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    Alpine Borders Melting Away: A Consequence of Climate Change In a previous report, we highlighted the alarming rate at which glaciers in the Alps are melting due to climate change. However, the consequences extend beyond environmental concerns, as the melting glaciers are now causing border disputes between Italy and Switzerland. The Zermatt ski resort, starting at an elevation of 4,000 meters in the Alps, reveals a mountain hut named Cervinia, constructed 40 years ago on Italian land. The rapid melting of glaciers and the formation of ice cliffs have rendered the hut inaccessible, creating a blurred border between Italy and Switzerland. The melting glaciers have altered the border line along the mountain ridge, leading to the interpretation that half of the hut now sits on Swiss land. While a few meters of border blurring may seem inconsequential, the impact becomes significant when considering the development of the area as a major tourist destination. Although not yet a...

  Unveiling the Complex Reality of Food Waste Recycling: A Holiday Reflection As we approach the festive season, the inevitable surplus of leftover food raises questions about the often-overlooked journey of food waste recycling. In my endeavor to understand this process, I've uncovered a reality that is not only intricate but also comes with a hefty price tag, offering insights into the complexities of an often misunderstood system. At the end of a holiday meal, plates are left at the exit, contributing to a full 120-liter bin. The journey of this food waste takes me to a recycling facility in Incheon, where, after meticulous processes like filtering out impurities, pasteurization, drying, and grinding, the recycled material transforms into a powdered form. The recycling facility boasts an impressive 97% food waste recycling rate, primarily repurposing the waste into livestock feed and compost. However, the utilization of this recycled material falls short of its potential. Livest...

  Up in Smoke: Unveiling the Cigarette Butt Crisis on Seoul's Streets In the bustling streets of downtown Seoul, a prevalent yet often overlooked issue is taking center stage—rain gutters filled with discarded cigarette butts. Despite being a common sight, these remnants pose severe environmental problems, contributing to water damage and even igniting fires. The Ministry of Environment estimates that approximately 5.2 billion cigarette butts are discarded annually in Korea, roughly 7.25% of the 72.6 billion cigarettes sold. However, a stark contrast emerges when considering the World Health Organization's estimate, indicating that globally, 75% of the 6 trillion cigarettes produced annually are discarded without permission. Applying this standard, Korea's actual annual discarded cigarette butt count surges to 54 billion, more than 10 times higher than the ministry's estimate. Despite the substantial waste levies—amounting to over 89 billion won—collected from cigarette...

  Navigating Electric Car Subsidies: Unveiling Regional Discrepancies and Call for Reform In an online electric car club cafe, a post caught the attention of environmental enthusiasts and concerned citizens. The post detailed the resale of an electric car in Geoje, Gyeongnam, purchased for 53 million won, highlighting a potential misuse of subsidies. The seller, set to make a profit of approximately 7 million won through combined national and local subsidies, raises suspicions of residing outside Geoje, possibly in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. This scenario, exploiting differing regulations on EV subsidies across regions, prompts reflection on the effectiveness and fairness of subsidy programs. The varying regulations exacerbate the issue. While Pyeongtaek City enforces a two-year mandatory holding period for EVs, Geoje City lacks such a management regulation. Exploiting this disparity, individuals purchase electric cars with subsidies, intending to sell them at a profit quickly....

  Strategic Decisions in the Face of Rising Tides: Navigating South Korea's Future Indonesia's ambitious capital relocation by 2045 due to land subsidence might seem distant, but the risks associated with it are closer than we think. As flooding concerns escalate annually, South Korea finds itself on the precipice of a potential migration problem. With a phased relocation plan on the horizon, the government is taking proactive measures, creating maps that forecast flooding and help identify vulnerable areas. The recently unveiled maps showcase the exposure to disasters like typhoons, along with a sensitivity index gauging the expected impact on the population and industries. Additionally, a map detailing anticipated inundation due to sea level rise provides critical insights. However, this valuable information remains largely unknown to the public. Why the secrecy? The potential repercussions on real estate transactions, prices, and property rights along the coastline loom larg...

Challenges in the Blue Crab Fishing Season: Soft Shells Affecting Fishermen In the wake of the fishing season's closure, the west coast of Chungnam Province is witnessing a surge in blue crab fishing. However, the excitement is dampened by a concerning issue—changing sea temperatures are leading to an abundance of soft-shelled or hollow crabs, posing challenges for fishermen. As fishing boats return to harbor, the night's catch spills onto the deck, revealing a disheartening truth. Despite their outward appearance, many blue crabs caught in this season are soft-shelled, with some even lacking proper filling. The fragile shells are easily crushed, making them unsuitable for sale. The reason behind this predicament lies in the delayed molting season caused by lower ocean temperatures. Blue crabs, in their growth cycle, molt repeatedly, but the insufficient acquisition of nutrients due to colder waters leads to what fishermen term as 'floppy' crabs. Recent statistics indic...

  Trash Pickers Triumph: UK Claims Gold in Spogomi World Cup 2023 In a groundbreaking event fostering global environmental consciousness, Japan recently hosted the inaugural Spogomi World Cup 2023, a unique competition centered around cleaning up land-based waste. The United Kingdom emerged victorious in this unprecedented "Trash Picking World Cup" held in Tokyo. In the heart of Tokyo, the Spogomi World Cup 2023 took center stage, signifying a sport where athleticism meets environmental responsibility. The term "SpoGomi" itself is a fusion of "sport" and "gomi," Japanese for garbage, underscoring the event's purpose of tackling ocean pollution caused by improper waste disposal. Teams, each comprising three members from 21 countries, engaged in a competitive quest to clear the most trash within 90 minutes over two sessions in a designated area. The British team, showcasing prowess and commitment, secured victory by collecting 57.27 kilograms o...

    Dalan Animal Health Makes History with Revolutionary Honeybee Vaccine! In a groundbreaking stride toward preserving global ecosystems, Dalan Animal Health, Inc. has secured a coveted spot on the 2023 Fast Company Next Big Thing in Tech list for its pioneering honeybee vaccine. Designed to shield honeybee colonies from the perilous American Foulbrood, this innovation is hailed as the world's first vaccine of its kind, elevating Dalan to new heights in insect health. The prestigious acknowledgment by Fast Company adds to Dalan's impressive quarter, featuring accolades from the International Zendal Awards, recognizing the company as a trailblazer in animal health innovation. TIME's Best Inventions of 2023 also lauds Dalan's contribution to sustainability, placing the honeybee vaccine in the spotlight for its potential impact on biodiversity. Dr. Annette Kleiser, co-founder, and CEO of Dalan Animal Health, emphasizes the critical role pollinators play in maintaining eco...

    Navigating Turbulence: The Unseen Challenges Hindering Climate Advocacy In the corridors of climate activism, the implosion of the Sunrise Movement has become a cautionary tale. Tasked with influencing Biden's climate agenda, the organization faced internal accusations of white supremacy, leading to a public reckoning and a call for power transfer. Amidst the drafting of vital legislation, key figures like Evan Weber found themselves entangled in resolving internal disputes, diverting attention from extracting policy concessions. The dynamics of access politics played a pivotal role, and missed opportunities left climate policies vulnerable to external influences. The collapse of other prominent climate groups, such as 350.org, further underscores the challenges faced by the climate left. Internal turmoil and organizational culture clashes took precedence over strategic climate messaging, leaving a void in effective advocacy during critical legislative moments. As compromi...