Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/640308
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 2016 39 Environment GIVEN that many people in Malta, in- cluding local coun- cils, regard trees as a nuisance and cement over green spaces, the news that contact with nature plays a crucial role in brain development might sound like fantasy to many. Over the last forty years, studies in Europe and the US have shown that the brain is better able to re- lax and restore itself in a natural setting, once removed from the noise and traffic stress of urban life. These studies repeatedly indi- cate that children living in a place with more nature, with more re- storative resources, benefit in terms of brain development and concentration. One study assessed the associa- tion between memory and lack of attention in primary schoolchil- dren, based on the rate of expo- sure to green surrounding their homes, on the route to school and green areas around schools. Trees surrounding schools have an especially important role to play in reducing vehicle emissions which impair both lung capacity, as well as mental alertness. This highlights the irresponsibility of destroying trees around some of our schools in Malta. College students with natural views have better atten- tion spans than those with built views from their dormitory rooms. A comparison of back- packing enthusiasts found that those who went on a wilderness backpacking trip showed improved proofreading performance, whereas those who went on an urban vacation or no vacation showed no improvement. Living in close proximity to green spaces has been reported to increase physical activity, which is seriously lacking in Malta. Time spent in green areas also enhances immunity in children - another factor that links exposure to na- ture with healthy development. Having a natural environment close to home plays a highly sig- nificant role in the wellbeing of children who live in poor urban environments. A study that as- sessed children living in sub- standard housing reports that children whose homes improved most in terms of green values fol- lowing moving house, also tended to have the highest levels of cog- nitive functioning following the move. Poorer housing areas revealed an increased rate of psychological distress amongst children, such as bedwetting, depression/weeping, inability to concentrate, feelings of hopelessness, and loss of ap- petite. However, where the chil- dren lived in houses with gardens, these symptoms were reduced, even though the houses were sub- standard. Further studies have shown that respiratory illnesses are more common among children young- er than 10 who live in flats, than among nearby children living in houses. In general, studies of high- rise living found that children liv- ing in high-rise housing tend to have more behavioural problems, are more restricted when playing, and have poorer physical health than those who reside in low-rises or houses. Various studies have shown that a view of trees from a window can make a difference: prisoners with natural views from their windows made fewer clinic visits, patients in hospital rooms with natural views needed less pain medication and recovered from surgery faster than patients with a view of build- ings from their windows. Where does that leave us in Mal- ta? Recognizing environmental features that will make a positive difference in our lives can provide valuable insights for policy mak- ers, education and housing au- thorities, architects and planners, enabling them to make a differ- ence. Simple interventions such as preserving existing trees when planning projects, organising tree- planting efforts in urban neigh- bourhoods – as was done recently at Santa Lucia – or incorporating landscaping in schools and hous- ing complexes, will have a signifi- cant and positive impact on chil- dren's welfare. Small differences accumulate into big differences and provide ways for children to overcome disadvantages, and grow into healthy, balanced adults. Orange juice has become the most important variety of juice worldwide. A new study about the production, transportation and consumption – the whole supply chain of orange juice – has been published in December 2015. The study with the title Squeeze Out – The truth behind the orange juice business, stresses that the production of orange juice, particularly located in Brazil, comes together with a string of social as well as environmental issues. Referring to interviews with plantation workers in Brazil, unfair working conditions are widely spread, which are comparable to a system of modern slavery. The plantation workers complain about a low and non-transparent salary, numerous cases of discrimination primarily against women, a lack in health and security measures as well as working days of up to 14 hours. "We are just numbers. The pressure we have each day is enormous", a plantation worker is quoted saying in the study. Concerning environmental issues, it is mentioned that the use of several pesticides, in order to reach the highest possible harvest of crop, has increased significantly during the last years. This development is accompanied by an increase in several health incidents. Between 2007 and 2013, the number of reported cases of intoxication by pesticides approximately doubled from 2,178 to 4,537. To be continued. When we think "duck" we probably get a mental image of a big, fat, clumsy bird waddling about, quacking and flapping its wings helplessly with as much chance of flying as a stone. But that's because we would be thinking of the domestic duck. Wild ducks are a very different story. They are sleek, strong, streamlined birds and some of them can fly at well over 100km/h – they need to, since ducks are among the peregrine falcon's favourite main course. And some ducks are not big at all: the Eurasian Teal (M: Sarsella), for example, is no bigger than a pigeon. It is the smallest of several duck species that seasonally grace our coastal waters and channels. They are gregarious animals, so flocks of hundreds are no rarity. Like the other ducks, most teals pass through in autumn and in spring. Right now they are mostly in drab brown/grey winter plumage and keep a low profile, but a Eurasian Teal in fresh spring plumage is quite an eyeful, especially if it flashes that unbelievable metallic green sash on the wing. GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 396: SIGN THE PETITION STOP THE SQUEEZE OUT – MAKE ORANGE JUICE FAIR! – www.foemalta.org/links/orange www.foemalta.org/links/orangefound at foemalta.org/links/orange, would be a great start. Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate Part 1 – Orange juice and its impact on people and the environment Text Victor Falzon Photo Aron Tanti 493. EURASIAN TEAL Astrid Vella Simle interventions such as preserving existing trees when planning projects will have a significant impact on children's welfare Green Spaces and Child Development