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Month: July 2023

Heatwave: orange heat alert ends with spectacular storm and cooler temperatures

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/07/2023
orange heat alert

Météo France has lifted the orange alert in Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes after 15 consecutive days of punishing heat. What’s in store for the rest of the month? 

The Charon heatwave that has been wreaking havoc across southern Europe, including locally on the Côte d’Azur and Monaco, may finally be in its death throws.  

After weeks of punishing heat, forest fires and human casualties in the Mediterranean basin, the mercury is finally dropping to a more comfortable level in the French Riviera after a storm swept through the region in the wee hours of Monday morning. 

RELIEF AT LAST 

The storm has been welcomed on several fronts. As the region is desperately dry, this gave some much needed moisture to thirsty plants, and also reduced the Météo France orange alert that had been in place to a more hospitable yellow alert. 

The yellow warning does still require people to be aware when spending time outdoors, but means that the super intense heat of the last fortnight has passed. Storm warnings, however, do remain in effect in some parts of the region.   

Temperatures in the Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco started off between 19°C and a still rather warm 27°C on the morning of 24th July, but should settle into between 26°C and 30°C during the afternoon.  

REST OF JULY 

The rest of the month is looking more manageable and temperatures may even be below seasonal norms in some places.

Monaco’s temperatures on 25th and 26th July will still be elevated, with nights hovering in the 26°C range, but by 27th July, both days and nights will be cooler. Nighttime temperatures are expected to be a more comfortable 22°C while the days will remain below 30°C. 

This general pattern is expected to continue through the rest of the week and weekend, with stormy weather forecast for higher altitudes on Friday. 

 

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Photo source: Michael Shannon, Unsplash

More than half of Europeans want to see the green energy transition sped up

by: Elsa Carpenter
24/07/2023
green energy transition

The results of a new European Commission climate change survey have revealed that Europeans across the continent hold some very strong opinions on the bloc’s efforts to move towards a greener future. 

More than three quarters of Europeans consider climate change to be a “serious issue”, with seven in 27 Member States putting it at the top of the list as the biggest problem facing the world today.  

While 35% hold themselves personally responsible for climate change action, others lay that responsibility at the door of the European Union (EU), their national government, and businesses and industries, and many believe that these decision-makers could be doing more. 

One thing that does unite the vast majority, however, is a desire to see the green energy transition increase in speed and traction.   

Emissions targets, energy efficient and innovation 

58% of people think the green economy transition should be happening faster, 88% believe greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced to a minimum, 87% think it is important that the EU sets “targets to increase renewable energy use”, and 85% would like to see the EU bolster efforts to improve energy efficiency, citing installing solar panels, buying electric cars and better insulating homes as ways to achieve that goal. Nearly eight in 10 of those surveyed backed the idea that more public financial support should be allocated to the green energy transition for clean energies. 

Almost three quarters believe the cost of damage being done by unsustainable practices is higher than the price of investing in cleaner technologies, while 75% agree that “taking action on climate change will lead to innovation that will make EU companies more competitive”. 

Personal responsibility 

The findings also revealed that 93% of European citizens are taking action to combat climate change themselves through making daily sustainable choices. This sense of personal responsibility is echoed in the views of the 84% that argue confronting climate change and other environmental threats should be a public health priority. 

A third of Europeans – the figure is higher for those living in Southern Europe – feel they are being exposed to climate-related risks in their day-to-day lives.

“European citizens understand the threat of climate change, and continue to support climate action by the EU, national governments, business and individuals,” says Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal. “They recognise the long-term risks posed by the climate and biodiversity crises, but also the opportunity that we have to build a brighter, healthier and safer future if we act now on the green transition. The results of this survey are a powerful reminder that popular support to advance with the European Green Deal remains as high as ever. It is up to politicians and decision-makers to heed that call.” 

More than 26,000 citizens from different backgrounds, countries and social groups were polled for the survey.  

 

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Photo source: Appolinary Kalashnikova, Unsplash

Ethics committee, asset declarations, gifts: Monaco introduces new anti-corruption law for government members

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/07/2023
co2 calculator

Monaco has published by Sovereign Ordinance new ethical guidelines for members of the government, as it takes another important step towards meeting the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption standards.

According to a government statement on Monday 24th July, Sovereign Ordinance No. 9.931 had been published in the official Journale de Monaco on 15th June 2023, strengthening its system for the prevention of corruption and “confirming its desire to change its regulations to comply with international standards”.

The text establishes a specific legal regime for the ethics of members of the government, and therefore allows the Principality to comply with the requirements of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) on the prevention of corruption and the promotion of integrity within central governments and law enforcement agencies, according to the government.

New ethical standards for government members

The law states that members of the Prince’s government must exercise their powers with “loyalty, dignity, probity, disinterestedness, impartiality, objectivity and professional discretion”.

Among the other provisions of the law is the establishment of a declaration of assets and a declaration of interests; the establishment of a specific procedure to prevent “revolving doors” when a member of the government plans to exercise a private activity upon leaving office; reinforcement of the gift traceability system; and the creation of an Ethics Committee and the appointment of an ethics officer.

Complying with Europe’s best practices 

Monaco joined the Council of Europe’s Criminal Law Convention on Corruption in 2007 and the Partial Agreement that created GRECO. By 2008, Monaco had entered the evaluation phase and, according to the government, many legislative and regulatory advances have been made in the fight against corruption since.

The fifth evaluation round of Monaco by the GRECO team is scheduled for 20th to 24th November 2023.

SEE ALSO:

Claude Palmero, in charge of Prince Albert’s assets, steps down

 

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Artcurial’s Monaco Auction Week sales bring in an astounding €14 million

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/07/2023
artcurial monaco auction week

With a seven-carat ruby ring from Guillemin & Soulaine fetching almost €3 million alone, jewellery was the biggest category at the Artcurial sales of Monaco Auction Week, but there were also many highlights from the worlds of horology and handbags.

The Hôtel Hermitage was the scene for the latest Artcurial-led Monaco Auction Week event held over four days from 16th to 19th July and featuring enigmatic jewellery pieces, collector watches, luxury handbags – including several coveted Kelly and Birkin bags from the French luxe fashion house Hermès – sculptures and interior design pieces. 

The series of auctions have been deemed a huge success. Skillfully guided by Stéphane Aubert, Geoffroy Ader and Francis Briest, Artcurial’s eight categories brought in an astounding €14.1 million, with many items far exceeding their estimated sale prices.  

STANDOUT SALE 

The jewellery department had stellar results, taking in nearly €7.5 million, which is a record for the division and was thanks mainly to the Guillemin & Soulaine Marguerite vivid red ruby ring. The seven-carat stone fetched over €2.9 million, making it the second most pricey ruby per carat to be sold in the world so far in 2023.  

 A 24.69-carat sapphire also did well, almost tripling its €50,000 estimate to reach €144,900.  

WATCHES HAD THEIR TIME IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The men’s watches auctions cleared €3.2 million, although sales were at the more modest end of the scale. For example, a Rolex Paul Newman Daytona topped out at €452,640, touching the lower end of its estimated sale price, but nevertheless achieved a solid price for the much-appreciated timepiece.

A classic Rolex Paul Newman Daytona topped out at €452,640. Photo source: Artcurial

The women’s watch sales saw a Cartier watch estimated to sell for €8,000 to €12,000 top out at €31,488, helping the overall sales total for this division hit nearly €521,000.

HANDBAG HITS

A 2019 Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Retourné Himalaya 28 in matte white Nile crocodile skin was among the rare and extraordinary handbags to go under the gavel. It brought in €127,264. Meanwhile, a 2022 Limited Edition Kelly Doll Picto in mauve, chai, lime and nata Epsom calfskin brought in €47,232. The grand total for the luxury bag sales exceeded €733,000, the highest ever figure for the department.

The 2019 Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Retourné Himalaya 28 that sold for €127,264. Photo source: Artcurial

Artcurial will return to the Principality in 2024 with a tribute to jewellery and watchmakers Piaget. The auction is already being promoted under the title Piaget: 150 Years.

 

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Featured photo source: Artcurial

Monaco’s population commended for complying with water restrictions in face of drought

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/07/2023

It’s been just over two months since the Prince’s Government put Monaco on “alert level” water restrictions, and the population appears to have answered the call to save water. Restrictions, however, will continue.

On 12th May 2023, Monaco was placed on the elevated “alert level” by Ministerial Order in an effort to relieve the drought situation in the Principality. By Monday 24th July, the State released its first report, stating “the Government has noted the effectiveness of the measures taken and welcomes the commitment of users, clearly perceptible in the first comparative statements of the use of water resources.”

Compared to the same period last year, there has been an average drop in consumption of 6%, almost -10% in the week of 3rd to 9th July alone. More than 60,000 m3 of water has therefore been “saved” by the drought measures imposed this year.

“This drop is all the more notable given that before the launch of the alert level, weekly consumption in the first half of 2023 was, on average, 2% higher than in 2022,” revealed the government. “It is clear to see the real impact these new measures, even more noticeable when compared to the year 2019 before Covid, with a 13% drop observed over the period between 12th May and 9th July.”

According to the government, sporadic rains have not been sufficient enough to fill the Principality’s water tables, and the level of water resources remains strained, making it “essential to continue the collective effort to preserve water”.

The Prince’s Government asks that businesses and the population continue the trend and remain vigilant in complying with the alert level water restrictions.

There are four levels of alert: the first is vigilance, the second is alert, the third is heightened alert, and the fourth is crisis.

 

SEE ALSO:

Monaco to impose water restrictions from Saturday

 

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Photo by Monaco Life

 

 

Lights out, air-con off: Monaco government announces new plan to save energy

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/07/2023

Businesses in Monaco must now turn off the lights overnight and set a 25°C limit to air conditioning as the government attempts to reduce the Principality’s energy consumption.

As part of its energy management plan and bolstered by public support for the measures taken last winter, the Prince’s Government announced on the weekend that it adopted two new ministerial decrees on 21st July on public and private lighting and on the use of air conditioning, which will be in force until 30th October 2023.

With regards to llighting, the facades, shop windows, storefronts and illuminated signs of stores and professional spaces must now be switched off from midnight to 5am, unless they are open or active during these hours.

This also concerns the interior lights, including that produced by screens.

Buildings and public spaces must have the lighting turned off between 11pm and 5am.

New law targets air conditioning

Meanwhile, the use of air conditioning in public premises and large establishments is being regulated and set at 25°C, with some exceptions.

Stores and professional spaces that don’t fall into these categories are asked to initiate plans to control energy consumption, utilising the recommendations made under the national pact for energy transition, and also set an air-conditioning temperature of 25°C with an amplitude of 1°C.

“Adapted to summer schedules and needs, these measures pursue the objective of reducing visual pollution and electricity consumption, while respecting the living environment,” said the government in a statement.

 

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Photo by Monaco Life