Forest Fires Rage East of Athens
Thousands of people have fled their homes on the Greek island of Evia as wildfires rage uncontrolled for a sixth day. Ferries remain on standby for more evacuations. The fires that had threatened Athens have died back, but the blaze on Evia, which lies east of the capital, has quickly consumed thousands of hectares of pristine forest. Greece has deployed its army to help battle the fires. Several countries including France, Egypt, Switzerland and Spain have also sent firefighting aircraft. More than 570 firefighters are involved.
Protests Against Italian Vaccine Pass
With Covid-fatigue setting in and vaccine passports quickly becoming the norm, we can expect to see more protests like these. About a thousand people held a protest in central Rome at the weekend against the so-called Green Pass. The certificate shows if someone has received at least one dose of vaccine, has tested negative or has recently recovered from Covid-19. Italy is following in the footsteps of France, which was the first European country to say it was making proof of immunity mandatory to access a range of public services and venues. The Green Pass, which came into effect last Friday is required to dine-in at restaurants, as well as go to gyms, swimming pools, sports stadiums, museums, spas, casinos and cinemas. The Italian government plans to widen use of the Green Pass to include schools, universities and long-distance transport from the 1st of September.
Pollution Damaging Taj Mahal
And, what is arguably the world’s most beautiful building is under threat from pollution flowing downstream from India's capital New Delhi. Toxic foam caused by industrial chemicals, algae and waste products in the Yamuna River are causing discolouration on the Taj Mahal. Experts warn that the stains could permanently damage the building. The Mayor of Agra, where the Taj Mahal sits, says heavy rains during the monsoon season have meant that more polluted water than ever is flowing in from New Delhi. It’s hoped that once the water levels drop, so too will the damaging pollution.
