According to a recent poll, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is causing distrust among a majority of Americans, who believe it poses a potential threat to the future of humanity.
The survey conducted by Reuters/Ipsos revealed that over two-thirds of Americans express concerns about the adverse impacts of artificial intelligence(AI). 61% of all surveyed people believed that artificial intelligence could even pose a threat to civilization.
The emergence of AI applications, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot, has propelled the integration of AI into everyday life, leading to heightened public awareness and discussion. Not only the general public but also lawmakers and AI companies themselves share these concerns, some of them calling for regulatory measures to address these concerns.
The number of Americans who anticipate negative consequences resulting from AI is three times higher than those who do not. The survey revealed that 61% of respondents believe AI poses risks to humanity, while only 22% disagreed, and 17% remained uncertain.
Although people express concerns about AI, issues related to crime and the economy hold higher priority for them. According to the survey, 77% of respondents support increasing police funding to combat crime, and 82% are worried about the risk of a recession.
The online poll, conducted between May 9 and May 15, surveyed 4,415 U.S. adults. The results have a credibility interval, which measures accuracy, of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
Three out of four crops across the globe producing fruits, or seeds for use as human food depend, at least in part, on bees and other pollinators. Photo by Thijs van der Weide
World Bee Day is 20 May coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, who in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia and praised the bees for their ability to work so hard, while needing so little attention
Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities.
Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity.
To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day.
The goal is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminate hunger in developing countries.
We all depend on pollinators and it is, therefore, crucial to monitor their decline and halt the loss of biodiversity.
Bees are under threat. Present species extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal due to human impacts. Close to 35 percent of invertebrate pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, and about 17 percent of vertebrate pollinators, such as bats, face extinction globally.
If this trend continues, nutritious crops, such as fruits, nuts and many vegetable crops will be substituted increasingly by staple crops like rice, corn and potatoes, eventually resulting in an imbalanced diet.
Intensive farming practices, land-use change, mono-cropping, pesticides and higher temperatures associated with climate change all pose problems for bee populations and, by extension, the quality of food we grow.
Recognizing the dimensions of the pollination crisis and its links to biodiversity and human livelihoods, the Convention on Biological Diversity has made the conservation and sustainable use of pollinators a priority. In 2000, the International Pollinator Initiative (IPI) was established (COP decision V/5, section II) at the Fifth Conference of Parties (COP V) as a cross-cutting initiative to promote the sustainable use of pollinators in agriculture and related ecosystems. Its main goals are monitoring pollinators decline, addressing the lack of taxonomic information on pollinators, assessing the economic value of pollination and the economic impact of the decline of pollination services and protect pollinator diversity.
Along with coordinating the International Pollinator Initiative (IPI), the FAO also provides technical assistance to countries on issues ranging from queen breeding to artificial insemination to sustainable solutions for honey production and export marketing.
planting a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year;
buying raw honey from local farmers;
buying products from sustainable agricultural practices;
avoiding pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in our gardens;
protecting wild bee colonies when possible;
sponsoring a hive;
making a bee water fountain by leaving a water bowl outside;
helping sustaining forest ecosystems;
raising awareness around us by sharing this information within our communities and networks; The decline of bees affects us all!
As beekeepers, or farmers by:
reducing, or changing the usage of pesticides;
diversifying crops as much as possible, and/or planting attractive crops around the field;
creating hedgerows.
As governments and decision-makers by:
strengthening the participation of local communities in decision-making, in particular that of indigenous people, who know and respect ecosystems and biodiversity;
enforcing strategic measures, including monetary incentives to help change;
increasing collaboration between national and international organizations, organizations and academic and research networks to monitor and evaluate pollination services.
European Parliament to discuss the resumption of hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh TheEuropeanTimes INFO
The European Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Europe and the world. As the only directly elected institution of the European Union, it represents the voice of over 500 million citizens from all 27 member states. With its powers growing steadily over the years, the European Parliament is now one of the most influential bodies in the world, shaping policies and legislation that affect everything from trade and security to the environment and human rights. But what exactly is the role of the European Parliament, and why is it so important? In this article, we’ll explore the key functions of the European Parliament, its impact on global affairs, and why it matters to all of us, regardless of where we live. So, whether you’re a student of politics, a business owner, or simply a concerned citizen, read on to discover the vital role played by the European Parliament in today’s world.
The European Parliament has its roots in the European Coal and Steel Community, which was established in the aftermath of World War II. The Community was founded with the aim of pooling the coal and steel resources of six European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The idea was to create a common market for these resources, which would help to promote economic cooperation and prevent future wars.
The European Parliament was established in 1952 as an advisory body to the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community. Initially, it was composed of just 78 members, who were appointed by the national parliaments of the six member states. However, over the years, the Parliament’s powers and responsibilities have steadily grown. In 1979, the Parliament was directly elected for the first time, with citizens of the member states casting their votes for the candidates of their choice. Today, the European Parliament has 705 members, who are elected every five years.
The role of the European Parliament in the European Union
The European Parliament is one of the three main institutions of the European Union, alongside the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. Its role is to represent the interests of the citizens of the EU, and to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
One of the key functions of the European Parliament is to pass legislation. The Parliament has the power to initiate, amend, and veto legislation, and it plays a crucial role in the EU’s legislative process. In addition to passing laws, the Parliament also has the power to approve the EU’s budget, and to oversee the work of the other EU institutions.
Another important role of the European Parliament is to hold the other EU institutions to account. The Parliament has the power to question the European Commission and the Council of the EU, and to demand answers on a wide range of issues. This helps to ensure transparency and accountability in the EU’s decision-making process.
The importance of the European Parliament in shaping EU policies
The European Parliament has a significant impact on the policies and legislation of the European Union. As the only directly elected institution of the EU, it represents the voice of the people, and its decisions can have a profound impact on the lives of citizens across the continent.
One of the most important areas where the European Parliament has an impact is in the field of trade. The Parliament has the power to approve or reject international trade agreements, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring that these agreements are fair and transparent. In recent years, the Parliament has been particularly active in this area, rejecting the controversial ACTA agreement in 2012, and demanding greater transparency in negotiations for the TTIP agreement with the United States.
The European Parliament also plays an important role in shaping EU policy on issues such as the environment, human rights, and social justice. Through its legislative powers, the Parliament can help to ensure that these issues are given the attention they deserve, and that EU policies are aligned with the values and priorities of its citizens.
The European Parliament’s legislative process
The legislative process of the European Parliament is complex, but it is designed to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in a transparent and democratic manner.
The process begins with a proposal from the European Commission, which is then reviewed by the relevant parliamentary committee. The committee will then make amendments to the proposal, which are debated and voted on by the full Parliament. If the proposal is approved, it becomes law, and member states are required to implement it.
Throughout the legislative process, the European Parliament is required to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including NGOs, businesses, and citizens. This helps to ensure that the legislation is informed by a broad range of perspectives and that it reflects the needs and concerns of all those affected by it.
The European Parliament’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability
One of the key roles of the European Parliament is to ensure that the other EU institutions are transparent and accountable in their decision-making. To this end, the Parliament has a number of mechanisms in place to oversee the work of the European Commission and the Council of the EU.
One of the most important of these mechanisms is the power of the Parliament to approve or reject the appointment of the European Commission. Before taking office, the Commission must be approved by the Parliament, which can reject the entire Commission or individual Commissioners if it deems them unsuitable.
In addition to this, the Parliament also has the power to conduct inquiries into the work of the other EU institutions. This can be a powerful tool for holding those institutions to account and ensuring that they are acting in the best interests of the citizens of the EU.
The European Parliament’s impact on individual citizens and member states
The decisions of the European Parliament can have a profound impact on the lives of individual citizens and member states. For example, EU legislation on issues such as consumer protection, environmental standards, and workers’ rights can have a significant impact on the everyday lives of citizens across the EU.
In addition to this, the European Parliament plays an important role in ensuring that member states adhere to EU law and meet their obligations under EU treaties. This helps to ensure that the EU operates as a cohesive and effective entity, with all member states working together towards common goals.
Challenges faced by the European Parliament
Despite its many achievements, the European Parliament faces a number of challenges in the years ahead. One of the biggest challenges is the rise of nationalist and populist movements across Europe, which have been critical of the EU and its institutions.
Another challenge is the ongoing debate over the future of the EU itself. Some have called for greater integration and a more federalist model of governance, while others have advocated for a looser, more intergovernmental approach.
Finally, the European Parliament must also grapple with the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world. Issues such as climate change, technological disruption, and geopolitical instability will require the EU to be agile and responsive in its decision-making.
Future of the European Parliament
Despite these challenges, the European Parliament remains a vital institution (next elections will be in June 2024) in the global political landscape. Its role in shaping the policies and legislation of the EU, and its commitment to transparency and accountability, make it a powerful force for good in the world.
Looking to the future, the European Parliament will need to continue to adapt and evolve in response to the changing needs of its citizens and the world at large. This will require a renewed commitment to democratic values, a willingness to embrace new technologies and ways of working, and a recognition of the importance of international cooperation in tackling the challenges of the 21st century.
Conclusion
The European Parliament is a vital institution that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Europe and the world. Through its legislative powers, its oversight of the other EU institutions, and its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Parliament helps to ensure that the voices of the citizens of the EU are heard and that their interests are protected. Despite the challenges it faces, the European Parliament remains a beacon of hope and a powerful force for positive change in the world. As citizens of the EU and the wider world, we must all do our part to support and strengthen this vital institution, and to work towards a brighter future for all.
Zimbabwe has released a fifth of all prisoners under a presidential amnesty order aimed at freeing up space in the country’s overcrowded prisons, reported by the BBC.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service announced that more than 4,000 prisoners, mostly men, had been released as a noble gesture. Violators convicted of robbery, treason and violations of public order were not pardoned.
Zimbabwe’s prisons are overcrowded.
The move comes ahead of the August election. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is grappling with a number of crises such as the rising cost of living, high inflation and power outages.
The former Kirovgrad Metropolitan Joasaf (Guben) of the UOC, as well as the secretary of the diocese, Father Roman Kondratyuk, were sentenced to three years in prison with a two-year probationary period by the Kropyvnytskyi District Court. They are accused of inciting religious hatred and justifying the Russian occupation of southern and eastern Ukrainian territories. They did this with the help of written materials, Russian books and oral instructions to their priestly wards. According to the indictment, Metropolitan Yoasaf was in the close circle of the Moscow Patriarch Kirill and carried out his orders to inculcate among the Christians in his diocese sentiments in support of the Russian occupation and hostility to the Ukrainian state and its actions in defense of its sovereignty. He did this by presenting his pro-Russian activities as a defense of the canonical Church in Ukraine, and the importation of Russian literature on this topic into his diocese increased especially in 2021, the year before the Russian invasion.
“Do you understand the cause-and-effect relationship related to your actions regarding the distribution of these books?” Judge Serhiy Ozhog asked the accused clerics. The former Metropolitan of Kirovgrad answered succinctly: “I admit my guilt and will not say anything more.”
Metropolitan Yosaf and the secretary of the Kirovograd Diocese were convicted under Part 2 of Art. 28 and part 1 of Art. 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the equality of citizens depending on their racial, national, regional affiliation, religious beliefs, disability and on other grounds, committed by a group of persons on a preliminary conspiracy).
The two will not effectively serve the sentence, but will have to appear periodically for registration with the probation authorities.
Their defense can appeal the sentence within thirty days.
Metropolitan Joasaf was released from his metropolitan post in November 2022, and then St. The UOC Synod was motivated by his deteriorating health. At the same time, the leadership of two more dioceses was changed – in the Sumy region and in the Kharkiv region, as their metropolitans fled to Russia.
Last year, nickel savings fell into the spotlight, thanks to the tropical climate in the nickel floor, which drove prices down, and so on. reached the astonishing 100,000 dollars per ton.
This is the background of the London-based metals shop in an existential way. However, in the case of nickel, the exact opposite is true. Nickel prices will end in 2023, up 21% from the beginning of the year to 23,300 dollars per ton, thanks to heavy refining. Production in Indonesia continues to challenge the global pressure. According to the International Nickel Exploration Group (INSG), the metal stockpile saw an excess of 239,000 tonnes of rolling and stockpiling, which is too much This is a higher figure than the government’s last forecast, which expected the surplus to reach 171,000. until 2023, Oіlріse writes.
Global nickel prices are on track to record a 6.1% gain in 2023. Nickel prices will not increase at all in 2022. The global a a non-required contract states that the non-required contract has fallen c 5 .2% per year. The stainless steel industry is the largest consumer of nickel, accounting for 75% of global production in a typical year.
However, the production of electric vehicles requires nickel and the automobile industry will be a major consumer. According to Adams Intelligence, 17,137 tons of nickel were used in batteries for electric vehicles as of February.
All of the nickel-plated parts have been polished before cleaning the products. Grade II nickel output continues to contract, but grade I nickel output – the LME’s deadliest grade – is down 28% so far this year to 40,032 tonnes. it, the lowest level since 2007.
Nickel plates are not the only ones that repeat the process. The World Bank predicts that real estate prices worldwide will fall this year at the fastest rate since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the bank, property prices will grow by 21% in 2023 on an annual basis, while energy prices are expected to fall by 26%. Ahead of forecasts is Cypriot crude, which will hit 84 barrels per barrel this year, down 16% year-on-year, while US and European natural gas prices are expected to to fall in half. They also predict that coal prices will fall 42% in 2023, while coal prices will fall 37%, marking the biggest annual decline since 1 976 onwards
Omar Harfouch, the founder of the “Third Republic of Lebanon”, is the subject of a harsh campaign of diffamation and spreading false news against him through media platforms financed by corrupt officials in Lebanon, after having succeeded in bringing the case of the governor of the Banque du Liban, Riad Salameh, to its terms, and the issuance of an indictment and an international arrest warrant by the French Financial Prosecutor’s Office against the governor.
Plus a plot organized against him by PM Najib Mikati – who is pursued by a gang money laundering investigation organized in Lebanon by the public prosecutor’s office of the Principality of Monaco – which aimed to physically liquidate him indirectly.
For its part, the European Union is preparing a report on the inhuman persecution taking place in Lebanon against those who fight corruption, including Omar Harfouch, and is preparing a conference in Brussels on this subject next September.
And before that, Omar Harfouch will tour European parliament’s such as Austria, Spain and Italy, to consult parliamentary groups with the aim of mobilizing as many of them as possible to support a draft resolution, punishing those who help and protect the corrupt in Lebanon and profit from their illegitimate money, whether in the judiciary, state employees or even the media.
It should be noted that the European Union actually started about ten days ago to work on a project of sanctions against corruption and to protect those who disclose it and whistleblowers.
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, said in a statement that the executions on Friday of Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashemi and Saeed Yaghoubi, were “profoundly concerning in view of the reported involvement of these individuals in the protests that commenced in Iran on 16 September 2022, and allegations of their having been convicted and sentenced through confessions obtained under torture.”
The three-person body, which is mandated to investigate all alleged violations relating to the protests, had previously asked Iranian authorities for information in relation to imposition of the death penalty on some of those exercising their right to protest.
“The Fact-Finding Mission reminds all State authorities and individuals involved in this process, that any execution following a fair trial violation would amount to arbitrary deprivation of life and a violation of international law”, the statement concluded.
In a separate statement, three concerned UN independent rights experts, or Special Rapporteurs, condemned the executions of the three men, urging the Government to “halt the appalling wave of executions in Iran.”
“We are alarmed by reports of unfair proceedings in the case and deeply disturbed that these men have reportedly been subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment to extract forced confessions,” the experts said.
The three men were reportedly arrested on 21 November 2022 during protests in Esfahan city following the uprising sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini on 16 September, in police custody.
The men were accused of participating in the killing of three Iranian officials, and sentenced to death after being charged with were sentenced to death and charged with moharebeh (which translates as “enmity against God”).
‘Scant regard’ for international law
“The executions of the three men this morning underlines our concerns that the Iranian authorities continue to have scant regard for international law,” the experts said. “The death penalty has been applied following judicial proceedings that failed to meet acceptable international standards of fair trial or due process.”
The officers were allegedly killed by gunshots during protests in Isfahan Province, yet the charges against the defendants do not explicitly accuse them of “murder”.
The three men appealed the verdict on 6 May, but Iran’s Supreme Court upheld their death sentences, despite a pending request for judicial review. On 17 May, their families were called in to visit and were told by the prison authorities that this would be the final meeting.
Violation of the right to life
“The death penalty is a violation of the right to life and the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment,” the independent experts said.
At least 259 executions have reportedly been carried out since 1 January – mostly for drug-related offences and including a disproportionate number of minorities, the experts said.
“We are shocked that the authorities went ahead with the executions despite the pending judicial review,” the experts said. “We urge the Iranian Government to stop this horrific wave of executions.”
Special Rapporteurs and other rights experts are all appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work.
The finding is the result of a survey conducted by the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland, which also revealed that 53 per cent had considered getting, or had already accessed, mental health support since arriving in the country.
“The psychosocial toll of the war in Ukraine is immense so the results of this survey are not a surprise,” said Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, who heads the Office, which was established just weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Since then, more than four million Ukrainians have registered for temporary protection across Europe, UNICEF said. More than 1.6 million are in Poland, 90 per cent of whom are women and children, though overall refugee numbers could be much higher.
The survey used a World Health Organization (WHO) self-reporting questionnaire that measures psychological well-being through five simple, non-invasive questions.
Uncertainty and sadness
The results indicated that over 30 per cent of the mothers were exhibiting high levels of distress, and over 30 per cent were experiencing severe levels. Most said they felt helpless and had considered seeking help from a psychologist.
Among the issues contributing to their stress were uncertainty about the future, worries about family or friends in Ukraine or elsewhere, and sadness because of the war. High levels of distress were also related to practical concerns, including money, housing, jobs, language issues, access to healthcare and childcare.
Helping to heal
UNICEF has used the survey results to inform a nationwide online campaign in Poland targeting Ukrainian mothers with information on available psychological support, as well as coping strategies.
“Mental health and psychological support is vital to help families and children heal from the invisible wounds of war and that’s why it’s a huge part of our response and cuts across all of the work we do here in Poland,” said Dr. Sarwar.
Aid delivery in Ukraine
Meanwhile, humanitarians in Ukraine continue to assist frontline communities in the Kharkiv region in the east and the Kherson region in the south, where frequent bombardments are ongoing.
On Wednesday, an inter-agency convoy led by UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, Denise Brown, delivered aid to a community in the very east of the Kharkiv region, where more than 80 per cent of homes are damaged. Shelling also continues to interrupt water, gas, and electricity supply.
The convoy delivered shelter materials, hygiene supplies and solar lamps to some 1,000 remaining residents in a community that had 5,000 inhabitants in February 2022, said Stephanie Tremblay, a UN Spokesperson in New York, speaking on Friday.
“Today, another inter-agency convoy delivered critical aid – including shelter materials, food and water, solar lamps, hygiene kits and clothing – to support nearly 3,000 residents of another front-line community in the Kherson region,” she said. “Almost half of the remaining residents there are older people with limited access to most basic services.”
Landmine challenges
Humanitarians also warned that Ukraine is now one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world, with Kharkiv and Kherson the most impacted regions.
Ms. Tremblay said nearly 300,000 hectares of agricultural land in Kharkiv alone needs demining, according to local authorities.
“Our humanitarian colleagues note that mine risks create additional challenges for repairing damaged houses and critical infrastructure and resuming farming, and both regions had large agriculture industries before the full-scale war,” she added.
Grain export update
Ms. Tremblay also provided an update on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, where operations are partially restarting.
Earlier this week, Russia confirmed that it will continue to take part in the UN-brokered agreement for a further 60 days.
The July 2022 deal allows for grain and other related foodstuffs to be shipped to global markets via three Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea. It is facilitated by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which is based in Istanbul and staffed by representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the UN.
On Friday, the JCC registered six new vessels to participate, out of 15 applications. Three loaded vessels are currently preparing for inspection in Istanbul.
“No ships are currently though loading at any of the three Ukrainian ports under the terms of the Initiative. Teams from the Joint Coordination Centre checked and cleared today three new vessels to proceed to the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk,” Ms. Tremblay told journalists.
She said the UN “continues to call for the prompt return to a tempo of operations that makes full use of the capacities of the three ports and the Joint Coordination Centre teams.”
A wave of deadly attacks reportedly targeted West Darfur’s capital, El-Geneina, in recent days, while the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said that more than 700 people had been killed and nearly 5,300 injured nationwide, after five weeks of intense clashes and bombardment.
“Over one million people have now been recorded as displaced, within Sudan or to neighboring countries,” said UNHCR Spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh, as he issued an urgent appeal to respect the safety of civilians and to allow humanitarian aid to move freely, in line with an agreement reached by the warring parties in Jeddah, on 11 May.
Under that accord between the national army and rival RSF militia, both sides agreed to allow trapped civilians to leave combat zones and allow humanitarian aid to enter.
Civilians will continue to suffer unless this deal is implemented, the UNHCR spokesperson insisted, echoing UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths’s condemnation of “flagrant violations” of the humanitarian agreement:
“Unfortunately, what we’ve seen in the last couple of days is continued horrendous fighting on the ground, shelling, bombing and it’s extremely important that what was committed to in Jeddah is enacted on the ground so that much needed aid can come in”.
Attacks on healthcare continue
Confirming that health facilities and health professionals have continued to be targeted since fighting broke out on 15 April, WHO spokesperson Carla Drysdale told journalists in Geneva that there have been 34 verified attacks, eight deaths and 18 injuries.
Sudan’s neighboring countries continue to be affected by the conflict, especially South Sudan, Chad, and particularly Egypt, which currently hosts the largest number of Sudanese, with 5,000 arriving every day. “That makes a total of almost 110,000 Sudanese who have entered the country, according to the Government,” said Mr. Saltmarsh.
Crowding at the borders
In South Sudan, the numbers of refugees remains high, with around 1,500 arriving per day. Those fleeing the violence use via the Renk crossing in Upper Nile State, although “the transit facility near the border is becoming perilously crowded and resources are extremely stretched”, the UNHCR official noted.
In Chad, essential relief items such as safe drinking water and blankets have been delivered to almost 10,000 families, but UN humanitarians have warned that new arrivals are stuck in remote transit sites near the border, with very limited supplies.
