#committee on environment & development

[worldcitiesday]

Committee on Environment and Development, Eighth Session - Day 3 - Afternoon.

The Committee is expected to discuss progress made on the following five priority areas, which are set out in the Ministerial Declaration on Protecting Our Planet through Regional Cooperation and Solidarity in Asia and the Pacific, adopted by the Committee at its seventh session. These include (1) low-carbon transition and low-greenhouse-gas emission development strategies; (2) air pollution; (3) ocean protection; (4) sustainable urban development; and (5) access to information concerning the environment and public participation in decision-making processes. In particular, the discussion will focus on the challenges, opportunities and priorities for localizing action in each of these areas and on sustainable urbanization.

Watch the Committee on Environment and Development, Eighth Session - Day 3 - Afternoon!

[wetlandsday]

JAMAICA - Open Day Mason River (National Focal Point).

The Institute of Jamaica Natural History Museum will host students and community members at the Open Day at Jamaica's only terrestrial RAMSAR site. Will feature Nature Trail tours, exhibitors booth displays, fun zone for the wetland themed-play, farmers market (wellness) and other prizes and surprizes. Open to neighboring communities primarily and pre-registered schools.

Country : Jamaica

Organizer : Natural History Museum of Jamaica-Institute of Jamaica and National Environment and Planning Agency

Partners : National Environment and Planning Agency(NEPA), Caribbean Coastal Area Management (CCAM), Forestry Department, Urban Department Corporation(UDC) , Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), JCB, Clarendon Parish Development Committee, Jamaica Conservation Partner

[reasonsforhope]

"Winning what’s been called the ‘Green Nobel’ an Indian environmental activist has been recognized for saving a 657 square-mile forest from 21 coal mines.

From the New Delhi train station to high-end hotels to the poorest communities, virtually no one in India is free from periodic blackouts. As part of the Modi regime’s push for a developed and economically dominant India, power generation of every sort is being installed in huge quantities.

GNN has reported this drive has included some of the world’s largest solar energy projects, but it also involves coal. India is one of the largest consumers of coal for electricity generation, and Hasdeo Aranya forests, known as the “Lungs of Chhattisgarh,” are known to harbor large deposits.

The state government had been investigating 21 proposed coal mining blocks across 445,000 acres of biodiverse forests that provide crucial natural resources to the area’s 15,000 indigenous Adivasi people.

Along with the Adivasi, tigers, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and wolves, along with dozens of endemic bird and reptile species call this forest home. It’s one of India’s largest intact arboreal habitats, but 5.6 billion metric tons of mineable coal threatened to destroy it all.

Enter Alok Shukla, founder of the Save Hasdeo Aranya Resistance Committee, which began a decade ago advocating for the protection of Hasdeo through a variety of media and protest campaigns, including sit-ins, tree-hugging campaigns, advocating for couples to write #savehasdeo on their wedding invitations, and publishing a variety of other social media content.

Shukla also took his message directly to the legislature, reminding them through news media coverage of their obligations to India’s constitution which enshrines protection for tribal people and the environments they require to continue their traditional livelihoods.

Beginning with a proposal to create a single protected area called Lemru elephant reserve within Hasdeo that would protect elephant migration corridors and cancel three of the 21 mining proposals, Shukla and the Adivasi began a 160-mile protest march down a national highway towards the Chhattisgarh state capital of Raipur.

They hadn’t even crossed the halfway mark when news reached them that not only was the elephant reserve idea unanimously agreed upon, but every existing coal mining proposal had been rejected by the state legislature, and all existing licenses would be canceled.

“We had no expectations, but the legislative assembly voted unanimously that all of the coal mines of Hasdeo should be canceled, and the forest should be saved,” Shukla says in recollection to the Goldman Prize media channel.

“That was a very important moment and happy moment for all of us.”

Shukla shares the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize with 5 other winners, from Brazil, the US, South Africa, Australia, and Spain."

-via Good News Network, May 20, 2024. Video via Goldman Environmental Prize, April 29, 2024.

[shaunaswhore]

Picture You

Do you picture me, like I picture you?

Shauna Shipman x Reader Part I | to be continued.

Trigger Warnings: graphic mentions of injuries, puking, talks about cheating.

Word Count: 3,506 words

Synopsis: The reader and Shauna are in a secret relationship due to the fact that their New Jersey hometown, while liberal, isn't quite there yet when it comes to homosexual relationships. The reader is on the yearbook committee, and she gets to travel with the Yellowjackets to Seattle for Nationals.

Please request here. | Check out my Masterlist.

(Y/n) stood on the sideline, clutching her EOS 55 camera. She waited with baited breath, carefully taking shots. She didn't want to waste her film. She captured every perfect pass towards the winning goal that would send the Yellowjackets to Nationals in Seattle. (Y/n) captured the final moments of the game perfectly. The save from Taissa as Allie was overwhelmed by the opponents defense. Click, click. Taissa's smooth pass inside to Shauna. Click, click, click. Shauna's pass back to Taissa once she was in position, a practiced play. Click. Then, Taissa's flawless pass to Jackie, who headbutt the ball into the goal. Click, click.

The girls yelled in excitement over their win, launching themselves into each other at full speed. (Y/n) grinned, capturing them as they chanted 'Buzz, Buzz, Buzz,' jumping up and down with excitement. She lowered her camera when Shauna looked her way. She couldn't help the way her smile grew as she lowered the camera down to meet the girl's big brown eyes across the field. She allowed the camera to hang around her neck as she clapped with the rest of the crowd before cupping a hand to the side of her mouth, whooping out to the girls. But, mostly, to Shauna.

As the game's celebrations concluded, (Y/n) headed into the school building to turn her film in. She uses her own camera from Japan to take her photos and the school, begrudgingly supplies the film for her since she was their best and most active photographer. She wrote a note on a sticky note to whoever would be developing the film in the school's dark room on Monday morning, labeling it as the Yellowjacket's winning game. Little did she know, Monday would be the last article she would draft up for the school's paper. She replaced her film in the camera, grabbing the rest of her supply that was wrapped in rubberbands and a sticky note that read 'For School.' She had her own film for her own activities.

Clicking the camera's back into place, the feeling of two arms pulling her in from the waist startled her. She almost elbowed the offender until she processed fully who it was and leaned back. "You smell like sweat," she leaned her head up to look at Shauna with a cheeky smile. Her eyes lit up at the way Shauna rolled her eyes playfully, shaking her head. She always appreciated how the very quiet and slightly intimidating Shauna Shipman always seemed pretty relaxed around her.

"Yeah, I wonder why. It's not like I was just running on the field for an hour or two." She teased, hands falling to (Y/n)'s waist as she turned her girlfriend around in her arms. (Y/n) looked up at her, moving to her tiptoes to connect their lips after checking that nobody was passing the halls. They have been keeping their relationship a secret, given the social environment of New Jersey in 1996. While it's more liberal than other areas, it still wasn't safe. Especially given the particular social criticism that high school provides. Take Natalie Scattorccio, for example. Despite her being a cool and kind person, she has rumors attached to her that made her an outcast to their other classmates.

(Y/n) gave the girl a crooked grin when she pulled away, adjusting her camera bag shyly. "While you did definitely kill it out there, you should go get a shower." She stated playfully, but before Shauna could leave the room, (Y/n) grabbed her wrist, pulling her back gently. "Wait, this is for you." (Y/n) held up a cassette that Shauna could use for her tape deck. The backstrip of the cassette tape read 'For My Supernova' and it made Shauna grin a bit. Warmth settled over her chest when Shauna flipped it over seeing Supernova by Liz Phair was the first song on the self-made tape.

"You're such a dork." She muttered, cheeks a bit red as she slowly made her way to the door. In Shauna terms, that was an 'I love you.' (Y/n) knew that fact all too well as she leaned on the desk beside her with a little wave that Shauna returned. "I'm going to try to listen to this as soon as I get in the car. Let's just hope Jackie doesn't hijack my radio again." Shauna stated, as if she was exasperated by Jackie. In truth, (Y/n) knew Shauna loved her best friend more than anything, and that was okay because the same went for her and Mari.

(Y/n) exchanged her camera for her JVC GR-AX74U camcorder she brought everywhere. Like her camera, she had an abundance of backup batteries for the two. After she finished turning in her film, officially, and switching out her camera's battery for fresh ones, she headed to the locker room. As soon as Mari exited, (Y/n) started filming with a giant grin adorning her features. "Mari, Mari, over here," she acted like she was paparazzi and she was one of the Spice Girls. Mari loved the attention. Shauna, who walked out behind Mari with Jackie rolled her eyes slightly at the scene but said nothing. "How does it feel to know you are going to Nationals?" She questioned her best friend with a giant grin as they head for their cars.

Mari's eyes twinkled with delight as she answered, the Yellowjackets cheering at the word 'Nationals,' causing (Y/n) to pan over everyone, unable to stop herself from stopping at Shauna for a moment. "And, you, Shauna? I want your words. How do you feel about Nationals?" Shauna shook her head with a smile, covering up the camera's lens with a dorky smile falling over her lips, though she tried to hide from the team as Jackie answered for her. (Y/n) almost rolled her eyes at Jackie's interjection. That was Shauna's moment, once again swept away by Jackie-fucking-Taylor. (Y/n) closed her camera as they made their way outside the building. She sent a wink to Shauna, before getting into her 1987 Pontiac Sunbird, which was known to be just as important to (Y/n) as her cameras.

"Mari, if you don't hurry up, I'm not getting you dinner before dropping you off." (Y/n) said, having rolled down the window to see her best friend still talking to someone on the team. Mari rolled her eyes before yelling a quick 'I'm coming!' and getting in the car. "You take forever. You talk so much."

(Y/n) didn't actually care that Mari took so long though. It gave her time to see Shauna peel off with Jackie as she waits for her best friend. Unlike many of the varsity members, Mari is a junior, and just like Mari, (Y/n) was also a junior. That might have been what bonded them, in the long run. Being around all of the senior Yellowjackets with their strong egos, especially Taissa, it could feel a bit nerve-wracking. The two of them were already friends, and since (Y/n) hung out on the sidelines getting pictures, it was easy to talk to the second string players like Mari. The two of them were jamming to Bump n' Grind as they pulled up the Wendy's, grabbing a quick bite.

"So, what's going on between you and Shauna?" Mari asked with a little smirk, stirring a fry into her Frosty. This action made (Y/n) cringe since it should be absolutely criminal. "You're always staring at her with these lovesick eyes. I promise you can tell me, I'm not going to judge at all. I think you'd be cute with her. It's like… You're the sunshine and Shauna is the very intimidating, scary grumpy… storm?" To Mari's credit, she was trying. She was just doing a bad job.

Rolling her eyes slightly at her best friend's description, (Y/n) pulled out some of the soccer film she had saved that didn't go into last week's school paper. "She's actually pretty amazing." (Y/n) said with a soft smile, handing Mari some photos of herself before looking at the ones of Shauna. Her wide grin when they make a goal or win. Her concentration when they're working to get the ball down the field. (Y/n) has documented so much of the Yellowjackets the last two years, and she was a little sad to say this would be the last year for many of those on the team that makes them what they are. Mari smiled a bit at the light smile on her best friend's face before going through the pictures with her.

As Jackie's neighbor, (Y/n) was provided with an early morning opportunity to see Jackie's ride to school, AKA her girlfriend journaling. Jackie was never known to be on time, making Shauna wait often. Pulling up next to Shauna, she honked, She turned down Breakfast at Tiffany's a wide smile falling on her face when Shauna turned. The two of them rolling down their windows. "Waiting for Jackie?" She called over, causing Shauna to point to her house, just as Jeff was escaping through the roof. The two of them watched and (Y/n) shook her head. "Right… See you at school, Supernova." She winked, turning her music back up and rolling up her windows as Jeff passed by.

When the morning pep rally commenced, (Y/n) was letting another person take photos with the school's camera as she focused on recording. As the principal tried to get some claps for the boys baseball team, she had to hold back a snort, know they'd archive the footage. She was standing to the side, recording the assembly. This recording, for once, was on the school's lower budget camcorder, but (Y/n) was making it work. (Y/n) winced slightly at Misty's loud screaming at the Yellowjackets were called in as the New Jersey State Champions. Still, she kept her hand steady as the girls jogged in.

As they lined up and the mascot passed, (Y/n) and Arnold, the photographer, moved to the front to get some footage and shots. (Y/n)'s smile grew when she passed Shauna before recording on the opposite side of the gym- away from Misty's screaming. The mascot grabbed at the camera when it had 'flew' back over, causing (Y/n) to grimace slightly and almost fall back, trying to stay steady. When she caught herself, she saw on the camera the concerned look Shauna shot to her before giving the brunette a gentle nod that she was okay. It was little moments like that, when Shauna was looking at her from far away, that made (Y/n)'s heart soar.

It was something she held onto for the rest of the day as she attended the soccer practice. She was able to play it off like she was going to pick Mari up after, but she was secretly there to see Shauna. She was also getting some shots with the school's film and writing up her draft for the school paper, discussing the win. She was the one of a few people who found themselves scattered around the school when working on drafts as active reporters. She just had to turn in her paper in thirty minutes. Which wasn't hard saying as it was completed. She finished it Friday, she was just fixing it up.

She didn't noticed Shauna taking a minute to admire her on the bleachers as she flipped through the developed film, pairing it with her article. She, of course, picked the headbutt from Jackie and the group huddle before collecting the other photos, writing yearbook on it. She worked hard on the school's paper and the yearbook, it being a dual club. She notes on index cards for the players, categorizing their photos since they'd have a whole spread due to their tremendous win. Once she was done, she looked up, smiling when she met Shauna's eyes as drills began.

(Y/n) gave her a little wave, putting everything into the folders, paperclipped how they would go in the paper and the yearbook before heading inside to turn in her work. When she came back out towards the field, she could feel a certain shift in the atmosphere. Her eyes widened and her stomach churned as she saw Allie screaming with her bone sticking out of her leg. Misty tried to help but got shoved off and Mari was standing to the side with wide eyes.

"What happened to Allie?" (Y/n) asked, approaching Mari with her brows furrowed in concern. She was still trying not to throw up. "Dude, that looks fucking gnarly."

Mari shook her head, leaning over the trashcan to puke. (Y/n) rubbed her back gently and she finally tore her eyes off the girl, the other Yellowjackets telling her to breathe. "Taissa…" Mari swallowed thickly, thanking (Y/n) when she passed her water bottle over to her. "Taissa tripped her… On accident, I think." She stated, a little unsure of how accidental it might have been. (Y/n) shook her head when Mari tried to return the water bottle as an ambulance was arriving and the Yellowjackets were told to go into the locker room to change. (Y/n) guided Mari back, waiting for her outside, brows still furrowed over the scene that took place.

As (Y/n) was waiting, she saw Shauna and Jackie walk out, and she stood up quickly. "Hey, are you okay?" She realized she singled out Shauna and quickly cleared her throat. "I mean, both of you. Are you both okay? It looked… It looked kind of gruesome back there." She was still trying to wrap her head around it, sure that they were probably doing the same. After all, you could see Allie's bone and that was… a lot.

"Yeah, we're okay." Shauna was close to putting a hand on (Y/n)'s arm, but hesitated before grabbing the strap of her gym bag instead. Jackie seemed to have notice this small shift, glancing over at her best friend. Shauna looked up at (Y/n) in a way that let her know they'd talk later, on the phone, before leaving. When Mari finally came out, she took her to her house. For the rest of the week, there was a different vibe between the Yellowjackets, and it made (Y/n) feel a bit unsettled give the fact they were flying to Nationals that Saturday.

On Friday night, (Y/n) found herself getting ready for the party with Mari. She allowed Mari to pick out her outfit since she was still feeling badly about Allie, and she even let her put some make-up on her. When they made it to the party, Van was quick to thrust drinks into their hands with their bright grin. "Drink up," they said with a playful grin before going off to find the rest of the team. (Y/n) shook her head with a smile before spotting Shauna.

"I'll be back," (Y/n) said before telling Mari not to do anything stupid. She then quietly approached Shauna, leaning on the car with her. Shauna glanced over with a soft smile tugging on her lips. "Hey, Shauna," she greeted, pretending to play coy, making the girl laugh a bit and shake her head as (Y/n) dropped down an octave. "You're looking good tonight." She winked before going back to her normal voice. "Is this the 'boob dress' you were telling me you'd never wear? This just has Jackie's style written all over it. But… You do seem to pull it off very nicely, you know?"

Shauna let out a sigh and shook her head. "I feel stupid in this dress." She said, glancing over to her girlfriend, who did have slightly wandering eyes. She shoved her playfully. "Okay, a little less stupid with you looking at me like that." She was about to flirt with her when she realized where they were. The sounds of people chanting Randy's name caused them to turn around, only to see him chugging beer out of a keg from a tube. A smirk fell on his lips as he pointed to Shauna dedicating it to her, a 'sexy lady,' in Randy's words.

(Y/n) pursed her lips at that, shaking her head before shifting to fully face him. "It would've been cooler if you did it right. You're supposed to do a handstand, dipshit. Now, stop trying to pick up girls who are obviously too good for you." She stuck up her middle finger causing Shauna to laugh and grab it. (Y/N) looked up at her with a giant grin. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's just weird how he's always trying to hit on you. Like, you're way too good for him. He's… He's Randy Walsh. And, you… You're Shauna Shipman, the prettiest girl to ever exist."

Shauna's cheeks darkened with a red hue as she crossed her arms, looking down, still holding onto (Y/n)'s hand that has lost it's middle finger and was holding onto her hand gently. "How much have you had to drink?" She questioned, making it obvious that she wasn't quite believing (Y/n)'s words. This made (Y/n) frown a bit as she shook her head, holding up the one drink. "Right, right…" Shauna teased, and before (Y/n) could defend herself, Shauna told her to give her a moment, retreating to Taissa's figure across the bonfire. The action made (Y/n) groan leaning back on the car with a sigh, Mari joining her once she saw Shauna was gone.

It wasn't soon after that (Y/n) and Mari heard yelling and everyone was surrounding the Yellowjackets, Jackie immediately moving to break it up. When she heard Jackie call for the Yellowjackets, she looked over at Mari. "Doesn't that include you now that you're on the first string now?" She questioned the girl beside her. Mari shook her head quickly. "Not looking to get yelled at by Jackie I see?" (Y/n) poked her best friend, eyeing Shauna as she passed by, clearly disgruntled by the whole mess. (Y/n) gave her a pathetic thumbs up before turning back to Mari.

"No, I do not, in fact, want to be lectured by Jackie. I have nothing to do with their crazy ass drama. I just got bumped up to first string, remember?" She questioned, causing (Y/n) to roll her eyes playfully because whatever happened to being a team. Though, she understood Mari not wanting to go over there anyways. Jackie could be a bit of a hard ass sometimes, a bit bossy. She has heard the way she talked to Shauna, she didn't doubt her leadership somehow was synonymous to how she runs her friendships. Though, she did also know that Jackie wasn't awful, that she could be a good, caring friend, too. "Honestly, this party blows. Let's just go to your house and drink the wine coolers we hid in your mini fridge before we left."

(Y/n) pushed herself off the car, agreeing because she didn't want to be at the party either. Not after watching Randy puke behind a tree, but failing to realize, it didn't cover him fully. "Yeah, let's go." She led Mari to her car. The two of them drove until they passed Jeff's car. "Is that Jeff's car? Did he take Shauna and Jackie home? Maybe they need help or one of the girls are sick and need some water." (Y/n) stated, pulling up behind him. She went to grab the water in the back before Mari stopped her. (Y/n) looked confused until she realized how the car was moving. Before she could drive off, she realized it was Shauna, parting ways with him before getting into the driver's seat.

Mari looked over at (Y/n) with worry, a hand falling to her arm. "Hey, maybe we should go." She said softly, (Y/n) frozen as tears welled up in her eyes. She gently nudged her friends arm, making her shake out of her stupor. "Let's go…" She whispered, having (Y/n) turn around before they were noticed. When they made it home (Y/n) cried into Mari's lap, no drunk on her mom's wine coolers. She just didn't understand what she could have done to have fucked up that badly. Why Shauna would cheat on her, and how long was this going on for? Mari held her friend close to her, trying to be there for her the best she could given what had just happened. They weren't expecting their night to involve catching (Y/n)'s girlfriend in the middle of fucking Jackie's boyfriend.

Maybe that's what made it all worse. The fact that, deep down. (Y/n) knew that the reason this all happened had something to do with Shauna's best friend, and nothing to do with her. As she downed the last wine cooler, she fell back in bed, falling into a fitful sleep.

[sourcherryandsprinkles]

I don’t want you like a best friend | Xavier Thorpe x Reader

Summary: You and Xavier have been best friends for a while, but you don’t want to be just friends anymore. Come the Rave’n dance, you decide to tell him

Word count: 2.2k

Warnings: suggestive themes

"Say my name and everything just stops I don't want you like a best friend Only bought this dress so you could take it off"

—

‘’Are you coming the the Rave’n dance?’’

‘’I don’t have a date.’’

‘’You could go with Xavier?’’ Enid suggested with a knowing grin.

You and Xavier have been best friends since your first year at Nevermore Academy. Being away from home for this long and adjusting to a new environment had been difficult. You missed your family and the comfort of home. Making friends wasn’t your strongest, so you ended up very lonely.

Until you met Xavier. Although he was part of the popular crowd, he preferred solitude. He could spend hours on his own, drawing or painting.

One day, his sketchbook fell out of his bag in botanical class and you were amazed by the close to perfection sketch of your mutual classmate, Ajax. You hadn’t been able to stop the compliment that spilled from your lips. Xavier had smiled, a little shy, and thanked you. The next day, he had made a drawing of you sitting in the courtyard, reading a book.

You never talked to him outside of class…until parents’s weekend. You had been anticipating that day for so long — you missed your parents very dearly —, only to hear from Principal Weems that morning that they would not be coming. Sadness had filled your heart and you ended up crying silently between two shelves at the library.

You weren’t the only student whose parents didn’t come. Some parents, like Xavier’s father, were so busy with their work life that they cared very little about their son’s school event. Unlike you, Xavier didn’t come to cry. He was looking for a book. Except he found you instead.

You spent the whole day together, getting to know each other and talking about anything but your parents and, for the first time in weeks, a smile curled on your lips. Especially when he shared with you his little ability of making his artwork move.

Your friendship tightened over the years, friends turning into best friends. You called each other during summer break, and sometimes visited because September was just too far away. The Thorpe manor was massive and Xavier had his own art studio — which was even bigger than his shed on school grounds.

It was nice to have a friend like him.

But since your last visit, some things changed. Your friendship had developed into deeper feelings — non-platonic feelings. You held back from acting on them because Xavier was freshly broken up with Bianca and hurting. You also didn’t want to be someone’s rebound.

‘’I heard he’s going with Bianca,’’ Wednesday butted in, making Enid narrow her eyes at her.

‘’Only because she asked him,’’ the blonde quickly clarified. ‘’It doesn’t look like they’re getting back together though. Like ever. Xavier’s been very indifferent toward Bianca lately.’’

Enid wasn’t wrong. You hadn’t heard Xavier say Bianca's name in the past two months and you were the second person he spent the most time with — after Ajax. He came to you when he had doubts about the genuineness of their relationships, so he would tell you if he was still into her. Right?

That’s how the plans were made.

‘’That means we’re going dress shopping!’’ Enid grabbed her pink fuzzy backpack, looking at you excitedly. ‘’You need a dress that screams ‘stand back bitches, he’s mine’.’’

*

There weren't many shops in Jericho, so everyone ended up in the same one. It’s gonna be a miracle if two girls don’t show up in the same dress.

The bell above Hawte Kewture dinged as you and Enid stepped in. ‘’The dance committee is suggesting all white to match with the team, but that’s not gonna fly with us. If you want to catch Xavier’s attention and make him see you as something else than a best friend, you need to stand out.’’

‘’I’m not gonna wear bright pink, if that’s what you’re suggesting.’’

You weren’t afraid of colors like Wednesday, but brighter tones and pastels were Enid’s palette. Not yours.

‘’That’s not what I had in mind. Come.’’

None of the dresses you tried were to your liking. Too much tule, too itchy, too plain. You needed something that would make the whole place shimmer, to quote Enid.

Time passed and, around you, your classmates were all finding their dresses. All except you. Even Enid had found hers — a white number with a fluffy collar and cuffs. You were starting to feel defeated.

A sigh left your lips. I'll never find anythi—’’ You cut yourself, catching a velvet fabric smushed between the tule and sequins. You plucked it from the rack and held it before you.

‘’What about this one?’’

Enid stopped flicking through the dresses and turned to you, approval flashing in her eyes. ‘’Yes! This is the dress,’’ she confirmed, squealing excitedly.

*

You and Enid were getting ready for the dance in her dorm, both of your makeup bags spilled and mixed up on her bed. It was a complete mess — and will probably be staining her comforter in some places because of a missing cap on a lipstick and a broken highlighter. Sorry, Enid.

‘’If Xavier doesn't kiss you tonight, he is the dumbest guy ever. I mean, look at you. If this doesn’t push him to make a move, someone else will.’’

But I don’t want someone else, you thought to yourself as you applied a light wash of color to your cheeks.

You didn’t want to be that girl, but to your eyes there was only Xavier.

His sweet smile that never fails to make your heart swoon, those pretty green eyes you want to stare into all day, those lips you were dying to kiss and taste. The way only he knows how to make you laugh when you're sad and the warm hugs you never want to break from. He is always real and honest with you, even if his thoughts are sometimes dark. The speckles of paint on his shirts and sometimes on his school uniform — which he always needed your help to clean —, the late nights sneaking in his dorm to talk about everything and nothing.

‘’Y/N! Are you listening?’’

You pulled yourself out of your thoughts, thankful for the color on your cheeks covering your natural flush. ‘’Sorry. What did you say?’’

‘’You were thinking about him, were you?’’ Enid teased, grinning like a teenage girl in a rom-com.

‘’I was not thinking about Xavier,’’ you denied.

She scoffed. ‘’Liar.’’ Enid held up two lipsticks, asking for your input. ‘’Should I do red or pink?’’

‘’Pink.’’

*

When you entered the room of flashing lights and buzzing music, all eyes turned to you.

All except Xavier’s.

His were too busy staring at the layered white tablecloths while Bianca was talking about god knows what. Before him was an empty glass, telling you enough about the fun he was not having.

You bit back a smile, secretly happy to see he was not having fun with his date.

‘’Ohh, look, Xavier’s there,’’ Enid pointed out in the least subtle way, grabbing your arm and looking right in his direction. ‘’He polished up nice.’’

He was wearing an all white suit with a thin black bowtie and his hair was pulled back, showing off his features. You sucked in a breath, feeling butterflies in your stomach. He looked so handsome — gorgeous.

‘’I’m gonna get us some drinks.’’ You tore your eyes from Xavier and went to the table where the punch was. With luck, someone will have spiked it and it’ll give you some liquid courage for later.

As you were filling the second glass with blue smoking punch, someone came up to your side. By the whiff of their cologne, you knew immediately who it was.

‘’I thought you weren’t coming.’’

His eyes raked up and down your body and you held back a smirk. Your plan was working, the dress was working. It was nothing too revealing. You wanted to get Xavier’s attention, not get sent to your room by Principal Weems.

‘’I changed my mind.’’ You grabbed your other drink and handed Xavier the second one. ‘’Yeti-tini?’’

It was for Enid, but oh well.

Xavier accepted it with a soft dimpled smile and brought the glass to his lips. ‘’You look…’’ He swallowed hard and lowered his eyes while searching for his words. ‘’Beautiful.’’ A light flush covered his cheeks, quickly correcting himself. ‘’I mean, you look great.’’

‘’Thanks.’’ You brought your drink to your lips to hide your smile. ‘’Shouldn’t you be with your date? Bianca seems a little lonely.’’

He glanced at Bianca who was sitting alone at a table, swishing her drink in its glass out of boredom, then drew his gaze back to you. ‘’I’m not allowed to come and say ‘hi’ to my best friend?’’

Best friend. You tried not to wince.

Xavier Thorpe was the king of mixed signals. A minute ago, he was complimenting you and looking at you the way a platonic friend wouldn’t, and now he was calling you his best friend. The words hurt like a knife in your chest.

You shifted your eyes to the dancefloor and faked a gasp. ‘’I gotta go. There’s a girl code emergency. Someone is flirting with Enid and she’s giving me the help signal.’’

‘’Oh. Okay. I…I’ll see you later, then.’’

You walked away with your drink and searched for Enid. The night was off to a bad start.

*

Eventually, you got dragged to the dancefloor. Most songs the DJ was playing were normie modern pop, but you tried to not cringe too much. One would think a school like Nevermore would be into more unorthodox music, but they can’t escape the radio hits.

You were dancing with Enid and Yoko, letting go and having fun between girls when you caught sight of an upset Bianca leaving the dance and Xavier sulking in a chair. Abandoning the girls, you snaked through the crowd of students and made your way to him.

‘’I know you are Nevermore’s tortured artist, but you’re allowed to have fun once in a while. Come dance.’’ You extended your hand, waiting for him to take it.

Xavier raised an eyebrow. ‘’With you?’’

‘’Yes. I promise I won’t step on your feet.’’

He accepted your hand with a sigh and you pulled him to the dancefloor as a better song came up. A sliver of a smile curled on his lips as your back was turned to him, hidden from you.

You swayed close to him, moving your arms, hips and shoulders to the music. Xavier chuckled and followed automatically, dancing as he pleased and fully letting go. He pulled silly moves and even made you twirl, making you both laugh. A perpetual smile etched itself on your face and pieces of hair were coming loose from Xavier's hair tie, forgetting about the people around you.

The music switched to a slow song and you both stood there, not knowing what to do. His eyes flicked down to you, looking at you in a way he never had before. You've never been nervous around Xavier before. He was your comfort person, the only one who you could be unapologetically yourself with. But the way he was looking at you sent nervous butterflies in your stomach.

Your hands shaking from holding back from him. You didn't want him like a best friend anymore. You didn’t want him to touch you like a best friend anymore.

As if he had heard your thoughts, Xavier stepped closer, so close not even a sheet of paper could pass between you. So close you could smell his cologne, a mix of pine notes with a softer undernote. His hands found the courage to rest on your waist, his gentle touch sending electricity through your body. ‘’Is this okay?’’ he asked, gulping as his eyes bore into you, the close proximity making his hands sweaty and causing his heart to pick up.

You nodded. It was more than okay.

‘’Xavier?’’

He hummed, his green eyes shimmering from the mirrorballs hung to the ceiling, reflecting the party lights. You curled your fingers around one of the tails of Xavier’s bowtie, wishing you could undo it and attach your lips to his neck and fastening yourself to him like a stitch.

‘’There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while.’’ He motioned for you to go ahead as you swayed to the slow music. You took a last breath and allowed the words to leave your lips. ‘’I...I don't want us to be friends anymore. I can't keep pretending I'm okay with us being just friends when all I think about when we're together is closing the space between us and kissing you.’’

‘’Like this?’’

Xavier leaned down and when his lips touched yours, all pieces fell into place. You melted into him and slid your hands around his neck, as if you were afraid he would break the kiss and run.

You were both out of breath when you pulled away, eyes filled with desire.

‘’I take back what I said earlier, you look fucking beautiful tonight,’’ Xavier said, his mouth overing over yours. ‘’And that dress— It's killing me.’’ His hands moved up and down your sides while his eyes stalled on the swell over your breasts. He was trying to be respectful with all the chaperon professors around, but his pants were getting a little tight.

There was absolutely no subtlety in the way you and Xavier snuck out of the room to go to his dorm. Your red dress stood out like a sore thumb among all the white.

Your dress hit the floor the moment you made it to Xavier’s dorm and remained there all night. After all, it was the reason you had bought it.

—

Xavier Thorpe taglist: @sofiaadler @partyfly @hoodforcalum @thelilacmourning @ellessecretobsession @su-alteza-emia @achoo---uu @not-leaprvt @xaviersgf @peterparkerdilf @roadworkaheadisurehopeitdoes @dragon-chica @coldtacozinepanda @wrldofsage @eddiemunsonsluvrrr @capriaura @officialsaturn @babyfiva @maevaomizzolo @kelloggs-world @whosljt @ajpanda181 @belovedrey @emerycrt @elizabitchsshit @heaven-hiding @lilithlikestoread @est-liber @moonisu @dessxoxsworld @parker-nite @bellblake121890 @vesperazhier @kaldurahms-lover @beeebo234 @nephilimsss @mayuphoenix @sweetheartlizzie07 @watermelon-18 @snixx2088 @555stargirl555 @robinscardigan @chumchum19 @lilttblog @aphex2winn @heizenka @mystargirl-interlude @hwrtsiren @babygirljay20 @wildflowerlyss @strangersomeone @openfandoms @charlottelaffin @iheartmaddyperez @starless-starkov @ali-r3n

[fatehbaz]

when the Empire's researchers realized that the cause of the ecological devastation was the Empire:

much to consider.

on the motives and origins of some forms of imperial "environmentalism".

---

Since the material resources of colonies were vital to the metropolitan centers of empire, some of the earliest conservation practices were established outside of Europe [but established for the purpose of protecting the natural resources desired by metropolitan Europe]. [...] [T]ropical island colonies were crucial laboratories of empire, as garden incubators for the transplantation of peoples [slaves, laborers] and plants [cash crops] and for generating the European revival of Edenic discourse. Eighteenth-century environmentalism derived from colonial island contexts in which limited space and an ideological model of utopia contributed to new models of conservation [...]. [T]ropical island colonies were at the vanguard of establishing forest reserves and environmental legislation [...]. These forest reserves, like those established in New England and South Africa, did not necessarily represent "an atavistic interest in preserving the 'natural' [...]" but rather a "more manipulative and power-conscious interest in constructing a new landscape by planting trees [in monoculture or otherwise modified plantations] [...]."

Text by: Elizabeth DeLoughrey and George B. Handley. "Introduction: Toward an Aesthetics of the Earth". Postcolonial Ecologies: Literatures of the Environment, edited by DeLoughrey and Handley. 2011. [Text within brackets added by me for clarity and context.]

---

British colonial forestry was arguably one of the most extensive imperial frameworks of scientific natural resource management anywhere [...]. [T]he roots of conservation [...] lay in the role played by scientific communities in the colonial periphery [...]. In India, [...] in 1805 [...] the court of directors of the East India Company sent a dispatch enquiring [...] [about] the Royal Navy [and its potential use of wood from Malabar's forests] [...]. This enquiry led to the appointment of a forest committee which reported that extensive deforestation had taken place and recommended the protection of the Malabar forests on grounds that they were valuable property. [...] [T]o step up the extraction of teak to augment the strength of the Royal Navy [...] [b]etween 1806 and 1823, the forests of Malabar were protected by means of this monopoly [...]. The history of British colonial forestry, however, took a decisive turn in the post-1860 period [...]. Following the revolt of 1857, the government of India sought to pursue active interventionist policies [...]. Experts were deployed as 'scientific soldiers' and new agencies established. [...] The paradigm [...] was articulated explicitly in the first conference [Empire Forestry Conference] by R.S. Troup, a former Indian forest service officer and then the professor of forestry at Oxford. Troup began by sketching a linear model of the development of human relationship with forests, arguing that the human-forest interaction in civilized societies usually went through three distinct phases - destruction, conservation, and economic management. Conservation was a ‘wise and necessary measure’ but it was ‘only a stage towards the problem of how best to utilise the forest resources of the empire’. The ultimate ideal was economic management, [...] to exploit 'to the full [...]' and provide regular supplies [...] to industry.

Text by: Ravi Rajan. "Modernizing Nature: Tropical Forestry and the Contested Legacy of British Colonial Eco-Development, 1800-2000". Oxford Historical Monographs series, Oxford University Press. January 2006.

---

It is no accident that the earliest writers to comment specifically on rapid environmental change in the context of empires were scientists who were themselves often actors in the process of colonially stimulated environmental change. [...] [N]atural philosophers [...] in Bermuda, [...] in Barbados and [...] on St Helena [all British colonies] were all already well aware of characteristically high rates of soil erosion and deforestation in the colonial tropics [...]. On St Helena and Bermuda this early conservationism led, by 1715, to the gazetting of the first colonial forest reserves and forest protection laws. On French colonial Mauritius [...], Poivre and Philibert Commerson framed pioneering forest conservation [...] in the 1760s. In India William Roxburgh [and] Edward Balfour [...] ([...] Scottish medical scientists) wrote alarmist narratives relating [to] deforestation [...]. East India Company scientists [...] [including] Roxburgh [...] went on to further observe the incidence of global drought events [...]. The writings of Edward Balfour and Hugh Cleghorn in the late 1840s in particular illustrate the extent of the permeation of a global environmental consciousness [...]. [T]he 1860s [were] a period [...] which embodies a convergence of thinking about ecological change on a world scale [...]. It was in the particular circumstances of environmental change at the colonial periphery that what we would now term "environmentalism" first made itself felt [...]. Victorian texts such as [...] Ribbentrop's Forestry in the British Empire, Brown's Hydrology of South Africa, Cleghorn's Forests and Gardens of South India [...] were [...] vital to the onset of environmentalism [...]. This fear grew steadily in the wake of colonial expansion [...] particularly [...] after the great Indian famines of 1876 [...].

Text by: Richard Grove and Vinita Damodaran. "Imperialism, Intellectual Networks, and Environmental Change: Origins and Evolution of Global Environmental History, 1676-2000: Part I". Economic and Political Weekly Vol. 41, No. 41. 14 October 2006

---

The “planetary consciousness” produced by this systemizing of nature [in eighteenth-century European science] […] increased the mobility of paradise discourse [...]. As European colonial expansion accelerated, the homogenizing transformation of people, economy and nature which it catalyzed also gave rise to a myth of lost paradise, which served as a register […] for obliterated cultures, peoples, and environments [devastated by that same European colonization], and as a measure of the rapid ecological changes, frequently deforestation and desiccation, generated by colonizing capital. On one hand, this myth served to suppress dissent by submerging it in melancholy, but on the other, it promoted the emergence of an imperialist environmental critique which would motivate the later establishment of colonial botanical gardens, potential Edens in which nature could be re-made. However, the subversive potential of the “green” critique voiced through the myth of endangered paradise was defused by the extent to which growing environmental sensibilities enabled imperialism to function more efficiently by appropriating botanical knowledge and indigenous conservation methods, thus continuing to serve the purposes of European capital.

Text by: Sharae Deckard. Paradise Discourse, Imperialism, and Globalization: Exploiting Eden. 2010.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this press release from the Department of the Interior:

The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Parks Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources recently signed a new agreement to strengthen cooperation and coordination for the conservation of the American bison across its range in North America. Through a Letter of Intent, the countries will work to pursue bison conservation, restore ecological processes, and support traditional human use of natural resources with a particular focus on the unique historical connection between bison and Indigenous peoples.  

This Letter of Intent was worked on at the recent Canada/Mexico/United States Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management held in San Diego, California and outlines additional collaboration across national borders towards the United States, Mexico and Canada’s shared goal of domestic bison conservation. The Trilateral Committee began in 1996 as a pioneering initiative among the three countries to align efforts safeguarding North America’s wildlife and ecosystems. The committee’s Species of Concern Working Table brings together state, federal and Tribal resource managers and non-governmental organizations to share their expertise and coordinate conservation of species that span the continent.   

The recently signed Letter of Intent outlines the various ways that the three North American nations will work together, including by:  

Improving collaboration on regional activities to promote policies, practices and effective methods in support of the ecocultural conservation of bison; 

Promoting joint work plans within the Trilateral Committee’s Species of Common Conservation Concern working table; 

Fostering transparency about the technical information that is developed jointly; and 

Streamlining reporting on activities conducted under the Letter of Intent with the Executive Table of the Trilateral Committee for its review.

These international efforts will continue to build on the Interior Department’s domestic bison restoration efforts, including the Grasslands Keystone Initiative. In 2023, Secretary Haaland issued a Secretary's Order and announced a $25 million investment to empower the Department’s bureaus and partners to use the best available science and Indigenous Knowledge to help restore bison across the country. The Order formally established a Bison Working Group (BWG) composed of representation from the five bureaus with bison equities: the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Geological Survey. The BWG is developing a Bison Shared Stewardship Plan, which will establish a comprehensive framework for American bison restoration, including strengthening long-term bison conservation partnerships. Central to the development of that plan will be robust engagement with Tribes, including prioritizing Tribally led opportunities to establish new large herds owned or managed by Tribes and Tribally led organizations.   

The American bison once thrived across the largest original distribution of any native large herbivore in North America, ranging from desert grasslands in northern regions of Mexico to interior Alaska. After North America’s European settlement, bison populations were reduced from an estimated 60 to 80 million to a mere 1,000 animals. These surviving bison were saved from extinction and became the founders of several protected populations that put the species on a path of recovery and conservation.  

Today, bison remain absent from nearly 99 percent of their historic range. Most of the bison in North America are in herds that are constrained by fences, isolated from each other, and have fewer than 1,000 individuals, raising concerns about their genetic integrity, wildness and long-term viability of the species.   

Approximately 31,000 bison are currently being stewarded by the United States, Canada and Mexico with the goal of conserving the species and their role in the function of native grassland systems, as well as their place in Indigenous culture.  

[violetsandshrikes]

Parliament’s Environment Committee must delay reporting back on the Fast-track Approvals Bill until it has time to properly consider the proposed projects, says Forest & Bird.

The list of projects for automatic fast tracking through Schedule 2 of the bill was only released today, months after public consultation closed.

“It’s a dark day for New Zealand democracy when the select committee tasked with assessing a law doesn’t actually get to see the whole law,” says Richard Capie General Manager of Advocacy for Forest & Bird.

Forest & Bird is sending an open letter to the Environment Committee asking that it not report back to Parliament until it has had the opportunity to receive and consider public submissions on the proposal additions to the bill.

“The missing schedule includes developments with serious and complex environmental consequences – coal mining in pristine kiwi habitat, getting rid of forest with high conservation values, and damaging ocean that is home to critically endangered blue whales and Māui dolphins,” says Mr Capie.

Some on the list are developments that Forest & Bird has spent years successfully opposing in court, essentially ‘zombie projects’. This includes the Ruataniwha dam in Hawke’s Bay and Trans-Tasman Resources’ proposal for seabed mining off the Taranaki coast. More information as well as pictures and video footage of these and other areas are available below.

Kiwis, I recommend you:

1. Check in with Forest & Bird, who usually have action you can take against specific projects and proposals

2. Email, write to or phone your local MP and/or the responsible minister(s). They hear very little from the public in general about environmental issues.

People abroad: Forest and Bird is also worth following if you want to help out, and if you can share your thoughts from overseas, they will usually make a method available to do so.

[storiednhappy]

Androbesity

BHM Weight Gain / Masculinization

Just chapters 1-4 for now.

Chapter 1: The Campus

Nestled in the arid desert between Las Vegas and Palm Springs, far from the prying eyes of the world, lies the Androbesity Campus. A sanctuary designed for a singular purpose: to normalize and encourage obesity in adult men. This secluded haven, reminiscent of a luxury resort, is an ambitious social experiment aimed at redefining societal norms and offering a new perspective on health, community, and self-worth.

The concept of Androbesity was born from the minds of visionary thinkers who saw an opportunity to challenge the pervasive stigmas surrounding obesity. They believed in celebrating the intelligence and unique attributes of obese men, providing them a space to thrive without the constraints of a society that often judges them harshly. Thus, the Androbesity program was established, inviting one man from each U.S. state and territory, including Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa, to live on the campus for four years, from ages 22 to 25.

Each year, 54 men are selected based on three criteria: high intelligence, significant obesity, and a commitment to fully participating in an experimental community. These men are chosen not just for their physical attributes but also for their potential to contribute intellectually and socially to the community. By the end of the four-year cycle, the campus hosts 216 residents, creating a diverse and dynamic environment.

Located in the harsh, sun-baked desert, the Androbesity Campus is a self-contained oasis where no one needs to venture outside. The campus is also a hub for research into supporting the complications and modifications required by an obese adult population. AO Corp, the organization behind Androbesity, is developing products designed to promote obesity and make it more socially desirable. Their efforts extend to media development, including informational programming, reality shows, and scripted series, all aimed at making an obese lifestyle more visible and accepted. Some former AO Men have already transitioned into careers as paid actors for AO Media, becoming the faces of this new movement.

The men arrive at Androbesity with varied backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. They are introduced to a world where their size is not just accepted but celebrated. Here, they live and work remotely, supported by state-of-the-art facilities that cater to their every need. The campus is equipped with luxurious living quarters, expansive recreational areas, and cutting-edge technology, all designed to foster a sense of belonging and well-being.

Upon arrival, the new residents are greeted by a welcoming committee of peers and staff who guide them through the orientation process. The campus is a self-sustaining ecosystem, with each resident contributing to the community through remote work and participation in communal activities. The emphasis is on building a supportive network where every individual feels valued and empowered.

Among the new cohort are diverse individuals such as:

- Malik from New York, a talented musician whose creativity flourishes in the supportive environment of Androbesity. His initial skepticism about the program gives way to appreciation as he finds himself inspired by the communal spirit and the freedom to express himself without judgment.

- Joshua from South Carolina, a dedicated software developer who finds the campus’s advanced technological infrastructure ideal for his work. He discovers that the environment not only enhances his professional life but also provides a supportive community that encourages personal growth.

- Diego from Puerto Rico, an innovative entrepreneur who sees the potential in AO Corp’s mission. He brings his entrepreneurial spirit to the campus, collaborating on new product ideas and enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

- Matt from Wisconsin, a former athlete whose journey to obesity has been one of both physical and emotional transformation. He finds solace in the acceptance and understanding offered by the Androbesity community, allowing him to redefine his identity and embrace his new lifestyle.

The gates of Androbesity symbolize a threshold to a new way of life, one where these men can explore their potential without societal pressures. The campus, with its lush gardens, sparkling lakes, and modern architecture, is a place of beauty and tranquility. It is a closed society, with strict privacy measures in place to ensure that the residents can live freely without external scrutiny. Visitors are allowed only on designated visiting days, twice a month, ensuring that the integrity and serenity of the community are maintained.

As the first chapter of this epic unfolds, we follow the journey of these men, each from a different part of the United States and its territories. Their stories will delve into their daily lives, their interactions, and the unique social structures that develop within this experimental community. It will explore how Androbesity reshapes their identities, fosters deep bonds, and creates a space where they can redefine what it means to live fully and unapologetically as obese men in modern America.

Through their stories, we will witness the power of acceptance, the strength of community, and the profound impact of living in an environment free from the limitations imposed by conventional societal norms. Welcome to Androbesity, where a new chapter in the lives of these remarkable men begins.

Chapter 2: Guaranteed Gains

From the moment they step through the gates of Androbesity, the men are enveloped in a sense of liberation. Here, their obesity is not just accepted but embraced, and they are encouraged to explore the fullness of life without the typical societal constraints. Yet, hidden within the layers of welcoming gestures and luxurious amenities lies an unspoken truth: weight gain is not just an expectation, but a requirement.

Buried in the fine print of their contracts is the clause that binds them to a pact of inevitable transformation. Each year, the Board of Directors of Androbesity convenes in a secret meeting to determine the minimum weight gain for that year. The specifics vary, depending on the scenarios the Board wishes to explore and the occupations of the men. This calculated approach ensures that each individual’s experience aligns with the overarching goals of the experiment.

The men are never informed of the exact minimum weight they are expected to gain. Instead, they are monitored closely, and if they fall behind, they are gently but firmly guided back on track. Monthly assessments by Androbesity’s team of specialized doctors ensure that every resident is progressing towards the unseen target. The corrective actions are subtle yet effective, tailored to ensure compliance without overt confrontation.

Resistance is not uncommon. Some men, buoyed by their newfound freedom, may attempt to assert control over their bodies, choosing to eat less or even trying to lose weight. These periods of rebellion are anticipated by Androbesity, serving as opportunities to test and refine their methods for countering diet resistance. The doctors at Androbesity, known as AO Doctors, never argue or confront. Instead, they employ a range of psychological and physiological strategies designed to ensure compliance.

For example, Malik from New York, a talented musician, initially resists the constant indulgence. His strict regime soon falters under the relentless hospitality of Androbesity. Meals are tailored to his tastes, abundant and irresistible. The supportive environment subtly reinforces positive associations with overeating, making resistance increasingly futile.

Joshua from South Carolina, a disciplined and health-conscious software developer, tries to maintain his previous eating habits. However, his environment soon proves too tempting. The campus's advanced technological infrastructure and social activities make it easy for him to lose track of his calorie intake.

Diego from Puerto Rico, an innovative entrepreneur, views the mandated weight gain as a challenge to his autonomy. His initial attempts to maintain his weight are met with increased social activities centered around food. The pressure is never overt, but the implications are clear—he is expected to participate fully in the culinary culture of Androbesity.

Matt from Wisconsin, a former athlete, struggles with the psychological aspects of his weight gain. His competitive nature drives him to challenge the system, but the community's acceptance and understanding begin to erode his resistance.

As the year progresses, each man’s journey towards the mandated weight gain becomes a testament to Androbesity’s underlying mission. The methods employed to ensure compliance are meticulously documented, providing invaluable data for the Board. These strategies, once perfected, hold the potential to extend beyond the campus, influencing societal norms and promoting universal male obesity.

The men, immersed in their lives on the campus, become living experiments in a controlled environment designed to reshape their identities and physicalities. The careful balance of freedom and control, indulgence and discipline, creates a unique dynamic where resistance is met with gentle yet unwavering redirection.

Chapter 3: The Call

The camera panned over the serene, sun-soaked landscape of the Androbesity campus, capturing its pristine beauty before cutting to a close-up of Malik, seated comfortably on a plush armchair in his well-appointed room. The setting was warm and inviting, designed to put him at ease as he prepared to share his story with the world. The AO Media team had set up the perfect ambiance, with soft lighting and a backdrop that highlighted the modern elegance of the campus.

Malik took a deep breath, his dark eyes reflecting a mix of emotions as he began to speak. "When I got the call from Androbesity, it was a moment of pure disbelief. I mean, how often do you get a call telling you that you’re both incredibly intelligent and, well, significantly overweight?"

He chuckled softly, the sound tinged with a hint of irony. "It’s a strange combination, right? Society doesn’t often put those two things together. You’re either seen as the smart guy or the fat guy, rarely both. But here I was, being recognized for my intelligence and my size. It was surreal."

The video cut to scenes of Malik’s life before Androbesity: a cluttered apartment in New York, stacks of music sheets on a piano, and glimpses of his bustling life as a musician. The narration continued over these images, providing a glimpse into the world he had left behind.

"I was always torn between my passions and my appearance," Malik explained. "Music was my escape, but my weight was always this shadow hanging over me. When the call came, it felt like someone had finally seen me for who I really am—a talented, intelligent man who also happens to be obese."

The video shifted back to Malik in his room, his expression growing more introspective. "There’s a conflict that comes with that call. On one hand, you’re flattered and excited. Androbesity is prestigious. It’s an honor to be chosen. But then there’s the other part of you that questions it. Am I really that fat? Can I really leave my life behind for four years?"

He paused, his gaze drifting as if recalling the moment vividly. "But then you think about the opportunity. The chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. To be in a place where your size isn’t a burden but a badge of honor. And the more you think about it, the harder it becomes to say no."

The scene transitioned to Malik walking through the campus, interacting with fellow residents, and engaging in various activities. The sense of community and acceptance was palpable, a stark contrast to the isolation he had often felt back in New York.

"Androbesity isn’t just about living with your size," Malik continued. "It’s about gaining perspective, gaining confidence. Here, you’re not just accepted; you’re celebrated. Your intelligence, your talents, your size—they all matter. They all make you who you are."

The camera zoomed in on Malik’s face, capturing the sincerity and depth of his words. "So, why don’t you say no? Because deep down, you know this is a chance to be part of something revolutionary. To challenge the norms, to embrace who you are fully. It’s not just an experiment; it’s a new way of life. And that’s something you just can’t walk away from."

While Malik spoke passionately about the community and acceptance at Androbesity, he never mentioned the weight gain explicitly. This unspoken rule was well understood among the residents. Discussions about their weight and the expectations surrounding it were kept private, shared only with trusted friends and the AO Doctors. On camera, the focus remained on the positive aspects of their experience, maintaining the program's image of empowerment and self-discovery.

The video ended with a panoramic view of the Androbesity campus at sunset, the sky ablaze with colors, symbolizing the dawn of a new era for men like Malik. As the screen faded to black, Malik’s final words resonated in the silence: "This is where we redefine what it means to be smart, to be fat, to be human."

Chapter 4: The Bottomless Plate

Matt sat at the long dining table, the last of his fellow residents having long since left. He speared the final piece of roast beef from the platter in front of him and savored it, wondering if tonight would be the night they told him he couldn't have more. The thought gnawed at him, almost as much as his insatiable appetite.

In his former life in Wisconsin, Matt was accustomed to being told when enough was enough. At every buffet and family gathering, there came a point when someone would gently suggest he’d had his fill. But here at Androbesity, things were different. No one had yet told him to stop, and the abundance seemed limitless.

"Can I get more of that dessert?" he asked a passing server, pointing to the now-empty plate of chocolate cake.

"Of course, Mr. Matt," the server replied with a smile, heading back to the kitchen without hesitation.

Matt leaned back in his chair, his belly pressing against the table. He glanced around, noting the discreet cameras mounted in the corners of the dining hall. He knew they were there, but he didn't realize their full purpose. AO Media captured every meal he consumed, creating timelapse videos of his expanding stomach. These videos were studied in board meetings, analyzed for insights into their subjects' growth and behavior.

While Matt feared the day they might say no, AO Corp had no intention of letting that happen. His voracious appetite was precisely what they wanted to encourage, a living testament to their philosophy. The more he ate, the more valuable his data became for their research and media content. They were always prepared to bring more food, always ready to satisfy his cravings

Yet, the staff maintained the illusion of potential limits. They never outright offered more food unprompted; they waited for Matt to ask, ensuring he felt a sense of agency and uncertainty.

As he waited for his dessert, Matt pondered his peculiar situation. "They'll have to cut me off someday," he mused, half to himself. "No one can eat like this forever without someone stepping in."

But the truth was, the staff had no plans to curb his consumption. The more Matt ate, the more compelling his story became for AO Media, and the more data they collected on his extraordinary growth. His gradual transformation was a critical part of their secret plan to understand and promote the acceptance of obesity.

The server returned with a generous slice of chocolate cake, even larger than the last. Matt's eyes widened with delight as he dug in, savoring every rich bite. The cameras recorded his every move, capturing the subtle changes in his body with each meal.

"Enjoy, Mr. Matt," the server said warmly before leaving him to his feast.

Matt wondered how long this unlimited bounty could last. He finished the cake, feeling the familiar mix of satisfaction and curiosity. But for now, there were no limits in sight, only the promise of more.

And so, he continued to indulge, blissfully unaware of the true extent of Androbesity's plans. The staff remained ever accommodating, refilling his plate as many times as he requested, ensuring that Matt's journey of growth would never be interrupted.

[mariacallous]

In the next few months, Chinese President Xi Jinping will announce his country’s new climate targets. His decision could make or break the Paris Agreement, the landmark treaty—ratified by nearly every country in the world—that aims to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. If the world breaches this critical threshold, it will see major falls in food production, a severe hit to global GDP, and a rise in deadly weather events.

All participating governments are due to submit their 2035 climate targets to the United Nations by next February. The most important will come from the three largest emitters today, which collectively account for more than 50 percent of global emissions: the United States, European Union, and China.

The United States and EU have not reduced emissions fast enough to align with the Paris goals, but they still delivered two-thirds of the 13 percent reduction in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s carbon emissions over the past decade. China, meanwhile, is responsible for more than 90 percent of the growth in carbon dioxide emissions since the Paris Agreement was negotiated in 2015.

The 1.5-degree target has been in danger for a while, but China’s scale and role in driving emissions put the country in the unique position of being able to single-handedly limit warming so that it stays as close to that target as possible. Global emissions need to peak urgently, and that is simply not realistic without China changing course.

Despite this, China appears to be gravitating toward a weak, conservative set of near-term targets. Although Xi has previously pledged that China will become carbon neutral before 2060, recent policy trends indicate that Beijing’s new targets are likely to fall short of what’s needed to realize that 2060 climate vision—and stave off the worst of global warming.

Chinese diplomats often boast about their country’s record of overachieving on climate and energy targets. As Kevin Rudd, the former Australian prime minister, has put it, China’s strategy on climate is “to under-promise and over-deliver.” For example, China far exceeded its 2020 commitment to reduce carbon intensity as well as its wind and solar power capacity targets for 2015 and 2020.

But now, China is looking increasingly likely to miss the 2025 targets that it named in its Paris commitments and elsewhere. These include plans to “strictly limit” coal consumption growth, “strictly control” new coal power projects, and reduce carbon intensity (carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP) by 18 percent compared with 2020—all by next year. China’s emissions would need to fall between now and the end of 2025 for the country to reach that target. Yet the carbon intensity target set by China’s Environment Ministry for 2024 leaves room for emissions to rise this year, suggesting that the ministry is not seriously pursuing the 2025 target.

Meanwhile, a flurry of high-level policy documents published in recent months indicates that Beijing is likely to pursue conservative near-term climate goals. The State Council’s plan for controlling carbon emissions only expects them to peak just before 2030, and the Central Committee of the Communist Party only aims for China’s emissions to show a “falling trend” by 2035. Due to the lack of ambition in the medium term, Climate Action Tracker—an independent research group—has determined that China’s policies and targets are “highly insufficient” despite the country’s long-term carbon neutrality target.

Furthermore, China’s National Energy Administration has dropped hints that it is erring on the side of caution when it comes to the climate. Top agency officials have dismissed evidence that emissions could peak several years ahead of the “before 2030” deadline—China’s official target—and proposed energy installation targets that would slow down clean energy deployment. They have also advocated for fossil fuels meeting 30 percent of energy demand growth through 2030.

One reason that regulators tend to be conservative is that bureaucrats’ prospects in climbing the ladder of the Communist Party hinge upon the achievement of policy goals, making lower targets desirable. Ministries are also constrained by the level of climate ambition set from the top; bureaucrats have no control over economic policy priorities, which can have a major impact on emissions, especially when China’s leadership considers an energy-intensive sector the growth driver of the day. For example, Beijing’s favorable treatment toward the petrochemical industry has been a major driver of the sharp rise in coal consumption in recent years.

Yet Chinese policymakers’ unwillingness to take more progressive positions on climate is seemingly at odds with their country’s booming clean energy industry and other promising domestic trends. China’s solar and wind installations nearly doubled in 2023 compared with the year before and have continued to accelerate this year. The nuclear power sector, another important source of low-carbon electricity, is also growing, with 20 new reactors approved for construction from 2022 to 2023, and another 11 so far this year.

At its current rate, the growth in clean energy is sufficient to cover all additional electricity demand at the rate forecasted by the China Electricity Council for the second half of this year. If China continues to add renewable energy at the rate that it did in 2023, it could be on track to triple its renewable energy capacity from 2022 to 2030, in line with the target to triple renewables globally agreed upon at last year’s U.N. climate summit in Dubai.

Driven by clean energy expansion, China’s carbon emissions reportedly started declining in March and have continued to fall since then. Meanwhile, energy planners appear to be slamming the brakes on fossil fuels. Beijing approved hundreds of new coal power plants and coal-based steel plants after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but permits for new coal plants fell by about 80 percent in the first half of 2024 compared with the previous year. In August, Beijing introduced a ban on new steelmaking projects, and no coal-based steel plants have been approved since the start of this year.

Research suggests that China needs to cut emissions by at least 30 percent by 2035, compared with 2023 levels, to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. China can achieve meaningful emission reductions by 2035 if it maintains its rate of clean energy deployment. However, policy inertia and conservative thinking risk preventing China from capitalizing on progress that has already been achieved in the real world.

Despite these roadblocks, it is in China’s own interest to make ambitious climate targets. The clean energy sector contributed a record $1.6 trillion to China’s economy in 2023, accounting for 9 percent of the country’s GDP and 40 percent of economic growth. In addition, a weak climate goal from Beijing would affect trade policy; it would increase tensions by undermining China’s domestic market for clean tech, further inviting the ire of countries that are concerned about China’s manufacturing overcapacity and low-cost exports of electric vehicles, solar panels, and other green technology.

A lowball target would also upset Beijing’s diplomatic alliances in climate negotiations. So far, China has been the de facto leader of the developing country bloc in international climate discussions. This has allowed it to resist calls to set climate targets on par with those of richer countries. But that position is increasingly untenable. China is on the cusp of becoming a high-income country and is on track to overtake the EU’s historical carbon dioxide emissions in the next few years to become the second-largest historic emitter after the United States.

In recent U.N. climate talks, the Maldives and Antigua and Barbuda—developing island nations that are part of China’s negotiating bloc and are among the most vulnerable countries to climate impacts—openly voiced their disquiet about China’s lack of commitment to addressing climate change. China’s next target, if not sufficiently ambitious, could lead more countries to break ranks with Beijing’s negotiating alliance, flying in the face of its efforts to portray itself as a “doer in global climate governance.”

To continue to make progress on climate, Xi cannot rely on his bureaucrats to put forward meaningful targets—he must do it himself. Xi and the rest of China’s top leadership will have to balance the growth of their country’s clean energy industry against short-term economic considerations related to fossil fuels. Weak targets that allow the expansion of the fossil-fuel industry would pull the rug out from under the clean energy sectors that have been China’s star economic performers of the past couple years.

China’s leaders are almost certain to wait until the results of the U.S. presidential election to announce their targets, and they will likely feel more pressure in the case of a victory by Democratic candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris. The other question is whether China’s other important partners—including the EU, United Kingdom, and other G-20 members—will hold Beijing to a high standard. This will be especially important if former President Donald Trump wins the election.

Until then, the message to China has to be clear: Lip service to multilateralism and global climate action isn’t enough; Paris-aligned climate targets are essential. After Trump was elected in 2016, China vowed to defend the Paris agreement. Now, the country is increasingly at risk of failing to do so. As a recent strategy document for China’s own cabinet reads, “Major countries should focus more on the future of the earth and humanity and act in a responsible manner … thus fulfilling the responsibilities commensurate with their status.”

[discendia]

Is there a profile about Yamamoto Rio? really looking forward to learning more about her, her story and how it relates to canon

Hi, Anon! Welcome to my blog! ☆ I hope you like it here~

To answer your question, I have a rough profile I started writing some time ago. It doesn't have all the information, but I'll copy it under the cut since you're interested (and it's a bit long).

Thank you for asking! Wishing you a lovely day ♡

────── 〔✿〕──────

- PROFILE -

Name: Yamamoto Rio (山本 里桜)

Age: 14 (Canon Timeline), 24 (10YL)

Birthday: April 24

Nationality: Japanese

Height: 1,72 m. (Canon Timeline), 1,77 m. (10YL)

Family: Tsuyoshi (father), Ran (mother), Takeshi (brother)

[ 🔒 There’s information to be added here ]

- PERSONALITY -

Unlike Takeshi, who is like a beacon that attracts everyone's attention, Rio prefers to go unnoticed, but once you meet her, she is a sweet girl, warm and optimistic.. She’s dedicated to her friends and very family-oriented.

Growing up in the restaurant environment, surrounded by customers who come and go, has helped her develop skills to deal with people; she quickly grasps others’ limits and knows when not to push them.

She is the type of person who believes that conflicts can be resolved without fighting, although she will not hesitate to raise her weapons if her attempts to defuse the situation do not work.

[ 🔒 There’s information to be added here ]

- NAMIMORI MIDDLE SCHOOL -

Class: 1-B; 2-A

Extracurricular activity: Student Council

Within the Student Council, Rio is part of the Sports Committee that is responsible for the organization of the school's sports clubs. Among their duties are reviewing inventories and responding to material requests, collecting files from students participating in tournaments and events, and organizing other internal sports activities.

Her work is done religiously at each council meeting, but she is not usually there to answer questions about the reports they deliver, especially if the meetings are in the morning... Luckily, no one seems to notice this.

- LA FAMIGLIA (10YL) -

Afiliation: Vongola Family

Position: Family Liaison

As a diplomat of the Family, her duty is to establish and maintain communication with the different divisions and allied members. From simple contact between the guardians when they are dispersed to calming things down when there is something to discuss with different squads, she intervenes in the establishment of new alliances and the peaceful resolution of internal and external conflicts.

Rio’s office is an information center where messages constantly come and go. It is not surprising that part of its workers are dedicated to collecting this information through not so legal means.

- TO THE BATTLE -

Dying Wil Flame: Rain

Equipment: Iron fan and katana. A-Rank Rain Ring and B-Rank Rain Ring (10YL).

Fighting style: Shigure Soen Ryuu: 9 + 2 forms (10YL)

[ 🔒 There’s information to be added here ]

- RELATIONSHIPS -

[ Oops, I never started this part 🔒 There’s information to be added here ]

- TRIVIA -

Her least favorite thing is getting up early.

Her favorite drink is milk, just like Takeshi, but she can't stand cold milk.

Her favorite dish is chirashi sushi, and her preferred kind of fish are salmon, bonito, and shrimp.

Her hobbies are scrapbooking and cardmaking.

In the future, she would like to be her father's apprentice and inherit the restaurant.

She has good intuition to know what to study for an exam and usually doesn’t care about the rest.

[worldcitiesday]

Committee on Environment and Development, Eighth Session - Day 2 - Afternoon.

The eighth session of the Committee on Environment and Development (CED8) will be organized from 16 October – 18 October 2024 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok.

Watch the Committee on Environment and Development, Eighth Session - Day 2 - Afternoon!

[dailyanarchistposts]

J.5 What alternative social organisations do anarchists create?

Anarchism is all about “do it yourself”: people helping each other out in order to secure a good society to live within and to protect, extend and enrich their personal freedom. As such anarchists are keenly aware of the importance of building alternatives to both capitalism and the state in the here and now. Only by creating practical alternatives can we show that anarchism is a viable possibility and train ourselves in the techniques and responsibilities of freedom:

“If we put into practice the principles of libertarian communism within our organisations, the more advanced and prepared we will be on that day when we come to adopt it completely.” [C.N.T. member, quoted by Graham Kelsey, Anarchosyndicalism, Libertarian Communism and the State,p. 79]

This idea (to quote the IWW) of “building a new world in the shell of the old” is a long standing one in anarchism. Proudhon during the 1848 revolution “propose[d] that a provisional committee be set up” in Paris and “liaise with similar committees” elsewhere in France. This would be “a body representative of the proletariat …, a state within the state, in opposition to the bourgeois representatives.” He proclaimed to working class people that “a new society be founded in the heart of the old society” for “the government can do nothing for you. But you can do everything for yourselves.” [“Aux Pariotes”, La Représantant du Peuple, No. 33] This was echoed by Bakunin (see section H.2.8) while for revolutionary syndicalists the aim was “to constitute within the bourgeois State a veritable socialist (economic and anarchic) State.” [Fernand Pelloutier, quoted by Jeremy Jennings, Syndicalism in France, p. 22] By so doing we help create the environment within which individuals can manage their own affairs and develop their abilities to do so. In other words, we create “schools of anarchism” which lay the foundations for a better society as well as promoting and supporting social struggle against the current system. Make no mistake, the alternatives we discuss in this section are not an alternative to direct action and the need for social struggle — they are an expression of social struggle and a form of direct action. They are the framework by which social struggle can build and strengthen the anarchist tendencies within capitalist society which will ultimately replace it.

Therefore it is wrong to think that libertarians are indifferent to making life more bearable, even more enjoyable, under capitalism. A free society will not just appear from nowhere, it will be created be individuals and communities with a long history of social struggle and organisation. For as Wilheim Reich so correctly pointed out:

“Quite obviously, a society that is to consist of ‘free individuals,’ to constitute a ‘free community’ and to administer itself, i.e. to ‘govern itself,’ cannot be suddenly created by decrees. It has to evolve organically.” [The Mass Psychology of Fascism, p. 241]

It is this organic evolution that anarchists promote when they create libertarian alternatives within capitalist society. These alternatives (be they workplace or community unions, co-operatives, mutual banks, and so on) are marked by certain common features such as being self-managed, being based upon equality, decentralised and working with other groups and associations within a confederal network based upon mutual aid and solidarity. In other words, they are anarchist in both spirit and structure and so create a practical bridge between now and the future free society.

Anarchists consider the building of alternatives as a key aspect of their activity under capitalism. This is because they, like all forms of direct action, are “schools of anarchy” and also because they make the transition to a free society easier. “Through the organisations set up for the defence of their interests,” in Malatesta’s words, “the workers develop an awareness of the oppression they suffer and the antagonism that divides them from the bosses and as a result begin to aspire to a better life, become accustomed to collective struggle and solidarity and win those improvements that are possible within the capitalist and state regime.” [The Anarchist Revolution, p. 95] By creating viable examples of

“anarchy in action” we can show that our ideas are practical and convince people that they are not utopian. Therefore this section of the FAQ will indicate the alternatives anarchists support and why we support them.

The approach anarchists take to this activity could be termed “social unionism” — the collective action of groups to change certain aspects (and, ultimately, all aspects) of their lives. This takes many different forms in many different areas (some of which, not all, are discussed here) — but they share the same basic aspects of collective direct action, self-organisation, self-management, solidarity and mutual aid. These are a means “of raising the morale of the workers, accustom them to free initiative and solidarity in a struggle for the good of everyone and render them capable of imagining, desiring and putting into practice an anarchist life.” [Malatesta, Op. Cit., p. 28] Kropotkin summed up the anarchist perspective well when he argued that working class people had “to form their own organisations for a direct struggle against capitalism” and to “take possession of the necessaries for production, and to control production.” [Memiors of a Revolutionist, p. 359] As historian J. Romero Maura correctly summarised, the “anarchist revolution, when it came, would be essentially brought about by the working class. Revolutionaries needed to gather great strength and must beware of underestimating the strength of reaction” and so anarchists “logically decided that revolutionaries had better organise along the lines of labour organisations.” [“The Spanish case”, pp. 60–83, Anarchism Today, D. Apter and J. Joll (eds.), p. 66]

As will quickly become obvious in this discussion (as if it had not been so before!) anarchists are firm supporters of “self-help,” an expression that has been sadly corrupted (like freedom) by the right in recent times. Like freedom, self-help should be saved from the clutches of the right who have no real claim to that expression. Indeed, anarchism was created from and based itself upon working class self-help — for what other interpretation can be gathered from Proudhon’s 1848 statement that “the proletariat must emancipate itself”? [quoted by George Woodcock, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, p. 125] So Anarchists have great faith in the abilities of working class people to work out for themselves what their problems are and act to solve them.

Anarchist support and promotion of alternatives is a key aspect of this process of self-liberation, and so a key aspect of anarchism. While strikes, boycotts, and other forms of high profile direct action may be more “sexy” than the long and hard task of creating and building social alternatives, these are the nuts and bolts of creating a new world as well as the infrastructure which supports the other activities. These alternatives involve both combative organisations (such as community and workplace unions) as well as more defensive and supportive ones (such as co-operatives and mutual banks). Both have their part to play in the class struggle, although the combative ones are the most important in creating the spirit of revolt and the possibility of creating an anarchist society.

We must also stress that anarchists look to organic tendencies within social struggle as the basis of any alternatives we try to create. As Kropotkin put it, anarchism is based “on an analysis of tendencies of an evolution that is already going on in society, and on induction therefrom as to the future.” It is “representative … of the creative, instructive power of the people themselves who aimed at developing institutions of common law in order to protect them from the power-seeking minority.” Anarchism bases itself on those tendencies that are created by the self-activity of working class people and while developing within capitalism are in opposition to it — such tendencies are expressed in organisational form as unions and other forms of workplace struggle, co-operatives (both productive and credit), libertarian schools, and so on. For anarchism was “born among the people — in the struggles of real life and not in the philosopher’s studio” and owes its “origin to the constructive, creative activity of the people … and to a protest — a revolt against the external force which had thrust itself upon” social institutions. [Anarchism, p. 158, p. 147, p. 150 and p. 149] This “creative activity” is expressed in the organisations created in the class struggle by working people, some of which we discuss in this section of the FAQ. Therefore, the alternatives anarchists support should not be viewed in isolation of social struggle and working class resistance to hierarchy — the reverse in fact, as these alternatives are almost always expressions of that struggle.

Lastly, we should note we do not list all the forms of organisation anarchists create. For example, we have ignored solidarity groups (for workers on strike or in defence of struggles in other countries) and organisations which are created to campaign against or for certain issues or reforms. Anarchists are in favour of such organisations and work within them to spread anarchist ideas, tactics and organisational forms. However, these interest groups (while very useful) do not provide a framework for lasting change as do the ones we highlight below (see section J.1.4 for more details on anarchist opinions on such “single issue” campaigns). We have also ignored what have been called “intentional communities.” This is when a group of individuals squat or buy land and other resources within capitalism and create their own anarchist commune in it. Most anarchists reject this idea as capitalism and the state must be fought, not ignored. In addition, due to their small size, they are rarely viable experiments in communal living and nearly always fail after a short time (for a good summary of Kropotkin’s attitude to such communities, which can be taken as typical, see Graham Purchase’s Evolution & Revolution [pp. 122–125]). Dropping out will not stop capitalism and the state and while such communities may try to ignore the system, they will find that the system will not ignore them — they will come under competitive and ecological pressures from capitalism whether they like it or not assuming they avoid direct political interference.

So the alternatives we discuss here are attempts to create anarchist alternatives within capitalism and which aim to change it (either by revolutionary or evolutionary means). They are based upon challenging capitalism and the state, not ignoring them by dropping out. Only by a process of direct action and building alternatives which are relevant to our daily lives can we revolutionise and change both ourselves and society.

[thehopefuljournalist]

According to a new survey, lawmakers are playing an increasingly important role in holding corporations and governments accountable for failures to tackle the climate crisis.

The research was done by Columbia Law School, and was commissioned by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). It revealed that the number of climate-related court cases has more than doubled since 2017 and is steadily rising around the world.

Their report confirms a trend highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023, which claimed that individuals and environmental organizations were, more and more, turning to the law, as it became clear that the pace of transition to net-zero emissions was too slow.

“Climate litigation is increasing and concerns about emissions under-reporting and greenwashing have triggered calls for new regulatory oversight for the transition to net zero,” the Forum report said.

The UNEP report catalogues a number of high-profile court cases which have succeeded in enforcing climate action. In 2017, when climate case numbers were last counted, 884 legal actions had been brought. Today the total stands at 2,180.

The majority of climate cases to this date (1,522) have been brought in the US, followed by Australia, the UK, and the EU. The report notes that the number of legal actions in developing countries is growing, now at 17% of the total.

Climate litigation is also giving a voice to vulnerable groups who are being hard hit by climate change. The report says that, globally, 34 cases have been brought by children and young people, including two by girls aged seven and nine in Pakistan and India.

Here are five of the climate breakthroughs achieved by legal action so far.

1. Torres Strait Islanders Vs Australia

In September 2022, indigenous people living on islands in the Torres Strait between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea won a landmark ruling that their human rights were being violated by the failure of the Australian government to take effective climate action.

The UN Human Rights Committee ruling established the principle that a country could be in breach of international human rights law over climate inaction. They ruled that Australia's poor climate record was a violation of the islanders’ right to family life and culture.

2. The Paris Agreement is a human rights treaty

In July 2022, Brazil's supreme court ruled that the Paris climate agreement is legally a human rights treaty which, it said, meant that it automatically overruled any domestic laws which conflicted with the country’s climate obligations.

The ruling ordered the government to reopen its national climate mitigation fund, which had been established under the Paris Agreement.

3. Climate inaction is a breach of human rights

Upholding an earlier court ruling that greenhouse emissions must be cut by 25% by 2020, the Netherlands Supreme Court ruled that failure to curb emissions was a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The December 2019 ruling stated that, although it was up to politicians to decide how to make the emission cuts, failure to do so would be a breach of Articles 2 and 8 of the Convention which affirm the right to life and respect for private and family life.

4. Companies are bound by the Paris accord

Corporations, and not just governments, must abide by the emissions reductions agreed in the Paris climate treaty. This principle was established by a 2021 ruling in the Netherlands brought by environmentalists against energy group Royal Dutch Shell.

The court ordered Shell to cut its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 bringing them in line with Paris climate targets. The judge was reported as saying there was "worldwide agreement" that a 45% reduction was needed, adding: "This applies to the entire world, so also to Shell”.

5. Courts overturn state climate plans

Up until now, three European governments have been defeated in the courts over their climate plans.

In March 2021, Germany’s highest court struck down a climate law requiring 55% emissions by 2030 cuts, ruling it did not do enough to protect citizens’ rights to life and health. The same year, the French government was ordered to take “immediate and concrete action” to comply with its climate commitments. And in 2022, the UK’s climate strategy was ruled unlawful for failing to spell out how emissions cuts would be made.

[yourturntofnaf]

taking a shot at working through this deleted scene... 

Our research has finally taken shape and borne fruit. / The artificial intelligences created by humans thus far have mostly excelled in their learning capabilities and been developed to support humans. / AI is anticipated to achieve growth and efficiency far beyond humans. But at the same time, something is being discarded there. / Emotions. / Emotions, which one would think have an inseparable connection to the formation of intelligence, have been treated as a nuisance. / Yet AI development that prioritizes emotions is a difficult prospect in this country. / They are unwilling to fund researchers who do "romantic" research with no clear profit. So it is extremely difficult. / Under normal circumstances, that is. / We gave the researchers the best possible environment for their work. And at last, they achieved things they could not have in the world above. / No need for growth or learning. / It's an artificial intelligence that simply has "a human heart." / An absurdly fascinating... and absurdly pointless... artificial intelligence. / I want you to imagine it. The family member, the lover, the friend you adored will stay unchanging on a screen. / Your parents when they were young and lively. Your innocent girlfriend from when you first met. Your friend who would talk with you untiringly. / If you wish it, you can have it, anytime. / ~The Green and Gentle Peace Committee~

first, I would like to point out the use of the word "discarded" which is also used by Safalin during the Liazer scene.

this dialog also says emotions have been viewed as a nuisance which I feel corresponds to Gashu's view of positive emotions. he saw them as a problem, a burden getting in the way of the perfect Asu-naro candidate.

less relevant to the point, but I took notice of the note of the "best possible environment", which seems to tie into Michiru's recruitment file which stated she could be drawn in with the ideal work. if this is about Namida, this may be placing her recruitment on the timeline around a similar time to Ranger's development. 

now, I want to make note that this is not exclusively about Ranger and there's a clear issue as to why: they describe that they created an AI with a human heart. this is something that is specifically stated to not be given to Ranger until the Laizer scene. I don't think this dialog is about only him, and I'll get into who else I think may be involved soon.

While we are here though, I would like to throw out a possibility that the Ranger with a heart, aka Laizer, was the original creation. As I mentioned Safalin says the emotions were discarded, not that they were never present. I could see a world where Ranger was created in full replica of Sei and Gashu, likely very early in Ranger's existence, decided that was not good enough and made Michiru change it. This could have happened before Ranger was even fully conscious, or something akin to being shut down and remodeled occurred. this could be similar to dying, and Ranger himself told us the AIs could not be programmed to handle memories of their deaths. At the same time though, it's extremely possible this was about Sei, and she was explaining that what he was originally modeled off of possessed these emotions that were discarded from his creation. 

anyways, back to the point at hand.

rather than being about one specific AI, I think it's a declaration of the radical development of Asu-naro. it's a statement of their ability to perfectly replicate a human using artificial intelligence. 

so, now for the more speculative part. the examples they give of the purpose of this intelligence can line up with some actual creations we have seen. 

the family member would be Ranger being created in Sei's vision. the lover could be Emiri's fiancée (that one is a big stretch, but I'll explain why this came to mind for me). finally, the friend could be the Shin AI, created for Midori who "adored" him, for better or worse. 

the section following this could be the corresponding human who would request the creation of these AIs. 

"Your parents when they were young and lively" referring to Gashu, references back to when he was more alive in the times before Sei was killed.

"Your innocent girlfriend from when you first met" would be Emiri/Miley. this specific line is what made me connect the lover to her fiancé. the word innocent fits into her before asu-naro, back from when they first met at their workplace before she would have been lured into asu-naro, the company that took innocence out of her. 

"Your friend who would talk with you untiringly" loosely fits Shin and Sou's dynamic. this line differs from the others by not giving a positive descriptor of the other such as lively or innocent, rathee simply describes what the other benefited from their bond. in my eyes, this fits how Hiyori seems to perceive relations with others. 

in support of these lines referring to the requesting human, we can safely say Hiyori selfishly made the Shin AI. I think it is likely Gashu was the original requester of creating Ranger, which might have been hinted at when Sara recognized the importance of Ranger by thinking he may exist in the placement of a son Gashu has missed having. 

so, what does my interpretation mean to me? 

1. this brings up the possibility of Emiri's fiancée returning through the means of AI, if he hasn't already. we could tie this in with the theory of Hayasaka being her partner who we have already seen returned in AI existence. 

2. this could give context to what Emiri and Michiru were recruited for, and what their role in the company was pre death game. this dialog could point to them being brought into the ideal environment, something Michiru specifically desired, to model these new AIs. I think this recruitment context could also be evidenced by another deleted scene describing researchers coming together to "build a human: 

these two obviously don't line up directly with Michiru and Emiri going off of the given names, but I wanted to point out this example of a dialog that once again describes researchers coming together to create a human-like AI. now I will say it's interesting both of these scenes are deleted, so perhaps this concept may have been scrapped anyways.

3. it's interesting to see that Nankidai has had Ranger and Sei's story planned out this whole time. looking back at chapter 2 it feels so obvious. the previously mentioned Sara line about Ranger being a stand-in for Gashu's son was picked up as being about Kai at the time, but now clearly fits Sei. the way Safalin explains Ranger's existence to him feels like she was boarding telling him about Sei; saying that he isn't complete, that he lost what he once had, and that Ranger isn't his true name. even the surrounding setting of Ranger's death, dying next to a Yabusame being comforted by their sibling hurts so much more thinking about Kai being with Sei when he was killed. it all makes me appreciate Nankidai's planning and execution. 

thank you for reading if you made it this far! just want to say this is only my interpretation and I'm sure it's not fully accurate to whatever the original intentions were. also, this scene is deleted so even if any of this is correct it may now be totally irrelevant.

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : OCTOBER ✧• ─

2 OCTOBER - William chaired a Meeting of The Prince's Council. 3 OCTOBER - William and Catherine carried out engagements to mark the Seventy Fifth Anniversary of the arrival of HMT EMPIRE WINDRUSH to the UK, and the start of Black History Month. They were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan (Mrs. Morfudd Meredith) as they visited Race Council Cymru at Grange Pavilion. Afterwards, William and her visited Fitzalan High School. 4 OCTOBER - He held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 5 OCTOBER - William shot for a Blue Peter appearance. Afterwards, he was received by Mr. Christopher Wellbelove (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London) at Sustainable Ventures. Subsequently, he attended the Aston Villa V HSK Zrinjski Group E, UEFA Europa Conference League match. 8 OCTOBER - William wrote the Foreword for The Earthshot Prize: A Handbook for Dreamers and Thinkers: Solutions to Repair our Planet. 10 OCTOBER - William and Catherine attended the Exploring our Emotional Worlds Forum and were received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands (Sir John Crabtree). They also gave a short interview to BBC Radio One. 11 OCTOBER - He met emergency responders at the Blue Light Hub and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire (Countess Howe). 12 OCTOBER - William and Catherine met athletes and parents taking part in a mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre and were received by Mrs. Felicity Rutland (Deputy Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire). Afterwards, William recieved Prince Rahim Aga Khan (Chairman, Aga Khan Development Network's Environment and Climate Committee) Subsequently, he represented was by Mrs. Rebecca Priestley at the Memorial for Mr. Alan Rind (Trustee, the Rind Foundation). 13 OCTOBER - William received representatives from the Council of the Isles of Scilly at Windsor Castle. He was awarded the Green Blue Peter Badge and appeared on Blue Peter's 65th Anniversary Episode. 14 OCTOBER - William and George were received by His Majesty's Ambassador to the French Republic (Her Excellency Dame Menna Rawlings) as they attended the Wales V Argentina Rugby World Cup Quarter Final Match in Marseille. 18 OCTOBER - He spoke via video link to fire fighters fighting wildfires across Canada. 19 OCTOBER - William appeared in ITV’s Documentary - Pride Of Britain: A Windrush Special as he paid a visit to Alford Gardner, one of the last two surviving passengers from the Empire Windrush. 31 OCTOBER - William received Ms. Fara Williams (Advocate, "Homewards" Programme).