Connect with us

Health and Wellness

Climate change is a pollution problem, and countries know how to deal with pollution threats – think DDT and acid rain

Published

on

Climate change could seem insurmountable. But if you happen to take a closer have a look at its causes, you realize that history is stuffed with similar health and environmental threats that humanity has overcome.

The predominant explanation for climate change is carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels – is just one other pollutant. And countries know how to reduce harmful pollutants. They did so with the pesticide DDT, lead paint, and power plant emissions that caused acid rain, amongst many others.

In each case, growing public outcry eventually led to policy changes, despite industry resistance. Under pressure from laws and regulations, industry ramped up production of safer alternatives.

I’m earth and environmental scientistand my latest book “Reclaiming our planet,” explores the teachings of history in overcoming seemingly insurmountable threats. Here are some examples:

DDT ban despite industry opposition

DDT was the primary truly effective pesticide and considered miraculous. Killing mosquitoes and lice, eliminated malaria and other diseases in lots of countries, and in agriculture it saved tons of crops.

After World War II, DDT was utilized in farms, buildings and gardens throughout the United States. However, it also had its drawbacks. accumulated in mother’s milk to levels that would deliver a toxic dose to infants. Women were It was discouraged breastfed their children within the Sixties due to the risks.

The American bald eagle population was decimated by DDT. After the chemical was banned, the eagles began to get better.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service

In addition, DDT bioaccumulated within the food chain to toxic levels in peak species reminiscent of raptors. This weakened eggshells to the purpose that brood moms crushed their eggs. White-tailed eagles were reduced to 417 breeding pairs throughout North America by 1967 and were placed on the endangered species list.

Biologist Rachel Carson documented the damage DDT caused to her body 1962 book “Silent Spring”“and thus launched the general public environmental movement. Despite disinformation campaigns and attacks from the chemical industry, enormous social pressure on politicians led to congressional hearings, state and federal restrictions and finally the USA ban on the overall use of DDT in 1972.

A woman speaks at a table in front of several microphones during a congressional hearing.
Rachel Carson, whose book “Silent Spring” pioneered pesticide research, testifies before a Senate committee in Washington, D.C., June 4, 1963.
AP Photo/Charles Gorry

White-tailed Eagles recovered up to 320,000 within the United States by 2017, in regards to the same because the population before European settlement. The chemical industry, faced with the ban on DDT, quickly developed much safer pesticides.

Gathering evidence on the risks of lead

Application of lead increased dramatically within the twentieth centuryespecially in paints, plumbing and gasoline. It was so common that nearly everyone was exposed to metal that, according to research, could also be harmful the kid’s kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system and brain development.

Clair “Pat” Patterson, a geochemist on the California Institute of Technology, has shown that Americans were continually exposed to lead at near toxic levels. Human skeletons from the Sixties were found to have up to 1200 times lead of ancient skeletons. Today health standards say that it is no protected level of lead within the blood.

Older home with peeling paint on exterior walls behind porch. Construction equipment is on a new step that is being built on porch.
Lead-based paint was banned for home use within the U.S. in 1978, but lead paint present in older homes can still chip, posing a health risk to children.
Environmental Protection Agency

Despite threats each personal and skilled, and an industry disinformation campaign, Patterson and his supporters evidence has been collected from years warn the general public and ultimately pressure politicians to ban the usage of lead in lots of applications, including petrol AND residential paints.

After the regulations were introduced, the industry accelerated production of substitutesAs a result, the extent of lead within the blood of kids reduced by 97% over the following few a long time. Although lead exposure is now less common, some persons are still exposed to dangerous levels present in homes, pipes and soil, often in low-income neighborhoods.

Stopping Acid Rain: An International Concern

Acid rain is primarily brought on by the discharge of sulfur dioxide into the air in the course of the burning of coal, high-sulfur oil, and the smelting and refining of metals. interacts with rain or fogThe acid rain that falls can destroy forests, kill lake ecosystems, dissolve monuments and corrode infrastructure.

The damage brought on by acid rain in Europe and North America within the twentieth century showed the world that air pollution, which is not limited to national borders, can grow to be a world crisis requiring international solutions.

The problem of acid rain began greater than a hundred years ago, but sulfur dioxide levels grew rapidly after World War IIIn 1952, a thermal inversion occurred in London, which resulted within the concentration of sulfur dioxide and other air pollutants being so high that killed 1000’s of individualsAs damage to forests and lakes worsened across Europe, countries signed international agreements In the Eighties, actions were taken to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions.

A forest with many trees without the needs of pines.
Trees died as a results of acid rain within the Czech Republic in 1998. Forests in lots of parts of Europe and North America have suffered damage from acid rain.
Photo by Seitz/ullstein via Getty Images

In the US, emissions from Midwestern power plants killed fish and trees within the pristine Adirondacks. The destruction, health problems and quite a few disasters outraged public opinion, to which politicians responded.

Sulfur dioxide listed as certainly one of six criteria for air pollution in groundbreaking study U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970which required the federal government to set limits on its release. Power plants scrubbers installed to capture pollution and over the following 40 years, the concentration of sulfur dioxide within the U.S. reduced by about 95%.

Parallels with climate change

There are many similarities between these examples and climate change today.

Mountains scientific evidence show how carbon dioxide emissions are created by burning fossil fuels in vehicles, factories and power plants They are warming the planetThe fossil fuel industry has begun to exploit its political power AND disinformation campaigns a long time ago to block regulations the aim of which was to decelerate climate change.

People all around the world are struggling with increasing heat and weather disasters brought on by global warming. calling for motion to stop climate change and spend money on cleaner energy.

First Earth Dayin 1970, it attracted 20 million people. Recent years have seen a change in attitudes towards climate change and attracted hundreds of thousands people all around the world.

The street was packed with people, many holding signs calling on the Biden administration to take action on climate change.
Public campaigns and mass demonstrations to combat climate change, reminiscent of the one in New York in 2023, help to put social pressure on politicians.
Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images

The challenge was to get politicians to act, but that is is slowly changing in lots of countries.

The United States has begun investing in scaling up several tools to mitigate climate changeincluding electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels. Federal and state policies reminiscent of requirements for renewable energy production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are also key to pushing industries to switch to less harmful alternatives.

Climate change is a global problem that may require worldwide motion. International agreements are also helping more countries take steps forward. One change that countries have been discussing for years could help bolster those efforts: ending billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded fossil fuel subsidies and allocating these funds to healthier solutions could help decelerate climate change.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

Published

on

By

We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading

Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

Published

on

By

Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
Continue Reading

Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

Published

on

By

Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending