Norway is on the brink of becoming the first nation to start deep-sea mining, with its parliament considering opening a section of the Arctic Sea for exploration. The deep sea is rich in minerals like cobalt, essential for the green transition to renewable energy technologies. However, environmentalists and scientists warn of the unknown and potentially catastrophic impacts of such activities on deep-sea ecosystems, which could include pollution and the destruction of habitats. Despite these concerns, some companies and the International Seabed Authority are moving forward with exploration licenses. Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and BMW have pledged not to use deep-sea minerals until environmental safety is assured. Over 20 countries support a moratorium or ban on deep-sea mining due to environmental concerns.

The article describes a scene in Hong Kong where a woman is paying tribute at a makeshift memorial for a deceased protester. The protester was against a proposed extradition bill, which would have permitted the transfer of suspected criminals to mainland China. The memorial features light boxes with messages mourning the loss of the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle and the 'rule of law' in Hong Kong.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Hong Kong in reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, schools were closed due to the outbreak but reopened in late May when the situation seemed under control. Strict sanitary protocols were implemented, and schools received government support and guidelines. Despite no reported cases of infection in schools, a third wave of infections led to the early closure of the school year. The article highlights the city's preparedness due to the experience with the SARS outbreak in 2003, which led to a culture of mask-wearing and hygiene. The government is re-evaluating its COVID-19 strategy, and while the recent school closures are a setback, there have been no outbreaks in schools, partly attributed to the legacy of SARS.

The article discusses the closure of Apple Daily, a newspaper known for its support of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and its critical stance against authoritarianism. The author reflects on the paper's controversial history, including its sensationalist journalism and libel suits, but also its role in investigating corruption and social issues. The shutdown of Apple Daily is seen as a symbol of the erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong. The article also covers the recent arrests of pro-democracy activists, including former law professor Benny Tai, and the government's moves that suggest a shift towards a police state. The author emphasizes the importance of the rule of law and justice in society, and the challenges of maintaining democracy, citing the global rise of populist leaders as a concern.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Hong Kong in reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, schools were closed due to the outbreak but reopened in late May when the situation seemed under control. Hong Kong had implemented strict sanitary protocols in schools, drawing on lessons from the 2003 SARS outbreak. Despite these measures, a third wave of infections led to the early closure of schools again. The Education Bureau's Secretary, Kevin Yeung, acknowledged the absence of school-related infections but cited the recent spike in cases as the reason for the closure. The article highlights the city's preparedness and the various innovative methods schools used to ensure safety and social distancing. It also emphasizes the cultural acceptance of mask-wearing in Hong Kong, stemming from the SARS experience. The article concludes with the uncertainty of the situation as the government re-evaluates its COVID-19 strategy.

The article paints a vivid picture of Hong Kong's deep connection with the sea, from its history as a small fishing settlement to its current status as a bustling metropolis with a strong maritime culture. It highlights the importance of the ocean to the city's identity, economy, and recreation, mentioning traditional practices like the Tin Hau Festival and modern sports such as dragon boating and windsurfing. The piece also addresses environmental concerns, noting the threats to marine life from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. It emphasizes the need for conservation efforts, such as reducing plastic use and choosing sustainable seafood, to preserve the ocean and, by extension, Hong Kong's unique heritage and way of life.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Hong Kong in reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, schools were closed due to the outbreak but reopened in late May when the situation seemed under control. Hong Kong's previous experience with SARS in 2003 helped in early adoption of safety measures such as mask-wearing and temperature checks. Despite no cases being reported in schools, a third wave of infections led to the early closure of the school year. The article highlights the extensive safety protocols implemented in schools, the government's support with funding for safety measures, and the adaptability of educators and students to the new normal. It also emphasizes the uncertainty of the pandemic and the balance between normalcy and safety.

Norway is on the brink of becoming the first country to engage in deep-sea mining, with its parliament set to decide on whether to allow exploration in a section of the Arctic Sea. This initiative is driven by the demand for minerals like cobalt, which are essential for the production of batteries for electric vehicles and solar panels, and are abundant in the deep sea. The process involves mining at depths of up to 21,000 feet, where hydrothermal vents release mineral-rich water. However, the prospect of deep-sea mining has raised concerns among scientists and environmentalists, who warn of the potential risks and unknowns associated with opening up a new frontier of mineral extraction in the ocean.

Norway is on the brink of becoming the first country to start deep-sea mining, with its parliament set to decide on opening a section of the Arctic Sea for exploration. The deep sea is rich in minerals like cobalt, essential for the green transition to renewable energy technologies. However, scientists and environmentalists are concerned about the potential environmental damage that mining could cause, such as pollution and harm to ecosystems. They argue that the deep ocean is largely unexplored and its ecosystems poorly understood, making it difficult to predict the impacts of commercial mining. Despite these concerns, some countries and companies are interested in the economic potential of deep-sea mining. More than 20 countries support a moratorium or ban on the practice, and companies like Microsoft, Google, and BMW have pledged not to use deep-sea minerals until environmental protection can be assured. The International Seabed Authority has granted exploration licenses in international waters but has yet to decide on actual mining operations.

Norway is on the brink of becoming the first nation to start deep-sea mining, with its parliament set to decide on opening a section of the Arctic Sea for exploration. The deep sea is rich in minerals like cobalt, essential for the green transition to renewable energy technologies. However, scientists and environmentalists are concerned about the potential environmental damage, including pollution and harm to ecosystems, which could result from mining activities. The deep ocean's ecology is not fully understood, raising fears of irreversible impacts. Despite these concerns, the International Seabed Authority has granted exploration licenses, and countries like Norway are considering moving forward with mining in their territorial waters. Major companies have pledged not to use deep-sea minerals until environmental safety is assured, and over 20 countries support a moratorium or ban on deep-sea mining.