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Winter's Dawn: Celebrating the Solstice

The Winter Solstice, which occurred on December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, signaling the official start of winter. Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Julia Gomez from USA TODAY explore the significance of this astronomical event and how it is celebrated across different cultures. The solstice, occurring when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun, brings the least amount of daylight and the longest night. This year, the solstice fell on December 21st at 4:21 a.m. EST, marking the astronomical beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Historically, the Winter Solstice has been a time of celebration and reflection. Ancient civilizations, such as the Romans with their Saturnalia festival and the Norsemen with their bonfires, honored the return of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead. Today, people continue to observe the solstice with various traditions, including gatherings, feasts, and rituals that pay homage to the natural cycles of l...
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Greek Islands Grapple with Water Scarcity Amid Tourist Boom

 

As the sun-kissed Greek islands gear up for a record-breaking tourist season, they’re facing an unexpected challenge: a severe water crisis. Let’s dive into the details:

  1. Naxos Island’s Dry Reservoir: The largest reservoir on Naxos, a popular Aegean Sea island, has run dry. It’s now home only to turtles navigating its muddy shallows. Downstream, sea water has infiltrated empty irrigation wells, affecting the island’s prized potato crop.

  2. Karpathos and Thasos: On Karpathos, authorities have imposed restrictions on filling swimming pools. Meanwhile, officials in Thasos are seeking a desalination unit to make seawater drinkable. These measures highlight the strain on water supplies across the Greek islands.

  3. Climate Change Impact: Greece, known for its ancient sites and turquoise waters, relies heavily on tourism. However, climate change—manifested through higher temperatures, erratic rainfall, and wildfires—threatens this vital economic sector. Last month, heatwaves claimed the lives of at least six tourists.

  4. Drought and Future Concerns: Most of Greece has seen little or no rain for months. Experts warn that the worst may be yet to come. Andrea Toreti, from the European and global drought observatory, emphasizes the need for prevention and preparedness rather than emergency responses.

  5. Farmers’ Plight: Naxos, with its mountainous terrain and 20,000 residents, faces a stark water shortage. The island’s two reservoirs hold only a third of last year’s water levels. While portable desalination units will provide safe drinking water for houses and hotels, farmers continue to struggle with contaminated wells.

In summary, the Greek islands are caught between the allure of tourism and the harsh reality of water scarcity. Urgent action is needed to safeguard their future.








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