Latest news with #Doomsday
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Science
- The Sun
Make climate action top priority
HOW did Malaysia end up with a rock-bottom Doomsday climate survival score of -10? We began our climate change series on Feb 19 in theSun, highlighting how public perception shapes climate priorities. In one survey, voters were asked to rank their concerns by priority; climate change and the environment came in at No. 15 – out of 16 issues. In another survey, climate change did not appear on the list at all, which featured only eight concerns. We informed readers that our series would differ from other analyses that regard biodiversity loss as a subset of climate change, when it should be viewed as a separate category. This is because climate change and biodiversity loss are paired facets of the wider global ecological crisis threatening humanity – a situation that we are facing for the first time in 300,000 years of human existence. Our collated findings are recorded on a scale ranging from +1 to +10 for a positive outlook and -1 to -10 for a negative one, with -10 indicating a doomsday scenario. Throughout the 300,000 years of human existence until the start of the Industrial Revolution, the carbon dioxide level in the Earth's atmosphere had held steady at around 280 parts per million (ppm). It rose to 290ppm by 1879 and by 1910 had reached 300ppm. In 2013, atmospheric CO₂ levels reached 400ppm. By 2020, the concentration had risen to 417ppm and in 2022, it crossed the critical threshold of 420ppm – a level not seen on Earth in approximately four million years. In June 2024, the CO₂ level peaked at 426.91ppm. Scientists have zero doubt that the changes in CO₂ levels have been caused solely by human activity, mainly the burning of fossil fuels and the extension of farmlands at the expense of natural forests and other natural ecosystems. Fossil fuels saw a transformation of the world economy that spurred a massive surge in human population. In 1856, scientists tested the heating effects of CO₂ in the air and proved that it contributed to global warming. In 1896, they discovered that the burning of coal and other fossil fuels contributed to the warming effect. For causing global heating and adverse climate change, humanity, including Malaysia, lost one point. It was only in 1987 that an international agreement called the Montreal Protocol was signed to restrict the use of CFC and HCFC chemicals that damage the ozone level. For taking no action until 1987, all nations, including Malaysia, lost a second point, making the score -2. It took until 2015 before the UN Climate Change Conference set binding targets and commitments by 196 countries to limit global temperature increases. For dragging its feet until 2015, humanity, including Malaysia, lost another point. The score stood at -3. Last year, the floods in Malaysia were exceptionally severe, with padi loss equivalent to 5.84 million 10kg packs of rice. More than 100ha of farmland were destroyed. Due to the lack of flood disaster preparedness, Malaysia lost one more point. The score stood at -4. For its failure to anticipate the devastating consequences of heatwaves and take preventive measures, Malaysia lost another point. The score stood at -5. Malaysia has no plans to rapidly reduce the production and sale of petrol-driven vehicles, which contribute significantly to global warming. Every working day, Klang Valley roads carry three million petrol cars, each emitting about 12kg of CO₂ annually. Additionally, six million petrol motorcycles traverse these roads multiple times a day. By choosing to fuel a growing number of vehicles instead of developing a comprehensive bus transport system, Malaysia lost another point, bringing its score down to -6. Scientists have identified human overpopulation as a key driver of global warming. The need to feed more people demands expanding farmland, which leads to deforestation while increased industrialisation is required to produce consumer goods, especially essential items for infants and childcare. As the government and religious authorities encouraged higher birth rates, Malaysia lost another point, bringing the score to -7. In prioritising adversarial politics and maintaining population growth while ignoring this key driver of environmental strain, Malaysia lost yet another point, dropping the score to -8. By promoting exclusivity instead of fostering inclusivity – uniting all religions in collective climate action – we lost an additional point, bringing the total to -9. Finally, due to a lack of government efficiency and political will to fully commit to climate survival efforts, we lost one more point. Our final score stands at -10: rock bottom. But what can the government do? It must support climate reversal efforts by issuing clear directives to MPs to stop exploiting race and religion inside and outside the Dewan Rakyat. All Malaysians respect Islam as the country's official religion. Moreover, non-Malay Malaysians who interact with Malays in workplaces, healthcare and marketplaces recognise the honesty and integrity that many Malays display towards all customers, regardless of ethnicity – a valued trait deeply rooted in their culture. Dewan Rakyat members must be constantly reminded to focus primarily on adopting climate reversal actions because the nation's survival depends on it. Politicians should not focus solely on winning votes by riding populist waves. They need to be continually reminded that their primary responsibility is to advance effective climate policies. Getting elected should be seen as a means to fulfil this critical duty to the nation. Above all, they should act with integrity and a sense of righteousness, working to safeguard the country's future. Cabinet ministers must set a good example. They should align all ministries in an all-out effort to adopt climate reversal strategies. Our research shows that no ministry has made climate reversal its top priority. A classic example is the continuing emphasis on promoting petrol-fuelled vehicles instead of adopting a plan for rapid conversion to electric vehicles (EV), which would help eliminate harmful PM2.5 particles – a deadly byproduct of petrol combustion. International medical studies, accepted by a coroner's court in London, confirm that PM2.5 particles cause severe lung ailments. Yet, how many EV do you actually see on the road? Most EV owners, if not all, tend to be high-income earners. Roads in the cities are choked with traffic and the air over Klang Valley is usually hazy from traffic-particle dust. It is only a matter of time before lung ailments surpass all forms of cancer as the leading cause of death. After coal, petrol is the second-largest source of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere. Joachim Ng champions interfaith harmony. Comments: letters@
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
The Fantastic Four First Steps post-credits scene leaked online, reveals the future for Marvel's first family and a Robert Downey Jr tease
WARNING: This article contains spoilers to Marvel's The Fantastic Four First Steps and Avengers Doomsday. Everyone at Marvel Studios, including the top executives, writers, actors, and the person who brings Robert Downey Jr his coffee, currently has their backup. Even though they have had a lot of troubles since Avengers: Endgame, Marvel has been on a path towards Avengers: Doomsday for a long time, and with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, they will soon be standing just one movie away from Dr Doom. But it seems that someone is definitely getting fired because the post-credits scene of First Steps has just been leaked online, and it is huge, to say the least. Now from the trailer, leaks in the past, and several fan theories, we know that the Fantastic Four family will have something to do with Doomsday. Now the post-credits scene of the film confirms their involvement in Doomsday, and more than that, it brings the family face to face with their biggest foe, Dr Doom. In the first post-credit scene, we see Sue Storm reading a book to her infant son, Franklin Richards. She asks H.E.R.B.I.E. to pass her the book Franklin likes. After choosing the right book, she turns to Franklin, and there she sees a figure sitting on the sofa beside her son. The figure is wearing a green cape and is holding Franklin in his arms. Sue tries to use her powers but fails to do so, and Franklin can be seen holding Doom's mask. The scene ends as the words 'The Fantastic Four will return in Avengers Doomsday' flash on the screen. ALSO READ: Spider-Man and The Punisher will come together in the next Tom Holland film, confirms Marvel's Kevin Feige There is some prior information available about this scene, which now makes even more sense, as director Matt Shakman revealed to ComicBook that the post-credits scene has been directed by the Russo brothers and not him. It is understandable why the Russo brothers would take on this role, as they are the ones directing Doomsday, and their vision regarding Doom's entrance would be more in tune with the actual film. Shakman said, 'I often think of working at Marvel as like running a relay race. You pass the baton, you run as hard and fast as you can with it for that section of the race that belongs to you, and then you pass that baton. I passed it on to Joe and Anthony, and they're off and running, and that's great.' Now we know that The Fantastic Four will be involved in Doomsday, but it also raises some questions about Sue and Reed Richard's son, Franklin. In the comics, Franklin is an omega-level mutant (strongest category), and at one point he made the world eater Galactus his own herald. Narratives between the Avengers, the Fantastic Four and Dr Doom have gone down a million different ways in the past, and all we need to do is wait and see what path Marvel chooses. Featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn, the film releases July 25.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Did Pedro Pascal just spoil a major Avengers Doomsday death? Fans decode his cryptic Robert Downey Jr comment
Pedro Pascal may have just let slip a major Avengers: Doomsday plot point. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is barely a week away from release, and Pedro, who plays Reed Richards aka Mister Fantastic in the film, teased whether Marvel's first family will even survive what lies ahead in Avengers: Doomsday. The film's still over a year away, but his comment left fans already dreading what could happen to the characters. In a recent promo interview with SensaCine Latinoamérica, Pascal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing) were talking about their upcoming MCU projects. Ebon revealed that he was star struck by Robert Downey Jr, who's returning as a variant of Doctor Doom in Doomsday. 'I was excited to work with Robert Downey Jr. I've loved him for so long,' he said, adding, 'He's one of my favourite actors, he's a brilliant actor. Come at me.' And then, Pascal added the line, 'Too bad you don't have any scenes with him.' Also read: The Fantastic Four First Steps final trailer: Fantastic Four rally together to face their biggest threat yet That remark sent fans into a frenzy. If The Thing doesn't share screen time with Doctor Doom, that could mean two things: Either their characters exist in different timelines or multiverse realities. Or worse, one of them doesn't survive long enough to make it to the final battle. It could also be that their scenes are computer-generated, and don't require them to be on set physically with each other. Either way, it sounded like the Last of Us star may have revealed the major plot point. In another interview promoting First Steps on the BBC, Moss-Bachrach described Doomsday using four words: 'Epic, tragic, intergalactic, starry.' Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn (who plays Johnny Storm aka Human Torch) described it as 'Epic, mental, Downey Jr.' With characters like Tony Stark and Black Widow already gone, fans are expecting more tragic news ahead. Doomsday, with its massive 60-member-plus cast, will pick up directly where The Fantastic Four: First Steps leaves off. Joining the Fantastic Four stars are Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Letitia Wright (Shuri), and Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes). But before they take on Doctor Doom, the team will face Ralph Ineson's Galactus and the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. Meanwhile, a new clip from First Steps shows Sue Storm holding their baby, Franklin Richards, while Reed Richards addresses the press. 'We attempted to negotiate, but Galactus… he asked too high a price,' Reed says. When asked what that was, he adds, 'He asked for our child.' Why would Galactus want their baby? Because Franklin Richards, born to two parents exposed to radiation, is a mutant, one believed to grow up with powers strong enough to create entire universes, bend time, and mess with reality. Stronger than most Avengers combined. Which also explains why a planet-eating cosmic force like Galactus would be after him. Also read: Who is 'world eater' Galactus and the female silver surfer Shalla Bal who feature in the trailer of The Fantastic Four First Steps All signs point to yes. While Ebon may not get to face off against Doctor Doom, Reed Richards definitely will. Earlier, a Marvel producer even revealed that Pascal had to visit RDJ's house for a special Avengers 'homework day.' When asked if Chris Evans (the original Human Torch) would appear in First Steps or Doomsday, Pascal didn't say anything. 'I've just gone into… a blackout.' The Fantastic Four: First Step releases on July 25.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chris Hemsworth Drops Tease About Avengers: Doomsday, And Seemingly Confirms One Part Of Thor's Story Won't Be Included
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a behemoth force in the entertainment world, one constantly putting out new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Without a doubt the most anticipated upcoming Marvel movies are the next two Avengers movies, which will be directed by The Russo Brothers. Chris Hemsworth recently spoke about filming the former, and may have revealed that one beloved location won't be included in the blockbuster. What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is super limited, but it's going to feature a number of superhero teams. The Doomsday cast live stream confirmed Hemsworth is back as Thor, and the hulking actor recently spoke to Scottish Daily Express, and revealed that production seemingly isn't going to return to the country to film sequences for New Asgard. As he put it: Filming The Avengers in Scotland was a really cool experience. It doesn't look like we are coming back for Doomsday. But I'd love to not only visit there again, but to film and do more work in the country. The people are amazing. There you have it. Sounds like the Asgardians' home on Earth isn't going to factor into the mysterious action of Doomsday. This was a location that was introduced in Avengers: Endgame, since Asgard was destroyed in Thor: Ragnarok. It came back up in Love and Thunder, but it sounds like we won't see this particular setting in the next big Avengers movie. Disney+: from $9.99 a month w/ ad-supported planThe MCU's streaming home is on Disney+. Plans start at $9.99 a month for its new ad-supported plan. Go ad-free and pay $15.99 a month or save 16% and pre-pay $159.99 for a Deal Later in that same interview, the 41 year-old actor spoke more about what it was like filming in Scotland, and his desire to return for future projects. As he put it: There is something majestic about the Highlands, I'd love to do another movie there one day. It's just a place made for an iconic battle scene. The backdrop is just stunning. Well now I've got FOMO. Because while Scotland apparently isn't being used to film Avengers: Doomsday, the country seems like a perfect place to set big action sequences. If it doesn't happen in his next appearances as Thor, perhaps Hemsworth can bring other franchises like Extraction (which is streaming with a Netflix subscription) to the Highlands. Fingers crossed. Fans who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order have seen how the Asgardians lost their planet... and then faced even more losses at the hands of Thanos in Infinity War. They'e been through a lot, although they got a new King with Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie. Although since she's not listed in the Doomsday cast list, maybe that storyline won't come into play for the blockbuster. All will be revealed when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18th, 2026. But first up is The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25th as part of the 2025 movie release list.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Ranked, the 10 most likely ways the world will end: From supervolcanoes to nuclear war, experts say these are the deadliest threats to humanity - including one that could lead to everybody on Earth falling dead at the same moment
Humanity's future can look pretty gloomy. From asteroids the size of football stadiums to nuclear war and man-made pandemics, it can seem as if humankind is in constant danger of being wiped out – and, in many ways, it is. Over the past three years, I have interviewed hundreds of experts working to prevent Doomsday, from eminent scientists and engineers to eccentric philosophical visionaries and ultra-serious diplomats. Together, they form an anti-catastrophe league: a diffuse team fighting for the future of our species.
