While the world focuses on the Amazon fires, satellite images reveal numerous fires across African countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia, and Mozambique. Despite the higher number of fires in Africa, experts argue that ecological damage is not necessarily greater, as many fires are part of traditional agricultural practices and occur in savannas rather than rainforests. The article discusses the different contexts and impacts of fires in various African countries, highlighting the need for controlled burning and the potential problems of uncontrolled fires, such as biodiversity loss and health impacts from pollution. It also contrasts the fires in Africa with those in the Amazon, noting that African fires are part of a natural cycle and are relatively climate-neutral compared to the Amazon.

The debate around Spanish opera star Plácido Domingo continues amidst #MeToo allegations by eight singers and a dancer accusing him of sexual misconduct. While he received standing ovations in Salzburg and Szeged, U.S. institutions like the San Francisco Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra cancelled performances with him. Euronews interviewed two opera singers who have worked with Domingo and prefer to remain anonymous. One described him as a womanizer but not bothersome, while the other praised him as a gentleman. A third, an aspiring singer, discussed the power dynamics and challenges in the opera industry. The article highlights the transatlantic divide in responses to the #MeToo movement and the potential impact of these discussions on the future of the opera world.

A study from the University of Heidelberg suggests that mothers with less support from their partners are at higher risk of depression. The study, published in 'Plos One', indicates that while children increase overall well-being, this effect is more pronounced once they have moved out. Traditional gender roles in parenting still prevail, leading to less satisfaction among parents compared to childless couples. Alexandra Zykunov, editor at Brigitte magazine, shares her personal experience of equally sharing parenting duties with her husband, challenging traditional roles. Klaus Preisner from the University of Zurich confirms the dominance of traditional models but notes a visible change among younger generations. The article discusses the importance of shared parenting, financial independence for women, and the impact of traditional roles on teenagers' expectations.

Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate activist, has become a figure of both admiration and criticism since she began her school strike for climate a year ago. Her movement, Fridays for Future, has gained international attention and sparked global participation. Despite facing mockery and hostility, particularly regarding her carbon-neutral sailing trip to New York, Thunberg's efforts have been supported by various experts and organizations. The article discusses the impact of her activism, the challenges of achieving carbon-neutral travel, and the broader implications for climate change awareness and action.

Germany is debating a potential increase in meat tax to improve livestock conditions. The idea, originating from the Deutscher Tierschutzbund, aims to address the issue of cheap meat and poor animal welfare. Politicians from SPD and Grünen support raising VAT on meat from 7% to 19%, while CDU, CSU, Linke, FDP, and AfD oppose it. Critics fear the tax revenue may not be used for animal welfare as intended. The German Farmers' Association and Bund Ökologische Lebensmittelwirtschaft criticize the tax for different reasons, including the potential to increase consumption of cheap meat and widen the price gap between organic and non-organic products. The debate continues with varied opinions from politicians, organizations, and consumers.

Transgender individuals in many European countries, including Germany, are required to undergo medical examinations and present psychological assessments to officially change their gender entry, a process criticized as degrading by Tessa Ganserer, Germany's first openly transgender legislator. The 1981 Transsexual Act is considered outdated and demeaning by advocates who argue it fails to recognize transgender people as full and competent citizens. The article discusses the challenges and costs associated with the legal process of gender change, the varying approaches in the UK and Greece, and the experiences of individuals who have undergone the process. It also touches on the WHO's reclassification of transgender identity and the skepticism regarding the impact of this change.

Germany's first openly transgender politician, Tessa Ganserer, has criticized the country's Transsexuellengesetz as degrading and called for its abolition. In Europe, 33 countries require a mental health diagnosis for official record changes, with varying procedures across nations. The UK requires a Gender Recognition Certificate, while Greece allows changes with court approval. The process can be costly, as experienced by Lukas in Germany. The WHO reclassified transgender health issues, removing them from the list of mental illnesses, which has been positively received by the transgender community.

The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig ruled that GDR refugees can be compensated for psychological trauma caused by the GDR's border security measures, which were deemed unlawful. Dieter Dombrowski, chairman of the Union of Victims' Associations of Communist Tyranny, hailed the decision as groundbreaking. A 56-year-old man who fled to West Berlin in 1988 and still suffers from the effects of his escape initiated the case. The ruling allows affected individuals to apply for benefits such as treatment costs. Dombrowski criticized the need for court decisions for refugees to receive compensation and highlighted the lack of sensitivity and unwillingness to fulfill legitimate claims, especially as the 30th anniversary of German reunification approaches.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's recent public trembling episodes have sparked a debate on whether the media should focus on her health. While Merkel insists she is fine, the media frenzy includes zoomed-in, slow-motion videos, raising ethical concerns. Experts like Moritz Tschermak from BILDblog and Professor Marlis Prinzing discuss the media's mercilessness and the balance between public interest and privacy. Media outlets even approached professional lip reader Julia Probst, who refused to interpret Merkel's words during her trembling, criticizing the media's invasion of privacy. The discussion extends to the role of media in reporting on politicians' health, with references to past leaders who concealed illnesses. The article questions the extent to which a public figure's health is a matter of public interest versus a private matter, and the ethical responsibilities of the press.

A Swiss district court has mandated a crowing schedule for a rooster after neighbors complained about the noise. The rooster is permitted to crow from 8 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 10 pm on Sundays. It must be kept in a darkened, soundproofed area during other times. Neighbors provided evidence of the noise, but the court found it insufficient. The court also granted a building permit for the henhouse that had been constructed without one. Neighbors retain the right to take further action if the soundproofing is inadequate. A similar case is pending in Rochefort, France.

German Sea-Watch captain Carola Rackete has been released from house arrest by an investigating judge in Agrigento, Sicily. Despite this, Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini insists on expelling her for endangering national security. Rackete had entered an Italian port without permission, carrying 40 migrants aboard the Sea-Watch 3 vessel. Stefan Schmidt, former captain and the one who named the ship, relates to Rackete's situation, recalling his own experience in 2004 with the Cap Anamur, which carried 37 Sudanese refugees. Schmidt criticizes the Italian authorities' response and expresses hope that cities declaring themselves open ports will influence politics. Solidarity and demonstrations support Rackete, with over a million euros raised for Sea-Watch. Schmidt calls for more than solidarity from the German state and hopes the attention on Sea-Watch will impact policy. He differentiates between smugglers and rescue operations, emphasizing the legality of the latter. Schmidt, now an honorary refugee commissioner in Schleswig-Holstein, stands behind Rackete's actions and invites Sea-Watch to a celebration upon their return to Germany.

Botswana has decriminalized homosexuality, overturning a colonial-era law that punished same-sex relations with up to seven years in prison. Caine Youngman, Advocacy Manager at LEGABIBO, an organization for the LGBTQ community in Botswana, discusses the impact of this change. Despite the legal victory, he acknowledges that homophobia remains entrenched in many minds and emphasizes the need for continued education and advocacy. LEGABIBO plans to intensify its efforts to inform communities about the legal change and support LGBTQ individuals. The organization operates through local representatives trained in LGBTQ rights and health education. Caine, who identifies as a gay man, shares his personal experience of acceptance within his family and his relationship with his partner Felix, who is currently in Germany.

Kim Eisenmann and her partner Sven Häuser have developed a bracelet named 'Xantus' to detect knockout drops in drinks, aiming to make social events safer and reduce the number of victims. The bracelet changes color if the substance is detected. Despite the lack of comprehensive statistics, the issue of knockout drops is considered serious, with the substance GHB being colorless, tasteless, and capable of rendering victims unconscious. The bracelet has sold out quickly online and will soon be available in stores. While it has received positive feedback, there is also criticism that it shifts responsibility onto potential victims. The article also discusses the challenges of detecting and prosecuting cases involving knockout drops.

The German rescue ship Alan Kurdi, operated by Sea-Eye, has been stranded off Malta for a week, facing shortages of food and drinking water. The Maltese government has approved a supply trip, but conditions on the ship remain dire, with inadequate sanitary facilities for the 63 people on board. One woman has been evacuated for medical reasons. The ship, designed for 20 people, has taken on more due to the legal obligation to rescue individuals in distress at sea. Communication with coastguards, especially from Libya, has been limited, and there is concern that many boats in distress go unnoticed.

Dieter Kosslick, who has been the director of the Berlinale film festival for 18 years, is attending the event for the last time in this role. He is known for selecting films with a political note, often addressing topics avoided by other festivals. This year, the festival is noted for its high number of female-directed films in competition, which Jury President Juliette Binoche regards as a positive development. Kosslick compares his work to that of a mechanic, knowing which parts of the 'Berlinale' machine to adjust. He also maintains personal rituals to stay healthy during the festival.

Internet shutdowns are increasingly used by African governments as a tool against political activism, with recent shutdowns in Zimbabwe, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. These shutdowns often occur during elections or protests, allegedly to protect the population. Organizations like Access Now and the World Wide Web Foundation condemn these actions as violations of human rights. Citizens have been using VPNs to bypass shutdowns, but the impact on daily life, businesses, and the economy is significant. The article highlights the experiences of individuals in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the introduction of a social media tax in Uganda.

The Democratic Republic of Congo conducted elections, with results expected next week, potentially marking the first democratic transfer of power in five decades. Over a million voters were excluded due to an Ebola outbreak and security concerns, leading to protests and opposition-organized symbolic voting. Despite long queues, malfunctioning voting machines, and some violence, the elections proceeded with hopes for a peaceful transition. Three main candidates are highlighted: Emmanuel Shadary, backed by outgoing President Joseph Kabila and sanctioned by the EU; Martin Fayulu, a former oil manager; and Félix Tshisekedi, who prioritizes fighting poverty. The elections, delayed since 2016, were marred by logistical issues and Kabila's reluctance to step down. The EU extended sanctions due to repeated delays, and the DR Congo expelled the EU ambassador. The country's wealth in natural resources fuels ongoing conflict and poverty.

Uganda has implemented a tax on social media platforms, which President Yoweri Museveni believes will curb gossip and lies, but many citizens see it as too expensive and an infringement on free speech. The tax, which amounts to about four Euro cents per day, is unaffordable for many, including a kiosk owner named Ritah. Citizens like Jey, an entrepreneur, and Esther, a project manager, refuse to pay the tax as a form of protest, believing it's an attempt to restrict freedoms rather than a financial measure. Uganda's press and freedom of speech have been limited for years, and this tax is seen as a move towards online censorship, drawing comparisons to China or North Korea.