Red meat, is it bad for the environment?

 Red meat, is it bad for the environment?

    Summary

     Given the current environmental situation in the world, many people have been seeking easy and simple ways to reduce their carbon footprint and help improve the environment, even if it's only a little at a time. Red meat is one of the leading causes of the release of green house emissions into our atmosphere. Beef being the biggest contributor out of all the red meats,  the red meat industry is also one of the leading causes of deforestation around the world. All together the process of getting red meat in stores makes up about 70% of the worlds deforestation. Cows produce an enormous amount of gas, and they take a very long time to grow and become of age before they can be harvested. So that therefore meaning more land, more food, and because they are alive for so long they produce an insane amount of gas which contributes to greenhouse gases. The farming of red meat today takes up about 70% of the worlds water supply. The waste of red meat and all it's packaging and meat that goes to waste, the amount of waste would be equivalent to about 75 million cows. Not to mention all the travel as well, meat is taken and distributed all over the world and that takes so much fuel for airplanes and cars. To try and reduce the high demand for red meat various company's have created veggie burgers and the infamous impossible burger as a meat substitute. The impossible burger was created to lower the high demand for red meat, and beef, it's deigned to taste almost exactly like real beef. Of course making this product still takes up and contributes to greenhouse gases, but it doesn't even come close to how much harvesting actual beef does. As this is a leading cause on the affects of climate change, scientists have tried to come up with ways to reduce how much gas cows produce. We can try out hardest to get the world population to try ans stop eating meat, however it is completely unrealistic to think that everyone will even consider stop eating meat. So, people have started looking into the cows, changing their diet and are trying to reduce their gases. For example, scientists have found that feeding cows seaweed reduces the amount of methane they reduce significantly. That, many people believe, is definitely a step in the right direction to solving this problem.

My opinion 

    The summer of 2019 the summer that I found out how bad red meat was for the environment. Ever since then, I have tried to look into how much I can reduce my own carbon footprint. Since doing my research, I have been vegetarian going on four years. I never really enjoyed meat and it wasn't that big of a change for me. And it was good motivation, doing it for the sole purpose of helping the environment and reducing my carbon footprint. I think this is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint, of course not everyone has access or is privileged enough to afford and survive on a vegetarian diet, as well as many cultures and religions include you eating meat on special occasions. Still eating it for health reasons or simply because you just enjoy meat, and I totally respect that, there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint aside from not eating meat. However, I do think that people should really look into it and how to reduce it, it's so simple and will only take a few extra minutes of your day to do something good for the environment. So many people aren't taking our environmental crisis seriously, our world is at a extreme risk and we are in so much danger, the entire human race as we know it is at risk. Our resources are running out, our atmosphere is completely shot you can't even live there because the air quality is too bad. This is a very serious issue and I urge everyone, do some research and look into how you can reduce your carbon footprint before it's too late. 

Name of article 

How bad is eating (red) meat for our health and the environment?

Date of article 

April 17th, 2022

Page number 

Page 1 

Author of article 

eufic  

Link 

https://www.eufic.org/en/healthy-living/article/how-bad-is-eating-red-meat-for-our-health-and-the-environment

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monkeypox, should we be worried?

  

 Monkeypox, should we be worried? 

Summary

    The world lately has been very worried about the possibility of Monkeypox turning into a pandemic. One of the leaders in the World Health Organization says that there are a couple hundred cases, however she does not expect it to turn into a pandemic. With that said, there is still a big grey area surrounding the disease and what it may turn into. As of now, they are not worried about this becoming a global pandemic, the focus is more on the people who catch the disease and they don't have the knowledge of it to protect themselves. There are rumours that Monkeypox may be getting passed around through various sexual acts, however that is not confirmed and it may just be transmitted through bed sheets, pillows, etc. People are unsure where this disease can be traced back to, some believe it may be traced back to Africa but that is yet to be confirmed. However the WHO says that there are thousands of cases in Nigeria and Congo every year. The most common symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, body aches, chills, and extreme tiredness. More serious cases may include rashes all over the body. There have been no deaths caused by Monkeypox in Africa yet. Some individuals confuse Monkeypox with smallpox, and as the two are a bit similar, Monkeypox has less intense symptoms. The disease is suspected to be airbore, like Covid-19, which is why many people have been a bit worried, but the two viruses are very different. But as of now, the WHO does not expect this disease to cause a global pandemic, or spread anymore that it already has. 

My opinion 

    I had recently just heard of Monkeypox, as I am sure everyone has given that it is a very recent development. I think having just recently come out of a global pandemic, and for some they are still in it, it's a bit nerve-wracking to hear about a new virus and rumours of it causing another global pandemic. The world hadn't seen a global pandemic since the plague, a new generation and completely new world. Luckily, we were far more prepared than last time, and most countries were equipped with the resources they needed to fight the virus. However, I think the pandemic caused a lot of trauma, that is overlooked by many. I know myself didn't have the easiest time during the pandemic. I was very privileged and had the ability and money to get masks, and access to get the vaccine when I could gain access to it. However many people didn't have that, and even having all of it, it was still a extremely traumatic thing to go through. Now we are just getting about of it, and there are rumours of a potential new one? The second I got home I started researching to see if the rumours were true. Luckily I was met with the pleasant surprise that Monkeypox was not going to turn into a global pandemic. But it was scary at first, the possibility of having to go through all of that again. Which is why I think people are so worried and worked up about it, but if you just spend a little time researching. You will find that there really isn't anything to bed worried about. 

Title of article: 

Monkeypox won't turn into a pandemic, says WHO 

Date of article: 

May 30th, 2022

Page number: 

Page 1 

Author of article: 

Associated press

Link: 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/monkeypox-wont-turn-pandemic-says-rcna31108  

      

   

 

 

Trudeau's new gun laws

 

Trudeau's new gun laws 

 

 Summary

     After hearing about the horrific mass shooting in Texas earlier this week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed that the Canadian government will be enforcing new gun laws in Canada in the upcoming weeks. The government has now made several changes to the gun laws, including banning around 1500 models that are specifically an "assault-style" gun. The Liberal has now made a few promises regarding the gun laws. A few of those promises include "Follow through on requiring owners of banned firearms sell them back to the government to be destroyed or "rendered inoperable," Require long-gun magazines be permanently altered "so that they can never hold more than five rounds," and " Move to ban the sale or transfer of high-capacity magazines that can hold more than the legal number of bullets." Those are just a few examples of what the Canadian government is promising to do regarding gun laws. The public safety minister of Canada says that Canada is on the right track but "we still have a lot of work to do." This event in Texas shocked almost the whole world, not shocked because it happened but because it is still allowed and possible for it to happen. This event has inspired many other countries to revise their gun laws and try to prevent an event like this happening again. Everyone hopes that the United States follow in their footsteps. 

My opinion 

    I recently posted a blog article about the Texas shooting and explained how privileged I am to not have to worry about it. Of course every once and a while I think about it, but not often. Canada's gun laws keep me safe, to be frank I'm more worried of an animal invading the school than a person. I think there have been literally only a handful of times where the thought of a school shooter invading my school entered my mind and I got a bit frightened. However, I know that if I lived in the States it would be the opposite, from all the stuff I see and hear on the news, I would be scared to go to school. I wouldn't feel safe in one of the only places I should feel safe. I would be paranoid every second at school, I think that alone just shows how badly the gun laws in the United States need to be reformed. It is now a matter of safety for the children in the States. If these gun laws don't get changed, things like the Texas shooting will continue to occur, people will keep dying, kids will continue to fear going to school. 

Title of article:  

Trudeau signals new gun-control changes coming; here's what the Liberals have promised 

Date of article: 

May 26th, 2022 

Page number: 

Page  1 

Author of article: 

Rachel Aiello 

Link: 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/trudeau-signals-new-gun-control-changes-coming-here-s-what-the-liberals-have-promised-1.5919582  

       

 

Texas school shooting

 

 Texas school shooting 

 

 Summary 

     In the afternoon of May 24th, 2022 a young man named Salvador Ramos came into a elementary school in Texas an killed 19 children and 2 teachers working that day. The young man came into the school and tried to enter one of the locked classrooms. When he gained access to one of the classrooms he shot 19 kids and 2 teachers that were in the classroom. The shooting lasted about 40 minutes before before the young man was shot and killed by a Border Patrol Team. Witnesses who lived near the school said that when shots were being fired people were yelling at the police to go in and do something, but they did not enter the building, even though they know shots were being fired. Other witnesses at the scene said that the police didn't do anything, they just stood there and they were very unprepared when they reached the scene. When Salvador gained access to one of the classrooms, he barricaded himself inside, many people in response to hearing this said "It just shows you the complete evil of the shooter.” All the people that were killed were in that classroom. There are a lot of mixed opinions about how the police handled this situation, some think they did as best as they could, others thing they were unprepared and lazy, and should be held responsible for not being able to contain the shooter before he reached the classroom. This Texan community is left in shambles because of this young man, there have been murals and memorials created for the people who lost their lives and their families. This shooting has now sparked the conversation of gun laws in America again. Joe Biden made a statement about the shooting saying "when in gods name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?" It is undecided if this event will trigger something in the government to change the laws, however all the families are hoping that it will. 

My opinion 

    Living in relatively safe neighbourhood in British Columbia Canada, I am privileged enough to never have to experience a situation like this now, and hopefully in the future. In Canada it is quite difficult to get a gun, but it is still possible. Many gun owners say that this law is a pain and they wish it wasn't so difficult. What they don't understand is that guns being so difficult to buy and own in Canada prevents lives from being taken and violence being enforced. Now just because guns are difficult go own in Canada, doesn't mean that gun violence just doesn't exist here, it does but it is much less common then in the States. The United States have had in total over 200 school shootings, and that's just so far this year. There have only been 2 in Canada in 2022. I think this just proves furthermore that even though people think gun laws are a pain and unnecessary, that data not only proves that they do, but that they save lives. Me personally, I have been hunting with my grandfather and I did not enjoy it, I am not a big gun person and i never will be or really understand it. However I do recognize that many people hunt for food, and use guns ONLY for protection, so I do not think that they should be banned in the States, just that it should be harder to get one. They should include background checks, and mental and emotion evaluations from professionals, as well as a full interrogation of why they want to purchase a gun before they are allowed to be in possession of it. As well as every few years, re-do a background check and mental evaluation on the individual who owns the gun. It all might sound a bit excessive, but it saves lives. And who knows, if laws like these were enforced by the United States government just a few weeks earlier, those kids would of had a life. Their parents would of seen the graduate, build a degree, get married. This event I hope would be a final push for the United States government to revise these laws, no matter the feedback. 

Title of article: 

What we know and don't know in the Texas massacre 

Date of article: 

May 26th, 2022 

Page number: 

Page 1 

Author of article: 

Holly Yan, Dakin Andone, Aya Elamroussi 

Link: 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/25/us/uvalde-texas-elementary-school-shooting-what-we-know/index.html         

 

 

Models illustrated magazine cover sparks body positive conversation

 Models illustrated magazine cover sparks body positive conversation 

 Summary

     Many celebrated the range of models on Sports Illustrates recent swim line issue, one specific model included in the magazine who's name is Yumi Nu, sparked the conversation surrounding the body positive movement. A man named Jordan Peterson tweeted a now deleted tweet about the model, which said “Sorry. Not beautiful. And no amount of authoritarian tolerance is going to change that.” He faced a lot of hate and backlash from the tweet, rightfully so. Many female celebrities responded to this tweet, saying that they were worried about who this tweet would reach on social media. Jordan Peterson has a very young male following on his platforms, when he tweeted this many were worried that young boys and men would see this tweet and think that is the right way of thinking, and that may put the future of the body positive movement at risk. The women featured on the cover of the magazine spoke up against Jordan's tweet saying "It takes a confident man to not be intimidated by the beauty of a confident women." Several news company's spoke out as well saying that things are getting better surrounding the body positive movement, however a lot of things and people need to change in order for the movement to fully thrive, people like Jordan Peterson. With all that aside, the fact that a bigger women was on the cover of a sports illustrated magazine is a big step forward in our society and proves that the body positive movement is truly doing plenty of good in our community. 

My opinion 

    Personally, I am a big believer in the body positive movement. As someone who has grown up and had to be constantly listening to people having and opinion on my body, this movement does empower me a lot. As well as many other women all across the world, this movement I think was such an amazing step forward in our society and definitely puts us a step in the right direction. However we still have a long was to go, for example, if you look at any plus size model, their sizing ranges usually from size 4-6. When in reality the average women size ranges from 12-16. So young girls who see plus size models who's sizes are not actually plus size, imagine how much that messes with their heads. Or imagine an actual plus size individual seeing the skinny "plus size" model on a cover of a magazine, imagine how that would make them feel. The modelling industry is something that needs a lot of revision and fixing, but that's another topic for another day. I think Jordan's tweet was ignorant and very rude, he took the time out of his day to go comment on the size of someones body, that's not only completely rude and ignorant but it's just unnecessary all together. People like Jordan are the problem, and what he did was wrong, but the model on the cover handled it with such grace. In the end, people like Jordan only influence the movement so much, and I would argue that a magazine cover is more powerful than a tweet. This magazine cover was such an amazing thing to see and I can't wait to see more of it in the future (minus Jordan's tweet.) 

Title of article: 

Yumi Nu’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, Jordan Peterson comments spark body acceptance conversation 

Date of article: 

May 18th, 2022 

Page number: 

Page 1 

Author of article: 

Melissa Lopez-Martinez 

Link: 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/body-acceptance-discourse-ignited-over-sports-illustrated-swimsuit-cover-1.5907711  

    

 

  

 

How would states enforce anti-abortion laws if Roe v Wade is overturned

How would states enforce anti-abortion laws if Roe v Wade is overturned 

 

  Summary 

     In the United States, as of very recently there is speculation that Roe v Wade will be overturned. The most concerning aspect of this law being overturned is that women's access will completely vanish. This is terrifying for women who live in the united States because there abortion rights would be no longer, and there would be no access so them unless they came to Canada to get one. If this law ends up being overturned, many people in the States are curious on how they will enforce it. Many states are already fully prepared to enforce this law and ban abortions. Many people expect that once this is put into effect the states will enforce the SB-8 law, which means it will be illegal to have a abortion once the fetus has a heartbeat. A fetus starts to develop a heart beat at 6 weeks, which is when most women find out they are pregnant. People are also concerned that if Roe v Wade gets overturned, they will start to punish women who have abortions, legally or illegally, however they are unsure on what this punishment will be. Roe v Wade will put minorities at major risk, those minorities would include POC's, younger women, undocumented women, and women who live in rural areas. The Supreme Court has not yet made a decision on whether this will be overturned, but it is looking like it will be. There have been many protests and movements fighting against this, now it's just a waiting game. 

My opinion 

    Personally, if I were to fall pregnant I am unsure if I would get an abortion, but I would like the option there for me. And that option is being taken away from millions of women all over the United States regardless of circumstance. Imagine being forced to carry an unwanted child, then giving birth to that which is a very traumatic experience, and then having to either care for that child or place them in the very broken system which is foster care. That process is what millions of women will have to do if this law gets overturned. What I seem to find through research and even my own personal conversations is that people who are pro-life do not care what happens to the fetus once it is born, they don't care where is goes or if it lives or dies and I think that is a very big problem. Because that child will grow up unwanted and most likely unloved. And what good does that due for society or the child? What people can't seem to wrap their heads around is that no matter if abortions are banned or not, they will keep happening. They will keep happening just in a extremely unsafe and unsanitary way. It will put the mothers life in extreme danger, and precedent shows that more times than mot the mother of the fetus will pass away, either during the procedure or after because of infection or bleeding out, or even complications during the abortion. Old white men are making these laws for the women in our country, your wife, your sister, your mom, your daughter. Old white men without any women reproductive organs, who have never experienced the things that women go through, they are in no position or place to be making these laws about women. Abortions are standard form of healthcare for women, and will do way more harm than good if safe abortions are banned. Abortions will continue no matter what, just not safe ones. The women if the United States are in grave danger, find resources, sign petitions, donate, try and help this law from not being overturned.         

Title of article: 

Much of the U.S. could criminalize abortion. But how will those laws be enforced? 

Date of article: 

May 20th, 2022 

Page number: 

Page 1 

Author of article: 

Emily Feng, Jonaki Mehta, Justine Kenin 

Link: 

https://www.npr.org/2022/05/20/1099914068/abortion-roe-v-wade-supreme-court-laws-states                 

Canada's Supreme Court says extreme intoxication is an excuse for violent crimes

 Canada's Supreme Court says extreme intoxication is an excuse for violent crimes 

  Summary

      Canada's Supreme Court issued a major decision saying that extreme intoxication can be used as an excuse for very violent crimes including assault and sexual assault. This means that if someone drinks or consumes a lot of substances at once and then commits a violent act, they can use their extreme intoxication as a dismissal of their actions. However legally, "under Section 33.1 of the Criminal Code, extreme intoxication — formally known as non-insane automatism — cannot be used as a defence in criminal cases where the accused voluntarily ingested the intoxicating substance."  Many people express their concerns about this decision being finalized as it puts women in our society at extreme risks. Many women support this claim because many have come forward and said that since this has come into existence, they feel very unsafe. “Protecting the victims of violent crime — particularly in light of the equality and dignity interests of women and children who are vulnerable to intoxicated sexual and domestic violence — is a pressing and substantial social purpose.” - Kasirer The court system following this decision are trying to determine the line between intoxicated and "extremely intoxicated." Which follows the decision of where the court system draws the line for sexual assault and where it can be "excused" because of this law.

My opinion 

    Personally I think this new law is not only in a complete violation of women's rights, but as a women it is also completely and utterly terrifying. If you are a rapist drunk, you are a rapist. This new law puts women at a extreme risk and completely invalidates certain women who's assaulter was drunk when he committed the offence. This was such a disappointing thing to hear, I am truly so devastated. Many people that I've had conversation with about this topic claim that this law is more meant for people with major addiction issues who are truly and honestly not in their right mind when they commit a violent act like assault. I do believe that to be true, however, I do think this new law still gives an opportunity and loophole for some other individuals who commit a violent act like assault a loophole for a lesser punishment. I do see both sides, but especially as a women living in Canada this law upsets me deeply and I can't help but feel a little bit unsafe now, in my own country. 

Title of article: 

Canada's top court says voluntary extreme intoxication a defence in violent crimes 

Date of article: 

May 13th, 2022 

Page number: 

Page 1  

Author of article: 

Amanda Connolly 

Link: 

https://globalnews.ca/news/8832723/supreme-court-canada-extreme-intoxication/        

 

 

Spain debates if five-day menstrual leave policy will help or hurt

 Spain debates if five-day menstrual leave policy will help or hurt 

  Summary

     A leak from the Spanish cabinet came out saying that they may allows anyone who is experiencing extreme menstrual cramps five days of leave. It is not clear whether that leave would be paid or not or if the hours would be flexible and then the worker would have to make up those hours yet. This topic since the leak has been one that the entire country has been talking about, and been debating. It's something that has sparked a lot of conversation, and many people disagree with it. Jose Luis Escriva, Spain's minister for inclusion migration and social security is saying that the contents in the leak are not becoming official and it was just a draft of the idea and that it is still "under discussion." People who suggested the bill are making it very clear what constitutes itself as a cramp. Angela Rodriguez, Spain's Secretary of state for equality says “It's important to be clear about what we mean by painful period, we're not talking about a slight discomfort, but about serious symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and bad headaches.” A handful of companies across Europe has adapted these period policies, as well as many other countries, including Japan and South Korea. One of Spain's major leaders panned the draft saying "it could lead to women facing workplace discrimination." Many other people involved in this case are saying that “If we men had periods, this leave would have come decades ago. That is the problem,” - Ínigo Errejon. Many predict that this is long overdue, and once Spain puts the bill in motion, many other countries will follow in their footsteps. 

My opinion 

    In my opinion, I think this is something that is long overdue. Women all over the world struggle with periods, and what comes along with them. Many men I think are unaware of how much things like cramps hurt. I do agree with Anigo Erreion when they said that if men had periods this act would of been enforced ages ago. Men are the dominant group in society and have been for years, if this happened to men I wouldn't doubt for a second that this solution would be available to them. Women's period pain is very often discredited because women have always been viewed as "emotional" and "irrational" by society for decades. I even know from personal experience that women are dismissed regarding periods almost daily. However, I think this is a step in the right direction. I think that the leave should be paid because the women's period pain is not their fault and it is unavoidable. Next, as I do think this is a step in the right direction there are many more things that still need changing. For example, I do personally think that period products should be free for women. Women do not choose to have their periods, believe me if we had the choice would opt out of it in a heartbeat. So therefore I think is a step in the right direction but we still have a long ways to go. 

Title of article : 

Spain debates if five-day menstrual leave policy will help or hurt  

Date of article: 

May 13th, 2022 

Page number : 

Page 1 

Author of article: 

AP reporter Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain. Frances D'Emilio in Rome 

Link: 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/spain-debates-if-five-day-menstrual-leave-policy-will-help-or-hurt-1.5900330  

 

   

 

Medias role in the Amber Heard v Johnny Depp trial.

Medias role in the Amber Heard v Johnny Depp trial 

 

 Summary 

       Johnny Depp and Amber Heard divorced in 2017, three days after Amber had issued a retraining order against him. The two went about their lives until 2018, when Amber was interviewed for a Washington Post article, it was then posted with the title, "I spoke up about sexual violence- and faced our cultures wrath. That has to change." After this article was been posted, everything started to spiral out of control, Amber had labelled herself as a domestic violence survivor and Johnny had now been labelled an abuser. He went on to lose many job opportunities, and stepped down from his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. After this, Johnny Depp's lawyer had issued a statement stating that the claims Amber Heard made in the Washington Post article were in fact false. From then to present day, Johnny Depp has lost many job opportunities including role with Disney, any many other potentials that did he did not get a chance to start because of this trial. From there, the two stayed separated and on the down low until the trial began. Johnny is suing Amber for $50 million dollars in damages and still denies that he ever physically abused Amber during their relationship. The two are now currently in the middle of the trial, and Johnny has just finished testifying and Amber had just begun a few days ago. The process to find a jury and judge without previous biases toward Johnny because of his status. Amber is also an actor but not as the same level of fame as Johnny, which resulted in Johnny already winning in the court of public opinion. The trial has a major presence online and many use social media as a way to express their opinions on the trial. 

My opinion 

    Social media can be a very interesting place, especially when it concerns serious topics like a domestic abuse trial. I myself, am not fully educated and informed on the situation yet so I do not have a full formed opinion on it yet. However, as a teenager growing up in the 21st century, I have almost every social media app downloaded on my phone. Since I keep up with the trial on certain news platforms my algorithm specifically chooses to now include bits and videos of the trial on my social media feeds. Most of the time it is just simple information about what happened in court that day. But more often than not, I find that I stumble upon edits or videos making fun of Amber in court, or even idolizing Johnny in videos. Now I myself am a Johnny I think that no celebrity should ever be idolized, everyone has a past and they are still humans. I stumbled upon a live video on Instagram yesterday that inspired me to write this. The live video was an individual who had set up a screen that said "One rose equals one point for Johnny and one daisy equals one for Amber." Now a little explanation on what this means, you can send virtual gifts to people in live videos on various social media platforms. You do have to purchase these gifts to send them, and then the money gets send to the individual you are giving the gift too. Now that you have that bit of backstory I will continue. This creator had this set up and people were absolutely bombarding this live video with gifts, voting on Johnny and then another on Amber. This is just one example and it baffles me. Not only that someone is profiting off of this serious trial, but that social media has gone to this point. This is a trial for abuse, and people are making edits of it idolizing Johnny and then making fun of Amber, and her mannerisms in court. It makes me wonder what led us to get to this point. 

Title of article: 

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial: Summary and Timeline 

Date of article: 

May 5th, 2022 

Page number: 

Page 1 

Author of article: 

Kalhan Rosenblatt 

Link:

https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/johnny-depp-amber-heard-defamation-trial-summary-timeline-rcna26136