Thumbs up…to Brazil’s climate change efforts that have resulted in the rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest being halved in 2023—the lowest rate in 5 year. Often described as the lungs of the planet, due to its ability to absorb much of our atmosphere’s CO2. While it’s not yet enough, this is certainly a step in the right direction for both humans and animal survival.
Thumbs up…to an eye-opening AirAdvisor report on the mishandling of wheelchairs and mobility devices by airlines. AirAdvisor, a champion for air passenger rights, issued the report in response to the significant challenges faced by passengers with disabilities, highlighting troubling incidents and the lack of standardized regulations across different regions. The report also delves into factors causing the increasing mishandling of wheelchairs, consequences passengers face when their mobility aid is lost or damaged in real life feedback from passengers who have experienced mishandling of wheelchairs. It also takes a look at regulations for mishandling wheelchairs in the US, UK, EU, and Canada. You’ll find the report at airadvisor.com/en/flight-delay-compensation.
Thumbs down…to the increase of violence in Canada. Co-authors Dave Snow, from University of Guelph, and Richard Audas, from Memorial University, report that Canada’s Violent Crime Severity Index is at its highest point since 2007. Even more troubling, the national homicide rate and police-reported sexual assault rate are both at three-decade highs. Ontario and Alberta did not show any significant increase while the territories, Saskatchewan and Manitoba all got “F” ratings.
Thumbs down…to the naysayers who do not recognize the climate emergency—a fundamental threat to human health. According to a report published in the medical journal the Lancet in Nov. 2023, more people are getting sick and dying from extreme heat, drought, disease transmission, forest fires, and other climate related issues so every effort counts!
