Latest news with #Joshua
The Star
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Lessons from big cities that cut back cars
CITIES around the world trying to limit driving have faced objections – namely that the measures would limit personal freedom, cost too much, destroy commerce or have negligible effects on air quality. Now the first data from these experiments in New York, London and Paris has trickled in. They offer some clues about whether cutting speed limits, charging traffic for entering a city centre and penalising drivers of the most polluting cars can reduce congestion and improve air quality, without causing too much disruption. These lessons are helpful because cities, where problems with traffic and poor air quality are frequently more severe than in less urban areas, are often moving more quickly in restricting vehicle emissions than countries or states. In Europe, cities are outpacing laws and national regulations to cut traffic pollution, according to the think tank Transport & Environment. As of April this year, 35 cities have committed to introducing 'zero emissions zones' – where diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles will be banned. Still, early results from some cities show reducing traffic is not enough. Take Oslo, which has pioneered lower speed limits, car-free zones and improvements to public transport, walking and cycling. Norway's widespread adoption of electric cars has also helped reduce smog. But the city still suffers from high levels of particulate pollution from tire wear, wood-burning stoves and dust from gravel and salting on icy roads. While restricting fossil-fuelled vehicles won't solve those problems, there is evidence that it helps clean the air and has other benefits too. Here's what policy makers and city dwellers can learn from other early adopters. > New York The city introduced a policy on Jan 5 charging cars up to US$9 (RM38) a day to enter certain parts of Manhattan. Travel time data from the first three months of the charging zone suggests commuting times are down on some of the busiest routes, in particular the bridges and tunnels that connect Manhattan with New Jersey, Brooklyn and Queens. A site run by student brothers Joshua and Benjamin Moshes has been tracking travel times based on Google Maps traffic data on various routes affected by the New York congestion pricing since the policy was introduced in January. They found travel times have also dropped during weekends, while there's been little change on other routes going from one part of Manhattan to another. That suggests people are choosing to take public transport or cutting out less urgent travel, they say. In Boston and Chicago, which the Moshes use as a control, traffic levels have not changed significantly. > Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo introduced 50kph speed limits on the city's outer ring road in October 2024, despite opposition from France's transport minister and conservative opponents. A report from the city's urban planning department found that the new, lower speed limit, introduced on Oct 1 last year, has already had some positive effects. In the following five months, air quality improved by 12% and traffic accidents dropped by 17%, compared to the same period in the previous year. There are also signs that congestion is lower. Hidalgo, who has said she won't seek re-election next year, isn't finished with her plans to reduce car traffic and encourage walking and cycling in Paris. Her office also banned motorised through-traffic from the city centre in November. Local workers, residents and taxis are still able to drive into the zone, but anyone passing through to go somewhere else will be fined €135 (RM651) once enforcement begins. > London The city's ultra-low emission zone has been in place for over five years. The restrictions, which place a daily charge on driving old gasoline or diesel vehicles, initially covered a small area of the city centre. It was subsequently expanded to cover an almost 1,554km square area, making it the largest in the world. London has had a separate congestion charging zone, which means almost everyone who drives into the city's core must pay, since 2003. When London mayor Sadiq Khan announced the expansion in 2022, the decision was met with warnings that high street shops would wither away and small businesses would struggle to survive. ULEZ, as the area is known for short, became a contentious topic in local elections, and Khan's opponent, from the right-wing Conservative Party, made it a central part of her pitch to voters in the mayoral election last year. (Khan won). In March, the mayor's office released data suggesting that ULEZ had a positive impact on air quality, while causing little disruption to shops in the outskirts of London, an area which was only included in the zone in August 2023. In particular the change has cut emissions of nitrogen oxides, air pollutants linked to lung problems, asthma and inflammation, by between 33% and 39%, while footfall and spending in shops has not dropped, according to data from Mastercard Inc. Almost 97% of vehicles driven within the zone are now compliant with the emissions standards, the report said. Vans, which were much more likely to be caught up by the changes, have been slower to switch, but over 90% are now compliant, compared with just 12% in 2017, before the zone was introduced. 'Everyone in the capital is now breathing cleaner air because of ULEZ,' said Christina Calderato, Transport for London's director of strategy, commenting on the report. — Bloomberg News/TNS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Wildfire threatens Joshua trees in area considered a 'last refuge' for the species
A fire ignited in the Covington Flats area of Joshua Tree National Park on Friday afternoon and burned 165 acres in a region that experts say is critical to the species' future in a warming climate. Meg Rockwell, a spokesperson for the national park, said it wasn't immediately clear if any Joshua trees in the area had burned, but she said there are major concerns about the possibility of damage to the trees. "This area is important for the long-term survival of the Joshua trees," Rockwell said. "It's that last refuge." San Bernardino County Fire officials said no structures are threatened. Read more: World's oldest trees threatened by Silver fire in Inyo County. Crews halt spread of blaze The Covington Flats region—located in a northwestern section of the park—is known as a "climate refugia" sitting at a slightly higher elevation, which brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall. These slight differences could be enough, experts say, to to allow Joshua trees to continue to survive and reproduce even under a hotter, drier climate that is expected in the coming decades. The iconic trees are not adapted to wildfire, meaning any fire damage can be devastating to the population. The Eureka fire was reported around noon Friday and had no containment as of 2:30 p.m. The park reported temperatures Friday around 85 degrees with wind gusts up to about 20 mph in the area. Rockwell said additional fire crews from the Bureau of Land Management and San Bernardino County had been called in to assist with the firefight. Read more: How large fires are altering the face of California's Mojave Desert The Joshua tree is cherished for its distinctive silhouette and singular role as a linchpin of the Mojave Desert ecosystem. Yet the iconic succulent is losing suitable habitat at a brisk clip due to climate change, worsening wildfires and development, scientists and environmental advocates say. While the Joshua tree is currently ubiquitous, climate models show there won't be much suitable habitat left by the end of the century. That's why protecting areas like Covington Flats is so important, Rockwell said. But, experts have also found that many of these cooler, higher-elevation areas — that are more hospitable for Joshua trees — are also susceptible to wildfires because they tend to have denser vegetation. Two large wildfires have killed an estimated 1.8 million Joshua trees in and around the Mojave National Preserve since 2020. Staff writer Alex Wigglesworth contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Los Angeles Times
Wildfire threatens Joshua trees in area considered a ‘last refuge' for the species
A fire ignited in the Covington Flats area of Joshua Tree National Park on Friday afternoon and burned 165 acres in a region that experts say is critical to the species' future in a warming climate. Meg Rockwell, a spokesperson for the national park, said it wasn't immediately clear if any Joshua trees in the area had burned, but she said there are major concerns about the possibility of damage to the trees. 'This area is important for the long-term survival of the Joshua trees,' Rockwell said. 'It's that last refuge.' San Bernardino County Fire officials said no structures are threatened. The Covington Flats region—located in a northwestern section of the park—is known as a 'climate refugia' sitting at a slightly higher elevation, which brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall. These slight differences could be enough, experts say, to to allow Joshua trees to continue to survive and reproduce even under a hotter, drier climate that is expected in the coming decades. The iconic trees are not adapted to wildfire, meaning any fire damage can be devastating to the population. The Eureka fire was reported around noon Friday and had no containment as of 2:30 p.m. The park reported temperatures Friday around 85 degrees with wind gusts up to about 20 mph in the area. Rockwell said additional fire crews from the Bureau of Land Management and San Bernardino County had been called in to assist with the firefight. The Joshua tree is cherished for its distinctive silhouette and singular role as a linchpin of the Mojave Desert ecosystem. Yet the iconic succulent is losing suitable habitat at a brisk clip due to climate change, worsening wildfires and development, scientists and environmental advocates say. While the Joshua tree is currently ubiquitous, climate models show there won't be much suitable habitat left by the end of the century. That's why protecting areas like Covington Flats is so important, Rockwell said. But, experts have also found that many of these cooler, higher-elevation areas — that are more hospitable for Joshua trees — are also susceptible to wildfires because they tend to have denser vegetation. Two large wildfires have killed an estimated 1.8 million Joshua trees in and around the Mojave National Preserve since 2020. Staff writer Alex Wigglesworth contributed to this report.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
I got cosmetic surgery abroad – trolls say I should feel guilty for not splashing cash on my son, but they have no clue
A MUM has hit back at trolls who say she should feel guilty for spending money on cosmetic surgery instead of her son - insisting he never goes without. Jasmine Murphy, from Glasgow, has forked out thousands of pounds on operations in Prague, Czech Republic, over the past decade. 5 5 The 34-year-old - mum to Joshua, five - does not encourage other people to go under the knife, but is very transparent about any work she has had done on her TikTok page (@jasminemurphyhair). Over the past 13 years, she has had four breast surgeries including three reductions and one set of implants. She has also had liposuction on her face, hips, legs and stomach, plus botox, lip filler and procedures to "tighten" her mum tum and "blitz" cellulite. She said: "I'm a hairdresser, I'm in that world, and I absolutely love beauty treatments. I love things that are aesthetically pleasing." But she admitted she has always hated her breast implants, which she got after losing weight and then tried to hide in baggy T-shirts, so headed abroad earlier this month to have them removed. Including her flights and hotel, the procedure - which got her back to a C cup with a reduction and lift - set Jasmine back around £4,000. While she was on the operating table, she also opted to have upper blepharoplasty to get rid of "fat pockets" on her eyelids which cost a further £900. Jasmine told Fabulous: "I think cosmetic surgery can be dangerous and definitely isn't something to be taken lightly. "However most recently I had my implants removed and a breast reduction and it has substantially improved my confidence and I am so grateful I was able to do this. "I like to be honest about what procedures I have had done, invasive and non-invasive as I feel these things have improved my appearance and I would always be honest about that and work towards keeping beauty standards more realistic." I spent £13k on a Turkey makeover with veneers, a face of filler & a nose job - trolls still say I looked better before She added: "I'm not looking to promote cosmetic surgery to other women but I would always be transparent about what I have done and share my journey and recommendations if it was helpful to them." But after sharing details of her latest procedures, she was hit with a hateful question which read: "Do you ever feel guilty spending money on surgeries etc. when you have a child?" Remaining as transparent and honest as ever, Jasmine said the "short answer is no" before offering a deeper insight into her circumstances and strong work ethic that allow her such luxuries. In her TikTok clip, she said: "I work very hard for everything that I have. "I don't get into debt or sacrifice something in our household to accommodate me having a treatment done. 5 5 "My son is neurodivergent which means he has lots of sensory issues and aversions which. "A lot of the things that I buy for him - whether it's food, toys, playgroups, soft plays, clothes - sometimes like a good 80-90% of that goes in the bin because it triggers him, he doesn't want it, it's upsetting. "I pick him up from playgroups early if he's having a bad time but I don't mind. I spend a lot of money and work really hard to try and make his quality of life as good as possible. "So he doesn't have to sacrifice anything to accommodate me getting a beauty treatment done or a surgery." She continued: "I would just work extra hard and save the money and earn it. I don't drink, I don't socialise, I haven't been on holiday in six years because I don't think he'll cope with the flight and I've always felt bad leaving him. "And I think there is a lot of pressure on women to be a background product of a family. "Like you're a whole human being too so you can do something nice for yourself, you know, why not?" But she did admit: "Where mum guilt would kick in for me is travelling to go under anaesthetic because of course there's the health risk in that. "This is why I'm making sure I am as healthy as possible and I've been to Ross Hall Hospital here [in Scotland] so that I can have check ups and make sure everything's okay before I travel." Mass support Social media users were quick to jump to Jasmine's defence, as one gasped: "What a brass neck of a question to ask!" A second echoed: "What an odd question...I'm married with one son and I still swan off everywhere." A third said: "I think it's plain to see how well looked after and provided for your little boy is and as a sole parent myself I think it is important to do things for yourself when ever possible!" A fourth chimed in: "I've never understood the notion of feeling guilty for spending money on yourself when you have kids … as long as your kids are cared for why should you?!" "Some people just see negative in everything, treat yourself girl", added someone else. Meanwhile, a sixth fumed: "You shouldn't have to explain yourself, you are a good mum and clearly work hard."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Mum and son 'living in tent at side of road' after moving to Spain for new life
They lost vital documents and are awaiting replacements. A mum and her son are living at the side of the road in a tent - after moving abroad in search of a new life. Paola Nigro and Joshua Castiglioni headed to Tenerife after a family feud. They hoped for a new beginning on the Spanish island. But three months after making the switch the pair are in limbo and waiting for important documents to arrive. The Mirror reports ex-barman Joshua, 27, and Paola, 63, misplaced their original documents, so are having to live in a makeshift campsite on the outskirts of El Médano, a town on Tenerife's south coast. Joshua and Paola had initially pitched up in another area by a beach, but were moved on by police. Despite living in a tent, they say their lives are currently more manageable than back in their home country, Italy. They do miss some basic amenities, such as electricity. They rely on public toilets, and often go to local cafes and restaurants for food. Joshua told the "Here is a free zone. "It's good because the weather is good here, we have the sea. It's easier than Italy, for sure, but it's always complicated for some stuff because you don't have the light. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "We ask and they give us something. The food is never a problem here. They are so kind, everybody. You're free to be yourself, for sure. You have no rules. After the bridge there's all the rules." Around their tent is a number of other pulled-together homes of varying levels of sophistication, with one of them even having an outdoor toilet hut. Another has a front gate that appears to have been crafted from the back of a wooden dining chair, while others have taken advantage of natural caves. Describing a sense of community among the inhabitants, Joshua shared: "A lot [of people] live here. We're like a family. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not good. It's normal. "Here, it is quiet. The same on the beach, but the police come every time to say 'go away'". Mum Paola, communicating through her son as a translator, said: "I like it. It's like a holiday." When Joshua finally secures a job, he hopes to save money for a flat. Paola meanwhile hopes to own a house in the future, but for now is content with their current living situation. She says she enjoys the freedom of the campsite, and loves that she's able to visit the sea whenever she pleases. Their story comes amid a wave of anti-tourist demonstrations in Tenerife. Locals complain that an influx of wealthy foreign homeowners has pushed up prices and led to a housing shortage. In the South of Tenerife, where Joshua and Paola are living, prices are up around 30% since 2020. This has priced out many who only a few years ago would have been able to afford a place of their own. In November, the Canary Islands regional government said it was actively looking at how to impose restrictions on foreign property purchases.
