generally less than 30%. For the rock to become economically viable to mine, it must be naturally converted by later processes to around 60% iron.

The nature of this rock conversion is still debated. In simplest terms, a fluid – such as water – will both remove silica and introduce more iron during an “upgrading” process which transforms the rock’s original makeup.

The geochronology (age dating) of this chemical transformation and upgrading is not well understood, largely because the tools required to directly date the iron minerals have only recently become available.

Previous age estimates for the Pilbara iron deposits were indirect but suggested they were at least 2.2 billion years old.

What did we find out?

You may think of iron ore as rusty, red-coloured dust. However, it’s typically a hard, heavy, steely-blue material. When crushed into a fine powder, iron ore turns red. So the red landscape we see across the Pilbara today is a result of the weathering of iron minerals from beneath our feet.

A gloved hand holding a round steely blue rock on a backdrop of reddish rocks.
1.3-billion-year-old steel blue iron ore extracted from Hamersley Province, Western Australia. Liam Courtney-Davies

We extracted microscopic scale “fresh” iron minerals from drill core samples at several of the most significant Western Australian iron deposits.

Leveraging recent advancements in radiometric dating, we measured naturally occurring radioactive elements in the rocks. In particular, the ratio of uranium to lead isotopes in a sample can reveal how long ago individual mineral grains crystallised.

Using the newly generated iron mineral age data, we constructed the first-ever timeline of the formation of Western Australia’s major iron deposits.

We discovered that all major iron ore deposits in the region formed between 1.4 and 1.1 billion years ago, making them up to 1 billion years younger than previous estimates.

These deposits formed in conjunction with major tectonic events, especially the breakup and reemergence of supercontinents. It shows just how dynamic our planet’s history is, and how complex the processes are that led to the formation of the iron ore we use today.

Now that we know that giant ore deposits are linked to changes in the supercontinent cycle, we can use this knowledge to better predict the places where we are more likely to discover more iron ore.


Liam Courtney-Davies completed this research while at John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University.The Conversation

Liam Courtney-Davies, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Colorado Boulder

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Loneliness in the workplace is greatest among men with traditional views about being the breadwinner

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Marlee BowerUniversity of SydneyFerdi BothaThe University of Melbourne, and Mark DeadyUNSW Sydney

Loneliness affects everyone at different times. Although it is well documented men are less likely than women to talk about feelings and to seek help, our research found men’s work arrangements can be a significant contributor.

We found loneliness was highest among men in their late 40s but it also occurred at other times, often shaped by how they perceived their careers and income.

This suggests the workplace and societal expectations around work are important in men’s experiences of loneliness.

Measuring loneliness

Our findings are based on an analysis of yearly data from 12,117 Australian men, aged 15 to 98, collected for over 19 years for the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey.

We measured loneliness by examining men’s responses to a question asking whether they agreed with the statement: “I often feel very lonely”. The responses range from one (completely disagree) to seven (completely agree).

We then used statistical techniques to ensure we were measuring loneliness and not similar constructs, such as social isolation.

We also used methods that examined how much of men’s loneliness was uniquely due to their social relationships (for example, their romantic relationships or friendships), versus other aspects of their lives, such as their living situation or their working arrangements.

The role of work

Given loneliness is a social problem, we were not surprised to find problems in men’s social relationships, particularly their romantic relationships, friendships and family relationships were linked with loneliness. However, we were surprised to see work also played a significant role.

Men who were unemployed or in insecure jobs experienced more loneliness than those with stable employment. Job loss can impact a person’s identity and limits the social connections work typically provides. Unemployment also limits income, making it harder to afford social activities. Insecure “gig” work, with its often unpredictable and long hours spent alone, disrupts work-life balance and can isolate people.

Our research suggests societal expectations also worsen loneliness for some men. We measured the degree to which men agreed with the statement: “It is not good for a relationship if the woman earns more than the man”.

Men, particularly middle-aged men, who believed they should be the main breadwinners in a household were lonelier than those without this belief.

This suggests traditional views around work in the context of heteronormative relationships can be damaging to social connection.

This once mainstream view not only harms relationships but is also unrealistic when surviving on a single income is increasingly difficult for many households.

Woman scientist using a dropper to put fluid in a test tube
Men who believed men, not women, should be the main breadwinner were more lonely. Marion Weyo/Shutterstock

Improving men’s personal relationships is only one way to reduce male loneliness. The work sector and social pressures around work should also adapt.

Shifting social norms

Public stereotypes that make men feel solely responsible for household income need to shift. Public awareness and education campaigns can help shift gender norms and stereotypes by building knowledge and awareness, and may therefore reduce loneliness.

Helping men attain better work-life balance can help everyone. Such change, however, requires major cultural shifts which take time. A shorter term solution, particularly for men at retirement age, is volunteering.

Volunteering provides purpose and opportunities to socialise, although recent evidence suggests volunteering has not returned to pre-COVID levels.

How governments can help

Increasing casualisation of the workplace and the growth of the gig economy offer flexibility but also decrease job security. Our research shows job insecurity or unemployment rates contribute to male loneliness.

Government amendments to the Fair Work Act should help reduce job insecurity by allowing the Fair Work Commission to set fair minimum standards, including access to dispute resolution for “employee-like” workers, such as Uber drivers, who work through a digital platform.

Governments can also support activities of interest to men by ensuring regular funding for programs like Men’s Sheds or opportunities to work with animals.

Social prescribing – where a GP or other health worker links patients with resources and activities to improve health and reduce loneliness – can also involve men in roles which best fit their needs and interests.

How employers can help

Thankfully, workplaces can do a lot to reduce loneliness. A recent review suggests employers can:

1) Create opportunities for social connection, for example, dedicating time for non-work activities such as designing communal areas in offices to support connection.

Work colleagues at a social function
Creating social opportunities for workers can help reduce loneliness. Kampus Productions/Pexels

2) Support flexible and remote, potentially isolated workers by fostering workplace connections using virtual spaces such as online dinners, while still encouraging work-life balance.

3) Foster a people focused culture by building employee autonomy, tolerating mistakes and providing mentoring opportunities.

The relationship between managers and workers is especially important for well-being, because managers can shape working conditions, model positive behaviour and improve staff knowledge, but few interventions target this area.The Conversation

Marlee Bower, Research Fellow, Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of SydneyFerdi Botha, Senior Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne, and Mark Deady, Senior Research Fellow, Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Gosford’s oldest train driver marks 55 years of service

July 21, 2024
One of the state’s longest serving train drivers, a Central Coast resident known affectionately as G.O.D, is marking 55 years on the railways of NSW.

John Szabo, Gosford's Oldest Train driver, was joined at Gosford Station by colleagues, friends, family, and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison to celebrate this milestone.

Minister Aitchison met and congratulated Mr. Szabo, who began his railway career in July 1969 shortly after finishing high school, as a trainee engineman on steam trains.

From his early days shunting steam trains in Sydney yards to completing his diesel train driver training in 1976, he has never considered changing careers. Today, Mr. Szabo drives trains between Gosford, Newcastle and Sydney on the Central Coast-Newcastle train line, which has about a million passenger trips each month.

Over the past half-century, Mr. Szabo has worked on all types of trains, including steam, diesel, rail motors, and electric, safely transporting hundreds of thousands of commuters. Mr. Szabo’s teammates gave him the nickname ‘G.O.D’, even painting the letters on a car parking space at the station.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The commitment of John Szabo and other long serving rail workers have shown to keeping us safe and on track is truly appreciated by the entire community.

“I had the pleasure of meeting John, and it was humbling to hear about his passion for customer service. I listened to many stories of how he’s helped passengers over the decades. On behalf of the community, thank you John for your decades of hard work and dedication.”

Train Driver John Szabo said:
“Most of what I remember from the steam era is being dirty – I'd go to work clean and come home with soot in my ears.

“I love my job. The simple fact that I've been doing it so long is proof enough. The job's been good to me, it's paid all my bills for more than 50 years! I will keep driving for as long as they'll have me. Driving is what makes me happy.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, said:
“Credit to John for his unwavering dedication delivering train services across NSW for 55 years.

“Committed, experienced and long-term railway employees are the backbone of our public transport system, looked up to by so many in the transport sector as mentors and relied on for the amazing expertise they bring. On behalf of the community of Gosford, thank you for 55 years of fantastic service John.”

Modular homes to deliver more social housing in NSW

July 22, 2024
The Minns Labor Government is continuing to pull every available lever to address the housing affordability and availability crisis facing New South Wales, with the first sites to trial modular social housing announced today.

As the Government continues to look at innovative ways to bring more homes online sooner, $10 million has been invested to explore and trial the use of modular housing to deliver much needed social homes for the people of NSW.

Following a comprehensive assessment, sites in Wollongong and Lake Macquarie have been identified as suitable locations to deliver the first modular social homes.

Three sites in Wollongong will host three modular social homes, whilst four sites in Lake Macquarie will host five modular social homes.

A procurement process for the delivery of these homes has begun, with completion expected by early 2025.

Modular housing provides a cost effective and time efficient alternative to traditional building methods, which means homes can be brought online faster. It is estimated that modular homes can be delivered 20% faster than traditional methods, with time savings expected to increase over time.

Last year, the NSW Government formed the Modular Housing Taskforce, an expert cross industry panel who have spearheaded this project and provided advice to the government on barriers to the utilisation of and ways modular housing can be harnessed to speed up the delivery of homes.

The Taskforce includes peak industry experts such as; PreFab Aus, Shelter NSW, Property Council of Australia, Local Government NSW and people with lived experiences of social housing.

As modular housing has not previously been used at scale in NSW, feedback from the Taskforce highlighted several regulatory barriers to the rollout of modular housing widely, which the NSW Government is methodically working through.

This work includes collaborating with the NSW Building Commission to set uniform standards for manufactured homes constructed offsite.

The NSW Government will continue to work with the Taskforce, and local governments as it looks to expand the Modular Housing Program across the state and bring more social homes online sooner.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/MMC.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:
“Housing affordability and availability is the single biggest pressure facing the people of New South Wales.

“We are pulling every lever we can to tackle the housing crisis, and today is an important milestone in our work to utilise non-traditional methods of delivering more homes, sooner rather than later.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“Today marks another significant milestone in our Modular Housing Taskforce Plan as we announce the locations for the first set of modular social homes.

"These initial sites are a crucial first step towards revolutionising public housing delivery and we anticipate this demonstration project will pave the way for more of these innovative homes to be rolled out in the future.

“Amid a severe housing crisis, we need to look at every option we must get a roof over people's heads sooner. Leveraging modern construction methods will help us provide sustainable, quality housing faster for the people that need it most.

“We know people don’t have time to wait and while we get on with the job of building 8,400 new public homes announced in the recent budget, we will continue to leverage every opportunity we have.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
“Modular and modern methods of construction are used to produce award-winning architecturally designed homes in a timely and efficient manner, so it makes sense to trial this approach to construction as part of the Minns Government’s commitment to build more social housing.

“I welcome not only the use of new and innovative methods of construction that are used the world over to trial them to build more social housing in Wollongong – it is a sensible use of new technology to try and solve a long-term housing waiting list.”

LB.1, or D-FLiRT, is the newest COVID subvariant. What do we know about it? Where has it come from?

Mayboon/Shutterstock
Adrian EstermanUniversity of South Australia

Headlines are again warning of a new COVID variant in Australia. This time it’s LB.1, or as some experts have dubbed it, “D-FLiRT”.

Emerging evidence suggests LB.1 could be more transmissible than earlier Omicron subvariants, though there’s nothing to suggest it will cause more severe disease.

But before we look more closely at LB.1, how did we get here in the first place? The COVID virus is a crafty thing, continuing to evolve so it can keep infecting us.

From XBB to JN.1 to FLiRT to FLuQE

Our current COVID vaccines are based on XBB.1.5, a subvariant of Omicron. Along with other XBB subvariants, XBB.1.5 caused a wave of COVID cases around the world in 2023.

In August 2023, a new subvariant called JN.1 was discovered in Luxembourg. Until that point, new Omicron subvariants only had small genetic changes from their predecessors (called genetic drift).

However, JN.1 was unusual in that it was 41 mutations away from XBB.1.5 (big changes like this are called genetic shifts). Because of these changes, it was expected that JN.1 would take off, and indeed, JN.1 caused another wave of infections in Australia and around the world at the end of 2023 and the beginning of this year.

JN.1 then mutated further, giving us the “FLiRT” subvariants such as KP.1.1, JN.1.7 and KP.2.

Proteins including the spike protein (a protein on the surface of the virus which allows it to attach to our cells) are made up of amino acids, essentially molecular building blocks. When scientists “sequence” new variants, they work out the exact order of amino acids in the spike protein, as this can change the behaviour of the virus.

Each amino acid has its own letter abbreviation. The FLiRT variants were named for two genetic mutations to the spike protein. The sequence changed from phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 456 (genetic mutation F456L), and from arginine (R) to threonine (T) at position 346 (R346T).

Research yet to be peer-reviewed suggests these genetic changes gave the FLiRT subvariants better capacity to evade our immune responses, but slightly poorer ability to establish an infection once they get into our cells (sometimes called binding efficiency).

The FLiRT subvariants have themselves now mutated. Some of these new subvariants are called FLuQE, and include KP.3, which along with KP.2 is currently dominating around the world.

These are similar to the FLiRT subvariants with additional genetic mutations. One is called Q493E – hence the name FLuQE. Along with another mutation, F456L, these changes appear to have helped the virus regain some of its reduced ability to infect cells compared to FLiRT by increasing binding efficiency.

From FLiRT to LB.1

Reports suggest LB.1 was first detected in March 2024. LB.1 is similar to the FLiRT subvariants but with an additional mutation in the spike protein called S:S31del. The “del” refers to a deletion – a genetic change where a part of the virus’ genetic sequence is removed or lost during replication. In this case, the 31st amino acid (serine) in the spike protein is removed.

For this reason, it’s been given the nickname “D-FLiRT” or “DeFLiRT”. This also covers other variants carrying the same mutations as FLiRT but with this deletion, such as KP.2.3.

Preliminary results from a research group at the University of Tokyo, who conducted modelling and lab experiments with these emerging subvariants, indicate the transmissibility of LB.1 and KP.2.3 may be higher than both KP.2 and KP.3.

A man in an airport wearing a mask.
COVID continues to evolve. TravnikovStudio/Shutterstock

Should we be worried about LB.1?

LB.1 has been detected in multiple countries, including Australia, and is being monitored closely by bodies like the World Health Organization and the CDC.

In the United States, as of July 15, KP.3 accounted for about 37% of cases, KP.2 for 24% and LB.1 for another 15%, having been steadily rising over recent weeks.

KP.3 and its descendants such as KP.3.2 and KP.3.2.1 (FLuQE subvariants) are similarly dominating in Australia, accounting for at least 50% of cases. We don’t know what proportion of cases LB.1 is making up in Australia at present. It’s possible LB.1 infections are still negligible, but they may well grow over time.

While COVID cases appear to be declining after a recent wave in Australia, LB.1 may eventually out-compete KP.3, and between them, cause another wave of cases.

We are already seeing a bad season for respiratory viruses with both RSV and influenza cases higher than last year. So a variant with increased transmissibility could add to our winter woes.

The good news is there’s no evidence to suggest LB.1 causes any different symptoms or more severe illness than previous Omicron subvariants.

The current vaccines based on XBB.1.5 should still give some cross immunity against LB.1, and oral antivirals such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio should still work. We will likely be getting an updated vaccine based on KP.2, probably towards the end of the year. That should provide better protection against these new subvariants since genetically, they’re very similar to KP.2.The Conversation

Adrian Esterman, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Australia

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Long COVID puzzle pieces are falling into place – the picture is unsettling

Researchers are gaining key insights into the ways that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can lead to long COVID symptoms. Catherine McQueen/Moment via Getty Images
Ziyad Al-AlyWashington University in St. Louis

Since 2020, the condition known as long COVID-19 has become a widespread disability affecting the health and quality of life of millions of people across the globe and costing economies billions of dollars in reduced productivity of employees and an overall drop in the work force.

The intense scientific effort that long COVID sparked has resulted in more than 24,000 scientific publications, making it the most researched health condition in any four years of recorded human history.

Long COVID is a term that describes the constellation of long-term health effects caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These range from persistent respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, to debilitating fatigue or brain fog that limits people’s ability to work, and conditions such as heart failure and diabetes, which are known to last a lifetime.

I am a physician scientist, and I have been deeply immersed in studying long COVID since the early days of the pandemic. I have testified before the U.S. Senate as an expert witness on long COVID, have published extensively on it and was named as one of Time’s 100 most influential people in health in 2024 for my research in this area.

Over the first half of 2024, a flurry of reports and scientific papers on long COVID added clarity to this complex condition. These include, in particular, insights into how COVID-19 can still wreak havoc in many organs years after the initial viral infection, as well as emerging evidence on viral persistence and immune dysfunction that last for months or years after initial infection.

Computer-generated image of coronavirus inside lungs surrounded by multiple copies of the virus.
Early on in the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus seemed to be primarily wreaking havoc on the lungs. But researchers quickly realized that it was affecting many organs in the body. Uma Shankar sharma/Moment via Getty Images

How long COVID affects the body

A new study that my colleagues and I published in the New England Journal of Medicine on July 17, 2024, shows that the risk of long COVID declined over the course of the pandemic. In 2020, when the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 was dominant and vaccines were not available, about 10.4% of adults who got COVID-19 developed long COVID. By early 2022, when the omicron family of variants predominated, that rate declined to 7.7% among unvaccinated adults and 3.5% of vaccinated adults. In other words, unvaccinated people were more than twice as likely to develop long COVID.

While researchers like me do not yet have concrete numbers for the current rate in mid-2024 due to the time it takes for long COVID cases to be reflected in the data, the flow of new patients into long COVID clinics has been on par with 2022.

We found that the decline was the result of two key drivers: availability of vaccines and changes in the characteristics of the virus – which made the virus less prone to cause severe acute infections and may have reduced its ability to persist in the human body long enough to cause chronic disease.

Despite the decline in risk of developing long COVID, even a 3.5% risk is substantial. New and repeat COVID-19 infections translate into millions of new long COVID cases that add to an already staggering number of people suffering from this condition.

Estimates for the first year of the pandemic suggests that at least 65 million people globally have had long COVID. Along with a group of other leading scientists, my team will soon publish updated estimates of the global burden of long COVID and its impact on the global economy through 2023.

In addition, a major new report by the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine details all the health effects that constitute long COVID. The report was commissioned by the Social Security Administration to understand the implications of long COVID on its disability benefits.

It concludes that long COVID is a complex chronic condition that can result in more than 200 health effects across multiple body systems. These include new onset or worsening:

Long COVID can affect people across the lifespan from children to older adults and across race and ethnicity and baseline health status. Importantly, more than 90% of people with long COVID had mild COVID-19 infections.

The National Academies report also concluded that long COVID can result in the inability to return to work or school; poor quality of life; diminished ability to perform activities of daily living; and decreased physical and cognitive function for months or years after the initial infection.

The report points out that many health effects of long COVID, such as post-exertional malaise and chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment and autonomic dysfunction, are not currently captured in the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments, yet may significantly affect an individual’s ability to participate in work or school.

Many people experience long COVID symptoms for years following initial infection.

A long road ahead

What’s more, health problems resulting from COVID-19 can last years after the initial infection.

A large study published in early 2024 showed that even people who had a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection still experienced new health problems related to COVID-19 in the third year after the initial infection.

Such findings parallel other research showing that the virus persists in various organ systems for months or years after COVID-19 infection. And research is showing that immune responses to the infection are still evident two to three years after a mild infection. Together, these studies may explain why a SARS-CoV-2 infection years ago could still cause new health problems long after the initial infection.

Important progress is also being made in understanding the pathways by which long COVID wreaks havoc on the body. Two preliminary studies from the U.S. and the Netherlands show that when researchers transfer auto-antibodies – antibodies generated by a person’s immune system that are directed at their own tissues and organs – from people with long COVID into healthy mice, the animals start to experience long COVID-like symptoms such as muscle weakness and poor balance.

These studies suggest that an abnormal immune response thought to be responsible for the generation of these auto-antibodies may underlie long COVID and that removing these auto-antibodies may hold promise as potential treatments.

An ongoing threat

Despite overwhelming evidence of the wide-ranging risks of COVID-19, a great deal of messaging suggests that it is no longer a threat to the public. Although there is no empirical evidence to back this up, this misinformation has permeated the public narrative.

The data, however, tells a different story.

COVID-19 infections continue to outnumber flu cases and lead to more hospitalization and death than the flu. COVID-19 also leads to more serious long-term health problems. Trivializing COVID-19 as an inconsequential cold or equating it with the flu does not align with reality.The Conversation

Ziyad Al-Aly, Chief of Research and Development, VA St. Louis Health Care System. Clinical Epidemiologist, Washington University in St. Louis

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Despite what you’ve read, Jim Chalmers’ wellbeing framework hasn’t been shelved – if anything, it’s been strengthened

Warwick SmithThe University of Melbourne

Reports in The Australian suggesting Treasurer Jim Chalmers has shelved his budget wellbeing framework, known as Measuring What Matters, are incorrect.

The framework is alive and well, and making steady (if slow) progress.

Also reported was the Coalition’s intention to scrap the framework if it wins the next election, with its treasury spokesman Angus Taylor quoted as saying the government should instead focus on “lower inflation and lower interest rates”.

The idea that we shouldn’t be thinking about broader measures of progress because we need to concentrate on what’s in front of us impoverishes our view of what’s possible.

It’s important to measure what matters

The cost of living is certainly paramount. But if all we ever do is address the issue immediately in front of us, we will forever stumble from one crisis to the next.

Actually, if we had had a wellbeing framework in place before the current cost of living crisis, it might have been less likely to develop.

Most of us would agree that the things in the government’s Measuring What Matters framework matter, such as security, prosperity and cohesiveness.

But some of the information in last year’s statement was dated, some dating back to the years before COVID.



The framework has two parts: a measurement dashboard and a statement.

The dashboard presents data on 50 “key indicators” the treasury believes should supplement (although not replace) the standard measures of economic progress.

The statement is a report of the outcomes presented in the dashboard and of government progress toward embedding the framework in decision-making.

Last month Treasurer Chalmers announced responsibility for the dashboard would move from the treasury to the Bureau of Statistics and that the Bureau would get extra funding to run an expanded general social survey every year to improve the quality and timeliness of the data.

The statement would remain the responsibility of the treasury but would be released only every three years instead of annually. The next would be published in 2026 incorporating the first results from the bureau’s new survey.

Framework already kicking goals

Discovering we don’t collect regular and timely data on these important measures and then funding the Bureau of Statistics to do so is a demonstration that the framework is already having an impact.

The critical test will be how it is used to improve decision-making.

It hasn’t yet resulted in any radical change, but the ambition is substantial.

Shifting the way governments make decisions and allocate resources is hard, and it was was never going to be accomplished in a single year.

By handing over the data side of things to the Bureau of Statistics, the treasury will now, hopefully, be able to focus more on embedding the framework into decisions, including budget decisions.

Prioritising prevention

One of the things the treasury team is working on is how to better prioritise early intervention and prevention programs for Australians at risk. Such measures are hard to justify under the old budget rules, but can they can improve outcomes and save the government money in the long run.

International and Australian studies have identified four key ways of ensuring the government is working to deliver the kinds of outcomes we expect from it:

1. holistic thinking and breaking down silos between types of wellbeing

2. a long-term focus that includes consideration of future generations

3. emphasis on prevention to tackle the root causes of problems

4. including the people most likely to be affected by decisions in their design.

They are directed towards delivering the kind of society we want to live in and to do it smartly and efficiently within a budget context.

According to the framework, that’s a society that is healthy, secure, sustainable, prosperous and cohesive. The government remains on the case.The Conversation

Warwick Smith, Honorary Fellow, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Vaping and mental health are closely linked. That can make quitting even harder

fizkes/Shutterstock
Joshua TriggFlinders UniversityAnthony VenningFlinders University, and Lavender OtienoFlinders University

Vaping is in your news feed for its regulation, impact on public health and effects on young people.

So with growing awareness of the effects of vaping on health plus recent reforms to limit availability of vapes to pharmacies in Australia, many people will be thinking about quitting. They will also need support to do so.

That’s partly because so many vapes contain nicotine. Some 73% of Australians who currently vape said their last vape contained nicotine. This tends to be high-strength nicotine.

Mental health is another factor closely linked to vaping – whether people with mental health symptoms are likely to start vaping in the first place, how they fare when vaping, and whether they need additional support when trying to quit.

Here’s what we know about how mental health is connected to vaping and where to go for support to quit.

How are mental health and vaping linked?

An estimated 4.3 million Australians reported a mental health problem in the past 12 months. This includes anxiety and mood disorders (such as depression), which typically begin in adolescence to early adulthood.

We know vaping and mental health (including anxiety and depression) are linked. People who vape frequently are twice as likely to have a depression diagnosis compared with people who have never vaped.

Australia’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey also shows people with more mental distress related to anxiety and depression were four times as likely to have vaped than were those with low distress.

And for those already with a mental health problem, vaping is related to worse depression symptoms and physical health.

The relationship between nicotine-containing vapes and mental health is complicated. People in mental distress can be more likely to start vaping and people who vape are more likely to have mental health problems. What this doesn’t tell us is which comes first. So we need longer-term studies to find out more.

What about self-medicating with vapes?

Some people link using nicotine-containing vapes with managing mental health or stress. For instance, in an Australian survey including questions about the expected benefits of vaping:

  • 61% of young adults who vaped feel it helps people calm down when tense or stressed

  • 57% said it cheers people up when in a bad mood

  • 50% said it helps people feel better if they’ve been feeling down.

In other studies, people who vape say it can be a way to address anxiety, depression or stress.

But rather than addressing these symptoms, vaping can increase them.

For instance, a study in the United States found vaping dependence was linked with increased symptoms of depression. We also know from smoking research that quitting can improve mental health.

Does mental health affect quitting?

The evidence related to mental health outcomes from vaping is in its early stages. And if people have a mental health condition, what this means for quitting is under-researched.

But we know stigma plays a role in both experiences of mental health and addiction, which may make asking for help to quit even more difficult.

We also know having a mental health condition can increase the odds of relapsing after trying to quit vaping.

So what works to quit?

We have little evidence and guidance for the best way to support people who vape to quit, generally. There’s even less evidence on how to support people with mental health conditions to quit.

There are quit vaping programs for people with mental health conditions. And as receiving mental health support does boost the odds of success in quitting tobacco smoking, this may also hold promise for quitting vaping.

Although the evidence is still growing, experts recommend quit plans consider someone’s severity of mental illness, the impact of nicotine use and withdrawal, and whether medications for their mental illness interact with ones used to help them quit vaping.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of psychological therapy that looks at how thoughts, behaviours and emotions are connected. This is an effective approach to support people to quit smoking and its principles can be combined with quit medications to help people quit vaping. People with a mental health condition who vape can be offered cognitive behavioural therapy to help them quit, though specific evidence is still needed to show how well this works.

Psychologists and counsellors can also use motivational interviewing to highlight discrepancies between someone’s actions and values. For instance, this might be used to highlight the discrepancy between someone who wants to be healthy for their family (their value) but who vapes regularly (their action). This, combined with education, may motivate people to act and see a future without vaping.

Health providers and counsellors can offer brief advice on how to quit, extrapolating from what works for quitting smoking. Services such as Quitline can also help mental health providers deliver quit support.

How do I find out more?

If you or someone you know wants to quit vaping, whether or not there are mental health concerns, resources include:

More reading on the impact of vaping on adolescent mental health is also available.


If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.The Conversation

Joshua Trigg, Researcher and Lecturer in Public Health, Flinders UniversityAnthony Venning, Associate Professor in Behavioural Health, Flinders University, and Lavender Otieno, Research Assistant and Behavioural Scientist, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Cheeky diet soft drink getting you through the work day? Here’s what that may mean for your health

Breakingpic/Pexels
Lauren BallThe University of Queensland and Emily BurchSouthern Cross University

Many people are drinking less sugary soft drink than in the past. This is a great win for public health, given the recognised risks of diets high in sugar-sweetened drinks.

But over time, intake of diet soft drinks has grown. In fact, it’s so high that these products are now regularly detected in wastewater.

So what does the research say about how your health is affected in the long term if you drink them often?

A dark bubbly liquid is poured into a cup filled with ice.
Diet soft drinks contain artificial or natural sweeteners. Vintage Tone/Shutterstock

What makes diet soft drinks sweet?

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises people “reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (six teaspoons) per day would provide additional health benefits.”

But most regular soft drinks contain a lot of sugar. A regular 335 millilitre can of original Coca-Cola contains at least seven teaspoons of added sugar.

Diet soft drinks are designed to taste similar to regular soft drinks but without the sugar. Instead of sugar, diet soft drinks contain artificial or natural sweeteners. The artificial sweeteners include aspartame, saccharin and sucralose. The natural sweeteners include stevia and monk fruit extract, which come from plant sources.

Many artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar so less is needed to provide the same burst of sweetness.

Diet soft drinks are marketed as healthier alternatives to regular soft drinks, particularly for people who want to reduce their sugar intake or manage their weight.

But while surveys of Australian adults and adolescents show most people understand the benefits of reducing their sugar intake, they often aren’t as aware about how diet drinks may affect health more broadly.

What does the research say about aspartame?

The artificial sweeteners in soft drinks are considered safe for consumption by food authorities, including in the US and Australia. However, some researchers have raised concern about the long-term risks of consumption.

People who drink diet soft drinks regularly and often are more likely to develop certain metabolic conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) than those who don’t drink diet soft drinks.

The link was found even after accounting for other dietary and lifestyle factors (such as physical activity).

In 2023, the WHO announced reports had found aspartame – the main sweetener used in diet soft drinks – was “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (carcinogenic means cancer-causing).

Importantly though, the report noted there is not enough current scientific evidence to be truly confident aspartame may increase the risk of cancer and emphasised it’s safe to consume occasionally.

Will diet soft drinks help manage weight?

Despite the word “diet” in the name, diet soft drinks are not strongly linked with weight management.

In 2022, the WHO conducted a systematic review (where researchers look at all available evidence on a topic) on whether the use of artificial sweeteners is beneficial for weight management.

Overall, the randomised controlled trials they looked at suggested slightly more weight loss in people who used artificial sweeteners.

But the observational studies (where no intervention occurs and participants are monitored over time) found people who consume high amounts of artificial sweeteners tended to have an increased risk of higher body mass index and a 76% increased likelihood of having obesity.

In other words, artificial sweeteners may not directly help manage weight over the long term. This resulted in the WHO advising artificial sweeteners should not be used to manage weight.

Studies in animals have suggested consuming high levels of artificial sweeteners can signal to the brain it is being starved of fuel, which can lead to more eating. However, the evidence for this happening in humans is still unproven.

You can’t go wrong with water. hurricanehank/Shutterstock

What about inflammation and dental issues?

There is some early evidence artificial sweeteners may irritate the lining of the digestive system, causing inflammation and increasing the likelihood of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and other symptoms often associated with irritable bowel syndrome. However, this study noted more research is needed.

High amounts of diet soft drinks have also been linked with liver disease, which is based on inflammation.

The consumption of diet soft drinks is also associated with dental erosion.

Many soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acid, which can damage your tooth enamel and contribute to dental erosion.

Moderation is key

As with many aspects of nutrition, moderation is key with diet soft drinks.

Drinking diet soft drinks occasionally is unlikely to harm your health, but frequent or excessive intake may increase health risks in the longer term.

Plain water, infused water, sparkling water, herbal teas or milks remain the best options for hydration.The Conversation

Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland and Emily Burch, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Lecturer, Southern Cross University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Can Kamala Harris win the US presidency after Joe Biden’s withdrawal? Here’s what the polls say

Adrian BeaumontThe University of Melbourne

The United States election will be held on November 5. On Sunday US time, President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential election contest and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris.

It’s not certain, but very likely Harris will now be the Democratic candidate to face former Republican president Donald Trump in November. During the Democratic presidential primaries held early this year, Biden won about 95% of all delegates to the August 19–22 Democratic convention. These delegates are likely to support Harris given Biden’s endorsement.

Since the debate with Trump on June 27 that was widely thought to have been a disaster for Biden, he has faced pressure to withdraw. In an Ipsos poll for US ABC News that was released before Biden’s withdrawal on Sunday, Democratic voters wanted Biden to withdraw by 60–39.

Following the assassination attempt against Trump on July 13 and the Republican convention from July 15–18, Trump’s lead over Biden in the FiveThirtyEight aggregate of national polls had increased to 3.2 points from 1.9 points on July 13, the largest margin since the aggregate began in March. Vote shares were 43.5% Trump, 40.2% Biden and 8.7% for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

I’ve written previously that the presidency is not decided by the national popular vote. Instead each state has a certain amount of Electoral Votes (EVs), mostly based on population, with each state awarding their EVs winner takes all. It takes 270 EVs to win. The EV system is likely to skew to Trump, so Biden was further behind than in the national polls.

Biden will continue as president until his term ends in January 2025. His net approval in the FiveThirtyEight aggregate is -17.7, with 56.2% disapproving and 38.5% approving. His net approval is worse than other previous presidents at this point in their term, except George Bush Sr and Jimmy Carter.

Trump’s net favourability in the FiveThirtyEight aggregate is -12.0, with 53.7% unfavourable and 41.7% favourable. His ratings are relatively unchanged since April. Unfortunately, FiveThirtyEight has no favourability ratings for Harris.

Will Harris win?

It’s too soon to analyse Harris vs Trump polls. Harris had not been a presidential candidate before today and name recognition of Biden explains his often better numbers than Harris. A recent national YouGov poll for CBS News gave Trump a five-point lead over Biden and a three-point lead over Harris.

There are two things that should advantage Harris. One is that economic data has improved, with inflation dropping and real earnings up. The other is that, while Biden would have been almost 82 by the election, Harris will only be 60 by then. Trump is 78, so the age split that was unfavourable to Biden will be favourable to Harris.

Nevertheless, nominating a candidate who has not been battle-tested in the primaries is very risky. When Harris ran for president in 2020, she withdrew from the contest in December 2019, before any primaries.

However, with Biden’s age of great concern to voters, and with him already behind Trump, switching to a new candidate could prove a sensible move for the Democrats. Changes in prime minister have worked for Australian parties in the past, with Malcolm Turnbull winning the 2016 federal election after replacing Tony Abbott, and Scott Morrison winning in 2019 after replacing Turnbull.

While Biden has been losing, US Senate polls in the presidential swing states of Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona suggest the Democratic candidates are winning, and doing much better than Biden. So perhaps Democrats just have a Biden problem.

US earnings up

In June, headline inflation dropped 0.1% after being unchanged in May and 12-month inflation dropped to 3.0%, the lowest it has been since June 2023. Core inflation was up 0.1% in June after increasing 0.2% in May and has increased 3.3% in the last 12 months, the smallest increase since April 2021.

The low inflation in May and June has boosted real (inflation-adjusted) earnings in those months, with real hourly earnings up 0.9% for May and June and real weekly earnings up 0.7%. In the 12 months to June, real hourly earnings are up 0.8% and real weekly earnings up 0.6%.

In June, a net 206,000 jobs were added, but the unemployment rate increased 0.1% to 4.1%. This is the highest unemployment rate since November 2021.The Conversation

Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

An academic publisher has struck an AI data deal with Microsoft – without their authors’ knowledge

Chuttersnap / Unsplash
Wellett PotterUniversity of New England

In May, a multibillion-dollar UK-based multinational called Informa announced in a trading update that it had signed a deal with Microsoft involving “access to advanced learning content and data, and a partnership to explore AI expert applications”. Informa is the parent company of Taylor & Francis, which publishes a wide range of academic and technical books and journals, so the data in question may include the content of these books and journals.

According to reports published last week, the authors of the content do not appear to have been asked or even informed about the deal. What’s more, they say they had no opportunity to opt out of the deal, and will not see any money from it.

Academics are only the latest of several groups of what we might call content creators to take umbrage at having their work ingested by the generative AI models currently racing to hoover up the products of human culture. Newspapersvisual artists and record labels are already taking AI companies to court.

While it’s unclear how Informa will react to the rumblings of discontent, the deal is a reminder to authors to be aware of the contractual terms of the publishing agreements they sign.

What’s in the Informa deal?

Informa’s update stated four focus areas of the Microsoft deal:

  • increasing Informa’s own productivity
  • developing an automated citation tool
  • developing AI-powered research assistant software (perhaps like a system being tested by online academic library JSTOR)
  • giving Microsoft data access to “help improve relevance and performance of AI systems”.

Informa will be paid more than £8 million (A$15.5 million) for initial access to the data, followed by recurring payments of an unspecified amount for the next three years.

We don’t know exactly what Microsoft plans to do with its data access, but a likely scenario is that the content of academic books and articles would be added to the training data of ChatGPT-like generative AI models. In principle this should make the output of the AI systems more accurate, though existing AI models have faced heavy criticism, not only for regurgitating training data without citation (which can be viewed as a kind of plagiarism), but also for inventing false information and attributing it to real sources.

However, the update also says “the agreement protects intellectual property rights, including limits on verbatim text extracts and alignment on the importance of detailed citation references”.

The “limits on verbatim text extracts” mentioned likely pertains to the US doctrine of fair use, which permits certain uses of copyright-protected material.

Many generative AI companies are currently facing copyright infringement lawsuits over their use of training data, and their defences are likely to rely on claiming fair use.

The “importance of detailed citation references” may pertain to the concept of attribution in copyright. This is a moral right possessed by authors. It provides that the creator of the work should be known and attributed as the author when their work is reproduced.

How does scholarly publishing usually work?

Most academics do not receive payment or make any profit from most of their scholarly publishing. Rather, writing journal and conference papers is usually considered part of the scope of work within a full-time, tenured position. Publication builds an academic’s credibility and promotes their research.

The basic process often goes like this: an author researches and writes an original article and submits it to a journal publisher for peer review. Most peer reviewers and editorial board members also receive no payment for their work.

In fact, some journals may require authors to pay an “article processing charge” to cover editing and other costs. This can be thousands of dollars for an open access publication. Generally speaking, the more prestigious the publication, the higher the charge.

If an article passes peer review, the author will be asked to sign a publishing agreement. The terms may cover logistical arrangements such as when the article will be published, the format (print, online or both), and the division of royalties (if applicable). There will also be arrangements regarding copyright and ownership of the article.

An author usually must also grant exclusive rights to the publisher to distribute and publish the article. This may mean the author cannot publish the article elsewhere, and the publisher may also be able to sub-licence the article to a third party, such as an AI company.

Sometimes publishers require an author to assign copyright in the article to them via a permanent copyright transfer agreement.

Essentially, this means the author grants all of their authorial rights as copyright holder in the work to the publisher. The publisher can then reproduce, communicate, distribute or license the work to others as they wish.

It is possible to only assign limited rights, rather than all rights, and this is something authors should consider.

Content mining

It is vital that authors understand the implications of licensing and assignment and to contemplate precisely what they are agreeing to when they sign a contract. In light of the recent trend of publishers entering into agreements with generative AI companies, publishers’ AI policies should also be closely scrutinised.

In the US, a standard collective licensing solution for content use in internal AI systems has recently been released, which sets out rights and remuneration for copyright holders. Similar licences for the use of content for AI systems will likely enter the Australian market very soon.

The types of agreements being reached between academic publishers and AI companies have sparked bigger-picture concerns for many academics. Do we want scholarly research to be reduced to content for AI knowledge mining? There are no clear answers about the ethics and morals of such practices.The Conversation

Wellett Potter, Lecturer in Law, University of New England

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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