Latest news with #UniversityofWestminster
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Brits could be banned from going on holiday as 'carbon passports' introduced
A new report has suggested that Brits could be banned from going on holiday as 'carbon passports' are introduced in a bid to slow down climate change Carbon passports could be introduced to limit the frequency of foreign holidays for UK residents, as part of efforts to combat climate change. Tourism is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for approximately one-tenth of the greenhouse gas emissions driving the crisis. Ross Bennett-Cook, a visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster, stated: "The negative impacts of tourism on the environment have become so severe that some are suggesting drastic changes to our travel habits are inevitable. "In a report from 2023 that analysed the future of sustainable travel, tour operator Intrepid Travel proposed that 'carbon passports' will soon become a reality if the tourism industry hopes to survive." Ross explained that the concept of a carbon passport involves assigning each traveller a yearly 'carbon allowance' that they cannot exceed. A similar idea, known as "personal carbon trading", was debated in the House of Commons in 2008. The average annual carbon footprint for a person in the UK is 11.7 tonnes - over five times the figure recommended by the Paris Agreement to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C. The global average is closer to 4 tonnes, and needs to drop to under 2 tonnes by 2050 to stand a chance of slowing climate change. If your 'carbon allowance' was 2 tonnes, then two return flights from London to New York would use up all of it, reports Devon Live. Ross informed The Conversation that a report by Intrepid Travel predicts the implementation of carbon passports by 2040. He further stated: "Between 2013 and 2018, the amount of CO2 emitted by commercial aircrafts worldwide increased by 32%. Improvements in fuel efficiency are slowly reducing per passenger emissions. "But research from 2014 found that whatever the industry's efforts to reduce its carbon emissions, they will be outweighed by the growth in air traffic. For emission reductions to have any meaningful effect, ticket prices would have to rise by 1.4% each year, discouraging some people from flying. However, in reality, ticket prices are falling." Several European countries are starting to implement measures to curb air travel. In Belgium, passengers on short-haul flights and older aircraft are now subject to higher taxes. France has prohibited short-haul domestic flights where the same journey can be completed by train in two-and-a-half hours or less - with similar regulations expected to be introduced in other major European countries in the near future. Ross pointed out: "It's not just air travel that's being criticised. "An investigation by the European Federation for Transport and Environment in 2023 found that cruise ships pump four times as many sulphuric gases (which are proven to cause acid rain and several respiratory conditions) into the atmosphere than all of Europe's 291 million cars combined. Statistics like these have forced European destinations to take action against the cruise industry." Amsterdam has prohibited cruise ships from docking in the city centre, and Venice has banned large cruise ships from entering the city's waters. Ross stated: "Intrepid Travel's report also highlights that not only how we travel, but where we travel will soon be impacted by climate change. "Boiling temperatures will probably diminish the allure of traditional beach destinations, prompting European tourists to search for cooler destinations such as Belgium, Slovenia and Poland for their summer holidays.. Several travel agencies reported seeing noticeable increases in holiday bookings to cooler European destinations like Scandinavia, Ireland and the UK during 2023's peak summer travel months. "Whatever the solution may be, changes to our travel habits look inevitable. Destinations across the globe, from Barcelona to the Italian riveria and even Mount Everest are already calling for limits on tourist numbers as they struggle to cope with crowds and pollution. "Holidaymakers should prepare to change their travel habits now, before this change is forced upon them."
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a neurologist - these are eight simple steps I used to slow my mother's dementia
A leading neuroscientist has revealed the eight daily habits she encourages her elderly mother to follow in a bid to slow the progression of dementia—and says they could change the way we think about the condition. Professor Catherine Loveday, 56, a specialist in memory and ageing at the University of Westminster, turned to her own research when her mother, Scillia, began showing early signs of Alzheimer's. Diagnosed in 2017 at the age of 70, Scillia's symptoms were initially so subtle doctors might not have picked them up for another six or seven years. But her daughter noticed she had started to repeat herself—and, armed with expert knowledge, acted fast. Now 85, Scillia still lives independently and enjoys a good quality of life—something Professor Loveday credits to a set of evidence-based lifestyle interventions designed to support brain health. Speaking to The Times, she said: 'My work has taught me that there are science-backed steps we can all take to improve our brain health. '[This is] not only through more exercise, better diet and improved sleep, but by keeping the stress and anxiety that accompany memory loss under control.' Stress, she explained, raises levels of inflammatory markers in the body—which may in turn accelerate cognitive decline. Professor Loveday is now sharing the routine she developed with her mother in the hope that it will help others feel empowered to act early and do everything they can to protect memory and mental clarity. Then, despite having always been fiercely independent, she got lost on her daily walk––a red-flag warning sign of cognitive decline. Determined to get a clearer picture of what was going on, Prof Loveday had her mum complete a battery of memory tests used by the NHS to test for dementia. This revealed both her strengths, such as short-term memory recall and her weaknesses. Whilst Scilia had no problem recalling a list of words her daughter had just said, when she was asked to recall the same words just half an hour later after reading a story, she performed worse than nearly 100 per cent of people. According to Prof Loveday, this proved that her prefrontal cortex––the area of the brain responsible for problem-solving––was functioning well but the part of the brain that deals with memory was lacking. This is one of the first tell-tale signs of Alzheimer's disease. This is then followed by problems with thinking and reasoning and language difficulties which worsen over time. But, if anything Prof Loveday was 'relieved' by the results as she knew this meant they could 'do something about it'. She said: 'The measures we took have slowed decline but her Alzheimer's obviously continues to progress. 'Mum now has limited access to her past memories, but the work we did means we know exactly what makes her feel happy and we put that into practice every day. 'Last time I was with her, I asked, 'How do you feel?' and she said, 'Relaxed and at peace,' and I don't think we can ask for more. 'We were able to really make a difference.' Here's exactly what you can do to boost your quality of life and stave off to Prof Loveday. Journal every evening To keep your brain active in old age, Prof Loveday recommends jotting down everything you did today before going to bed. Doing this forces the brain to practice 'spaced repetition'––a learning technique that is known to improve memory by reviewing information at intervals. And it can be 'transformational', Prof Loveday claims. Boost your social battery According to Loveday, maintaining friendships is vital for healthy cognitive function, lowering stress and easing anxiety which in turn reduces inflammation in the body that is known to impact the progression of the disease. Write it down and don't be afraid to rely on technology One of the most fool-proof ways to remember something is writing it down and this isn't something to be ashamed of, Prof Loveday says. She found that getting her mother to write things down that she needed to remember that day on a whiteboard in the kitchen really helped slow down the progression of the disease . And whilst it may seem like a tedious task, Prof Loveday says one of the best things you can do for someone with a degenerative memory condition is teach them how to use Google Maps. 'One of the worse things you can do when lost is panic', she said. But this is also works both ways, so for her own peace of mind as a carer she also turned on the tracking system on her mother's phone so she can easily see where she is if needs be. Curate old memories Typically, Alzheimer's patients will have a good grasp on their early memories so sparking a conversation about the good old days can help preserve identity. Prof Loveday said: 'Nostalgic conversations––about music and scratchy school uniforms––are powerful social connectors. 'I know from my research if you ask people to give their eight favourite songs, often one or two will prompt memories about a specific moment that was transitional or important in terms of who you became.' Get your steps in It is a well-known fact that upping your exercise quota can help stave off Alzheimer's in later life, boosting proteins in the brain that support cognitive function. Even just going for a walk is great says Prof Loveday, because navigating stimulates the part of the brain responsible for memory. Cut down on sugar and have a good bedtime routine Experts have long proposed that diets high in healthy fats and polyphenols––found in things like dark green leafy vegetables––can help support brain health. Conversely, it is well-known that sugar can have an inflammatory effect on the body, causing glucose spikes which have been shown to reduce cognitive function. Prof Loveday suggests eating more vegetables, berries rich in antioxidants and foods high in omega-3s such as oily fish or nuts and seeds. There is also surmounting evidence that too much or too little sleep can raise dementia risk. Plan for the future now Whilst it can be hard talking about future plans in terms of care, Prof Loveday advises getting the conversation out of the way as soon as possible, before the disease progresses further. Get your eyes and ears tested Finally Prof Loveday suggests getting your hearing and vision tested regularly to keep dementia at bay––and at least once every two years for people over 60, in line with NHS guidelines. It is believed that tackling hearing loss early could delay the development of dementia for a number of years, though the exact reasoning is not yet fully understood by experts. But, hearing loss is not an inevitable part of ageing and this simple step could help millions reduce their risk of dementia.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Guernsey student wins international architectural award
An architecture student from Guernsey has been selected from worldwide applicants for an Langlois was presented with the EU Mies Van Der Rohe Young Talent Open 2025 award at a ceremony in nominees were considered for the award, which recognises student work from member countries of the Council of Europe, South East Asia and Langlois won the prize for his final student project, Poolside Politics, which involved the restoration of the site of a community swimming pool on the outskirts of Marseille, France. 'Honour to win' Mr Langlois grew up and was educated in Guernsey but now works for a London architectural practice and will take his final exams to become a Chartered Architect next interest in architecture grew from involvement in his parents' island-based architectural said: "It's an honour to win this award, I could never have imagined that my architectural education would be recognised in a moment like this."Mr Langlois attended Liverpool University School of Architecture where he was nominated for the RIBA President's Bronze Award. He achieved a distinction in his Architectural MA at the University of Westminster where he was nominated for the RIBA President's Silver Award and received the RIBA West London Best Student Project Award. Mr Langlois said he proposed a citizen led project for the Marseille site, which included low-cost housing, self-sufficient food cultivation and re-established local industry through the production of historic soap.
Cosmopolitan
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Cosmopolitan
Who is George Russell's girlfriend Carmen Mundt? Your 101 on the F1 Mercedes driver's relationship
ICYMI: the F1 British Grand Prix is currently ongoing at Silverstone. Yep, the high octane racing is back as the best in the sport battle it out. And with F1: The Movie in cinemas, Formula 1 is definitely in the zeitgeist. And one of the biggest names in the motorsports rn? George Russell: the British driver has won four Formula One Grands Prix and is only 27. One of our fave facts about him? He is in an adorbs af relationship with Carmen Montero Mundt. So, who is F1 WAG Carmen Montero Mundt? And how long have she and Russell been together? Keep scrolling for the full details. Mundt is the girlfriend of George Russell, the British F1 driver. She's often seen supporting him at events, travelling across the world to do so, and is known for her elegant personal style. Like George Russell, Mundt was born in 1998. Her birthday is 12 February, which makes her an Aquarius. She's 27 years old. Mundt was born in Spain but moved to the UK when she was 18. Mundt has a BA in Business Management and Finance from the University of Westminster and also has a Diploma in Asset Allocation and Risk Management from the University of Geneva. She's worked at Ruffer, a London-based asset manager and Delta, a business management consultant. Now, she doesn't appear to have a staff role in the financial sector but she has released an e-book called My Investing Journey and Learning with the platform Female Invest. She has spoken about how her interest in finance was sparked by her family's financial problems, with her father going bankrupt when Mundt was 10 years old. Currently she has over 600,000 followers on her Instagram @carmenmmundt. She also posts branded content with the likes of Alo and Dior. Mundt and Russell met in London through a mutual friend. They made their relationship public at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix. The couple celebrated their five-year anniversary in February 2025. These two are too cute!
Fashion United
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fashion United
Westminster MA menswear graduates showcase collections at Milan fashion week
Graduates of the University of Westminster's MA Menswear course showcased their collections on June 25, 2025, during Milan's official men's fashion week, Milano Collezioni Uomo. The event, held at the 247 Showroom, was supported by the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) and facilitated by the British Consulate in Milan. Eighteen designers presented the culmination of their two-year postgraduate study to an international audience of press, buyers, and industry professionals. This event provided graduates with an opportunity to present their work in a professional showroom environment typically accessed by established brands. In addition to the collections, the program featured discussions and exhibitions designed to foster cross-border industry relationships between the UK and Italy. Complementing the graduate showcase, the exhibition "Cut from a Different Cloth" examined the lasting influence of tailoring across decades. It featured five women's garments from Alexander McQueen's time with Romeo Gigli in 1991, loaned by Fondazione Sozzani. The exhibition also included ten archival menswear pieces from McQueen's 1996–2000 collections, sourced from Westminster's own archive, illustrating the combination of British tailoring and Italian production. Westminster University MA Menswear Credits: UKFT The exhibition's final section presented new work by current MA Menswear graduates. These garments were developed through direct research of the McQueen archives and discussions with members of the McQueen design team, offering a contemporary interpretation of tailoring heritage. A panel discussion, moderated by Professor Andrew Groves, Director of the Westminster Menswear Archive, included participants from both academia and industry. Contributors included Paul Alger (UKFT), Paul Toner (Deputy Editor of 10 Magazine ), and designer–educator Andrea Cammarosano. The discussion addressed the opportunities and challenges facing emerging menswear designers and explored how UK–Italy collaboration in fashion and textiles could be strengthened. Following the panel, Paul Alger interviewed several graduates, including Alex Page, Yuechen, Venus Studio, and Xinyue Zhang. The UKFT also used this occasion to engage with British-Italian fashion entrepreneurs, attending the Milan launch of Mark//Giusti, a retail brand formerly based in the UK. Westminster University MA Menswear Credits: UKFT The University of Westminster's MA Menswear course, established in 2017 and led by Professor Groves, is recognized for its focus on both conceptual creativity and commercial viability, with many alumni progressing into notable roles in the fashion industry. UKFT's involvement in the Milan showcase is part of its broader efforts to address skills gaps in British fashion manufacturing and education. The event also precedes the launch of a new MA in Fashion Manufacturing at Westminster in September 2025. This program aims to support sustainability, innovation, and future-oriented production strategies. The Westminster presentation in Milan highlights the increasing global reach of British fashion education and the significance of strategic collaboration between academia and industry. Through archival research, contemporary design, and international engagement, the showcase demonstrated how historical craftsmanship continues to influence the future of menswear. Westminster University MA Menswear Credits: UKFT
