January 2020 - Page 18 of 22

Opinion: My homeland is burning, here’s how the world is responding

08/01/2020

I always thought Australia would be my safe haven, the place I would return to if things became critical in Europe through terrorism, political unrest, or even the effects of climate change. Australia always seemed untouchable, immune to the problems of the world. But now I watch in horror and disbelief as monstrous fires consume the very heart and soul of my homeland – its bush, its native wildlife, and its heroes. 12.35 million acres up in flames. Close to half a billion animals disintegrated. 26 lives lost, some of whom were volunteer firefighters. And we are only halfway through bushfire season.
The fires have been raging since September, but the images that emerged around Christmas time are what captured the world’s attention. Media started picking up nightmare scenes of glowing red skies, a smoke-covered Sydney Harbour Bridge, people fleeing to the sea to escape the flames, mass evacuations from Australia’s popular holiday spots, and the country’s most emblematic creatures singed and burned.
It is true that Australia has always had bushfires. In fact, it is written in to our culture. The worst fires have acquired names and become historical milestones, like Red Tuesday (1898), Ash Wednesday (1983), Black Christmas (2001), and Black Saturday (2009).
But the extent, the severity, and the intensity of these fires is nothing like we have ever seen before.

PHOTO: A satellite snapshot of the devastating fires across the east coast of Australia in December. (NASA)

The world reacts

The response across the globe has been immediate and genuine. World leaders have expressed their solidarity with Australia, including Prince Albert II of Monaco who, in a statement released on Monday, said: “I have sadly seen that entire towns have been engulfed in flames, that residents across several states have lost their homes… and that wildlife and the environment have undergone extensive damages; a situation exacerbated by persistent heat and drought. My family and the population of Monaco join the grief of the bereaved and wish to thank and commend the emergency services who are struggling to contain the massive blazes”.
French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson were also among those to call Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in support. Meanwhile, in a tweet, Mr Morrison thanked the US, New Zealand, Canada and Singapore for their support on the ground.
Celebrities are rallying behind fundraising efforts. US singer Pink, Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, British singer Elton John and Australian actor Chris Hemsworth are among those to make major donations. Ellen DeGeneres is on a mission to raise $5 million, while Comedian Celeste Barber’s bushfire appeal raised a staggering $44 million in less than a week.
Meanwhile, people around the world have also been knitting blankets and protective pouches for animals which have lost their homes in the crisis.
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When will it end?

Despite a minor reprieve earlier this week, firefighters and residents in south-eastern Australia are bracing for the return of dangerous weather conditions on Thursday and Friday.
Temperatures of 40C and above, coupled with unpredictable winds, are set to sweep through a range of fire zones.
By the time this bushfire season is out, which is technically March, the toll on Australia will be unfathomable. Entire native species could be wiped out completely. Already, ecologists from the University of Sydney put a figure of 480 million on the number of mammals, birds and reptiles that have been killed since the bushfires started. The actual number is likely to be much higher.

What can we do?

It is tough to watch all of this unfold and feel helpless. And despite the enormous outpouring of generosity from celebrities, philanthropists, individuals and businesses from Australia and overseas, much more is still needed.
The economic impact of these devastating mega-fires is predicted to exceed $4.4 billion. So far, $140 million has been raised.
Here are some of the trusted charities that need your support:

Please note that the New South Wales and Victorian Rural Fire Services are government-funded organisations, therefore donated money will go to the respective governments, who have their own recovery plans in place.

Australia needs more than money

Additionally, once the bushfires are over, one of the best ways to help is to visit Australia and put your money into the communities that have suffered so much loss: Kangaroo Island, the NSW coastal towns, East Gippsland and northeast Victoria – all popular for their beach towns and wineries.

A sign of things to come?

While most climate scientists are reluctant to attribute climate change impacts to a specific weather event, all agree climate change exacerbates the conditions in which bushfires occur. A combination of a record-breaking drought, Australia’s hottest year on record, dry and windy weather, and plenty of fuel on the ground created the perfect conditions for Australia’s summer of hell.
“There are now disingenuous efforts to downplay the clear role of climate change in worsening the intensity and severity of the Australian fires, or to blame ‘arson’ as a way to distract from the growing threat of climate change. These efforts should be called out for what they are: gross climate denial,” Peter Gleick, a climate scientist and co-founder of Pacific Institute in California told TIME. “We’ve only seen a tiny fraction of the climate change that we’re going to see in the coming years and the coming decades. If we’re seeing these disasters with a 1 degree warming of the planet so far, and we know that we’re headed for a 1.5 or 2 or 3 degree warming, we can only imagine how bad these disasters are going to get.”

Principality introduces electronic payslips

by: Cassandra Tanti

07/01/2020

As a next step in the digital transition of Monaco, Monegasque companies can now switch to the “dematerialised salary slip” – an electronic version of the standard pay slip.

Private sector companies in Monaco currently generate 620,000 payslips per annum. By changing over to an electronic salary payment system, companies can save paper, ink, space and time, and therefore money, as paper pay stubs cost roughly threefold that of the digital versions.

The digital payslips will include identical information and have the same retention period as paper versions and are touted as being a safe, as well as environmentally-friendly, option. Employee rights are protected, as the slips will be tranferred in a confidential and secure way. The e-salary notices will be certified by a stamp or electronic signature giving them equal legality as the paper ones.

For the time being, the switch to digital is not compulsory. Each company may choose whether they want to go this route, and conversely, each employee may decide to retain the paper option or to go electronic. Both parties are free to revert or change at any time.

The changeover gives companies a triple bonus of modernity, economy and ecology. By making a New Year’s resolution to change to digital now, the participating companies and employees will be taking leading roles in the inevitable total transition to electronic systems being implemented by the Principality.

As of now, state employees and civil servants do not have the option to switch, though the government has stated this will be forthcoming in a second step in the near future.

Already obtainbalbe under the digital transition are forms and old documents, and more recently online payments for parking and requests for civil status acts have become available.

8th record year amid airport extension approval

by: Stephanie Horsman

07/01/2020

By mid-December of 2019, Nice saw 14 million passengers travel through Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, a giant leap of 4.7% on the previous year.

For the 8th consecutive year running, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has seen records on the previous years’ passenger traffic smashed, reaffirming its vaunted spot as France’s second airport and paving the way for the justification of future growth.

Only one year after seeing the 13 million mark barrier broken, translating to more than one million visitors or travellers per month, the airport expects growth to continue into 2020.

Whilst passenger numbers climb, less aircraft came and went from the airport. The contradiction is easily explained in that airlines now have extraordinary capabilities to fill planes, especially during peak summer months, to 99% capacity – great news for airlines, bad news for travellers who already feel the conditions for civilised air travel diminishing.

The environment is a winner though, as less air traffic means less pollution. Couple this with the use of more modern and lower polluting aircraft, and the ecological impact could be significant to the region over time.

New direct routes to popular long-haul destinations such as New York and Beijing have also created more interest in the airport, as have the 12 new connecting flights introduced last winter. The number of direct flights into and out of the airport now stands at 117.

This dramatic rise in traffic of course is impetus for the powers that be to finally grant the long asked for expansion of Nice Côte d’Azur.

As of the end of 2019, the Prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes had granted authorisation to expand Terminal 2, adding more than 25,000m2 of floor space to the existing space, under the stipulations that they take into account the potential noise pollution and the integration of the aesthetics of the new plan. Thus, the airport will be equipped to accommodate four million additional passengers by 2022, roughly 18 million total per year.

Grotto closed to public

by: Cassandra Tanti

07/01/2020

The archaeological site under the Exotic Garden, the Observation Cave, will be closed to the public indefinitely due to security works.
At the bottom of the Exotic Garden’s cliff, the Observation Cave – named because of the former presence of a little astronomic observatory – opens an underground cavity specially equipped for visits.
The limestone rock, dug by water full of carbonic gas, is sprinkled with ornate caverns: stalagmites, stalactites, draperies, columns, spaghettis… it has been a hit with tourists for many years now.
Normally, specialists conduct guided tours of the cave, which goes almost so far as sea level and is often studied by local speleologists.
Bone fragments of the animals consumed by prehistoric men here are just some of the exciting finds in the caves.
But due to security works, the Monaco City Council has announced that the Observation Cave will be closed indefinitely. The Exotic Garden and the shop remain open.

Everything you need to know about the Circus Festival

by: Stephanie Horsman

07/01/2020

The Principality is transformed each January into the circus capital of the world with a series of big top related events and exhibitions for both the young and young-at-heart to enjoy.

The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is back celebrating its 44^th year in the Principality from 16^th to 26^th January. This year, horses will be spotlighted as the horsemen from the Swiss National Circus Knie will present their steeds to the audience, leaving them in awe and respect for these noble creatures.

Of course, a circus wouldn’t be a circus without hilarious clowns, amazing acrobats and a myriad of other international acts, including a flying plate act from China, all culminating in the best of the best being presented with the Golden Clown Awards for 2020.

In addition to the circus itself, there will be circus-related events taking place all over town.

The Marriott will be hosting the European Circus Association and World Circus Federation meetings on Friday 17^th January.

On Saturday 18^th January, the famous Clowns en Folie will be performing at the Condamine market from 11am. Additionally, from 3pm to 4pm, the public is invited to come see ‘Animals at the Circus’, a special inside look at how the circus’s horses are trained by Freddie Knie, junior of the Swiss National Circus Knie. Entry is free and open to all.

Monday the 20^th sees the ecumenical ceremony performed under the tent at 7pm, followed at 8.20pm at Stade Louis II by a distinctly unique, and most likely comical, football match between the Prince’s Barbaguians team and the International Team of Circus Artists. The teams will have backup by some of the soccer world’s great players and all proceeds will go to Fight AIDS Monaco. Entry is free with the presentation of a circus ticket or €5 without.

More than 800 local students from 32 classes have been asked to join performers in the marquee on 23^rdJanuary, attending a rehearsal and seeing what it is like behind the scenes at the circus.

Fast forward to 1^st and 2^nd February for the 9^th annual New Generation Festival, the only competition in the world for young and upcoming new artists on the circus scene.

In addition to the events, there are a number of exhibits pertaining to the circus, including one by Claude Draimbourg at the Hotel Columbus from 16^th January to 2^nd February, another for the same dates at the Hôtel de Paris by Dan Walck, a photography show by Peter Lavery at the Marriott from 16^th to 20^th January and a special exhibition at the Musée Massena in Nice until 3^rd February entitled The Enchanted Circle with works borrowed from the museum of Dr Alain Frère.

The roundabout between Avenue des Ligures and Avenue des Guelfes will be decorated by the Urban Planning Department’s Gardening Section honouring the grace and elegance of the honorary stars of this year’s festival: horses.

Finally, a special commemorative stamp will be issued, drawn by acclaimed artist Alain André of Petit Gougoufame. The stamps will be on sale at the Stamp Office for €1.40.

Inside Swiss elite resort Gstaad

by: Isabella Marino

07/01/2020

This year, I decided to take a trip to the snowy mountains in Gstaad during my Christmas Holidays. It’s my favourite winter destination, especially in February when there’s more snow. I always get excited to finally wear my mountain-chic outfits! [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]

Gstaad is an upscale ski resort in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps and I consider it the best place for socializing, enjoying the beauty of the mountains, the charming chalets, the great restaurants and the beautiful cross-country trails. I would not exactly recommend Gstaad for professional skiing because the slopes are quite short compared to other ski resorts in Switzerland.
Gstaad is mostly known internationally for the prestigious boarding school Le Rosey that has made it a popular holiday spot amongst high society and royalties. It is the oldest school in the country and perhaps one of the most expensive in the world, with a glamorous alumni list. Once a year, in mid-February, the alumni organisation of Le Rosey puts together a weekend during which thousands of old alumni around the globe get together in Gstaad. This is the most happening week of the season in Gstaad.
The village is located 1,050 meters above sea level, so the temperature is very pleasant. I could spend the whole day on the terrace of Palace Hotel to get a tan, while having lunch. The food is delicious and the service is impeccable. Enjoy the regional specialties such as deer meat and rösti, finished with berries, home-made sour cream and meringue.

The Palace Hotel is making an incredible brunch every Sunday in February. I celebrated New Year’s Eve at a private party in a luxurious chalet, wearing a black leather dress by Saint Laurent.

Where to stay:

The Palace Hotel is an institution in Gstaad, built on a hill overlooking the town, with a breathtaking view of the Alps from the room.

The hotel offers a wide choice of restaurants but my favourite is Le Grill and La Fromagerie, which is a traditional alpine hut that only serves fondue and raclette. The legendary nightclub Greengo is located in the basement. After a nice day of skiing, there’s nothing better than getting pampered in the Spa. I love their spa with the heated outdoor pool and fireplace in the relaxing area.

The Alpina Hotel is a fresh interpretation of Alpine chic, opened in 2012. It was built in an elegant and modern chalet style, featuring natural materials like marble, sandstone and aged wood. Restaurants include Megu, serving Japanese cuisine.

The Six Senses Spa is fantastic and features holistic treatments and a heated outdoor pool overlooking the mountains.

Here are just a handful of the many activities you can enjoy:

Shopping in the Promenade. Each little chalet is a luxury boutique with pittoresque chalet style storefronts and of course the local brand Lorenz Bach, established in Gstaad, that designs the traditional jackets. These jackets are very chic and unique and you can wear them with jeans or elegant wool pants.