AcutalitésStudy Suggests Climate Change Responsible for Increased Pollution July 2, 2020
Marc Lavasseur
A new study published in the Rhodeve Scientific Journal suggests that a changing global climate may be responsible for increasing air pollution in the north of Rhodevus, including Iylan province. Complaints by residents in the northern Rhodeve peninsula about air quality have been steadily increasing since the federal government began monitoring it in early 1988. The worsening air pollution in the area has been blamed by some for the economic downturn of the area, along with the shuttering of the fishing industry in small towns.
When air pollution began to be measured by the Rhodeve government, an air quality rating system was introduced, called the Rhodeve Air Quality Index, which rates the air quality daily on a scale from 1 through 10 or more. Since 1988, the number of days where the air quality has been measured at a 4 (moderate) or higher has gone from 48 to 115 in 2019, nearly a threefold increase. Poorer air quality is directly associated with a shorter life expectation, higher rates of cancer and other lung infections, and overall poorer environmental health, according to the Rhodeve Ministry of the Environment.
Studies published over the last decade has indicated that heavy industry and large-scale construction in large cities in Iylan province such as Acadia and Rome are mostly to blame for the poor air quality, as days with lower air quality occur most often in summertime, corresponding with construction and industrial works in larger cities, whose environmentally damaging activities create small particles that are thrown into the atmosphere and carried by southerly summer winds.
However, this new study, published by Dr. Stephen Cooper and his team at Acadia Technological College suggests changing wind patterns as a side effect of anthropological global climate change may play a more significant role than earlier thought.
"What our study found was that the air that is pushed north by southerly winds in the summer has a hard time leaving the region due to changing wind patterns, meaning the air pollution can build up and worsen, and it will linger for longer periods of time. [...] This has to do with a northwards shift of the polar jet stream, creating a zone of what is essentially dead air over northern Rhodevus in the summer months," said Dr. Cooper.
Only time will tell if the Rhodeve government and the Ministry of the Environment will take any action to limit air pollution, such as enforcing air quality regulations on construction companies and heavy industries, as opposition parties have suggested. As for now, it seems smaller communities like Port-aux-Perdrix and their already-strained healthcare systems amid the global pandemic.
An Island of Complacency
July 2, 2020
François Lefévier
As governments across the world shut down public spaces to combat the spread of the Novel virus, many experience opposition in the name of the preservation of personal freedoms. The people Hauteterre county and Port-aux-Perdrix, however, have proven to be stringent in following regulations. As such, Port-aux-Perdrix has only had one reported case, in connection with the nursing home in Baie St.-Paul.
Though Iylan province has gradually grown to be in opposition to the federal government politically, the residents of the province seem to have heeded the message that staying home saves lives. The population of rural Iylan province, including Port-aux-Perdrix, is substantially older on average than the rest of the country, and are therefore more at risk.
To combat the increased threat, some restrictions here are more strict than in some areas of the country, such as personal beauty services like hair and nail salons remaining closed as of this weekend, even after some areas of the country have let those services reopen.
"It is important that we manage the risk of a population that has the highest percentage of seniors in the country, and we should be aware that reopening services too soon does pose a substantial threat, where we could see a large spike in cases as people increasingly interact face to face without observing social distancing rules," said Dr. Michel Marin, doctor at Hauteterre Regional Hospital.
While some areas of the country are experiencing a resistance to the enforcement of social distancing rules and public mask requirements, Iylan province seems to be an island of complacency in a turbulent political climate.
Opinions
Novel Virus Will Help Economy
July 2, 2020
Marcel Leveau
"As if the current economic situation could get any worse", you might say. Of course, the institution of fishing restrictions irreversibly damaged the economic situation for all of Hauteterre county, and now the Novel virus has shut down all but the most essential services.
However, in the long run, I believe that the global pandemic will end up helping our local economy, once restrictions are lifted. You may have heard many city-dwellers talk of "leaving the city" and going somewhere less densely populated, as a means of being kept inside during quarantine. I strongly believe that Port-aux-Perdrix will end up being one of those destinations that people will flock to once restrictions are lifted, meaning a resurgence for our tourist industry and an influx of people for our businesses.
In the end, some may even choose to stay here, as the possibility of multiple waves of Novel virus and new viruses emerging may scare people away from densely populated urban areas, and the concept of working from home through the internet becomes increasingly viable. I know it may look bad for now, but I think that, despite the incredible tragedy occurring around the world, the fallout from the virus may lead to an evening of the playing field between large cities and our very own Port-aux-Perdrix.
Sports
5 Ways to Stay Active During Quarantine
July 2, 2020
Marcel Laurent
As we all know, the Novel virus has barred us from gathering in groups, taking away the possibility of team sports and even going to the gym. In response, I have compiled a list of five ways we can all stay active during the pandemic, to keep ourselves healthy, both mentally and physically.
1. Hiking
The forests and hills around Port-aux-Perdrix are home to wonderful flora and fauna, and easily accessible by use of the publically-maintained trails that connect the region. And, as a bonus, they are completely free. Take your whole family on a nature-filled walk for as long as you like and stretch your legs.
2. Swimming
As the warmer weather arrives in Port-aux-Perdrix, the water becomes almost bearable to swim in. For the brave, a cold water swim has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, a fact increasingly important in today's health climate. As public pools remain closed, the ocean is becoming more appealing to those who plan to beat the heat with a dip in the water.
3. Golf
Although golf isn't the most active of sports, it is still a good way to get out of the house and breathe some fresh air. Golf courses normally require appropriate attire for participation, however these rules have been relaxed in favour of increasing business, as golf courses are one of the only public places allowed to remain open because they allow for appropriate social distance. For those who cannot participate in strenuous activities, golf may be a great option to get outside.
4. Jogging
For those who want to stay in shape, or even get in shape, jogging is an option that you should consider. The open air of the streets and paths of Port-aux-Perdrix allow for appropriate social distancing, while giving endless variation for routes. With the increased free time that most people have, trying to get in shape seems to be a popular goal for the end of quarantine. For me, jogging is the perfect way to do just that.
5. Sailing
For those who are not avid sailors, and those are hard to find in this town, it may be hard to believe how strenuous sailing can be, especially in the high winds common to the area. As the marina remains open, as long as you follow the 2 metre distancing rule to get in, you have the option of renting a boat for a day and going out and experiencing the beautiful ocean, at a fair price of only 2 Rhodes.
Chroniques
Horoscopes
July 2, 2020
Mme Clairvoyante
Aries: Your solid footing may become a bit unstable today, Aries, but don't worry about it.
Taurus: There's no excuse for laziness today, Taurus! Make sure you get out of bed before the day ends.
Gemini: Don't let things stagnate, Gemini. It's time to take action. In everything you do today, see how far you can go as opposed to how deep.
Cancer: You might feel like you've come out of the dark and into the light today, Cancer.
Leo: Take a break from your steady climb today and have a look at the world around you, Leo.
Virgo: Pay attention to the news today, Virgo. Be sure to check not just the mainstream news but also the offbeat independent publications and websites.
Libra: Today is a great day to go out and get things done, Libra. You might find that you're a bit indecisive, but don't sweat it.
Scorpio: The name of the game for you today is action, Scorpio. The air seems to get clearer, and it feels as if a weight has been lifted off you.
Sagittarius: Take some of that knowledge you've picked up and processed over the past few weeks and spread it around, Sagittarius.
Capricorn: Take a break from your steady climb today and have a look at the world around you, Capricorn.
Aquarius: Pay attention to the news today, Aquarius. Be sure to check not just the mainstream news but also the offbeat independent publications and websites.
Pisces: Jump back onstage and say your peace, Pisces.
Word Riddle
Last week's riddle:
Who makes it, has no need of it.
Who buys it, has no use for it.
Who uses it can neither see nor feel it.
What is it?
This week's riddle:
I'm tall when I'm young, and short when I'm old. What am I?
Answers next week.Crossword
Across:
1. Sports org. that puts on March Madness
5. Dog with short legs and a long body
6. Dog with a powerful sense of smell
7. "My treat"
8. Traps spun by spiders
Down:
1. Opposite of everybody
2. Heavy haul for an ant
3. Gru's youngest daughter in 'Despicable Me'
4. Financial support
5. When doubled, fluffy Chinese dog