OPINION: Why “Symbolic” European Monarchies Should Be Abolished

How European Monarchies help to cloak their country’s colonial past. 

Queen Elizabeth 1957, Library and Archives Canada, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The problem with symbolic monarchies is not the monarchs themselves. The late Queen Elizabeth was known for her steadfastness and dedication to her job. Eighty-five percent of people in Britain believe she was good for the country, and 87% think that she will be regarded as one of Britain’s greatest Monarchs. While not nearly as popular, a September 2022 poll suggests King Felipe VI of Spain is viewed positively by 56% of Spainiards.

Symbolic monarchies, whether ruled by someone good or bad, should be abolished because of the old imperialist powers they represent. Queen Elizabeth’s family ruled over an imperialist and colonialist Britain that denied freedom and self-government to millions of people around the world. In 1947, the same year Britain reluctantly granted India independence, the then Princess Elizabeth gave a speech on her 21st Birthday where, in reference to World War II, she claimed that “the British Empire has saved the world.” In 1948, a year later, the British governor of what is present-day Malaysia used brutal counterinsurgency tactics to fight communist national liberation uprisings. In 1952 in Kenya, to fight the anti-colonial Mau Mau insurgency, Britain created detention camps in which its agents  tortured tens of thousands of people.

The British Empire 1921, Vadac., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1953, Elizabeth became the Head of the new British Commonwealth, a neo-colonialist rebranding of the old Empire. Over the next 50 years, she would reign over the destabilizing and messy decolonization of Yemen, Cyprus, Apartheid South Africa, Jamaica, Hong Kong, and more. These poorly planned and often hasty withdrawals have left traumas of their own.

These atrocities are not directly the fault of Queen Elizabeth. She was Britain’s symbolic leader, not its head of government. She was also not blameless. Even if she did not outwardly condone them, many of Britain’s worst atrocities were committed in her name. While Britain was decolonizing, Queen Elizabeth spent years touring the “nations of the Commonwealth,” putting a smiling face on Britain’s remaining colonial Empire and glorifying its imperialism. 

It is not just Britain. The Bourbons, the current Spanish ruling family, has been on the throne since the 1700s. They have overseen the murder of thousands of Indigenous peoples, and the violent decolonizations of Latin America, the Philippines, Spanish holdings in Africa, and more. This is not to say Spain's current King, Felipe VI, who was crowned in 2014, is responsible for his ancestors’ actions. However, to have the descendants of such bloody tyrants still on the throne is an direct affront to the nations their ancestors colonized, who must still bear the fallout of European imperialism.

Armada Galleas, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Royal families are stubborn remnants of an imperial past, granting titles and privileges so ingrained in society that they are codified into law. 

In a modern democratic nation, there is no place for monarchs or royal families. The Age of Empires is over. It's beyond time to let their monarchies die with them.

Jeremy Giles

Jeremy is a Writing Seminars and International Studies major at Johns Hopkins University. He is an avid writer and the Co-Founder of Writers’ Warehouse, Johns Hopkins’ first creative writing group. He is an advocate for Indigenous rights, and studies how Indigenous philosophies can be used to help prevent climate change. Using his writing, he hopes to bring attention to underrepresented voices in today’s world.

Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: What This Means for Regional Development

In the early hours of February 6th, Turkey and Syria were struck by a destructive earthquake that will have lasting implications for living standards.

Hatay, Turkey, 9 February 2023. CC BY 2.0

In the early morning of February 6, southeastern Turkey was hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, running all the way through most parts of Syria. About 9 hours later another 7.5 quake rocked the Turkey-Syria border, with over 200 aftershocks recorded. The seismic phenomena have left  over 33,000 dead, a number that is expected to rise, buildings turned to rubble, and a region on the brink of developmental disaster. Survivors have been left homeless in the streets in sub-freezing temperatures with no access to food or water, struggling to find their loved ones amid the remains. 

Sitting on the Anatolian plate between two major faults - the North Anatolian Fault and the East Anatolian Fault - Turkey is vulnerable to strike-slip seismic activity. The main earthquake that occurred on Tuesday morning had its epicenter in the city of Nurdaği, located in the Gaziantep province, which is home to many Syrian refugees who have escaped that country’s Civil War. A developing nation, Turkey struggles to implement legitimate housing laws that keep buildings up to safety standards. The nation’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has reported that poorly enforced regulations played a role in making earthquakes so damaging, as buildings quickly collapsed due to their already vulnerable state. In Syria 11 years of conflict have made it nearly impossible to enforce building standards, and most cities already host vulnerable living conditions, the war leaving buildings and areas unstable and unprepared for seismic activity. 

What are the long-term implications of such natural disasters on this region of the world? Sitting on such an active fault line, with Syria to the south on the Arabia Plate Tectonic, Turkey and its neighbor could experience more quakes. Buildings which have not collapsed from this earthquake are at risk if there is any more seismic activity. At the moment Turkey and Syria both face a deep humanitarian crisis, and will soon have to come up with the money to rebuild. Turkey, already facing a turbulent economic situation, must now spend billions of dollars in a rebuilding project, combined with upcoming elections on May 14. The nation’s economic growth for 2023 could now be up to 2 percentage points less,  leaving the nation behind in its development goals. 

President Erdoğan has continued to threaten Syria’s Assad regime on political matters, which include his habitual threats to attack Kurdish groups in the northern part of Assad’s domain. However, both nations have agreed to offer each other diplomatic assistance and aid after this disaster, and accept international help for the wellbeing of their citizens. This type of earthquake diplomacy is also paving the way for other states with bilateral tensions, such as the United States and Russia, to collaborate with one another and assist Turkey and Syria for the sake of supporting human life and future development in the region.  

TO GET INVOLVED:

UNICEF is accepting donations and financial contributions to help on-the-ground volunteers get aid to children and families affected in both Turkey and Syria. For more information on getting involved, click here.

Save the Children is accepting donations to help surviving children receive food and shelter. To get involved, click here.

CDP has opened a Recovery Fund to help in the reconstruction of buildings in Turkey and Syria, as well as provide aid and resources for survivors. To donate, click here.

Kimberly Hidalgo

Having obtained a MA in International Policy, Kimberly seeks to bridge the gap between global development and government legislation. Growing up between the United States and Spain, she believes that travel is the best way to discover yourself and understand the world. Her goal is to promote a deeper awareness of the effects of climate change in society and politics.

Life is Getting Harder For LGBTQ+ in China

China has had its reservations about the LGBTQ+ community in its recent history, but under Xi Jinping’s rule only traditional heterosexual values are accepted.

Shanghai Gay Pride 2009. Kris Krug. CC BY-SA 2.0

The LGBTQ+ community has never had it easy in China — from constant surveillance and intimidation to censorship and even police detention, the community has been met with constant repression. 

There was a period in the early 2000s, however, when it seemed as if things might have been changing. Gay clubs were flourishing, and there was a feeling of acceptance that came along with increased social services. Those days are gone, and the reality has become quite different under the rule of President Xi Jinping as China slowly becomes a more conservative country.

But it hasn’t always been like this. While many believe heterosexual traditions have been a hallmark of Chinese culture throughout history, this was not the case before the 19th century: centuries ago homosexuality wasn’t just accepted, but celebrated. One text entitled, “Passions of the Cut Sleeve” depicted an emperor and a servant sharing a bed. The emperor wanted to get out of bed, and to avoid disturbing the servant’s sleep, the emperor cut the sleeve the servant was resting on. While this act could be interpreted differently, the standard interpretation is that  it was done out of love.

This work was celebrated by scholars and is proof that the intolerance of homosexuality has never been a traditional aspect of Chinese culture. But when Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong rose to power later on in the 20th century, there was a sudden shift in attitude. 

LGBTQ Flag. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - PNNL. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

He encouraged China to embrace modernity. That meant exposing the country to Western culture, which also included exposure to Western concepts of sexuality and, therefore, Western homophobia. Mao imported the notion that homosexuality was an illness and that same-sex attraction was a mental disorder that needed to be cured. Up until 1997, men caught engaging in homosexual acts could be persecuted with charges  of “hooliganism,” a crime that that offended against public order.

Today being gay is not illegal in China, but that doesn’t mean the negative stigma around homosexuality has changed. When Xi Jinping became president in 2012, the old Western-inspired values on what a family should look like have come to dominate society once again, to the point where the pressure to remain in the closet became almost unbearable.

There are many people in the Chinese LGBTQ+ community who refuse to fake their “straightness” and have therefore left their homeland. This is known as “sexual migration” and mostly occurs due to both external and internal pressures. 

Internet platforms have also stepped in to enforce the party line. The popular TV show “Friends” had a plotline involving main character Ross’ lesbian ex-wife which has been censored in China, along with any other mentions of the LGBTQ+ community and sex. The gay-dating service app Grindr has also been removed from China’s Apple app store. 

China is growing more suspicious and even hostile to homosexuality, labeling it as a “Western influence.” Being bisexual, gay, or trans is ironically seen as a Western  import and is increasingly not accepted. Homosexuality may have been decriminalized in 1997, but is still very much confined to the shadows.

Michelle Tian

Michelle is a senior at Boston University, majoring in journalism and minoring in philosophy. Her parents are first-generation immigrants from China, so her love for different cultures and traveling came naturally at a young age. After graduation, she hopes to continue sharing important messages through her work

Battling Air Pollution in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar’s coal addiction is fueling a public health crisis

Smog impedes mountain view. Mongolia, 2010.. Einar Fredrikse.CC BY-SA 2.0.

Many associate Mongolia with a picturesque scene of snow-white sheep roaming the prairies and a chilly, crisp wind sweeping over Bogd Khairkhan Mountain. In sharp contrast to these images, the level of air pollution is 27 times more than the healthy level that the World Health Organization(WHO) recommends, with 687 micrograms or particulate matter per cubic meter invading the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky. Ganjargal Dembrel, a doctor from the northern part of Ulaanbaatar who responded to a house call, said he no longer “knows what a healthy lung sounds like,” with none to be found in his neighborhood, according to his interview with National Geographic.“Everybody has bronchitis or some other problem, especially during winter, ” he said. As Dembrel suggests, the severity of Mongolia’s air pollution is threatening the public health of the country in a way known as “slow violence.” Coined by Rob Nixon, a professor in the Department of Humanities and the Environment at Princeton University, the phrase refers to the adverse impact of climate change, deforestation, acidifying oceans, and other hazardous environmental crises on underprivileged or minority communities. According to Nixon, “slow violence” is largely invisible in the short term, but is detrimental over years, decades, and even centuries, solidifying environmental injustice in the worst-hit regions. The current situation in Mongolia is the case in point.

The primary cause of Mongolia's air pollution is its reliance on coal and other fossil fuels. Households in Mongolia depend on burning coals to remain warm during the winter season, which is the third coldest winter in the world: the temperature can fall as low as -40°F. F. 

During the sub-freezing winter, research found that the residential district in Ulaanbaatar, known as the “ger”, burns around 600,000 tons of raw coal for heating purposes. The  coal consumed by ger areas accounts for 80% of the current air pollution in the city. In addition, the geographic features of Ulaanbaatar accumulate the devastation of air pollution. High mountains surrounding Ulaanbaatar’s urban areas, which have lower wind speeds, block air pollutants from dissipation. 

Home to 3.3 million people, Mongolia faces substantial challenges posed by the aftermath of its climate crisis. The fine particulate matter in the air of Ulaanbaatar contributed to 28.8% of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and lung disease. Among the impacted population, the children are the most vulnerable. The second leading cause of death for children under the age of 5 in Mongolia is pneumonia, a lung infection. In the highly polluted area of Ulaanbaatar, children have 40% lower lung function than their peers living in rural areas. 

Studies have also found that pollution imposes a high risk to reproductive health. In January, the month of peak pollution, the amount of successfully delivered infants relative to conceptions in Mongolia was reduced by 3.2-fold. The alarming infliction of climate disasters hits the next generation of Mongolians hardest.

To reduce air pollution, governments, organizations, and individuals in Mongolia and around the world are taking action. The Mongolian government passed the “Law on Air Quality” in 2012, implementing policies such as subsidizing household electricity. It also bans raw coal starting in May 2019, replacing it with refined coal. Though not without pushback from weak municipal execution and economic depression, the overall situation is improving. Winter of 2019 saw a dramatic decrease of particulate matter by 2.5 falling 42% compared to the previous year.  It remains to be seen whether these measures and others will be able to fully tackle Ulaanbaatar's pollution problem. 

Non-profit international organizations such as Geres and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also partner with the government to mitigate the pollution. UNICEF is working with  nongovernmental organizations on programs including training health workers’ skills and knowledge, increasing families’ access to affordable medication, and raising public awareness of the effect of pollution. Geres, a development NGO working in Europe, Africa, and Asia, coordinates projects such as the energy renovation of fragile housing in Ulaanbaatar that aims to eradicate the primary cause of air pollution.

The future holds promise for Mongolia as long as all parties involved take responsibility and work together to protect the environment and public health. Tackling air pollution is a shared responsibility for the government, international organizations, and individuals, and will require immense effort to transition to a more sustainable urbanization model for the traditionally nomadic nation.

To Get Involved:

The UNICEF Mongolia country office works in close partnership with the Government of Mongolia, NGOs, and local communities to protect child rights in Mongolia from access to resources to educate about the environment and air pollution. Find out more about UNICEF here.

Geres is working on multiple projects that contribute to sustainable, energy-efficient development in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities in Mongolia. Learn more about their program and how you can take action here.

Hope Zhu

Hope is a Chinese international student at Wake Forest University in North Carolina studying sociology, statistics, and journalism. She dreams of traveling around the globe as a freelance reporter while touching on a wide range of social issues from education inequality to cultural diversity. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she is eager to explore the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Asian cuisine, reading, and theater.

The Gris-gris Wrestlers of Senegal

Wrestling — la lutte in French, or lamb in native Wolof — is by far the most popular sport in Senegal, even more beloved than football.

The entire population, from toddlers to grandmothers, follows the big wrestling matches either in the stadium, on the television, or on the street. Senegalese wrestling differs from that practised more commonly in western and Asian countries — mostly because of the traditional rituals practised by competitors. In western countries, these mystic rituals are often colloquially called voodoo, but the Senegalese call it gris-gris.

These unusual rituals are usually performed with the presentation and veneration of traditional amulets, the use of magic potions, and hypnotic drumming, songs and dance — all as an integral part of the wrestling match. The wrestler above is presenting his magic amulets to the crowd before a fight in the Adrien Senghor arena. Meanwhile, below you see a wrestler training before a final fight in the Iba Mar Diop stadium, located in the Medina district in Dakar. To prepare, he dances alone in a trance-like state to ear-deafening hypnotic drums and repetitive beats.

During the last ten years, the traditional sport of La Lutte Sénégalaise has become a million dollar spectacle, mostly because of big telecom sponsors, TV stations, and new media channels. This has led to the most successful wrestlers becoming media-stars and billionaires, giving young men in this African country a very different perspective. For wrestlers who succeed there is not only social recognition, along with high value prizes into the hundreds of thousands of US dollars for the highest profile fights, but also the chance of well-paid jobs in the security industry or as a trainer in a wrestling school.

THE BIG FIGHT

While in Dakar, I attended a huge fight between two superstars of Senegalese wrestling — Balla Gaye 2 and Emeu Sene — along with more than 20,000 other fans at the sold out soccer stadium called Demba Diop, on April 5, 2015. With over 200 million CFA (around USD $300,000) at stake, this was a serious match. In the weeks beforehand, large billboards and posters appeared all over the city, advertising the event. Below you see fans and street vendors gathering outside the stadium before it began.

At the start of the competition, Adam Ngom, a well-known drummer, fired up the audience to welcome the champion wrestler Balla Gaye 2. An important mystical element, the deafening sound of the drums is never absent from a fight, not even at small wrestling matches in local villages.

One of many mystical rituals performed by the wrestlers, releasing pigeons is believed to bring the wrestler luck. Balla Gaye 2, whose real name is Sakko, became a superstar in Senegal after he dethroned the reigning champion Yekini in 2012, who had remained unbeaten for fifteen years.

Similar to wrestling styles in other countries, a Senegalese fighter will try to grab their opponent by legs, and unbalance him. Nowadays a wrestling match that also involves boxing is the king’s discipline of the Senegalese sport, but the more traditional forms of wrestling are still performed without boxing in many of the villages. Below you see wrestler BB Bismi Ndoye defeating his opponent Maraka Dji, during another fight in the Demba Diop stadium on April 5, 2015. Some fights will last no longer than 90 seconds and only very rarely do they go on longer than fifteen minutes.

RITUAL & RHYTHM

Senegal’s climate is too hot for wrestling during the day, so competitions always take place in the evening, often lasting until well after midnight.

Attending these late night competitions, the atmosphere and mood often evoked is that of an ancient gladiatorial fight, with plenty of wild drumming and singing. Below you see the contrasting enthusiasm and frustration of rival supporters in the Iba Mar Diop stadium — every well-known wrestler has his own loyal supporters who spur him on during a fight.

Senegalese wrestling matches always take place on sand and many wrestling stars will head out to train on the public beaches of Dakar, which also provides a welcome source of entertainment for the locals.

Witchcraft and magic play a very important role in Senegalese wrestlers’ preparations. Below you see Kherou Ngor, a young lightweight wrestling champion, washing himself with milk on the shore of Ngor in Dakar. Kherou performs this traditional ritual as he believes that he will gain strength and support from a ghost who lives among the stones on the shore.

At least three times a week, Kherou will also train on the long stairway in front of the “monument of the African Renaissance”, one of the biggest bronze statues in the world. Ultimately, the North Korean aesthetic and the statue’s insane building cost prevented the former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade from being re-elected.

Before a fight, it is also common for a marabout — a religious leader and teacher — to conduct rituals, believed to give the wrestler supernatural powers. Marabouts also make and sell amulets, called Gris-gris, and magic potions to the wrestlers, which they then take to the matches in bottles. Traditional shamans also play a part in the preparations. Every wrestler has an assistant who takes care of his Gris-gris amulets and prepares him for each fight. Below you see one of those assistants sacrificing milk at a cham, a special place of worship for the ancestors of the wrestler’s family.

Another important ritual wrestlers often celebrate before a fight is the inhalation of holy smoke. Each wrestler uses a special cloth to waft the smoke, which he will then wear on his abdomen during the fight.

EVOLUTION OF A SPORT

Wrestling has a centuries-long traditional history as part of popular culture and tradition in Senegal and I met photographer Freekis Ndoye from Dakar, who shared his historical pictures of wrestlers from the 1950s. The first celebrated wrestler in the region of Senegambia was called Boukar Djilak Faye and he lived during the 14th century in the kingdom of Sine.

Almost every village in rural Senegal organizes regular wrestling tournaments, often to accompany a communal celebration or party. Below, in the small village of Soune, you see women and children gathering to watch the men fight in a wrestling match, as a young wrestler pours a magic potion over himself, prepared by a shaman to lend him supernatural forces.

Before each fight, the wrestlers must wrap a special cloth around their abdomens, which they can use to grab hold of each other during the fight.

Below you see a wrestler from the small village of Djilass, during a ritual river washing before a regional fight competition. The captial city of Dakar attracts many wrestlers who are successful in rural areas, as it is only at the bigger competitions a fighter can win significant prize money.

Today, especially at the bigger matches in Dakar, many of the traditional costumes once worn by wrestlers during the dances and gris-gris ceremonies that are held before a fight, have been exchanged for high-tech sports gear emblazoned with the bold logos of modern telecommunication brands. Here you see a group of young wrestlers performing a dance at the Demba Diop stadium in Dakar.

With the influence of big sponsors, wrestling has become a very trendy sport and is no longer seen as a sport only for old men. Even young girls like 23-year-old Aissa, who is a waitress at the “Black and White” bar on the beach of Ngor, read the Sunu Lamb newspaper — a daily publication dedicated exclusively to Senegalese wrestling matches.

The faces of top wrestlers are also becoming a popular subject for t-shirts and the superstars of wrestlers gather many adoring young followers.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Tens of thousands of young men in Senegal now dream of making wresting their future career, in the hope of becoming rich and famous. Every evening, as the heat of the sun begins to lessen, you will find the next generation of wrestlers training hard on the beach of Ngor in Dakar.

Most of the young hopefuls have very little money to their names, so they must be resourceful with their training — only the top wrestlers can afford to train at the city’s dedicated wrestling gymnasiums.

The young men with the most talent will go on to train at one of the famous wrestling schools run by ex-fighters like Balla Gaye, who opened the first official wrestling school in Senegal. Many successful wrestlers have graduated from his school, including the superstar Balla Gaye 2.

Now retired from competition, below you see another famous wrestler, Lac de Guiers, posing in front of the Mar Diop stadium. It was in this very arena that his fight against the wrestler Commando made wrestling history. With a series of targeted, hard punches, Lac de Guiers defeated the much taller favourite and sent him tumbling out cold to the ground.

These days, Lac de Guiers owns a wrestling school and lives peacefully with his family, a sheep, a few pigeons, and his parrot. Here you see him relaxing and watching an important weekend match with his family on TV, just like a hundred thousand other Senegalese people on a Saturday afternoon.

Named in honour of his mentor and trainer, below you see the wrestler Lac de Guiers 2, pictured after a training session on the bonnet of his car, which he was able to buy using some of the prize money he has won. A rising star, on April 12, 2015, he followed in his predecessor’s footsteps and defeated the strong favorite, Papa Sow, in a sensational fight at Demba Diop stadium.

For now, the future of this traditional sport looks set to be filled with ever higher profile competitions and tantilising promise for Senegal’s next generation of aspiring young wrestlers.

Christian Bobst is a documentary and travel photographer who is based in Zürich, Switzerland. You can explore more of his work at christianbobstphotography.com.

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAPTIA.

En route to Antarctica: The Unpredictable Drake Passage

Recently declared an “unforgettable” journey on Tiktok, the infamous Drake Passage is a necessity for travel lovers seeking Antarctic Adventure. 

The rough conditions of the Drake Passage. Aah-Yeah. CC BY 2.0

The turbulent journey to Antarctica has rarely gotten as much attention as it did in December 2022 on TikTok. Multiple users shared their vlogs and experiences as they crossed miles to reach the icy continent. But it's less the continent itself that went viral than  boat rides through the Drake Passage, a narrow strait between Antarctica and Argentina that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Depending on the weather, travelers passing will either experience the “Drake Lake,” a mild and almost peaceful journey, or the turbulent and rough “Drake Shake,”, which features waves that are often 20 to 25 feet tall. 

According to a TikTok creator who experienced the dreaded “Drake Shake,” it took around two days for their ship to travel through the waterway and that for most of it, the boat was unsteady — to the point that passengers were “holding on to dear life” while eating breakfast at the buffet. 

Folded ice in Antarctica. Trey Ratcliff. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The body of water is named after the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake, one of whose ships passed near the location and discovered the connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean in 1578. For wooden ships in the past the Drake Passage proved a difficult challenge, but with modern ship construction and technology the journey is now much easier, but still features its notorious bumps along the way.

One of the biggest issues for travelers undergoing the “Drake Shake” is the scourge of sea sickness. With the boat constantly tilting and rocking, getting nauseous is common. But a tip to overcome this is to know your limits — don’t be afraid to consult with an onboard doctor or take medications. Stay hydrated, don’t skip meals, and avoid alcohol. There is no shame in taking a rest.

Bringing good shoes may also make the journey smoother. These should hold snugly  to your feet and help you get a good grip. One passenger who traveled across the Drake Passage said good footwear is crucial to preventing falls or slips. Some guests were visibly struggling in slippers and sandals. 

But overall, when five adventurers were asked about their experience, the common consensus was that it was all worth it. Many have said it’s a journey to remember because while there may have been a few bumps on the road, the “ultimate reward is Antarctica.”

Michelle Tian

Michelle is a senior at Boston University, majoring in journalism and minoring in philosophy. Her parents are first-generation immigrants from China, so her love for different cultures and traveling came naturally at a young age. After graduation, she hopes to continue sharing important messages through her work

9 Hottest Cuisines from Around the World

Discover the 9 spiciest cuisines from around the world, from Jamaican jerk chicken to Brazilian bean cake

Homemade Hotpot. Jonathan Lin. CC BY 2.0.

Flavorful and diverse, food can bring a range of sensory pleasure through the tastes of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory. But, spicy, a sensation rather than a flavor, is a unique combination of scorching pain and alluring charm. While it can leave a strong impression on diners, it can also burn the tongue and leave one reaching for a glass of iced milk. 

Whether you love it or hate it, people around the world enjoy spicy food for various reasons, including the stimulation of appetite in tropical regions and triggering the release of pleasant endorphins through heat mimicry. If you're looking for a tantalizing culinary adventure, check out this list of the 10 spiciest cuisines from around the world.

1. Jerk chicken, Jamaica

Jerk chicken at The Jamaican Grill. Hajime Nakano. CC BY 2.0.

Jerk seasoning is a mixture of spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, ground clove, and cumin that bring a taste of the Caribbean to any diner. However, it is scotch bonnet peppers that bring the heat to this Jamaican dish. On the Scoville heat unit scale, which measures the number of times an active component of peppers needs to be diluted by sugar water to achieve a neutral taste, scotch bonnet peppers are nearly 100 times hotter than jalapeno peppers. Jerk chicken, a popular dish that can be made with either bone-in or deboned chicken breast, is typically marinated or dry-rubbed with this spicy seasoning. In Jamaica, where the dish originated, people place charcoals in a fire pit with pimento wood on top, then put the seasoned chicken on the wood. The slow cook that lasts for hours allows the chicken to absorb the fragrant oil and smoke from the pimento wood, rendering its piquant taste.

2. Sik Sik Wat/Doro wat, Ethiopia

Demera Ethiopian at Chicago French Market. Kurman Communications, Inc. CC BY 2.0.

Doro Wat or Sik Sik Wat of Ethiopia is a classic slow-cooked Ethiopian stew simmering in dried red chilies, paprika, cayenne, and fenugreek. Berberé, a paprika-based mixture, and Niter Kibbeh, a fragrant, herb-infused clarified butter, are the two main seasonings that give the stew its rich flavor. Boiled gently in the caramelized onions, the tender chicken or beef is often combined with a tangy piece of injera, which is Ethiopian bread made from fermented teff flour. Before the stew is fully cooked, peeled, hard-boiled eggs are added to absorb the zesty spices and furnish the bright, mouthwatering red of the dish. It is also a staple of Ethiopian holiday celebrations like Christmas and Easter, particularly popular during the 43-day fast before Christmas. Many Ethiopians prefer to have this spice-filled meat stew as their first choice after abstaining from meat. 

3. Bean cake, Brazil

Bean cake. Stephanie.CC BY 2.0.

Popular in Brazil, bean cake is a street food dish made of deep-fried, peeled black-eyed peas beans filled with spicy pastes including cashews, shrimp, and palm oil. These patties offer a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. Its filling opens to a range of enticing ingredients, from traditional vatapa with palm nut sauce and spices to modern versions with cheese and salsa. The street food, which originates from Bahia state, has  roots in West Africa. Historically sold by Afro-Brazilian women (Baianas) on the streets who dress in traditional costumes, bean cake is not only a delicious treat with its vibrant flavors and texture, but also holds cultural significance. The slave descendant woman used to sell Bainas for a living and earn their freedom in the 19th century, Whether enjoyed as a snack or a full meal, it is usually served with a tomato salad and homemade hot pepper sauces.

4. Potatoes Huancayo style, Peru

Peruvian Potatoes Huancayo style Sauce. AgainErick.CC BY-SA 3.0.

A traditional Peruvian dish known as “Potatoes Huancayo style Sauce,” Papa a la huancaína is made of rustic and flavorful potatoes covered in cheese, milk, and a variety of spices. The unique flavor of Aji Amarillo, a Peruvian chili pepper that is an inseparable part of the local cuisine, is the highlight of this deceptively simple salad dish. Without the harshness and heat of a typical pepper, Aji Amarillo is fruity and subtle, making it a perfect option for a hot summer day. The origin story of Papa a la huancaína also set this dish apart. According to local legend, the dish originated in the late 1800s in the central Andes Mountains city of Huancayo, where a woman vendor sold it to railroad workers. Its bold flavors, robust spices, and creamy texture quickly gained popularity and became a much-anticipated lunchtime treat for the workers. Today, Papa a la huancaína is on the menu of most restaurants serving traditional Peruvian cuisine.

5. Kimchi Jjigae, Korea

Tuna kimchi jjigae. Chloe Lim.CC BY 2.0.

Kimchi Jjigae is a traditional Korean dish renowned for its bold and spicy flavor. Made from fermented Napa cabbage and a mix of spices, including garlic, fish paste, chili paste, and rice paste, the preparation process can take days or even months. Combining Kimchi Jjigae with other ingredients such as tofu, pork belly, and scallions creates a satisfying meal. Kimchi Jjigae is also versatile and can be adapted to suit personal tastes and preferences. For example, some Koreans prefer to add beef, tuna, clams, or mussels to the dish, while others enjoy it simply served over a bowl of rice. Regardless of the additional ingredients, this dish is well-known for its comforting spiciness and ability to refresh the palate.  The ease of preparation, combined with its transformative taste, makes Kimchi Jjigae a favorite for many.

6. Tom Yum, Thailand

Vegetable Tom Yum Soup. Alpha. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Tangy, spicy, and savory, Tom Yum is a popular and aromatic Thai soup that is made from a mix of fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal (a type of ginger), chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, and mushrooms. “Tom”refers to a boiling process, “Yam” is a spicy and sour salad, and "Kung" means shrimp. While you will likely find the refreshing soup cooked in every neighborhood, the history behind the dish largely remains unknown. Though there was no clear documentation of the origin of the soup, it is likely that the abundance of fresh shrimp in the Chao Phraya River in Thailand is believed to give rise to the sour, spicy soup. Over time, the three essential ingredients, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal also evolved, while keeping its iconic flavor intact. For many Asians, Tom Yum is also a go-to remedy for colds and coughs, as the fresh herbs help soothe the body and warm the stomach.

7. Vindaloo, India

Vindaloo with other dishes. Bing. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Vindaloo, hailing from Goa in western India, is known for its fiery heat and mouthwatering sourness. This Indian delicacy is crafted with a base of meat such as pork or chicken, which is seasoned with a blend of spices like chili peppers, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and vinegar. This mixture is then slow-cooked to create a luscious, delicious stew. The dish is typically served with rice or Indian bread, such as naan or roti, and is often accompanied by a variety of side dishes, including chutneys, pickles, and raita. 

8. Bun Bo Hue, Vietnam

Good strong beef broth and a clear chicken broth in Bun Bo Hue. Pho Hoang.CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Vietnam noodle soup of Bun Bo Hue boasts distinct and rich flavors from its thin round noodles, a blend of beef and pork, and a hearty, savory broth. To create the broth, cook beef bones or shank with lemongrass, then season with fermented shrimp sauce and sugar. Spicy chili oil is added later during the cooking process, giving the dish its signature reddish-brown hue. A meal full of flavors and textural contrasts, Bun Bo Hue has various flavors depending on its geographical origins and climate. The most authentic Bun Bo Hue usually appears in street food stalls in the city of Hue, along with traditional Hue salt coffee shops.

9. Hotpot, China

Farewell Hotpot. Momo. CC BY 2.0.

Hotpot readily comes to mind when discussing the world's spiciest dishes, but  is so much more than a scary, peppery soup. At its core, a hotpot is a simmering pot of robust broth that diners use to cook a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles to their desired level of doneness. It is a classic representation of communal food culture in China, usually occupying the center of the table at a family gathering or new year's feast. A hot pot meal features a range of ingredients including beef, lamb, pork, seafood, sliced vegetables and greens, and quick-cooking noodles. The iconic Chongqing hotpot stands out for its blistering Sichuan pepper, and the region itself is known for incorporating spicy elements into most of its dishes, from soup to stir fry.

Hope Zhu

Hope is a Chinese international student at Wake Forest University in North Carolina studying sociology, statistics, and journalism. She dreams of traveling around the globe as a freelance reporter while touching on a wide range of social issues from education inequality to cultural diversity. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she is eager to explore the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Asian cuisine, reading, and theater.

Exploring Australia’s Largest Islands

Immerse yourself in the natural environments of Tasmania, Melville Island and Kangaroo Island.

Tasmania CC BY 2.0

Known for its vibrant coral reefs and unique flora and fauna that attract thousands of visitors a year, Australia is an exciting destination for nature lovers and adventurers. In 2022, Australia received more than 1 million visitors despite its strict COVID-19 policies. The country is often referred to as an island continent because ocean water surrounds every state. In the past years, Australia has been pummeled by intense wildfires that affected nearly all parts of the country, and its islands were no exception. The three largest islands of Australia, Tasmania, Melville Island, and Kangaroo Island, offer a plethora of outdoor opportunities and nature unique to the Australian coast. In terms of size, Tasmania is by far the largest at 68,401 square miles, followed by Melville Island which is 5,786 square miles, and lastly Kangaroo Island with 4,405 square miles. 

Bakers Beach, Tasmania CC BY 2.0

Tasmania

Tasmania, although the largest island by far, can be crossed in two and a half hours if you start from Hobart and go to Launceston, the other point of the island. It has had an increasing population in recent years, with government statistics reporting a total population of 571,517 people in 2022, and is home to Freycinet National Park. Located on the east coast of the island, its biggest attraction is a curved stretch of sand that is filled with shockingly blue water, known as Wineglass Bay. To avoid large crowds at the park, tourists can escape on one of the many hiking adventures this unique land offers, leading to Mount Amos which is the top of a peak that features stunning views. The trek offers a stunning view of Wineglass Bay, but is a 3 hour return and quite challenging due to the rocky terrain. The best part of this hike? You may make some friends along the way, namely the wallabies, a species of kangaroo-like mammal native to Tasmania, among few other places in Australia, that roam around this area, offering great photographic opportunities. 

Fishing on Melville Island CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Melville Island

Located in the eastern Timor Sea, its population is comprised mostly of native Indigenous people, and its biggest settlement is known as Milikapiti with a population of 559 people. Melville Island is known as Yermalner in the Tiwi language, native to this island and the Tiwi Islands that it is a part of. One of the top activities to do at this location is fishing, which operates from March to mid-December. There are two specific locations on the island that are prime for fishing opportunities, and offer lodging for overnight stays and visits. Snake Bay, which is the main fishing lodge, is located in a more remote area of the island but is considered one of the best areas to catch a diverse array of fish, and has comfortable lodging and amenities if you wish to stay there. The second location is considered to be extremely remote, known as Johnson River Barramundi Camp, but worth a stay for the beautiful nature you can experience there. For more information on rules and maps about fishing in Melville, visit this government guide.

Koalas - Kangaroo Island - South Australia CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Kangaroo Island

Often called nature’s playground, Australia’s third-largest island, known as Kangaroo Island, offers visitors an escape from the hustle, stress, and tasks of daily life on the mainland, and immerses them in all the best  nature has to offer. It is quite easy to drive across one end of the island to the other, taking only  about 2 hours or less. “Australia’s zoo without a fence”  features three main towns surrounded by plenty of wilderness and animals that inhabit this territory. One of the islands most popular sites  is the Remarkable Rocks, which is a cluster of large rocks that you can climb and see the beautiful view of huge cliffs and clear blue swells of waves. If you are seeking turquoise water that you can swim in, go to Vivonne Bay which offers a secluded spot away from typical tourist sites, offering pure white sand, incredible marine life, and many photographic opportunities. To connect with the wildlife, adventure off on a wilderness tour where you can see and interact with koalas and kangaroos and . Kangaroo Island is the perfect spot to visit if you seek adventure within a natural environment.

Kimberly Hidalgo Hernandez

Having obtained a MA in International Policy, Kimberly seeks to bridge the gap between global development and government legislation. Growing up between the United States and Spain, she believes that travel is the best way to discover yourself and understand the world. Her goal is to promote a deeper awareness of the effects of climate change in society and politics.

The Lunar New Year Migration in China

Everything You Need To Know About China’s Annual Spring Festival Travel Rush

"Guangzhou Railway Station". Junyu Wang.CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

What is the biggest annual human migration on earth? 

Take a guess. 

The pious Arbaeen and Hajj? The back-and-forth travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas? 

The correct answer is a term you might not be familiar with, “Chunyun.” Taking place in China around the time of the Chinese New Year, its literal meaning is “the transportation during Spring Festival.”

Occupying the same level of importance as Christmas eve in Western culture, the holiday celebration for Chinese New Year usually begins in the middle of January and lasts for about two weeks. The traffic for returning home, however, can continue for as long as 40 days. During this time, most people, especially migrant workers who are away from home, pack up their luggage, dress in red which symbolizes good luck, and hurry to the train station. 

A homecoming trip might seem like an individual choice, but considering a country with a population of 1.412 billion, the reunion became the biggest human event on an annual basis. In 2019, for example, the traveling volume reached approximately 415 million during the Spring Festival, which is more than the total number of people in the United States. 

However, this only accounts for the tourist population, who went on vacation. The total number of the mass exodus can be close to 3 billion people. For them, the primary means of travel is through rail due to its affordability. In the year 2017, for example, China saw 356 million travel by rail, 58 million by plane, and 43 million by sea during the time of “Chunyun”.

Shenzhen North Railway Station Concourse 2016 Chunyun. Baycrest. CC BY-SA 2.5.

What prompted the migration is simple: New Year is always a time for family gatherings and celebrations, a tradition that is similar across geographical and cultural boundaries. Yet, the scale of its migration greatly surpasses that of Thanksgiving week in the United States, which is about 50 million. 

In this sense, Chunyun is a long-standing public ritual that ties every aspect of the country together. The concept of Chunyun first appeared in the year of 1980, a time of massive modernization and cultural revival. Moving out from the shadow of an overplanned economy during the era of the Culture Revolution, people saw booming job opportunities that often concentrated on the coastal region such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which have better access to overseas markets. The number of migrants from rural areas increased from roughly 30 million in 1989 to more than 140 million in 2008. Many of them became the key contributors to the moving of millions of migrants during the Spring Holiday season.

The meaning of such a massive exodus is manifold. For many migrant workers, this might be the only chance to see their families in the span of a year, which brings joy, relief, and hope. They squeeze their personal belongings into the striped leather bag, making their way through the often jammed train station while expecting a great feast back home.

For the transportation system, it is time to test the operation of its ticket system and the stability of its intercity network. With millions starting to click on the purchase button at the same time, the demand often exceeds supply, and system crashes are not uncommon. This might leave disappointed passengers standing in the frigid winters, waiting for the next train home to arrive.

For the administrator, it means grappling with thieves and pickpockets in the overcrowded railroad station, as well as the black market of ticket scalpers during the busiest hour. Ticket prices also rise during the end of the year, and so does the crime rate.

For years, the public transportation system and local authorities in China implemented multiple measurement changes to facilitate the mobility of the homecoming population. In 2019, The length of the usable railway in China will reach 139,000 kilometers, and high-speed rail is about 35,000 kilometers. Technology, such as self-service counters, smart navigation systems, and real-time updates of traveling volume notices available on multiple map apps, quickens the process of traveling.

Volunteer helping with navigation in Guangzhou Railway Station. Junyu Wang.CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Chunyun had been rather silent for the past two years due to Covid-related restrictions. Authorities discouraged unnecessary travel; requirements including vaccination status, travel history, and contact with confirmed cases have thwarted population mobility; and people, fearful of being infected, were often forced to stay where they were. 

However, with the loosening of restrictions in 2022, the world’s largest human migration is, once again, on its way. On January 14, a total of 42.27 million people in China were already traveling by rail, road, sea, and air across the country, which is a 57% increase from last year. More than 450 million people are expected to travel, and take trips in the coming 40 days. Train stations are bustling with migrant workers again. 

Though there was worry about surges in Covid cases, most people are optimistic about going back to the normal state of travel. Tommy Xie, head of Greater China research at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, said, “The congestion level in cities such as Beijing and Chengdu, which were first hit by the Covid outbreak, have recovered fully.”

As trains and planes, loaded with tens of thousands of travelers, go full steam around China, they also carry along countless stories to tell throughout the passing year, and hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

Hope Zhu

Hope is a Chinese international student at Wake Forest University in North Carolina studying sociology, statistics, and journalism. She dreams of traveling around the globe as a freelance reporter while touching on a wide range of social issues from education inequality to cultural diversity. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she is eager to explore the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Asian cuisine, reading, and theater.

BOOK REVIEW: Pachinko, A Korean Family Epic

Author Min Jin Lee follows a Korean family through years of hardship, interweaving true history to create an emotional and fascinating novel.

Pachinko, a bestselling book by Min Jin Lee, follows a Korean family through three generations and several countries. The 479-page saga begins with the teenage girl Sunja, who must leave behind her family in Korea to move to Japan. Sunja has gotten pregnant outside of marriage, and is presented with the option of marrying and moving to japan with a man who is not the father of her child. While this decision is heartbreaking for Sunja, as she must abandon everything she’s ever known, her other options are worse. Upon Sunja’s arrival in Japan, the novel focuses heavily on Sunja’s experience as a Korean woman living in Japan. 

Additionally, the absent but wealthy and influential father of Sunja’s child looms large in the background of the story throughout the novel. The story transitions from Sunja’s experiences to those of her children and grandchildren while always staying focused on the major themes of familial relationships and Korean identity. By the novel’s end, Sunja is an older woman, and the reader will have followed her life as well as her children’s and grandchildren’s.

The incredible thing about Pachinko is how beautifully developed the characters are. It is a book that will bring you to tears multiple times as you genuinely feel like you know the members of this family. At the same time, it emphasizes crucial historical events through fiction—major, global historical events which affected millions—which are unfortunately rarely taught in American schools. Fiction can be an extremely effective mode for portraying the human experience compassionately, and Pachinko is undoubtedly an excellent example of that. Pachinko is one of my favorite books I’ve ever read and one that I would definitely recommend. It is an entirely immersive experience: a book nearly impossible to put down, as you feel like you are traveling with this family across space and time, through tragedies and exultations. 

The TV adaptation of Pachinko premiered on Apple TV+ in March of 2022 and is available to stream there. The first season had eight episodes, and the show has already been renewed for a second season. While the novel unfolds in chronological order, the first season of the TV show shifts from Sunja’s perspective as a young woman to her grandson’s narrative as a young man, leaving the viewer wondering what has transpired in the many years between—questions that will undoubtedly be answered as the show progresses. Despite the differing structures, the show’s first season stays mainly true to the plot and events in the novel. The differences between the novel and the show make them both worth the read and watch, respectively, without the show straying too far from the author’s vision. 

As noted, the true strength of Pachinko as a story is its characters. Throughout the book each character continues to surprise you while also staying true to the personalities that have been built. Min Jin Lee manages to keep the reader engaged and invested through three generations; while there are too many characters to count, they are all people the reader will care about. By building a narrative around a family—spanning about 70 years—the reader will truly feel a part of the story. It is immersive and emotionally compelling, never failing to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming simultaneously. The many threads created throughout come together in the end in a way that makes sense, and despite the enormity of the story, it never feels like the author has taken on too much. The book is complex and extraordinary, yet it still feels plausible and honest.

Calliana Leff

Calliana is currently an undergraduate student at Boston University majoring in English and minoring in psychology. She is passionate about sustainability and traveling in an ethical and respectful way. She hopes to continue her writing career and see more of the world after she graduates. 

The Great Barrier Reef is Disappearing—Here’s Why That’s Important

With the pressing issues of climate change, The Great Barrier Reef is at risk of vanishing completely, but there are still ways to help. 

Great Barrier Reef, Australia. @eutrophication&hypoxia. CC BY 2.0

Sprawling at a breathtaking 344,400 square kilometers off the Queensland coast in Australia is the world-famous Great Barrier Reef—known to be the largest coral reef system on the planet and home to thousands of different marine species. It’s a widely-visited tourist attraction and is often named one of the seven natural wonders of the world for its sparkling azure water and decorated rainbow of corals. 

But with the recent climate crisis, things are changing, and the Reef is now at great risk. Within the past 30 years, it has lost half its coral cover and global warming has produced a horrific case of coral bleaching—a process where the water warms and corals expel the algae living in their tissues, turning the coral completely white. Without this algae, the coral isn’t able to get the nutrients it needs and will starve to death if water temperatures don’t return to normal. 

Why are coral reefs so important to the world? First of all, the biodiversity living in these waters isn’t found anywhere else. It takes up just 1% of the ocean floor but 25% of all marine life calls the Great Barrier Reef their home. It also provides Australia with billions of dollars in economic value with the tourists it attracts. Not to mention, reefs are a great resource to use for medical treatments. Right now, the plants and animals found within are being used to develop potential cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. 

The Reef is home to countless marine species. Paul Toogood. www.Castaways.com.au. CC BY 2.0

We’re at a critical tipping point. If damage to the reef progresses as it is now, the Great Barrier Reef could be completely gone by 2050. With half a billion people depending on reefs for food and work, this would have staggering effects, and all of this relies on preventing climate change.

As discussed in the COP26 United Nations conference in 2021—the UN Climate Change Conference that brought together 120 world leaders—the Australian government and the entire world must work to limit warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, in order to keep coral reefs alive. At the current rate, temperatures are increasing at 2.4 degrees Celsius, and 99% of all coral reefs may be gone in the near future.

TO GET INVOLVED

However, the reef is not beyond saving. Visiting the tourist attraction may actually benefit the ecosystem since all visitors are required to pay an Environmental Management Charge, which goes toward the conservation of the reef. Learn more about the nonprofit organizations that raise money to conserve coral diversity, such as GBR Legacy, and maybe even consider donating.

The numerous and easiest ways to help save the Great Barrier Reef come from afar, starting with the changes that people can make in their everyday lives. With climate change comes rising temperatures on the land and in the oceans, which leads to increased carbon dioxide along with ocean acidification and coral bleaching. To remedy this, reducing plastic usage like bringing a reusable cup or installing solar panels to power our homes are both eco-friendly and may save money in the long run.

Michelle Tian

Michelle is a senior at Boston University, majoring in journalism and minoring in philosophy. Her parents are first-generation immigrants from China, so her love for different cultures and traveling came naturally at a young age. After graduation, she hopes to continue sharing important messages through her work

The Ghostly Shores of the Namib Desert’s Skeleton Coast

Bones and wreckage meet biodiversity on the Skeleton Coast of the world's oldest desert. 

A ship wreckage by the red, sandy dunes along the Skeleton Coast. op23 | Unsplash

A map highlighting the Namib Desert in red along the coast of Africa.

Home to earthy-red dunes which roll right into the Atlantic ocean, the Namib Desert is thought to be between 50-80 millions years old, making it the oldest desert in the world. It’s also one of the world's most inhospitable places—an unpredictable, arid and remote region that on the surface has no appeal whatsoever. With temperatures fluctuating from blistering hot to dangerously cold and sand for as far as the eye can see, it extends from the country of Angola, through Namibia and down to South Africa. That’s over 31 thousand square miles of desert. 

But don't be fooled, there’s more to these sandy plains than meets the eye. The Namib is home to the Skeleton Coast. And despite this desert’s penchant for death, The Skeleton Coast is teeming with rare wildlife. 

What is the Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is on the northern shores of this ancient and unexpected desert and earned its macabre name from the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore from the whaling industry. The Ovahimba who have since settled in the far north-eastern parts of Namibia once used the whale bones for building their shelters. In modern times, the Skeleton Coast hides its infamous graveyard buried beneath the sand, and with the exception of a rare adventure seeker looking for a wave to surf, the odds of seeking a human along this part of the coast are slim.

A shipwreck in the fog on the Skeleton Coast. Lee | CC BY 2.0

The Unique Climate of the Namib Desert

The bones scattered across Namibia’s Skeleton Coast aren’t from ocean mammals alone. Over the centuries, ships have ended up stranded on its shores for various reasons, but the main culprit is caused by the unique geography of the region. Hot, dry air from the interior of the continent and desert blows west combining with the cold wet air from Antarctica via a northward flowing ocean current called the Benguela Current. The hot dry winds act as a cap or roof not only prevents the cold wet air from escaping, but also from forming rain clouds. Instead, there is an eerie fog, and a lot of it. 

In fact, for 180 days of the year there is fog on the Skeleton Coast so dense, it’s caused thousands upon thousands of ships to run aground throughout history; the oldest of which is from the 1500’s. The ocean's intense surf would have prevented anyone from getting back into the water, and with a wrecked ship, this meant that sailors stranded on this isolated coast were left with only one choice: to make their way through the Namib Desert. With a dryness rivaling South America’s Atacama Desert (the driest place on Earth), and sand dunes reaching nearly 1000 ft high, this option was nearly as dangerous as swimming out to sea and surely has added human bones to its burial collection. 

A brown hyena stands over a carcass in the Namib Desert. Joe Knapman | CC BY 2.0

Wildlife on the Skeleton Coast

Incredibly diverse, the Skeleton Coast has more near-endemic species than any other desert in the world. Elephants, black rhinos, desert lions, jackals, giraffes, seals, oryx, kudus and zebras and just some of the desert adapted species inhabiting this wilderness. One such animal is the brown hyaena. They’re usually on the move after darkness has fallen, which adds to their elusiveness. The name strandwolf was coined on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast where they scavenge for dead seals along the shoreline. If you are fortunate enough to spot one, make sure you take a really good look, because sightings of these inscrutable carnivores is never guaranteed. A truly endemic avian, the Dune Lark, inhabits thinly vegetated dunes along the Skeleton Coast and larger Namibian dune system associated with Bushman grasses and Nara melons.

A blooming welwitschias. Ragnhild&Neil Crawford |CC BY 2.0    

A spiny looking nara bush in the Namib Desert. Palmora| CC BY 2.0

Nara Melons are just one of the many plants incredibly adapted to the rainless area and depend solely on the warning fog from the Atlantic Ocean. The nara bush is of great importance not only to the people of the region, but it is ecologically key to maintaining the unique desert habitat. More plants include welwitschias—which is a dwarf tree with only two leaves that can live for several thousand years—several lithops succulent plants known as living stones, lichen, pencil bush and the vividly colored succulents of rainbow colored agate mountains dotting the shore. 

The Lion’s Roar, a desert phenomenon

The phenomena of the Skeleton Coast doesn’t stop at bones, fog and compelling flora and fauna. Travelers, nomads and lost sailors once believed in the presence of desert spirits—singing songs through the mist. When the dunes form a bowl with the right acoustic properties, even a small flow of disturbed sand causes a terrific noise that resembles rolling thunder or even a low-flying airplane. The phenomenon is known locally on the Skeleton Coast as ‘the lion’s roar’.

Ugab River Gate, Agnieszka Rysio | CC BY 2.0

The Skeleton Coast National Park

Luckily, this wildly unique, albeit creepy shoreline, along with its diverse inhabitants is protected. In 1971, Namibia established a well-maintained national park to protect the curious treasures, bones and wildlife which makes the Skeleton Coast so incredible. The park is divided into a northern and southern section; the southern section is open to travelers with four wheel drive vehicles who are welcomed to go as far north as the Ugab River Gate. There, they will be greeted by a sign with a skull and crossbones warning you to go no further. The northern section is off limits, its loose, enveloping sands will literally swallow you up and can therefore only be accessed by airplane with a certified guide. It also happens to be the most attractive region of the park with lunar-esque vistas as far as the eye can see. The park attracts all types of travelers, both local and international fishers, photographers, ecologists and folks just looking for a unique adventure to one of the world's most understated treasures.

Raeann Mason

Raeann is the Content and Community Manager at CATALYST, an avid traveler, digital storyteller and guide writer. She studied Mass Communication & Media at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism where she found her passion for a/effective journalism and cultural exchange. An advocate of international solidarity and people's liberation, Raeann works to reshape the culture of travel and hospitality to be ethically sound and sustainable.

The Environmental Benefits of Veganism

Beyond clear health benefits, being a vegan may mitigate global warming. 

An eco-friendly produce stand. Mikaela Vazquez Rico. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

One of the easiest and most beneficial ways an individual can reduce their personal effect on the environment is through a diet that eliminates both meat and dairy. Vegan diets are often seen as a trend or a fad as many celebrities and young people have embraced this diet for a healthier lifestyle, but it is much more than that. These diets have the ability to reduce our carbon footprint nearly beyond any other practice. By adopting a lifestyle free of animal products, not only are you reducing the harm done to animals raised for commercial farming but you are also saving the planet! 

The impact of eating meat 

For many, the first issue that comes to mind when thinking of animal agriculture is the inhumane treatment of these animals. While that is incredibly important to note, the meat and dairy industries’ environmental impact can be even more damaging to both animal and human species. According to Ben Houlton, an environmental researcher at University of California-Davis, about 25% of issues at hand concerning climate change can be attributed to our food. Houlton notes that this is about twice as much pollution than all cars combined! This industry is said to be one of the most devastating industries to our planet as it fuels deforestation, species population decline and greenhouse gas emissions on top of disrupting delicate ecosystems. It is true that burning fossil fuels for industry, electricity and transportation comprises the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions, and not all scientists are in agreement that the meat and dairy industries are the top contributors to climate change, but there is a general consensus that reducing one’s meat and dairy intake significantly benefits the environment. Additionally, the animal agriculture industry must use fossil fuels, electricity and transportation thus contributing to those effects even further. 

Industries like transportation and fossil fuels rival the meat industry in terms of environmental impact, but in comparison to the top oil and gas companies ExxonMobil, BP or Shell, the top five meat and dairy corporations are already responsible for more emissions. Additionally in a 2018 study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and GRAIN reveals that the animal agriculture industry will take up 80% of the greenhouse gas budget by 2050. The greatest source of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, is contributed through human activity like forestry and other land use, deforestation, land clearing for agriculture, and degradation of soils according to the EPA.

Agricultural deforestation in Madagascar. USAID Biodiversity & Forestry. CC BY-NC 2.0

Meat and dairy industries contribute to nearly 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions as well as causing 65% of the nitrous oxide output on the earth, the most harmful of all greenhouse gases. It is important to recognize too, that cows farmed for both their flesh and dairy products emit mass amounts of methane gas which holds heat in the atmosphere at a rate 20 times higher than that of other gases. Methane does stay in the atmosphere for a small amount of time, but its proliferation must be taken into account as it is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In addition to the gases released by this type of agriculture, 50% of water used in the United States goes toward the meat industry. It takes 150 gallons of water to make a single quarter-pound hamburger! Eliminating or even reducing the consumption of these products can combat the issues it brings greatly.

Environmental benefits of veganism 

Veganism became a rising trend because of its nutritional and ethical value as vegetables and fruits provide many more essential vitamins and minerals than diets based around meat and dairy products, and animals do not have to suffer for the sake of consumption. With that in mind, the environmental benefits cannot be overlooked as it is even greater than the health benefits provided. To combat all the devastating environmental impacts created by the animal agriculture industry, it is essential to reduce meat and dairy consumption.  

A harvest of garlic, green tomatillos, red tomatoes and red onions. Natalie Walters. Unsplash License

It may not seem as if one person’s diet can truly benefit the environment, but veganism has proven this perspective wrong. One of the most glaring statistics is the fact that the diets of meat eaters contribute seven times more greenhouse gases than that of vegans. By cutting out meat from your diet completely or even for a few meals, the amount of greenhouse gases contributed by the food on your plate decreases greatly. Too, when soils are used for plant based agriculture rather than animal agriculture, they are enriched greatly with nutrients and soil erosion is less likely to happen. Diversifying plant agriculture allows for long time resilience of soil as the land does not have to be entirely deforested to raise fruits and vegetables. As mentioned, the animal agriculture industry uses incredible amounts of water. The world is already in a great crisis for clean water, and adopting a vegan diet uses five times less water than that of meat eaters as noted by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). 

Overall, vegan diets use much less energy and production than meat based diets. The way in which meat is brought to your plate increases all the statistics mentioned above. The raising of livestock requires incredible amounts of grain and feed, increases transportation emissions as meat products have to be shipped and requires mass amounts of electricity both to refrigerate and cook it. The refrigerated trucks used to ship them require both electricity and mass amounts of fuel. The amount in which this production process is implemented boils down to basic economics. If there is a higher demand for meat, the industries involved in bringing it to your local grocer must supply it. Instead, being vegan cuts your personal contribution to these demands thus the products supplied decrease. 

Why it’s worth it to be vegan

By becoming vegan or reducing your consumption of meat products, you can become a healthy ethical consumer reducing your personal impact on the environment every single day. While common efforts like recycling and carpooling are beneficial, veganism is an incredibly impactful way to save the planet we call home because not only does it reduce your personal greenhouse gas contributions, it also decreases your contributions to mass use of water, deforestation and ecosystem disruption.

Renee Richardson

Renee is current a English student at The University of Georgia. I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta but now live in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town on the border of Tennessee. I am a passionate writer inspired often by my college campus, my hikes along the Appalachian trail, and my efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. My hope, although cliché, is to inspire others to make a difference in whatever ways they can.