Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1503087
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 JULY 2023 7 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 873. Spotted Redshank BEING an island, Malta is not short of shoreline. As more than half this coastline slopes gently to the sea, we can be a good refuelling station for migrating shorebirds, and the Spotted Redshank is one such, albeit scarce, customer. Medium-sized as shorebirds go, spot- ted redshanks (M. ċuvett) sport the classic wading bird features: streamlined body, long legs and long pointed beak. Most waders have a modest colour scheme – it pays to be drably garbed when you live on exposed shores with nowhere to hide from predators. Even diehard birders have problems telling some waders from each oth- er, especially in winter when grey and white dominate the plumage palette. Summer, however, brings birds out in their best dress, not least the Spotted Redshank, which turns jet black (bird in photo is in winter garb). A Fossil Fuel Free Mal- ta? Launch of new report on clean energy future by Friends of the Earth Malta On Tuesday 27 June, we launched a new publication by Friends of the Earth Malta: 'Towards a Fossil Free Malta'. Over 10 years ago, Friends of the Earth Malta was actively campaigning for a Climate Bill in Malta. Since then, the Malta Cli- mate Action Act came into effect in 2015. As Friends of the Earth Malta, we believe we need bold and ambitious climate policy to reduce our carbon emissions and ensure we live within the planetary bound- aries. We are fighting to move away from fossil fuels - oil, coal, and gas - as soon as possible. New fossil fuel infrastructure is incompatible with global, EU, and national green- house gas emission reduction tar- gets. The report presents an over- view of the energy system in Malta, its history and where we stand to- day, and our recommendations to- wards a fossil free future for Malta: Act like your house is on fire! We must take ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now to address the climate crisis. No new infrastructure for fossil fuels! We must ensure that any public investment in our energy system is compatible with climate targets and avoid funding any new fossil fuel infrastructure at all costs. Invest in the energy of the future! We must invest public money in energy savings, renewables (like solar and wind), and community energy. Envision a fossil-free future for Malta! We must prepare the country for a climate-proof future and move away from fossil fuels as fast as pos- sible, through a clear renewable en- ergy policy supported by data, and a phase-out plan for gas by 2035 latest. Victor Falzon, Aron Tanti www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 761: The full report: https://foemalta.org/download/towards-a-fossil-free-malta/ Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this ADELE - The Journey So Far 12 August Place: Hilton hotel Brace yourselves for an absolutely sensational show that brings to life the remarkable journey of one of the world's greatest performers, Adele! If you're a fan of Adele's music, mark your calendars because this is an event you do not want to miss! Get ready to be transported into the world of Adele's music like never before Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member IZfen ma' ZfinMalta Summer 6, 12 July, 3,10 August Place: ZfinMalta - National Dance Company Keep your Summer moving and grooving with ZfinMalta - no previous dance experience required! Explore movement with us in our Summer 2023 Special: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 18:30, ZfinMalta Studios . This is an ideal opportunity for those ready to make the leap into the dance world: make dance and movement a part of your evening wind-down routine. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK Actors David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan have been cast to play Superman and Lois Lane in the upcoming film Superman: Legacy. The new casting comes after British actor Henry Cavill was dropped from the superhero franchise last year. A grand jury in Texas has declined to charge rapper Travis Scott over a deadly crowd surge at the Astroworld music festival nearly two years ago. The jury met Thursday as part of a criminal probe into Scott and others involved with the planning of the concert, which left 10 people dead. The pair were among six actors in the running for the roles, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Scott's lawyer Kent Schaffer said the decision comes as "a great relief" to his client.