Podcasts




Taking stock of the results of the 26th climate summit, the devil is hidden in the details

Duration: 0:12:09

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) ended on November 13, 2021, in Glasgow, with mixed reactions. While UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared that the summit achieved a significant step, climate activists like Greta Thunberg labeled it as an empty conference. However, experts have summarized that the conference made progress, especially in terms of increasing the number of countries committing to net-zero carbon emissions and setting new targets to reduce emissions. Despite the lack of concrete progress in funding, countries promised to reach the funding targets by 2023. The summit also highlighted the need to gradually reduce funding for fossil fuels. Furthermore, the conference succeeded in implementing the Paris Agreement's sixth article, which had been controversial due to the different economic impacts it would have on different interest groups and countries. However, the specific implementation's effectiveness in reducing global carbon emissions is still debatable, and the delay in reaching a consensus on the article was the main reason for the summit's one-day extension.


Countries' new climate pledges fall short of emissions reduction targets

Duration: 0:11:51

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its latest Emissions Gap Report, which warns that countries' new climate commitments are not enough to limit global warming to the levels agreed upon in the Paris Agreement. The report states that global temperatures are on track to rise by at least 2.7°C by the end of the century, far exceeding the 1.5°C target. The updated commitments made by countries fall far short of what is required to achieve the Paris Agreement's temperature goals. The report calls on countries to urgently implement emission reduction actions to address the widening emissions gap. The report's findings were released ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.


U.S.-China Climate Pledges and India's Coal Reliance

Duration: 0:11:52

The climate summit in Glasgow showcased the determination of countries to control greenhouse gas emissions. China and the US made commitments to strengthen their climate actions, despite political and economic tensions. However, China's agreement with India to reduce the use of coal was weakened, and its emissions are still twice as high as the US and four times as high as India's. Japan pledged to reduce its use of coal. The UN's document on climate change for the first time highlighted coal as a major driver of global warming, with India opposing the motion. The agreement reached called for the gradual reduction of coal use and the end of inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels. To achieve the target of controlling global warming by 1.5°C, emissions must be reduced by 10-45% by 2030, with wealthy nations required to submit new emissions plans by 2025.


A Spring Plant Festival to Make Your Garden Bloom Again

Duration: 0:05:58.968000

Spring and summer have arrived in France and local plant festivals are a great option for those who don't want to travel far. One such festival is the Babysong Park and Garden Festival in April, celebrating plant and biodiversity with free outdoor activities. Another festival is at the Malmaison Castle, where visitors can find new plants and participate in garden games. The La Roche Foucauld Castle will host a new Passionate Plant Festival in May offering visitors a chance to taste and discover new plant species. The Richelieu Abbey is also hosting a 18th edition Plant Landscaping Festival in which visitors can meet with horticulturists and attend lectures. All events celebrate diversity in the plant world.


Language: Chinese

The first Renaissance-style castle in France - Château de Gaillon

Duration: 0:05:48

Today we visited the Château de Gaillon, a rare Renaissance-style castle in Normandy. It is the first castle in France to adopt this style and has undergone various renovations over time. The castle opened to the public in 2011 and now includes a greenhouse garden, cultural events, and even offers classes for visitors to learn new skills. The castle has played many roles over the years, including a prison for criminals in the 19th century. It is now a museum and even has a regional music school. The castle has a unique design with decorative reliefs and sculptures on its walls, and from its platform, visitors can admire the surrounding landscape. In addition, there is an eight-hectare organic vegetable garden run by a local couple, providing produce for nearby communities. It is a great place to visit and explore the intersection of history, culture, and nature.


Roaming in the ancient city and ancient village of the Cape of North Corsica

Duration: 0:06:29

The day is getting warmer in June and it's a good time to travel. Corsica, a beautiful island in southern France, is a great destination to consider. It has stunning coastlines, beaches, and villages along the Mediterranean that offer a true taste of the island's charm. Some recommended places include the town of Calvi, the natural reserve of Scandola, the village of Piana, the hilltop town of Corte, and the seaside resort of Lumio. Visitors can also enjoy hiking along the island's 300 km trail and explore traditional handicrafts in the town of Corte. The program is hosted by Janet and a French colleague named VIP.


Language: Chinese

EP356. Marshmallow psychology experiment not only about self-discipline / Make a wish to give back to the future

Duration: 0:16:50.800000

The speaker in this video starts by welcoming the viewers and introducing herself as a Pakistani living in Chiang Mai. She talks about how COVID-19 has affected her plans for New Year's Eve and how she spent the evening at home with a bottle of mulled wine. She then shares a story about a psychology experiment called the Marshmallow Test which looked at the ability of children to resist temptation and how this trait affected their future success. The speaker talks about how this experiment can be applied to our own lives in terms of self-discipline and delaying gratification to achieve long-term goals. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision for the future in order to resist temptation in the present.


EP354. Humor is as easy to spread as anger / Talking about the facial line controversy of several ministers

Duration: 0:19:44

The article discusses various topics such as a book titled "Ideas are the Main Character", which contains 30 ideas from a Japanese digital genius, Tanaka Takafumi. The article also discusses a recent controversy involving Tanaka about his use of government funds to purchase a bowl of noodles. The controversy has sparked a heated debate among netizens about the government's policies and the value of Tanaka's services. The article also explains how Taiwan is combating fake news and how difficult it is to do so. The Taiwanese government encourages the development of local businesses and aims to promote digital transformation through various initiatives.


Nancy Thermal Baths Reborn

Duration: 0:05:22

The city of Nancy, located in the northeast of France, is not only a historic and culturally rich city but also a modern city with unique architectural styles, such as the works of the famous architect Emile André. One of its many historic landmarks, Les Bains de Nancy, a thermal spa, has been renovated and reopened this spring after being closed for many years. The renovation project was led by the French architect Lanternier. Since its initial conception, the thermal spa has had its ups and downs, experiencing setbacks such as the First World War and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, the reopening of Les Bains de Nancy has brought great opportunities to the city, including job creation and increased tourism, as well as providing potential health benefits through the therapeutic qualities of the spa's water.


New visit to the old streets of Rouen city center for a walk along the Seine

Duration: 0:05:07

The program is about traveling to the city center of Seine Valley, specifically to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral which is the tallest Gothic building in Europe. The trip starts from the old market in the city center where one can go to the Piston Square on the right and then walk left through the square towards the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. After crossing a street and turning left, one can continue walking to the beautiful and magnificent Palace of Justice, which looks like a big cathedral. From there, one can take a stroll along the Seine River on the right side and pass by several bridges and streets until reaching the historic Franci Street. The travel ends by recommending two restaurants located in the old city center and mentioning that the city is the first and only French city to join UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in the gastronomy field in November 2021.


Language: Chinese
Topics: FranceTraveling
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