Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/421389
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2014 44 THIS WEEK No it isn't Xena's lesser-known sister and is in no way related to any fiery sword-wielding warrior princesses! Her full scientific name is Xanthoria parietina, and it's a lichen. Lichens are wonderful, strange creatures. They're a bit of a chimaera because they're actually not one but two organisms – an alga and a fungus – living together as one entity. They do this in order to survive in habitats where they wouldn't stand a chance had they been separate. We have hundreds of lichens in Malta and Xanthoria (M: Ksantorja) is one of the most familiar, being relatively large and showy. It's those crusty green-yellow- orange patches you see growing on tree trunks and branches. Take a closer look at one and you'll see tiny, round, deep orange saucer-like structures around its middle area. Those are the spore containers, technically known as apothecia. These contain countless microscopic specks that will ensure future generations of the species. Despite the 'parietina' in its name (which means 'of the wall') you are more likely to see Xanthoria on trees rather than on walls. Lichens are usually very vulnerable to atmospheric pollution but Xanthoria is relatively tolerant of some dirty air, which may be why we see it even in urban gardens. 431. XANTHORIA GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 333: CLEANING WITH EGGSHELLS – Ground eggshells make a wonderful (and nontoxic!) abrasive for those tough-to-clean pots, pans, and thermoses. Mix them with a little soapy water for a powerful clean. The climate announcement by the US and China may be spun as a landmark, but in reality the US pledges are just a drop in the ocean. These figures are very far from being the sea of change we urgently need from the US government. The good news is that China is taking the fight against climate change ever more seriously and intends to peak its emissions in next 15 years. We urge China and all nations to urgently switch from emissions-causing dirty energy to community-based renewable energy. US President Barack Obama said that the US will aim to reduce its emissions levels 26-28% by 2025 (compared with 2005 levels). The cuts pledged by President Obama are nowhere near what the US needs to cut if it was serious about preventing runaway climate change. The world's richest, developed countries are most responsible for climate change. They emitted the biggest share of the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere today, way more than their fair share. The UN is the most democratic space to address the climate crisis. The UN climate talks are supposed to be making progress on implementing the agreement that world governments made in 1992 to stop man-made and dangerous climate change. The UN agreement recognises that rich countries have done the most to cause the problem of climate change and should take the lead in solving it, as well as provide funds to poorer countries as repayment of their climate debt. The solutions to the climate crisis are available. They include steep reductions in carbon emissions, stopping fossil fuels and deforestation, building clean, sustainable, community-based power solutions, and transforming our food systems. US-China climate pledges just a drop in the ocean Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). Text and photo Victor Falzon THE Din l-Art Ħelwa Youth Com- mittee organised a Restoration Workshop at Our Lady of Victory Church, Valletta on November 15 and 16. Conducting Conservators were Amy Sciberras, Sarah Yeomans Gafa and the event was co-ordinated by Council Members Mariagrazia Cassar and Ian Camilleri, with the collaboration of the Our Lady of Victory custodian, Mario Sciberras. This initiative was organised in the run up to the Din l-Art Ħelwa's 50th Anniversary and enhanced the main purposes and objectives of the Youth Committee in involving young peo- ple in Din l-Art Ħelwa's mission. The workshop shed light on the general care and conservation of collections and cultural heritage so as to raise awareness among the general public, especially the young, regarding the importance of preserving our national patri- mony. The conducting conservators demonstrated the diverse steps of conservation of paintings, includ- ing preliminary scientific analysis, to better tailor the required treat- ments. Through the use of posters, on site non-invasive analysis and hands-on work on a number of old paintings, the general public and students were introduced to the sci- entific research involved in the field of restoration. The Minister of Education, Evar- ist Bartolo, declared the workshop open during a visit which he made together with his wife, Gillian Bar- tolo on November 15. He took much interest in the activity encouraging the young conservators and augur- ing that their example would en- courage youths to embark on this profession. Simone Mizzi, Executive President of Din l-Art Ħelwa showed the Bartolos around the church and the small museum which is being set up. She then accompanied them above the scaffolding to show them the progress that has been achieved on the Alessio Erardi ceiling. The min- ister expressed his thanks to the Din l-Art Ħelwa volunteers, "For work- ing so hard to save this church". He exhorted them to keep up the good work and to count on him for tangi- ble support. Education minister opens DLH restoration workshop Minister for Education Evarist Bartolo took interest in the activity, encouraging the young conservators and auguring that their example would be an inspiration for youths