Latest news with #Latimer
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Just don't give up, or we're done for'
There's no shortage of doom and gloom associated with the words 'climate change' these days. As a result, many people are stressed out and feeling helpless. Particularly concerning is that, more than ever, younger people are experiencing considerable distress with environmental anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety or climate anxiety. The Journal of Mental Health and Climate Change, an open-access publication that features interdisciplinary scientific research on mental health and climate change, continues to write extensively on this subject. While prominent environmental activists, including well-known science broadcaster David Suzuki, paint a bleak picture of the future, many other professionals in various fields are working tirelessly to educate, inspire and fight the good fight for the next generations. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS University of Winnipeg chemistry professor Devin Latimer, is passionate about climate justice and hopeful about the future. Born and raised in Lynn Lake, Man., Devin Latimer is one of those professionals. The faculty member in chemistry at the University of Winnipeg is also a long-time musician, bass player with local band Leaf Rapids and the Juno award-winning Nathan Music Co. He will gladly take every opportunity to share information about what can be done about current environmental concerns. Working primarily in green organic chemistry lab development and environmental communications, Latimer's passion for the subject is infectious and has students equally interested and enthusiastic to learn more. Latimer is also artistic director of Trout Forest Music Festival in northwest Ontario, where he programs Canadian acts for the three-stage annual festival in August. He's taken his green chemistry teaching outside the classroom walls and into outdoor concerts, which he sees as perfect opportunities to connect with people about environmental issues. 'Cultural events — especially those held outdoors — are on the front lines of the climate crisis and their very existence is increasingly threatened in many parts of the country,' said Latimer, who's been involved in countless concerts, festivals, and energy and climate workshops and discussions over the last few years. 'Coincidentally, I've found these same events to be powerful platforms for communicating energy and climate issues. I've since been discussing them with departments both within and beyond our university.' Latimer would love to see changes and additional funding that would enable music festivals and cultural events to do more in terms of public education. 'They're a great gathering place,' he said, noting that environmental conditions affect performers and audiences alike. 'The smoke is impacting attendance; with extreme heat there are cancellations.' Adding that some cultural events have even faced bankruptcy, he said, 'Climate is a big part of it.' The Energy and Climate Conversations at Cultural Events project came about as a result of his long-time research work in green chemistry and its ties to social justice, along with his community involvement in music, most specifically with the Trout Forest Music Festival. An inspiring meeting with local banjo player and solar technologist Jaxon Haldane led Latimer to apply for and obtain funding from Canadian Heritage during the pandemic. He's been bringing his talks and workshops to various events ever since. In addition, one of the project's notable accomplishments — and a perfect conversation-starter — has been the creation of a solar-powered sound system for music concert stages. More recently, Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts organized a two-part session and panel on Culture in Climate at the International Folk Alliance conference in Montreal and invited Latimer to speak and moderate the discussions. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS University of Winnipeg chemistry professor Devin Latimer, is passionate about climate justice and hopeful about the future. 'Students love it. This is the thing they want to fix — to make an impact — this is their way of changing the world,' said Latimer, who teaches Learning to Green – Greening to Learn, inspiring students and the community through sustainable science. In the classroom, Latimer's presentations include discussions of the effects of the chemical industry, citing Cancer Alley in Louisiana, where residents are 700 times more likely to get cancer. Another example describes the impact of food-chain contamination and resulting toxins on the Inuit of northern Quebec. 'The chemical industry and chemical contaminants are a social justice issue,' said Latimer. 'And so, this is the kind of thing that has guided me to the field of green chemistry. The chemicals are to blame for a lot of the pollution. Surely, we can do better.' Latimer says that while environmental chemistry works outwardly, going and sampling lakes to find out what's in them, for example, green chemistry is the work of fixing things at the source. 'They are related, of course,' he said. 'Green chemistry, for me, is all about social justice and considering what's going on in our province, it's very prudent to talk about climate justice and critical hope. 'Hope is critical and it's what's missing in all the conversations, why people don't trust science anymore. I'm pretty committed to the idea that widespread science literacy and communication are key to transforming the overheated and floundering discussions surrounding energy and climate.' Determined to keep the focus on collective responsibility, Latimer reminds people that there are actions that can make a difference. 'If you normally drive to work, start taking the bus once a week. Carpool. A little bit more every year: that's where the hope comes from. 'I would suggest a community event, like the Winnipeg Folk Festival, could start charging $50 per vehicle to enter the parking lot. People going to that festival can generally afford it, and if they can't, they will take the bus or car-pool (but do make sure the event is accessible to all). And then take the parking money and do some onsite energy communications and fund a scholarship in sustainable energy research,' he said. With the population of this planet placing a monumental strain on the environment, Latimer says those 8.2 billion people, doing just a little better every year, can similarly have a monumental impact on healing ourselves and the environment. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS University of Winnipeg chemistry professor Devin Latimer, is passionate about climate justice and hopeful about the future. 'Industry does have huge emissions, but they also have to compete in an open market and are providing jobs, producing products and services that the rest of us are all creating a demand for. If you want industry to change, don't buy the products that come from the worst polluters. We're all demanding the energy that's coming from fossil fuels right now and we can all do little things that invest in the transition. 'Just don't give up or we're done for. Do better every day…. industries, individuals, homeowners, renters, billionaires and hundredaires. We're all equals when it comes to saving this planet.' Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. Suggested links: Home Page Home
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
ARTsolar throws in towel in ‘gagging' case against ‘whistle-blowers' and journalist
The solar panel company had wanted to stop three 'whistle-blowers' and a journalist from reporting that it was importing and not locally manufacturing its solar panels. Solar panel manufacturer ARTsolar has thrown in the towel in its controversial battle against three 'whistle-blowers' and a journalist. The company had successfully gagged them by court order from making or reporting on 'defamatory' allegations that ARTsolar was importing and not locally manufacturing its solar panels. The interim gagging order was granted in March by Durban High Court acting Judge Perlene Bramdhew against businessman Brett Latimer, two former employees of ARTsolar and journalist Bongani Hans. The date to determine whether the order should be confirmed or discharged was set for 29 July. But this week, ARTsolar withdrew the application and tendered to pay the costs of Latimer, Hans and former employees Kandace Singh and Shalendra Hansraj. It also tendered to pay the costs of the Industrial Development Corporation, which entered the legal fray because it had provided R90-million funding to ARTsolar to set up its 'proudly South African' factory in New Germany. The IDC wanted to interview Latimer about his claims. The initial court order specifically barred Latimer from communicating with the IDC. The IDC launched its own urgent court application, successfully arguing that it should have been joined in the proceedings, and that the order was stifling an investigation into the matter on the instruction of Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau. The order was amended to exclude reference to the IDC. The shift in ARTsolar's stance came after it appointed new attorneys last month. Mohamed Mota, partner at Cox Yeats, confirmed the withdrawal. He said his client had no comment 'at this stage'. Media freedom Because the case had implications for freedom of expression, the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism had applied to be admitted as an amicus curiae. Managing partner Sam Sole said the withdrawal was a 'bittersweet victory'. 'The facts of the case make it clear the order should never have been granted and amaBhungane was looking forward to urging the court to give decisive direction to other presiding officers about the very narrow and limited circumstances which could justify such pre-publication censorship,' he said. 'We had also intended to remind the court that an effective press is a 'public sentinel' and is a conduit for the public's right to receive and impart information, meaning curbs on the media effectively limit the rights of the general public. 'This places a duty on the courts to be exceptionally vigilant in ensuring adherence to the legal safeguards of press freedom, especially where the public have no voice in the proceedings – as in this case, where the media house did not initially come to court.' Sole said there were various reasons that a journalist may fail to effectively oppose such an application, especially an extremely urgent one, such as a lack of timely access to adequate (or any) legal representation. 'We hope the publicity engendered by this case will discourage other parties from running to court and will also encourage presiding officers to exercise due care and caution when faced with similar cases,' Sole said. ARTsolar's urgent application was sparked by Hans sending questions, based on Latimer's allegations, to the company. Latimer, a former client of ARTsolar, alleged that he had been duped into believing that the panels were locally manufactured when they were in fact imported from China. He was backed up by Singh and Hansraj, who previously worked for the company. On the back of the gagging order, Latimer obtained a subpoena against Turners Shipping and, in a supplementary affidavit, he said the shipping documents (bills of lading) showed that the company imported 99% of its panels. Latimer's attorney MS Omar said: 'The interim gagging order was a drastic and draconian violation of my client's fundamental rights of freedom of expression as enshrined in section 16 of the Constitution. The overbroad interim order plainly prohibits permissible statements, based on truth and public interest, and failed to take account of the high threshold for a defamation interdict.' The application will be formally withdrawn in court on 29 July. DM
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Latimer selects GRAHAM for $148m redevelopment project in UK
Clarion Housing Group's development arm Latimer has appointed GRAHAM as the main contractor for the £110m ($148m) redevelopment of the former Boddingtons Brewery site in the UK. This project will transform the 1.25-acre brownfield site on Great Ducie Street in central Manchester into a residential community, delivering 505 new mixed-tenure homes. The development will include 60% affordable housing, with 115 homes designated for social rent, 171 for shared ownership, and 17 for rent classed as affordable. Located next to the Manchester College digital and creative campus, the latest project highlights Latimer's aim to regenerate key urban areas. A significant milestone was achieved with the development's Gateway 2 approval under the Building Safety Act. This is said to be the second project of Latimer to receive approval this year, alongside the Leeds Dyecoats development, both being delivered by GRAHAM. Construction is set to begin in the coming months, and completion is anticipated in late 2028. The buildings will feature aluminium windows, traditional brick facades, and juliet balconies. GRAHAM regional director Stephen Van den Hoek said: 'Securing Gateway 2 approval is a significant milestone and reflects the collaborative effort between our teams to meet the highest standards of safety and design. 'This project marks another step forward in delivering high-quality, affordable homes across the region and reinforces our commitment to creating places where communities can thrive.' The project, which forms a key element of the area's broader regeneration vision, is funded in part by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said: 'This is an important development not only in that it will deliver significant affordable housing in the heart of our city - helping to meet demand and widen housing options for our residents - but it also signals some of the first investment that is kick-starting the major long-term regeneration of the wider Strangeways area.' Last month, Glasgow City Council in Scotland granted planning consent for GRAHAM Investment Projects' student accommodation development in the city's Anderston area. "Latimer selects GRAHAM for $148m redevelopment project in UK" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Time Magazine
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time Magazine
TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2025: Fervo Energy
'It's very clear we need a lot of electricity, and we need it now,' says Fervo Energy CEO and cofounder Tim Latimer, citing the rise of AI, data centers, and electric vehicles. Fervo plans to help meet rising demand by combining fracking and geothermal technologies. Its geothermal systems pump water deep into the earth to generate 24/7 renewable electricity, unlike intermittent wind turbines and solar arrays. The Houston-based startup's innovative technology drills not only vertically but horizontally, too, so it can access more heat. Founded eight years ago, Fervo partnered with Google on a 3.5-megawatt commercial project in Nevada, which opened in 2023—'the first time anyone ever proved that enhanced geothermal systems are commercially ready today,' Latimer says. Now Fervo is building the 500-MW Cape Station project in Utah, which will provide power to utility Southern California Edison as part of the world's largest-ever geothermal power purchasing agreement.
Time Out
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Juneteenth 2025 in NYC: best events, parades and celebrations around the city
It's the newest holiday in New York City and a very important one: Juneteenth is here for 2025, so it's time to celebrate! Events across the city will commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Black Americans have been marking the day since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. Juneteenth events in NYC this year include festivals, musical performances, comedy shows and family-friendly activities. Many festivities take place on the actual day—Thursday, June 19—but other events will run throughout the weekend, so you can keep the party going. Read on for our top Juneteenth picks and catch our full guide to the holiday here. Parades and festivals 1. Juneteenth Family Festival Where: Lewis Latimer House | Flushing, Queens When: Saturday, June 20 How much: Free to attend The Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Lewis Latimer House features live performances, hands-on activities and powerful tributes to Black innovation, creativity and resilience. Inspired by Latimer's legacy, this immersive event brings history to life through interactive S.T.E.A.M. activities exploring light, sound, flight and invention. 2. Juneteenth Food Festival Where: Weeksville Heritage Center | Crown Heights, Brooklyn When: Thursday, June 19 How much: Free to attend This year's lineup includes 29 local food vendors and artisans that span African American, Caribbean, Latin American and African foodways across the diaspora. The day-long event also includes Black food literature from BEM | Books & more, double-dutch performances from the Jazzy Jumpers and dance performances from the youth drumline and dance group, Brooklyn United. As for tunes, DJ Spinna will be headlining the festivities, providing the vibes all afternoon long 3. Juneteenth NY Festival Where: Various locations When: Now through Thursday, June 19 How much: Free to attend The 16th Annual Juneteenth NY Festival gathers thousands of attendees in Brooklyn for a vibrant celebration of rich culture through family festivals, music, dance, history, vendors, and more through June 19. Events include a Black Kings celebration, a free festival with local vendors, a parade, a fashion show and a virtual summit. Concerts and performances 4. We Outside: A Brooklyn Juneteenth Where: The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place | Downtown Brooklyn When: Saturday, June 21 How much: Free to attend Taking over The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place in Downtown Brooklyn, the day-long event will feature a series of musical performances, spoken word, dance workshops and other special experiences throughout the day hosted by 651 Arts and The Soapbox Presents. Additionally, there will be a curated Made Black marketplace to shop. 5. Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth Where: Times Square | Midtown Manhattan When: Thursday, June 19 How much: Free to attend The Broadway League's Black to Broadway Initiative will host its annual Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth concert, a free outdoor event centered around Black artistry and community. Head to Times Square to hear an all-Black Broadway cast performing Broadway musical numbers. 6. Juneteenth Jazz Jubilee Where: Adler Hall | Upper West Side, Manhattan When: Saturday, June 21 How much: Tickets range from $30-$200 Celebrate Juneteenth with a rousing tribute to musical giants like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson at Adler Hall. Top-tier jazz artists will unite with the MOTI Reentry Dream Band—a talented ensemble of formerly incarcerated musicians, led by guitarist David O'Rourke with Jonathan Finkelman, Jeff and Jennie Angell, Charles Walker, Patrick Morgan and Dawud Rahman—for a soul-stirring show. Family-friendly activities 7. Still We Rise: Juneteenth Celebration Where: Brower Park | Crown Heights, Manhattan When: Thursday, June 19 How much: Free to attend The Brooklyn Children's Museum's annual celebration at Shirley Chisholm Circle in Brower Park is themed "Still We Rise" in tribute to Maya Angelou. Attendees can enjoy a full slate of free, open-to-the-public programming including live performances by Brooklyn United Marching Band and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, line dance workshops led by STooPS, a bookmobile and storytime session from Brooklyn Public Library, planting activities with Field Meridians, delicious eats provided by The Bergen Food Truck and much more. 8. Juneteenth at the Children's Museum of Manhattan Where: Upper West Side, Manhattan When: Thursday, June 19 How much: Included with museum admission Revelers of all ages are welcome to celebrate Juneteenth at the Children's Museum of Manhattan with a full day of interactive art projects in celebration of Black liberation, resilience, and joy. Activities include mural painting, a musical jam session, and zine-making. Comedy shows 9. Drunk Black History Celebrates Juneteenth Where: The Bell House | Gowanus, Brooklyn When: Thursday, June 19 Cost: Tickets cost $32 Join Brandon Collins' critically acclaimed show Drunk Black History to celebrate Juneteenth with booze-filled lesson hosted by Gary Simons, Lea'h Sampson, Tocarra Elise and other surprise guests. The twist: They'll be skunked out of their minds trying to recap the biography of a historical Black figure or event that hasn't gotten the mainstream love they deserved. It will be plenty entertaining, surprisingly educational and, as always, hilariously unpredictable. 10. Where: Caveat | Lower East Side, Manhattan When: Thursday, June 19 Cost: Tickets cost $20-$25 REPARATIONS!, a Juneteenth celebration of Black improv comedy, is back for its fourth edition, hosted by WildNOut castmate Sydney Duncan as she celebrates the holiday with a "Blackity-Black showcase" of some of NYC's top Black improv talents and sketch teams. Along with a special headlining stand-up set by Eagle Witt, the hilarious evening will see funny folks like The Blacksmiths, Brothered Toast, Black Coalition, PWIx2fifs, North Coast, Pencils of Color, Mommas Biscuits and Branded Silk.
