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Can’t Play God – The only people who are disturbing our planet are the ones who are pretending to protect it.

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1 year ago

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The understanding of climate change and its potential impacts has been developing for many years. That’s right, there is nothing new under the sun. Scientists have been studying the earth’s climate for decades and have gathered extensive evidence to support the existence of climate change and its link to human activities. That link is what we will be examining today, but from a different lens.

There is evidence that includes observations of rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, shrinking ice caps, changing weather patterns, and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. If you do a simple Google, you will see that we have been dealing with these climate changes for a while now.

International efforts to address climate change have also been ongoing for years. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992 as a global response to the issue. Since then, several international agreements, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, have been developed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

While climate change has been recognized as a significant global challenge for years, for some reason, its urgency and the need for action have become more prominent in recent times due to the increasing severity of its impacts and the growing awareness among the public, policymakers, and businesses. Now, there are all of these publicized efforts to: reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable practices. According to our world leaders, they are crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring a more sustainable future.

Now, here is the kicker; there is overwhelming evidence that climate change in recent decades is caused by human activities. Yes, they have, but the attention has been directed to what we, the people of this world are doing, and not being focused on the activities of those who are pushing this climate agenda.

This week, I want to share with the community the concept of geoengineering. Deployed at large-scale, geoengineering technologies have come with far-reaching and profound social, political, and environmental risks and impacts. The effects would – by nature of the intervention – be transboundary as well as potentially large-scale, unpredictable and irreversible. There is a lot to say on this topic, but I want to speak to those individuals who do not believe that the government can tamper with our weather. This is not a conspiracy theory; everything that I am writing in this article can be researched, and I am doing all of this so that the citizens of this world can ask one simple question; are our world leaders playing God?

Geoengineering is the deliberate large-scale manipulation of an environmental process that affects the earth’s climate, in an attempt to counteract the effects of global warming. For over 45 years, proposals for deliberate, large-scale manipulation of earth’s environment (or geoengineering) have been put forward as ways to potentially offset some of the consequences of climate change. For example: whitening clouds, injecting particles into the stratosphere, or putting sunshades in space could increase earth’s reflectivity, thereby reducing incoming solar radiation and offsetting some of the warming associated with increasing GHG concentrations.

Traditionally, geoengineering has encompassed two very different things: sucking carbon dioxide out of the sky so the atmosphere will trap less heat, and reflecting more sunlight away from the planet, so less heat is absorbed in the first place. The best-known form of solar geoengineering involves spraying particles into the stratosphere, sometimes known as “stratospheric injection,” “stratospheric aerosol scattering,” and “chemtrails.”

Scientists have studied natural ways that the earth has altered itself. Soviet climatologist Mikhail Budyko is credited as the first to suggest we could counteract climate change by mimicking volcanic phenomenon. One said example is the massive eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the summer of 1991, which spewed some 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the sky. By reflecting sunlight back into space, the particles in the stratosphere helped push global temperatures down about 0.5 °C over the next two years. There is evidence that huge volcanic eruptions in the distant past had similar effects. The explosion of Mount Tambora in Indonesia in 1815 was famously followed by the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816.

We are going to take a look at a couple ways that climate is being manipulated. Let’s start with Solar Radiation Management. Solar Radiation Management is a speculative form of climate change response. It is when you reflect some amount of incoming solar energy back into space before that energy can be trapped by the gasses that produce the greenhouse effect. Think of SRM like a reflective shield, artificially providing regional or global cooling.

Then as mentioned above, there is the injection of sulfate aerosols that brings about a series of concerns. There is the potential for increased concentrations of stratospheric aerosols to damage the ozone layer, especially in the early spring months at high latitudes. A sudden increase in stratospheric sulfate aerosol could strongly enhance chemical loss of stratospheric polar ozone for several decades, especially in the Arctic. I find this interesting because I remember when I was younger that there was a concern about the thinning of the ozone layer. They told us to stop using aerosols, but it is okay to spray sulfate aerosols into the air. Hmmmm?

All right! Let’s move on to another topic that is not readily discussed, and its implications, global dimming.

Global dimming is the gradual reduction in the amount of global direct irradiance at the surface of the earth. It is a concept that has been observed since systematic measurements began in the 1950s. It was coined by an English scientist working in Israel, known as Gerry Stanhill, who first spotted these effects.

There were measurements taken between the 1960s and the early 1990s, in collaboration with a wide range of data and independent studies, which showed that there was a substantial decline in the amount of the sun’s energy reaching the surface of the earth, hence global dimming. According to Gerry Stanhill, although global dimming effects varied from place to place, overall, the decline amounted to between 1% and 2% globally per decade between the 1950s and the 1990s. Global dimming is believed to be caused by the increase in particulates like sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere, all of which are attributed to human actions. Yep, the same actions were speaking about above. Peep that!

Global dimming, surprisingly, has an opposite effect to global warming as it produces cooling effects, so in essence, global dimming is beneficial to the environment, although it brings about elements of literal darkness on earth. The effects of global dimming vary by location, with some areas being badly affected than others.

The most interesting discovery that I made was the fact that wildfires are a key component to global dimming. I find it curious that this year we have an abundance of wildfires in Canada. The wildfires have become so severe that entire cities are literally staying in some sort of dim light for days due to the amount of smoke in the atmosphere. There have been reports that some of these fires have been set on purpose, all around the time that climate change is being pushed mainstream. Again, I say hmmmm!

Effects of Global Dimming

Let’s take a look at the effects of global dimming on our planet. I want you to pay attention here, because you are going to note that many of the effects are publicized as global issues; yep, global issues that are caused by our very own world leaders in their fight for climate change (cough, cough).

Effects on water

You know how we are always hearing about droughts; well, they are a result of the reflection of solar energy away from the surface of the earth, the water in the northern hemisphere is becoming colder. This is resulting in slow evaporation and the generation of far fewer water droplets. As a result of these, there is a reduction in the amount of rain reaching these areas of the globe causing drought and famine situations. The tragic consequences of these are miserable lives, disturbed marine life and deaths due to starvation

Drought in sub-Saharan Africa

It has been established that the drought and famine of The Sahel, which killed thousands in sub-Saharan Africa in the 1970s was largely due to global dimming. The profound drought was first blamed on farmers in the region for degradation of the land and desertification, but that idea has since been disproved and global dimming is understood as the leading cause.

Change in Overall Land Temperatures

Again, as a result of global dimming, which reflects solar energy and heat that was meant for the planet’s surface, the overall temperature on land goes down. Global dimming means there is a blanket in the atmosphere which prevents all the heat from the sun from reaching us. This results in colder days and an overall change in global temperatures.

Effects on Plants

Plants depend on light for photosynthesis. A decrease in sunlight or solar radiation will negatively affect photosynthesis in plants. The process in green plants uses light energy and converts water, carbon dioxide and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. Humans rely on the oxygen for survival, and so do other animals as well as bodies of water.

It counters Global Warming

Global dimming is believed to be counteracting the actual effects of carbon emissions on global warming. This creates a catch-22 situation from which in defeating one evil against the environment, means exposing ourselves to another. If efforts are made to reduce particulate emission causing global dimming, it will enhance global warming and increase the global temperatures to more than double, making the planet uninhabitable.

Let’s pivot a little bit. I know that even after reading what I have shared, there are going to be disconcenters who are like, “Well, they are doing what they have to do to protect us, and the planet, but I still don’t think that the government is manipulating the weather.” Well, if that is the case, why is there a treaty that is purposed to manage the use of weather change, especially if it is going to be used as a weapon? Let’s talk about it.

1976 Convention on the Prohibition of Military or any Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques

The Convention on the Prohibition of Military, or any other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques (ENMOD Convention) is an instrument of international disarmament law specifically intended to protect the environment in the event of armed conflict. It prohibits hostile use of the environment as a means of warfare.

Countries are not to engage in military or any other hostile use of environmental modification techniques having widespread, long-lasting or severe effects as the means of destruction, damage or injury to any other State Party (Article I, para. 1).

They include a non-exhaustive list of phenomena that could result from the use of environmental modification techniques: earthquakes and tsunamis; an upset in the ecological balance of a region; changes in weather patterns (clouds, precipitation, cyclones and tornadic storms); changes in climate patterns; changes in ocean currents; changes in the state of the ozone layer and changes in the state of the ionosphere.

I know there is a lot to digest here. Take your time, because I have more for you. Our goal is to provide you with the information needed to manage the climate change agenda that is being shoved down our throats. The only people who are disturbing our planet are the ones who are pretending to protect it.   

REFERRENCES

1976 Convention on the Prohibition of Military or any Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques
https://www.icrc.org/en/download/file/1055/1976-enmod-icrc-factsheet.pdf

Solar Radiation Management
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/solar-radiation-management

Causes, Effects and Solutions to Global Dimming
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-global-dimming.php

Climate Intervention
https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/about-ams/ams-statements/statements-of-the-ams-in-force/climate-intervention/

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We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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Canada is Sinking – Is there a correlation between the rising economic costs, and the siphoning of funds to other sources in Canada?

Published

3 days ago

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November 12, 2024

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BY ADRIAN REECE

At some point Toronto was a city that people enjoyed living in. Recent political leadership at every level of government has caused citizens to consider moving out of the country as a whole. The high cost of living, coupled with the difficulty affording housing, and remote work becoming more regular has made the rest of the world seem much more appealing for Canadians as a whole.

Many countries are offering travel perks and visas to travelers in the west, to encourage them to visit, or to even move into their countries. Costa Rica, Japan, and France currently have travel perks and have opened their borders to make it easier to enter. Specifically for Canadians and even more specifically Torontonians who work remotely, are looking to countries and cities with lower costs of living. The Canadian dollar goes far in other parts of the world.

We owe the struggling economy to a few factors. Political leadership has greatly impacted the state of Canada, immigration policies that have changed over the years have caused stress on Canadian citizens.

In 2023, the federal government released its new Immigration Levels Plan to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. This announcement came on the heels of an Environics public opinion survey revealing a significant increase in the number of Canadians who believe the country accepts too many immigrants. That marks a dramatic reversal from a year ago, when support for immigration levels stood at an all-time high.

The Trudeau led government has held true to their commitment to bring in millions of immigrants in a short span of time. Housing policy is draining the income of Canadians, and political debates do not provide any real answers towards understanding what is going on in the country. Consistent political scandals regarding Trudeau overspending, and not adhering to budgets, and using money that was originally allocated for certain things. Trudeau was audited and it was found that $123 million was given to ineligible businesses, or projects that should have never been awarded at all. This is one in a long list of Trudeau scandals that have been a part of Canada political identity for the last nine years.

Trudeau’s government has even siphoned off funds to their personal businesses, after audits by the auditor general, we have seen too many inconsistencies with the funding of the Trudeau government in misusing funds as well as money disappearing into places that it should not be going.

In June of this year, the auditor general (AG) released two reports about: improper contracting practices, conflict of interest, and funding provided for ineligible projects. What these reports brought to light is an unpleasant reality; politicians and bureaucrats in Ottawa do not always act in the best interest of Canadians.

According to the first AG report, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), the federal agency responsible for funding green technology projects, demonstrated “significant lapses… in governance and stewardship of public funds.” Nearly 20% of the SDTC projects examined by the AG were in fact ineligible (based on the government’s own rules) for funding, with a total price tag of $59 million. There were also 90 instances where the SDTC ignored conflict of interest provisions while awarding $76 million to various projects. Indeed, the AG found 63 cases where SDTC agency directors voted in favour of payments to companies in which they had declared interest.

The second AG report focused on 97 contracts totaling $209 million awarded by the federal government to the McKinsey & Company consulting firm from 2011 to 2023. According to the AG, the government demonstrated “frequent disregard for procurement policies and guidance and that contracting practices often did not demonstrate value for money.” About 70% of these contracts were awarded non-competitively, meaning no other companies were permitted to bid on the contracts. Interesting!

These findings also follow an earlier report in February that found the federal government “repeatedly failed to follow good management practices in the: contracting, development, and implementation” of the ArriveCAN mobile app, which cost Canadian taxpayers at least $59.5 million.

Is there a correlation between the rising economic costs, and the siphoning of funds to other sources in Canada? Potentially, it will take a lot more investigation to confirm if that is really the case. However, Canadians can see that there has been a drastic change in the economy since the Trudeau government has come into power.

For governments to work there needs to be transparency, and there has been a lack there of in regard to our political leadership in the last few years. There are too many scandals and too many mishaps with money. Too many policies that do not benefit the citizenry, and not enough effort made to rectify the sinking economy.

Canada cannot continue to stay in these dire straits, we are sinking, and leadership plays a big role in the state of the country. We won’t see changes unless we demand it, we can take a page out of France’s method of protest; other countries have set a precedent of what their expectations are, and Canadians need to do the same. They need to demand change and implement strategies to achieve it. Within acceptable methods of protest there exists a strategy and method of changing the nature of Canada’s problems, but it starts with the citizenry. Coming together is the greatest power we have, and we need to utilize it.

REFERENCES:

https://www.environicsinstitute.org/projects/project-details/public-opinion-about-immigration-refugees

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/supplementary-immigration-levels-2023-2025.html

https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_202402_01_e_44428.html

https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_202406_06_e_44493.html

https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_202406_e_44491.html

https://www.fraserinstitute.org/article/scathing-auditor-general-reports-underscore-political-realities

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The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival – where every bite tells a story, and every sip celebrates Jamaica’s vibrant soul

Published

3 days ago

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November 12, 2024

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

What if I told you that Visa is offering two amazing opportunities that YOU, our loyal readers have an opportunity to take part in? For one of our lucky readers, you have a chance to:

  • Win a trip to Trinidad Carnival 2025
  • Win a trip to Jamaica

“What is this all about Simone,” you might be asking? Well, the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) turns 10 this year, and Visa International is thrilled to be part of the celebration once again. Welcome to the heart of Jamaica’s culinary playground – the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, where flavours, culture, and music blend into one unforgettable celebration.

Step into the lively Craft Market downtown, where the spirit of Jamaica comes alive. Here, they celebrate the island’s rich history and vibrant flavours – an ode to the past. Guests get a chance to immerse themselves in the legacy of festival favourites like: Crisp, Chopstix, Pork Palooza, and Picante – all in one electrifying space.

Taste, sip, and groove your way through the night, reliving fond festival memories while savouring the global influences that have shaped the iconic dishes we love today – no passport required (except to travel of course)!

As the hot days turn into steamy nights, and steamy nights turn into sweltering days, what better way to close out the festivities than with one last delectable event? The finale is not just a celebration, but a reflection of Jamaica’s culinary renaissance. After four unforgettable days, guests get a chance to honour the island’s: finest chefs, mixologists, and artisans who have made this festival a true showcase of creativity and passion.

Naturally, the festival had to find accommodations that match its prestige, and the only hotels of choice this year are: The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites. At the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, the Caribbean’s most distinguished address, you will experience the perfect blend of elegance and island charm. Nestled in the heart of New Kingston, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Caribbean Sea, this 17-storey gem is where business meets leisure in true Jamaican style. You also have the option of immersing yourself in the timeless charm of The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, a true jewel of Jamaica’s capital city. With spacious accommodations, award-winning dining, and all the modern comforts, it is the perfect way to end your festival experience.

Waldemar Cordero, Marketing Senior Director for Visa in the Caribbean and Central America, expressed his excitement about being involved in the festival’s decade-long run. “We’re really excited to be part of the 10th staging of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival. It’s amazing to see how far this festival has come, and we’re proud to have been part of the journey over the last 6 years. This festival isn’t just about food, it’s about celebrating Jamaica’s rich culture and the incredible talent that drives it.”

Visa’s partnership with JFDF has grown over the years, evolving from a traditional sponsorship into a dynamic collaboration that enhances the festival experience for everyone. “Our relationship with the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has deepened over time,” said Waldemar. “We’ve moved from simply being a sponsor to becoming the main partner, working closely with the organizers to bring fresh, exciting elements to the event each year. This time around, we’re especially excited about the initiatives we’re rolling out that will make it easier and more enjoyable for attendees to experience all that the festival has to offer.”

Visa is excited to enhance the celebration of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival’s milestone 10th year by offering an exclusive hospitality package to Trinidad Carnival 2025. One lucky Visa cardholder who purchases festival tickets between October 16th and November 9th, 2024, will win this incredible experience. This offering includes: two economy class tickets from Kingston, Jamaica to Port of Spain, Trinidad; six nights of luxury accommodation at the Hyatt Regency; and comprehensive airport transfers and event transportation. The winner and their guest will enjoy: inclusive meals, stylish Monday Wear and Carnival Tuesday costumes, and access to premier events such as Brian Lara’s Event and PinkNicTT. Additionally, they will be treated to glamour make-up and photos. This package promises to deliver an unforgettable festival experience and celebrate the unified Caribbean culture in style.

In addition, one lucky winner from our Caribbean neighbour Trinidad and Tobago, who uses the First Citizens Bank card in Trinidad, will win a trip for two to the Food and Drink Festival in Jamaica. This is an all-expense paid trip for two with the winners to ensure the festival and enjoy scenic places in Jamaica such as Dunn’s River Falls and Port Royal. Ready for that almost winter getaway? Visit https://jafoodanddrink.com/ for more details. Good luck!

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Welcome to the Black Scholars Institute—where excellence thrives, and liberation is pursued

Published

3 days ago

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November 12, 2024

By

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

At the heart of the University of Windsor’s campus, centrally located in the lower level of the CAW Student Centre, lies a space dedicated to fostering: African-Caribbean excellence, academic growth, and community empowerment: The Black Scholars Institute, or BSI.

The BSI Lounge is more than just a meeting place. It is a safe and welcoming space for African/-Caribbean faculty, staff, and students—a venue that fosters not only academic engagement, but community connection. Here, important university and local events, aligned with the Institute’s mission and values, take place.

The Black Scholars Institute is a multidisciplinary research institute—a home for African-Caribbean scholars at UWindsor. It is dedicated to advancing Black excellence and liberation through scholarship, research, and community engagement. The Institute’s work enriches teaching, learning, and social justice efforts across the University, with a focus on making an impact nationally and globally.

BSI hosts a range of weekly programs that encourage meaningful dialogue and academic collaboration. Events such as “Think Tank Thursday” provide a platform for African-Caribbean faculty and students to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss relevant research and current events. For those who are deep in their academic work, “Just Write” sessions offer dedicated time for focused writing in a supportive environment. “Coffee and Convo,” a collaboration with Leddy Library, creates space to explore Black literature and hold thought-provoking discussions around important topics.

Graduate students are invited to participate in student saloons, where they present their works-in-progress in a safe, inclusive space, where they can receive valuable feedback from peers and faculty members alike. Additionally, the “Black Research Spotlight” shines a light on the groundbreaking work of African Caribbean scholars, providing them with a platform to showcase their research and innovations.

In recognition of the challenges posed by systemic anti-Black racism, the BSI offers its members a membership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, providing on-demand access to a wealth of professional development resources. This is just one of the ways BSI ensures its scholars are well-equipped to thrive and succeed in their academic careers. As a research institute, BSI is committed to supporting Black Studies and promoting excellence in scholarships. One vital aspect of this is the awarding of grants to Black scholars. These grants are instrumental in advancing research that is often overlooked in traditional funding competitions.

While visiting the University earlier this month, I learned more about some of the challenges that have been faced in opening BSI. The establishment of this initiative was approved by the University of Windsor’s Senate on October 7th, 2022. The initiative is in alignment with the University’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter (utoronto.ca) on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Canadian higher education. In 2023, the University of Windsor (UWindsor) announced their new academic home that would spotlight: Black excellence, scholarship, research, and community. The inaugural Black Scholars Institute (BSI) at UWindsor, was formally launched in September 2024.

Dr. Clinton Beckford, UWindsor’s Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, envisions that the BSI will be the institutional home for Blackness at the University. “The establishment of a Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor is ground-breaking and transformative,” he says.  “It positions the University of Windsor as a post-secondary leader in intellectual thought and practice around Blackness and makes real our commitments to Black flourishing and thriving at and beyond the institution.”

The BSI will work closely with UWindsor’s Interdisciplinary and Critical Studies Department within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Building a Black Scholars academic program represents an innovative plan of action intended to meaningfully understand UWindsor’s approach to African-Caribbean ways of knowing in Canadian universities. The expected output will enhance UWindsor’s research profile in Black Studies and feature scholarly work, special events, speakers’ series, mentorship, and more.

Dr. Camisha Sibblis, the Director at BSI, is hopeful that the institute will enrich the experiences of Black faculty at UWindsor. “We believe that the inclusion of Black peoples, ways of learning and knowledge systems are integral to the growth of our community. The establishment of the BSI is a crucial part of fulfilling the University’s Strategic Mandate Agreement (ontario.ca) and purposefully moving the institution into the future. The Institute will enhance the University’s research profile and will also establish the University as a center of excellence in Windsor-Essex and the Detroit area – a region known for its historic importance for Black people in North America.”

Welcome to the Black Scholars Institute—where excellence thrives, and liberation is pursued through scholarship, research, and community engagement.

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