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Cousins who survived mass shooting now battle over Norway's oil riches
Cousins who survived mass shooting now battle over Norway's oil riches

Local Norway

time7 hours ago

  • Politics
  • Local Norway

Cousins who survived mass shooting now battle over Norway's oil riches

As teenagers in Norway, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen and his younger cousin Vebjorn Bjelland Berg survived a mass shooting together -- a trauma that united them. Fourteen years on, they now find themselves divided by climate politics: Eriksen is the environment minister in the oil-rich country, while Berg is one of his biggest activist critics. A militant with the Extinction Rebellion climate group, Berg has vowed to start a hunger strike on Wednesday to press the pro-oil, centre-left government to abandon drilling for the sake of the planet. The protest will put his cousin on the spot as Norway prepares for a general election on September 8th in which its crucial oil industry will be a key campaign issue. Picture taken on August 29, 2022 in Stavanger, Norway, shows (L-R) Joachim Skahjem, Emilie Østebø, Ronja Therese Mylius and Vebjørn Bjelland Berg. The Norwegian minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, member of Norway's pro-oil government and his cousin Vebjørn Bjelland Berg, well versed in high-impact actions with the Extinction Rebellion movement, are at odds over the thorny issue of fossil fuels. (Photo by Carina Johansen / AFP) Berg, 29, and his 33-year-old cousin were at a youth camp on the island of Utoya on July 22nd, 2011 when far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik went on a gun rampage that killed 69 people. Breivik also set off a bomb near government headquarters in Oslo that killed another eight. Advertisement "It is clear that going through something like that... yes, it marks a relationship," Berg told AFP in an interview. But it will not deflect him from his campaign against a Labour government that wants to develop the valuable oil industry further. "This industry has made us an extremely rich country," Berg said. "The problem is the price -- potentially the deaths of millions of people because of the ravages caused by this oil and this gas," he added. "It is not worth us continuing to make ourselves even richer at this price." Norway's oil riches Several small parties -- from the left wing to ecologists and centre-right liberals -- back Berg's stance as Norway goes into its election campaign. But Labour has the support of conservative and hard-right parties in its drive to "develop, not dismantle" the oil sector. Norway's offshore oil and gas fields have indeed made it rich. Its sovereign wealth fund, the biggest in the world, is worth nearly $2 trillion -- $350,000 per inhabitant. Advertisement "The big parties make it seem like it's never enough," said Berg, born in Stavanger, Norway's oil capital, whose father worked his whole life for petroleum giant Equinor. "It is a huge moral injustice to continue enriching ourselves further while already being among the richest in the world," he said. "And that people in other regions, mostly poor, dark-skinned people, simply have to die for us to become even richer." Holding cousin accountable Eriksen has declined to comment directly on his cousin's activism, but spoke to the newspaper Dagbladet in July 2024 after Berg was caught trespassing at Oslo airport in a protest. "I understand that many people are impatient, and I am too. There is an urgent need to reduce emissions to curb climate change," the newspaper quoted Eriksen as saying. "Vebjorn and I, however, have different views on how the transition should happen and the methods for expressing our opinions. For me, broad support is critical for ensuring the transition stands the test of time." Berg said he will not vote Labour this year but insisted he and his cousin "appreciate each other a lot", in his comments to AFP. "Communication between us is both respectful and affectionate. I try to be as honest and direct as possible with him," he said. "I will do what I can to preserve our relationship while continuing to hold him accountable."

Mamelodi Sundowns make major statement with Berg
Mamelodi Sundowns make major statement with Berg

The South African

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • The South African

Mamelodi Sundowns make major statement with Berg

Mamelodi Sundowns have secured the services of sporting director Flemming Berg for another two years, ending months of speculation around his future. The Danish administrator, who arrived in 2022, will now continue to play a pivotal role in the club's ambitious growth strategy. Berg's new contract includes one significant change, he has personally removed a controversial clause that previously entitled him to a percentage of transfer fees involving players developed at the club's DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) structures. Why Berg's role remains crucial to Sundowns' vision When Sundowns unveiled Berg as their sporting director in April 2022, they described him as the architect set to elevate the club's footballing standards through his vast European experience. Berg had previously spent seven years as Head of Elite Football Development at the Danish Football Association (DFA), where he pioneered the acclaimed 'Talent ID' programme and implemented a cohesive playing philosophy across all levels. Under his leadership, Danish football embraced a youth-driven approach that delivered spectacular results, including a run to the UEFA Euro semi-finals and a climb in FIFA rankings from 46th to ninth between 2016 and 2021. 'His work was instrumental,' one club source said, 'in shaping not only the technical direction but also the mentality of our football department.' Before his tenure with the DFA, Berg served as an international scout for Chelsea for seven years, adding Premier League pedigree to his impressive CV. One of the more contentious elements of Berg's previous deal was a clause entitling him to around 10% of transfer fees for players developed through the DDC system. However, this clause raised concerns during the potential transfer of promising youngster Kutlwano Letlhaku. To avoid any conflict of interest or legal issues, Berg requested the removal of the clause from his new contract. The club honoured his request, and the clause does not appear in the renewed agreement. Since Berg's arrival, Sundowns have continued their domestic dominance, claiming an eighth consecutive league title. His tenure also aligned with the club's first CAF Champions League final appearance since 2016, under Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso, who took charge midway through the 2024/2025 season. At the FIFA Club World Cup, Masandawana delivered standout performances, further cementing their place among Africa's elite clubs. Berg has overseen strategic signings that have strengthened the squad, including the likes of Marcelo Allende, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Arthur Sales, and Tashreeq Matthews. His eye for emerging talent has also seen youngsters such as Malibongwe Khoza graduate to the senior team. A testament to Sundowns' deepening talent pool. Why did Mamelodi Sundowns even allow such a clause? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

An invasive hornet is devouring bees across Europe, alarming beekeepers
An invasive hornet is devouring bees across Europe, alarming beekeepers

The Star

time6 days ago

  • Science
  • The Star

An invasive hornet is devouring bees across Europe, alarming beekeepers

Stefan Berg and his Bavarian colleagues are fighting an almost hopeless battle. The head of the Bavarian Institute for Bee Research and Beekeeping in Veitshochheim near Wurzburg and other beekeepers in the southern German state are targeting the Asian hornet. The invasive species has been spreading across Western Europe since it was inadvertently shipped to France more than two decades ago. Besides posing a significant threat to local bees, the Asian hornet is also causing massive damage to ripe fruit including in France and Portugal. In 2023, Bavarian beekeepers reported nests of the insects in five locations. Last year, they identified 30 nests. So far this year, five nests have already been found in Bavaria. "The trend is rising, and the problem is simple: this insect eats our bees and has no natural predators here," Berg explains. The alien bee, known scientifically as Vespa velutina, originates from South-East Asia. It positions itself in front of the entrance to beehives and captures its prey there. In response, the bees leave their hives less frequently. A biologist holds an Asian hornet, an invasive species that is threatening beekeepers and fruit farmers in Western Europe. — AXEL HEIMKEN/dpa Fewer flights, less honey Fewer flights to collect pollen, in turn, lead to reduced honey production by the colonies. "That is, of course, not what beekeepers want," Berg says. With great effort, Bavarian beekeepers search for the Asian hornet so that its nests can later be destroyed by conservation authorities. "Finding the nests is easier said than done. It costs beekeepers many hours," Berg says. When they spot an Asian hornet, they catch it and mark it. They then try to follow the insect. Sometimes, beekeepers also use thermal imaging cameras or equip the captured predators with expensive transmitters, which they track using directional antennas. All sightings of the Asian hornet are recorded on a reporting platform. Bees fly across a meadow heading for the entrance to their hive. Introduced into Europe in 2004 The Asian hornet is not only a problem for beekeepers, Berg and his fellow beekeeper Simon Nuschele agree. "You can see it in France, where the insect is already widespread. They are currently working on a national control plan," Berg said. Up to 75% of ripe fruit in France is reportedly damaged by the Asian hornet. In fact, the Asian hornet was accidentally introduced into Europe via a shipment from east Asia to France in 2004, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), a British-based wildlife conservation charity. It has since spread rapidly across France and invaded neighbouring countries from there. According to Britain's National Bee Unit, the invasive species is "established" in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and the island territory of Jersey in the English Channel as of December 2023. In Portugal, some food markets have already stopped displaying fruit and vegetables due to the high number of hornets feeding on them. In France, the Asian hornet "has consumed large numbers of bees, including the well-known European honey bee and many lesser-known solitary and colonial bee species," the RSPB says, warning of the impact to the local ecosystem in which pollinating bees play a key role. Bracing for the storm Nuschele, an experienced Bavarian beekeeper presiding over 60 colonies in the honey village of Seeg in the Ostallgau region, is enjoying the calm before the storm. "I am keeping my eyes open, but the Asian hornet has not yet reached the Allgau," says the 67-year-old, who also leads tours at the local interactive beekeeping centre. "However, I have no doubt that this will change soon," he adds, standing in a field of dandelion blossoms at the centre, holding a honeycomb in his hand. He cannot predict the extent of the damage the Asian hornet might cause to the bee colonies in Seeg, he says. However, it has been proven that the entire colony's survival is at risk when the invasive species is found outside the hive entrance. Dealing with the Asian hornet will not be easy in the future, Berg and Nuschele agree. "But we will have to live with the hornet, I fear. At the moment, there is no solution," Nuschele says. – By ANNE-SOPHIE SCHUHWERK/dpa

What causes bloated, protruding bellies in Indians? How to fix it
What causes bloated, protruding bellies in Indians? How to fix it

Time of India

time18-07-2025

  • Health
  • Time of India

What causes bloated, protruding bellies in Indians? How to fix it

Dr. Eric Berg highlights that pot bellies in India are often linked to diets high in refined sugars and starches, which feed harmful gut microbes, leading to bloating and SIBO. He suggests eliminating these sugars and starches, incorporating fiber-rich vegetables, and adopting lifestyle changes like regular exercise and stress management to improve digestion and reduce abdominal bloating. Pot bellies, often characterized by a bloated protruding stomach, are a common concern for many people in India. Often tied to a combination of factors such as dietary habits, lifestyle, and potentially genetic predisposition, this should not be brushed aside as only a cosmetic concern. It is a major sign of many underlying issues. Dr. Eric Berg, a chiropractor and nutrition author specializing in healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, has explained the reason behind this pot bellies, and shared some effective ways to address it. Diet and protruding belly Dr. Berg noted that Indians predominantly depend on a vegetarian diet. He explained that a diet rich in plant-based nutrients can contribute to bloating when it includes excessive refined sugars and starches. 'In India, most people are on a vegetarian diet. They don't consume a lot of meat. But when they eat too many refined sugars and starches, it ends up feeding the gut microbes, which create over-fermentation, which leads to gas and bloating,' he said, in a video shared on Instagram. Dr. Berg explained that foods like wheat flour, tapioca flour, rice flour, potato flour, modified food starch, modified cornstarch, and maltodextrin feed the gut microbes excessively. This could lead to over-fermentation in the small intestine, producing gas and causing uncomfortable bloating. He also added that SIBO, a condition where excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine, exacerbates this issue and leads to symptoms like abdominal distension and discomfort. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo How to fix it Dr. Berg suggests starving the harmful gut microbes to combat bloating and SIBO, by eliminating refined sugars and starches. Simple steps such as replacing processed flours with whole, nutrient-dense alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour can help. Adding fiber-rich vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower to the diet can support digestion without feeding the harmful bacteria. Breast Cancer In Indian Women: How Early Periods, Breast Density Among Multiple Factors Are Causing The Rise Lifestyle changes It is important to know that there are other factors, such as lack of physical activity and some dietary habits, that contribute to a protruding belly . Regular exercise can help manage this condition. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense exercise every week. Though there is no such thing as spot reduction, shedding excess weight can also benefit the belly area. Similarly, stress management and adequate sleep are critical. Practices like yoga can improve gut motility and reduce stress-induced digestive issues. It is also crucial to consult a healthcare provider for SIBO testing or personalized dietary guidance if you have a protruding belly. By addressing dietary triggers and adopting gut-friendly habits, one can reduce bloating, improve digestion, and achieve a healthier abdomen.

Anyone with tea bags at home told to 'make an urgent change'
Anyone with tea bags at home told to 'make an urgent change'

Daily Record

time08-07-2025

  • Health
  • Daily Record

Anyone with tea bags at home told to 'make an urgent change'

Health expert Dr Eric Berg has warned that people who consume tea bags made with plastic could be putting their health at risk, Tea enthusiasts, particularly those who rely on tea bags, are being urged to rethink their daily cuppa. Health expert Dr Eric Berg, DC, has issued a warning, advising people to switch to paper bags or loose tea leaves in a video titled "Critical: detoxify your brain from microplastics." In the video, Dr Berg explores the potential health risks associated with everyday items containing plastic. He specifically highlights tea bags as a source of microplastics and nanoplastics in tea, which could lead to health issues if consumed regularly. ‌ The concern centres around tea bags made with plastic or those using plastic sealants, as long-term ingestion of these tiny plastic particles may compromise gut health and weaken the immune system. However, many brands now offer plastic-free alternatives, such as paper bags with compostable bioplastics or organic cotton. ‌ Dr Berg begins his video by stating, "Today I'm going to discuss a very important topic: how to detoxify the plastic out of your brain microplastics." He emphasises the severity of the issue, noting: "The brain accumulates the most microplastics of all of the organs. The brain accumulates seven to 30 times more microplastics than the liver and the kidneys." Dr Berg, a nutritionist and chiropractic doctor with a reputation for his deep understanding of diet and weight loss, is often known as The Knowledge Doc. He has authored works like The 7 Principles of Fat Burning and The Healthy Keto Plan, and shares his insights on health through his YouTube channel. He's voiced concerns over the perils of 'forever' chemicals found in some plastic food and drink containers, warning of their potential to jeopardise our wellbeing. Dr Berg warned: "They can bind with proteins in your blood, creating problems as they bioaccumulate in the body over time." Ongoing studies into the health implications of consuming microplastics have flagged up possible hazards such as cellular harm and interference with hormonal systems. Referencing research from the University of New Mexico, Dr Berg noted that an average human brain now contains about seven grams of microplastics, which is a shocking 50% more than what was reported in 2016. What do studies suggest? In light of this, Dr Berg advises against using tea bags with plastic, pointing out their potentially harmful effects. He recommends "natural tea bags without plastic," supporting findings from the American Chemical Society, which showed that plastic tea bags may release billions of minuscule particles into your brew. ‌ A study by academics at McGill University has revealed that a single plastic tea bag could release up to 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into a cup of tea. The full impact of these particles on our health is yet to be fully understood, but it's clear that ingesting plastic isn't beneficial for our wellbeing. These particles come from polypropylene, a common material used by many manufacturers to seal tea bags. Recent studies have shown that these microplastics are often found in various food and drink products, including bottled water, but tea bags have been found to release quantities thousands of times higher than other sources. ‌ Is loose leaf tea better than tea bags? Several factors must be considered when deciding whether loose-leaf tea is superior to tea bags. Loose-leaf tea tends to retain more of its essential oils and nutrients, potentially leading to greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also provides a broader range of flavours and varieties for enthusiasts to try, including unique regional and herbal blends. Loose leaf tea is generally more eco-friendly as it avoids the need for packaging associated with tea bags, which may contain plastic or non-biodegradable elements. Tea bags offer a swift and fuss-free solution for tea lovers, negating the need for a teapot or infuser. While top-tier tea bags may come at a higher cost, they often provide a more economical choice for those who enjoy a daily cuppa. ‌ Can you 'detoxify' yourself? When it comes to 'detoxification', one approach is fasting for a minimum of 18 hours to kickstart autophagy. However, fasting isn't suitable for everyone, and medical advice should be sought before embarking on any fasting plan to confirm its safety. He added: "Plastics and forever chemicals create oxidative stress in the body, which can be countered with strong antioxidant systems. Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, can help strengthen your body's antioxidant networks. NAC and milk thistle are great for detoxification." ‌ To reduce microplastics in your system, choose fully biodegradable, plastic-free tea bags made from organic or plant-based materials. Look for tea bags that are labelled as "free of epichlorohydrin," a substance used by some manufacturers to enhance the strength of the bags. Ways to minimise microplastics in your system: Use a water filter Eliminate plastic cutting boards Avoid dishwasher pods Switch to biodegradable coffee filters Use sea salt from an ancient seabed Avoid plastic baby bottles Use a stainless steel water bottle Use plastic-free sponges Avoid canned food and liquids Use bamboo toothbrushes Use glass Tupperware Avoid plastic dental floss Use 100% organic cotton tampons Opt for completely biodegradable tea bags that are plastic-free, organic, or made from plant-derived materials. Seek out tea bags marked as "free of epichlorohydrin," a chemical that certain manufacturers employ to boost the bags' strength.

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