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Imagine a volcano so special that it’s been granted the same legal rights as a person. While this might sounds like something straight out of a quirky sci-fi movie, this is no fictional tale. It’s a real, living, breathing part of New Zealand’s landscape — <keyword id="24070380" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mount-Taranaki" source="keywords">Mount Taranaki</keyword>. Tucked away on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Mount Taranaki is not only a towering 8,261 feet (2,518 meters) of volcanic might, but it also holds a sacred place in the hearts of local Māori tribes. In 2017, New Zealand made history by granting the volcano <keyword id="19969897" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="legal-personhood" source="keywords">legal personhood</keyword> — a first in the country. This means Mount Taranaki has the same legal rights as you, me, or any other human being. No, it can’t file taxes or sue anyone just yet, but it is now legally protected in a way that’s tied directly to the cultural significance it holds. <h2>Why does Mount Taranaki get all the attention?</h2>First, let’s talk about the volcano itself. Its snow-capped peak is stunning, poking up through a lush, dark green forest. This forest, known as Egmont National Park, forms a near-perfect circular ring around the volcano, and within it, you’ll find the curious "<keyword id="24070386" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="goblin-forest" source="keywords">Goblin Forest</keyword>." The kāmahi trees here are twisted and warped, growing around fossilized tree remains from past eruptions. The trees are also covered in hanging moss and liverworts, giving the whole place a hauntingly magical vibe. The volcano itself is a near-perfect cone, which is so symmetrical it served as the double for Mount Fuji in The Last Samurai (yes, Hollywood can’t get enough of this beauty!). But don’t let its picturesque shape fool you — Mount Taranaki has been through some serious transformations. Over the past 135,000 years, it has erupted multiple times, changing its shape dramatically and leaving behind signs of its violent past. In fact, studies suggest there have been at least 16 major shifts in the volcano’s structure. Talk about a dramatic personality! <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="115475455" title="From skin injections to swallowing a camera, here are some things Bryan Johnson has done to age in reverse" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>And yes, Mount Taranaki is an <keyword id="23386638" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="active-volcano" source="keywords">active volcano</keyword>. While its last major eruption occurred about 200 years ago, the mountain is far from dormant. Scientists estimate there’s a 30% to 50% chance of a major eruption within the next 50 years. For the 100,000+ people living nearby, this is a real concern. But don't worry — the volcano isn’t planning on exploding any time soon (hopefully), though it does occasionally spit out volcanic mudflows, also known as lahars. <h2>A sacred ancestor</h2>Now, you might wonder, why does this mountain get its own legal rights? The answer lies with the Māori people. For centuries, the Māori have considered Mount Taranaki to be more than just a mountain. They see it as a relative, even an ancestor. The relationship between the Māori people and the mountain is rooted in deep respect and cultural significance. In 2017, the New Zealand government recognized this profound connection by giving the volcano legal personhood, meaning that harming the volcano could be treated the same as harming a member of the tribe. It’s a powerful statement of the Māori worldview, where the land, mountains, rivers, and nature are seen as living, breathing entities deserving of respect and protection. By granting Mount Taranaki personhood, New Zealand is acknowledging this deep-rooted cultural connection and ensuring that the volcano’s rights are taken seriously. Having a mountain with human rights may sound like a quirky twist, but it’s part of a larger global movement towards recognizing the rights of nature. Similar legal actions have been taken in places like Ecuador and India, where rivers, forests, and even specific animals have been granted personhood to ensure their protection.

Do you know about the volcano that has the same rights as a human person?

When it comes to talking to children, many of us might instinctively simplify or even "dumb down" our language. But treating kids like they’re incapable of handling complexity can be more damaging than we realise. This practice, often labelled as "<keyword id="23912121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="infantilisation" source="keywords">infantilisation</keyword>," stems from a form of age-based bias known as adultism, where society assumes that children lack the capability to engage meaningfully with complex issues. Yet, research increasingly suggests that children, if given the chance, can think critically, contribute insights, and show remarkable understanding — even on major topics like environmental ethics and social justice. <h2>Full-fledged citizens</h2>Infantilising children can have several negative consequences, including undermining their self-confidence, stifling independence, and causing emotional dependence. Natalie M. Fletcher, a philosophy professor, argues that infantilising children restricts their potential to become active contributors in society. "Children are full-fledged citizens and not just future members of society," she points out. She highlights that children often have valuable perspectives, particularly on issues like friendship, where their thoughts are sometimes more nuanced than adults’ because these relationships are central to their lives. In her work, Fletcher emphasises that denying children the chance to engage in thoughtful dialogue can lead to the exclusion of a valuable dimension of knowledge and understanding, limiting society as a whole. Encouraging philosophical dialogue in children can empower them to see themselves as agents of change rather than passive future citizens. <h2>Kids need complex conversations</h2>Infantilisation not only hinders mental and emotional development but also impacts children's ability to think independently. Experts warn that children constantly treated as incapable of handling complexity may struggle to develop essential skills like critical thinking and self-reliance. They might become overly dependent on authority figures, leading to low self-esteem and a reduced sense of autonomy as they mature. Encouraging children to express themselves and engage with challenging topics, on the other hand, supports their social and emotional growth, fostering resilience and independence. Additionally, infantilising children often stems from a desire to shield them from life’s complexities, particularly from “adult” topics like <keyword id="6361617" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="Orion">climate change</keyword>. Fletcher argues, however, that children should be allowed to discuss issues like environmental justice, as they are the ones who will ultimately inherit the outcomes of today’s decisions. Children dealing with eco-anxiety, for example, benefit from having open dialogues about environmental concerns, which helps them feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. <h2>Raising independent thinkers, not passive followers</h2>In Fletcher’s educational charity, Brila, children as young as five engage in philosophical discussions that promote critical thinking and active listening. This approach has been shown to help children view themselves as proactive thinkers. While parents may feel compelled to protect their kids from "too much too soon," providing age-appropriate explanations can prevent feelings of helplessness, giving kids the tools they need to become thoughtful, capable adults. As adults, fostering independence and <keyword id="23912120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="critical-thinking-in-children" source="keywords">critical thinking in children</keyword> means embracing their ability to understand more than we may expect. Treating kids like the complex, capable individuals they are doesn't just support their growth — it strengthens society as a whole. Encouraging kids to share their thoughts and respecting their input can lead to a future generation that's better equipped to face and solve the challenges of tomorrow.

Talking to your child like they’re a kid? Here’s why you might be doing more harm than good

We often think of skincare as a pampering ritual, an opportunity to nourish our skin and express our individuality. But as recent research from the University of Birmingham reveals, some of the popular “leave-on” products we use daily — like sunscreens, moisturisers, and lip balms — might be doing more harm than good. Specifically, <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> in these products are flying under the radar, raising serious concerns about both environmental and health implications. While most regulatory frameworks have targeted rinse-off products — think face washes and shampoos—leave-on products have received scant attention. This oversight is alarming, especially considering that microplastics, which can be tiny plastic particles or fibres, are prevalent in many of our favorite skincare staples. Dr. Anna Kukkola, a researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes, “The contribution of ‘leave-on’ cosmetics to microplastic pollution is a critical, yet underexplored aspect of environmental contamination.” In their critical review, the researchers analysed 2,381 products and found that only two were classified as leave-on. This glaring gap can be attributed to several factors: the challenges in extracting microplastics from complex formulations and the prevailing public perception that the microplastic issue has been adequately addressed due to bans on rinse-off products. But the truth is, leave-on products could be significant contributors to the microplastic problem. <h2><keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">Health risks</keyword> of microplastics</h2>The health implications of daily exposure to microplastics in leave-on products remain largely uncharted territory. With limited research on how these particles interact with our skin after application, the potential for absorption into our bodies — through mechanisms such as hair follicles and sweat ducts — raises red flags. Dr. Kukkola emphasises this point, stating, “Given how much of these formulas our bodies can and do absorb, it is concerning that little to no research has taken place to investigate the associated health effects.” <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114327120" title="An expert in how microplastics affect our health does 6 things to avoid them at home" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Another critical insight from the study is the misuse of the term “microbeads.” Typically associated with rinse-off products, this term has been inaccurately applied to all microplastics in cosmetics, resulting in regulatory blind spots. This mislabeling has skewed global legislation towards rinse-off products, leaving a significant portion of the microplastic contamination from leave-on products unregulated. <h2>Call for action and future research</h2>The researchers are not just pointing out problems; they are advocating for solutions. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop new methods for extracting and analysing microplastics in <keyword id="23630244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="leave-on-cosmetics" source="keywords">leave-on cosmetics</keyword>. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Sophie Comer-Warner from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Professor Iseult Lynch, aims to fill the critical knowledge gaps identified in the study. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114375709" title="Standing desks may not be a boon for health after all" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Professor Lynch warns, “While the microplastics themselves might be relatively benign, a number of other chemicals are intrinsically bound into or onto the microplastics in complex leave-on formulations, including potentially PFAS, plasticisers, and other chemicals known to be either carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.” As we lather on our moisturisers and slather on <keyword id="19944313" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunscreen" source="keywords">sunscreen</keyword>, it’s crucial to be aware of what we’re putting on our skin. The <keyword id="20724496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beauty-industry" source="keywords">beauty industry</keyword> is evolving, and with it, our understanding of safety and <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword> must grow. It’s time to advocate for better regulations and more research on the unseen dangers of our beloved leave-on <keyword id="20521267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skincare-products" source="keywords">skincare products</keyword>. By staying informed and demanding transparency from manufacturers, we can ensure that our beauty routines don’t come at the expense of our health or the environment. The findings of this research have been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053">here</a>.

Popular leave-on cosmetics such as sunscreen and lip balms may pose a hidden microplastic risk, scientists warn

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A pioneering project in <keyword id="20060502" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Peru" source="keywords">Peru</keyword> is giving $2.30 a day to people in <keyword id="20360813" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indigenous-communities" source="keywords">Indigenous communities</keyword>.</li><li>Reducing poverty removes a lot of the incentives for <keyword id="20657663" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="deforestation" source="keywords">deforestation</keyword>, the organizers told BI.</li></ul>Groups backing a basic-income trial in Peru are hoping that unconditional payments to Indigenous communities will help preserve the <keyword id="21095716" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Amazon-rainforest" source="keywords">Amazon rainforest</keyword>. Since November, 188 people living in three Amazonian reserves in central Peru have received <keyword id="21274590" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cash-transfers" source="keywords">cash transfers</keyword> equivalent to 8.6 Peruvian Soles, or about $2.30, a day. The project — developed by climate action NGO <keyword id="23150686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cool-Earth" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Cool Earth" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Cool Earth">Cool Earth</keyword> in conjunction with female-led Indigenous groups — is due to run for two years, with payments totaling about $310,000. <div type="image" title="Three people of a Peruvian Amazonian community viewed from the knees down, wearing red robes and sandals, as they walk along a dirt track." height="667" width="1000" msid="112744186" hostid="261"></div>The idea is that providing a guaranteed income will remove some of the incentives to become involved in activities that destroy the rainforest. Poverty in these communities is one of the main drivers of deforestation in the region, Isabel Felandro, Cool Earth's head of programs, told Business Insider. "Those communities face a lot of challenges in terms of threats like illegal deforestation that goes on around the territories, drug cartels, illegal mining," Felandro said. They can end up "selling the forest, or engaging in other activities that are not very sustainable because they have this financial worry," she said. Communities are often faced with agonizing decisions, Felandro added. "If you don't have the money to send your kid to a hospital, what do you do? <h2></h2><h2><keyword id="22441332" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="basic-income" source="keywords">Basic income</keyword> — for the rainforest</h2> <div type="image" title="An aerial view of Asháninka territory in the Peruvian Amazon, showing mist-shrouded forest and a cluster of small huts." height="667" width="1000" msid="112744187" hostid="261"></div>$2.30 a day wouldn't go far in the US or Europe. But in these communities, it can have a huge impact, Felandro said. With the income, "a whole family can eat for a day," she said. She added that people have been using the money to complement their diets, or have clubbed together to hire a van to take their kids the long distances to school. Numerous basic-income trials have proliferated worldwide, but most are focused on social and economic outcomes. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/universal-basic-income-ubi"></a> In the US, cities like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/los-angeles-guaranteed-basic-income-pilot-ubi-partner-violence-employment-2024-7">Los Angeles</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chicago-basic-income-helped-mother-rent-an-apartment-ubi-gbi2024-5">Chicago</a>, Denver, and Atlanta have offered participants direct cash payments, no strings attached. But Cool Earth believes theirs is among the first to aim at a positive <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword>. The NGO has run numerous cash transfer projects over the last 17 years, sending money to communities in the Amazon, New Guinea, and Congo rainforests, who band together to decide how to spend it. But this latest pilot — where every person over the age of 18 receives money independently — is seen as an even more direct way to get money working for the rainforest. <div type="image" title="A thatched hut in the Peruvian Amazon, surrounded by lush greenery." height="667" width="1000" msid="112744188" hostid="261"></div>The impact and efficacy of basic-income programs are still being investigated, and Johan Oldekop, an academic specializing in the environment and development at the UK's University of Manchester, sounded a note of caution when commenting on this project to The Guardian. Oldekop praised the goal of supporting Indigenous communities, who are leaders in preserving rainforests. But, he added, there is "little and mixed evidence on the environmental effects of cash transfers around the world." Some data shows that these programs can actually lead to deforestation because families can use the cash to expand their agricultural businesses, and chop down trees to do so, he said. Felandro told BI that this is a fair concern, but added that here "the scale is very minor." Families often only have small plots of land that they use primarily to feed themselves. "We're not talking about large-scale production of cacao or coffee," she said. Communities that participated in Cool Earth's prior cash transfer projects saw up to 46% less deforestation compared to similar neighboring communities, Felandro added. Correction: August 28, 2024 — An earlier version of this story incorrectly described the project. It provides basic income to a select group of participants; it is not a universal-basic-income program.

A $2.30-a-day basic income trial is trying to save the Amazon rainforest

All Indian <keyword id="19926225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="salt" source="keywords">salt</keyword> and <keyword id="20109149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sugar" source="keywords">sugar</keyword> brands, whether big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword>, according to a study published on Tuesday. The study, titled "Microplastics in Salt and Sugar" and conducted by the <keyword id="22774411" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-research-organisation" source="keywords">environmental research organisation</keyword> <keyword id="21593811" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Toxics-Link" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Toxics Link" meta.hostid="281" meta.entityid="Toxics Link">Toxics Link</keyword>, tested 10 types of salt -- including table salt, rock salt, <keyword id="158885" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sea-salt" source="Orion">sea salt</keyword> and local raw salt -- and five types of sugar purchased from both online and local markets. The study revealed the presence of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples, in various forms, including fibre, pellets, films and fragments. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The highest levels of microplastics were found in <keyword id="630077" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iodised-salt" source="Orion">iodised salt</keyword>, in the form of multi-coloured thin fibre and films. Toxics Link founder-director Ravi Agarwal said, "The objective of our study was to contribute to the existing scientific database on microplastics, so that the global plastic treaty can address this issue in a concrete and focused manner." "We also aim to trigger policy action and attract researchers' attention to potential technological interventions that could reduce exposure risks to microplastics." Toxics Link associate director Satish Sinha added, "Our study's finding of substantial amounts of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples is concerning and calls for urgent, comprehensive research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics on human health." The concentration of microplastics in the salt samples ranged from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogramme of dry weight, the report said. Iodised salt had the highest concentration of microplastics (89.15 pieces per kilogramme) while organic rock salt had the lowest (6.70 pieces per kilogramme), according to the study. In sugar samples, the concentration of microplastics ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogramme, with the highest concentration found in non-organic sugar. Microplastics are a growing global concern because they can harm both health and the environment. These tiny plastic particles can enter the human body through food, water and air. Recent research has found microplastics in human organs such as the lungs, heart, and even in breast milk and unborn babies. Previous studies found that the average Indian consumes 10.98 grams of salt and around 10 spoons of sugar every day -- much higher than the <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="keywords">World Health Organization</keyword>'s recommended limits.

All Indian salt and sugar brands have microplastics, notes a recent study

<keyword id="55910" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Pollution" source="Orion">Air pollution</keyword> is a pressing global issue that affects both developed and developing nations. Using data from the IQAir 2022 World Air Quality Ranking we will examine the <keyword id="19039904" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="most-polluted-countries-in-the-world" source="Orion">most polluted countries in the world</keyword> from 2018 to 2022, shedding light on the sources of <keyword id="13001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pollution" source="Orion">pollution</keyword> and the impacts on public health and the environment. 1. Chad Chad tops the list as one of the <keyword id="13437378" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="most-polluted-countries" source="Orion">most polluted countries</keyword>, with alarming levels of particulate matter (PM2.5). The sources of pollution primarily stem from various factors, including industrial activities and vehicular emissions. 2. Iraq Iraq is the second most polluted country on our list. The rise in air pollution can be attributed to increased industrial activities and a growing number of vehicles on the road. 3. Pakistan Pakistan has consistently faced severe air pollution, and the data indicates fluctuations in pollution levels. Major sources of pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and crop burning. 4. Bahrain Bahrain, despite its small size, faces significant air pollution challenges primarily due to industrial activities and oil refineries. The government has initiated measures to combat this issue. 5. Bangladesh Bangladesh has been grappling with air pollution, mainly driven by vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and construction activities. The health impacts are severe, leading to respiratory diseases and other health issues. 6. Burkina Faso Burkina Faso, with limited available data, experiences air pollution challenges. The lack of comprehensive data makes it difficult to identify specific sources of pollution. 7. Kuwait Kuwait's air quality is affected by factors such as industrial activities, oil refineries, and construction dust. The hot and arid climate exacerbates pollution issues, leading to health problems. 8. India India, with its rapid urbanization and industrialization, has faced significant air pollution challenges. Major cities like New Delhi often experience hazardous air quality due to vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and construction activities. 9. Egypt Egypt's air quality is affected by emissions from vehicles and industrial activities. The political situation in the country has hindered environmental regulations and enforcement. 10. Tajikistan Tajikistan has faced fluctuations in air pollution levels, driven by factors such as vehicular emissions and industrial activities. The lack of consistent data makes it challenging to track long-term trends. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Impact on Health and the Environment" comment="subhead" text="Impact on Health and the Environment">Impact on Health and the Environment</cmsannotation> The consequences of air pollution in these countries are severe, with a high incidence of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues. Long-term exposure to <keyword id="6489235" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Polluted-Air" source="Orion">polluted air</keyword> can lead to more severe conditions such as lung cancer. In addition to its effect on human health, air pollution also damages the environment, including contributing to climate change, impairing ecosystems, and harming agricultural productivity. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Efforts to Combat Pollution" comment="subhead" text="Efforts to Combat Pollution">Efforts to Combat Pollution</cmsannotation> Many of these countries have recognized the urgent need to address air pollution and have taken measures to mitigate its effects. These efforts include improving public transportation, implementing stricter emission standards, and promoting clean energy alternatives. However, challenges such as limited resources, rapid urbanization, and political instability continue to hamper progress. International cooperation and support are crucial in addressing the problem of air pollution. Multilateral agreements and partnerships can help countries access technology, financing, and expertise to combat pollution effectively. Air pollution is a global concern, and the data from 2018 to 2022 highlights the persistent challenges faced by the most <keyword id="19165516" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="polluted-countries" source="Orion">polluted countries</keyword>. These nations must continue their efforts to improve air quality, protect public health, and safeguard the environment. The path to cleaner air involves a combination of government initiatives, international collaboration, and individual actions to reduce emissions and protect the planet for future generations.

The most polluted countries in the world: A global environmental concern

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s early life was overshadowed by the murder of his father.</li><li>He later struggled with a drug addiction.</li></ul>Robert F. Kennedy's children have spent a lifetime trying to add their marks to their slain father's legacy. They made history in public service, followed his footsteps into Congress, and contributed to an Academy Award-nominated documentary. Like their relatives born into the generation after Camelot, some struggled to shake <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kennedy-family-tragedies-curse-assassinations-plane-crashes-2023-3">the tinge of tragedy and scandal</a> that continues to hang around the famous family.Robert F. Kennedy's namesake has seen all elements of this journey.The first Kennedy to run for the presidency in decades,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-robert-f-kennedy-rfk-jr-2023-7"> Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a> is doing so without the family's well-documented loyalty. Instead, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kennedy-family-members-who-oppose-rfk-jr-campaign-2024-2024-4">some of his siblings </a>have begged him to drop out. For years, they have worried, in increasingly public ways, that he's eroding the foundation of why the nation reveres them so much in the first place.<h2 id="bbfa73a4-629f-45ee-a9a7-1f394f9295e7">The son of the expected next Kennedy president.</h2>Born into privilege in 1954, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was raised between Massachusetts and suburban Virginia estates. He took an early interest in the outdoors, an affinity aided by the menagerie of animals kept at Hickory Hill, the family's McLean, Virginia mansion. He was the third of the 11 eventual children born to RFK and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rfk-widow-says-assassin-sirhan-sirhan-should-not-get-parole-2021-9"> Ethel Kennedy.</a>He was asleep in his dorm at Georgetown Preparatory School on June 5, 1968, when a priest awoke him. He wasn't told what was happening, only that a ride would soon take him back to Hickory Hill. At the family home, he was told his dad had been shot the night before. He, Kathleen, and Joseph P. II flew out on Vice President Hubert Humphery's plane in a rush to be by their father's side.Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was later a pallbearer at his father's funeral, joined by Astronaut John Glenn and former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara.<div type="image" title="Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (front right) helps carry his father's casket" height="686" width="1024" msid="110340066" hostid="261" sizebytes="53690"></div>The 14-year-old never returned to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/georgetown-prep-school-brett-kavanaugh-neil-gorsuch-2018-8">Georgetown Prep</a>, which now counts two Supreme Court justices and multiple lawmakers among its influential alumni. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. bounced between three private schools before graduating from high school. At Millbrook School in New York, he briefly kept a lion cub gifted to him by former "Tonight Show" host Jack Paar. Kennedy was forced to find a new home for the animal, aptly named Mtoto Mbaya, "Boy Boy" in Swahili, after a string of incidents, including when it bit the backside of the school's zoo keeper, according to "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Dark Side of the Dream," an unauthorized 2015 biography. It wasn't the animal that got him kicked out.Kennedy had begun to use drugs and not just marijuana, according to the 2015 book. Officials became increasingly concerned that they would be held responsible if another Kennedy died on their watch. Years later, Kennedy would tell Oprah that the source of his drug problems didn't truly matter. He viewed his problems more as being a product of the 1960s. Whatever the reason, his drug use would lead to repeated brushes with the law.<h2 id="1c32ab07-7e3c-4741-924b-27f9890e54ef">Kennedy graduates from Harvard, but drug use continues to hang over him.</h2>After graduating from high school, Kennedy attended Harvard, the alma mater of his father, uncle, and grandfather. Like JFK, RFK Jr. would see his senior thesis turned into a book. Unfortunately for him, reviewers reacted harshly to the tome about federal judge Frank M. Johnson Jr., whose rulings played a major role in the Civil Rights movement.After briefly attending the London School of Economics, Kennedy graduated from the University of Virginia Law School. While in Charlottesville, Kennedy met his first wife, Emily Black. Their wedding in Black's native Bloomington, Indiana, received international coverage as the Midwesterner joined the nation's foremost political family. The couple had two children together.<div type="image" title="Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seen on his first wedding day" height="690" width="1024" msid="110340067" hostid="261" sizebytes="29434"></div>He filed for divorce in 1994 in the Dominican Republic, taking advantage of a local law that allows foreigners to file for divorce there and potentially trying to avoid media scrutiny.In March 1982, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, whom JFK had previously appointed to lead the famous Southern District of New York, hired RFK Jr. as an assistant district attorney. The famous son's first brush with politics in New York, the state his father represented in the US Senate, did not go well. Kennedy struggled to pass the bar exam. He resigned in July 1983.Months later, Kennedy would spark his largest legal scandal. While on the way to receive treatment in South Dakota for his addiction, a fellow passenger found him sick in an airplane's bathroom. Local authorities later found a small amount of heroin in his belongings. He faced up to two years in prison, according to The New York Times. Kennedy was sentenced to probation and community service.<h2 id="fd42bb34-5aa3-47c5-ab6e-4b6d3d6503c6">Kennedy found a new advocacy after his lowest moment.</h2>Kennedy's lowest moment led to his greatest reinvention. As part of his community service, he worked for the Natural Resources Defense Council and was later connected with the Hudson River Fishermen's Association. Robert Boyle, founder of the New York environmental group, began to mentor Kennedy. The organization already had notched major legal victories, but Kennedy's star power would help take it to new heights.He was so committed to his new career that in 1994, he married Mary Richardson, a longtime friend of his sister Kerry Kennedy, aboard a ship on the Hudson River.<div type="image" title="Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poses for a photo with actress Glenn Close in front of the Hudson River" height="717" width="1024" msid="110340068" hostid="261" sizebytes="62120"></div>But his relationship with Boyle did not last. His mentor later recalled that he was less than thrilled about the celebrities Kennedy soon brought onto the organization's board. He also chafed at his former protegé's other actions, particularly Kennedy's decision to hire a scientist named William Wegner. Kennedy defended hiring Wegner, who had served time in federal prison, saying that giving him a second chance was the right thing to do. Boyle was incensed given that Wegener was sentenced over his connections to a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/02/robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-riverkeeper-egg-smuggler/"> bird smuggling ring</a>. Boyle and seven other officials later resigned from Riverkeeper's board in protest."I think he's a despicable person," Boyle told Kennedy's unauthorized biographer in 2014. Boyle's children recently told The Washington Post that his father later couldn't even bear looking at the Hudson as it was too much of a reminder of Kennedy's betrayal.As for Kennedy, his environmental advocacy became the foundation of his fame. In 1999, Time Magazine named Kennedy one of its "Heroes for the Planet" as part of a series of reports on leading environmentalists.While gaining fame, Kennedy began to notice problems with his voice. He recently told The Los Angeles Times that he was 42 when he first noticed the problem. Kennedy was later diagnosed with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-rfk-jr-voice-raspy-cause-spasmodic-dysphonia-2023-8">spasmodic dysphonia</a>, a rare neurological condition that affects muscles in one's voice box.In 2010, Kennedy filed for divorce from Richardson, the mother of four of his six children. Two years later, she died by suicide at the couple's former Bedford estate.<h2 id="0bc52c2f-eeb4-43c1-b871-bc5e8352a934">After years of environmentalism, Kennedy became the face of anti-vaccine advocacy.</h2>After decades of environmental advocacy, Kennedy prepared to make his most controversial turn. In his retelling, mothers began to approach him at events to question whether vaccines had affected their children.In 2005, Kennedy wrote a piece for Salon and Rolling Stone that is now regarded as establishing him as a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.statnews.com/2017/01/10/kennedy-vaccine-book/">major player in spreading vaccine skepticism</a>. Despite his claims of a major conspiracy over a mercury-based preservative that had already been "removed from all childhood vaccines except for some variations of the flu vaccine in 2001," according to STAT. Within days, Salon, which published the piece online, issued five corrections. In 2011, the site decided to retract the article entirely.In 2014, Kennedy married the actress <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/robert-kennedy-jr-net-worth-cheryl-hines-15-million-2023-8">Cheryl Hines,</a> best known for her co-starring role in the Larry David-led "Curb Your Enthusiasm."One year later, Kennedy joined the World Health Defense Fund. He continued to be involved with Riverkeeper, but his anti-vaccine advocacy overwhelmed his public persona.Kennedy's name fueled his rise in the movement, which drew on the credibility of his environmentalism and his famous family. In turn, the now-presidential hopeful began to cobble together what the Associated Press would later deem <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/how-rfk-jr-built-anti-vaccine-juggernaut-amid-covid-4997be1bcf591fe8b7f1f90d16c9321e#">"an anti-vaccine juggernaut"</a> that he deployed when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived.

How RFK Kennedy Jr. turned from tragedy and tumult to environmentalism before becoming the face of vaccine skepticism

Over 60 per cent of businesses surveyed are "off track" to meet their <keyword id="49089" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainability" source="Orion">sustainability</keyword> goals, according to a report by Bain &amp; Company, which also found that <keyword id="60468" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumers" source="Orion">consumers</keyword> are willing to shell out a premium for sustainable products. According to the report, a large number of people surveyed in India say they have a high level of concern about environment sustainability. This could be driven by the spiking levels of <keyword id="13001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pollution" source="Orion">pollution</keyword> in major cities and the rising incidence of flash floods in different parts of the country. Consumers in fast-growing markets, where Bain found <keyword id="6422456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental" source="Orion">environmental</keyword> concerns to be highest, including India, were willing to pay a greater premium (between 15 and 20 per cent), compared to markets like the US and the UK. The report further said that an Indian consumer, however, is still at an early stage of understanding sustainability and a number of related behaviours are influenced by cultural norms and <keyword id="44477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial" source="Orion">financial</keyword> realities. "As extreme weather prompts growing environmental concern across the globe, new research from Bain &amp; Company shows more than 60 per cent of businesses are off track to meet their current sustainability goals," it said. Progress will require a combination of technology, policy, and behaviour change, the report said, adding that an increasingly conscious base of consumers and employees may prove helpful. To get a broad sense of environmental concerns around the world, Bain surveyed 23,000 consumers, and the results underscored the growing urgency of sustainability topics. Almost 64 per cent of people reported high levels of concern about sustainability, and most said their worries have intensified over the past two years and that their concern was first prompted by extreme weather. The report also revealed that a large number of people surveyed in India said they have a high level of concern about environment sustainability. "They are seemingly driven to live or shop sustainably first and foremost by direct benefits around savings and health rather than environmental concern. Consumers express a greater interest in quality, how a product can be reused, its durability, and how it will minimise waste," it said. Karan Singh, Partner and head of the Asia Pacific Sustainability practice at Bain &amp; Company, said while Indian consumers show growing interest in sustainability, there's a noticeable gap between intent and action, mainly due to factors like high prices, limited product information and availability. "This presents a distinct opportunity for businesses to take the lead by educating consumers and innovating to offer sustainable products at attractive prices," Singh said. Consumers' willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products and baby boomers being just as concerned as Gen Z, were the other key takeaways from the report. "As concerns grow, consumers are looking to make environmentally sound choices and are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Yet, they often run into barriers," it said. For instance, consumers in the US are willing to pay an average premium of 11 per cent for products with a minimised environmental impact, even as the average premium for products marketed as sustainable there is 28 per cent. "Consumers in fast-growing markets, where Bain found environmental concerns to be highest - such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, and China - are willing to pay an even greater premium, between 15 and 20 per cent. Consumers in the UK, Italy, Germany, and France, on the other hand, are only willing to pay between 8 and 10 per cent extra," the report said.

60 pc of businesses 'off track' to meet sustainability goals: Bain & Company report

<ul><li>Big mining rig makers are raising the stakes with higher hash rates.</li><li>Upcoming crypto mining rigs will provide upwards of 200 terahash per second.</li><li><keyword id="13651246" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="microbt" source="Orion">Microbt</keyword> and <keyword id="3485125" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bitmain" source="Orion">Bitmain</keyword> are two of the largest mining rig makers in the world.</li></ul>Even as environmental concerns loom large over the crypto industry, mining hardware makers are raising the hash rates on their machines significantly. Hash rates show the total computing power that is being used for mining <a href="https://wazirx.com/signup?invite=2kpah6gr&amp;utm_source=business-insider&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-editorial">cryptocurrencies</a>. Mining rigs for <keyword id="6354947" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bitcoin" source="Orion">Bitcoin</keyword> and other cryptocurrencies are application-specific integrated circuit (<keyword id="297153" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ASIC" source="Orion">ASIC</keyword>) machines that are produced specifically to mine these digital currencies. At the <keyword id="13651248" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bitcoin-22-conference" source="Orion">Bitcoin 22 conference</keyword> held in Miami earlier this month, bitcoin mining rig manufacturer Microbt <a href="https://news.bitcoin.com/microbt-reveals-latest-bitcoin-mining-rigs-machines-produce-up-to-126-th-s-with-custom-5nm-chip-design/">unveiled a new rig</a> that offers a mining rate of 126 terahash per second (TH/s). The miner, called Whatsminer M50 series, will be shipped from the third quarter of 2022 and is supposed to be significantly more powerful than existing rigs offered by Microbt. But Microbt, which was founded in Beijing, China, isn’t the only company looking to raise the stakes in terms of mining hash rates. The company’s new rig isn’t even as powerful as new devices from fellow Chinese competitor Bitmain, whose <keyword id="13651247" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="antiminer" source="Orion">Antiminer</keyword> S19XP and Antiminer S19 Pro+ Hyd, which were unveiled in November last year, offer hash rates of 140 TH/z and 198 TH/s, respectively. Bitmain and Microbt together own the <a href="https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3168035/intels-bitcoin-mining-chip-challenges-chinese-rig-makers-bitmain-and">lion’s share</a> of the crypto mining industry. Bitmain accounted for 75% of the crypto mining market back in 2018, according to a report by research firm Frost &amp; Sullivan. The company had also sought to list on public stock exchanges back in 2019 but let its application on the Hong Kong stock exchange lapse at the time. In March this year, <keyword id="11929735" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="coindesk" source="Orion">Coindesk</keyword> reported that BitFuFu and BitDeer, two cloud mining platforms that were spun out of Bitmain, <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/layer2/miningweek/2022/03/22/bitmain-redux-bitdeer-and-bitfufu-are-about-to-test-us-stock-markets-mining-appetite/">were planning to list</a> on US stock exchanges later this year. Bitmain and Microbt are both looking to enhance hash rates well beyond what their current devices can achieve as well. Bitmain had unveiled a device called Antiminer S19 XP Hyd back in January, which provided 255 TH/s worth of computing power, while Microbt suggested during its announcement at the Bitcoin 22 conference that it would also produce mining rigs with 240 TH/s of computing power. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/soon-we-may-be-viewing-the-world-through-a-smart-contact-lens/articleshow/90930777.cms">Soon we may be viewing the world through a smart contact lens</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/indian-finance-minister-says-that-cryptocurrency-could-be-used-for-money-laundering-and-terror-funding/articleshow/90933116.cms">Cryptocurrency could be used for money laundering and terror funding, says Indian finance minister</a>

You Searched For "environmental concern" and got 9 results

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How RFK Kennedy Jr. turned from tragedy and tumult to environmentalism before becoming the face of vaccine skepticism

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Bitcoin mining rigs are becoming more powerful despite environmental concerns

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