Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/725667
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2016 39 Comaring Land Footprints on a per- capita basis between countries and regions shows where an average citizen consumes more than their 'fair share' of the globally available land resource. The EU's per capita Cropland Footprint falls in the middle range of global consumption patterns, at 0.31 hectares, but this is far more than the current global average of 0.22 hectares per capita. Most developed regions have dispropor- tionately large footprints. Large Land Footprints generally correlate with higher consumption levels of land-intensive products such as animal proteins, but also ar- eas with large fallow land areas and lower yields, linked to climate char- acteristics (e.g. countries like Aus- tralia, Canada and Russia are large with extreme climates, thus greater land areas are required to produce similar yields to those countries with more suitable climates). This shows the difficulties in com- paring Land Footprint between countries as differences not only relate to consumption patterns, but also to natural and climatic circum- stances. There are also significant differences between citizens from different countries within the EU, and furthermore between citizens within each country. As of yet, the available data is not specific enough to analyse these differ- ences, but on a broad level, the regional Land Footprint is a good indicator of how the EU compares to other global regions in its land consumption. This Week Autumn migration is well under way as masses of European birds stream south to spend the winter in balmier Africa. Some stop in the north of the continent, while others brave the daunting crossing of the Sahara to reach equatorial savannas and forests. Among the most eye-catching winged travellers we get are of course the birds of prey, one of which is the elegant black kite (M: astun iswed). Although seen every year, black kites are far less common than species like honey-buzzards and marsh harriers, thousands of which migrate over our heads at this time of the year. So it's always with extra satisfaction that we spot that tell- tale fork in the tail that characterises this bird. One can therefore imagine what birdwatchers felt last week when they spotted a mind boggling 58 of these birds, all in one flock. A red-letter day in the annals of raptor migration no doubt - last time there was such a large flock was in 1985. Just wonderful! Here's hoping they all made it safely across the sea to Africa. GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 426: TAKE A SHORTER SHOWER: Every two minutes you save on your shower can conserve more than 40 litres of water. If everyone in the Malta saved 40 litres from their daily shower, over the course of the year it would equal to almost 6 million cubic metres of water. 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 Text Victor Falzon Photo Ian Balzan 523. BLACK KITE EU's Land Footprint – Compared to other regions Rock of Ages comes to a close after a three-month run MALTA'S longest-running musi- cal, Rock of Ages, is coming to a close after a successful three-month residency at the City Theatre in Val- letta. It has certainly been successful, having received standing ovations at every performance, and over 100 five-star reviews online. Now audi- ences have one last chance to catch it before it closes on 14 September.w "When we decided to produce Rock of Ages we believed it would be popular, but had no idea quite how popular," says TAC Theatre's Wes- ley Ellul. "The response from our audiences has been fantastic, both in terms of ticket numbers, and in their enjoyment of the show. Watching an audience jump to its feet in en- joyment and dancing along with the cast is a real treat. It's been an hon- our to be part of." Rock of Ages' all-star local cast includes Chris Dingli, Kurt Calleja, Nadia Vella, Taryn Mamo Cefai, Colin Fitz, Katherine Brown, Ste- fan Cheriet Busutil, Rachel Fabri Camilleri and Airport Impressions' Errol Sammut. It features song by Styx, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Poi- son, and Europe, among others. It is directed by Wesley Ellul and Marc Cabourdin, with musical direction by Renzo Spiteri, choreography by Sue Vassallo and vocal coaching by Roger Tirazona. A few tickets to the final Rock of Ages show are available from www. ticketline.com.mt