Falling Short on Climate Action: Catastrophes Loom

                        

The torrential rainfall and furious flooding in neighbouring Spain in recent days have been made all the worse by climate change, according to scientists.

An entire year’s worth of rain fell within about eight hours, causing devastation to property and resulting in at least 160 deaths in Spain's Valencia region.

A super typhoon has just hit Taiwan, bringing the entire country to a standstill. The storm's full force has hit the capital, Taipei, with winds of more than 200 kilometres per hour. Whole villages are expected to be buried by landslides.

Rainfall said to have intensified twofold by climate change, caused deadly flooding in central European countries two months ago. The widespread flooding affected countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Thousands of people had to be evacuated from their homes.

Wildfires and droughts have become all too common in Portugal. From the middle of September this year Portugal faced severe forest fires in the central and northern regions, fuelled by unusually high temperatures. The emergency services in Portugal needed support from neighbouring countries. Overall, the temperatures in Portugal this year are expected to be the hottest ever.

Portugal’s Antonio Guterres has become one of the world’s most vocal advocates, urgently warning of the escalating risk of global warming, which threatens not just disastrous weather, but total worldwide catastrophe.

He explains only by limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius do we have a fighting chance of preventing the irreversible collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets - and the catastrophes that accompany them.”

“That means cutting global emissions by 42% compared to 2019 levels by 2030, and 60% by 2035.”

We are only on track to cut emissions by 10% by 2030. This crucial fact will no doubt be at the forefront of the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, as leaders gather from Monday, November 11 to Friday, November 22.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson. 

 

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Portugal Schengen visa

By Marla Barre 

For anyone planning to visit Portugal, obtaining a Schengen visa is necessary for non-EU travellers. However, the process can be riddled with pitfalls that could delay or even lead to a visa rejection.  Below are key mistakes to avoid when applying for a Portugal Schengen Visa:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
   The Schengen visa application process requires a range of documents, from proof of financial means to travel insurance. A frequent mistake is providing incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. Every document must meet the requirements outlined by Portuguese consulates. This includes ensuring that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and has two blank pages for visa stamps.
2. Applying Too Late
   Schengen visa applications should be submitted well in advance of your planned travel. Applications submitted too close to your travel date risk rejection due to time constraints. It's advisable to apply at least three months before departure.
3. Incorrect Visa Type
   Another common error is applying for the wrong type of visa. Travelers often confuse tourist visas with business or work visas. If you are visiting Portugal for leisure, please make sure you're applying for the right category of Schengen visa.
4. Misleading or Inconsistent Information
   Consistency is key. Information on your visa application must align with your supporting documents. Discrepancies, such as different travel dates between your application and your flight bookings can raise red flags and lead to visa denial.
5. Failing to Provide Proof of Accommodation
   Visa applicants must demonstrate that they have secured accommodation for their stay. This could be a hotel booking, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal. Failure to provide this proof often results in delays or rejections.
6. Ignoring the Importance of Travel Insurance
   A common oversight is failing to include valid travel insurance with adequate medical coverage. Schengen rules mandate that travellers hold insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses, which must be valid across the entire Schengen area.

 Schengen Visa

 By avoiding these common mistakes and ensuring that your application is thorough and accurate, you can enhance your chances of securing a Portugal Schengen Visa smoothly.

A MIXTURE OF FAME AND INFAMY

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are in both the headlines in Britain and the United States, this time for reportedly buying a holiday home in Portugal.

 

Meanwhile, the football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is rarely out of the headlines for one thing or another, most recently it is because of his “shocking” performance, and his “antics” in a game against Scotland.

 

The people of Portugal will probably take little interest in Harry and Meghan, even though they are thought to have bought a home on the coast south of Lisbon. Also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan live mainly in California, Harry has been extraordinarily offensive to his now estranged father, King Charles, and brother, William, the Prince of Wales.

 

In January last year, King Charles told Harry and Megan to vacate the historic Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, the only place they had to stay when they visited Britain.

 

A foothold in Portugal could enable them to be granted a Schengen visa, which would allow them to travel to any of the 29 European Schengen countries that have officially abolished controls at their mutual borders.

 

Harry, aged 40, is said to have bought his new holiday home in the same area as his 34-year-old friendly cousin, Princess Eugenie. She and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, 38, spend most of their time at the luxury Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides, about 80 miles southeast of Lisbon on the west coast of the Alentejo region. Mr Brooksbank works in marketing and sales for the Costa Terra development, comprising 300 properties in this beautiful location by the sea.

 

Harry’s welcome in the United States has been complicated by immigration rules. As a British citizen, he is only allowed to remain for 90 days at a time because he has not yet been granted American citizenship. He has no diplomatic or any other special status, no regular employment, and he pays no taxes. He is essentially a visitor and does not own the mansion he and his wife occupy. A permanent home in peaceful Portugal probably seems like a good idea.

 

It has not been all good news recently For Cristiano Ronaldo. He has been slammed for his “shockingly poor” performance for Portugal against Scotland and been accused of “holding Portugal back” in this “disastrous” game. He has also been heavily criticised by fans for his “antics” in storming off the pitch in Glasgow after the final whistle.

 

Ronaldo will not be too worried about any of this infamy. He has been the highest-paid footballer in the world this year for the fourth year in a row. According to Forbes, he earned $285 million this year, most of it coming from his contract with a Saudi Arabian club. He has amassed over 200 million social media followers. The recent launch of his dedicated YouTube channel, UR Cristiano, attracted the most subscribers in one week with 50 million, making the total 65 million.

 

As he is turning 40 years of age in February, Ronaldo’s football career is coming to an end, but he will continue to earn plenty for the rest of his lifetime through endorsement and sponsorship deals.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson. 

FATIMA PRAYERS FOR PEACE

With wars raging in the Middle East, Ukraine and other regions, pilgrims at the Fatima Sanctuary in central Portugal are praying for world peace.

By the end of August this year around 3.8 million pilgrims had visited the Sanctuary and taken part in at least one congregation devoted to prayers for peace. This number is certain to significantly rise with the approach of the anniversary of the ‘‘Miracle of the Sun’ on Sunday, October 13.

Foreigners come to Fatima from all over the world, especially Spain, Poland, Italy, the United States and Ukraine. Many are now coming from Asia, particularly South Korea.

A spokesperson for the Sanctuary explained to us why prayers for peace were so important. “In a world context so marked by war, the message of Fatima remains profoundly relevant. The call to prayer as a path to peace has become imperative. Prayer for peace is a daily presence in the Shrine’s celebrations. On the other hand, it is understandable that people from different backgrounds are attracted to this place where peace is reflected not only in the words, but also in the atmosphere that surrounds the pilgrims.”

Over the past eight years, more and more motorcyclists have been coming to the Sanctuary for ceremonies known as ‘Blessing of the Helmets.’ They have become very important events. So far, in this ninth year, Blessing of the Helmets has had about 180,000 participants.

For those readers not fully familiar with the story of the Fatima Sanctuary, it began in 1917 when three shepherd children claimed to have witnessed apparitions of ‘Our Lady of Fatima’ – the Virgin Mary – on the 13th day of six consecutive months, May to October.

According to the Holy See, the main message delivered to the children was this: “You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my immaculate heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace.”

In another version of the message delivered during the apparitions, Our Lady said, “the good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated. In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she shall be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world.”

These words are said to have been spoken in 1917, the penultimate year of the First World War.

Four pontiffs, including Pope Francis have visited the Fatima Sanctuary over the years. With wars now raging in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, the latest message from Francis was read out at the Shrine on 29 September, on the occasion of the European pilgrimage of deaf people. The Pope thanked deaf people for their “witness of Christian joy”, which, he said, “teaches us to live with our own frailties, and reminds us that God’s presence is felt more with faith than with our ears.”

Visitors wishing to experience the Sanctuary of Fatima, and the surrounding places of interest related to the apparitions and ‘Our Lady of Peace’, may join scheduled tours. An intimate and full-day tour with a professional guide can be arranged.

Much more information is available on the Sanctuary’s official website: https.//www.fatima.pt

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.

Proofed by Roger Nuttall. 

Why protecting the oceans is essential

The Portuguese government is fully committed to the protection and sustainable use of the oceans, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro told the United Nations in New York on Wednesday. This commitment underscores Portugal’s leadership in global marine conservation efforts.

He said that one of his government’s main strategic priorities is fulfilling the goals of the International  2030 Agenda designed to reinforce action on ocean protection and sustainability. Demonstrating its commitment,  Portugal plans to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 target of 30% protected areas by 2026, four years ahead of schedule. This announcement was made by the former prime minister, Antonio Costa, in October last year during the 2 nd Sustainable Blue Investment Forum in Estoril, Lisbon.

The findings of a recent UNESCO report reveal that increasing temperatures account for 40% of sea level rises. The rate of rising has doubled over the past 20 years, with last year seeing one of the highest increases since the 1950s. This is most concerning for low-lying islands and parts of coastal cities, towns, and villages worldwide. 

Since the 1960s, the oceans have lost a significant amount of oxygen due to warming, and to pollutants such as toxic wastewater, and runoff agricultural chemicals. Conserving diversity of life on Earth and in oceans is critical to human welfare, yet essential resources are at risk directly as a result of unsustainable practises.  

Marine debris, especially plastics, has reportedly impacted at least 700 marine species, from vegetation, plankton, and invertebrates, to fish, whales, and sea birds. Marine habit loss is causing the extinction of many species and poses a threat to entire ecosystems, with far-reaching  consequences on biodiversity and human livelihoods.

Oceans play an integral role in climate change mitigation by absorbing some 23% of  carbon dioxide emissions, and more than 90% of the excess heat  generated by greenhouse gasses.

 Portugal has just strongly reaffirmed its important early role in international ocean governance by engaging at the highest of levels with executive decision-makers and  the United Nations.

This is in line with the Global Ocean Forum’s (GOF) recently unveiled 2024-2030 plan designed “to guide the organisations as the oceans are a holistic ecosystem, joint efforts on a global scale are required, bearing in mind new priorities and areas of focus."

A clear warning from all relevant international organisations is that oceans are the life support system of our planet, and the way we treat them will have repercussions on all.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson. 

WILDFIRES AND FLOODS: FASTER CLIMATE ACTION NEEDED

The devastating wildfires raging across Portugal this week and the catastrophic floods in central Europe are just two more examples of the global crisis that will be discussed during the upcoming ‘New York Climate Week’.

Thousands of Portuguese firefighters, with many reinforcements from Spain and Morocco, plus water bombers from Italy and France, have been stretched beyond their limits. Seven firefighters have been killed, more than 50 injured, and many people forced to flee from their homes because of around 100 different fires in the north of the country. 

Flooding in central Europe, like the wildfires in Portugal, is an annual, problem generated by exceptionally heavy rains. Storm Boris and extreme humidity have been the main culprits this year. Floods that started in Austria and the Czech Republic spread to Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and later to Germany, Hungary, and Italy. It has been the worst flooding in the region in at least 20 years. Many people have drowned. Huge numbers have been forced to evacuate their swamped homes and businesses. 

All this is of profound concern to the United Nations General Assembly. UN Secretary-General and former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres says he has no doubt these events are linked to the escalating climate crisis. The next major UN conference on climate change will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November. The focus is expected to be on securing the trillions of dollars required for countries to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect people from the worsening impacts of climate change.

The New York Climate Week starts next Monday. It is one of the biggest annual events of its kind. Top scientific and political climate specialists are expected to attend. It is a charity event to promote action by appealing to business leaders, political changemakers, local decision takers, and civil society officials. 

This special week is run by a non-profit organisation with a mission to accelerate climate action, and achieve a world on net zero carbon emissions by 2050, ensuring great prosperity for all.

The organisation and its members are helping to shift global markets and policies towards faster reductions in carbon emissions.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson 

MORE IMMIGRANTS WANTED

According to a study by the Faculty of Economics at the University of Porto, Portugal needs more immigrants.

More immigrants are necessary if the country wants to increase economic growth and standards of living - and join the richest nations in the European Union by 2033

The Portuguese government announced on June 3 this year a new Action plan for migration. It came into force the following day.The plan laid out 41 new measures to tighten migration, clean up the backlog of pending immigration cases, and meet the deadline to update the Entry/Exit system at the borders, among others.

Immigration is a highly contentious subject globally. In the United States the focus is on the flood of foreigners coming across the border from Mexico, as highlighted in the televised debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

The main concern in the United Kingdom and Europe is the human trafficking of illegal immigrants from Africa. More than five million immigrants are said to have entered the European Union from non-EU countries in 2022. That’s more than double the number of the previous year. Twenty-nine million immigrants have arrived in the past decade, legally and illegally, placing a significant strain on economies and community attitudes where the cost of living is a major worry. 

Except for its effect on the national housing shortage, Portugal

has been generally happy to accept newcomers from Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and various Schengen countries. 

The attractions include the fact that Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. It varies from year to year in the Global Peace Index, but is always well within the top 10.

The weather is starting to cool from a hot summer while Portugal has one of the most comfortable climates in Europe with Mediterranean temperatures all year round, and more than 300 days of sunshine can annually. Mainland Portugal has an average temperature of 10-12°C in the north, and 16-18°C in the south. Madeira and the Azores tend to be wetter and warmer due to their Atlantic island location. 

Portugal is one of the best places to live in terms of cost of living, although local inhabitants may question this.. Those coming from abroad will find their purchasing power goes a long way in Portugal. The cost of living is around 40% lower than in the United States. 

Quality education is available for children in public and private schools. And there is much more, to attract and benefit children and adults from abroad to this special land. 

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.