Essequibo, Macau's Economy and Aircraft Recycling

Outriders Magazine #344

Mining, Oil, and Pollution in Nigeria and El Salvador

In 2017, El Salvador made a historic move by becoming the first country globally to ban all forms of metal mining, a bold step towards environmental protection. However, this commitment is at risk under the current leadership of President Nayib Bukele, who has chosen to lift the ban despite widespread opposition from passionate environmental activists. This decision allows the government to grant exclusive rights to mining activities on land and in coastal waters, raising serious concerns about the potential environmental impact. While the law still prohibits using mercury in mining, the integrity of protected nature reserves is now in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria's Rivers State, authorities are battling rampant oil theft with the help of police and military forces, all while aiming to boost oil extraction. As one of Africa's leading oil exporters, Nigeria faces a staggering economic problem; in 2022 alone, the nation lost around $23 billion due to industrial-scale theft. The ramifications of these criminal activities extend beyond the economy, threatening the environment and the 30 million residents of the Niger Delta, where about 10,000 oil spill incidents were reported from 2011 to 2021.

Adding to this crisis, a billion-dollar UN-backed initiative to clean up oil spills in Ogoniland has been deemed a failure. The chosen local companies, primarily owned by politicians, lacked the necessary expertise, leaving contaminated areas unusable for agriculture. Concurrently, Russian scientists have raised alarms over the inadequate cleanup efforts following oil spills in the Black Sea, indicating that the equipment available is insufficient to address the cleanup of approximately 4,300 tons of oil from two damaged tankers in the Kerch Strait. This situation demands urgent attention to protect communities and the environment from ongoing damage.

Recycling Practices in Japan and the United States, and Aircraft Disposal in the United Kingdom

Japan is leading the way in responsible waste management with some of the strictest regulations globally, and Fukushima is taking bold steps to uphold these standards. Authorities will now inspect trash bags to catch those who don't comply with rules, such as improper sorting or exceeding size limits, and offenders' names will be publicly disclosed. In Kamikatsu, residents diligently sort their waste into an impressive 45 categories, while Chiba city has embraced innovation by piloting an AI assistant designed to guide residents on proper waste disposal.

In stark contrast, the United States is struggling with its recycling efforts. A staggering report from the Sierra Club revealed that in 2017, only 8% of plastic waste was recycled, and merely 14% was collected for this purpose. According to a January 2024 study by The Recycling Partnership, a frustratingly low 21% of American household waste is currently recycled, and the recovery rates for all material types are alarmingly low. Much of the glass, cans, and plastic bottles fail to make it to the recycling stream, ending up in unsorted trash.

On a hopeful note, Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire, UK, operates as an innovative aircraft scrapyard where retired passenger planes are dismantled and recycled. Air Salvage International processes 40 to 50 aircraft annually at this site, successfully recycling about 95% of their materials. Some aircraft are refurbished and return to the skies, while others are repurposed for scrap or used for salvage and wreck removal training. By prioritizing recycling and responsible waste management, we can collectively drive substantial change in our communities and beyond.

Economic Challenges: Egypt’s Losses, Macau’s Issues, and El Salvador’s Loans

In 2024, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea had a devastating impact on Egypt’s economy, costing the country over $7 billion in Suez Canal revenue—a staggering 60% decline compared to previous years. While the militant group did not specifically target Egyptian interests, their actions effectively closed off the southern Red Sea and parts of the Gulf of Aden to most Western shipping companies. This blockade hindered international trade and highlighted the vulnerabilities in global shipping routes, underscoring the need for increased security and strategic planning to protect vital trade passages between Europe and Asia.

Since its handover from Portugal 25 years ago, Macau has blossomed from a restrictive gambling haven into the world’s largest gaming hub. With a remarkable per capita GDP growth of $68,000, Macau rivals Denmark and Australia, even outpacing Hong Kong. This wealth has transformed the region into the "Las Vegas of the East." However, despite this financial boom, Macau faces critical challenges regarding sustainable development. The lack of economic diversification and limited civic engagement, combined with intensified Chinese political control, raises alarm about the long-term viability of the region’s prosperity.

After four years of contentious discussions regarding El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, the country has reached a critical agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This $1.4 billion loan, to be disbursed over 40 months, is a pivotal opportunity for El Salvador to stabilize its economy. In exchange for this support, the country has pledged to implement essential reforms to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio, marking a significant step towards financial recovery and economic resilience.

Long-Living Animals and Their Importance to Ecosystems

Scientists have shown that older creatures are vital to the health of populations and ecosystems. Yet, the critical role that these wise animals play in controlling populations and safeguarding biodiversity is often underestimated. They are, unfortunately, the first to feel the impacts of human activities such as overfishing and trophy hunting. For example, older individuals produce more offspring in many fish and cold-blooded species. In birds, older parents excel at providing their chicks with ample food and better habitats, significantly boosting survival rates. Moreover, mature animals often fulfil essential social roles, including leading migrations and maintaining social structures. Long-lived species like elephants and killer whales serve as valuable reservoirs of knowledge, imparting crucial lessons to younger generations and preserving cultural practices.

Recent research highlights that many large whale species have an "unrecognized potential for longevity," obscured by the demographic changes induced by industrial whaling. Investigations into southern right whales reveal that their median lifespan exceeds 73 years, with 10 per cent living close to 132 years. This remarkable longevity is also evident in species like bowhead whales, blue whales, fin whales, and beluga whales.

In addition, scientists are actively researching longevity drugs for dogs, which could extend their lifespans, promote health, and potentially slow human ageing. One promising drug, LOY-002, might grant dogs at least an extra year of healthy life. Meanwhile, the Dog Aging Project is delving into the effects of rapamycin. Protecting our older animal populations not only supports biodiversity but can also pave the way for breakthroughs in health for both dogs and humans.

Land Disputes Involving Venezuela, Guyana, Panama, the United States, Denmark, China, and Japan

Tensions are once again on the rise between Venezuela and Guyana as Venezuelan authorities have completed a controversial bridge leading to a disputed border base in the Essequibo region. The Guyanese government has rightfully lodged a formal protest against these actions, as the bridge links the Venezuelan mainland to Ankoko, an island in the river jointly shared by both nations. This island, primarily populated by gold miners and military personnel, has seen Venezuela’s unlawful establishment of a small military base on the Guyanese side, escalating concerns over sovereignty and security.

In a robust defence, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino stated that China has no claim over the Panama Canal and emphasized that American warships are subject to the same fees as those from other nations. This response counters President-elect Donald Trump’s troubling rhetoric regarding control of this vital waterway. Mulino firmly asserted that Panama would not surrender its sovereignty over the canal to the United States. Additionally, Trump has suggested that the U.S. must claim ownership of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, further amplifying the conversation around national interests and territorial integrity.

A recent report shows that Chinese buyers have made significant inroads into land and property acquisitions near locations deemed critical to Japan's national security, accounting for the largest share of foreign transactions—203 in total—during the 2023 fiscal year. Many of these purchases were strategically located near military facilities. However, it is essential to note that, so far, there have been no incidents of radio jamming or other disruptions from these newly acquired properties. This points to a need for vigilance in safeguarding national security amid growing foreign interests.

Israel, Gaza: Food and Water Shortages, and Crimes Against Humanity

In Gaza, alarming warnings suggest an imminent risk of famine as a direct consequence of ongoing Israeli attacks and the severe obstruction of humanitarian aid. Malnutrition is especially devastating among children, raising the urgent question: Is Israel weaponizing famine in this conflict? The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS Net) has indicated that conditions in northern Gaza, where Israeli military operations have intensified, have made famine "highly likely." The complexities of information gathering in this region pose further challenges to delivering much-needed humanitarian support.

Human Rights Watch's report, Extermination and Acts of Genocide, asserts that Israeli forces have methodically and severely diminished access to clean water in Gaza. This reduction in water supply, falling far below established minimum requirements, constitutes an act of genocide and extermination, amounting to a crime against humanity. As a result, Gazans have been driven to rely on contaminated water sources, leading to the outbreak of lethal diseases, particularly among vulnerable children. Amnesty International has echoed similar sentiments, claiming that Israel's actions signify genocide, while Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) highlights “clear signs of ethnic cleansing” in the region.

Prior to the conflict, the majority of Gaza's drinking water was accessed through three pipelines controlled by Israeli authorities. Today, these critical pipelines operate only at reduced capacity. Efforts to alleviate the crisis, such as the pipeline constructed by the United Arab Emirates across the border with Egypt, have faced setbacks following damage from an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attack in Rafah, further exacerbating the dire situation.

Supporting Former Prisoners and Individuals with Disabilities

The Farming on Crutches initiative in Sierra Leone is a beacon of hope for amputees. It provides them with vital support and shelter while empowering them to regain their confidence and independence through farming. With around 500,000 people with disabilities in Sierra Leone facing discrimination, the need for change is urgent. The brutal legacy of the civil war (1991-2002), where rebels inflicted machete amputations as a weapon of terror, left 28,000 individuals without limbs. Tragically, high amputation rates continue today due to motorcycle accidents, inadequate medical care, and misguided treatments from traditional healers.

In a powerful demonstration of resilience, blind dancer and comedian Chris McCausland’s success on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing has inspired countless blind and partially sighted individuals to embrace ballroom dancing and showcase their talents on British dance floors. Debbie Miller from the Royal National Institute of Blind People aptly puts it, “It highlights the importance of diversity and sparks the vital conversations needed to raise awareness and dispel myths about living with disabilities.”

The vegan Rascals Cafe in Perth, Scotland, transforms lives through its social enterprise model. Providing a second chance for those with troubled pasts, particularly former prisoners, diverts them from the cycle of crime and supports local youth in making positive choices. From once dealing drugs to now thriving as cake sellers, these individuals embody the transformative power of opportunity, boldly asserting their journey from “dealer to healer.”

Science: The Speed of Human Thought and the Development of Autonomous Drones

A groundbreaking study has revealed that the human thought process is far slower than the rapid data transmission over the internet, challenging the prevailing notion of the human brain's complexity and power. For example, streaming high-definition video consumes approximately 5 million bits per second (bps), while an average American household downloads around 262 million bps. In stark contrast, the human brain's processing speed is estimated at a mere 10 bps—a rate derived from observing how quickly individuals can complete specific tasks.

In an exciting advancement, researchers at Hungary's Eötvös Loránd University, known for developing the world's first synchronized drone herd, have successfully created a swarm of autonomous drones that emulate animal movement patterns. This innovative approach empowers drones to make real-time collision avoidance and trajectory planning decisions, eliminating the need for pre-programmed instructions or centralized control. The revolutionary algorithm behind this project was crafted using data gathered from observing the flight behaviours of pigeons, the movement of wild horses in the Great Hungarian Plain, and other animal interactions. This breakthrough showcases the potential of robotics and emphasizes the intersection of technology and nature in creating intelligent systems.