Latest news with #farmers
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
What goes up must come down: How megaconstellations like SpaceX's Starlink network pose a grave safety threat to us on Earth
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. In 2024, several farmers across Saskatchewan, Canada, had to deal with a bizarre situation: chunks of SpaceX space junk had crashed onto their land. As I helped a couple of these farmers negotiate the wild world of international space law, not significantly updated since the Apollo era, I knew this situation would become increasingly common. The first generation of megaconstellation satellites, led by the SpaceX Starlink initial launch of 60 satellites in 2019, have now reached the end of their incredibly short operating lifetimes. The end-of-life plan for virtually every satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is to burn them up in Earth's atmosphere. Economically, this makes sense: it takes a lot less propellant to bring a satellite down into a lower orbit than up into a higher orbit, sometimes called a "graveyard" orbit. But the economic argument for bringing these satellites back down to Earth ignores the very real environmental consequences of atmospheric disposal. The chassis, leftover propellant, electronics, antennas, and solar panels don't disappear when a satellite "burns up" — the mass of the metals and plastics that comprise the satellite is deposited in the atmosphere as metal vapor. When just a few satellites are burned every year, it's not a significant change to atmospheric chemistry. But Starlink alone plans to have 42,000 satellites with 5-year operating lifetimes, so the mass of metal vapor entering the atmosphere (particularly highly reactive aluminum and lithium) will exceed natural infall rates by 25 times or more. This much extra metal vapor in the stratosphere can change atmospheric chemistry and may cause ozone depletion. By 2023, 10% of stratospheric aerosols already included metals from rocket and satellite reentries. LEO satellites burning up are a source of upper atmospheric pollution that's going to increase exponentially — and scientists are only just beginning to study what this massive increase in metal vapor could do in the stratosphere. Whatever parts of the reentering satellites don't burn up will hit the ground. Just in the past few months, spacecraft pieces have fallen on Poland, Kenya, North Carolina, and Algeria, while scientists carefully tracked a 1970s Soviet Venus probe's reentry and speculated about ground casualty risks. That spacecraft, Kosmos 482, crashed into the Indian Ocean earlier this month. While identifiable debris from only one Starlink satellite has so far been recovered, there are likely many, many more pieces already on the ground in other places that are covered by woods or mountains. Related: 'No radio astronomy from the ground would be possible anymore': Satellite mega-swarms are blinding us to the cosmos — and a critical 'inflection point' is approaching At some point, a bit of falling space junk will kill someone. Scientists recently calculated the risk of a casualty from one of the over 2,000 rocket bodies in orbit is 10% in the next decade, but that doesn't include the tens of thousands of satellites expected to reenter in that same time period. So what's the solution? Leaving unmaneuverable, dead satellites in orbit is not an option. They pose a safety risk to other satellites, potentially orbiting for decades at 16,000 mph (25,000 km/h). Collisions at these speeds are catastrophic, producing debris bullets that can crash into other satellites, producing more debris. The worst-case scenario is called Kessler Syndrome, where these collisions become self-propagating, and the debris field makes LEO unusable for decades to centuries. Starlink has the highest density of operational satellites that has ever existed in orbit. It has reported an average of one collision avoidance maneuver within their megaconstellation every two minutes in the second half of 2024, and they have already launched hundreds more satellites into that orbital shell since then. So far, Starlink has been impressively successful at avoiding collisions. But the frequency of collision avoidance maneuvers means that if there is a large solar flare, or their systems get hacked, or there's a simple human error, no maneuvers can be executed for any significant window of time — raising the risk of a collision. Related stories —Sci-fi inspired tractor beams are real, and could solve a major space junk problem —How many satellites could fit in Earth orbit? And how many do we really need? —How many satellites orbit Earth? Having fewer satellites in orbit naturally reduces the danger of collisions and the worst-case scenario of Kessler Syndrome. It also reduces light pollution from satellites, which is the reason I originally started worrying about megaconstellations. Satellites are already degrading astronomy research, including the discovery of potentially hazardous asteroids. Fewer satellites will allow astronomers to continue exploring space with telescopes, and stargazers to continue exploring space with their eyes. LEO is a valuable resource that must be protected and shared in a way that benefits the most people while simultaneously protecting LEO for use by future generations. We cannot have tens of thousands of satellites in LEO without severe consequences for the atmosphere and an increasingly high likelihood of Kessler Syndrome, which will limit our use of satellites for decades to centuries. This is the urgent challenge that satellite engineers and operators must now meet: if they need to provide services from orbit with fewer, longer-lived satellites, how will they do that? Without far-reaching, international regulation, or self-imposed limits from satellite companies, current practices in LEO threaten the planet, and our ability to explore beyond it. Opinion on Live Science gives you insight on the most important issues in science that affect you and the world around you today, written by experts and leading scientists in their field.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas THC ban: Advocates seeking SB 3 veto to hold Monday press conference in Austin
The Brief A coalition is urging Governor Greg Abbott to veto SB 3, a bill that would ban legal THC products in Texas. Supporters of the hemp industry plan to deliver over 100,000 petition signatures and thousands of letters to the Governor's office on Monday. Opponents of the ban argue it would dismantle a $4.3 billion industry, risk 53,000 jobs, and potentially lead to an influx of unregulated products. AUSTIN - A coalition of Texans concerned about the looming ban on THC products is set for a press conference in Austin on Monday. They say over 100,000 petition signatures and thousands of letters are expected to be delivered to Gov. Greg Abbott's office in relation to their plea. According to the Friday press release from Texas Hemp Business Council, those expected to appear at the conference include farmers, veterans, small business owners and hemp advocates. They plan to speak out against SB 3, which would put an end to legal THC consumables within the state. The coalition plans to meet at the Texas Capitol at 2 p.m. Monday in hopes of convincing Abbott to veto the bill, which has been passed by both the House and Senate. According to their press release, they are concerned about the dismantling of a $4.3 billion industry which they say supports 53,000 jobs, as well as the potential to "open the floodgates" to unregulated, unsafe products in the vacuum created by the legislation. What they're saying The council's press release reads in part: "The Texas Hemp Business Council and its supporters are calling on Governor Abbott to veto SB 3 and stand with the hundreds of thousands of Texans, including small business owners, workers, consumers and veterans, who depend on this industry for jobs, economic opportunity and the freedom to choose hemp-derived products." SB 3 has been championed through the legislative session by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has called the consumable products "poison." Patrick has come under fire by small business owners, who claim he "blatantly lied" about the contents of consumable THC products. The other side Small business owners have been among the front runners of those in opposition of the bill. They say the industry is made up of over 8,000 businesses in the state, all of which would potentially be dismantled if the bill were signed into law. Alongside small businesses are Texas veterans. They say THC has been a positive alternative to more addictive and potentially harmful substances like alcohol, opiates and prescription pills, and worry about those suffering from PTSD and other mental and physical maladies who might fall back into destructive habits if the substance is banned. The backstory The THC products being sold by businesses in Texas were legalized via an accidental loophole created in 2019, when Texas passed legislation expanding the hemp industry. Farmers worry that closing off that loophole will be disastrous for their profits and employees, which have come to rely heavily on the booming industry over the past six years. While SB 3 would all but ban THC, there is still one possible, albeit narrow, legal option for those who rely on the substance. The Texas Compassionate Use Program, or TCUP, has been in place since 2015, allowing for medical marijuana use by a very select few who meet the requirements. This session, HB 46 had intended to expand on the parameters in TCUP. Included in the House's proposed expansion were honorably discharged veterans who would benefit from use, those experiencing chronic pain, glaucoma, traumatic brain injury, spinal neuropathy, Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases, degenerative disc disease and patients with a terminal illness or condition for which a patient is receiving hospice of palliative care. On Saturday, Texas Representatives took to social media, rallying against a Senate amendment to the bill, which would have cut chronic pain, TBI and other conditions from those included in the new parameters. It also dramatically cut the number of new licenses to be issued. The House members on X were upset about the changes, saying many had approved of SB 3 under the condition that TCUP would be expanded. Sunday, Patrick posted on X that he and Rep. Tim Oliverson (R-Cypress) came to an agreement on the legislation. What's next Abbott has declined to comment on whether he will sign SB 3 into law. The legislation has been sent to his desk, and while the governor has been vocal about bills he intends to sign, the THC ban has not been mentioned in the wake of pressure from opposing sides. The governor has three choices before him. He can either sign the bill into law, veto the legislation, or allow it to sit on his desk for 10 days, at which point it will pass without his direct approval and take effect on Sept. 1. The Source Information in this article comes from the Texas Hemp Business Council and previous FOX 7 reporting.
Al Jazeera
8 hours ago
- Business
- Al Jazeera
Truck accident unleashes 250 million honeybees in northwestern US
A truck carrying millions of honeybees has overturned in the northwestern United States, prompting emergency warnings from local authorities. The truck, carrying approximately 31,751kg (70,000 pounds) of active beehives, overturned on Friday in Washington state's Whatcom County – a rural area near the Canadian border, about 48km (30 miles) south of Vancouver. '250 million bees are now loose,' the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) announced on its official social media page. 'Avoid the area due to the potential of bee escaping and swarming.' Authorities sealed off parts of the area and urged the public to keep a safe distance of at least 200 yards (182 metres) as officials and bee experts helped recover, restore and reset the hives, according to the sheriff's office. The goal, officials said, is to safely re-hive the bees and help them locate their queens, a process that could take up to 48 hours. While some beekeepers focus solely on honey production, many others lease their hives to farmers who rely on bees to pollinate their crops. The loss of millions of bees, even temporarily, could threaten the productivity of nearby farms during the growing season. 'While there is no general health risk to the public, anyone who is allergic to bee stings or has concerns should check the State Department of Health webpage on bees and wasps,' WCSO said. Honeybees are crucial to the food supply, pollinating more than 100 crops including nuts, vegetables, berries, citrus and melons. Bees and other pollinators have been declining for years, and experts blame insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply. In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly sponsored the first 'World Bee Day' on May 20 to bring attention to the bees' plight. Beekeepers often transport millions of bees from one location to another because leaving them in one location for too long can deplete resources for other pollinators, The Seattle Times newspaper reported. In 2015, 14 million bees escaped a truck north of Seattle on Interstate 5 and started stinging people, the newspaper reported at the time.
Japan Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- Japan Times
41% of Japanese rice farmers expect price drop in 2026
A survey released Friday suggested that 41.0% of large-scale rice farmers in Japan expect retail prices for rice harvested in 2026 to be lower than for rice harvested in 2025, while 22.9% foresee higher prices. Meanwhile, 72.3% expect prices for 2025 rice to be higher than for 2024 rice. The survey was conducted online by the Japan Agricultural Corporations Association from May 12 to 19 and received responses from 188 association members. At a news conference, the association's chairman, Kazushi Saito, expressed concern that prices for 2026 rice "may collapse, making management difficult (for rice farmers)," citing cheap imported rice and an increase in domestic production. For 2024 rice, 53.7% of respondents said current prices are excessively high. Regarding producer prices, 45.2%, the largest group, cited a price range of ¥20,001 to ¥25,000 per 60 kilograms. Compared to 2023 rice, 38.3%, the largest group, said prices are ¥5,001 to ¥10,000 higher, while 5.0% said prices are ¥15,001 to ¥20,000 higher. Asked about their concerns, many respondents pointed to high construction and machinery prices, labor shortages and a possible price slump due to overproduction. The survey comes as rice prices reach record highs in Japan, prompting the government to tap its stockpiles in a bid to bring cheaper rice to the market. On Saturday, some retailers began selling stockpiled rice to consumers for the first time.
Free Malaysia Today
12 hours ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Gunmen kill 23 in Nigeria's central region
Clashes between nomadic cattle herders and farmers over land use are common in central Nigeria. (EPA Images pic) JOS : Gunmen killed 23 people in four separate attacks in central Nigeria's Benue state, a Red Cross official said yesterday, the latest flare-up of unrest in the region. The attacks happened Saturday night in four villages. Clashes between nomadic cattle herders and farmers over land use are common in central Nigeria. 'Reports from the field have confirmed the killings of at least 23 people from different attacks,' Red Cross secretary in Benue state Anthony Abah told AFP. Eight people were killed in Ukum, nine in nearby Logo, three each in Guma and Kwande, he said, citing data from the organisation's field disaster officers. Several others were wounded, he added. A police spokesman said she was unaware of the attacks. Cephas Kangeh, a retired general manager with a state electricity company who recently relocated to his home village near one of the affected areas told AFP he had heard of three killings, including a couple ambushed while riding a motorcycle which 'was taken away by the herdsmen'. Chinese operators are mining gold in the area, he said. 'The attacks did not take place near the mining sites,' said Kangeh. 'However, one is puzzled as to why indigenous people are always attacked, maimed… yet there has never been a single case of attack on the Chinese miners who are operating in these areas.' Some of the latest attacks were staged in areas previously targeted by attacks slightly over a month ago, which left at least 56 dead. With many herders belonging to the Muslim Fulani ethnic group, and many farmers Christian, the attacks in Nigeria's so-called Middle Belt often take on a religious or ethnic dimension. Two attacks by unidentified gunmen earlier in April in neighbouring Plateau state left more than 100 people dead. Across the wider Middle Belt, including in Benue, land used by farmers and herders is coming under stress from climate change and human expansion, sparking deadly competition for increasingly limited space.
