COVID-19 and “ageing well” for the older migrants and refugees in rural Australia : the case of Bhutanese elders in Albury, New South Wales

Purpose The purpose of this study is to highlight the challenges and opportunities for the well-being of older migrants and refugees in rural Australia by learning from the example of the Bhutanese community in Albury, New South Wales. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint focusses on health and aged care barriers that affect the well-being of older migrants and refugees in Australia. It also demonstrates how these can be intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Engagement though agriculture, and a sense of "belonging" strengthen the cultural well-being of the Bhutanese older adults in Albury. However, major issues remain as health-related resources and information are lacking in rural Australia. How this group's meaningful activities in Albury enabled collaborations to be built is shown in this working example and can provide lessons for other communities that experience similar problems of disconnection as they get older. Research limitations/implications The information regarding the Bhutanese older adults in Albury is primarily based on the authors' personal communication with the General Secretary of the Bhutanese Australian Community Support Group in Albury Wodonga Inc. Originality/value Australia's older population is growing rapidly, and older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse migrant and refugee backgrounds face numerous barriers such as limited linguistic, health and digital literacy. The authors describe common health and aged care issues that affect the well-being of older adults in rural Australia. They particularly emphasize those that occurred or intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This novel information is now especially relevant to the health and aged care sectors in changing and diverse communities not only in Australia but also overseas

Soil governance in Greece : a snapshot

For thousands of years, soil resources in Greece have been a critical underpinning of local socio-economies. However, soil threats are increasing rapidly, primarily due to human activity and the impacts of climate change. Greek and other European state governments have established legal frameworks to protect soil, but there is a great need for centralization and harmonization with European Law. This chapter highlights the importance of integrated soil governance frameworks that could be applied at the regional or international level while also supporting public engagement and local focus. It also considers the urgent need to address erosion - a major threat to soil resources in Greece that affects local well-being, environmental sustainability and heritage sites

Flood and renewable energy humanitarian engineering research : lessons from Aggitis, Greece and Dhuskun, Nepal

Climate and energy crises are increasing worldwide. Community-led humanitarian engineering interventions for localized sustainable development and disaster resilience could support populations at risk. This article presents findings from a study that investigated flood response and energy needs of two riparian communities in Greece and Nepal. The findings indicate that the codevelopment of a hybrid unit for hydropower generation and flood warning is most preferred. This prototype could find applications in different riparian areas as either a main or supplementary system

(Mitigation of cost-effectiveness, measured by the climate risk index in the region Central America (challenges and opportunities))

The Central American region has unique characteristics worldwide: two oceans, volcanic chains, and megadiverse territories. It is the bridge between the other two Americas, it has unique topographic aspects and climate. However, it is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world due to the effects of climate change, mainly because it is the area where the ocean currents that cause the El Niño phenomenon converge. In recent years, the region has been strongly affected by meteorological shocks, floods, volcanic eruptions and landslides, among other natural hazards. In this essay, the effects in social, economic, environmental and natural aspects that affect Central America are broadly described from a climatic vulnerability viewpoint. Likewise, the Climate Risk Index is considered. This is a set of elements useful to decision makers and investors as it can redirect priorities and thereby protect not only the production/economy system, but also the regional biodiversity from various vulnerabilities. It should be noted that in the region, there are strategies, mechanisms and policies that must be implemented to mitigate the consequences of climate change and the challenges that Central Americans face in both short and longer term responses on issues such as food security, watershed management, migration, etc

It’s 2am, you’re sleeping, and a flash flood hits your home. Without a warning system, what do you do?

In March 2019, a powerful storm hit southern Nepal. Residents in the Bara and Parsa districts had little warning. They sheltered in huts made from mud and brick which collapsed in the wind and rain. At least 28 people died and more than 600 were injured

Battery hazards and safety : a scoping review for lead acid and silver-zinc batteries

Batteries play a critical role in our lives. However, depending on their chemical compositions and contents, they may turn into serious threats for both humans and the environment. Misuses and high temperatures during the operations may result in cell cracks and release hazardous liquids and gasses. In order to prevent fire ignition, strict safety regulations in battery manufacturing, storage and recycling facilities should be followed. This scoping review presents important safety, health and environmental information for lead acid and silver-zinc batteries. Our focus is on the relative safety data sheets and research studies. All findings are explained in a simple and clear manner. The goal of this paper is to identify risks and recommend solutions appropriately designed for increasing battery fire awareness