TUSKANTIMES
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5
FRONT COVER:
Grade 6 students were tasked with creating a weaving that used color and texture to communicate feeling and message, instead of using words or images
Dear Readers,
Welcome to this edition of the Tuskan Times! Showcasing new young voices, thoughtful reflections, and creative spirit We’re especially proud to feature a rising star in our community: 5th Grader Sylvia Hyzer, who brings heart and insight to the conversation on climate change. Her piece is a refreshing reminder that concern for our planet knows no age.
Of course, no edition would be complete without the much-anticipated return of Secrets of the Viale by Tea Mijatovic and our resident literary star Allegra Deflorio’s monthly book review both of which continue to bring color and curiosity to our pages As well as the newest poem from ISF’s most beloved poet Adrianna Raud.
We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
Sincerely,
Coco Ferrari-Ross Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
COCO FERRARI-ROSS
ASSISTANT
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
TEA MIJATOVIC
ALLEGRA DIFLORIO
HEADOFLAYOUT
ELIOT RICHARDS
SUPERVISOR
TESS HITCHCOCK
EDITORS
COCO FERRARI-ROSS
DAVID LU
ESME ALONGI
LAYOUT
ELIOT RICHARDS
CALVIN YE
NICCOLÒ GIORGI
GIOIA WEI
LILY KHALSA
M E E T T H E T E A M
RCE A T I V
SHEHASITALL
By Valentina Marin ‘27
Alexa
All these dresses, All these shoes, All these hairstyles, All these designer bags to choose from.
She’s so lucky she can have it all. With one swipe of a card, It’s all hers
Years of saving just to be able to afford that dress. Six days a week, dawn to dusk. Yet she earns my savings in a single month, Given to her by her Father.
I wonder how it feels to be careless, throwing away all that money Morning tea with all “my girls”, Fancy candlelight dinner with my rich boyfriend, Finishing my day off with an exquisite dessert.
I cannot keep up with her What a burden I feel with her always paying for my meals I don’t like it, I insist that she doesn’t.
Drowning in debt sinking me down to the depths of this rocky water.
But I can’t help be jealous that She has it all
Elizabeth
Another dress. Another pair of shoes. Another makeover
Another designer bag He pays me, Gives me all these gifts, To try and keep me close. He feels guilty for never being here Never being here for me
I look at her with her loving Mother who does everything that she can to be with her. Baking cookies together, Brushing her daughter’s hair, oh how loving and safe that sounds.
It’s so unfair how both my Father and my Mother are never around. The loneliness is embedded in my heart, So deep that no one will ever be able to mend
But she gives me that joy.
Just seeing her smile, hearing her laughter with her family. It fills my heart so that I almost feel it was me who was living.
I wonder how it feels to be loved like that Having movie nights together every weekend, Making popcorn while watching TV., Dinners all together, Rather than being left alone or with a false love that is bought.
Oh to be her
I am so envious of the loving life that she has I love her, yet it breaks me to see how perfect her life can be while I remain here, Drowning with these heavy gold bars tied to the bottom of my shoes, I cannot swim to the surface for a fresh breath of air.
I can’t help be jealous that She has it all
L O C A L
THESECRETSOFTHEVIALEFLORENTINEIRIS
By Tèa Mijatović ‘27
This column unravels the often “unknown” history of the VIALE, while also searching for a solution to the cellular connection problem that so many experience daily on this important, historical road
Whichever way you arrive (at) school, you must pass through Viale Michelangelo. Its beauty is undeniable, offering an open view to the Duomo and the entire city sprawled beneath it But beyond the view, have you ever noticed what lines the edge of this historic road each spring? From Porta Romana to Piazza Ferrucci, the Viale is full of vibrant colors At this moment, the Irises Florentina appears in clusters filling the air with their strong, unique aroma These flowers are not only a sign of spring, but also a symbol of Florence itself.
"Foroverathousand years,thegigliohasbeen asymbolofour renaissancecity"
appearing on Florence's flag and in its art. While commonly referred to as a lily, the giglio is in fact an iris. To be precise, Iris florentina, or locally known as “fior di giaggiolo” Many wonder why the iris holds such a striking presence in Florence Some historians believe it's due to the irises that grew spontaneously all around Florence.
The French fleur-de-lis, which represents royalty and purity, differs from the giglio The French iris is golden on a blue background and doesn’t have any stamens. Whereas the giglio is red on white, with two stamens full of buds under three main petals, and symbolizes freedom. The red color wasn't always so, originally the flower was white on red, but after the Guelfs defeated the Ghibellines in 1266, the colors were reversed, and have remained ever since.
The Florentines take pride in their flower In Dante Alighieri’s Divina Commedia, or Divine Comedy, the giglio represents a symbol of justice and glory. Florence even imposed this symbol to the territories under its control. You can still see the ‘red iris’ on many flags, like on those of Castelfiorentino and Scarperia Although, the lily had to be without the stamen, the reproductive organs of the flower, as only Florence was allowed to possess them. In 1412, the famous “Santa Maria del Fiore” cathedral was dedicated to the iris and it later appeared on the golden florin of Florence In Piazza Signoria in front of Palazzo Vecchio, you can see the famous Lion of Florence from the 14th century, called “Marzocco”, that proudly holds the coat of arms of the Florentine Republic, the giglio. Even Botticelli’s Primavera includes the iris tying it to Florence’s image as a city of the renaissance
The Florentine iris blooms seasonally between the end of April and the end of May. In spring, the Viale blooms with irises, filling the road with color, symbolizing renewal These may be wild, or planted by individual properties along the Viale, but there is also a garden 100% dedicated to the cultivation of our city’s symbolic flower. The “Giardino dell’Iris”, is a garden from 1954 that contains hundreds of diverse kinds of irises, including the Iris florentina The president of the Società Italiana Dell’Iris, Dr Vincenzo Corti, provided us with some insight on the garden, “Il Giardino ospita ogni anno un prestigioso Concorso Internazionale per le migliori varietà di Iris, inviate da ibridatori di tutto il mondo e valutate da una Giuria internazionale La sua collocazione sulla collina del Piazzale Michelangelo consente un bellissimo affaccio panoramico sulla città. Insomma, un luogo unico al mondo!”
"Andyet,whileweremain soconnectedtoourpast, weseemquite disconnectedfromthe presentwithoutaproper cellularnetwork."
The giglio reflects Florence’s evolution, politically, artistically, and culturally. So when you’re driving to school, take the time, not only to admire the beauty of our Florentine iris, but to remember it’s a piece of our city’s history A time when they cultivated and made this one little flower an internationally known symbol of Florence.
And maybe if we can see the value in preserving this magnificent flower, we can also find the pride to restore the connection on the Viale, where the past still blooms every spring, but the future just needs a signal.
I continue to reach out to the mayor‘s office, with no response in regards to cellular connection problems I will continue to bring this issue to their attention and will keep you updated.
Translated quote from the president of the Società Italiana Dell’Iris: “Every year the garden hosts a prestigious international competition for the best varieties of Iris, submitted by breeders from all over the world and judged by an international jury. Its location on the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo provides a beautiful panoramic view of the city It is an extraordinary place!”
WHAT’SBETTERTHANCUTEAND WEIRDANIMALS?
By Silvia Ratto ‘26
There is only one person in the International School of Florence campus that knows most animals from A to Z, and that would be Ms. Brown. Being an ESS student with Ms Brown has taught me so much and not only about what’s on the syllabus. It also taught me so much about Ms. Brown’s favorite animals. Her most precious ones are divided into two umbrellas, based on cuteness and weirdness So, I am happy to introduce Ms Brown’s “chaotic, nerdy, heartfelt list of cute and weird creatures she absolutely adores ”
“Thereisonlyoneperson intheInternationalSchool ofFlorencecampusthat knowsmostanimalsfrom AtoZ,andthatwouldbe Ms.Brown.”
. Ms Brown’s “cute animals” or, as she puts it, “animals that make [her] squeal and want to protect them at all costs,” include otters, bush babies, red pandas, chinchillas, quokkas, manatees, and African grey parrots Otters are semi-aquatic animals that were initially from Northern Hokkaido and Russia They then spread to the Aleutian Islands, Alaska and down the North American Coast. Otters are known for their very playful behaviour. The otter has a lithe and slender body with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flattened tail Fun fact: they hold hands while sleeping, and also carry special rocks in their armpits that they use to crack open treats such as mussels. Bush babies are Ms. Brown’s second favourite animal in the cute list. These are “small, attractive primates native to Sub-Saharan Africa” (Dublin, Holly April, 2025) They are gray or reddish to yellowish brown with very large eyes and ears, long hind legs, soft, woolly fur, and long tails. Bush babies are also characterized by the long upper portion of the feet (the tarsus) and by the ability to fold their ears
They are nocturnal animals, and their main source of energy comes from fruits that they collect. They are also tree jumpers.
According to our ESS teacher: “they squeal like babies, and they pee on their hands to stick better when jumping.” Red pandas are the next animal on the list, and they are “totes adorbs” according to Ms. Brown. Red pandas are slightly larger than a domestic cat, with a bear-like body and thick redish fur Almost 50% of their habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas, or throughout Asia. They are very skillful and acrobatic animals and predominantly stay in trees. Additionally, their fighting stance is basically a standing hug, which makes them even cuter Chinchillas are the next one up “These are smaller than a house cat, with large, dark eyes, velvety rounded ears, and plush, grayish fur” (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance). They are widely social, and live in groups of around 100. They are scientifically the softest animals, however they are also in decline due to hunting and trapping of the species. Next we have quokkas. Quokkas are known for their beautiful smiles, and are “literal smiling balls of sunshine” (Ms Brown) These animals are originally from Western Australia, and are close relatives to kangaroos; they hop like rabbits, and eat their leaves like giraffes. Manatees, or sea cows, are second to last in this list. Despite their massive build, these animals are very lovable and docile. They are usually alone, in pairs, or even in small groups They are marine mammals, and breathe air at the surface.
Quokka
However, due to hunting pressure and other factors these poor animals are in decline The last animals in Ms. Brown’s “cuties list” are African Gray Parrots. These are originally from Western and Central Africa and are very intelligent (one of the smartest species); they can problem-solve and recognize themselves in the mirror, unlike many other species and are also the best talkers in the
evolution look like sci-fi,” this one includes Cephalopods (especially octopi/squids), Tardigrades (Water Bears), Nudibranchs, and Platypuses Cephalopods, a group of highly developed marine animals, are Ms Brown's favourite from the “Weirdos list,” especially octopi and squids. They can vary in size from being giant squids of 20 metres, to small octopi of 30 cm. Since these animals are very abundant in the ocean, they form one of the greatest potential food resources in the ocean. Some characteristics of these animals are that they are color-changing (most of them), they blast ink (with exception of the Nautilidae and the Cirrina), have three hearts, and are shapeshifters (not all, but most) that make it possible for them to escape laboratories. Placed second on this list are Tardigrades, or Water Bears. They are tiny aquatic animals that have eight legs, each with four claws and look a bit like
They live in lakes, oceans, or rivers And they eat algae, fungi, and plants to have energy. Fun fact: they can survive outer space, being boiled, the freezing cold, and they survive vacuum and radiation as well, which makes them practically unbreakable Next up are Nudibranchs, or sea slugs They are a group of shell-less marine molluscs, and are extremely colorful with colors such as neon orange vibrant blue and purple o s e
animals is that they can steal traits from what they eat, meaning that they can keep them for themselves and use them for their own benefits after having eaten. Platypuses are last in the list. A platypus is an Australian semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammal that has a duck beak These are one of the only living mammals to produce venom mind blowing, right?
Well, this wraps up almost all of Ms. Brown’s favourite animals. Thanks to her, I and most of my ESS classmates now have acquired knowledge of animals and their quirky characteristics! I’d also like to acknowledge Luisa Eldrige and Coco Ferrari-Ross for helping me come up with the topic of this article!
EledoneCirrhosa-Octopus
Manatees
S C I E N C E
THEPROMISESOFBIOLUMINESCENT FUNGI
By Ilaria Weng ‘27
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms through chemical reactions. In fungi, this phenomenon is both complex and intricate, capturing the attention of many researchers and scientists for centuries, from ancient poets to early explorers who documented glowing fungi as early as 360 BC (National Geographic). Recently, interest in bioluminescent fungi has grown significantly In just the past fifteen years, taxonomic* studies have more than doubled the number of known light-emitting fungal species from 63 to over 125— establishing a foundation for advancements in fields such as medicine and environmental science. Currently, five distinct lineages of bioluminescent fungi (basidiomycetes)*, within the order Agaricales* have been identified. These species are distributed globally, with the greatest diversity found in subtropical canopy forests, especially in areas rich in woods and leaves (University, Georgia State) Fungal bioluminescence is a form of chemiluminescence, a chemical reaction that produces visible light from within the organism. This process is highly efficient, producing light without significant heat, making it captivating for scientific research and applications
The Chemistry Behind Bioluminescence:
The chemical reaction which results in bioluminescence occurs within the cells of organisms, requiring two unique molecules: luciferin* and either luciferase or photoprotein Luciferins are a class of naturally occurring small molecule substrates which react with oxygen in the presence of Luciferase (its complementary enzyme). This oxidation* reaction releases oxyluciferin and energy in the form of green light, emitting at a wavelength of 520-530 nm The biochemical enzyme-substrate reaction enables certain organisms to produce different wavelengths of light, which ultimately determines the light’s color
This depends on the type of luciferin-luciferase system, the organism itself, and its habitat.
This reaction occurs at all times of the day, following a circadian rhythm*.
The purpose of fungal bioluminescence has yet to be understood, however several hypotheses have been proposed, including attraction of insects, spore dispersal, deterrence of predators, and the possibility that it is a side product of naturally occurring metabolic processes Among these, one widely discussed theory suggests that the glow attracts insects, which then leads to spore dispersal, a fundamental reproductive process in the fungal life cycle
Another hypothesis proposes that the glow acts as a warning signal to predators, possibly indicating toxicity. While these explanations are plausible, direct evidence remains limited. Some researchers also argue that bioluminescence may not serve a specific adaptive function at all, but could instead be an incidental result of natural metabolic reactions within fungal cells; the continuous emission of light regardless of environmental conditions can effectively support this outlook Although bioluminescence is continuous in fungal species, the human eye can typically only detect it in dark environments as the light intensity is relatively low. In the presence of light, the glow can be completely concealed and thus become imperceptible, therefore bioluminescent fungi are most often observed under dark conditions, particularly in shaded forests. In terms of habitat, these fungi can be found in humid forests and tropical climates, growing on tree trunks, roots, decaying wood, and fallen leaves
Generally, they are widely distributed across various continents (except Antarctica), with the greatest concentration occurring in subtropical and tropical regions such as Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia
Exploring the Uses of Luciferin:
The presence of different luciferin/luciferase molecules allows for different pairings* and biochemistries, which can be effectively utilized for various applications Bioluminescence has improved medical research, particularly through imaging and detection. Bioimaging, which has been extensively tested using genetically encoded bioluminescence in organisms, is a common and powerful tool in laboratory research It combines both imaging and detection, and is used in gene expression studies as well as in the diagnosis of cancers and infectious diseases. Research has involved the insertion of the luciferase gene from a bioluminescent fungus into mouse, plant, and yeast cells If luciferin (the light-producing substrate) is present, the cell emits light, which can be detected using sensitive cameras. This allows researchers to monitor tumor growth, cell responses to treatments, and gene activity in realtime and noninvasively, simply by observing the glow Due to the different luciferin/luciferase pairs producing different light intensities and wavelengths, researchers can adjust the system to meet their imaging purposes, for example using red shifted light which can penetrate into deeper tissues making it ideal for imaging internal organs Bioimaging and bioluminescent systems are typically considered safer and less toxic than traditional imaging methods, as they do not require external light sources which reduces the effects of phototoxicity (light-induced damage). Additionally, luciferase genes can be attached to a gene of interest* to indicate the specific location and timing of gene expression, making them an ideal reporter system*; when the gene of interest is active, luciferase is expressed, resulting in the emission of light This method is widely applied in cancer research, drug testing, and developmental biology, effectively allowing researchers to explore reactions of genes to different compounds.
An experiment involving genetic encoding of bioluminescence was effectively conducted by a research team led by Andrey A. Kotlobay (Kotlobay et al). In 2018 the study was published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences), where the team identified genes responsible for the bioluminescent glow in the fungus Neonothopanus nambi. By introducing these genes into the yeast Pichia pastoris, yeast cells capable of emitting light independently were engineered, effectively demonstrating the potential of transferring fungal luminescence to eukaryotic cells. (Shakhova et al.)
Bioluminescence can also be applied to bacteria and viruses to study how infections spread in real time Researchers are able to insert luciferase genes into viruses or bacteria, this allows microbes to glow, offering a visual representation of disease progression and immune response to treatments within living organisms without invasive procedures or constant blood tests
Cancer studies is one of the most benefited areas from bioluminescence technology (Team Lumitex). Researchers are able to produce synthetic luciferin chemicals which react with tumor cells to emit light As tumor cells grow or shrink, the light also changes, similar to a “status update” This allows for continuous monitoring and representation of tumor response to different treatments over time, essential for the development of cancer therapies. Bioluminescent systems can also be used to study gene response to therapies, showing when specific genes are “on” and “off” In addition, they allow researchers to visualize immune cell activity, helping to better understand immune response to infections.
Although bioluminescence has not yet been applied directly to human medicine, its potential for research, non invasive diagnosis and disease monitoring is promising as researchers are exploring new ways using non-invasive methods to enhance the accuracy and precision of imaging techniques When combined with current imaging technologies such as PET and MRI scans, bioluminescence could contribute to detailed diagnosis, targeted treatments as well as improved observation of disease progression
Figure 1 Showing the state of bioluminescence imaging, This is commonly used to monitor light emission over time, showing changes in tumor size. (Martin)
Environmental Impacts:
Bioluminescent fungi may also play a significant role in sustainability and environmental health. Species containing luciferin-luciferase systems could serve as biosensors, provide sustainable lighting, and support ecological functions. Researchers are exploring how bioluminescent fungi or organisms modified with their genes can act as natural environmental sensors The biological responses of populations, like fungi, can be converted into electrical signals. These organisms can also be modified to glow in the presence of harmful pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, or pesticides Additionally, their growth rates can be monitored as part of environmental assessments The production of various light intensities of glow can depend on the type or amount of contamination, offering a precise, non-invasive, sustainable, and costeffective method to monitor contamination and pollution in various ecosystems, especially in areas with limited resources (Singh et al). Although still in experimental stages, researchers have also been exploring the use of bioluminescence for sustainable lighting These organisms could be effectively incorporated into outdoor art projects, pathways, or emergency signals,although this is currently not a realistic alternative to streetlights yet, other uses involving glowing plants as decorative lighting are being extensively explored by designers Furthermore, bioluminescent fungi species themselves are able to break down dead organic vegetation, playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling.
Beyond decomposition, their ability to attract insects at nighttime leads to spore dispersal, supporting fungal reproduction and conservation in ecosystems. Bioluminescent organisms have the potential to evaluate environmental toxicity due to their sensitivity to pollutants and changes in their surroundings.
Their visual appearance can be used to engage communities, promote awareness of biodiversity, forest ecosystems, and encourage conservation in various regions including Brazil, Vietnam, and Indonesia
From the intriguing reactions behind their fascinating glows in hidden forest ecosystems to their arising role in various fields, these fungi offer a unique connection between sustainability, innovation, and research
They can also be observed in their natural habitat under the right conditions. Notable locations typically include shaded, humid environments such as forests in Da Lat, Vietnam, the Atlantic forests of Brazil (known for the Neonothopanus gardneri) and the rainforests in Java, Indonesia Although it is rare to witness them, visitors may experience the ethereal glow of these fungi with proper guidance and the right conditions, especially in dark conditions following a rainfall. Although their glow may be subtle, their impact is both powerful and evolving, holding promises for the future of science and beyond and reminding us that even the smallest ideas can lead to a brighter future.
Glossary:
*Agaricales: An order of fungi belonging to the Agaricomycetes class, known as “gilled mushrooms ”
*Taxonomy: a practice and science concerned with classification or categorization
*Basidiomycetes: A group of fungi that includes many common mushrooms, puffballs, and shelf fungi. They make tiny spores for reproduction on special structures called basidia These fungi help break down dead plants and trees, making them important for the environment.
*Luciferin: A generic term for the light-emitting compound found in organisms that are bioluminescent, it produces light after undergoing a chemical reaction
*Oxidation: A process in which a substance loses electrons, often releasing energy. In fungal bioluminescence, this reaction produces light though fungi also rely on oxidation for other essential processes such as respiration and decomposition
*Circadian Rhythm: a natural oscillation that repeats roughly every 24 hours. Circadian rhythms can refer to any process that originates within an organism and responds to the environment
*Reporter Systems: A tool used to study gene activity It links a visible or measurable marker (like luciferase) to a gene of interest so that when the target gene is active, the marker produces a signal (such as light), indicating where and when the gene is being expressed
*Gene of Interest: A specific gene being studied, often because of its role in a particular biological process or disease.
*Pairings: The specific combinations of luciferin (the light-emitting molecule) and luciferase (the enzyme that activates it) in a bioluminescent system.
GLOBALWARMING
By Sylvia Hyzer ‘32
We have a very big problem at hand; this massive problem is global warming. Global warming is a threat to almost all living things. Without having a colossal change in everyday habits we could be looking at a very different earth One of the biggest obstacles to overcome is the fact that some people don’t believe in global warming – they believe it’s fake and/or imaginary. Meanwhile, on the other hand some people's life work has to do with global warming There are many reasons why global warming is a major problem, but I'm going to be talking about two The first reason why you should care about global warming is because it affects animals. The second reason you should care about global warming is because it affects the environment
The Animals:
Did you know that many animals are forced to leave their habitat because of global warming? Furthermore, global warming can cause problems in breeding and feeding behavior in the animal kingdom Animals will also move to new habitats if their old habitat is heavily affected by global warming. But when one animal migrates to another’s territory it can become a fight for the habitat Some species can adapt to global warming by migrating south or north 17 km Moreover, they will even climb 11 m higher every ten years, which is more often than usual. By doing so animals are introduced to new parts of the world which can spread new and unfamiliar diseases to new countries and continents For instance, mosquitoes benefit from global warming because it helps them multiply. What this means is that there are more and more mosquitoes which means more cases of malaria and other mosquito–related diseases
So many animals everywhere have to adapt to global warming; here are just some of those animal stories.
In Washington, D.C. it was very common to see a wood thrush, but ever since its food became scarce in the D.C. area the wood thrush was forced to fly further into Central America
In addition, the marsupial koala is very dependent on eucalyptus trees, but because of rising levels of carbon dioxide the leaves are becoming toxic for the koalas Next, the spotted salamander must rely on water to survive because its skin needs to be wet or else oxygen cannot enter its skin But with less water up for grabs the spotted salamander numbers are dropping. Additionally, blue whales are a type of migratory species. But slowly they are starting to migrate closer to the South and North Pole, meanwhile they must go back to warmer waters so they can make sure that their calves grow up healthy and strong. On the other hand some animals are fine with global warming: two examples are the gray squirrel and the American cockroach The gray squirrel can live almost anywhere, from humid Florida to freezing Canada. Subsequently, the American cockroach is very adaptable and can thrive in every single habitat.
The Environment:
Global warming can also affect the environment in harsh ways. Furthermore, global warming can cause natural disasters frequently. In the past years there have been more tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires, blizzards and floods Global warming can also cause an increased amount of precipitation, which can raise sea levels. To clarify, there is a loop. Let me take you through it. Step 1: Increased temperature makes more water evaporate Step 2: It rains for a few days or longer and the water rises And there is a pattern Did you know that between 2002 and 2006 Greenland lost 152 cubic kilometres of ice? That's almost half of Italy.
These are just some of the effects of global warming, due to the greenhouse gas effect. Have you ever heard of the Greenhouse gas effect? The greenhouse gas effect is a simile or metaphor; people use greenhouses as an example because a greenhouse traps sunlight helping plants grow, which is good. The greenhouse effect, however, is bad, because toxic and/or harmful gasses rises into the atmosphere/ozone layer. If too much of the toxic and/or harmful gasses get trapped, they can make a hole in the atmosphere/ozone layer Like in Australia in the 1970s, where there was a hole in the atmosphere/ozone layer because they were using a lot of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochloroflurocarbons (HCFCs) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. Hydro-chloroflurocarbons (HCFCs) are compounds formed from hydrogen, chlorine, fluoride and carbon atoms The greenhouse effect is a process where heat is trapped near Earth's surface by gases known as 'greenhouse gases.' Those gases are carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons and water vapor. In other words, imagine these gases as a cozy blanket covering Earth, helping to maintain a warmer temperature than it would have otherwise Scientists have predicted that carbon dioxide plays a very crucial role in keeping the stability of Earth's atmosphere. If carbon dioxide were taken out of the equation, the greenhouse effect would collapse, and Earth's surface temperature would drop significantly, by approximately 33°C (91°F). The greenhouse effect can be good and bad. Throughout history there have been a few predictions of global warming For example, there was John Tindle and Santi Arenus
In the year 1859, John Tindle discovered methane, carbon dioxide and water vapor Meanwhile, Santi Arenus had a theory that carbon dioxide from fossil fuels might boost the temperature of the planet, thus the term the greenhouse gas effect came into play
We are noticing loss of sea ice, glacier melting along with ice, rising sea levels and escalated heat waves. River and lake ice is breaking earlier, plants and animals' geography are rotating – even plants and flowers are blooming earlier throughout the year
One major threat is that because of rising sea levels many cities are at the risk of being submerged underwater, becoming part of the ocean When cities go underwater humans and animals are forced to move to higher ground or closer to the mainland. In 2030 the cities most at risk of being submerged are Amsterdam, Basra, New Orleans, Venice, Ho Chi Minh City, Kolkata, Bangkok, Georgetown, Savannah and Khulna
Since the 1980s each decade has been getting warmer and warmer and warmer. In addition the temperature has increased 0.07°C or 32.126°F since 1980. 2010–2020 was the hottest decade ever recorded Unfortunately, every decade we get an increase of approximately 0 2°C or 32 36°F in our temperature. Speaking of the temperature, did you know that 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded in all of history? The temperature has been escalating so rapidly Fossil fuel emissions build up in the atmosphere and once the sun's heat enters the heat can't escape
The arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the earth. For every added degree we gain 7% more moisture Furthermore, the more heat we get the more rain we receive, because the hotter it is the more water is evaporated which causes a lot of rain. Weather scientists predicted that we might have to prepare for category 6 weather but the highest we’ve ever had is category 5. Did you know that the ocean absorbs heat? Many parts of the world are heavily affected by global warming For example, certain parts of Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, Greenland and Scandinavia are barely affected.
To sum it up, global warming is a very big and complicated subject. When we think about global warming we must remember a quote by chief meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky: “This is more than an extreme weather story It's a story about our food and our water systems, this is a story about our health, our economy, our buildings, our roads. This is a story about our sports, our tourism, our ways of life. Climate change is not this thing that's going to happen in the future and we just need to prepare for it It is happening right here and right now ”
O P I N I O N
BOOKREVIEW:MYGENTLEBARN
By Allegra DiFlorio ‘27
‘My Gentle Barn’ is an autobiographical novel about the creation of the Gentle Barn, a sanctuary based in Los Angeles, California for the rehabilitation of animals in need I was given this book when I was seven years old, after telling my parents that I am going to be vegetarian, a commitment I maintained to this day. By the time I was nine, I had read and reread it a hundred times and it was one of the few books I took with me when I moved to Italy. This story had such an impact on me and everyone who reads it. Ellie Laks, the founder of the Gentle Barn, has been saving and rehabilitating animals since she was very young. At the age of seven, Ellie was bringing home wild animals to heal them, by eleven, she was working with neighbors to resolve behavioral and training issues with their dogs As a young adult, she created ‘Rover Rescue’, an organization which took in dogs and cats from high kill shelters and placed them into forever homes.
"‘RoverRescue’saved over500animalsfrom thesesheltersvia genuineconnectionand rehabilitation"
two of the Gentle Barn’s core values However, the event that started it all was when Ellie came across a petting zoo, filled with animals in desperate need of help. One by one, Ellie brought the broken farm animals home to her half acre backyard She listened to their stories of neglect and gave them the opportunity to heal (Laks).
This was when Ellie founded The Gentle Barn, a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates all types of neglected animals through the ‘Gentle Healing’ method (designed by Ellie of course) This method includes a combination of animal communication, energy healing, holistic healing, holding therapy, and western medicine to heal the animals. Another key aspect to the Barn is that once the animals are healed, they help Ellie heal at risk, inner city children and/or special needs children. Currently, Ellie and her husband Jay have expanded the Gentle Barn to a national level and have three locations, one in California, one in Missouri, and one in Tennessee. The Gentle Barn is one of the largest and most beloved animal sanctuaries in the world, and continues to inspire people to open their hearts to all living beings The Gentle barn offers numerous programs including animal therapy (cow hug therapy and equine therapy), literacy programs, school trips, and is open for visits on Sunday (The Gentle Barn)
The memoir, ‘My Gentle Barn’ tells the story of how the Gentle Barn came to be and discusses how animals can bring us out of despair and inspire kindness It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of the neglected animals and the difficulties faced in Ellie’s life, yet is so inspiring and touching knowing that there are people dedicating their lives to rescuing these animals
I strongly believe that everyone should read this book as it presents a whole new perspective on human-animal connection and inspires peace and kindness. As mentioned by Jana Harris, author of ‘Horses Never Lie About Love’,
"‘Ingivingvoicetothe voicelessandlovetothe unlocked,Lakshealedher owndamagedchildhood, thenblazedatrailforthe salvagingofthelivesof otheratriskkids…Laks raisesthebarforanimal rescueoperationsand lowerstheboomon animalabusers."
