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Irish Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dirty Dozen facts and one big idea after collapse of plastic treaty
It was to be a 'triumph for the planet.' So when almost 200 nations walked away without a deal on a global plastic treaty last week it seemed a dark day for the world. But as the dust settles on the failure it appears that no deal was the better option than agreeing a weak treaty watered down by a handful of powerful fossil fuel nations and companies. Ireland is among the coalition of high ambition countries that pushed for an agreement that would include a cap on future plastic production. A Department of Climate, Energy and Environment spokesperson said the fight will now go on to what looks like one more last ditch round of talks. Maybe more importantly it now falls to individuals to carry on the ffght for a future free from plastic pollution. Experts believe there is power in the hands of consumers to push investors and businesses towards more circular economy solutions and products. Some of the numbers around the plastic crisis show just how crucial it may be: 185 –nations involved in talks that failed to agree a treaty to stem the uncontrolled flow of plastic pollution. 234 – the number of fossil fuel lobbyists who were registered to take part in discussions. 3 – years of talking so far. 1.2 billion – tonnes of plastic produced since treaty talks began. 6,300 million - metric tonnes of plastic produced since 1950. Discarded plastic waste washed up on Irish beach (Image: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) 12 million – metric tonnes flowing into the world's oceans each year. 2050 – the year there will be more plastic than fish in the seas at business-as-usual rates. €7 trillion – the estimated price tag for plastic pollution by 2040 according to the World Wildlife Fund 6 - mega corporations that produce one quarter of the world's entire plastic pollution: Coca Cola, Pepsi, Danone, Nestle and the tobacco giants Philip Morris and Altria. 95% - the growth in demand for oil that plastic products will make up over the next decade. 10 – percent, the amount of all the plastic ever produced which has been recycled. And only 10 percent of that has been recycled more than once. 16,000 – different chemicals used in plastics production Scientists say future geologists will be able to detect the 'age of humans' in the planetary records by the presence of plastic almost like a new layer of rock on the surface of the earth. Who pays to future proof Ireland against the coming storms? The key battle is over those that want a cap on production, and the big oil producing nations who want to keep the tap flowing and let 'recycling' scheme like Ireland's Deposit Re-Turn scheme solve the problem for them. Ireland's official position is that 'the triple planetary crisis' – climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution - poses an existential threat to everyone in the globe. A recent landmark report by respected medical journal the Lancet underlines that. It found: "Plastics, the evidence shows, are a threat to human health – from womb to grave 'They're linked to miscarriages, birth defects, heart disease and cancer." Plastic chemicals are tied to health effects at all stages of human development, though foetuses, infants and young children are thought to be especially susceptible. Plants and worms in the soil and plankton in water ingest or absorb microplastics, and are in turn eaten by larger organisms and up through the food chain to the top preadator - us . "It is now clear that the world cannot recycle its way out of the plastic pollution crisis," according to the Lancet report. There are also some promising developments in the hunt for solutions to clearing up the mess that has already been left by decades of dumping plastics. Julianne Megaw, a lecturer in microbiology at Queen's University Belfast, reported the findings of her research which she explains involves "harnessing the natural abilities of certain bacteria and fungi to break down plastics in ways that current technologies cannot". Such microbes were able to degrade plastics by around 20% in a month without any pretreatment. These results are "among the highest biodegradation rates ever recorded for these plastics," writes Megaw. " But even an army of billions of microbes would struggle to keep up with eating the world's plastic waste at the rate single use products are being pumped out. As we await a meaningful deal to do that, it seems it may be back to individuals to do the one thing in their power - choose less plastic. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here
Global News
4 days ago
- Health
- Global News
Why rabbits with strange-looking ‘horns' are hopping around Colorado
Rabbits have been spotted hopping around a Colorado town with unusual horn-like growths poking out of their heads, causing alarm among some locals. The bunnies seen in Fort Collins, a town about 105 kilometres north of Denver, are infected with the somewhat common Shope papillomavirus, which causes wart-like tumours that metastasize from their faces, appearing like horns. View image in full screen Rabbit with the papilloma virus (CRPV), or Shope papilloma virus. It infects rabbits, causing keratinous carcinomas, typically on or near the animal's head. Education Images/ Getty Images Photos shared online of the infected Cottontails have led to the species being given some unfortunate epithets, including 'Frankenstein bunnies,' 'demon rabbits' and 'zombie rabbits.' However, their disease is well known to scientists and has been extensively studied. Story continues below advertisement Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the agency had received reports of sightings in Fort Collins. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy She assured that it is not out of the ordinary to see infected rabbits, especially during the summer months when fleas and ticks, which spread the virus, are most prevalent, adding that there is no risk to humans as the virus is only transmitted between rabbits. The growths often look like warts but can appear more like horns if they grow longer, Van Hoose explained, assuring that they are harmless to rabbits unless they grow on their eyes or mouths and interfere with eating. Rabbits' immune systems can fight the virus and, once they do, the growths will disappear, she said. The virus was named after Dr. Richard E. Shope, a professor at The Rockefeller University who discovered the disease in Cottontails in the 1930s. Infected rabbits' appearance is said to have influenced the centuries-old jackalope myth in North America, which told of a rabbit with antlers or horns, among other animal variations. The disease in rabbits also contributed to scientists' knowledge about the connection between viruses and cancer, such as the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer. — with files from The Associated Press Story continues below advertisement
Extra.ie
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Plenty of family food fun as Cork on a Fork festival gets underway this week
Corkonians not heading to Oasis this weekend need not worry as there's still plenty of excitement in the Leeside as an annual food and drinks festival gets underway in the coming days. Cork on a Fork Festival gets underway tomorrow, Wednesday (August 13), and runs until Sunday, August 17 and is the perfect chance for anyone gutted to be missing the Mancunian brothers to take their mind off the heartbreak. The annual event was first established in 2022, and has fast becoming one of the favourite festivals in the Cork events calendar. Corkonians not heading to Oasis this weekend need not worry as there's still plenty of excitement in the Leeside as an annual beer festival gets underway in the coming days. Pic: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Organised by Cork City Council and Fáilte Ireland in partnership with local businesses, there will be up to 100 events taking place in the coming days. There will be something for everyone including street events; chef collaborations; food and drinks pairings; bite-sized talks and plenty of family food fun. Cork City Council said the city has been a 'farm to fork destination since its origins as a trading port in the 10th century, and led the way in Ireland's modern food movement.' There will be Atlantic seafood, artisan cheeses, spiced beef and much more with each component telling its own story in the unique celebration of food. Some of the festival highlights include fine dining experiences such as an exclusive and elegant dining experience at the four-star Montenotte which kicks off with a Montenotte Gin & Tonic reception followed by a bespoke and decadent seven-Course Invitational Fine Dining Tasting Menu, along with a bread course and petit fours created by Executive Chef Martin Lovell. Tickets, which are €169pp, also include a Wine Flight selection. Elsewhere, there will be a number of tours throughout the five-day event with Cork Culinary Tour running a tours throughout, with attendees given the chance to taste local award-winning cheese, handmade bread, gourmet sausages and more. There are plenty of demos and workshops as well as an array of free events also taking place over the course of the five days. In Ballincollig Library on Thursday at 11am there will be a talk on how food affects our mood along with nutritional tips for supporting our mood while at the same time Declan O'Flynn of O'Flynn Gourmet Sausages will showcase the traditional methods of his company's famous gourmet sausages. Cork on a Fork Fest takes place from Wednesday, August 13 to Sunday, August 17 with a full list of events taking place available here.
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Retire In Mauritius: Spots For A Vibrant Lifestyle From $1,400 A Month
Black River beach, Tamarin, Mauritius, Mascarene Islands. (Photo by: Ken Welsh) Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images With its stunning beaches, clear, turquoise waters, high-quality health care, an English-speaking population, and tax benefits, it's little wonder that Mauritius is a growing retirement destination. This island country is located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, about 500 miles east of Madagascar, and it's volcanic in origin. It's almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, making this an idyllic destination for those seeking nature. Mauritius has a maritime subtropical climate, with uniform temperatures throughout the year. At sea level, they stay within the mid-70s F. In mountainous areas it's 60s-plus F. Retirees looking for outdoor activities such as golf, sailing, diving, and beach relaxation will find Mauritius highly attractive. Private health care is of high-quality and at a lower cost than the United States. In terms of safety, it has a stable democracy and low crime rate, and is often regarded as one of the most peaceful African countries. Although the official language is English, most of the population speaks three or four languages, and French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken as well. This is a multicultural country, and Americans find it easy to integrate. Mauritius boasts diverse cuisine, festivals and activities, and varied lifestyles. A couple can live comfortably here on $1,400 to $3,500 per month, depending on your lifestyle. If you live like a local, you'll pay the lower end of the scale. Imported goods and high-end items are expensive and can raise your monthly costs considerably. Retirees living in Mauritius that are only living off foreign pensions or savings (not working or running a business in Mauritius) are not taxed on that income unless you remit it to the country. If the money is transferred to Mauritius, it is subject to a flat 15% income tax. In Mauritius, there is no capital gains tax, and it applies to the sale of stocks, real estate, or other assets (foreign or local). Inheritance tax was abolished in 2005, but the U.S. estate tax rules still apply for American citizens, and U.S. filings could be necessary. The country also has no wealth tax or annual property tax. However, if you buy property, you may be subject to land transfer tax or registration duties, as well as municipal taxes for services. Mauritius has tax treaties with 46 countries, but the United States is not one of them, so American retirees are still liable for U.S. taxes on worldwide income. Visa And Residency Options In Mauritius For Retirees You have a couple of options if you're looking for a retirement visa in Mauritius. If you are more than 50 years old and can guarantee minimum income of $1,500 per month or can prove availability of funds of a minimum $18,000 per year from your country of origin, you are eligible for the 10-year Residence Permit. After three consecutive years of maintaining this permit, you can apply for the 20-year Permanent Residence Permit. With this visa, you can invest in any business as long as you're not employed in the business and do not enjoy any salary of employment benefits from this business. You can also acquire residency in Mauritius through several government-approved schemes, like the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Property Development Scheme (PDS), and Real Estate Scheme (RES). You are eligible by investing in a property with a minimum value of $375,000. As long as you're the owner of the property, you and your dependents can keep residency in Mauritius with no mandatory stay requirement. Top Spots To Retire In Mauritius 1. Grand Baie Grand Baie is the most developed and cosmopolitan town on the island. It has a strong expat community mostly made up of French, British, South African, and more recently, North American retirees. It's ideal for retirees who enjoy a varied gastronomy scene, beach clubs, boating, golf, and a walkable town. Plus, there's a good choice of cafés, bars, shopping malls, and private clinics. The expats who live here tend to live in gated communities. In Grand Baie, power outages or water cuts are not uncommon, especially during heavy rains. Also, even though private medical facilities are available, traffic congestion in and out of the town is considerable, and it's something to keep in mind when considering health care access and errands to these facilities. If you're looking for a place that feels exotic and different from home, Grand Baie might not fit the bill. Several areas have a U.S.-style and feel, purposefully built as such. To experience a local lifestyle, you would need to get out of the expat bubble. Grand Baie is for retirees who mostly want conveniences, lots of activity, and live in a Western-style environment. A couple can live a comfortable lifestyle in Grand Baie with a monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,500. 2. Flic En Flac The coastal town of Flic en Flac is still lively, but for those looking for something quieter in comparison to Grand Baie. This town is known for its stunning sunsets and long, white-sand beaches. Retirees looking for a good balance of relaxation and access to social life will thrive in Flic en Flac. This area of the island has less humidity and more sunshine than the east or south of Mauritius. There's a good mix of cafés, restaurants, bars, a mall, an international school, private clinics, and gyms. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you can enjoy plenty of areas to hike, snorkel, paddleboard, golf, or just stroll along the beach. Currently, there's a growing number of retiree meetups and fitness clubs, for activities like yoga by the beach or aqua-aerobics, that are often led by European expats. Public transportation here is easy and reliable, with frequent buses for numerous routes—you wouldn't need a car if you lived here. It's worth noting that the beach is popular with locals and tourists, so it can get fairly crowded on the weekends. It can be fun, but might not be for you if you're looking for a peaceful day. When finding a home here, consider a property that's not on the beachfront if you want quiet weekends. This town is slightly more affordable than Grand Baie. A couple can live a comfortable lifestyle with a monthly budget of $1,400 to $2,200 a month. 3. Tamarin This is the most upscale town from the list, and it's an area favored by retirees and expats who want privacy, ocean views, and be close to wildlife. Tamarin is popular with those interested in eco-living, golfing, and outdoor adventures. The town is known for its modern gated communities, upmarket villas, and smart city projects. Many of these can make you eligible for residency through property investment. Whenever you don't want to participate in outdoor activities, you still have your fair share of quality cafés, high-end restaurants, boutique shops, yoga centers, and organic markets to spend your time in. You can also find private medical clinics. If you decide to live close to Black River Gorges and Tamarin Valley, common visitors to your home may include wild monkeys, deer, and tropical birds. While this can be charming, it means that you might need to monkey-proof certain areas of your home if you have pets, gardens, or solar panels that you would like to keep intact. Plus, although Tamarin is an eco-lover haven, it lacks the walkability of Grand Baie or the bus access of Flic en Flac. You will need a car, but many retirees opt for compact hybrids or even electric scooters to get around. A couple can live a comfortable life here with a monthly budget of $2,000 to $3,500. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Escape The Crowds At These Portuguese Beaches Only The Locals Know By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Retiring Abroad On A Military Pension—3 Expat Havens For U.S. Veterans By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Beat The Summer Heat In These 6 Cool-Weather Havens By Kathleen Peddicord
The Hill
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
The 10 cities with the best job markets in the US
Finding the right job isn't just about your resume — it's also about your zip code. Financial data firm SmartAsset recently ranked 348 U.S. cities based on how desirable their job markets are. The study used U.S. Census Bureau data from 2023 — the most recent available — and factored in everything from unemployment to median earnings, wage growth, remote work opportunities and more. Bend, Ore., ranked first overall thanks to its relatively low unemployment rate (3.1 percent) and strong wage growth, with the median income increasing 44 percent from 2020 to 2023. Known for its outdoor activities, the central Oregon city also boasts a good work life-balance, thanks to a brief average commute of 16 minutes and a high share of remote workers (27 percent). Richmond, Va., secured second place and posted the highest earnings growth in the analysis, with a 50 percent increase in the average median income between 2020 and 2023. SmartAsset also took health care into account and found that the job market in Santa Clara, Calif., offers the most coverage — 88.6 percent of workers had private health insurance through their employer. If a short commute is your top priority, look no further than Wichita Falls, Texas, where the average is just 14 minutes. Here are the top 10 cities with the best job market, according to the report. Apple Park's spaceship campus is seen from this drone view in Sunnyvale, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019. (Jane Tyska/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images) People unleash their dogs at Westminster Hills Open Space Dog Park in Westminster, Colo., on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) Falls Park in downtown Sioux Falls, S.D. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Cary is a suburb of Raleigh, N.C. Raleigh's downtown skyline is seen from The Dillion's ninth floor lobby terrace open to the public Jan. 2, 2019. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Mission Santa Clara de Asís, Santa Clara, Calif. (Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images) A course scenic view of the 16th hole during the final round of the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club on Sept. 11, 2016, in Carmel, Ind. (Stan Badz/PGA TOUR via Getty Images) The artwork 'Piloti' by THEVERYMANY studio in front of the Rising Office Tower building, where Pokémon Co. leases office space, at Bellevue Downtown Park in Bellevue, Wash., on Thursday, July 18, 2024. (Grant Hindsley/Bloomberg via Getty Images) The Space Needle and skyline at sunrise with Mt. Rainier in the background in Seattle. (Getty Images) Skyline in Richmond Va. (Robert Knopes/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Street scene in the Old Town Historic District in Bend, Ore. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)
