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To reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, capturing carbon dioxide through technological methods and storing it underground may be a viable approach to alleviating climate change. Kern County’s council approved California’s first underground carbon storage project on the 21st, but many environmentalists express concerns that this could lead to increased air pollution and potential safety issues.

According to CalMatters, the project, known as the “Carbon Terra Vault,” marks a significant advancement but still faces numerous challenges. California Resources Corporation will execute the plan, which involves capturing millions of tons of carbon dioxide and injecting it beneath a vast oil and gas field located south of Buttonwillow, on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. The Newsom administration acknowledges that carbon capture and storage technology is critical for California’s climate change efforts and will play a significant role in the state’s greenhouse gas reduction action plan over the next 20 years.

The proposal has generated considerable controversy, as evidenced by a packed meeting in Bakersfield on the 21st. Community members and environmental advocates have voiced deep concerns about the potential for air pollution and the safety of injecting carbon dioxide underground. Ileana Navarro from the Central California Environmental Justice Network warned that this initiative could create further incentives for air pollution, resulting in dirtier air throughout Kern County rather than cleaner air.

Conversely, representatives from the oil industry argue that the project could significantly boost Kern County’s economy. Francisco Leon, CEO of California Resources Corporation, emphasized that the plan would reduce carbon emissions while preserving high-paying jobs, noting it could yield dual benefits for the community.

Before formal construction begins, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must provide final approval for the project. Earlier this year, the agency granted preliminary permits for the company to construct four carbon dioxide wells, and the company is seeking to build two additional wells.

The construction of the carbon capture facility is expected to take approximately two years, followed by one year for pipeline construction. Experts believe that Kern County is ideally situated for this project, as the San Joaquin Valley is a prime location for carbon storage. California Resources Corporation pointed out that this is the first federal permit issued for the depletion of an oil and gas field in the nation, setting a new milestone.

On October 14, representatives from the Guangxi Xijiang Development Investment Group Co., Ltd. (referred to as Xijiang Group) highlighted significant gains in operational efficiency at the Chang Zhou Ship Lock. Thanks to a combination of favorable water conditions and improved management effectiveness, the group saw a remarkable 22.78% year-on-year increase in cargo throughput, reaching a record high of 169 million tons in the first three quarters of this year.

As we enter the “golden September and silver October” period, the Chang Zhou Ship Lock, often dubbed the “maritime fortress” linking Guangxi to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is experiencing a surge in cargo transport. Vessels loaded with various goods are actively navigating the waterways, creating a scene of bustling activity.

The Xijiang Group has capitalized on advantageous conditions this year, conducting timely repairs and maintenance on the water supply valves of the Chang Zhou Ship Lock. This proactive approach is expected to enhance efficiency as the dry winter season approaches. Additionally, the group has strengthened coordination with departments like transportation, port operations, and maritime affairs to optimize ship scheduling and improve overall service quality based on real-time conditions such as the number of waiting vessels and water levels.

Another innovative step taken by Xijiang Group is the implementation of a blockchain-based project called the “Western Land-Sea New Corridor ‘Port-Shipping-Lock’ Information Linkage Application.” This initiative has streamlined processes by digitizing data communication and significantly reducing the cumbersome paperwork and communication costs associated with traditional methods. The result is an impressive enhancement in data accuracy and the overall efficiency of operations along the Xijiang Golden Waterway.

Recently, the launch of a new container route from “Yulin Beiliu to Wuzhou Chishui Port and on to Bangkok, Thailand” has not only lowered logistics costs for businesses by about 10% but also opened up new avenues for Guangxi’s foreign trade enterprises to access Southeast Asian markets.

With the ongoing development of the Xijiang Golden Waterway, the completion of the 3,000-ton navigation channel project from Guigang to Wuzhou, and the consistent increase in cargo throughput at the Chang Zhou Ship Lock, the group anticipates the annual cargo volume to exceed 200 million tons this year.

According to statistics released by Xijiang Group, as of September 30, 2023, the combined throughput for the Xijiang’s coordinated dispatch at ship locks reached 369 million tons, reflecting an 18.24% increase compared to last year. The substantial growth in throughput positions the Xijiang Golden Waterway as a critical strategic corridor for enhancing connectivity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

On October 28, we marked the 25th Chinese Men’s Health Day, with this year’s theme focusing on “High-Quality Population Development and Comprehensive Male Health.” While many people associate “menopause” exclusively with women, it’s crucial to recognize that men also experience a similar phase, often referred to as male menopause, although its symptoms are frequently overlooked.

In the urology department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, a 65-year-old male patient sought advice due to various physical discomforts.

Dr. Luo Shengjun, a urologist at Chongqing Medical University, explained, “Starting around age 30, men’s testosterone levels typically begin to decline by about 1% to 2% each year. As they reach their 50s or 60s, this decline becomes much more pronounced, leading to what we call male menopause.”

According to experts, the majority of men may begin experiencing menopause symptoms between the ages of 40 and 55. However, some might start as early as 35, while others may not notice symptoms until they are 65. It’s important to note that not all men will experience clinical symptoms during this phase; studies show that approximately 30% to 40% of middle-aged and older men report varying degrees of menopausal symptoms.

Dr. Xiao Qian, the head physician of the Geriatrics Department at the same hospital, further elaborated, “This condition affects multiple bodily systems. For example, patients might experience emotional changes, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, as well as gastrointestinal issues, like digestive disturbances. Cardiovascular symptoms, including chest tightness and palpitations, and signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, such as sweating and hot flashes, may also arise. Overall, it reflects a decline in the function of various organs, which can be interpreted as a manifestation of aging.”

During a recent interview, local official Suad Hammoud shared the tragic news of an Israeli airstrike that claimed at least 19 lives in the village of Teffahta, located in southern Lebanon. Among the deceased were six women and five children, including Ahmed Ezzedine, a former school principal, and three generations of his family who resided in a three-story building that was struck.

Hammoud also noted that the village’s imam, Sheikh Abdo Abo Rayya, was killed while walking near the house at the time of the attack, along with two people passing by.

While the Israeli military has yet to comment on this specific incident, it has stated previously that it takes steps to minimize civilian casualties in its operations. Over the last four weeks, the military has conducted thousands of airstrikes across Lebanon, claiming to target operatives, infrastructure, and weapons associated with the armed group Hezbollah.

British actor Idris Elba recently shared his plans to relocate to Africa within the next decade to support the continent’s film industry. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the 52-year-old star of “The Wire” discussed his exciting initiatives, including the development of film studios in Zanzibar and Accra.

Elba, who was born in London but has deep ties to Africa through his Ghanaian mother and Sierra Leonean father, expressed a strong desire to help elevate the film business on the continent. He emphasized the importance of Africans telling their own stories. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not just consider, it’s going to happen,” he stated during a cinema industry event in Accra. “I think I’ll move in the next five to ten years, God willing. I’m here to bolster the film industry—it’s a ten-year process, and I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be on the continent.”

In the spirit of Pan-Africanism, Elba won’t commit to a single location. “I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in Freetown, I’m going to live in Zanzibar. I want to go where the stories are being told—that’s really important.”

One of his aspirations is to produce a film at his studio in Accra. Elba, who portrayed Nelson Mandela in the 2013 biopic “Long Walk to Freedom,” believes it is crucial for Africans to play a central role in every aspect of filmmaking—whether in front of the camera, behind the scenes, or in distribution and marketing. He envisions a future where global audiences, much like they can distinguish between New York and Los Angeles, will have a richer understanding of Africa as a diverse and dynamic continent.

In a recent development, the container ship Dali, which collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, has reached a settlement agreement with U.S. authorities. The Singaporean owners and operators of the vessel have agreed to pay over $100 million in civil damages.

On October 24, the Department of Justice issued a statement highlighting that this resolution ensures that the costs associated with the cleanup will not be passed on to American taxpayers. As part of the settlement, the owners and operators of the Dali will cover more than $100 million to address the civil claims filed against them by the Department of Justice in September.

The incident occurred early in the morning on March 26 when the Singapore-flagged Dali lost power and crashed into the bridge, resulting in a partial collapse of the steel structure. At the time of the accident, eight construction workers fell into the water; two were rescued, but tragically, six lost their lives. A month ago, the Department of Justice took legal action, demanding that the Dali’s owners and operators pay over $100 million to facilitate the removal of underwater debris and allow for the reopening of the port.

The wave of large artificial intelligence models is sweeping across the globe, even sparking a “hundred model battle” in China. As Shanghai seizes the opportunity for industrial transformation and upgrading, it is showcasing impressive competitiveness thanks to its comprehensive AI industrial chain and innovative ecosystem. What role can Pudong, as a leading area in socialist modernization, play in this dynamic landscape?

In the urban sub-center of Zhangjiang Science City in Pudong, the “Model Community,” a large ecosystem cluster with a total construction area exceeding 200,000 square meters, has risen. Built on over 30 years of industrial foundation in Zhangjiang, this community aims to create a centralized model industrial development ecosystem and establish a new high ground for AI.

Yin Yian Technology, which is committed to building a leading digital R&D collaboration platform for biomedicine in China, is one of the key occupants of the “Model Community.” CTO Shi Huihui attributes their choice of location to three main factors: the platform effect of gathering upstream and downstream industries, supportive policies for startups, and the dense cluster of innovative pharmaceutical companies in Zhangjiang, which “brings us closer to our customers and industry.”

Currently, nearly 40 upstream and downstream ecosystem companies, such as Xiaodu Technology, Yanchip Intelligence, Weili Technology, and Light Polarization, have officially settled in the “Model Community.” These companies span various fields within the large model industry, including foundational technologies, application research and development, scenario design, and computational support, forming a closed-loop research and application ecosystem. The collaborative spirit among companies in the community has fostered an environment where they can efficiently connect their respective segments of the industry.

“The initial intention behind establishing the ‘Model Community’ is truly reflected in the companies that have joined us. We have genuinely found our upstream and downstream partners here, and even invited collaborators to join us,” Shi Huihui shared.

As industries recognize the transformative potential of large models, the “Model Community” has become increasingly known as a high-density innovation incubator. However, is physical space necessary for the development of models that rely on data, computational power, and algorithms?

Amid the ongoing debates, the “Model Community” has established a clear vision for itself. As a vital part of Pudong’s AI industrial ecosystem, the community leverages Zhangjiang Science City’s existing industrial foundation to create support platforms for computational power, data resources, and algorithm deployment. “The ‘Model Community’ serves as a critical space and ecosystem for driving AI industry upgrades through large models. We emphasize the industrial driving force and the realization of diverse application scenarios,” stated Yuan Tao, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Shanghai Zhangjiang (Group) Co., Ltd.

A physical space can effectively attract companies and foster collaboration. Guan Fenghua, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Zhangjiang Science Gate Technology Development Co., Ltd., explained, “First, the ‘Model Community’ serves as a convenient space for large model companies to settle and communicate. Here, the exchange of ideas is more accessible and prolific, leading to new research outcomes and facilitating spontaneous business growth. Secondly, we hope the ‘Model Community’ will act as a bridge and link, effectively connecting upstream application scenarios, mid-tier research and development, and downstream foundational technology support. Additionally, Zhangjiang will leverage existing large enterprise innovation centers to help niche model companies swiftly build their pathways and provide better commercialization channels for smoother access to application scenarios.”

This industrial positioning has also gained recognition from academia. Jin Yaohui, Chief Engineer of the AI Research Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasized the necessity of a physical community. “Offline spaces provide venues for personal interaction. Industrial demand requires broader communication, blending virtual and physical elements, and facilitating connections between supply and demand.”

As Pudong becomes China’s first innovation application pilot area for artificial intelligence, it showcases a trend of accelerating the integration of AI with economic and social development. Not only does the Zhangjiang Science City boast one of the country’s most comprehensive AI industrial ecosystems, but it is also one of the earliest regions to invest in AI industry development. Jin Yaohui believes Pudong has identified a suitable path for its growth, and creating such a community that combines virtual and physical elements aims to offer services to various industries. “The key to development is not merely copying others but effectively integrating demand, scenarios, and supply capabilities within the community. The discussion around whether this community should be government-led, industry-driven, or opened up for collaborative efforts is crucial,” he concluded.

BBCThe detectorists – (left to right) Pete Young, Neil King, Jim Luxton, Clive Hammett and Paul May – hope the coins will be displayed in a museumA hoard of 21 coins has been discovered by a group of metal detectorists in Devon.
The Teignbridge History Finders, based in Newton Abbot, found the silver groats and pennies in a field near Okehampton Castle over a period of a few weeks.
The five finders – Paul May, Neil King, Pete Young, Clive Hammett and Jim Luxton – said they had named the find the Okey Hoard and that landowner of where they were found wished to remain anonymous.
The team said the coins were being assessed under the Treasure Act 1996 but they hoped they would go on display in a museum soon.
Some of the coins found in the hoard could be more than 740 years oldThe items in the scattered hoard were found over a few weeks at the end of 2023.
However, the team, which has been going for about a year, has only now been able to reveal what members found because of laws about treasure discovery.
When treasure of such a nature is found, it must be reported to the local coroner and the landowner.
Verification of the coins has dated them between 1282AD and 1434AD, spanning the reigns of Edward I (1272-1307), Edward III (1327-1377) and Henry VI (1422-1461).
James Luxton, who leads the group, said they were of historical significance but would not "make anyone rich" but the team was enjoying the success.
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In an interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Li Youshou, the party secretary of Baihua Village in Shuangjing Town, Xupu County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province. Li described Baihua Village, an ancient community renowned for its floral cultivation and beekeeping traditions, particularly during the frost season when the village is vibrant with colorful flowers and meticulously maintained gardens.

Li explained, “Our focus has been on holistic development and self-governance among villagers. We’ve established cultural squares and leisure pathways to enhance the village’s aesthetic appeal while providing spaces for residents to engage in cultural and recreational activities.” Baihua Village has embraced initiatives like the “Thousand Villages Demonstration, Ten Thousand Villages Rectification” program, actively improving living conditions and environment. “With the patience of planting flowers and the persistence of beekeeping, we’ve transformed our environment into a beautiful setting for a better life, paving our own ‘flower path’.”

Since the beginning of the environmental improvement project, over 1 million yuan has been allocated to Baihua Village, leading to enhancements in village infrastructure and community development. The roads have been widened, and a garbage transfer station is under construction. In 2023, Baihua Village was recognized as an advanced village in rural living conditions at the town level and as a sanitary village at the city level.

One villager, He Hongqun, shared her thoughts on the transformation: “The roads used to be muddy and full of holes, with litter scattered everywhere. Now, the environment is clean, and better road conditions have boosted sales of honey, oranges, and peaches from our village.”

Li highlighted that improving living conditions is not only about enhancing physical spaces but also about enriching the community’s spirit and values. “Our goal is to not only enrich our pockets but to enrich our minds as well,” he noted. To foster a culture of civility, the village committee revised community regulations based on guidelines from local authorities, encouraging participation through various platforms such as community meetings and councils.

Baihua Village also has implemented a grid management system, inspired by Zhejiang Province’s “Million Projects.” The village party secretary leads this initiative, with different roles assigned to village staff and sanitation workers to ensure everyone contributes to maintaining a clean and orderly environment.

Peng Kaihua, the mayor of Shuangjing Town, emphasized their proactive approach: “We strive for sustained management and regular oversight, transforming ‘officials do the work while residents observe’ into a collaborative effort where everyone participates in improving their environment.”

To bolster rural revitalization efforts, Baihua Village leverages the town’s discipline inspection committee to create a feedback loop, ensuring that community concerns are addressed swiftly. “Post-resolution, relevant departments conduct follow-up calls or visits to gather feedback, continuously refining our approaches,” stated Yan Yuan, the secretary of the town’s discipline committee.

As spring approaches, bringing with it a natural beauty that enhances the village further, the commitment to improving living conditions and creating a livable and productive community persists. The unity between villagers and local officials drives the ongoing efforts to meet the goals set out in the central government’s directives for comprehensive rural revitalization. This collaborative spirit not only heightens the villagers’ sense of happiness and fulfillment but also adds vibrancy to the journey towards sustainable rural development.

From stove to table in 15 minutes: baked miso and sesame salmon on broccoli, sesame and ginger noodles
Rukmini IyerMon 14 Oct 2024 08.00 EDTShareThis flavour-packed dinner takes just minutes to put together. The salmon then looks after itself for 15 minutes in the oven with a miso-sesame glaze, and it’s just a quick stir-fry for the garlic, ginger, broccoli and noodles. We have variations of this on repeat at home for a quick dinner; thick straight-to-wok udon are my favourite here, but by all means use with watever you like, cooked according to the packet instructions.
Miso salmon with broccoli, sesame and ginger noodlesPrep 10 min Cook 15 min Serves 2
3 tbsp sesame oil, plus extra to serve2 tbsp white (or red) miso paste 2 sustainably sourced salmon fillets (I use wild Alaskan) 2 spring onions, finely sliced5cm piece (a thumb) ginger, peeled and finely grated2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely grated½-1 tsp chilli flakes200g Tenderstem broccoli, finely sliced½ tsp rice-wine vinegar2 x packs straight-to-wok thick udon noodles, or other cooked noodle of your choice Sea salt flakes, to taste
Heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6, and lay the salmon on a lined baking tray. Mix a tablespoon of sesame oil and a tablespoon of miso paste, then spread this over the salmon. Transfer to the oven, and roast for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, pop the spring onions into a bowl of cold water.
Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan or wok. Add the ginger, garlic and chilli, and stir-fry on a medium heat for one minute. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for three to four minutes more.
Try this recipe and many more on the new Feast app: scan or click here for your free trial.Stir in the remaining miso, the rice-wine vinegar and 50ml boiling water, then add the noodles and a splash more boiling water, as needed, and stir-fry for two minutes, or according to the packet instructions.
Taste and add salt if needed (I find the miso salty enough, so tend not to), plus a splash more vinegar for acidity, if you wish. Pile into warmed bowls, and top with the salmon. Drain the spring onions well, then scatter them over the fish, drizzle everything with a little more sesame oil and serve hot.
The Guardian aims to publish recipes for sustainable fish. Check ratings in your region: UK; Australia; US.