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Day: 5 September 2024

Storm latest: Widespread lightning strikes and flooding, but no major damage or loss of life 

by: Elsa Carpenter
05/09/2024

In just 12 hours, more than a month’s worth of rain fell on the Côte d’Azur. Close to 3,000 lightning strikes were also recorded across the Var and Alpes-Maritimes.

Despite the power and intensity of the overnight conditions, which raged across southern France between 4th and 5th September, the damage caused by the storm appears, thus far, to be relatively minimal.  

The towns of Mandelieu-La Napoule, Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël have been most affected locally. Keraunos, the French Observatory of Tornadoes and Severe Storms, estimates that there was 144.6mm of rainfall in Mandelieu-La Napoule, the highest total regionally. The deluge led to the evacuation of 41 people from a residential building in the town due to the threat of the roof caving in under the weight of the storm.  

126mm of rain was recorded in Fréjus, while the Notre Dame de la Victoire basilica in Saint-Raphaël found itself under attack from the hours-long electrical activity – upwards of 2,500 lightnings strikes are believed to have hit the Var and almost 500 were noted in the Alpes-Maritimes. The spire will reportedly need to be removed and repaired.  

Train services between Les Arcs-Draguignan and Cannes were temporarily suspended in the aftermath of the storm due to a collapsed wall. At 10am, the team working to clear the track said that service would likely resume at around noon on 5th September.  

The roads, however, are relatively clear. Exit 41 Mandelieu Est on the A8 is partially underwater, forcing Vinci Autoroutes to limit traffic to a single lane. The SDIS 06 are currently working to pump surface water away from the area.  

The orange weather alert that was put in place by Météo France in the run-up to the storm was lifted during the morning of 5th September. The Riviera remains on yellow alert, with more rain and potentially more storms on the horizon for later in the day and over the weekend.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo source: David Moum, Unsplash

Michel Barnier appointed as France’s new prime minister

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/09/2024

French President Emmanuel Macron has chosen 73-year-old Michel Barnier as the new prime minister, ending nearly two months of political gridlock following legislative elections that left Parliament without a clear majority. 

Barnier, a prominent figure from the right-wing Les Républicains party and a former European Union Brexit negotiator, assumes office at a time of heightened political tension and division in the country.

At 73, Barnier is now the oldest prime minister in modern French history. His appointment follows the resignation of Gabriel Attal, Macron’s previous prime minister, who served for only eight months. In contrast to Attal’s youthful energy at 35, Barnier’s experience and age bring a seasoned hand to the leadership role, a fact highlighted by the Élysée Palace, which described his mission as forming “a unifying government in the service of the country.”

The appointment has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. The left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of the La France Insoumise party, was quick to criticize the decision, stating that the “election has been stolen,” and arguing that the party with the largest share of seats in Parliament should have been allowed to propose the prime minister. Socialist leader Olivier Faure echoed these sentiments, warning that the appointment marks the beginning of “a regime crisis,” as Barnier’s party, which placed fourth in the recent elections, did not even participate in the republican front against the far right.

On the right, however, Macron appears to be betting on support from Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National (RN), which emerged as the largest opposition group following the July elections. While Le Pen and RN leader Jordan Bardella have refrained from blocking Barnier’s appointment outright, they have signaled they will assess his policies before determining whether to support him. Barnier’s ability to unite a deeply divided Assemblée Nationale will be put to the test as he prepares to present his government’s agenda.

This historic appointment signals a shift in Macron’s strategy as he seeks to maintain control during the remaining years of his presidency, with the shadow of the 2027 election and his potential successors, like Edouard Philippe, already looming large.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo of Michel Barnier, credit: CC-BY-4.0 © European Union 2019. Source: EP

57 million tonnes of plastic pollution is leaching into the natural world each year

by: Stephanie Horsman
05/09/2024

Every year, 57 million tonnes of untreated and unrecycled plastic waste is ending up in our oceans, in our forests, in our food and in our bodies, says a new study by researchers at Leeds University. Of all the countries in the world, India is the biggest polluter, producing an estimated 10.2 million tonnes of plastic pollution annually. 

The report, which was published earlier this week in the September edition of Nature, sought to put a figure on the amount of unrecycled and untreated plastic waste that escapes landfills and second-life systems.  

That volume, according to the team at Leeds University in northern England, is 57 million tonnes, enough to fill New York City’s Central Park to the same height as its Empire State Building.  

According to the findings of the study, India is the biggest plastic polluting nation on the planet and produces upwards of 10.2 million tonnes of plastic pollution every year. It is followed by Nigeria in second and Indonesia in third. China comes in fourth, ahead of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and Brazil. Grouped together, these eight countries are responsible for half of the world’s global plastic pollution problem.  

See more: EU bans “intentional” inclusion of microplastics in thousands of household products

When it comes to cities, Lagos in Nigeria had the dubious prize of being the most plastic polluted city on the planet. Other cities with high rates of plastic pollution include New Delhi in India, Luanda in Angola, Karachi in Pakistan and the Egyptian city of Cairo. 

The figures make sombre reading, but there is hope for the future. In 2022, many of the world’s nations came together to sign a legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. The treaty was created under the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and mandated the creation of an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a legally compulsory treaty on plastic pollution, including in the oceans. The final treaty negotiations are set to take place in South Korea in November.

Read related:

Rewind: Podcast interview with Prof. Phillip Landrigan on opening the world’s eyes to the impacts of plastic on human health

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credit: Naja Bertolt Jensen, Unsplash

Prince Albert II Foundation opens submissions for Environmental Photography Awards

by: Stephanie Horsman
05/09/2024

Registration for the 2025 Environmental Photography Awards, a competition spearheaded by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, has officially opened. Photographers from around the world, whether they are professionals or amateur enthusiasts, are now invited to submit their best images for judging in the five environmentally focused categories.  

Since 2021, the Environmental Photography Awards have captivated and sometimes shocked audiences with their raw depictions of the natural world. 

The unique competition is now returning for its fifth year and is set to challenge anew photographers of all levels with five distinct categories: Polar Wonders, Ocean Worlds, Into the Forest, Humanity vs. Nature, and Change Makers: Reasons for Hope.  

According to Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation CEO Olivier Wenden, the competition aims to “showcase the work of photojournalists and conservation photographers who are dedicated to documenting the relationship between humans and nature around the world, from critical situations to inspiring examples”. 

“This echoes the field projects supported by the Foundation to preserve endangered species and protect ecosystems,” he adds.  

HOW IT WORKS 

The window for submissions will remain open until 3rd December, after which a panel of seven esteemed jurors, led by National Geographic photographer and documentarian Ami Vitale, will review all of the submitted photos. 

Each image will be carefully considered before the final 36 are selected. The winners in each category will receive a grant of €1,000, while the grand prize winner will be awarded €5,000, as well as a trip to Monaco for an exhibition celebrating their work. 

Additionally, a Student’s Prize and a Public Award will also be given, with €500 grants available. In 2025, the competition’s event partner, SEK International University, will offer the Public Award winner a chance to visit its research station in Ecuador’s jungle region. 

The winners of the 2025 edition will be announced on 15th April. As with the 2024 event, the winning photographs will initially be displayed in Monaco during the ensuing summer months before heading on tour to Rome, San Marino, Madrid, Paris and Washington DC. 

To learn more about the foundation and the 2025 Environmental Photography Awards, as well as to register for the competition, click here. 

Read related:

Aaron Gekoski’s ‘See No Evil’ wins the FPA2’s 2024 Environmental Photography Award

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credit: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Exploring Monaco’s organic shopping scene

by: Niki Borisova
05/09/2024

For those in search of chemical-free goods, Monaco Life has curated a guide to organic shops in and near Monaco. From renowned stores with established reputations to newer outlets specializing in unique products, there’s a range of options to explore.

La Vie Claire, located at 1 Avenue Général de Gaulle and 20 Boulevard de la République in Beausoleil is one of the oldest names in organic retail. Established in 1946 by Henri-Charles Geffroy, the brand has maintained a strong focus on ethical and sustainable practices. Today, La Vie Claire operates over 400 stores across France. The Beausoleil store carries a wide selection of groceries, cosmetics, and household items, all adhering to the company’s organic standards.

La Vie Clair organic store, photo by Monaco Life.

Naturalia, also in Beausoleil at 2 Rue Marché Comestible, is another well-known name in France’s organic market.

Founded in 1973, Naturalia began as a small health food store and has since grown into a significant retailer focusing on natural and organic products. The Beausoleil branch offers a variety of items, including fresh produce, bulk foods, and natural cosmetics.

Nauralia organic store. Photoby Monaco Life.

In Monaco, To Be Organic, located at 31 Avenue Princesse Grace, is a rebranded and expanded version of Diététique Gourmande.

It aims to offer high-quality products in a boutique-style environment, appealing to those looking for more specialised organic items.

To Be organic store. Photo by Monaco Life.

The Organic Shop, located at 45/47 Rue Grimaldi in Monaco, is a newer addition to the local organic retail scene. The store offers organic products, including matcha from Japan, speciality coffees from South America, and Italian pasta. Its offerings cater to those interested in exploring a range of organic foods and beverages, including some harder-to-find items.

See more: 

Ambition Bio 2027: France’s plan to encourage more people to buy organic produce

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Main photo by Monaco Life

New ‘Monaco Libéré !’ exhibition tells the story of Monaco’s 1944 Liberation and recovery

by: Niki Borisova
05/09/2024
Monaco Libéré

Unveiled during Monaco’s commemorations of its liberation by the Allied forces in 1944, the new ‘Monaco Libéré ! 3 septembre – 28 décembre 1944’ exhibit at the Ministry of State shares the untold stories of the Principality’s wartime struggles and its restoration as a state free from occupation. 

On Tuesday 3rd September, Prince Albert II of Monaco paid homage to the men and women who liberated the Principality from German occupation some 80 years earlier.  

Having delivered a moving speech in front of detachments from the French and US armies at the Monaco Cemetery, the Prince moved on to the Ministry of State on the Place de la Visitation to inaugurate a fascinating new exhibition that explores the crucial months before and after the Liberation of Monaco in 1944.  

Prince Albert II and Minister of State Didier Guillaume at the exhibition’s unveiling. Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Monaco Communications Department

Joined at the ceremony by numerous distinguished guests, including the new Minister of State, Didier Guillaume, the Prince formally opened the exhibition before enjoying a guided tour of its displays with his entourage.  

The exhibition’s narrative begins with the Allied landings in Provence on 15th August 1944 and continues until the dissolution of Monaco’s Liberation Committee on 28th December later that year. This period marked the end of German occupation and the beginning of the restoration of Monaco as a free state.  

See more: In pictures: Remembering the WWII Liberation of Monaco

One of the exhibition’s central themes is the role played by the 1st Airborne Task Force, which was commanded by General Robert T. Frederick. It was these American troops who entered Monaco on 3rd September 1944, effectively liberating the Principality from German control.  

Furthermore, the exhibition explores the strategic importance of Monaco in the broader Allied operations in southern France and the significant contribution of the US forces in liberating the region.  

The exhibition will be on display until 31st January 2025. Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco

The exhibition also delves into the hardships faced by Monaco’s civilian population during the war.  

“We also want to highlight that before the liberation, the population of Monaco had a complicated time without electricity, without gas, and we wanted to portray these struggles through rare documents and footage,” Stéphane Lamotte, a teacher at the Lycée Albert I and a part of the team who curated the exhibition, told Monaco Life at the grand unveiling.  

In addition to the military and social history, the exhibition considers the immediate post-liberation period, marked by attempts at insurrection, the risk of annexation and the crucial intervention of French forces, which helped to stabilise the local situation. 

A unique aspect of the exhibition is its focus on local voices and experiences. Testimonies from figures such as Dr. Jean Drouhard, a surgeon at Monaco’s hospital during the war, and Jean Deflassieux, a young Resistance fighter and later a prominent banker, provide personal perspectives on the historical events. 

Organised collaboratively by the Mission for the Prefiguration of National Archives, which is headed up by Director Michaël Bloche, the Palace Archives under the direction of Thomas Fouilleron, and the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco, guided by Vincent Vatrican, the exhibition stands out for the richness and diversity of its source material. Stéphane Lamotte, a senior teacher at the Lycée Albert I, along with Jean-Charles Curau of the Municipal Media Library and the team at the Central Archive and Administrative Documentation Service have also played crucial roles in its creation. 

From left to right: Michaël Bloche, Stéphane Lamotte and Vincent Vatrican. Photo by Monaco Life

‘Monaco Libéré ! 3 septembre – 28 décembre 1944’ will be open to the public until 31st January 2025. 

Read related:

Prince Albert II takes leading role at 80th anniversary commemorations of Monaco’s 1944 Liberation

 

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Main photo by Monaco Life