Latest news with #BluePlanetII
Observer
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
When Media Gives Nature the Attention It Deserves
In an era defined by escalating climate risks and biodiversity loss, the media has emerged as a powerful force in shaping public awareness of environmental issues. Few eco-journalists embody this influence more deeply than Sir David Attenborough, whose lifetime of storytelling has made him the world's most trusted environmental voice. As he enters his hundredth year, Sir David recently launched what he calls one of the most important films of his career. Ocean, a cinematic call to protect marine ecosystems, highlights how the sea is not only Earth's support system but also humanity's greatest ally against climate catastrophe. 'After almost 100 years on the planet,' he said, 'I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.' This message exemplifies the media's role in translating scientific urgency into emotional resonance. A previous example is the BBC's Blue Planet II, also narrated by Attenborough, which significantly influenced consumer behaviour around plastic waste. In the United Kingdom, 88 per cent of viewers reported changing their habits after watching the programme, contributing to national bans on several single-use plastic items. Its vivid storytelling made the degradation of the ocean feel immediate and personal. Globally, media continues to inform, mobilise, and at times pressure governments and corporations into environmental action. International investigative groups now collaborate across borders to uncover illegal logging, track climate finance, and visualise deforestation through satellite imagery. Whether through compelling documentaries or data-driven exposés, environmental journalism pushes nature and climate issues to the forefront of the global agenda. Local Momentum with Regional Relevance In Oman, media increasingly shapes local environmental awareness. Following Cyclone Shaheen, Omani influencers leveraged social media platforms to coordinate clean-up efforts, sharing images of cleared wadis and restored public spaces. These viral campaigns reframed environmental responsibility as a shared community endeavour. Routine Omani social media efforts similarly highlight community clean-ups of nature reserves and beaches. These campaigns blend global digital trends with Omani narratives, fostering a grassroots sense of environmental stewardship. One of the most striking examples of this grassroots momentum is the story of Fahad Al Abri. What began as a one-man clean-up initiative grew into a national movement, eventually making him the face of anti-littering campaigns in Oman. With his ukulele in hand and a message of environmental pride, Fahad broke a Guinness World Record while playing music and running during the Muscat Marathon. His original song, 'Matloob lel Adala' (Wanted for Justice), became a viral anti-littering anthem among young Omanis, often sung at schools, events, and community drives. His story illustrates how culture, creativity, and consistency can spark widespread environmental impact. Across the Gulf, similar momentum is building. In Saudi Arabia, interactive digital media highlights wildlife conservation efforts, while Emirati journalists integrate cultural storytelling into climate reporting. At COP28, a pan-Arab climate journalism initiative was launched, uniting regional reporters to offer accurate, Arabic-language climate coverage, underscoring the media's growing regional influence. Internationally, eco-journalism continues to evolve rapidly. In Thailand, journalists collaborate with designers to produce data visualisations explaining forest policy impacts. In Africa, the InfoNile project brings together reporters from eleven Nile basin countries to investigate shared water challenges. These collaborations provide broader perspectives and technical depth than individual newsrooms could achieve alone. Investigative journalism remains central globally. In Latin America and parts of Asia, environmental journalists often embed themselves within communities impacted by pollution or resource scarcity. This human-centred approach helps audiences connect emotionally with environmental issues, increasing public engagement. In the United States, exposés revealing fossil fuel companies' knowledge of climate risks have triggered lawsuits and legislative hearings. In Europe, journalists exposed misleading carbon offset programmes and greenwashing in major industries. Such investigative stories not only reveal wrongdoing but also spur regulatory and market change. Risks and Barriers Facing Journalists Despite increasing influence, environmental journalists face significant challenges. Greenwashing is widespread, with corporations crafting carefully worded narratives that portray them as sustainable without genuine action behind their claims. Verifying these stories requires time, expertise, and editorial independence. Political sensitivities add another layer of complexity. Reporting on pollution or water management can carry risks, particularly in regions where environmental coverage is tightly controlled. Journalists may be pressured to avoid or dilute their reporting. UNESCO has recorded more than 300 violent attacks on environmental journalists in the past five years. At least 44 have been killed since 2009, with impunity remaining the norm. In the Gulf region, direct threats are less common, but subtle pressures do persist. Journalists may be discouraged from probing too deeply into sensitive topics or challenging powerful actors. This environment, combined with a lack of funding and specialised training, can inhibit the depth and quality of environmental reporting. Without dedicated environmental desks, news coverage often becomes reactive or superficial. This increases the risk of unintentionally portraying greenwashing as genuine progress. Building Science and Media Partnerships Addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration between the media and the scientific community. Environmental reporting demands specialised knowledge, from interpreting climate data to understanding ecological impacts. Without access to experts or reliable data, stories risk misinformation or oversimplification. Omani research institutions, such as Sultan Qaboos University and the Environment Authority, along with environmental consultancies specialising in accurate data and reporting for their respective projects, could play an essential role by providing journalists with expert briefings, reliable datasets, and practical training. Media outlets, in turn, must invest in developing scientific literacy among their staff. Training programmes, joint workshops, and dedicated science-media communication hubs can help bridge the gap between research and public understanding. These efforts not only improve the quality of journalism but also bolster public trust. When environmental stories are explained clearly and credibly, citizens are more likely to engage, and policymakers more likely to take action. Environmental journalism is no longer a niche pursuit; it is central to how societies understand and respond to the greatest challenges of our time. As Oman continues to pursue its sustainability goals, a scientifically informed media must be part of that journey. The way nature and climate stories are told today will shape society's response tomorrow. The writer is an Omani environmental strategist and advocate for sustainable development, focusing on climate change impacts in the Middle East and women's empowerment in environmental solutions. Follow her on LinkedIn: @RumaithaAlBusaidi
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Sharkfest 2025' teams go to new depths for footage
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Dan Beecham has been in the water with and photographed sharks at countless points around the globe for nearly two decades. He has developed a great respect for the underwater beasts that prowl the oceans but that didn't come until a little later in his life. He recalls that he was scared the first time he came face-to-face with a shark. Part of his fears can be traced back to the film work of Steven Spielberg. 'It was in the Red Sea, and I would have been 13 or 14 years old,' Beecham says. 'I remember being pretty scared of it. I remember not really knowing how to deal with the situation. I wasn't of the 'Jaws' generation but I did watch 'Jaws' when I was very young and do remember being scared to get into the bathtub. So, in a way it is kind of weird that I have become so obsessed with sharks.' Beecham is not quite sure when he changed from fearing sharks to respecting them and finally being obsessed. No matter when that happened, his latest underwater work can be seen with the National Geographic production 'Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory' debuting at 8 p.m. July 5 on the cable channel. The series kicks off this year's 'Sharkfest 2025' for National Geographic that will include more than 25 hours of programming diving deeper than ever into the science, power and beauty of the ocean's most misunderstood predator. As an example of the depths the filmmakers were willing to go, Beecham and Gregory set off on a mission to film great white sharks off the coast of South Africa. The difference for their underwater shoot would be that it would not include a cage to protect the filmmakers. Beecham's project is one of a host of new programs examining sharks. The difference between 'Sharks Up Close' and the others is the focus on the connection between humans and the sharks. 'That particularly has happened here in South Africa because of the changing ocean. The ocean is changing all the time and that has caused these quite shocking human and shark conflicts that didn't happen before,' Beecham says. The underwater cinematographer adds that while there have been endless hours of research done, many mysteries remain. He points out that very few sharks have been filmed while mating. Rick's Picks: 10 movies to look for this summer Not many species of sharks have been filmed while feeding. Beecham has done his part to help fill in the gaps. He developed a passion for diving and underwater photography at the age of twelve and has since then logged thousands of dives across the globe. He worked for nearly a decade as a cameraman for the Save Our Seas Foundation, where he chronicled research projects, conservation efforts before being selected to the prestigious BBC Natural History Unit camera bursary program. For two years, he worked exclusively on the series 'Blue Planet II' followed by 'Hostile Planet,' 'Seven Worlds, One Planet,' 'Frozen Planet II' and 'Mammals.' This year's 'Sharkfest' features leading marine scientists and experts, offering insights into shark behavior and how we can coexist with these extraordinary creatures. It is a global deep dive from California shores to the seas down under in Australia. Other programming slated to air as part of National Geographic's 'Sharkfest 2025' are: 'Investigation Shark Attack' (9 p.m. July 5): The six-part production provides an in-depth look inside the mind of these apex predators and explores shark behavior from their unique perspective. 'Super Shark Highway' (10 p.m. July 5): Sharks have ruled our oceans for over 400 million years. In the six-part series, two elite shark research teams infiltrate two of Australia's busiest shark migration routes to unlock the mysteries of these apex predators. 'Jaws @ 30: The Definitive Inside Story' (9 p.m. July 10): The documentary celebrates the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its premiere. It features archival footage and interviews with Hollywood directors, top shark scientists, and conservationists. 'Sharks of the North' (10 p.m. July 12): Sightings of great white sharks have been on the rise on Canada's Atlantic coast. Alanna Canaran, a passionate science educator and dive instructor, embarks on a mission to unravel the enigmas surrounding these magnificent creatures and is determined to dispel fear of sharks in Nova Scotians. 'Shark Quest: Hunt for the Apex Predator' (9 p.m. July 13):As shark populations are declining, finding ways to share the seas is more critical than ever. Survivors recount their encounters with massive sharks where some emerged miraculously unscathed and others were less fortunate. Select series and specials will stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Shark-infested content will air on Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney Jr., and DisneyXD throughout the month. A 24/7 live stream of content from 2024 will also air on YouTube. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Malaysian Reserve
18-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic
The Atlantic Lives Within, Driving Forward the Spirit of Discovery and Connection The Legacy of the Atlantic, Captured in a Timepiece HONG KONG, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Atlantic Ocean has long symbolized courage, ambition, and the pursuit of the unknown. It catalyzed the Age of Discovery, challenging explorers to cross uncharted waters and forever changing history. Dissolving boundaries and connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, cultures met, ideas flowed, and countless souls pursued freedom. In June 2025, CIGA design , an independent GPHG Award-winning brand, honors this spirit with the Blue Planet II • Atlantic, a timepiece that embodies the Atlantic's enduring legacy. Crafting the Legacy The Blue Planet II • Atlantic features CIGA design's award-winning Asynchronous-Follow Movement Technology, inspired by ancient sundials and honored by the GPHG. A single compass hand indicates both hours and minutes, gliding across a dynamic minute dial and a stationary hour ring. With every 30° movement of the hour gear, the minute dial rotates 390°, creating a unique and intuitive expression of time in harmony with the globe's rhythm and ocean currents. Beneath a curved sapphire crystal, the CNC-engraved dial unfolds the vast contours of the Atlantic, intricately capturing the essence of diverse landscapes. From the rugged Rocky Mountains to the towering Andes, the deep Gulf of Mexico to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, each engraving reflects the distinct identity of its region. As night falls, luminous markers glisten like moonlight on the ocean's surface, while a refined strap offers effortless comfort, ensuring every journey is a seamless experience. A Story of Discovery, Connection, and Freedom The Blue Planet II • Atlantic is a living emblem of discovery, connection, and freedom. Discovery: The Atlantic inspired explorers to venture into the unknown, shaping the Age of Discovery and transforming human understanding. Connection: For centuries, the Atlantic has been a bridge between continents, uniting cultures and shaping global trade and identity. Freedom: The Atlantic represents a journey of liberation—where new beginnings are forged, and the spirit of resilience and hope endures. The Basics Case Size: 46mm (excluding crown)Watch Length: 220mmCase Thickness: 17.05mmCrown: 6.0mm diameter, CNC groovedStrap Width: 22.0mmStrap Material: FluororubberGlass: Sapphire glassWater Resistance: 3ATM Movement: Self-developed automatic Caliber CD-04-E featuring CIGA design's Asynchronous-follow Technology, operating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -15/+30 seconds per day. Pricing： Steel: $1,199Titanium Alloy：$1,399 Pre-Launch Special: Steel: $1,049Titanium Alloy：$1,249 June 10th – June 24th Availability:Now available on the CIGA design official website and Amazon About Brand As a trailblazer in watch design and a recipient of the prestigious GPHG award, CIGA design has earned its place on the global stage of fine watchmaking. Driven by the proposition of 'Stand Out, By Design,' the brand is committed to originality, breaking through traditional boundaries to create designs that embody the spirit of the times and express the wearer's unique individuality.
Cision Canada
18-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic
The Atlantic Lives Within, Driving Forward the Spirit of Discovery and Connection The Legacy of the Atlantic, Captured in a Timepiece HONG KONG, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Atlantic Ocean has long symbolized courage, ambition, and the pursuit of the unknown. It catalyzed the Age of Discovery, challenging explorers to cross uncharted waters and forever changing history. Dissolving boundaries and connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, cultures met, ideas flowed, and countless souls pursued freedom. In June 2025, CIGA design , an independent GPHG Award-winning brand, honors this spirit with the Blue Planet II • Atlantic, a timepiece that embodies the Atlantic's enduring legacy. Crafting the Legacy The Blue Planet II • Atlantic features CIGA design's award-winning Asynchronous-Follow Movement Technology, inspired by ancient sundials and honored by the GPHG. A single compass hand indicates both hours and minutes, gliding across a dynamic minute dial and a stationary hour ring. With every 30° movement of the hour gear, the minute dial rotates 390°, creating a unique and intuitive expression of time in harmony with the globe's rhythm and ocean currents. Beneath a curved sapphire crystal, the CNC-engraved dial unfolds the vast contours of the Atlantic, intricately capturing the essence of diverse landscapes. From the rugged Rocky Mountains to the towering Andes, the deep Gulf of Mexico to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, each engraving reflects the distinct identity of its region. As night falls, luminous markers glisten like moonlight on the ocean's surface, while a refined strap offers effortless comfort, ensuring every journey is a seamless experience. A Story of Discovery, Connection, and Freedom The Blue Planet II • Atlantic is a living emblem of discovery, connection, and freedom. Discovery: The Atlantic inspired explorers to venture into the unknown, shaping the Age of Discovery and transforming human understanding. Connection: For centuries, the Atlantic has been a bridge between continents, uniting cultures and shaping global trade and identity. Freedom: The Atlantic represents a journey of liberation—where new beginnings are forged, and the spirit of resilience and hope endures. The Basics Case Size: 46mm (excluding crown) Watch Length: 220mm Case Thickness: 17.05mm Crown: 6.0mm diameter, CNC grooved Strap Width: 22.0mm Strap Material: Fluororubber Glass: Sapphire glass Water Resistance: 3ATM Movement: Self-developed automatic Caliber CD-04-E featuring CIGA design's Asynchronous-follow Technology, operating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -15/+30 seconds per day. Pricing ： Steel: $1,199 Titanium Alloy：$1,399 Pre-Launch Special: Steel: $1,049 Titanium Alloy：$1,249 June 10th - June 24th Availability: Now available on the CIGA design official website and Amazon About Brand As a trailblazer in watch design and a recipient of the prestigious GPHG award, CIGA design has earned its place on the global stage of fine watchmaking. Driven by the proposition of "Stand Out, By Design," the brand is committed to originality, breaking through traditional boundaries to create designs that embody the spirit of the times and express the wearer's unique individuality.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic
The Atlantic Lives Within, Driving Forward the Spirit of Discovery and Connection The Legacy of the Atlantic, Captured in a Timepiece HONG KONG, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlantic Ocean has long symbolized courage, ambition, and the pursuit of the unknown. It catalyzed the Age of Discovery, challenging explorers to cross uncharted waters and forever changing history. Dissolving boundaries and connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, cultures met, ideas flowed, and countless souls pursued freedom. In June 2025, CIGA design , an independent GPHG Award-winning brand, honors this spirit with the Blue Planet II • Atlantic, a timepiece that embodies the Atlantic's enduring legacy. Crafting the Legacy The Blue Planet II • Atlantic features CIGA design's award-winning Asynchronous-Follow Movement Technology, inspired by ancient sundials and honored by the GPHG. A single compass hand indicates both hours and minutes, gliding across a dynamic minute dial and a stationary hour ring. With every 30° movement of the hour gear, the minute dial rotates 390°, creating a unique and intuitive expression of time in harmony with the globe's rhythm and ocean currents. Beneath a curved sapphire crystal, the CNC-engraved dial unfolds the vast contours of the Atlantic, intricately capturing the essence of diverse landscapes. From the rugged Rocky Mountains to the towering Andes, the deep Gulf of Mexico to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, each engraving reflects the distinct identity of its region. As night falls, luminous markers glisten like moonlight on the ocean's surface, while a refined strap offers effortless comfort, ensuring every journey is a seamless experience. A Story of Discovery, Connection, and Freedom The Blue Planet II • Atlantic is a living emblem of discovery, connection, and freedom. Discovery: The Atlantic inspired explorers to venture into the unknown, shaping the Age of Discovery and transforming human understanding. Connection: For centuries, the Atlantic has been a bridge between continents, uniting cultures and shaping global trade and identity. Freedom: The Atlantic represents a journey of liberation—where new beginnings are forged, and the spirit of resilience and hope endures. The Basics Case Size: 46mm (excluding crown)Watch Length: 220mmCase Thickness: 17.05mmCrown: 6.0mm diameter, CNC groovedStrap Width: 22.0mmStrap Material: FluororubberGlass: Sapphire glassWater Resistance: 3ATM Movement: Self-developed automatic Caliber CD-04-E featuring CIGA design's Asynchronous-follow Technology, operating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -15/+30 seconds per day. Pricing： Steel: $1,199Titanium Alloy：$1,399 Pre-Launch Special: Steel: $1,049Titanium Alloy：$1,249 June 10th - June 24th Availability:Now available on the CIGA design official website and Amazon About Brand As a trailblazer in watch design and a recipient of the prestigious GPHG award, CIGA design has earned its place on the global stage of fine watchmaking. Driven by the proposition of "Stand Out, By Design," the brand is committed to originality, breaking through traditional boundaries to create designs that embody the spirit of the times and express the wearer's unique individuality. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE CIGA Design Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
