Some commenters on my previous blog post, Net Zero CO2 Emissions: A Damaging and Totally Unnecessary Goal, were dubious of my claim that nature will continue to remove CO2 from the atmosphere at about the same rate even if anthropogenic emissions decrease…or even if they were suddenly eliminated.
Rather than appeal to the simple CO2 budget model I created for that blog post, let’s look at the published data from the 123 (!) authors the IPCC relies upon to provide their best estimate of CO2 flows in and out of the atmosphere, the Global Carbon Project team. I created the following chart from their data spreadsheet available here. Updated yearly, the 2023 report shows that their best estimate of the net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by land and ocean processes has increased along with the rise in atmospheric CO2. This plot is from their yearly estimates, 1850-2022.
The two regression line fits to the data are important, because they imply what will happen in the future as CO2 in the atmosphere continues to rise. In the case of the nonlinear fit, which has a slightly better fit to the data (R2 = 89.3% vs. 88.8%) the carbon cycle is becoming somewhat less able to remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere. This is what carbon cycle modelers expect to happen, and there is some weak evidence that is beginning to occur. So, let’s conservatively assume that nonlinear rate of removal (a gradual decrease in nature’s ability to sequester excess atmospheric CO2) will exist in the coming decades as a function of atmospheric CO2 content.
A Modest CO2 Reduction Scenario
Now, let’s assume a 1% per year cut in emissions (both fossil fuel burning and deforestation) in each year starting in 2024. That 1% per year cut is nowhere near the Net Zero goal of eliminating CO2 emissions by 2050 or 2060, which at this point seems delusional since humanity remains so dependent upon fossil fuels. The resulting future trajectory of atmospheric CO2 looks like this:
This shows that rather modest cuts in global CO2 emissions (33% by 2063) would cause CO2 concentrations to stabilize in about 40 years, with a peak CO2 value of 460 ppm. This is only 2/3 of the way to “2XCO2” (a doubling of estimated pre-Industrial CO2 levels).
How Much Global Warming Would be Caused Under This Scenario?
Assuming all of the atmospheric CO2 rise is due to human activities, and further assuming all climate warming is due to that CO2 rise, the resulting eventual equilibrium warming (delayed by the time it takes for mixing to warm the deep oceans) would be about 1.2 deg.C assuming the observations-based Effective Climate Sensitivity (EffCS) value of 1.9 deg. C we published last year (Spencer & Christy, 2023). Using the Lewis and Curry (2018) value around 1.6-1.7 deg. C would result in even less future warming.
And that’s if no further cuts in emissions are made beyond the 33% cuts vs. 2023 emissions. If the 1% per year cuts continue past the 2060s, as is shown in the 2nd graph above, the CO2 content of the atmosphere would then decline, and future warming would not be in response to 460 ppm, which was reached only briefly in the early 2060s. It would be a still lower value than 1.2 deg. C. Note these are below the 1.5 deg. C maximum warming target of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which is the basis for Net Zero policies.
Net Zero is Based Upon a Faulty View of Nature
Net Zero assumes that human CO2 emissions must stop to halt the rise in atmospheric CO2. This is false. The first plot above shows that nature removes atmospheric CO2 at a rate based upon the CO2 content of the atmosphere, and as long as that remains elevated, nature continues to remove CO2 at a rapid rate. Satellite-observed “global greening” is evidence of that over land. Over the ocean, sea water absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere in proportion to the difference in CO2 partial pressures between the atmosphere and ocean, that is, the higher the atmospheric CO2 content is, the faster the ocean absorbs CO2.
Neither land nor ocean “knows” how much CO2 we emit in any given year. They only “know” how much CO2 is in the atmosphere.
All that is needed to stop the rise of atmospheric CO2 is for yearly anthropogenic emissions to be reduced to the point where they match the yearly removal rate by nature. The Global Carbon Project data suggest that reduction is about 33% below 2023 emissions. And that is based upon the conservative assumption that future CO2 removal will follow the nonlinear curve in the first plot, above, rather than the linear relationship.
Finally, the 1.5 deg. C maximum warming goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement would be easily met under the scenario proposed here, a 1% per year cut in global net emissions (fossil fuel burning plus land use changes), with a total 33% reduction in emissions vs. 2023 by the early 2060s.
I continue to be perplexed why Net Zero is a goal, because it is not based upon the science. I can only assume that the scientific community’s silence on the subject is because politically driven energy policy goals are driving the science, rather than vice versa.
For years, iPad users have had to download third-party calculator apps or access a web browser just to do math. Many of these third-party apps aren’t all that pleasant to use, as some of them come filled with ads or just don’t mesh well with the iPad’s interface. Not to mention that the better calculator apps, like PCalc, cost money to download.
This isn’t the only calculator rumor we’ve heard recently, either. Earlier this month, a report from AppleInsider revealed that Apple may be giving the Calculator app on macOS a little makeover. It wouldn’t be too much of a shock if Apple brings its Calculator app to the iPad this late in the game — the company also waited an infuriatingly long time before bringing its Weather to the iPad in 2022.
Choosing the perfect river cruise can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. Yet, the secret to an unforgettable journey lies in selecting luxury river cruise lines that offer more than just a trip – they provide an experience.
This article shines a light on elite river cruises that redefine luxury travel, promising not just destinations but also unrivaled comfort and elegance.
With years of travel writing under our belt and countless rivers crossed, we’ve seen firsthand what sets apart the good from the truly exceptional in river cruising. From the serene beauty of Europe’s grand rivers to remote corners of Asia, get ready for adventure!
Top Luxury River Cruise Lines
The best river cruising companies set the benchmark for luxury and customer service. These cruise lines transform every trip into a journey of cultural enrichment. They are listed in no particular order, just numbered for your ease of reference.
1. Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises blends modern Scandinavian design with traditional river cruising elements for a comfortable yet refined adventure across various destinations.
With its fleet of Nordic-inspired “Longships,” Viking sails along iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Elbe, Rhône, and Portugal’s Douro.
The cruise line stands out for its emphasis on destination-based entertainment over traditional shipboard activities.
This approach has earned them recognition as one of the top river and ocean line cruises and a premier choice for travelers seeking unique and well-curated experiences.
Viking Longship in Paris – luxury river cruise lines
2. Riverside Luxury Cruises
Riverside Luxury Cruises deliver an exceptional level of elegance on its vessels, acquired from Crystal Cruises. They are renowned for their crew to guest ratio and butler service. Each suite boasts a king-size bed.
The line prioritizes personalized experiences along Europe’s most scenic rivers such as the Danube, the Rhine and the Mosel. Their itineraries can be combined and extended in a variety of different ways.
Aiming to redefine river cruising and set itself apart from other river cruise lines, Crystal River Cruises delivers exceptional experiences that go beyond impeccable service and exceptional cuisine to its guests.
Unlike most other river cruise lines, they have open dining times and many tables for two. There are five dining options on board.
3. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Going strong for 38 years, Scenic Luxury Cruises are known for their all-inclusive offerings that leave nothing to chance. From butler service for every suite to complimentary beverages and included gratuities, it’s a five-star luxury experience.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours operates a contemporary fleet of river vessels and luxury ocean ships such as the Eclipse and Crystal.
Their state-of-the-art river cruise ships provide guests with technology-enhanced rooms and expansive viewing decks for breathtaking vistas.
Scenic’s ultra-luxury river cruises focus on the waterways of Europe and South-East Asia.
4. Amadeus River Cruises
This family-owned Austrian company has over 40 years of experience in river cruising. Also known as Lüftner Cruises, they sail along the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Elbe, and Seine rivers in Europe.
Amadeus offer gourmet dining in multiple venues and free flowing wines from the finest wine regions. There’s a gym open 24/7 and complimentary use of onboard bicycles.
Their river ships feature spacious, comfortable staterooms and suites, many with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies.
MS Amadeus Provence infinity pool at night
5. Heritage Line
Heritage Line is an award-winning luxury river cruise company that operates vessels along some of Asia’s most scenic and culturally-rich waterways. Their fleet of boutique river cruise ships provides an intimate and high-end experience for travelers.
Some of Heritage Line’s most popular destinations include:
The Mekong River, spanning Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
The Irrawaddy River in Myanmar (Burma)
Halong Bay in Vietnam
Heritage Line’s ships are designed with elegant, locally-inspired decor that captures the cultural essence of each region. Cabins are spacious and outfitted with private balconies, allowing guests to take in the stunning riverside landscapes.
Onboard, Heritage Line offers exceptional cuisine featuring fresh, regional ingredients. There are also spa facilities, a jacuzzi pool, and other upscale amenities for guests to enjoy. Experienced guides lead shore excursions that provide immersive cultural experiences.
6. AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways is celebrated for its award-winning dining, wellness activities, and innovative ship designs, such as twin-balcony staterooms. This family-owned company has more than two decades of experience of river cruising.
AmaWaterways provides a high-end, all-inclusive river cruise experience. Fares typically cover accommodations, dining, beverages, sightseeing activities, and other amenities. Guests on board AmaMagna have access to a full-sized pickleball court.
They offer complimentary bikes, The Chef’s Table and high-speed WiFi. This makes them an attractive option for travelers seeking a hassle-free, upscale river journey.
AmaMagna outdoor spin class
7. Les Bateaux Belmond
Les Bateaux Belmond is the river cruise division of the prestigious Belmond luxury travel brand. Their fleet of 7 floating villas operates in French regions like Burgundy, the Camargue, Champagne and Provence.
Belmond’s highly curated and exclusive itineraries focus on exclusive experiences, culinary delights, and scenic landscapes. Some of their barges have heated pools, and one has a grand piano.
You can also charter one of their luxury barges and enjoy a custom-made itinerary.
Les Bateaux Belmond Amaryllis swimming pool
8. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld is recognized as one of the most luxurious and distinctive river cruise lines. They appeal to discerning travelers seeking an elevated, boutique-style experience on the rivers of the world.
They offer river cruises in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Uniworld’s luxurious fleet boasts original artworks and antiques together with the latest technological innovations.
Their spacious suites feature marble bathrooms, Asprey toiletries, Savoir Beds of England and a fully stocked bar. Your butler will deliver fresh cookies and fruit daily.
Uniworld are known for their all-inclusive luxury travel experience. Guests enjoy unlimited premium wines and spirits, farm to table cuisine, wellness classes, WiFi, all gratuities onboard, shore excursions and airport transfers.
S.S. La Venezia bar
9. Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney is the family-focused river cruise brand operated in partnership with AmaWaterways.
Launched in 2016, Adventures by Disney river cruises sail along major European waterways like the Danube, Rhine and Seine rivers.
These cruises are designed to provide an engaging, hands-on travel experience for families, with activities, excursions, and programming specifically tailored for both adults and children.
Onboard, guests enjoy the services of two Disney-trained Adventure Guides who lead the family-oriented activities, excursions, and entertainment. There are onboard Disney sweet treats and fun activities such as Disney-themed karaoke and trivia.
Adventures by Disney cruise along the Seine river
10. Tauck River Cruises
Tauck River Cruises earns its reputation through meticulously planned tours that cater to travelers looking for depth in their journey.
This American cruise operator stands out for its spacious ships that offer the highest space per guest on European waterways.
Guests enjoy a blend of casual elegance and all-inclusive amenities, which cover a wide range of shore excursions and drinks with meals.
Exploring destinations along iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Douro, and Seine allows travelers to immerse themselves in rich history and culture. Tauck have an interesting collection of themed river cruises, such as Christmas Market River Cruises and Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube.
Andorinha Sun Deck Pool – courtesy of Tauck
11. Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions was founded in 2007 and operates small expedition-style river cruise ships that sail on the Amazon River in Peru, as well as the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.
The cruise line is known for its sustainability efforts, supporting local communities and utilizing eco-friendly practices.
Aqua Expeditions’ Amazon river cruises explore the remote Peruvian Amazon, with itineraries that allow deep immersion in the rainforest environment and local indigenous cultures.
On the Mekong River, Aqua Expeditions offers cruises that visit destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia, showcasing the river’s natural landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant local communities.
12. Croisi-Europe
CroisiEurope is a French river cruise line that operates cruises in Europe, Africa and Asia. It operates a fleet of 50 river cruise ships that sail on rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Douro in Europe, the Mekong river in Asia and Lake Kariba in Africa.
The company’s ships carry between 16-200 passengers. CroisiEurope owns its own shipyard and vessels, allowing them to customize ships for the shallow rivers of Europe. Each cabin has an exterior view.
Known for their French cuisine and hospitality onboard, CroisiEurope excels at multi-generational all-inclusive cruising. Their themed cruises such as hiking and music are particularly popular.
13. American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines is a U.S.-based cruise company that specializes in small ship and riverboat cruises, primarily along the rivers and waterways of the United States.
The company operates a fleet of modern riverboats and small cruise ships that sail on rivers such as the Mississippi, Ohio, Columbia, Snake, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Compared to large ocean cruise ships, American Cruise Lines’ vessels carry a relatively small number of passengers, typically between 100-190 guests.
Itineraries range from 5 to 15 nights and cover a variety of themes, including music and culture, Civil War history, nature and wildlife, and more.
14. Emerald River Cruises
Emerald Waterways is a river cruise line operated by Scenic Group and launched in 2014. They offer river cruises on major European waterways including the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, and Douro rivers.
Emerald’s fleet consists of over 15 custom-built “Star-Ships” that feature contemporary, innovative design with features like indoor balconies and pool areas.
The ships accommodate around 180-220 passengers, providing a mid-size, more intimate river cruise experience compared to some larger lines.
15. Avalon Waterways
Established in 2004, Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company that operates river cruise ships along various waterways in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Avalon is known for its focus on providing innovative ship design, all-inclusive pricing, and flexible cruise packages that appeal to both experienced and first-time river cruisers.
Their fleet consists of over 30 modern river cruise ships, including Suite Ships which feature spacious suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Avalon’s cruise itineraries range from 8 to 24 days and include shore excursions, onboard entertainment and fine dining.
Alegria Sky Deck
16. TUI River Cruises
TUI River Cruises is a relatively new river cruise brand that launched in 2019. It’s a subsidiary of the TUI Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies.
The cruise line operates a fleet of modern, custom-built river cruise ships that sail on popular European waterways like the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers.
TUI’s ships accommodate around 155-190 passengers, providing a more intimate cruising experience compared to some larger river cruise lines.
Shore excursions range from walking tours and bike rides to more active adventures like hiking and kayaking, allowing guests to explore the destinations in depth.
17. Saga River Cruises
Saga River Cruises is a British river cruise line that is part of the Saga Group, a company known for providing travel and insurance products for older adults. The cruise line caters specifically to the 50+ demographic, with an average passenger age of 65-75 years old.
Saga’s river cruise ships accommodate around 190-250 passengers, providing a mid-sized, intimate cruising experience. The ships feature modern, contemporary design with amenities like balcony suites, wellness facilities, and spacious public areas.
This river cruise line is known for its all-inclusive pricing, which covers gratuities, select drinks, and door-to-door chauffeur service to the departure point.
18. Antara Cruises
Specializing in all-suite river journeys in India, Antara Cruises guarantee a memorable trip. As well as river ships, they have catamarans – exclusive 2-suite vessels built specifically for the river in Bhitarkanika National Park.
What’s more, Antara offer a complete buyout of their ships for charters ranging from 2-7 nights, for a maximum of 56 guests.
Antara River Cruises boast a number of key inclusions such as farm to table cuisine, a complimentary signature event during each trip, butler service and free WiFi.
Final Thoughts on the Best Luxury River Cruise Lines
Luxury river cruising has evolved from sparse accommodations in the early 1990s to beautifully decorated ships inspired by the destinations they cruise through.
River cruising provides amazing experiences in iconic major cities, unique local culture, and panoramic views of natural beauty. Many luxury river cruise lines boast award-winning dining options featuring local and international cuisines.
River cruise ships are often referred to as boutique hotels on water, offering “hotel style” amenities and all-inclusive experiences.
There are several all-inclusive river cruise lines offering inclusions such as airport transfers, tour experiences, meals, beverages, in-suite bar, shore excursions, gratuities, bike rentals, and butler service.
I was driving in San Francisco to an orchestra rehearsal about three months ago and listening to music on the car stereo from my iPhone, and then something unusual happened in the middle of the music: there was a jangling noise and a disembodied man’s voice said something like “Earthquake! Drop, cover, and hold on. Shaking expected.” A MyShake app notification was on the screen saying something about a 5.0 in Sonoma County. I thought that was odd because a 5.0 in Sonoma County would be unlikely to cause a problem in San Francisco, but I pulled over and turned off the car and waited to see what would happen. And then a few seconds later, it happened! The car moved! It moved back and forth about 3 times… by a distance roughly the length of an ant.
This exciting experience, while “ant-iclimactic,” got me thinking about what would happen if a bunch of cell phones on stage and in the audience suddenly started blaring alarms in the middle of a concert, especially if followed merely by an ant-sized movement. I contacted the folks over at UC Berkeley who administer MyShake (which taps into the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system for the West Coast of the US), and asked why the alert had gone to a place with such little shaking. They told me that actually, most of the complaints that they received were from people who did experience shaking and were not warned, so this gives you an idea of how hard it is to thread such a needle. I wrote about this issue in an earlier Quaketips post in late 2019.
A month later, I got another MyShake alert on my phone while at home in the late morning, a loud noise, which startled me quite a bit, about a 5.1 down near San Jose. Several seconds after that, we indeed started moving (enough to be unnerving), and thanks to the alert, I was expecting it and didn’t have to waste time going through the “is that really an earthquake?” routine. Between already knowing it was just a 5, and feeling the mild beginning of the shaking, I actually did not get under my desk but I was ready to do that if it got worse, and I already knew there were no lit stove burners or candles, etc. That alert was really worthwhile.
Well, just a few nights ago, they had a nice medium-large one (6.4) up in Humboldt County, about 250 miles north of San Francisco. A BUNCH of people in Northern California got a MyShake alert about this one, which actually caused a lot of damage up there. Down here in San Francisco, we got the alert and depending on where people were and what they were doing, we either felt a slight shaking or no shaking, again making people ask why we got an alert for a quake that was so far away. Here’s an interesting fact: I inquired with the Berkeley people again and was told that the app is supposed to send an alert for any California/Oregon/Washington quake over 4.5 on the Richter Scale to the zone that is expected to experience shaking at level 3 of the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale (weak shaking), and San Francisco might not have gotten an alert for this 6.4 in Humboldt except that the quake was initially estimated at a 6.6, which would have shaken a larger area. (Because this is a log scale, the difference between a 6.4 quake and a 6.6 quake is actually pretty substantial.) The alert went out on that basis so it overestimated who should get it.
This is a great example of one of the unavoidable ironies of such a system: because the alerts are based on shaking at the epicenter that then radiates outwards to where most of the alert recipients are, those who are at the epicenter where the quake is strongest and thus are most in need of an early warning will not be the ones who get the warning early. And indeed, there were reports on the news about people in the strongest shaking area saying they got the alert after the quake was already in progress, which must have felt like a Homer Simpson “D’oh!” moment but you can see why it’s a natural part of the system. Between the people who get shaken the most without warning, and the people who barely feel the shaking and have an early warning a nice long time beforehand, is the “sweet spot” of the people who will benefit from the system the most: those who are close enough to the epicenter to experience substantial shaking but far enough from the epicenter to not experience shaking until several seconds after the warning is received.
At any rate, I don’t think anyone would argue that having an early warning system is not worth the occasional “false alarm” for some locations. Still, I continue to be concerned about the two biggest problems that I can see resulting from such overestimated alerts: harm and complacency.
By harm, I mean that having one’s phone make a noise even when set on “do not disturb,” or having many phones make those noises, can create problems and hazards that would be moot if an actual earthquake was occurring but will be trouble if there’s no quake. For example, as I mentioned in my previous article about ShakeAlert and MyShake, a bunch of phones squealing all of a sudden during a performance of acrobats doing death-defying stunts could make them no longer death-defying if someone gets startled and doesn’t successfully grab something they are supposed to grab. Less consequential but more likely, if my phone goes off while I’m in the audience at an orchestra concert or ballet (not followed by a quake), I will be universally hated by everyone (except for anyone else whose phone went off and is also being universally hated). And if my phone goes off while I am PLAYING in an orchestra concert with no quake, that’s an absolutely unacceptable situation and I’m actually concerned about that. Here’s one more: having your phone go off during some little kid’s first-ever piano recital; think about it!
I typically set my phone to “Do Not Disturb” when playing a concert, but now I may have to also turn off the sound of Emergency Alerts on my iPhone (currently for iOS 15, Settings -> Notifications -> Government Alerts (it’s all the way at the bottom) -> turn “Always Play Sound” to off), or resort to turning off the phone altogether, at times like that. (One caveat, this seems to change with every OS update, so I’ll have to figure it out over and over again, or just turn the phone off.)
“Above all, do no harm” does not apply here, as it is incompatible with “protect as many people as possible from dangerous effects of earthquakes.”
The other problem is complacency: if MyShake keeps interrupting people and possibly even causing some of the hassles described above, with hardly any shaking, lots of people will simply delete the app if they don’t have the ability to turn it off when in do-not-disturb mode.
Here’s one suggestion about how to find a middle ground, at least for those with iPhones. Remember that there’s a difference between “notifications” and “alerts,” whereby notifications are after-the-fact news flashes that tell you when a quake above your magnitude of choice has occurred in a geographic location of your choice (a nice recent added capability), whereas alerts are the actual early warnings that tell you the ground might shake soon. Currently, the alerts are themselves of two flavors: those that go to your phone’s location and those that go to your default “Home Base.” If you have location services turned on, then wherever you are, MyShake will know where the phone is and will alert you if the phone is in a region that is expected to shake. On the other hand, your Home Base is a location that you set manually so that if that region is expected to shake, your phone will get the alert, regardless of whether the phone is in that location or elsewhere. However, you don’t have to set a Home Base location.If you only want to be alerted if your current location is about to shake, and don’t want the early warning if your home base location is about to shake if you are not there, then leave the Home Base location unset (or delete it if you have one already). Your phone will still sound the alert if you are in that location right before a quake there (assuming location services are on), and will sound the alert if you are somewhere else right before a quake in that place, but won’t sound the alert if your home is about to shake but your current location is not.
This solves some of the problem, because if my phone sounds the alert when my current location is expecting shaking, then presumably, lots of phones in the area will sound the alert as well and interrupting the concert won’t be MY fault. However, with my Home Base set for San Francisco, if it comes to pass that San Francisco and the area north of it is about to shake, and my phone and I are in San Jose 50 miles to the south where shaking is barely felt (or for that matter, if I’m in Los Angeles or New York or Paris), then I’d be the only one causing a disturbance completely irrelevant to everyone else within earshot. Not having a Home Base set at least prevents against this undesirable situation.
However, there does not seem to be a feasible way to prevent occurrences when lots of phones in a US West Coast audience will squeal about a coming local earthquake, either followed by significant shaking or not. I suggest that orchestra and choral conductors, theater and ballet directors, and directors of acrobatic shows like Cirque du Soleil, plan ahead and decide what their response will be when the chorus of phones in the audience starts squealing.
Oh, and secret agents who are sneaking around hiding from the bad guys should probably turn off those emergency alerts also. James Bond might like things shaken, but he wouldn’t want his phone to cause a stir.
Após o furacão Otis em outubro de 2023, o Hub LAC liderou um mapeamento digital humanitário em Acapulco, identificando estruturas danificadas e necessidades prioritárias em colaboração com a comunidade nacional e organizações internacionais, destacando a importância da cartografia participativa e estabelecendo bases para futuras ações de mitigação por meio da colaboração interinstitucional na construção de resiliência comunitária.
English version / Versión en español
Em 25 de outubro de 2023, o furacão Otis atingiu a costa de Acapulco, Guerrero (México), com ventos sustentados de até 315 km/h, marcando um marco como o ciclone mais poderoso registrado na história da costa do Pacífico mexicano. O impacto foi devastador: linhas elétricas derrubadas, sensores sísmicos desativados, árvores arrancadas pela raiz, inundações e deslizamentos de terra. Milhares de lares e negócios foram reduzidos a escombros, com um saldo oficial de 50 mortos e 30 desaparecidos, além de centenas de pessoas desabrigadas.¹
Diante dessa situação, a comunidade internacional de mapeamento mobilizou-se rapidamente para oferecer ajuda e apoio. A partir do Hub de Mapeamento Aberto na América Latina e no Caribe (Hub LAC), uma série de ações foi implementada para coordenar a resposta e auxiliar as autoridades locais na reconstrução de Acapulco.
A primeira fase da ativação envolveu estabelecer contato com as autoridades pertinentes, como a Proteção Civil e o Centro Nacional de Prevenção de Desastres (CENAPRED). No entanto, a desorganização e a interrupção do sinal telefônico e de energia causadas pelo desastre dificultaram inicialmente essa conexão, especialmente com as instituições locais. Foi necessário recorrer a contatos universitários da Universidade Autônoma do Estado do México (UAEMEX) e organizações internacionais como o Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância (UNICEF) para obter informações cruciais sobre a extensão dos danos e as necessidades prioritárias, além de começar a coordenar com as autoridades de um contato para outro.
Na espera da obtenção de imagens de drones sobre Acapulco, uma ativação preliminar foi iniciada para mapear as áreas circundantes na área de impacto estimada fornecida pelas análises iniciais do Disaster Charter-Copernicus. Isso permitiu antecipar as necessidades de reconstrução em áreas provavelmente menos atendidas e economicamente mais marginalizadas, além de acompanhar as solicitações específicas de assistência do CENAPRED em localidades específicas.
Esta estratégia teve como objetivo otimizar os recursos de mapeamento e evitar a duplicação de esforços em áreas urbanas densamente povoadas, antes de disponibilizar uma análise mais detalhada.
Nas semanas seguintes ao desastre, foram obtidas imagens de drones sobre algumas áreas urbanas de Acapulco, fornecidas por diferentes entidades como Help.NGO e CENAPRED. Fomos responsáveis por orientá-los a carregar essas imagens para o OpenAerialMap e integrá-las ao Tasking Manager, com o objetivo de mapear especificamente os edifícios destruídos. Foram criados 17 projetos para essas áreas, o que possibilitou mapear um total de 22.537 estruturas.
Consulte o mapa de edifícios danificados na API do Overpass usando este link.
Esse mapeamento específico concentrou-se nas ações iniciais de recuperação, o que permitiu comparar as análises estimadas iniciais com a quantidade exata de edifícios danificados, tanto residenciais quanto de equipamentos, para sua atenção direta.
Simultaneamente, estabelecemos uma estreita colaboração com atores locais, universidades (UAM, UAEMEX, UACJ, UAGto, UAGRO e a Rede RENEG) e organizações da sociedade civil para impulsionar o mapeamento de equipamentos públicos-chave, como escolas, centros de saúde e mercados. Neste blog da YouthMappers, destaca-se a participação fundamental da juventude nessas atividades de mapeamento.
Este esforço conjunto, que envolveu a comunidade global da OSM, e a liderança proativa de 17 pessoas de cinco universidades mexicanas, nos permitiu cartografar:
Ao cruzar esses equipamentos localizados de forma precisa com as estruturas danificadas, pudemos orientar a ação de recuperação, especialmente em mercados públicos e escolas, para ações subsequentes de apoio à população.
O maior desafio foi, sem dúvida, a desarticulação dos atores de apoio, sejam eles governamentais, do setor privado ou ONGs, levando a uma grande quantidade de organismos realizando ações parciais, descoordenadas e, por vezes, duplicando esforços ou limitando o alcance de muitas iniciativas. Com o passar das semanas, começaram a surgir esforços de coordenação da sociedade civil, levando à formação de mesas intersectoriais junto ao Centro Mexicano para a Filantropia (CEMEFI) e ao Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD) para a reconstrução de Acapulco. O Hub continua participando desses espaços para lidar com as necessidades de dados que surgem e continuarão surgindo durante o longo período de recuperação social, econômica e ambiental de Guerrero.
Quanto ao acesso a dados e imagens de satélite abertas após desastres, que são insumos fundamentais para realizar um mapeamento de emergência eficaz, a falta de coordenação foi uma séria limitação. A experiência em Acapulco e o desejo do Hub de apoiar uma resposta digital abrangente a emergências agora nos levam a buscar colaborações com atores globais que realizam análises precoces, como o Disaster Charter.
Na resposta cartográfica à emergência, à medida que a fase de reconstrução avançava, as necessidades de dados evoluíram e surgiram desafios adicionais, como logística para atividades de limpeza de escombros e estimativa da população afetada. Para lidar com essas demandas, desenvolvemos formulários específicos no Kobo Toolbox e capacitamos o pessoal da Proteção Civil remotamente para seu uso. Também realizamos diversas análises geoespaciais para avaliar o impacto do desastre na população e na infraestrutura crítica. Além disso, formamos um grupo de voluntários geógrafos e geoinformáticos do país para fornecer apoio na organização cartográfica e no mapeamento de equipamentos e edifícios danificados.
Os participantes foram convidados e motivados com acompanhamento diário para mapear tanto os equipamentos quanto os edifícios danificados, o que representou duas a três semanas de trabalho. Através desta ativação, surgiram duas iniciativas: a Brigada de Mapeamento Humanitário e o Laboratório de Mapeamento Humanitário.
A Brigada de Mapeamento Humanitário, composta por 31 especialistas em mapeamento de 14 países da América Latina e do Caribe, contribuirá para projetos específicos e durante emergências. Não apenas se concentra em tarefas de mapeamento de alta qualidade, mas também em validar e fornecer treinamento. Este time desempenhará um papel fundamental em fortalecer a capacidade local, promovendo uma cultura enraizada de mapeamento humanitário na região e estabelecendo uma base sólida para o contínuo desenvolvimento da cartografia humanitária e aberta.
Por outro lado, o Laboratório de Mapeamento Humanitário é um espaço que promove a colaboração entre pessoas de diversas disciplinas e níveis básicos de experiência em mapeamento. Este laboratório incentiva a participação e o aprendizado no Hub de Mapeamento Aberto de forma voluntária, com o objetivo de consolidar uma comunidade para futuras respostas digitais a emergências. Nesse sentido, fazemos um apelo às instituições universitárias para se unirem à formalização do Laboratório, promovendo a colaboração entre departamentos e níveis de experiência.
Paralelamente, participamos de reuniões semanais centradas no grupo intersectorial de reconstrução. Nessas reuniões, são destacadas múltiplas necessidades para reconstruir Acapulco de forma sustentável, participativa e considerando suas vulnerabilidades exacerbadas. Propusemos ações concretas a representantes da sociedade civil, funcionários e agências internacionais, como o monitoramento da vegetação e cultivos, de elementos que podem desencadear riscos de incêndio, e reflexões sobre o monitoramento das condições subaquáticas da baía.
Durante o Retiro Estratégico por Acapulco-Coyuca e Guerrero, onde representantes da sociedade civil, funcionários federais, estaduais e municipais, bem como agências internacionais, se reuniram para dar continuidade à resposta ao Furacão Otis e discutir a reconstrução, alguns pontos-chave foram destacados:
A reconstrução de Acapulco deve ser abordada de forma participativa e inclusiva, especialmente devido às suas vulnerabilidades exacerbadas.
O desastre revelou uma ampla gama de necessidades em termos ambientais, econômicos, sociais, culturais e políticos.
É enfatizada a importância da coordenação entre diversas partes interessadas para alcançar uma reconstrução eficaz.
São discutidos temas como a reconstrução do tecido social, a segurança alimentar, o papel das mulheres e a responsabilidade social das empresas.
É enfatizada a importância da participação cidadã e da articulação entre diferentes níveis de governo e sociedade civil.
O processo de reconstrução em Acapulco é visto como uma oportunidade para abordar as vulnerabilidades estruturais e promover a participação comunitária na construção de um futuro mais resiliente e inclusivo. O trabalho de mapeamento humanitário não se concentrou apenas na resposta imediata ao desastre, mas também estabeleceu as bases para futuras ações de mitigação e preparação. A formação de uma rede de voluntários geógrafos e geoinformáticos, juntamente com a colaboração interinstitucional, destaca o potencial da cartografia participativa como uma ferramenta fundamental na gestão de crises e na construção de resiliência comunitária.
Agradecemos e reconhecemos todas as organizações e instituições participantes nesta ativação, cujo esforço conjunto tem sido fundamental para a reconstrução de Acapulco.
Mapeamento de equipamentos e análise de dados: 17 pessoas de 5 universidades do México (Universidade Autônoma Metropolitana Unidade Cuajimalpa, Universidade Autônoma do Estado do México, Universidade de Guanajuato, Universidade Autônoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ); Universidade Autônoma de Guerrero)
Mapeamento e análise de dados: coordenação por 3 professores e 1 doutorando da UACJ, UAEMEX, UAGRO
Grupo interinstitucional para a reconstrução de Acapulco: 45 pessoas: Protección Civil Guerrero; CENAPRED; Disaster Relief-Crisis Ready Harvard; CEMEFI; UNICEF México; Reforestamos México; CONABIO; UAEMEX; PNUD México; HELP-NGO, entre outros
Comunidade OpenStreetMap Global
¹ Santos, A. (2023). La cifra oficial de víctimas por el huracán ‘Otis’ en Acapulco asciende a 50 muertos y 30 desaparecidos. El País.
Sharing my thoughts on rebounding and if I think it’s worth adding it to your routine.
Hi friends! How are ya? I hope you’re having a lovely morning so far! I have a Spanish lesson today and am getting my nails done this afternoon after a bunch of client calls. I hope you have a wonderful day.
For today’s post, I wanted to talk about something I’ve loved for years, but have just recently implemented into my daily routine: rebounding!
In the world of fitness, rebounding has gained popularity in recent years – bouncing on a mini-trampoline. But is rebounding just a trendy fad, or does it offer real benefits for your health and fitness?
Let’s chat about what rebounding is all about, its pros and cons, and whether you should consider adding it to your routine.
What is rebounding and should you add it to your routine?
What is Rebounding?
Rebounding involves bouncing on a mini-trampoline, often to music or following a structured workout routine. It’s a low-impact form of exercise that can be adapted to suit individuals of all fitness levels.
Pros of Rebounding:
Low-Impact: Rebounding is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people with joint pain or mobility issues. When you bounce, you can also keep your feet on the rebounder at all times and will still get benefits from the motion.
Cardiovascular Fitness: Bouncing on a rebounder can provide an effective cardiovascular workout, helping to strengthen the heart and improve overall fitness. It can definitely increase your heart rate!
Lymphatic System Support: Rebounding stimulates the lymphatic system, which aids in detoxification and immune function.
Improved Balance and Coordination: The act of bouncing requires coordination and balance, which can be beneficial for overall stability. Proprioception – knowing where our body is in space – is an important skill to maintain as we age to help prevent falls and balance issues.
Stress Reduction: Rebounding can be a fun and enjoyable way to relieve stress and improve mood, thanks to the release of endorphins during exercise. Bouncing is super fun!
Muscle strengthening: Rebounding engages multiple muscle groups, some of which you might not often work (like calves).
Increased Bone Density: Rebounding is a weight-bearing exercise, which can help to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis over time.
Cons of Rebounding:
Risk of Injury: While rebounding is low-impact, there is still a risk of injury, particularly if proper form is not maintained or if the trampoline is not stable.
Space and Equipment Requirements: Rebounding requires a mini-trampoline and sufficient space to use it, which may not be feasible for everyone.
Limited Variety: Some people may find rebounding to be repetitive or less engaging compared to other forms of exercise.
Pelvic floor concerns: The bouncing may cause pressure on your pelvic floor, especially if you suffer from organ prolape or bladder concerns. If this happens to you, seek out the help of a pelvic floor physical therapist. Your pelvic floor may be weak, or it may also be too tight, which inhibits full range of motion and decreases function. So often I hear moms joke about how they can’t jump on a trampoline because they’ll pee their pants. It doesn’t have to be this way, and you can absolutely heal! A pelvic floor PT can change your life, I promise.
Should You Add Rebounding to Your Routine?
Whether or not you should incorporate rebounding into your fitness routine depends on your individual preferences, goals, and physical condition. If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness, balance, and lymphatic system function, rebounding could be worth exploring. However, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and limitations, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns. Always talk with your doctor before making any fitness or nutrition changes.
My favorite low-cost rebounder is here!
You can also download a free list of my favorite wellness resources here.
Adrienne loves architecture, design, cats, science fiction, and watching “Star Trek.” In the past 10 years she’s called home: a van, a former downtown store in small town Texas, and a studio apartment rumored to have once been owned by Willie Nelson. She currently lives in her colorful, maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
Maserati unveiled the Tridente, an all-electric luxury motorboat, at the Folgore Day event in Miami, expanding its presence beyond roads to the waters. Developed in collaboration with VitaPower, an experienced EV marine company, the Tridente offers a unique blend of Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.
The 34-foot carbon fiber-hulled speedboat features a sleek, modern design with luxurious amenities, including seating for eight, a swimming platform, and a sundeck bed. Its rose gold finish adds to its aesthetic appeal, while the cream interiors provide a striking contrast.
Powered by dual electric motors and four batteries, the Tridente boasts a maximum output of 600 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 40 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots. With a range of 43 miles on a single charge, the powerboat offers ample opportunity for leisurely exploration on the water.
Charging the batteries is a quick process, with DC fast charging allowing for a full recharge in just one hour, minimizing downtime between excursions.
Priced at $2,660,000, the Tridente is positioned as the ultimate companion to Maserati’s supercars, offering affluent enthusiasts a luxurious and eco-friendly option for indulging in water adventures. However, prospective buyers should anticipate a 10-month waiting period before taking delivery of their Tridente.
Filed in Transportation. Read more about Electric Vehicle, Maserati and Yacht.
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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Manhattan prosecutors accused Donald Trump of violating a gag order mere steps away from the courtroom in which he is standing trial, as they asked a judge to impose fines and warn the former US president that he would be jailed if he continued to attack witnesses and jurors.
Trump has “violated this order repeatedly and he hasn’t stopped”, assistant district attorney Christopher Conroy told the court on Tuesday. “He did it right here in the hallway outside,” Conroy added, referring to a television clip in which Trump had once again called his former lawyer fixer Michael Cohen a liar. Cohen is expected to be the prosecution’s star witness.
The hearing came ahead of the second day of testimony in what is expected to be a six-week trial in Manhattan. The former president — and presumptive Republican presidential nominee — faces charges of falsifying business records to disguise payments made to buy porn actor Stormy Daniels’ silence in the run-up to the 2016 election, after she threatened to go public with an alleged extramarital affair.
While Trump has been restrained in front of the judge, he has frequently attacked various figures involved in the case on social media and his campaign website. That led Justice Juan Merchan to impose a gag order on him, which was later tightened after Trump painted the judge and his family as Democratic operatives.
Prosecutors on Tuesday cited 10 instances in which he had since allegedly violated the order on social media and elsewhere.
One post on his Truth Social social media network — in which Trump last week quoted Fox host Jesse Watters claiming that the Manhattan jury deciding the case might contain “undercover Liberal Activists” — was lifted from “a segment specifically discussing the juror profiles in this case”, Conroy added. “[Trump] knows what he is not allowed to do and he does it anyway.”
Manhattan prosecutors asked Merchan to impose a fine of $1,000 per violation, the maximum allowed by New York law, and to warn Trump that he could be sent to jail for 30 days if he continued to flout the gag order.
Todd Blanche, a lawyer for Trump, argued that his client was merely responding to a “barrage of political attacks” by Cohen and Daniels, who have flooded the airwaves with criticism and mockery of the former president.
Merchan appeared to grow increasingly frustrated with the defence’s protestations and warned Blanche he was “losing all credibility with the court”. The judge said he would consider both sides’ arguments before ruling.
Trump took to Truth Social immediately after the hearing, writing that the “HIGHLY CONFLICTED, TO PUT IT MILDLY, JUDGE JUAN MERCHAN, HAS TAKEN AWAY MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH”.
“EVERYBODY IS ALLOWED TO TALK AND LIE ABOUT ME, BUT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO DEFEND MYSELF,” he added.
The court later heard from the prosecution’s first witness, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, who was allegedly involved in the “catch and kill” scheme to purchase exclusive rights to anti-Trump stories and then prevent them from being published.
He described how he would “publish positive stories about Mr Trump and . . . publish negative stories about his opponents” and how he had agreed to alert Cohen if he heard “anything about women selling stories”.
