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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.
Daily Mirror
11-08-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
'Bee hotel' hack will get wildlife flocking into your garden during August
Bees are an important part of the ecosystem - and all gardeners are advised to create their own 'bee hotels' to help protect the fuzzy pollinators and attract them to your gardens Any keen gardener will welcome bees in with open arms - and here's how you can attract even more this August. It's important to help the bees thrive, by planting lots of flowers for pollination, as well as providing safe spaces for them to hide. Experts recommend wildlife lovers should consider putting up bee hotels on walls to help keep bees protected - and provide a haven for bees to live. The structure in your house and garden can provide all sorts of nooks and crannies for wildlife to make use of - especially the soft mortar between paving or bricks where mining bees can make their nests and the eaves of roofs where birds like swifts, sparrows, house martins and swallows all makes their nests, explained Rebecca Bevan, Senior National Specialist for Environmental Horticulture and author of The National Trust Book of Nature Friendly Gardening. So she urged people to not be "too quick to fill up holes or redo the mortar on an old wall" and instead consider putting up bee hotels on sunny walls. "You can also put up bird boxes on house roofs - specially designed swift ones are a good idea as swifts are having a really hard time and frequently return from winter in Africa to find their nesting sites have gone due to development," she added. Additionally, if you have bare fences, you could plant climbers and allow them to form a dense tangle that birds might be able to nest in and the expert said honeysuckle and ivy are both great choices. "Many people don't like ivy but it's fabulous for nature, providing a late source if nectar, pollen and berries. The foliage is also very glossy and evergreen and will even grow in deep shade," Rebecca noted. It comes as gardeners are urged to place a dish of water in their outdoor spaces this week as temperatures are expected to increase again in early August. The World Wildlife Foundation has highlighted that bumblebee populations are experiencing significant decline due to habitat destruction caused by multiple factors: pesticides, contamination and naturally, climate change. It comes after a warning to plant three flowers to repel wasps from coming into the garden. Bumblebees possess a fuzzy exterior which serves as protection in Britain's typically temperate weather conditions, reports the Express. However, as scorching summers become increasingly intense across the country, bumblebee communities may face additional strain, according to the WWF. This is precisely why those tending gardens are being requested to place a water container or a tray within their outdoor areas this weekend to assist bumblebees in surviving the upcoming extreme weather patterns.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers spark controversy with proposal to address hidden impacts of dairy farms: 'Very critical'
A new bill aims to limit the number of cows on dairy farms in New York — a move that supporters said would protect the environment and small businesses. According to The Malone Telegram, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and Sen. Jabari Brisport introduced the bill, which would prohibit new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permits for large-scale dairy farms. New York has about 500 CAFOs, which are mostly dairy farms with 300 or more cows, per the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. However, large-scale permits are required for farms with more than 700 cows. The World Wildlife Foundation said farmers tend to 270 million dairy cows worldwide. However, dairy production emits a significant amount of heat-trapping pollution into the atmosphere. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 37% of methane pollution from human activity comes from livestock and agricultural routines. One cow can produce up to 264 pounds of methane each year. Per the Watertown Daily Times, the bill's sponsors said banning the CAFO permits for large-scale dairy farms would help reduce pollution and protect surrounding communities. "These big corporate farms house thousands of animals," Rosenthal said. "They're crammed into confined spaces, which has become a growing animal welfare concern. But the other side of it is the immense environmental damage these farms cause, in many cases, billion-dollar companies are running these factory farms." However, some agricultural workers criticized the proposed ban. While sponsors said the regulations would benefit small businesses, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator Jay Matteson told WWNY that many of the farms with more than 700 cows are family-owned. "Even though we may think they're really big by Jefferson County standards, in the grand scheme of things, those are small businesses and very critical to the communities," Matteson said. The agriculture and food sectors provided more than 22 million jobs in the United States in 2022, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dairy is described as the largest single segment of the New York agricultural industry, with nearly 3,000 dairy farms throughout the state. Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide? No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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.
Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
On the trip of a lifetime, I left my camera behind. I don't regret it
It's when I'm packing for this trip that I realise I have one small-plane flight with severe luggage restrictions. At the last minute, I decide to leave the new camera behind. As I'm driven to the airport, however, I feel like I've left my passport at home, that's how important this piece of equipment feels to my identity as a traveller. And that's when I catch a glimpse of my past self being one of those photo bro types. And when the very same charter flight that caused me to leave my camera behind swoops down across Kruger National Park, affording impressive panoramas of the 2-million-hectare vastness, it is just begging to be captured with a wide-angle lens. The plane lands at Ngala's private airstrip, where one of the special green LandCruisers awaits with its three-tiered open-air seating for our party of five, our tracker Ernie and guide Marcus standing by it smiling welcomely. It's a Kodak moment. And it won't be long before I realise the camp, edging the wide, sandy, bed of the Timbavati River, is built right on an elephant crossing which the (mostly) gentle giants often use to access the lush greenery directly in front of Ngala's spa, bar and dining areas. I'm full of high-res regret. Fortunately, at camp, there's plenty to distract me. The marvellously situated 25-year-old property greatly pleases this design devotee. It has just emerged from a six-month closure during which it was fully renovated to reflect modern tastes as well as its environment. A spa was added, and the tented suites were given large verandahs. Considered the benchmark for ethical luxury safari, &Beyond's credentials are many. It is also at the higher end of experiences. With only one other property, the family-friendly Ngala Safari Lodge on its nearly 15,000-hectare unfenced reserve, the couple-focused Ngala Tented Camp offers exclusivity and a price to go with it. The tariff, however, not only covers these exquisite digs, but three sublime meals a day, with three courses at lunch and dinner and matched wines during the latter. There are drinks available all day, including a help-yourself bar by the pool, a cocktail bar featuring full bottles of premium spirits alongside a beans-grinding Jura coffee machine and snacks. A scrumptious afternoon tea is served and the staff organise special treat meals, such as breakfast and dinner, to be served in the bush or poolside. Then there's the opportunity to visit communities to learn about the good works &Beyond affiliate, Wild Impact is doing in inventive and inspiring ways. But of course, the main game is those safari drives. And therein lies the true value for money. Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights over wilderness owned by the World Wildlife Foundation and leased to &Beyond. At the tented camp, there are only nine suites. And it's this that really facilitates my photo bro rehab. Africa is far from immune to overtourism and crowding has become a serious issue in popular safari destinations with large numbers of vehicles jostling for the best positions to view wildlife that may become skittish because of this human activity, not to mention endangering said animals. It is anxiety inducing for humans as well. The frantic atmosphere of competition and limited opportunity contributes to the compulsion to mindlessly snap away, for fear the moment ends without having something to show for it. At Ngala, we watch the animals live their lives without greatly interrupting them, mostly with one, perhaps two safari vehicles present. In eight drives (two a day) of around four hours each, we only have one instance of three vehicles in situ, and because they are all on the same team, the interaction is respectful and careful. And because of this minimal interruption, the interface with the wildlife is extended. That, my friends, is a real luxury. There are many highlights across our stay. They begin with our first drive, when a male lion saunters around a corner directly in front of us and stops at a small body of water in the river bed to drink. We are so close, we hear him lapping. A leopard appears on the same patch of road, letting out a low growl as it passes our stopped vehicle, so near, I see her whiskers twitch. Amid a group of nine lions, part of a bigger group known as the Birmingham Pride, we watch a white lion cub, one of only four of this hue known in the wild. I relish hearing the soft shuffle of elephant feet in sandy soil, the rustle of rhino in bushes, the chomp-chomp of giraffe feeding, lions calling and oh, the birds. So many stunning feathered friends. We even love watching the grisly spectacle of vultures finishing off a buffalo carcass. I giggle like a kid to hear an elephant fart. Ngala is famous for lions – the name actually means 'lion' in the local Shangaan language. On one of our last drives we witness a lioness attacking a zebra. We hear the thud as she lands on its back, and a crack as the zebra kicks her and escapes. Loading We sit and watch a dam for an hour as hippos emerge, measuring whether the heat of the day has dissipated enough to warrant them fully getting out of the water. There, the sky turns a deep velvet blue splashed with tutti-frutti – oranges, yellows and pinks. Ernie and Marcus set up the sundowners. The stars emerge and spangle. It's one of the most peaceful interludes I can recall, and mostly, I have simply immersed myself in it. I say mostly – I have my iPhone with me, and snap plenty of memories. That's a different kind of photography, at least, for me: more about reminders, less about possession and obsession. Will I always leave my camera behind? No. I enjoy photography, and truthfully, I would have loved to have seen what my new equipment could do with all that beauty and magnificence at Ngala. But I know I'll be different the next time I go visiting a wildlife and wilderness environment. I will probably still chase that dopamine fix of Instagram posts, but I hope, as with this trip, I'll do it considerably less. And I'll be mindful of tempering the ego- and anxiety-driven desire to get the best shot of an animal, enjoying instead the feelings of humility and awe that come from simply watching such precious creatures go about their business. THE DETAILS VISIT &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp is in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, Timbavati, South Africa; From $2080 (ZAR24,100) fully inclusive per person a night twin share. Transfers are not included in the price. See STAY On arrival in Johannesburg, we stayed at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a European villa-style property with maximalist decor and a great restaurant, 20 kilometres from the city centre. Rooms from $380 a night. 1 Alma Rd, Morningside, Sandton, South Africa; +27 11 808 7300. See On the way home, I bunked in at the InterContinental O.R. Tambo Airport, one of the nicest airport hotels anywhere – and very conveniently situated opposite the International Arrivals Hall. Rooms from around $630 a night. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Johannesburg; +27 11 961 5400. See Loading TRANSFER Transfer options include by road in a private car – Ngala is about six hours from Johannesburg. Federal Airlines flies charters and shuttles from Johannesburg to Ngala Private Airfield. See Airlink flies between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit. See &Beyond can organise a pick-up from there. The road trip takes about an hour.
The Age
27-05-2025
- The Age
On the trip of a lifetime, I left my camera behind. I don't regret it
It's when I'm packing for this trip that I realise I have one small-plane flight with severe luggage restrictions. At the last minute, I decide to leave the new camera behind. As I'm driven to the airport, however, I feel like I've left my passport at home, that's how important this piece of equipment feels to my identity as a traveller. And that's when I catch a glimpse of my past self being one of those photo bro types. And when the very same charter flight that caused me to leave my camera behind swoops down across Kruger National Park, affording impressive panoramas of the 2-million-hectare vastness, it is just begging to be captured with a wide-angle lens. The plane lands at Ngala's private airstrip, where one of the special green LandCruisers awaits with its three-tiered open-air seating for our party of five, our tracker Ernie and guide Marcus standing by it smiling welcomely. It's a Kodak moment. And it won't be long before I realise the camp, edging the wide, sandy, bed of the Timbavati River, is built right on an elephant crossing which the (mostly) gentle giants often use to access the lush greenery directly in front of Ngala's spa, bar and dining areas. I'm full of high-res regret. Fortunately, at camp, there's plenty to distract me. The marvellously situated 25-year-old property greatly pleases this design devotee. It has just emerged from a six-month closure during which it was fully renovated to reflect modern tastes as well as its environment. A spa was added, and the tented suites were given large verandahs. Considered the benchmark for ethical luxury safari, &Beyond's credentials are many. It is also at the higher end of experiences. With only one other property, the family-friendly Ngala Safari Lodge on its nearly 15,000-hectare unfenced reserve, the couple-focused Ngala Tented Camp offers exclusivity and a price to go with it. The tariff, however, not only covers these exquisite digs, but three sublime meals a day, with three courses at lunch and dinner and matched wines during the latter. There are drinks available all day, including a help-yourself bar by the pool, a cocktail bar featuring full bottles of premium spirits alongside a beans-grinding Jura coffee machine and snacks. A scrumptious afternoon tea is served and the staff organise special treat meals, such as breakfast and dinner, to be served in the bush or poolside. Then there's the opportunity to visit communities to learn about the good works &Beyond affiliate, Wild Impact is doing in inventive and inspiring ways. But of course, the main game is those safari drives. And therein lies the true value for money. Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights over wilderness owned by the World Wildlife Foundation and leased to &Beyond. At the tented camp, there are only nine suites. And it's this that really facilitates my photo bro rehab. Africa is far from immune to overtourism and crowding has become a serious issue in popular safari destinations with large numbers of vehicles jostling for the best positions to view wildlife that may become skittish because of this human activity, not to mention endangering said animals. It is anxiety inducing for humans as well. The frantic atmosphere of competition and limited opportunity contributes to the compulsion to mindlessly snap away, for fear the moment ends without having something to show for it. At Ngala, we watch the animals live their lives without greatly interrupting them, mostly with one, perhaps two safari vehicles present. In eight drives (two a day) of around four hours each, we only have one instance of three vehicles in situ, and because they are all on the same team, the interaction is respectful and careful. And because of this minimal interruption, the interface with the wildlife is extended. That, my friends, is a real luxury. There are many highlights across our stay. They begin with our first drive, when a male lion saunters around a corner directly in front of us and stops at a small body of water in the river bed to drink. We are so close, we hear him lapping. A leopard appears on the same patch of road, letting out a low growl as it passes our stopped vehicle, so near, I see her whiskers twitch. Amid a group of nine lions, part of a bigger group known as the Birmingham Pride, we watch a white lion cub, one of only four of this hue known in the wild. I relish hearing the soft shuffle of elephant feet in sandy soil, the rustle of rhino in bushes, the chomp-chomp of giraffe feeding, lions calling and oh, the birds. So many stunning feathered friends. We even love watching the grisly spectacle of vultures finishing off a buffalo carcass. I giggle like a kid to hear an elephant fart. Ngala is famous for lions – the name actually means 'lion' in the local Shangaan language. On one of our last drives we witness a lioness attacking a zebra. We hear the thud as she lands on its back, and a crack as the zebra kicks her and escapes. Loading We sit and watch a dam for an hour as hippos emerge, measuring whether the heat of the day has dissipated enough to warrant them fully getting out of the water. There, the sky turns a deep velvet blue splashed with tutti-frutti – oranges, yellows and pinks. Ernie and Marcus set up the sundowners. The stars emerge and spangle. It's one of the most peaceful interludes I can recall, and mostly, I have simply immersed myself in it. I say mostly – I have my iPhone with me, and snap plenty of memories. That's a different kind of photography, at least, for me: more about reminders, less about possession and obsession. Will I always leave my camera behind? No. I enjoy photography, and truthfully, I would have loved to have seen what my new equipment could do with all that beauty and magnificence at Ngala. But I know I'll be different the next time I go visiting a wildlife and wilderness environment. I will probably still chase that dopamine fix of Instagram posts, but I hope, as with this trip, I'll do it considerably less. And I'll be mindful of tempering the ego- and anxiety-driven desire to get the best shot of an animal, enjoying instead the feelings of humility and awe that come from simply watching such precious creatures go about their business. THE DETAILS VISIT &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp is in &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, Timbavati, South Africa; From $2080 (ZAR24,100) fully inclusive per person a night twin share. Transfers are not included in the price. See STAY On arrival in Johannesburg, we stayed at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a European villa-style property with maximalist decor and a great restaurant, 20 kilometres from the city centre. Rooms from $380 a night. 1 Alma Rd, Morningside, Sandton, South Africa; +27 11 808 7300. See On the way home, I bunked in at the InterContinental O.R. Tambo Airport, one of the nicest airport hotels anywhere – and very conveniently situated opposite the International Arrivals Hall. Rooms from around $630 a night. O.R. Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Johannesburg; +27 11 961 5400. See Loading TRANSFER Transfer options include by road in a private car – Ngala is about six hours from Johannesburg. Federal Airlines flies charters and shuttles from Johannesburg to Ngala Private Airfield. See Airlink flies between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit. See &Beyond can organise a pick-up from there. The road trip takes about an hour.
