Latest news with #Marcel
National Observer
3 days ago
- Politics
- National Observer
A splash of paint, a flood of warnings: climate protest in a time of acceleration
On June 19, shortly after opening time at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, a young man named Marcel walked up to Pablo Picasso's "L'hétaïre" and threw pink paint across its protective glass covering. It was a climate protest, part of a three-week 'action phase' by the group Last Generation Canada, which is calling on the Canadian government to establish a climate disaster protection agency. It's probably a safe bet that many people would have found Marcel's action incomprehensible. And not just because they find the tactic of targeting artwork baffling — but also because there is such a widening gulf between the escalating severity of our climate predicament and its declining priority in our politics and public opinion. What could possibly cause a young person like Marcel to do something so drastic and provocative? Doesn't he know we have tariffs to contend with and a world filled with more immediate crises? Climate change can wait, we seem to have decided. The drop in public priority is grossly out of sync with the worsening reality of climate change. The past years have seen a marked jump in global heating and most people are blithely unaware of the latest string of spine-chilling scientific observations. Groups like Last Generation stubbornly refuse to look away. And before we take a quick tour of the reasons people like Marcel might resort to seemingly-desperate actions, it's worth hearing from them directly. One of the other organizations loosely aligned with Last Generation was Just Stop Oil, based in the UK. And the reason it's in the past tense is that Just Stop Oil announced this Spring it has put down its cans of paint (and soup) and hung up the hi-vis vests used while disrupting traffic. 'It is the end of soup on van Goghs, cornstarch on Stonehenge and slow marching in the streets,' the group said in a statement. The organization's main goal was to stop the UK from issuing new licenses for oil and gas exploration. The Labour party pledged to stop the process and has maintained the policy in government. There has also been a severe crackdown on disruptive protests in the UK and activists have received lengthy prison sentences. But ultimately, 'We achieved what we set out to achieve,' says James Skeet, a spokesperson for Just Stop Oil. The drop in public priority is grossly out of sync with the worsening reality of climate change and the latest string of spine-chilling scientific observations. But climate activists stubbornly refuse to look away, writes Chris Hatch. Last Generation Canada has a more modest goal — a national climate disaster protection agency. The group highlights the need to tackle climate change and boost adaptation response for those 'whose homes, communities, lives and livelihoods have been destroyed by extreme weather, including wildfires worsened by the burning of fossil fuels.' After he was released by the police pending his court date, Marcel explained his decision to throw paint on the Picasso's glass casing (for the record, museum officials have confirmed no damage was done to the painting itself). 'Art is humanity, art is life,' said Marcel. 'There is no point in protecting a Picasso painting if no one is able … to appreciate it — if they themselves are not protected from the rising climate disasters around the world that are more frequent and more violent every year.' When Marcel goes to court, he will have some serious evidence to present, if the judge is willing to hear it. Acceleration The same day of Marcel's action in Montreal, 60 leading climate scientists released an assessment updating the critical indicators of climate change. 'The news is grim,' said Zeke Hausfather, one of the authors. There's been some dispute among scientists about whether climate change is getting worse at a constant rate or whether it's actually accelerating. That debate appears to be settled. 'Things aren't just getting worse. They're getting worse, faster,' Hausfather said. 'We're actively moving in the wrong direction in a critical period of time that we would need to meet our most ambitious climate goals. Some reports, there's a silver lining. I don't think there really is one in this one.' The scientists created an infographic highlighting the changes measured in 2024, compared to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) last report, which was issued just four years ago: Energy imbalance It sounds a bit wonky, but Earth's energy imbalance is actually pretty simple — a measure of how much heat our planet absorbs from the sun versus how much gets radiated back out to space. It's sometimes called 'the most important metric' in the world because it gets around short-term fluctuations in temperature and inexorably determines our long-term future. It 'is the most important measure of the amount of heat being trapped in the system,' Hausfather said. 'It is very clearly accelerating. It's worrisome.' In fact, another study published in May (this one conducted by 57 scientists) summarized satellite measurements and found that ' Earth's energy imbalance more than doubled in recent decades.' 'The large trend has taken us by surprise,' the authors write. 'It is rising much faster than expected, and in 2023 it reached values two times higher than the best estimate from IPCC … twice that predicted by climate models.' One-point-five is unavoidable Greenhouse gas emissions from burning oil, gas and coal set a new record in 2024. That means we're on track to blow through the remaining carbon budget to stay under 1.5 C of heating within two to three years. That won't come as a surprise to regular readers. But it puts the actions of campaigners like Marcel in perspective. It is, after all, the goal agreed by the nations of the world — 'a political limit countries have decided that beyond which the impact of climate change would be unacceptable to their societies,' said Joeri Rogelj, a climate scientist at Imperial College London. Sensitive Earth We could go on highlighting the wild divergence between the latest scientific observations and public understanding or government action. But let's tie things up with one last exhibit Marcel might offer the judge. The Earth's climate is showing itself to be more sensitive to carbon pollution than climate models had predicted. This question of sensitivity has probably been the biggest question mark in climate science — we know that the Earth heats up when we blanket it with greenhouse gases, but how much does the Earth react? All we've really had to go on are reconstructions of deep history and projections using computer models. But we now have enough years of satellite data that we can check how closely those models track results in the real world. The results were published this month, and the answer is sobering: ' bad news,' says lead author Gunnar Myhre from the CICERO Center for International Climate Research in Norway. When you compare NASA's satellite data of the Earth's energy imbalance to the models, you can clearly see that the models are underestimating the real world over the last decade (NASA CERES satellite observations shown in red and the average of models in black; individual models in faded grey). What this means, in the sterile language of scientific papers, is that 'increasing concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases likely will cause even more warming than most current models predict.' In plain language: we have to cut back fossil fuel burning even faster than we thought. The carbon budget to have any chance of staying below the outer limit of 2C is smaller than predicted. When Marcel stands before the judge, he won't just be defending a splash of paint — he'll be defending the right to sound the alarm in a world filled with pressing priorities. The science he brings isn't just abstract charts or distant projections. It's the brutal, accelerating reality we now inhabit: faster warming, tighter carbon budgets, and a dangerously sensitive Earth. His protest, disruptive as it may seem, is a response to something far more disruptive — the unraveling of the stable climate that made human civilization possible. The question dripping from Marcel's pink paint is whether we'll be more scandalized by the tactics of the messenger than by the message itself.
The South African
22-06-2025
- The South African
Climate activist hurls pink paint at Pablo Picasso painting
A painting by Pablo Picasso on display at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts was the latest artwork targeted by climate activists, as environmental group Last Generation Canada attempted to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis. The painting, L'hetaire (1901), was splashed with bright pink paint by a protester identified only as Marcel, a 21-year-old member of the activist group. The act was captured on video and posted to Last Generation Canada's social media platforms, showing the moment of the vandalism and the subsequent removal of the protester by museum security. In a statement released alongside the video, Marcel defended the act as a symbolic gesture to 'protect art' in the face of planetary collapse. 'Today, I am not attacking art, nor am I destroying it. I am protecting it. Art, at its core, is depictions of life… There is no art on a dead planet,' the statement reads. Marcel also referenced the record-breaking heatwave in Winnipeg, Manitoba – part of an increasingly severe climate pattern affecting much of Canada this year – warning that art and culture will not survive if basic human survival is at stake. Montreal police confirmed the activist was arrested and later released on condition to appear in court. Two others who filmed the action were detained and released without charges. Museum officials have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage to the Pablo Picasso piece, which was reportedly protected by glass. The museum issued a brief statement condemning the act, saying it was cooperating with authorities and reviewing security protocols. This incident follows a wave of similar protests across Europe and North America over the past five years. Climate activists have targeted works by Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt, and others – sometimes gluing themselves to frames or splashing food, paint, or liquids onto protective glass. Groups like Last Generation and Just Stop Oil argue these dramatic acts are necessary to break public and media indifference. However, their tactics have proven controversial. Critics argue they alienate potential allies and damage public institutions. Last year, Last Generation Austria disbanded after repeated legal setbacks, citing death threats, hefty fines, and public fatigue. Despite the backlash, Last Generation Canada appears committed to continuing these attention-grabbing tactics. 'Would I still be able to make art in a burning Winnipeg?' Marcel asked rhetorically. 'Or would I be too caught up in the fight for my survival?' Context: A nation under heat Canada is once again bracing for a devastating wildfire season, with several provinces including Manitoba and Saskatchewan experiencing record-breaking heat and drought. Thousands have already been displaced by early-season wildfires, fueling frustration with government inaction on climate resilience and emissions policy. The activist's provocative question – 'Would there still be art on a dead planet?' – now hangs over both the gallery and the broader national debate about climate change. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
USA Today
18-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
'Marcel (Reed) has been great' Texas A&M HC Mike Elko praises his QB's development
'Marcel (Reed) has been great' Texas A&M HC Mike Elko praises his QB's development Texas A&M's 2025 season will wholly depend on starting quarterback Marcel Reed taking the next step in his development, and while most of the national media are highly skeptical, coach Mike Elko has vocally backed the redshirt sophomore based on his offseason development, and continued to do so on Tuesday night during the Forth Worth Coach's Night. Reed is a dual-threat quarterback in every sense of the definition, flashing brilliance as a runner, while he has shown the arm strength and accuracy needed to thrive in the SEC. However, inconsistency in the pocket was a constant issue outside of a handful of games, while his poor performance in the season finale loss to Texas resulted in the national media losing confidence in the former four-star recruit. Still, thanks to his father, Rod Reed, we have been able to witness Marcel put the work in the offseason, working with various coaches to refine his technique as a passer, mainly working on his accuracy and quick release. In OC Collin Klein's balanced offense, Reed will need to make the tight window throws and complete enough deep passes to open up the running game, which shouldn't be an issue on paper given the influx of talent in the wide receiver room from the transfer portal. With KC Concepcion and Mario Craver joining Terry Bussey, Ashton Bethel-Roman, Izaiah Williams, and Jonah Wilson in the 2025 WR Corps, Reed can thrive in the short to intermediate passing game given every player's ability to gain yards after contact. On Tuesday night, Elko once again praised his QB based on the work he's put in, reminding the Aggies in the audience that during his first starting season as a redshirt freshman, mistakes are almost guaranteed, but he's on the right track regardless. "Marcel (Reed) has been great." "I don't think anybody really appreciates the development that Marcel made because a lot of his development happened at the end of the year when we didn't get the results that we wanted. … We have to finish those games and get the results, but if you're looking for signs of growth from the quarterback, those signs were there." "Growth" is everything when it comes to quarterback development, and while some will see this as coach-speak, Elko has kept it real when discussing player development, especially given the importance of the 2025 campaign. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Eerie theme park left to rot has dark secret lying in one of its crumbling rides
A once thriving theme park, which attracted millions of visitors in its heyday, is now a ghost town - but not only that the abandoned amusement park also has a dark secret. An abandoned theme park in East Berlin - popular with visitors from all over the world in the 1990s - now stands eerily empty and is hiding a dark secret. First opening in 1969 in Berlin, Spreepark grew in popularity in the 1990s welcoming a total of 1.5 million visitors each year. Yet, the East German theme park's popularity didn't last with losing visitors over the following years before closing In 2001. But its story didn't end there and what happened next is often referred to as the 'scandal of Spreepark'. The park's owner, Norbert Witte, and his family moved to Peru and authorities permitted them to ship six attractions (Fliegender Teppich, Butterfly, Spider, Baby-Flug, Wild River, and Jet Star), for repair in 20 shipping containers. READ MORE: Mum of missing teen thanks Mirror after call from police - 'I couldn't stop crying' But Norbert and his son Marcel had other plans and were caught attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cocaine back to Germany in the masts of the "Flying Carpet" ride. Norbert Witte was sentenced to eight years in prison for drug smuggling, while his son Marcel, who was also involved, was sentenced to 20 years in Peru. In its heyday the park catered to visitors from both sections of the Berlin Wall, initially charging a fee per ride. After a change in management and guests paying a general admission fee to enter the park, Spreepark took on a more western theme including an English village, western town, new rollercoasters and a collection of other games and activities. However, the park began to reportedly struggle with ageing rides and debts - with the Guardian reporting Spreepark's books revealed debts of up to €15million (£12.4m) when the park filed for bankruptcy in 2001. To try to rectify this situation, admission prices were increased for guests, but the dismal parking options and rising costs kept many visitors away. Since 2002, the park has not opened for visitors and in August that same year it was declared insolvent. Reports showed it had debts of €11,000,000, and the park fell into disrepair. In 2011, a scene for the action film Hanna was filmed at the park, as well as the music video for the single "Run Dry" by German band Sizarr. After 2011, guided tours were offered to the public at restricted times but in March 2014 guided tours ended. On the evening of 10 August 2014, major parts of the park were destroyed in a fire but The Ferris wheel remained. That was dismantled in 2021 and the parts kept for potential re-use and some remains of other attractions are still on the site. Years after its closure, the city of Berlin purchased Spreepark and began plans for its restoration. The site is now undergoing a transformation into an art and culture park, with some original elements preserved.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MarTech+ #1: AI That Sees, Shops, and Sells
Dear Reader, While the principles of marketing remain unchanged, technology has transformed everything about how we experience them. The 4Ps — product, price, promotion, and place — now look very different in a world of algorithms, AI, and attention scarcity. Even mental and physical availability is shaped by data, devices, and digital journeys. That's why we have curated the MarTech+ newsletter to track how marketing is evolving at the intersection of tech and consumer behaviour — without the jargon. Every week, we'll share smart signals, brand moves, and the ideas shaping what's next. In this edition, we explore how AI is quietly but powerfully shaping the way people shop, storytellers create, and brands serve. From grocery shelves designed with empathy, to studios where AI sharpens the craft, to shopping journeys guided by digital agents — this is AI in action. Let's dive into the now 🛒 When AI sees what we don't Britannia 's 'A-Eye' project is more than tech—it's what innovation looks like when it puts people first. By making grocery shelves more accessible to the visually impaired, Britannia reminds us that inclusive design is good marketing. 👉 Here's how they did it. Why you should care: Because inclusive brand experiences aren't just 'nice to have'—they're the new competitive edge. 🎨 AI didn't kill the creative star—It upskilled it Youri Guerassimov, the CCO-turned-CEO of Marcel, drops a hard truth: AI has made creative work sharper, not shallower. In this ETBE exclusive, he reflects on how tech has made storytelling more efficient and effective — when paired with soul. 👉 Read the interview. Why you should care: Because brands that want creative that sells need to embrace AI not as a shortcut, but as a superpower. 🛍️ Welcome to Agentified Shopping Imagine a world where you don't scroll endlessly or filter by size. Instead, a smart AI agent knows your taste, diet, budget, mood — and shops for you. This guest article unpacks the rise of AI shopping agents that could change how we think about discovery and decision-making. 👉 Step into the future. Why you should care: Because preference-based automation is poised to flip marketing funnels on their head. Here are more stories you might have missed. Gen AI and the future of marketing. AI, the new shoulder to cry on. And it doesn't get tired. AI impact: What happens to advertising now? Chatgpt faces global outage; India, US most affected. Meta opening AI lab to build super intelligence. 🔄 Over to you Are we entering an era where marketers don't just target people, but train the agents who influence them? What's one AI innovation you've seen lately that actually made the journey better? Tag us on LinkedIn (ET BrandEquity) with your thoughts. — Team ETBrandEquity 🗓️ Stay tuned for the next edition of the MarTech+ newsletter, coming to you every Wednesday.
