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In 2022, AP Photographers Document the Struggles of a Changing Planet

Visual Stories Highlight the Impact of Climate Change on Lives and Landscapes

Category: Environmental

In 2022, Associated Press photographers captured poignant images reflecting the distress of a planet undergoing significant change due to climate change. The evidence was stark: from parched landscapes and failed crops to devastating storms and wildfires, the signs of a world in turmoil were everywhere.

Parchment Earth
In June, two young men were photographed sitting by a boat that had become stranded in mud, once submerged in Lake Mead. This dramatic decline in water levels marked a broader trend seen in various regions. In Germany, drought and bark beetle infestations left the Harz forest trees spindly, while in Kenya, mothers struggled to nourish their children as livestock perished from thirst. Along Brazil’s Solimoes River, houseboat residents found themselves living on dry land instead of water.

In eastern France, sunflowers were left scorched, their leaves withered and seeds blackened. Similar scars emerged in places like Utah’s Great Salt Lake and the shrinking Yangtze River in China.

Storms and Floods
Conversely, excessive rainfall wreaked havoc in many areas. Regions experienced a “whiplash effect,” alternating rapidly between drought and deluge, such as seen in Yellowstone National Park last summer. Pakistan faced catastrophic flooding, with a third of its land submerged, displacing millions and resulting in at least 1,700 fatalities.

Other countries, including Cuba, Nigeria, and India, also faced destructive storms and flooding. In Cuba, a tropical cyclone caused severe flooding, while Hurricane Ian later devastated both Cuba and Florida. Despite the destruction, efforts to adapt included China’s development of “sponge cities” to better manage floodwaters.

Heat and Fire
Wildfires continued to plague the Western U.S., exacerbated by prolonged drought and rising temperatures. While California experienced slightly fewer wildfires than in previous years, the destruction was still significant, echoing similar events across Portugal, Greece, and Argentina.

Extreme heat also posed challenges, with record temperatures hitting the UK, where a soldier was photographed sweating in a bearskin hat. People coped in various ways, from seeking relief in urban fountains to cooling off in makeshift pools.

Imperiled Food and Migration
In October, Wilbur Kuzuzuk of Shishmaref, Alaska, faced the grim reality of a disappearing town. The Inupiat community, grappling with changing seas and warming temperatures, has considered relocation but has yet to take action. Globally, threats to food security were evident: floods in India devastated crops, while drought in Kenya deepened hunger.

Migration became a pressing issue, especially in regions like Somalia, where severe drought drove thousands to flee in search of food and water. Many displaced persons ended up in makeshift camps, while others migrated within their countries, such as in India’s Ladakh region and Indonesia, where rising sea levels swallowed homes.

Winnie Keben from Kenya recounted a crocodile attack linked to rising water levels, which brought wildlife closer to human settlements. Her family’s home was washed away, illustrating the personal toll of climate change.

Conclusion
The myriad challenges of 2022, captured through the lens of AP photographers, highlight the urgent need for action against climate change as millions face displacement, hunger, and loss in an increasingly hostile environment.

Elon Musk Engages in Tense Exchange with Journalists Before Shutting Down Twitter Spaces

CEO Faces Backlash After Journalists’ Accounts Are Suspended

Elon Musk found himself in a heated exchange with a group of journalists during a Twitter Spaces conversation before abruptly exiting and disabling the audio feature.

The Twitter CEO has faced significant criticism following the suspension of several journalists who reported on the platform, particularly regarding an account that tracked Musk’s private jet using publicly available data.

During the discussion, Musk, a staunch advocate for free speech, addressed the journalists directly, stating, “You doxx, you get suspended,” before leaving the conversation without further comment. The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists on the platform.

Charlie Dean Eager to Shine Following ‘Mankad’ Controversy

All-Rounder Focuses on Performance as She Gains Recognition in West Indies Series

England all-rounder Charlie Dean is pleased to be back in the headlines for her performances rather than the controversy surrounding her dismissal at Lord’s last September. In that match, Dean was run out by India’s Deepti Sharma while backing up at the non-striker’s end, a decision that sparked a global debate.

Following the incident, Dean displayed good grace and humour, even mimicking a ‘Mankad’ during the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint final. However, she acknowledged that the experience had affected her.

Now, a few months later, Dean is making waves on tour in the West Indies, where she has taken seven wickets during a 3-0 ODI series sweep and claimed three for 22 in her first full T20 match. Speaking from Barbados, where England aims to maintain their 100% record with a series-clinching win in the third T20, she reflected on the emotional impact of the earlier incident.

“Initially, it did affect me,” she admitted. “As a cricketer, you want to be known for your performances, not for something like a type of dismissal. It brought up quite a few emotions. While it was a legal dismissal, it wasn’t how I would have chosen to get the last wicket.”

Dean managed to take a holiday afterward and stayed largely disconnected from social media, thankful she didn’t witness the online discourse surrounding the situation. “We’ve all put it to bed and moved on in this dressing room,” she noted, expressing her eagerness to focus on her cricketing achievements.

In the 50-over format, Dean is already making a name for herself, finishing 2022 with 29 wickets, second only to team-mate Sophie Ecclestone and South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail. However, opportunities in the T20 format have been limited due to the formidable partnership of Ecclestone and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn.

“With Eccles and Sarah being the top two bowlers in the ICC rankings, it’s tough to break in as a spinner,” she acknowledged. “I believe I could be good enough to be in the XI, but I have two exceptional performers ahead of me. That’s my next challenge.”

Lindsay Hoyle Interrupts Debate to Rebuke MP for Allegedly Taking Photo in Commons

Speaker Calls Behaviour “Totally Unacceptable” During Rishi Sunak’s Statement

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, paused a debate on Tuesday to reprimand a Conservative MP for apparently using their phone to take a photo while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was making a statement.

Addressing Ben Bradley directly, Sir Lindsay described the action as “totally unacceptable.” He emphasized the seriousness of taking photographs within the Chamber, stating, “It’s quite serious to take photographs in the Chamber.”

He continued, “If the member knew they’d taken the photograph, I expect them to delete it and leave the chamber. It’s totally unacceptable.”

Jeff Zucker Ventures into $1bn Sports Initiative After CNN Departure

Former CNN President Announces New Role Following Resignation Amid Controversy

Jeff Zucker, the former president of CNN, has revealed his next career move by launching a $1 billion sports venture. Zucker resigned from CNN in February after an internal investigation exposed an undisclosed relationship with a colleague, Allison Gollust.

During his tenure at CNN, Zucker was credited with enhancing the network’s ratings, particularly in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. He focused on increasing the number of opinionated programs and documentary filmmaking. Zucker joined CNN in 2013, transitioning from NBCUniversal, where he spent 25 years, initially gaining recognition as a top producer on the Today show alongside anchors Matt Lauer and Katie Couric. He served as CEO of NBC from 2007 to 2011 and co-founded the streaming service Hulu.

Zucker’s resignation came after the investigation into the firing of former host Chris Cuomo unveiled his relationship with Gollust, CNN’s chief marketing officer. Following the revelation, Gollust stated her intention to remain in her position, while Zucker announced that he would step down after nine years, expressing regret about the circumstances of his departure. “I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute,” he said in a statement at the time.

Speculation about Zucker’s future plans intensified after reports surfaced in November regarding a potential partnership with RedBird Capital. Gerry Cardinale, founder of RedBird, and Nart Bouran, CEO of IMI, praised Zucker’s extensive experience and expertise, emphasizing how it would benefit the new venture.

“With Jeff as our CEO, this platform will integrate substantial operating expertise with sophisticated financial and investing acumen to deploy transformational capital on a scaled basis,” Cardinale stated, highlighting Zucker’s more than three decades of experience in the industry.

RedBird and IMI are both reputable players in the sports and media sectors, with RedBird holding stakes in Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox, as well as in SpringHill Co, a company co-owned by NBA star LeBron James.

Biden Optimistic as US Economy Shows Signs of Improvement Amid Falling Inflation

President Highlights Progress as Inflation Rates Decline for Fifth Consecutive Month

President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that his economic policies are yielding positive results as the inflation rate continues to decrease for the fifth month in a row. Speaking from the White House, he emphasised that the current trend in the US stands in stark contrast to many global economies experiencing significant price increases.

“In a world where inflation is rising at double digits in many major economies, inflation is coming down in America,” Biden stated.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a modest inflation rise of only 0.1% in November, following a 0.4% increase in October. Over the past year, inflation has climbed 7.1%, marking the smallest annual increase since December 2021. While food prices increased by 0.5 points last month, the energy index saw a notable drop of 1.6%, driven by declines in the costs of gasoline, natural gas, and electricity.

Biden acknowledged that prices remain elevated and stressed the need for further work to return them to pre-pandemic levels. However, he expressed optimism, asserting that “things are getting better” and the economy is “headed in the right direction.”

The president pointed out that key inflation categories, including gasoline and food prices, have seen reductions, providing Americans with relief at the pump compared to prices from a year and a half ago. He described the slowing inflation of food prices as “welcome news for families across the country” as they prepare for holiday gatherings.

Biden credited his economic strategy, which focuses on growth from the bottom up and middle out, with contributing to job creation, noting that over 10 million new jobs have been added during his administration.

“Today’s news gives me another reason to be optimistic about the future. We’re building a better America and our economy from the bottom up and the middle out, not the top down,” he said. “When the poor have a shot, the middle class does well, and the wealthy always do very well. We just have to keep going.”

Public Alert Issued in Chile as Lascar Volcano Erupts

Authorities Upgrade Alert Level to Yellow Following Volcanic Activity

Chilean authorities have announced a yellow alert in response to the eruption of Lascar volcano, located in the Andes, which has released ash plumes soaring thousands of metres into the sky and triggered seismic activity. The National Geology and Mining Service reported that the volcano erupted on Saturday at approximately 2:36 AM local time.

Lascar emitted a column of ash and gases that reached nearly 6,000 metres above its crater. This volcano last erupted in 1993, with minor activity recorded in 2006 and 2015. Residents of Talabre, a town in the Antofagasta region situated less than 15 km from the volcano, were the first to observe the increased volcanic activity, according to AFP.

Authorities have prepared for possible evacuations, although there has been no damage to property reported so far. The alert level for Lascar has been raised from green, its lowest status, to yellow, indicating that the volcano is currently deemed “unstable.” A no-entry zone has been established within a 5 km radius of the crater.

Lascar reaches a maximum elevation of 5,592 metres above sea level and lies approximately 70 km from the popular tourist destination of San Pedro de Atacama.

In a related update, the alert level for Mauna Loa volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island was downgraded from a warning to a watch on Saturday, following its first eruption in nearly 40 years. The US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that while the eruption on the northeast rift zone continues, both lava output and volcanic gas emissions have significantly decreased.

NASA’s Orion Capsule Returns from Lunar Journey to Conclude Test Flight

Capsule Nears Home After 25-Day Mission Around the Moon

NASA’s Orion capsule, accompanied by test dummies, is on its way back to Earth, concluding a 25-day mission that took it around the moon. On Sunday, flight controllers aimed for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, just off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, with a Navy recovery ship stationed nearby to assist.

The journey began on November 16, when Orion launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. After spending nearly a week in a wide lunar orbit, the capsule is now making its return. This $4 billion demonstration mission aims to prepare for future crewed lunar flights, with astronauts expected to embark on their next lunar adventure in the coming years.

The capsule’s fiery and rapid descent aligns with the 50th anniversary of the last human lunar landing, which took place on December 11, 1972, by Apollo 17 astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt. Orion marks the first spacecraft to visit the moon since that historic mission.

NASA’s Apollo program successfully landed 12 astronauts on the lunar surface. With the new Artemis program, named after Apollo’s twin sister in Greek mythology, astronauts may return to the moon as early as 2025, paving the way for renewed exploration of our celestial neighbor.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group, with the AP solely responsible for the content.

A Humorous Adventure in Pantomime: An MP’s Experience

Reflections on Embracing Christmas Tradition Through Performance

Recently, I found myself stepping into the world of pantomime, an unexpected yet delightful experience that took me back to a cherished part of my life before entering politics. While rehearsing in my kitchen, my partner quipped, “But you’re used to speaking in the House of Commons!” It was a playful reminder of the nerves I felt about performing.

One of the mums involved in the production approached me with a hint of hesitation, asking if I thought acting was beneath my dignity. I quickly reassured her that I was excited to join in, especially given the significance of pantomime in British culture. After all, anyone who has donned the costume of a panto dame knows that dignity is often left at the stage door!

My role as the “curator of the museum,” although small, with only 16 lines to learn, proved to be a source of anxiety. My friend Peter Whiteley, the director and a devoted Labour activist, had said, “You shouldn’t have any trouble with just a few lines.” How mistaken he was!

Despite my initial jitters, I managed to deliver my lines flawlessly, avoided any mishaps on stage, and even enjoyed a bow at the end of the performance. The joy radiating from the cast and the enthusiastic schoolchildren was truly uplifting. Our town, Tain, like many places, has faced considerable challenges, particularly during the pandemic when staging a panto seemed out of reach.

Pantomime is a beloved British Christmas tradition, enjoyed widely, even if its quirks, like cross-dressing, might not resonate elsewhere, especially in the U.S. Nevertheless, it remains a cultural staple that connects communities from Glasgow to Gujarat.

Returning to my duties in the Commons this week, the echoes of Tain’s “Humpty Dumpty” still lingered in my mind. When former Prime Minister Boris Johnson rose to pose a health-related question, I nearly shouted, “Look behind you!”—a fittingly whimsical response for the occasion.

As the Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland, and Easter Ross, I treasure moments like these that blend humour, community spirit, and tradition. The pantomime not only brought laughter but also served as a reminder of our resilience and unity, particularly during tough times.

Tabloids Outraged as Many in the UK Shrug Off Harry and Meghan’s Documentary

Reactions Mixed Following Netflix Series Critiquing Media Treatment of the Royals

Britain’s press has expressed outrage over Prince Harry and Meghan’s documentary series, which criticises the UK media’s treatment of the couple. However, much of the public has reacted with indifference, with Buckingham Palace choosing not to comment and the Prime Minister admitting he hasn’t watched the show.

The first three hour-long episodes of “Harry and Meghan” premiered on Thursday, with three additional episodes set to release on December 15. So far, the series has not revealed the explosive content that some royal observers had anticipated.

Throughout the programme, Harry and Meghan, alongside friends and family members, share their early lives, the growth of their relationship, and their dissatisfaction with the media’s perceived racist treatment of Meghan, as well as the lack of support from the royal family. The couple stepped back from royal duties in early 2020, relocating to California to pursue careers as advocates, philanthropists, and media figures.

Central to the documentary is the complex and often fraught relationship between the British royal family and the media. Harry has long spoken out against media intrusion, which he believes affected his childhood and contributed to the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi.

Meghan alleges that the media aimed to “destroy” her, while Harry describes a relentless “feeding frenzy” surrounding his wife. These claims have provoked backlash from British newspapers, many of which featured their indignation prominently in headlines and editorials.

Some outlets took issue with the documentary’s assertion that the Commonwealth, an organisation previously led by Queen Elizabeth II, is an extension of the British Empire’s racist legacy. The Daily Telegraph called the series a “direct hit” on the queen’s legacy, while the Daily Mail condemned it as a “hatchet job.” The Sun claimed the documentary was tailored for an American audience, prioritising the couple’s financial gain over truth.

Scottish newspaper Daily Record reported that the palace was taken aback by the allegations, with the headline: “We are not amused.” Conservative MP Bob Seely announced plans to introduce a bill to strip Harry and Meghan of their royal titles, accusing Harry of attacking vital British institutions and profiting from his family’s issues. Employment Minister Guy Opperman labelled the couple “utterly irrelevant” and suggested a boycott of Netflix.

The Prime Minister’s office distanced itself from Seely’s proposal and the idea of a Netflix boycott, stating, “It’s a matter for the public what channels they want to watch.” A spokesman noted that Rishi Sunak had not viewed the series and that the government would refrain from commenting on royal matters.

This documentary arrives at a pivotal time for the monarchy, as King Charles III aims to reaffirm the institution’s relevance following the queen’s death in September. The king has not publicly addressed the documentary, even during recent engagements in London and a visit to Wrexham AFC, where he met the team’s Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, both of whom also claimed they hadn’t watched the series.

Public reactions in the UK have been mixed, with some expressing fatigue over the ongoing saga between the Sussexes, the palace, and the media. In London, 59-year-old Lucy Barratt remarked that the documentary seemed “too much,” though she indicated she might still watch it.