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Learn a little more about the Saints we celebrate today!

Today, ~2 billion people around the world are observing Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. On a day traditionally celebrated with joyous feasts, one group of people that will not be celebrating in the same way are the 2.2 million people of Gaza, at least 85% of which are displaced and 50% of which are experiencing starvation, with the other 50% in food crisis or emergency. In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe, the conflict also represents an environmental catastrophe. A study published in December by a team of researchers from Queen Mary University and Lancaster University in the UK and the Climate and Community Project in the US, attempted to estimate the climate impact of the war, including: 💥 6,990 kilotonnes CO2 equivalent (KtCO2e) emissions related to Israeli defense spending based on its 2019 military budget of US$20.3 billion. In February, Israel passed an amended budget for 2023-2024 that saw defence spending increase 85% over pre-war levels to $32.6 billion. On this basis, emissions associated with Israeli military spending would equate to 11,215 KtCO2e, roughly the size of North Macedonia’s Scope 1 emissions. 💥 281 KtCO2e in emissions directly associated with the conflict during the first 60 days, including fighter jets, supply planes, artillery, tanks and vehicles. If we extend that analysis for the full 185 days of the conflict so far, direct emissions would equate to 866 KtCO2e. 💥 30,000 ktCO2e for reconstruction based on 100,000 buildings destroyed in the first 60 days. As of mid-March, the number of buildings estimated to have been destroyed totalled 157,200, which would increase the emissions associated with reconstruction to 47,160 ktCO2e. In aggregate, emissions associated with these three categories would total more than 59,241 ktCO2e, roughly equivalent to Portugal’s emissions. And the war rages on . . . The researchers were quick to admit the limitations of the study. Emissions from military operations remain under-analysed; according to the UNEP’s 2023 Emissions Gap report, military emissions are “insufficiently accounted” for by the UNFCCC. Using the “mortality cost of carbon” metric developed by Columbia University researcher Daniel Bressler in 2021, these emissions would result in ~13,360 excess deaths between now and 2100. That still pales in comparison to the more than 33,000 lives and counting that have been lost in the conflict in the past seven months. This Eid, let us all pray, regardless of our religious affiliations, for a permanent end to the hostilities. Even better, let us actively call on our governments to end the hostilities.

Amy Bowe 📝👇🏼 Thank you for sharing this ❤️ “Today, ~2 billion people around the world are observing Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. On a day traditionally celebrated with joyous feasts, one group of people that will not be celebrating in the same way are the 2.2 million people of Gaza, at least 85% of which are displaced and 50% of which are experiencing starvation, with the other 50% in food crisis or emergency. In addition to the humanitarian catastrophe, the conflict also represents an environmental catastrophe. A study published in December by a team of researchers from Queen Mary University and Lancaster University in the UK and the Climate and Community Project in the US, attempted to estimate the climate impact of the war, including: 💥 6,990 kilotonnes CO2 equivalent (KtCO2e) emissions related to Israeli defense spending based on its 2019 military budget of US$20.3 billion. In February, Israel passed an amended budget for 2023-2024 that saw defence spending increase 85% over pre-war levels to $32.6 billion. On this basis, emissions associated with Israeli military spending would equate to 11,215 KtCO2e, roughly the size of North Macedonia’s Scope 1 emissions. 💥 281 KtCO2e in emissions directly associated with the conflict during the first 60 days, including fighter jets, supply planes, artillery, tanks and vehicles. If we extend that analysis for the full 185 days of the conflict so far, direct emissions would equate to 866 KtCO2e. 💥 30,000 ktCO2e for reconstruction based on 100,000 buildings destroyed in the first 60 days. As of mid-March, the number of buildings estimated to have been destroyed totalled 157,200, which would increase the emissions associated with reconstruction to 47,160 ktCO2e. In aggregate, emissions associated with these three categories would total more than 59,241 ktCO2e, roughly equivalent to Portugal’s emissions. And the war rages on . . . The researchers were quick to admit the limitations of the study. Emissions from military operations remain under-analysed; according to the UNEP’s 2023 Emissions Gap report, military emissions are “insufficiently accounted” for by the UNFCCC. Using the “mortality cost of carbon” metric developed by Columbia University researcher Daniel Bressler in 2021, these emissions would result in ~13,360 excess deaths between now and 2100. That still pales in comparison to the more than 33,000 lives and counting that have been lost in the conflict in the past seven months. This Eid, let us all pray, regardless of our religious affiliations, for a permanent end to the hostilities. Even better, let us actively call on our governments to end the hostilities.

Happy Pride, y'all. Pride is officially the month of June, but in truth it's all year long. We may celebrate it in different ways, but it's all tied to the freedom to live our lives openly and honestly. So be who you are for your priiiiiiiide! And if you don't know, here's the video: https://lnkd.in/e2mnsJZM

What if we're celebrating the wrong heroes today? Or are the real heroes hidden in plain sight? Mashujaa Day is a time that always stirs something deep in me. Growing up, I was surrounded by stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of those stories. Today, they mean everything. To me, Mashujaa Day isn’t just about celebrating the national heroes we learned about in history class. It’s about honoring the everyday heroes too our parents, teachers, neighbors, and even ourselves. My own journey has been shaped by incredible acts of bravery, not on the battlefield, but in the daily struggles we often take for granted. It’s about celebrating both the men and women who shape our everyday lives. The mothers who sacrifice daily for their families. The fathers who work tirelessly to provide. The teachers who inspire us, the farmers who feed us, and the young people striving to create a better future. I think about my mother, who, despite limited resources, fought tirelessly to ensure I had a shot at a better life. I remember how she would wake up before dawn to make sure we had food on the table, despite the challenges we faced. Her quiet strength has shaped who I am today. And I reflect on the countless women and men around me who silently endure and overcome challenges, building the foundation of our communities. These are the Mashujaas I celebrate today the ones whose stories may never make headlines, but whose impact is profound. Mashujaa Day is a reminder for me to pause and think about the power of resilience, community, and unwavering hope. It’s a day to honor the struggles that have built who we are as individuals and as a nation. And most importantly, it’s a chance to reflect on how we can be Mashujaas for others. So, who is your Mashujaa? Take a moment today to honor the heroes in your life whether it's a family member, a friend, or someone whose quiet acts of courage inspire you daily. Happy Mashujaa Day

🌟 Word of the Day: Celebrate 🎉 Definition: To mark a special occasion or achievement with festivities, joy, or meaningful activities. Synonyms: Commemorate Observe Honor Rejoice Party In a Sentence: "At Calgary Pace Setters, we love to celebrate the success of our members and the progress they make on their public speaking journeys!" 🎤🏆 #WordOfTheDay #Celebrate #Toastmasters #CelebrateSuccess #PublicSpeaking #LearningAndGrowing #Motivation 🎉

What is Honor? Here's a simple definition for you to consider. The Honor/Shame worldview can feel very mystical to outsiders. But at the heart of Honor is a concept that we can all rally behind - human value.

It's Memorial Day! Do you know why we celebrate today? If not, here’s a quick lesson:

Wishing her the world 💌 Medium: https://lnkd.in/g39EWy4U Medium