#fastest growing industries in the world

[reasonsforhope]

"GNN has reported several times over the last three years about large baleen whales returning to waters in which they haven’t been sighted for decades.

Now again, news from Argentina shows that the benefits of the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling are still compounding, with sei whales returning to the South American nation’s coastal waters for the first time in nearly a [century].

Overhunting during the 1920s and 1930s led these massive blue-grey giants to abandon their ancestral waters in Argentina.

“After nearly a century of being hunted to near extinction, sei whale populations are now bouncing back and returning to their former habitats,” said Mariano Coscarella, a biologist and marine ecosystem researcher at Argentina’s CONICET scientific agency, who added that the whales “reproduce every two or three years, so it nearly took 100 years for their population to reach a level where people could notice their presence.”

The third largest whale in the world, the sei can grow up to 64 feet (20 meters) in length and weigh up to 31 tons (28 tonnes). It’s also among the fastest whales in the world, and is certainly the fastest for its size group. It can swim 31 mph over short distances.

Despite being recognized on the IUCN Red List as Endangered, there are estimated to be 50,000 sei whales in a global population that is trending up.

Apart from sei whales and Argentina, a recent survey in the Seychelles sighted 10 groups of at least a few blue whales, the first such observations since 1966.

Back in March, a New England Aquarium aerial survey team sighted a gray whale off the New England coast last week, a species that has been extinct in the Atlantic for more than 200 years.

The largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, is returning to coastal Californian waters in numbers not seen since before the whaling industry, GNN reported in 2023 based on a 2014 survey.

And down in Antarctica, where many different whale species come to feed and breed, recent surveys have found the Southern Ocean is once again becoming a Sarengetti for whales, with an estimated 8,000 Southern fin whales found between 2018 and 2019."

-via Good News Network, May 16, 2024

[thepagansun]

Respect Neo-Pagans and Our Gods!

Although they probably will never see it (or care), this post is meant for Hollywood, Netflix, Marvel and all other industries and streaming platforms that are hosting shows based on but twisting pagan or polytheist "mythology" or ancient religions such as Gods of Egypt, Immortals, Clash of the Titans, Thor: Love and Thunder, DT17, Supernatural, Kaos, Twilight of the Gods, Blood of Zeus, Percy Jackson, Xena: Warrior Princess, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Record of Ragnarok, American Gods, Lore Olympus, and God of War games, etc.

The trend of creating content that demonizes, humiliates, or insults our Gods is upsetting and unfair. Creative and artistic license is one thing, but it's a double-standard for content about the monotheistic god or religions to be treated with respect even when under academic criticism while are ours are depicted as one-dimensional, villainized and humiliated. We are asking for that same respect.

Yes, content about any kind of "mythology" is fun, but the modern world needs to please remember that these were and still are RELIGIONS to many people around the world, myself included.

People worshipped these Gods, listened to their stories around the fire, married under their vows, raised their children, went to war, and but also built magnificent structures, wrote literature, prayed in their temples, and many more!

In fact, we still have vestiges of their worship! The names of the months and days of the week in the Western world come from Roman or Norse/Germanic Gods, the Olympic Games were originally dedicated to Zeus, the Hippocratic Oath was originally a prayer offered to Apollo, people from all over the ancient world visited the shrine and oracle at Apollo's Delphi, and many more examples.

And while yes, sometimes people were sacrificed to some pagan Gods (not so much the Greeks or Romans), but are we really going to pretend that many more people haven't died in the name of Christianity or Islam??

Lord Zeus wasn't just some womanizer, he was also King of the Gods, Father of Gods and Humans, the God of Hospitality, Oaths, Lightning, Law, Order, Authority, Monarchy, etc.

This was also Lord Zeus of the ancient Greeks:

This was also Lord Odin of the ancient Norse:

This was also Lady Hera of the ancient Greeks:

This was also Lord Ra of the ancient Egyptians:

This was also Lord Huracan of the ancient Maya:

Even if you personally don't worship these Gods, at least respect the fact that your ancestors did. Imagine if 100-200 years from now your descendants start making movies and shows that demonize or humiliate Yahweh, Jesus, Allah and Mohammed, etc.!

In fact, neo-paganism is the fastest growing religion in the United States: https://commonwealthpolicycenter.org/paganism-is-americas-fastest-growing-religion/#:~:text=Paganism%20is%20one%20of%20the,a%20broader%20form%20of%20paganism.

Members of Ásatrù, heathen religion of Iceland, honoring the Norse Gods:

Members of Hellenism, honoring the ancient Greek Gods:

Members of my religion, Nova Roma, honoring the ancient Roman Gods:

Traditional African religion:

Traditional Maya religion:

Members of Wicca at Stonehenge, the biggest Neo-Pagan religion in the world with 3-5 million practioners worldwide!

Our Gods are our RELIGION, not just your "mythology!" And both They and we, their followers, deserve the same respect you expect for your religions.

And they at least would never condemn you to an eternal fiery pit simply for not believing in them, unlike some other god I could mention.

They are here. We are here. They exist. We exist. And we are not going anywhere.

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

Any suggestions for multi-chapter fics with an alternate meeting and happy ending

So many great fics! I have tried to give you a selection, the first few have a festive theme; then some recent fics; and some old classics. Let me know if you like them! ~Jen

Here is our alternative meeting tab.

A boyfriend for Christmas by @caramelcoffeeaddict CoffeeAddict80

When Kurt takes his 6-year-old nephew, Caleb, to see Santa, he's mortified when Caleb asks Santa to give his Uncle Kurt a new boyfriend for Christmas; Blaine - who is working as one of Santa's helpers - however, is eager to help Caleb get his Christmas wish.

~~~~~

The Christmas Guest by @lilyvandersteen

Kurt goes home for the holidays and finds out a fellow passenger will have no-one to celebrate with, so he invites him to spend Christmas with the Hummel-Hudsons. Somehow, Kurt's family thinks the guy he brought home is his boyfriend. As the days go by, and his Christmas guest proves enchanting in every way, Kurt finds himself wishing they truly were dating. Could his wish come true?

~~~~~~

It's who I'm with by hundredindecisions

In an attempt to make industry connections (and pay rent), Kurt gets a job as a nanny for the daughter of a Broadway producer. When bringing her to a piano lesson one day in December, he meets Blaine Anderson, personal assistant to a famed pianist. (For Klaine Advent 2021)

~~~~~

Leaps and Dives by @annepi-blog

As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, gymnast Blaine Anderson and diver Kurt Hummel find themselves navigating more than just their athletic dreams. Blaine, focused on his second chance at Olympic glory, crosses paths with Kurt, a newcomer to the world of professional diving with extraordinary talent. What begins as a chance encounter blossoms into something neither of them expected.

~~~~~

Sonder by @gleefulpoppet

[AU] Kurt is one of the most respected and talked about men in the fashion industry and business world. His app Style•Revolution is the fastest-growing app in history, still rising after three years. Recently, he moved the company to Seattle to be at the heart of the newest technology epicenter in the United States. Yet, with all his success, experience keeps teaching him to be wary of people’s motives who want to be close to him, and he wonders if he’ll be alone forever. Or maybe this city has plans for him that he can’t imagine when his gaze locks with a mysterious, honey-hazel-eyed busker.

~~~~~

Swords and sands by exquisitetragicthing

Ancient Rome AU, 73 years BC.

Blaine and Kurt are enslaved in the same grand villa in Capua, 125 miles south of Rome. Blaine is a renowned gladiator known for his unmatched skill in the arena. Kurt is their master’s treasured body slave and performer. In a time where their love could be as dangerous as the sword, they find themselves instantly and irrevocably drawn to each other.

~~~~~

Crema verse by twobirdsonesong (Main verse plus 65 one shots!)

Kurt’s just landed a job at Vogue as Carrie Bradshaw’s assistant. One of his tasks is to bring her coffee in the morning. Enter Blaine, the barista. This is the story of how they change each other’s lives.

~~~~~

Syrup and Honey By @heartsmadeofbooks

Kurt Hummel is 25 years old when he finds himself being the owner of the bakery he had been dreaming about his whole life, just in time to sweeten up Blaine Anderson's days.

~~~~~

Barking up the wrong bakery by maanorchidee @forabeatofadrum

Kurt is the biggest dog party planner in Los Angeles. When his usual dog bakery cancels on Kurt, he’s in the dire need of a last minute replacement. Luckily, he comes across the Dalton Doggy dog bakery, which is run by Blaine and Cooper Anderson. Cooper’s a mess, but Blaine manages to charm Kurt. Will Kurt be able to keep it professional?

~~~~~

The Symphony verse by Shandyall

Blaine has spent most of his life feeling like the only thing people notice about him is that he stutters. He’s working hard to overcome his (mostly self created) roadblocks when he meets Kurt in an online class the summer after his freshman year of college.

~~~~~~

Westerville Abbey verse by @hkvoyage

Blaine is the second son of the earl of Westerville, and is considered the spare heir. After his 18th birthday, he attends the London Season to fulfill his duty of finding a wife. He soon realizes he is more attracted to the new footman. Kurt, who has just arrived at Westerville Abbey to work alongside his father, becomes equally as smitten with the earl’s youngest son. Will Blaine and Kurt be able to overcome their class differences in 1910s England? Will their forbidden love survive WW1? A Downton Abbey inspired historical Klaine AU.

[probablyasocialecologist]

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland has made a discovery that they say could turn recycling e-waste into a literal goldmine. The researchers devised a novel way to extract precious metal from electronic waste, a sustainable method that is based on a byproduct from the food industry. And it's pretty lucrative as well. For each dollar spent, the team suggests you could make $50 worth of gold. Best of all, they say, it's an incredibly environmentally friendly process. The team found that protein fibril sponges, made from protein-rich byproducts from cheesemaking, can be used to extract the gold from discarded e-waste.

[...]

According to the World Health Organization, e-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world, with millions of electrical devices being discarded and thrown away. Without being recycled properly, this waste is not only incredibly harmful to the environment, but it can also be toxic to humans.

[gleefulpoppet]

NOW COMPLETE

Sonder Word Count: 460,500 [Explicit] Lots of art and photographs

[AU] Kurt is one of the most respected and talked about men in the fashion industry and business world. His app Style•Revolution is the fastest-growing app in history, still rising after three years. Recently, he moved the company to Seattle to be at the heart of the newest technology epicenter in the United States. Yet, with all his success, experience keeps teaching him to be wary of people’s motives who want to be close to him, and he wonders if he’ll be alone forever. Or maybe this city has plans for him that he can’t imagine when his gaze locks with a mysterious, honey-hazel-eyed busker.

You can read on AO3 [here].

[fxdltc88]

Happy Anniversary Little Caesars!

Little Caesars was established at 32594 Cherry Hill Rd.

May 8th 1959, in Garden City, Mi.

Mike Ilitch played second base for the Tigers and a couple of other teams beginning in 1952.....thanks to a knee injury, he had to retire in 1955.

Little Caesars' history says it all began as a love story in 1954, when Ilitch and Marian Bayoff were thrown together on a blind date by Mike's dad. Fortunately, they hit it off, and it was just a few months later when they married. The two of them pooled their life savings in order to open their own business: a pizza restaurant.

1962 Little Caesars first franchise opened in Warren, called “Little Caesars Pizza Treat”. This featured the “Little Caesar guy eating a slice of pizza” logo. From there, Little Caesars really began to branch out and became the fastest-growing pizza chain in America.

That single mom-and-pop pizza shop grew into the third largest pizza chain in the world with stores in more than 27 countries and territories worldwide, including in each of the 50 U.S. states.

The growth of Little Caesars helped Mike and Marian create other leading brands in the food, sports and entertainment industries.

The couple purchased the Detroit Red Wings in 1982. While the team was known as the Dead Wings at the time, Mike and Marian believed they were a sleeping giant and immediately took charge to turn the team around. By 1997, the Red Wings won their first Stanley Cup in 42 years, and they went on to win three more.

Mike encouraged the Ford family to bring the Detroit Lions back to Detroit from the suburbs and build a new stadium right next door to the ballpark by relinquishing a portion of land to make way for the new stadium. The new football venue allowed Detroit to host the Super Bowl in 2006.

Today - true to Mike and Marian's vision for a bustling downtown area - the Ilitch organization is developing The District Detroit, a dynamic urban destination that provides a dense neighborhood experience featuring a variety of developments alongside Detroit's premier sports and entertainment venues. This includes the new highly innovative and state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, and the recipient of the 2018 Sports Facility of the Year award, presented by Sports Business Journal.

Throughout Mike’s life, he remained true to his hometown and was a zealous supporter of Detroit, working tirelessly to help it prosper and to bring pride to the city. In 1988, Mike and Marian purchased the neglected Fox Theatre and carefully restored it to its original 1928 splendor.

One year later, they moved the Little Caesars world headquarters from the suburbs into the newly renovated Fox Office Center adjacent to the restored theatre. This was during a time when many businesses were fleeing the city.

Mike displayed further commitment to the city he loved when he purchased the Detroit Tigers in 1992 and built a new state-of-the-art ballpark for the team. Remembering his early years as a minor league baseball player with the Tigers, he did everything in his power to make the fan experience at Comerica Park a memorable one.

Mike and Marian believed passionately in giving back to the community. As the parents of children who played hockey, the couple wanted to provide other children the opportunity to play the sport as well. So, they established the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey Program in 1968, and it has provided opportunities for tens of thousands of youngsters to play the great game of hockey over the years. Hundreds have gone on to play at colleges, universities and in the National Hockey League.

Inspired by the story of a veteran returning to civilian life, Mike founded the Little Caesars Veterans Program in 2006. The program provides honorably discharged veterans with financial incentives and other support to help them open a Little Caesars franchise.

Since 2000, grants and giving from Marian and Mike, the Ilitch companies and its charitable affiliates have totaled $220 million. This includes Marian and Mike's personal gifts of nearly $50 million to Detroit's Wayne State University - $8 million to the Department of Surgery and $40 million to build a new home for the Mike Ilitch School of Business, prominently located on Woodward Avenue.

[solarpunkbusiness]

Toilet paper is most often made of wood pulp, which, in the U.S., is generally sourced from Canada. Some of the most popular toilet paper brands score an F on sustainability from the National Resources Defense Council because they are made almost entirely from forest fiber.

New products from Green Forest, Who Gives a Crap and a startup called Reel Paper, are transforming an industry that is ripe for disruption. Reel Paper uses bamboo instead of wood pulp. Bamboo is a grass, not a tree

"It is one of the fastest growing plants in the world. When you cut it down, it regenerates from the same root structure, and you can harvest that every three years, so we've found it's the best sustainable resource to create high-quality paper good items," said Reel Paper CEO David VanHimbergen.

He added bamboo's longer fibers make it ideal for balancing softness and strength.

"It's a small change that, as people can transition to something more sustainable, can have a meaningful impact because of the frequency of usage," he added

[miiju86]

Shopping at Walmart GONE WRONG

These guys even posed as employees with the uniform and all and worked in a team of at least two men, trying to lure the victim out of the store to her car. These are most likely human traffickers and cases like this are sadly not just extreme outliers/seldom occurrences, but common practices.

Seemingly harmless things like per example getting asked to please help an apparently injured person or something with a car or an invitation* to a - fake - job interview are getting used by traffickers.

(*there exist cases, where traffickers scout social media/networks to find and target young women who, per example, are looking for a job; just to then try to lure and drug them. Be wary with your info - where you are and/or where you are going, esp. in realtime, where you live/work/go to school and if you can get contacted by complete strangers etc.)

Women and girls are especially targeted: 71% of all human trafficking victims worldwide - forced labor trafficking & sex trafficking combined - are female.

In sex trafficking specifically, the numbers climb up to from around 94% to even 99%(!)* of all victims being female, women and girls.

* Studies suggest that only about 0.04% survivors of human trafficking cases get ever identified, meaning that the vast majority of cases of human trafficking go undetected. 

Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world, second only to drug trafficking.

Be safe out there and always listen to your gut. Don't be afraid to verify/check things first, to ask someonefor help or even as simple to just say 'no'.

[successinsider]

Success Insider - Learn from the World’s Leading Experts in Personal Growth

You can become the most effective version of yourself and unleash your complete potential in the realm of personal development. Success Insider is at your disposal to provide comprehensive guidance throughout your course of self-exploration and personal development. Personal growth enthusiasts are presented with a one-of-a-kind opportunity by Success Insider, which boasts an unmatched collection of resources and access to some of the world's foremost authorities in the field.

Therefore, if you are prepared to take control of your life and attain exceptional outcomes, let us take a look into the remarkable advantages that accompany making an investment in your personal development via Success Insider! Let’s Take an Honest Success Insider Review.

The Benefits of Investing in Personal Growth

Self-awareness is a major benefit of personal progress. Introspection and reflection help you understand your strengths, flaws, values, and ambitions. Self-awareness lets you make conscious choices that reflect your true self.

Continuous learning is another benefit of personal progress. Reading, attending seminars or workshops, or working with mentors or coaches can help you learn new skills that will improve all aspects of your life.

Personal growth builds resilience to adversity. Personal growth equips you to handle adversity gracefully and persistently. Learn to adapt to change with a positive outlook.

Personal growth also improves relationships. Develop empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence within yourself, and it will automatically show in your interactions with others. You get better at forming trusting, respectful relationships.

Personal growth boosts personal and professional success. When we invest in ourselves by extending our skillset or thinking, we open doors for job advancement and new opportunities.

How did Success Insider start?

Tim Han started Success Insider out of a sincere desire to assist friends and acquaintances who were looking for guidance on personal development. At first, Tim saw that he was responding to identical inquiries in private messages. Acknowledging the possibility of expanding his reach and optimizing his endeavors, he made the choice to establish the Success Insider YouTube channel. The intention was to spare him from having to repeat each person's response by imparting insightful knowledge to a larger audience.

By starting to post videos answering commonly requested issues, Tim inadvertently created the conditions for a life-changing experience. He had no idea that one of his videos would become extremely popular and see over 1.2 million views in just five days.

Success Insider's sudden rise to prominence helped it become the world's fastest-growing personal development channel in 2016. This signaled to Tim Han that it was time to follow his higher calling, and that's how Success Insider truly began a platform that would go on to change innumerable lives.

Conclusion

Success Insider has helped people worldwide follow their personal growth journey. Its platform offers tremendous opportunities to learn from personal development gurus worldwide. These experts offer advice on mindset shifts and practical ways to help you reach your potential.

With this fast-moving life, personal improvement is one of the wise investments you can make. Your abilities will develop, giving you a life that is fulfilling, successful and purposeful. You will be able to open doors for opportunities and become the best version of yourself.

Read more about Success Insider - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding.

Success Insider provides a unique platform for professional insights. With a few clicks or taps on your device, you may access a wealth of information to inspire and motivate your personal progress. Success Insider makes learning fun with podcasts, interviews, articles, and courses by industry leaders.

[moneeb0930]

FACTS AB0UT RWANDA Y0U DIDN'T KN0W 🇷🇼

• Women make up 64% percent of the Rwandan parliament.

• Rwanda 🇷🇼 was once còlonized by Germany and Belgium.

•Rwanda is the smallest country in East Africa.

•In spite of Rwanda’s small size, it is made up of several diverse ecosystems.

• Rwanda’s local language is Kinyarwanda, though French, English, and Swahili are widely spoken.

•Rwanda is one of the safest countries in the world.

•Rwanda and Burundi used to be the same country.

•The Rwandan gen0cide was almost 29 years ago.

•Rwanda is landlocked.

•Animal and environmental conservation is a big priority.

• Rwandan coffee is too good.

•Once a month, the country participates in a mandatory national community service initiative.

•Tourism is one of Rwanda’s fastest-growing industries.

•Kigali, Rwanda is the clèanest city in Africa.

•Rwanda hosts a car-free day to promote exercise and healthy living.

•Rwanda is home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas

•Rwanda is a predominantly Christian country, with around 60% of the population belonging to the Catholic Church.

•Some of the most important traditions in Rwanda revolve around family, community, and religion. Rwandan families are typically large and close-knit, with many extended family members living together in one household.

[teecupangel]

What if we take the fact that Desmond gets an eevee in all of the Pokémon aus and combine it with the Desmond gets turned into an animal subgenre into Desmond gets sent into the past as an eevee and disregarding the need for evolutionary stones and just going off of the lore of eevee evolving to suit their habitat what eeveelution each protag would end up with

…………………

Nonny.

There’s only one true answer to this…

And it is: SYLVEON!!!

There’s no way in hell that Desmond as an Eevee would not evolve into a Sylveon. No matter which protagonist it is, Desmond would definitely become their loyal and closest friend, especially if it’s one of Desmond’s ancestors!

Sylveon!Desmond is inevitable!

Sylveon!Desmond is canon!

…

…

But because it’s fun to think about other possibilities, here’s what I think Desmond would evolve into for each protagonist IF AND ONLY IF Sylveon is not available:

Altaïr: Jolteon, mainly because Jolteon is the fastest of the Eeveelutions and Desmond would want to keep up with Altaïr. Also, Jolteon’s electric moves, especially Thunder Wave that paralyzes opponents, would be something Altaïr would prefer to have as it could be used in combat and utility (With a Jolteon!Desmond, Altaïr could honestly speed up technological advancement to OP levels)

Ezio: Vaporeon, mostly because of Venice and Rome having large bodies of water that a Vaporeon could take advantage of. Not only that but Desmond would definitely go for a water type evolution on the slim chance he could save Monteriggioni by dousing the fires that would erupt from Cesare’s attack.

Ratonhnhaké:ton: Probably Leafeon to be honest due to the abundance of forest that Ratonhnhaké:ton would travel to. If I was being mean, I would pick Flareon as a reference to the burning of his village and how that tragedy shaped Ratonhnhaké:ton. (Doubly-mean would be Desmond actually evolving during the burning of his village and he’d be a constant reminder of that day and Ratonhnhaké:ton’s mother’s death)

(BONUS) Haytham: I wanna give him Vaporeon and that’s because Desmond had already evolved when he was with Edward and he’s staying with Haytham because he cares for the Kenway family. If Desmond is an Eevee when Haytham finds him, he’d probably evolve to an Umbreon instead, maybe?

Edward: Vaporeon, hands down. The whole sailing thing is the main reason why.

Shay: Glaceon because of how Shay’s Morrigan traveled to icy locations.

Arno: Espeon because of Arno’s strange almost psychic capabilities to see the memories of the people he kills. Espeon was also picked because that big red jewel on the forehead would be a symbol of the nobility that Arno is part of and surrounded when he was growing up.

Jacob and Evie: Flareon for both the industrial setup of London that focuses on fire and heat. Also, Flareon shows how many of Jacob and Evie’s missions usually ends in an explosive manner (usually metaphorically but can also be literal).

Bayek: I kinda wanna say Leafeon because there are a lot of luscious greenery in Egypt as well but probably Umbreon as a reference to the mystery that Bayek is trying to uncover and also as a reference to how his ‘memory corridor’ is always shrouded in darkness.

Kassandra: Espeon because of the weird demi-god stuff Kassandra can do is more or less sorta connected to Espeon’s psychic capabilities. Both cannot be explained as human feats.

Eivor: Glaceon because of Norway and as a reference to where Yggdrassil can be found.

As for the other Pokemon AU…

Here’s the Detective Pikachu AU where Desmond gets transported into that world.

Here's our ideas with what Pokemons AC protagonists (bonus: Desmond's sun-themed Pokemon party) and the Isus should have (bonus: Bayek's must have Pokemon XD)

[reasonsforhope]

"India’s announcement that it aims to reach net zero emissions by 2070 and to meet fifty percent of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030 is a hugely significant moment for the global fight against climate change. India is pioneering a new model of economic development that could avoid the carbon-intensive approaches that many countries have pursued in the past – and provide a blueprint for other developing economies.

The scale of transformation in India is stunning. Its economic growth has been among the highest in the world over the past two decades, lifting of millions of people out of poverty. Every year, India adds a city the size of London to its urban population, involving vast construction of new buildings, factories and transportation networks. Coal and oil have so far served as bedrocks of India’s industrial growth and modernisation, giving a rising number of Indian people access to modern energy services. This includes adding new electricity connections for 50 million citizens each year over the past decade. 

The rapid growth in fossil energy consumption has also meant India’s annual CO2 emissions have risen to become the third highest in the world. However, India’s CO2 emissions per person put it near the bottom of the world’s emitters, and they are lower still if you consider historical emissions per person. The same is true of energy consumption: the average household in India consumes a tenth as much electricity as the average household in the United States.  

India’s sheer size and its huge scope for growth means that its energy demand is set to grow by more than that of any other country in the coming decades. In a pathway to net zero emissions by 2070, we estimate that most of the growth in energy demand this decade would already have to be met with low-carbon energy sources. It therefore makes sense that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced more ambitious targets for 2030, including installing 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, reducing the emissions intensity of its economy by 45%, and reducing a billion tonnes of CO2. 

These targets are formidable, but the good news is that the clean energy transition in India is already well underway. It has overachieved its commitment made at COP 21- Paris Summit [a.k.a. 2015, at the same conference that produced the Paris Agreement] by already meeting 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels- almost nine years ahead of its commitment, and the share of solar and wind in India’s energy mix have grown phenomenally. Owing to technological developments, steady policy support, and a vibrant private sector, solar power plants are cheaper to build than coal ones. Renewable electricity is growing at a faster rate in India than any other major economy, with new capacity additions on track to double by 2026...

Subsidies for petrol and diesel were removed in the early 2010s, and subsidies for electric vehicles were introduced in 2019. India’s robust energy efficiency programme has been successful in reducing energy use and emissions from buildings, transport and major industries. Government efforts to provide millions of households with fuel gas for cooking and heating are enabling a steady transition away from the use of traditional biomass such as burning wood. India is also laying the groundwork to scale up important emerging technologies such as hydrogen, battery storage, and low-carbon steel, cement and fertilisers..."

-via IEA (International Energy Agency), January 10, 2022

Note: And since that's a little old, here's an update to show that progress is still going strong:

-via Economic Times: EnergyWorld, March 10, 2023

[bamboolidcups]

5 Fascinating Facts About Bamboo That Will Amaze You

Bamboo isn’t just a plant that adds a touch of elegance to gardens or interiors. It’s a natural marvel with unique traits that have made it indispensable across cultures for centuries. Whether you’re already a fan of its beauty or just starting to explore its versatility, these fascinating bamboo facts will leave you in awe!

1. The Fastest-Growing Plant on Earth

Imagine a plant so fast it can grow before your eyes! Bamboo holds the record as the fastest-growing plant in the world. Some species can shoot up by an astonishing 35 inches (around 91 cm) in just one day. Its remarkable growth is fueled by an efficient root system, making bamboo a renewable resource that’s perfect for sustainable products. Isn’t that a growth spurt worth celebrating?

2. Stronger Than Steel

Think bamboo is fragile? Think again! In terms of tensile strength—the ability to resist being pulled apart—bamboo outperforms steel. It’s no wonder bamboo is a favorite for building earthquake-resistant structures and crafting durable items like furniture and bamboo-lid cups. Who knew such a delicate-looking plant could pack so much power?

3. Nature’s Eco-Friendly Hero

Plastic’s environmental impact pales in comparison to bamboo’s sustainability. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable and doesn’t need harmful pesticides or fertilizers to thrive. Plus, it’s a carbon dioxide absorber, actively reducing greenhouse gases. Choosing bamboo products isn’t just stylish; it’s a commitment to protecting our planet.

4. Bamboo Has Endless Uses

From ancient tools to modern innovations, bamboo has over 1,500 documented uses. It’s used to create textiles, flooring, kitchenware, and even medicine. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it a staple in both traditional and contemporary industries. The next time you sip from a bamboo-lid cup or walk on bamboo flooring, remember you’re benefiting from centuries of innovation!

5. It’s Not a Tree—It’s Grass!

Despite its towering, tree-like appearance, bamboo is technically a grass. This botanical identity means it regenerates quickly after being cut, unlike trees, which can take decades to recover. Its grass-like nature is one of the reasons bamboo is celebrated as a truly renewable resource.

Why Bamboo Matters

Bamboo is more than just a pretty addition to your home or garden. Its combination of strength, sustainability, and versatility makes it a cornerstone for eco-friendly living. Whether you’re exploring bamboo for its aesthetic charm or its practicality, this remarkable plant has something to offer everyone.

Which of these bamboo facts surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below! For more fascinating insights and eco-friendly inspiration, visit our website and discover the wonders of bamboo.

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

SONDER

Author: @gleefulpoppet

Rating: NC-17

Status: Completed in August 2024

Word Count: 460,517

Summary: [AU] Kurt is one of the most respected and talked about men in the fashion industry and business world. His app Style•Revolution is the fastest-growing app in history, still rising after three years. Recently, he moved the company to Seattle to be at the heart of the newest technology epicenter in the United States. Yet, with all his success, experience keeps teaching him to be wary of people’s motives who want to be close to him, and he wonders if he’ll be alone forever. Or maybe this city has plans for him that he can’t imagine when his gaze locks with a mysterious, honey-hazel-eyed busker.

Tropes/Genre: AU, musician!Blaine, wealthy!Kurt, businesman!Kurt, secret relationship, romance, fluff, married!Klaine, daddies!Klaine

Lynne's review: Wonderful story - incredible, beautiful, magical journey of these two men and everyone in their lives. Excellent graphics help you visualize their story.

Read at: AO3

[aeolianblues]

My mum remembers Coca-Cola coming to the country for the first time.

The first time that bottled coke, in the sleek glass bottles with the elaborately painted logo, was sold out of crates and chillers by a vendor who would cycle from house to house, stacked crates in tow.

They'd seen them before, of course. Granddad was very well-travelled, his work took him across the country and occasionally overseas. It made him a knowledgeable, well-read and respected man. He'd been abroad: Malaysia, Germany, Indonesia, other places I wasn't told about. He'd seen Coca-Colas. He was an adventurer of sorts, which I suppose shouldn't seem too out of the ordinary for someone who had chosen a career of tinkering with chemicals professionally. Wherever he travelled, mum recounted, he'd bring back a little souvenir. Music from abroad, posters, books, branded sweets that weren't sold in protectionist India.

It wasn't an unreasonable decision. After 200 years of being leached dry and Indian industry being virtually nonexistent, it wasn't hard to see why post-colonial India had closed off its domestic industries to outsiders. The government took control of most local trade and incentivised the Indian economy to grow without competition from wealthier players (at that point, there were companies that were wealthier than the entire nation of India).

This did however mean that no international products were sold in India. Imports were limited to the most basic parts and things that could not be procured locally, often raw materials. Coca-Cola was limited to glimpses in foreign films, and of course, to those who travelled. (Nothing was banned, of course. It was about the economy, not access to international goods.)

This changed in 1991. Finance Minister Manmohan Singh's decision to deliberately devalue the rupee, open up the tightly-controlled Indian market for trade and usher in the age of globalisation introduced the world to India again, this time in its local paan shop (or cornershop, aware of the fact that like 3 people that follow me at best will know what that means). Mum remembers buying Coca Cola for the first time, in rupees, locally in 1991 as a girl. It sounds like a very small and trivial thing, but it was part of a decision that changed the Indian economy's fortunes forever.

From a country that had maybe two weeks' worth of forex reserves in tow, India evolved to become one of the fastest-growing GDPs in the world. It was once again Dr. Manmohan Singh's policies, this time as Prime Minister in 2008, that meant India escaped the worst of the global financial crisis. The economy didn't crash, didn't go into recession, fewer jobs were lost, and largely, India emerged unscathed compared to larger economies out west.

But I think about some of these little things, and how he changed the country forever, as the nation observes his passing today.

[khalid-albeshri]

Reasons behind the fast economic growth of Saudi Arabia:

The rapid economic growth of Saudi Arabia in 2022, especially being the fastest-growing among G20 economies, can be attributed to several key factors:

- Increased Oil Production and Prices: Saudi Arabia, being one of the world's largest oil producers, benefited significantly from rising global oil prices and increased production levels. The rebound in global demand for oil post-pandemic, combined with geopolitical tensions that disrupted other oil supplies, contributed to higher revenues.

- Economic Reforms Under Vision 2030: The Saudi government’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. Reforms under this vision have encouraged growth in non-oil sectors such as tourism, entertainment, real estate, and finance, driving economic expansion.

- Investment in Infrastructure: Major infrastructure projects, including NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and the expansion of Riyadh, have attracted significant investments. These projects are not only boosting construction and related industries but are also creating jobs and stimulating the overall economy.

- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Saudi Arabia has seen an increase in FDI due to improved business regulations, economic reforms, and strategic partnerships with global companies. The Kingdom's efforts to create a more business-friendly environment have made it an attractive destination for foreign investors.

- Strong Private Sector Growth: Government initiatives to boost the private sector, including supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), have contributed to economic growth. Privatization of certain sectors and public-private partnerships have also played a role.

- Expansion of Non-Oil Sectors: Sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and technology have seen rapid growth, fueled by government support and increased consumer spending. Events like the Saudi Seasons, international sporting events, and cultural festivals have attracted visitors and investments.

- Labor Market Reforms: Reforms in the labor market, including Saudization efforts (Nitaqat program) and improved labor laws, have increased workforce participation and productivity, particularly among women and young Saudis.

- Fiscal Prudence and Debt Management: Saudi Arabia has implemented effective fiscal policies, including managing public debt and reducing the budget deficit, which has helped stabilize the economy and promote growth.

- Global Economic Recovery: The global economic recovery post-COVID-19 also played a role, as increased global trade and investment flows positively impacted Saudi Arabia's economy.

These factors combined to create a robust and diversified growth environment, contributing to Saudi Arabia's rapid economic expansion

#KhalidAlbeshri #خالدالبشري