Elephants are being hailed as the latest climate champions – and for good reason! Scientists have discovered that these majestic creatures act as foresters, vacuuming up to 200 kilograms worth of plants each day and influencing the carbon storage of African forests. The elephants’ preferences for the fruit of slower-growing trees means they help spread the seeds through their poop, potentially increasing the amount of carbon stored in the jungle forests. Conservationists are now hoping that the role of elephants in tackling climate change will inspire people to save the species from illegal hunting. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
