In a significant move to combat climate change, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new emissions reduction target for 2035. The nation, known as one of the world’s largest per capita polluters, aims to cut its carbon emissions by at least 62% compared to 2005 levels. This announcement comes as Australia faces mounting global criticism for its reliance on fossil fuels and increasing climate-related challenges. The new target surpasses the previous goal of a 43% reduction by 2030 and aligns with recommendations from the Climate Change Authority, a government advisory body. Albanese emphasized that the target is ‘responsible, science-backed, and achievable with proven technology.’ The commitment will be formally presented at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York. Australia’s climate efforts are part of its obligations under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Recent years have seen Australia grapple with extreme weather events, including severe droughts, historic bushfires, and record-breaking floods. A landmark government-commissioned risk assessment warned of escalating climate risks, such as heatwave-related deaths, water quality degradation, and sea level rises threatening 1.5 million people. Despite these challenges, Australia’s climate agenda remains contentious. The opposition Liberal National coalition has criticized the new target, calling it costly and lacking credibility, while independent and Greens MPs advocate for more aggressive cuts. Meanwhile, the Labor government continues to approve fossil fuel projects, such as the recent extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project, drawing criticism from environmental advocates. Australia’s dual approach—pursuing renewable energy while supporting fossil fuels—highlights the complexities of its climate policy.
分类： health
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Europe struggles with chronic drug shortages, auditors warn
Europe continues to grapple with the risk of critical medicine shortages, including essential antibiotics and painkillers, according to a recent report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA). The report, released on Wednesday, highlights the fragility of supply chains and the EU’s heavy reliance on manufacturers in Asia as primary causes of the ongoing crisis. The European Commission has identified these vulnerabilities as a significant threat to public health, particularly in the face of future health emergencies. In July, European crisis chief Hadja Lahbib announced plans to stockpile critical medical equipment and vaccines, alongside creating a network to enhance coordination among member states. However, the ECA cautioned that stockpiling in some countries could exacerbate shortages in others. Between January 2022 and October 2024, EU countries faced critical shortages of 136 medicines, with the situation peaking in 2023 and 2024. The ECA described the issue as a ‘chronic headache for the EU,’ emphasizing the lack of a robust system to address severe shortages. Auditors noted that the current framework to prevent drug shortages lacks a solid legal foundation and timely information sharing. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the region’s drug regulator, has limited powers outside of health crises, further complicating the situation. Klaus Heiner Lehne, the ECA member leading the audit, warned that medicine shortages can have severe consequences for patients, compromise public health, and impose high costs on healthcare providers and countries. Regulatory barriers within the EU’s medicine market also hinder cross-border redistribution, exacerbating shortages and unequal access. The European Commission has proposed legal changes aimed at reducing reliance on countries like China and India, which, if implemented, could significantly improve the system.
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Battling a rare brain-eating disease in an Indian state
On the eve of Onam, Kerala’s most celebrated festival, 45-year-old Sobhana lay unconscious in an ambulance, her life slipping away as her family rushed her to a hospital. Just days earlier, the fruit juice bottler from Malappuram district had complained of dizziness and high blood pressure. Doctors prescribed medication, but her condition deteriorated rapidly, culminating in her death on September 5. The cause? Naegleria fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba, a rare but deadly pathogen that enters the body through the nose during freshwater activities.
This year, Kerala has reported over 70 cases of Naegleria fowleri infections, with 19 fatalities. The victims range from a three-month-old infant to a 92-year-old man. The amoeba, which thrives in warm freshwater, causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a near-fatal brain infection. Since 2016, Kerala has seen a gradual increase in cases, though global numbers remain low, with only 488 reported since 1962, primarily in the US, Pakistan, and Australia. The disease has a staggering 95% fatality rate.
Despite the grim statistics, Kerala has made strides in combating the infection. Improved detection methods and early diagnosis have reduced the fatality rate from 23% last year to 24.5% this year. ‘Aggressive testing and customised treatment with antimicrobials and steroids have saved lives,’ says Dr. Aravind Reghukumar, head of infectious diseases at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.
Kerala’s heavy reliance on groundwater and natural water bodies makes it particularly vulnerable. Contaminated ponds and wells have become conduits for the amoeba, with some cases linked to risky practices like vaping boiled cannabis mixed with pond water. Public health campaigns have chlorinated 2.7 million wells and posted warnings around ponds, but enforcing these measures across the state’s 5.5 million wells and 55,000 ponds remains a challenge.
Scientists warn that climate change exacerbates the risk, with warmer waters and rising temperatures creating ideal conditions for the amoeba. ‘Even a 1°C rise can trigger its spread,’ says epidemiologist Prof. Anish TS. Despite Kerala’s progress, the global implications are clear: climate change may be reshaping the map of disease, turning rare pathogens into growing threats.
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China is quietly saving the world from climate change
The People’s Republic of China remains the world’s largest contributor to environmental degradation, responsible for overfishing oceans, emitting harmful pollutants like mercury and nitrous oxide, and dumping plastic waste into marine ecosystems. Despite these challenges, China has made strides in addressing some of these issues. However, as the globe’s foremost manufacturing hub, it inevitably leads as the top polluter. China’s most significant environmental impact stems from its greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to its heavy reliance on coal, which results in annual carbon emissions surpassing those of the United States and Europe combined. Even when accounting for offshored emissions, China’s carbon footprint remains alarmingly high, contributing to a rising share of global emissions. Decarbonization is imperative to combat climate change, with two primary pathways: economic degrowth and green energy adoption. While degrowth is not a viable option for China or other developing nations, the transition to green energy presents a feasible solution. The key to this transition lies in making renewable energy technologies, such as solar power and batteries, economically viable. Historically, cost reductions in these technologies were driven by research and development, but recent years have seen economies of scale play a dominant role. China has emerged as a global leader in scaling green technologies, heavily subsidizing solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. This strategic focus has not only helped plateau China’s emissions but also facilitated the export of green technologies to developing countries, enabling them to grow economically without exacerbating carbon emissions. While the United States has faltered in its climate commitments, China’s industrial policy and manufacturing prowess have positioned it as a pivotal player in the global fight against climate change. Despite criticisms of its governance, China’s efforts in making green energy affordable and accessible deserve recognition, offering a glimmer of hope in the battle against environmental degradation.
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Why more women get cancer in India – but more men die
In India, a striking paradox has emerged in the realm of cancer: women are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease, yet men face a higher likelihood of dying from it. This phenomenon, revealed in a recent study of India’s cancer registry, highlights a complex interplay of biological, social, and healthcare factors. Women account for just over half of all new cancer cases, but men constitute the majority of cancer-related deaths. This trend stands in contrast to global patterns, where men generally have higher incidence and mortality rates. In 2022, the global average was 212 cancer cases per 100,000 men compared to 186 for women, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. In India, the most common cancers among women are breast, cervical, and ovarian, with breast and cervical cancers making up 40% of female cases. Hormonal factors and lifestyle changes, such as delayed pregnancies, reduced breastfeeding, obesity, and sedentary habits, are key contributors. For men, oral, lung, and prostate cancers dominate, with tobacco use driving 40% of preventable cancers. Awareness campaigns and improved healthcare facilities have led to earlier detection of cancers in women, resulting in better treatment outcomes and lower mortality rates. In contrast, men’s cancers are often linked to lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol, which are associated with more aggressive and less treatable cancers. Additionally, men are less likely to seek preventive care or early medical intervention, exacerbating their poorer outcomes. Regional disparities further complicate the picture. India’s northeast region, particularly Mizoram, has the highest cancer risk, largely due to rampant tobacco use and dietary habits. Meanwhile, cities like Srinagar and Hyderabad report high rates of lung and breast cancers, respectively. The cancer burden in India is not only growing but also becoming more complex, reflecting societal transitions in longevity, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Addressing these challenges requires targeted prevention, early detection, and lifestyle changes, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies.
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Major Australian gas project extended until 2070
The Australian government has officially extended the operational lifespan of the North West Shelf, one of the nation’s largest fossil fuel projects, by four decades to 2070. This decision comes just days before the federal government is set to announce its 2035 emissions reduction targets. Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita polluters, has committed to reducing emissions by 43% by 2030 but faces criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels. Critics argue that the extension undermines global climate goals, while Environment Minister Murray Watt defended the decision, citing 48 new strict conditions imposed on oil and gas giant Woodside Energy. These conditions mandate the reduction of specific gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. Additionally, safeguards have been introduced to protect the ancient Indigenous rock art in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Woodside Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Liz Westcott, welcomed the extension, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing reliable energy. The North West Shelf project, which includes a processing and export plant in Karratha, is located near the 60,000-year-old World Heritage-listed Murujuga rock art. Watt highlighted that the new conditions would prevent unacceptable impacts on the heritage site, including restrictions on air emissions that could accelerate damage. The decision also includes legal requirements for industry consultation with Indigenous communities and a robust monitoring system to ensure compliance with emissions limits. Further protections for the heritage site were announced under a ‘partial declaration.’ Peter Hicks, chair of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, praised the additional protections for an area of great cultural significance. However, climate groups, including the Australian Conservation Foundation, condemned the extension, labeling the project a ‘carbon bomb’ that jeopardizes global efforts to combat rising temperatures. Australian Greens leader Larissa Waters described the decision as a ‘betrayal and disastrous for the planet’s future.’ Australia has faced successive natural disasters in recent years, with climate experts warning of more crises unless significant emissions reductions are achieved. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who came to power in 2022 promising stronger climate action, has been criticized for his government’s continued support of coal and gas projects.
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What the NHS can learn from the European country that helped more people survive cancer
Denmark’s remarkable transformation in cancer care over the past 25 years has become a beacon of hope for healthcare systems worldwide, particularly for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). In the late 1990s, Denmark’s cancer survival rates were alarmingly low, with patients often seeking treatment abroad due to inadequate domestic services. However, a bold and comprehensive strategy has since propelled Denmark to the forefront of cancer care, offering valuable insights for the NHS.
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Childhood obesity: The South African campaigners fighting for healthy food
In the heart of Randburg, South Africa, the Kairos School of Inquiry is making waves with its innovative approach to combating childhood obesity. At lunchtime, students eagerly line up for a meal that’s not only nutritious but also predominantly vegetarian. The menu features dishes like kitchari—a blend of daal and rice—accompanied by tomato chutney, halloumi, and fresh salad. This initiative is part of the school’s broader strategy to address a global health crisis: the alarming rise in childhood obesity, which has now surpassed undernutrition in prevalence. Headteacher Marc Loon has implemented a strict healthy food policy, emphasizing the importance of mindful eating. ‘If all schools adopted our approach, children’s health would significantly improve,’ he asserts. The United Nations reports that the number of overweight and obese adolescents has nearly tripled in the past two decades, with South Africa being one of the hardest-hit countries. Unicef highlights the role of convenience foods in this surge, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Mamkhabela Mthembu, a 23-year-old trainee lawyer, shared her personal struggle with weight gain during university, attributing it to her reliance on fast food. ‘I never saw junk food as unhealthy; it was a symbol of aspiration,’ she recalls. Now an advocate for Unicef, Mthembu is raising awareness about the long-term health impacts of poor dietary choices. The South African government has taken steps to curb obesity, such as taxing sugary drinks, but challenges remain. Unicef’s Gilbert Tshitaudzi stresses the need for systemic changes, including restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children. Meanwhile, parents like Memory Padi face daily battles to keep their children healthy. Her eight-year-old daughter, Sophia, struggles with weight issues linked to steroid treatments for a rare autoimmune disease. Despite efforts to maintain a low-carb diet, Sophia’s weight remains a concern. The Kairos School’s initiative serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how institutions can play a pivotal role in fostering healthier futures for the next generation.
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Vaccine to curb chlamydia epidemic devastating koalas approved
In a groundbreaking development, a vaccine designed to combat the devastating chlamydia epidemic threatening Australia’s koala population has received regulatory approval. Scientists at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) have spent over a decade developing this single-dose vaccine, which has shown promising results in reducing symptoms and mortality rates among wild koalas. Chlamydia, a disease transmitted through close contact or mating, has been a leading cause of koala deaths, accounting for up to 50% of fatalities in some regions. The disease causes severe health issues, including blindness, infertility, and often proves fatal. Traditional treatments, such as antibiotics, can be equally harmful, as they destroy the gut bacteria essential for digesting eucalyptus leaves, leading to starvation. The vaccine, tested on hundreds of wild koalas, has demonstrated a 65% reduction in mortality rates and a significant decrease in symptom development during breeding age. Despite the breakthrough, challenges remain. The rollout, slated to begin as early as January 2024, requires substantial funding to distribute the vaccine to wildlife hospitals, vet clinics, and at-risk populations. UniSC researchers hope to provide the vaccine for free but acknowledge the high costs associated with locating and inoculating wild koalas. Dr. Peter Timms, a microbiologist involved in the project, emphasized that while the vaccine is a critical step, it is not a standalone solution. Habitat loss, driven by land clearing, urbanization, and natural disasters, remains the most significant threat to koala survival. The Australian government has also taken steps to address habitat loss, with the New South Wales government recently announcing the creation of the Great Koala National Park, which will protect over 12,000 koalas and other threatened species. Environment Minister Murray Watt highlighted the vaccine’s role in ensuring future generations can still see koalas in the wild, while also focusing on species monitoring and habitat restoration. This milestone offers a glimmer of hope for the endangered koala population, but sustained efforts are needed to secure their long-term survival.
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The sunscreen scandal shocking Australia – the world’s skin cancer hotspot
Australia, a country with the world’s highest skin cancer rates, is embroiled in a national scandal over the efficacy of its sunscreens. Rach, a 34-year-old mother from Newcastle, grew up adhering to the iconic ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ mantra—slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat. Despite her rigorous sun protection habits, she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a low-grade skin cancer, in November 2023. Her shock turned to anger when she discovered that the sunscreen she had trusted for years, Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+, offered minimal protection, with independent tests revealing an SPF of just 4. This revelation has sparked widespread outrage, regulatory investigations, and product recalls across the industry.