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Time of India
18 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
The country with the most spoken languages
It's not India or China, if that's what you thought. Surprisingly, the answer lies in the islands of Oceania. Papua New Guinea, a nation with a population of just 9.4 million, holds the distinction of being the most linguistically diverse country on Earth. According to the Our World in Data compiled by SIL International, Papua New Guinea is home to 840 living languages, which is far more than any other country in the this is taken in context of 7,000 living languages spoken globally, this means more than 10% of the world's linguistic wealth is concentrated in this one island nation. What is meant by a 'living language?' It's defined as that language which is spoken as a first language by at least one person. It is distinct from 'extinct' languages, which no longer have native speakers, or 'second languages,' which are learned in addition to one's mother tongue. By this measure, Papua New Guinea is unmatched in variety and richness. How did so many language emerge? Papua New Guinea's linguistic kaleidoscope has roots stretching way back. Humans first settled the region nearly 50,000 years ago, which gave it ample amount of time to develop, diverge, and multiply, and eventually shape-shift into hundreds of distinct forms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like NRIs Living In Croatia Are Eligible For INR 2 Lakh Monthly Pension. Invest 18K/Month Get Offer Undo Fast forward about 3,500 years, a new wave of settlers arrived, the Austronesian-speaking seafarers landed on the island, which further added their voices to the mix. This further added even more linguistic variety. Read more: Thailand bets on crypto conversions to reignite tourism It's also interesting to note that unlike many parts of the world, this island nation never developed a strong, centralised authority in its early history. In other regions, empires and kingdoms often promoted a dominant language for administration and trade, which reduced linguistic fragmentation over time. In Papua New Guinea, that process never occurred. Geography also played a decisive role. The country's rugged mountain ranges, deep valleys, and isolated river systems separated communities from one another for centuries. Cut off from one another, villages and clans invented their own ways of speaking, passing them down like family heirlooms. The result? Even two settlements just a short distance apart might speak entirely different languages. Languages by the numbers (sourced from ) Papua New Guinea's tally of 840 living languages places it far ahead of other multilingual nations. The top 10 countries with the highest number of living languages as of 2024 are: Papua New Guinea – 840 Indonesia – 710 Nigeria – 530 India – 453 China – 306 Mexico – 293 Cameroon – 279 United States - 236 Australia – 224 Brazil – 222 What makes Papua New Guinea especially remarkable is that its linguistic diversity exists despite its relatively small population compared to giants like India, the United States., or China. Papua New Guinea's languages span a wide range of families, from the Papuan languages, spoken by communities long before the Austronesian migration, to the Austronesian group itself. In fact, many Papua New Guineans grow up in multilingual environments, speaking their village language, a regional lingua franca, and often Tok Pisin (a creole widely used as a national language). Read more: 5 national parks bigger than countries like Spain, Switzerland, or Germany For outsiders, it can be difficult to imagine such a landscape. In some cases, two villages separated by only a few kilometers may speak entirely different languages, with little mutual intelligibility. Each language often carries with it unique oral traditions, cultural practices, and knowledge systems, making the country a treasure trove for linguists and anthropologists alike. Why it matters The preservation of languages in Papua New Guinea is not just a matter of statistics, it is about safeguarding cultural identity. Each tongue encodes stories, ecological knowledge, and ways of seeing the world that are irreplaceable once lost. With globalisation and modern pressures, many of these languages face challenges of survival, as younger generations shift toward more widely spoken tongues. Still, the sheer number of living languages in Papua New Guinea reflects a resilience of cultural diversity that few places on Earth can match. It serves as a reminder that language is more than a means of communication—it is a living record of human history. The world's linguistic capital While nations like Indonesia, Nigeria, and India boast hundreds of languages, Papua New Guinea stands in a category of its own. Its unparalleled linguistic mosaic makes it the world's linguistic capital, where language is not just a tool but a symbol of identity, heritage, and continuity.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New photos of questionable Tesla business practice raise concern: 'You'd think ... they'd be able to afford'
Dozens of brand-new Tesla vehicles parked at Long Beach, California, have sparked questions about the company's ability to move inventory and what that could mean for customers. The sight comes as Tesla reports declining U.S. sales and faces growing competition in the electric vehicle market, raising concerns about shifting buyer confidence. What's happening? Photos posted on Reddit's r/RealTesla show rows of brand-new Teslas lining city streets in Long Beach, each with bright red stickers warning that the cars could be towed if not moved within 72 hours. Commenters weighed in, with one Redditor writing, "You'd think with their massive valuation that they'd be able to afford off site parking." This isn't the first time Tesla has been seen storing unsold vehicles in public or temporary parking lots. In 2024, people also shared photos of unsold Teslas in a Detroit parking lot, Fortune reported. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service Cox Automotive also showed the company's declining U.S. sales, which have decreased by over 12% year-over-year, while its share of the EV market slipped to 44.7%. For two consecutive quarters, deliveries have fallen short as published in Tesla's reports. In the second quarter, production reached 410,244 while deliveries fell to 384,122. Why is this concerning? For customers, slower sales could mean delays in receiving vehicles, lower trade-in values, and uncertainty about the brand's long-term stability. From an environmental perspective, any slowdown in EV adoption from a major manufacturer risks slowing the shift away from gas-powered transportation, which is essential for reducing polluting gases. According to Our World in Data, the transportation sector remains the second-largest source of heat-trapping gases. This trend follows other challenges Tesla has faced in recent years, including sudden price cuts that affected resale values and reports of production bottlenecks — all of which have raised questions about the company's market position. What's being done about it? City officials in Long Beach have issued tow notices for the parked vehicles, though it's unclear if they've been moved. Would you buy an EV if there were no tax incentives for getting one? Definitely No way Depends on the sticker price Depends on the range Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Meanwhile, other automakers are stepping in with their fleet of EV offerings. General Motors has doubled its EV sales volume compared to the previous year, according to Cox Automotive, while the International Energy Agency shared that cheaper battery costs are making EVs more affordable now. That means those interested in switching to EVs now have more options beyond Tesla, if they desire. Despite the hitches Tesla is facing, overall EV adoption is still on track toward a more sustainable future for transport. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Winnipeg Free Press
11-08-2025
- Science
- Winnipeg Free Press
The meat of the matter
Opinion Climate change and ecological destruction are unquestionably among the apex existential crises facing humanity and the future vitality of our planet. It would not be hyperbolic to state that drastic changes are necessary and must be implemented promptly. To negate the worst possible outcomes of climate change, and to adhere to the international agreements outlined in the Paris Climate Accord, the United Nations asserts that we need to reduce CO2 emissions by 43 per cent by 2030. It is within public education that we must place our hope and through which emancipatory change may be actualized. There are certainly remarkable grassroots initiatives manifesting within our Manitoba schools, ranging from the establishment of composting and recycling programs, outdoor and land-based pedagogies, critical discourse on hyperconsumptionism, exploring renewable green energies, and so forth. However, a topic seldom discussed in our education networks pertains to learning about meat consumption and its significant impacts on climate change. Joseph Poore, professor of Food Sustainability at the University of Oxford, concluded that '[a] vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use.' His team published a study in 2018 analyzing over 40,000 farms in 119 countries across the planet. Their results highlighted the egregious inefficiencies of livestock agriculture. These researchers disseminated that more than 80 per cent of global farmland is devoted to agricultural livestock, and yet only produce 18 per cent of our caloric intake. Another 2023 study at the University of Oxford, led by Professor Peter Scarborough, demonstrated that a vegan diet generates approximately one quarter of CO2 emissions that a high meat diet would otherwise produce. There is enormous disconcertion toward our diminishing ecosystems, as well. According to Our World in Data, only four per cent of mammal biomass on Earth may be attributed to wildlife, while over 34 per cent is human and 62 per cent is livestock. The World Wildlife Foundation further shared grim outlooks in their 2024 report that wildlife populations have plummeted by 73 per cent over the past 50 years. This organization also highlighted other devastating trends, specifically cattle ranching as being the unrivaled culprit for the deforestation in the Amazon, accounting for over 80 per cent of its environmental destruction. As a global phenomenon, these issues are prevalent locally, as well. Manitoba Eco-Network, a local non-profit organization, is sounding alarm regarding the proposed 2025 establishment of new dairy farms in North Dakota, which will further threaten the vitality of Lake Winnipeg and other Manitoba waterways. Livestock agriculture, and the subsequent excrement produced, are considerable contributors to pollution and algal blooms. Lake Winnipeg remains particularly vulnerable and is considered one of Earth's most endangered lakes. Manitoba school boards and divisions should be commended for initiatives to help our learners cultivate understandings of, and solutions toward, ecological justice. However, discourse on dietary revisionism is generally absent from most divisional websites and is not explicitly outlined in many schools' targeted goals and/or mandates. Understandably, the social, cultural, and spiritual connections with diets are highly intricate and sensitive. Diet is deeply entrenched in our societal way of life and is intrinsically interwoven with tradition, celebration, and various cultural customs. Further, many of us navigate tender relationships with our diets, as food is a source of comfort in an otherwise troubled world. It is of paramount importance to recognize sustainable and ethical ways of approaching meat harvest and consumption, particularly exemplified by our Indigenous communities. The intersections of meat production and climate change are consequent to Western hyperconsumptionist capitalism, not due to the sustainable and reciprocal methods embodied by Indigenous communities practiced for millennia. As such, I do not espouse that everyone must abandon meat consumption. Not everyone may have the immediate emotional and/or physical capacity to become a vegetarian or vegan. However, we can collectively reduce meat consumption by exploring and incorporating more plant-based alternatives in our routine diets. Local businesses keen on ecological justice may be recommended to explore plant-based catering for organizational events. Public schools can cultivate critical learning and reflection about the ecological impacts of our diets. School administrators may be advised to similarly critically examine dietary programs, such as school milk programs, and catering offerings for public events. Time is undoubtedly limited and we need to make concerted, strategic interventions to ensure a better future for our upcoming generations. This is a collective responsibility and we can all do our part, in whatever capacity. Jordan Laidlaw is a public school teacher, vegan, and Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration.
The Spinoff
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Spinoff
Counting the true toll of the Covid-19 pandemic in New Zealand
As the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid-19 response continues, modelling expert Michael Plank presents a new study on the country's excess mortality rate. How many people died because of the Covid-19 pandemic in New Zealand? It sounds like a simple question, but the answer depends on more than just counting reported Covid-19 deaths. My colleagues and I recently published a study in the International Journal of Epidemiology looking at excess mortality – the number of deaths above what we would have expected if there hadn't been a pandemic. Excess mortality helps us to measure the overall impact of the pandemic, not just from Covid-19 itself but also from things like delayed medical care or the side effects of lockdowns. And because it's based on the total number of deaths from any cause, it doesn't depend on how the cause of death was determined, nor whether the death was recorded as being due to Covid-19 or not. Many people will have seen the Our World in Data Covid-19 dashboard, which allows users to compare excess mortality between countries. This dashboard shows that New Zealand's total excess mortality up to the end of 2023 was less than 1%. In other words, the number of deaths during the pandemic was less than 1% higher than expected. But not everyone agrees with this conclusion. A 2024 study by John Gibson argued that the excess mortality in New Zealand was actually much higher than this. Our World in Data's method missed a crucial factor: New Zealand's population growth ground to a halt in 2020 due to pandemic travel restrictions. With fewer people in the country, Gibson claimed, we should have expected fewer deaths; so the excess mortality was actually higher. We wanted to know if this was really true. Could the Our World in Data dashboard be inadvertently hiding a swathe of excess deaths in New Zealand? To answer this question, we built a statistical model that estimated trends in the death rate in different age groups over time. We then used this model to calculate how many deaths would have been expected if the pandemic had never happened and pre-pandemic trends had simply continued. Our model accounts for changes in population size and ageing to ensure a fair comparison. We looked at excess mortality up to the end of 2023 because we wanted to include the period after New Zealand's elimination strategy ended and the virus became widespread. Was New Zealand's pandemic death toll higher than reported? The answer from our work is a resounding 'no'. We estimated the total number of deaths between 2020 and 2023 was somewhere between 2% higher than expected and 0.8% lower. In other words, we can't be confident that more people died during the pandemic than would have died anyway. We can be confident that the number of deaths was no more than 2% higher than expected. In 2020, the number of deaths was unusually low, mainly because border closures and lockdowns inadvertently wiped out influenza as well as Covid-19. In 2022 and 2023, deaths increased as Covid-19 became widespread. The timing of excess deaths matched very closely with reported Covid-19 deaths, with the highest death rates occurring during the biggest Covid-19 waves of 2022. This suggests that the virus itself was the main driver, rather than indirect factors. Overall, New Zealand's estimated excess mortality of less than 2% is far lower than that in countries like the United Kingdom (10%) or United States (11%) over the same period. And although our study only covered the period up to the end of 2023, the overall age-standardised mortality rate in 2024 was below pre-pandemic levels. This shows that there is no mystery factor causing large numbers of unexplained deaths. Reported Covid-19 deaths appear be an accurate measure of the pandemic's death toll. So why the controversy? Gibson was right that New Zealand's population growth stalled during the pandemic. But that's only part of the story. Most deaths happen in older people, and this part of the population continued to grow during the pandemic. So, even though total population growth slowed, the number of elderly people – the group at highest risk of dying – still increased as expected. In other words, New Zealand's ageing population was a more important driver of the expected number of deaths than the number of immigrants, who tend to be relatively young. Why does this matter? The next pandemic is a question of when, not if. If we are to respond better to future pandemics, it's essential that we understand the full impact of our response to Covid-19. Some critics argue that New Zealand's elimination strategy just delayed the inevitable. Deaths that were prevented in 2020 and 2021 – the argument goes – were simply delayed until 2022 or 2023, when the virus became widespread. But the data tell a different story. Our response bought time for people to get vaccinated before they were exposed to the virus. And that massively reduced the fatality risk. New Zealand's response was far from perfect, and there were undoubtedly harms as a result of lockdowns and other measures that are not reflected in mortality statistics. But there can be no doubt that the response saved thousands of lives compared with the alternatives. Michael Plank led a group of researchers who were commissioned by the New Zealand government to provide modelling in support of the response to Covid-19 between 2020 and 2023.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Science
- The Star
Life in plastic isn't fantastic
HIS obsession with photography was so consuming that it drove a young Leo Hendrik Baekeland beyond the darkroom and into the world of chemistry—in search of something greater than the perfect picture. At 17, he entered the University of Ghent as its youngest student, graduating summa cum laude in 1882. His early promise paid off—he invented Velox, a photographic paper that could be developed under artificial light. This breakthrough made him wealthy and independent. With time and resources to explore freely, Baekeland set up a private laboratory in his backyard. There, in 1907, he began experimenting with synthetic resins—hoping to create a heat-resistant material to replace shellac, a natural resin used in electrical insulation. When the brilliant inventor combined phenol (carbolic acid) and formaldehyde under heat and pressure, he created Bakelite—the world's first fully synthetic plastic, which had a hard, mouldable substance that resisted heat, chemicals and electricity. Unlike anything found in nature, Bakelite could be mass-produced and shaped into almost anything. It marked the beginning of the modern plastics age—a material revolution that reshaped industries from electronics to automotive to consumer goods. Reef Check Malaysia members showcasing the plastic waste collected during an ocean cleanup activity. Engulfed by plastic What was once hailed as a miracle material is now one of the planet's most enduring threats. The same durability that made plastic invaluable also means it can persist in the environment for centuries. Transported by wind, rain and rivers, plastic waste travels from urban streets to the ocean, where it entangles marine life, smothers coral reefs and breaks down into microplastics. These microscopic fragments are now found in fish, seabirds and even humans. According to scientific studies, including those by The Pew Charitable Trusts and Our World in Data, an estimated 11 million metric tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year—the equivalent of a garbage truck dumping its load every minute. Without urgent action, this figure could nearly triple to 29 million tonnes annually by 2040, overwhelming marine ecosystems and accelerating long-term environmental damage. Rectifying misinformation Contrary to popular belief, the bulk of ocean plastic pollution originates on land—not from fishing vessels or cruise ships. Mismanaged urban waste, inefficient recycling infrastructure, and litter washed into waterways via storm drains and rivers are the primary contributors. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 80% of ocean plastics stem from land-based sources. World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia(WWF-Malaysia) Peninsular Malaysia and Conservation Science associate director Dr Jason Hon highlights the critical misconception that the crisis begins at sea. 'The reality is that most ocean-bound plastic is a direct consequence of inadequate waste management and improper disposal. Moreover, the belief that all plastics are recyclable is flawed—only certain types can be processed effectively under current systems.' A 2021 World Bank study further revealed that Malaysia collected merely 24% of its plastic waste for recycling in 2019, with a fraction reprocessed domestically. Hon emphasises that addressing plastic pollution demands more than recycling—it requires a systemic shift towards a circular economy. 'Plastics must be redesigned for reuse, repurposing or elimination. This necessitates reimagining packaging, supply chains, and consumption patterns—particularly within hospitality, fast moving consumer goods and retail sectors.' Reef Check Malaysia chief operating officer Theresa Ng warns that many consumers wrongly assume individual recycling efforts suffice, ignoring the larger issues of overproduction and weak waste management systems. She highlights the rising threat of microplastics—tiny particles infiltrating Malaysia's coastal waters, seafood and drinking water—posing serious health risks. 'Transparency about the true scale of the problem, consumer education on plastic reduction at source, investment in sustainable product design, promotion of reusable alternatives, and advocacy for stronger regulations are imperative. 'Companies that embrace these responsibilities will not only mitigate environmental impact but also strengthen their market leadership and ESG credentials in Malaysia's evolving landscape,' says Ng. From greenwashing to genuine action Ng highlights that businesses with multi-year commitments truly stand out. These companies don't just run one-off campaigns—they launch long-term programmes focused on redesigning packaging, investing in refillable and reusable systems and strengthening waste collection infrastructure. 'What sets these partnerships apart is sustained investment, transparent reporting, and genuine collaboration with local communities and governments. They embed these commitments into their core business strategies, not just their corporate social responsibility.' Ng warns, however, that corporate accountability still falls short. 'Too many firms prioritise short-term profits over meaningful change. Real progress means systemic shifts including adopting recycled materials, redesigning products for reuse, investing in circular economy models, and openly reporting on supply chain impacts.' Echoing this, Hon notes improvements in corporate responsibility but stresses that real progress goes beyond occasional pledges or awareness drives. 'It encompasses measurable targets, transparent disclosures, and the revamping of processes to mitigate plastic production at the source. 'Instead of only promoting recycling initiatives or beach clean-ups, firms can take genuine steps within their operations to diminish their reliance on new plastic made from fossil fuels (virgin plastic).' He adds that true leadership means embracing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, piloting reuse and refill systems, and working across the value chain to embed circularity into every stage. Regulatory momentum needed 'Instead of only promoting recycling initiatives or beach clean-ups, firms can take genuine steps within their operations to diminish their reliance on new plastic made from fossil fuels (virgin plastic),' says Hon. Ng notes that setting national plastic reduction targets, establishing clear guidelines for the use of recycled materials—particularly in food-contact applications—and phasing out unnecessary single-use plastics are critical next steps. 'Stronger enforcement of waste management laws and targeted incentives for businesses to adopt circular economy practices are key to driving systemic change. 'Regional collaboration across South-East Asia is also vital, as transboundary plastic pollution requires coordinated policy frameworks to meaningfully reduce plastic inflows into our oceans,' says Ng. Hon emphasises the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of a legally enforceable EPR framework in Malaysia—one that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their plastic packaging. 'This must be supported by incentives for eco-design, sustainable packaging innovation, standardised labelling, and greater investment in local collection, reuse, and recycling infrastructure. 'These measures align with the strategic directions of the Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste in Malaysia (2025–2035). Enhanced transparency in data reporting and robust traceability systems are also essential to tackling plastic-related challenges.' Encouragingly, the Blueprint, published by the Housing and Local Government Ministry in August 2024, reports an increase in Malaysia's plastic recycling rate—from 30.67% in 2020 to 35.38% in 2023. However, Hon warns that this momentum must be matched with strong enforcement of EPR policies to curb further plastic leakage into the environment. Practical, attainable measures Ng notes that companies can take immediate steps such as redesigning packaging to reduce material use, switching to recycled or recyclable options, and investing in refillable or reusable systems. 'Conducting supply chain audits to eliminate unnecessary plastics and collaborating with waste management providers or community recycling initiatives can further improve recovery rates,' she says. Hon adds that small and medium-sized enterprises can begin by optimising packaging and minimising excess. 'Larger corporations have the capacity to embed circular principles across operations, work with suppliers to reduce plastic use, and invest in scalable solutions,' he says. He points to WWF-Malaysia's Plastic Circularity Toolkit, which helps Malaysian businesses assess their plastic footprint across eight areas—from packaging and waste handling to consumer engagement. It ranks companies from 'Conventionalist' to 'Advocator,' offering tailored steps toward circularity. The toolkit complements WWF-Malaysia's broader initiatives, including the Plastic Action (PACT) Platform and Blueprint for Action, which guide businesses in setting science-based targets, reducing single-use plastics, and driving systemic change through cross-sector collaboration. Corporate action matters As marine plastic pollution threatens both ecosystems and economic sustainability, a growing number of Malaysian companies are stepping up—setting benchmarks for industry-wide action. In 2024, EDOTCO Malaysia partnered with Reef Check Malaysia to remove over three tonnes of marine debris across six coastal states, demonstrating how corporate involvement can directly support conservation outcomes. Nestlé Malaysia, meanwhile, has taken the lead in plastic recovery through initiatives like Project SAVE and the newly launched SELKitar. In collaboration with KDEB Waste Management, the company runs door-to-door plastic collection across Selangor, diverting over 20,000 tonnes of plastic from landfills and waterways. Its beach and underwater clean-ups have recovered an additional 12 tonnes of marine debris since 2018. Other innovators including Klean, Biji-Biji Initiative, and Heng Hiap Industries and more are contributing through technologies like reverse-vending machines, upcycled plastic goods, and recycling of ocean-bound plastics. All in all, tackling Malaysia's plastic pollution demands urgent action from both businesses and government. By embracing circular economy principles, enforcing stronger regulations, and ensuring corporate accountability, the country can significantly reduce plastic waste and protect vital marine ecosystems—setting a powerful example for South-East Asia's fight against plastic pollution. As Sir David Attenborough reminds us, 'The ocean is a source of life and wonder. Protecting it is protecting our future.'
