Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: deVere Group

January 23 2026 – With US national debt now hitting almost $39 trillion, Trump needs to focus on the potential fallout of the world's largest economy's debt triggering a global financial crisis, warns the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

Nigel Green of deVere Group's comments come as fresh Treasury data show US government liabilities surging past $38.4 trillion in early January, rising by more than $2.2 trillion in the past year alone and on track to breach $39 trillion within months.

The US has added more than $10 trillion to its debt in just five years, underscoring the accelerating pace of borrowing.

He says: “This month alone, Trump and his administration have been focused on Venezuela, legal action against the Chair of the Federal Reserve, acquiring Greenland, tariffs on European allies, and now suing the CEO of JPMorgan Chase.

“Behind the scenes, the US national debt continues to soar at a pace that should dominate the economic agenda.”

The deVere CEO warns that the scale and speed of borrowing now represent a systemic global risk rather than a domestic political talking point.

He says: “Debt accumulation has become routine in Washington, but markets will not treat it as routine forever.

“The US is borrowing trillions every year while interest costs alone are approaching levels that exceed defence and Medicare spending.

“This is a structural vulnerability that investors, policymakers, and global partners cannot, and should not, ignore.”

US fiscal data show the federal government ran a roughly $1.8 trillion budget deficit in fiscal 2025, with interest payments nearing or surpassing $1 trillion for the first time in history. Net interest costs have almost tripled over the past five years, driven by higher interest rates and the expanding stock of debt.

Nigel Green says: “Interest is now one of the largest items in the federal budget. Paying creditors is consuming resources that could otherwise fund productivity, innovation, or tax relief.

“This is the classic debt spiral dynamic that every emerging market fears, yet it's now visible in the world's largest economy.”

He adds that the US enjoys unparalleled financial privilege because the dollar is the global reserve currency, but that privilege should not be mistaken for immunity.

“Global investors buy Treasuries because they trust the US system. If that trust weakens, yields will rise, the dollar could become more volatile, and global borrowing costs will climb. Every mortgage holder, corporate borrower, and emerging market government would feel the shock.”

He argues that the US debt trajectory has direct implications for inflation, monetary policy, and global asset markets.

 “When debt becomes politically untouchable, governments lean on central banks to keep rates lower and inflate away liabilities.

“This erodes purchasing power and distorts capital allocation. Investors should understand that high debt changes the entire macro regime.”

The deVere chief executive stresses that debt is rising at a time when the US faces mounting demographic and geopolitical pressures. Social Security and healthcare spending are increasing as the population ages, while defence outlays and industrial policy ambitions continue to expand.

He continues: “The fiscal reality is brutal. Mandatory spending is rising automatically, discretionary spending is politically sensitive, and tax revenues are insufficient to close the gap.

“Without credible reform, borrowing remains the default option.”

He cautions that markets are often complacent, until they are not.

Nigel Green says: “Debt crises rarely announce themselves years in advance. They emerge when confidence shifts, when buyers demand higher compensation, or when political dysfunction undermines fiscal credibility.

“US debt is the backbone of global reserves, banking collateral, and risk pricing. If that backbone weakens, the consequences will cascade through equities, currencies, commodities, and credit markets worldwide.”

Despite the risks, the deVere CEO emphasizes that the situation is not yet a crisis but a slow-moving macro event that demands leadership.

He says: “The US still has time to stabilize its fiscal path. It requires confronting spending growth, tax policy, entitlement reform, and the cost of servicing debt.

“Ignoring the issue while pursuing headline-grabbing geopolitical projects or pet peeves is a strategic error.”

He concludes: “Debt at this scale reshapes geopolitics and financial markets. The US has a responsibility not just to its citizens but to the global system that depends on its stability.

“The longer Washington postpones serious fiscal reform, the higher the eventual cost for everyone.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Source: AMES

A large majority of migrants and refugees new to Australia plan to become citizens and believe it is important to celebrate Australia Day, according to a new survey.

Most newcomers plan to mark the day in some way and that Australia Day events make them feel more welcome in their new country, the survey found.

There is also growing awareness among migrants and refugees about the debate over the date of Australia Day and claims by Indigenous groups that it represents an invasion, based on surveys conducted in previous years.

However, most don’t know the significance of the January 26 date and are unaware of sensitivities over the day among some Indigenous Australians.

The survey of 120 new migrants and refugees, commissioned by refugee and migrant settlement agency AMES Australia, also found an appetite for more information about Australia’s history among recent arrivals.

The survey asked: ‘Is a national day such as Australia Day important for the nation?’ Seventy-nine per cent of respondents said ‘yes’ while just 10 per cent said ‘no’.

Almost 75 per cent said they planned to mark or celebrate the day in some way while 17 per cent said they had no plans.

Only 40 per cent of those surveyed knew the significance on January 26 – the day the First Fleet arrived in Port Jackson – while almost 60 per cent did not.

An overwhelming 87 per cent of respondents said they planned to become Australian citizens while 13 per cent said they had no plans to become citizens or were not sure.

Forty-two per cent of those surveyed were aware of the controversy over Australia Day prompted by some Indigenous groups calling it ‘invasion day’ – up from just 37 per cent in 2024.

Respondents who were aware of the controversy were split evenly over the issue of changing the date with 40 per cent supporting a change and 30 per cent opting for the status quo. Another 30 per cent did not have a view.

Most respondents (78 per cent) said Australia Day would mean more to them it they were citizens while 22 per cent said it would make no difference. The affirmative vote was up from 61 per cent in 2024.

Seventy-five per cent of respondents said they knew, or planned to learn more, about Australia’s history and the reasons Australia Day is celebrated.

The survey found Australia Day events and the tone of publicity around the day helped new arrivals feel welcome.

Three quarters said the day helped them to feel more welcome while 17 per cent said it made no difference and 7 per cent said it made them feel less welcome.

Almost three-quarters (78 per cent) said Australians should be proud of Australia Day, up from 55 per cent in 2024.

But 90 per cent said that, relative to other issues in their lives, the date of Australia day was not important to them.

AMES Australia CEO Melinda Collinson said the survey results showed that migrants and refugees were overwhelmingly committed to becoming Australians and contributing to the nation.

“It’s our experience that almost without exception people who are newly arrived to Australia want to fit in and become part of the broader society,” Ms Colinson said.

“They want to learn about Australia’s culture and history, and they want to build connections,” she said.

Jalal Ahmadzai, an Afghan refugee who recently became an Australian citizen, said becoming a citizen was a way of showing commitment to his adopted country.

“My life now revolves around this country, so I wanted to show that I am committed,” Jalal said.

“As I citizen, I get to vote and have a say in the way the country is run – which is important to me,” he said.

Jalal said he planned to celebrate the day with a small gathering of family and friends.

“Celebrating Australia Day makes you stop and think about all of the advantages we have in this country,” he said.

“And it is a chance to reflect on the journey my family has been on and to express gratitude for the opportunities we now have,” Jalal said.

Source: deVere Group

January 22 2026 – Investors should be watching the so-called TACO pattern as policy volatility under President Donald Trump seems to be becoming a recurring market signal with real consequences, asserts the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

The comments from Nigel Green of deVere Group come as equities rebound after US President Donald Trump signals a “framework” agreement involving Greenland and withdraws threats of escalating tariffs on European allies, reversing a sharp sell-off earlier in the week triggered by renewed trade-war fears.

Markets had priced in the risk of higher levies on several European countries, pushing stocks lower and lifting volatility, before sentiment turned when Trump pivoted toward negotiation and cooperation on defence and strategic resources.

TACO trade is market shorthand for a recurring behavioural pattern linked to policy messaging by US President Donald Trump.

The acronym stands for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” Traders use it to describe a cycle in which aggressive tariff threats or policy escalations trigger market sell-offs, followed by policy softening, delays, or negotiations that lead to market rallies.

“Investors should be watching this closely. The TACO trade lacks the precision of a proper model, yet the repetition looks too consistent to ignore,” says Nigel Green.

“Markets are built on pattern recognition. Traders, asset managers, and risk teams search for recurring behavior because behavior shapes positioning.

“Tariff threats push equities lower, volatility rises, and defensive assets attract flows. Policy then softens, negotiations emerge, and markets rally. Observing that rhythm influences decision-making even without a formal framework.

“Market participants should treat this as behavioral finance in action rather than a guaranteed strategy. Patterns can persist, then fail, so discipline matters.

“Recent events around Greenland illustrate how quickly sentiment can flip. A tariff threat triggers risk aversion across Europe and the US, then a policy reversal drives a relief rally.

“Fundamentals don't change in a couple of days, narrative changes in a week.”

He continues: “There also might be a timing pattern.

“Tariff threats often appear late on a Friday when markets are closed, rhetoric intensifies over the weekend, markets open lower on Monday, and policy tone often shifts toward compromise around midweek, frequently on Wednesday, with equities rebounding.

“Investors should avoid conspiracy thinking, but they should watch patterns, and this rhythm seems to keep repeating.”

Markets price narrative as well as earnings, productivity, and capital investment. Policy communication now acts as a volatility driver in its own right.

When equities fall and volatility spikes, the political cost rises. Policymakers receive that signal instantly, and messaging shifts. Investors watch the feedback loop because it affects asset prices.

“Pattern recognition doesn't imply orchestration. Traders exploit recurring behaviour without assuming intent. The pattern exists because incentives exist,” notes the deVere CEO.

Resource access, defence infrastructure, and AI and tech supply chains amplify policy sensitivity. Greenland highlights strategic competition for minerals and Arctic positioning. Headlines linked to strategic assets carry immediate market implications.

Investors should separate tactical trading from strategic asset allocation. Short-term dislocations can offer opportunities, while long-term returns depend on cash flows, productivity, and capital discipline.

Policy-driven volatility can create attractive entry points, yet building portfolios around a single behavioral trade introduces concentration risk.

Patterns persist until they break. Investors should avoid assuming the next policy reversal arrives on schedule or in the same form.

“Risk management matters more in an environment where rhetoric moves markets within hours. Liquidity, diversification, and scenario analysis deserve priority.”

Tariff scenarios, currency swings, and geopolitical shocks require stress-testing because the policy cycle can shift without warning.

“I believe that investors will be increasingly watching the TACO trade as a possible signal about policy volatility and market psychology,” he concludes.

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Source: deVere Group

January 21 2026 – No US military force is now expected over Greenland, but tariffs are rapidly emerging as President Donald Trump's weapon of choice to pursue the territory, warns the CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.

The stark warning from Nigel Green follows President Donald Trump's address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which sparked a relief rally across markets even as it seemed to reinforce a far more persistent economic risk.

Shortly after the opening bell on Wall Street, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both rose around 0.3%, and the Nasdaq also made modest gains. Treasury yields fell as prices rose, while the dollar pared losses.

“Markets rallied because the immediate fear of military escalation seems to have eased,” says the deVere chief executive.

“But the speech in Davos was not conciliatory, it was highly aggressive. Trump repeatedly praised tariffs, defended their effectiveness, and presented them as a proven way to achieve national objectives.

“Investors should focus on what he consistently endorsed, not simply on what he ruled out.”

Throughout the speech, Trump highlighted tariffs' roles in protecting US interests, securing leverage, and compelling outcomes, making clear that he views trade pressure as both legitimate and effective.

“He repeatedly hailed tariffs as a successful tool and doubled down on their power to deliver results. This could be seen as a warning shot to those countries he has already name-checked over the Greenland issue.”

Trump has already stated publicly that his pursuit of Greenland remains non-negotiable. With military force excluded, Nigel Green argues that the repeated emphasis on tariffs throughout the Davos address points to a clear strategic direction.

“When the president removes force from the equation and spends an entire speech championing tariffs, the implication is obvious,” he notes.

“Tariffs align with his worldview, his language, and his record.”

Markets, however, appear to be interpreting the absence of force as a broader de-escalation signal. The deVere CEO believes that reading is misplaced.

“Trade pressure is slower and less dramatic, but it could potentially be far more corrosive,” he says. “Tariffs feed into inflation, squeeze margins, disrupt supply chains, and weigh on growth. They reshape the investment environment over years.”

Europe remains particularly exposed. The European Union exports more than €500bn of goods to the US each year, leaving major sectors vulnerable even to targeted measures.

“Autos, industrials, luxury goods, and cross-border manufacturing networks, among others, would all be affected.”

Currency markets are also at risk of renewed volatility. Trade friction often supports the dollar in the short term while pressuring export-driven currencies and emerging markets, raising hedging costs and complicating capital allocation.

“Tariffs create rolling uncertainty in foreign exchange markets,” says Nigel Green. “This uncertainty does not disappear because equities bounce for a session or two.”

He stresses again that investors are underestimating the significance of the Davos message.

“Trump's conviction was unmistakable,” he says. “He repeatedly underscored tariffs as a tool that works. Markets should assume that belief translates into action over Greenland.”

Green concludes that the current rally risks obscuring a deeper recalibration ahead.

“Removing military risk does not remove economic risk,” he says.

“It seems that tariffs remain the central lever in Trump's strategy, and investors ignore that at their own peril.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Source: Christian Solidarity International (CSI)

Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London reflects on the Church's heritage of martyrdom and the Christian call to advocacy for the oppressed.

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) released today a new essay by His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom, as part of its ongoing essay series, “Persecution and the unity of believers.”

The essay series, initiated by CSI's President Dr. John Eibner, brings together reflections from Christian leaders across traditions on the urgent reality of anti-Christian persecution and the need for Christian unity in response.

Previous contributions include an introductory essay by Dr. Eibner; the series' inaugural essay by Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; and a response by Dr. Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury.

In his essay, “The Heritage of Persecution and Theology of Advocacy,” Archbishop Angaelos draws on the Coptic Orthodox Church's centuries-long experience of persecution to reflect on both the spiritual significance of martyrdom and the Christian obligation to speak out for religious freedom for all.

The Archbishop traces the Coptic Church's heritage of martyrdom from its founder, Saint Mark the Evangelist, who was killed in 68 AD, through the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, when nearly one million Christians were martyred in Egypt. He notes that this sacrifice is so central to Coptic identity that the Church's calendar begins from 284 AD, the year of Diocletian's ascent, calling it the “Year of the Martyrs.”

Archbishop Angaelos gives particular attention to the 21 Christians who were beheaded by ISIS in Libya in February 2015. Their killers labeled them “The People of the Cross,” intending it as an insult, but Archbishop Angaelos writes that this phrase “has now come to further the cause for unity between Christians of all denominations, and indeed led to the outpouring of love and solidarity from people of all faiths and none.”

Importantly, the Archbishop emphasizes that honoring the martyrs and their heritage does not imply remaining silent when people are suffering today. “As I have reiterated time and time again, we can choose to accept suffering for ourselves, but we must never accept that it be borne by others,” he writes. “Our responsibility as Christians, following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, is to advocate for all.”

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos has served as the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London since 2017 and is a prominent voice on religious freedom and human rights. He has addressed the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the British Parliament on issues of persecution and interfaith dialogue.

The essay series will continue with a contribution from Professor Yusuf Turaki, a renowned Nigerian theologian who has documented the systematic persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria.

The full text of Archbishop Angaelos' essay is available now on the CSI international website. (ref. https://www.csi-int.org/app/uploads/sites/13/2026/01/Angaelos-Essay_.pdf )

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) is a Christian human rights organization promoting religious liberty and human dignity.

Source: GBPO Solutions

Following the release of new research, a leading industry expert has called on BPO providers to be more transparent to help potential customers understand the complexity of the sector.  

David Neale, founder of accreditation specialist GBPO Solutions, raised concerns after latest industry research showed that 75% of those looking for an outsourcing partner are failing to buy into BPO sales teams.  

The findings, released by industry analysts Ryan Strategic Advisory, also highlight that 94% of companies are more likely to choose an accredited BPO provider. And 84% are keen to use industry specialists to help them navigate the complexity of a partnership choice if they knew commission wasn't being received from the BPO.

David Neale from GBPO Solutions said: “This latest research undertaken across five key markets, including the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia shows some staggering results, and that across several areas, the BPO industry needs to think differently when it comes to client attraction.  

“It’s a shock to the market that two thirds of businesses simply aren’t trusting target-driven BPO sales teams or commission focused brokers and that’s a big red flag however you look at it. It’s clear that over-zealous practices are creating mistrust which is hampering the industry’s reputation.  

“What businesses are saying is loud and clear – they crave authentic BPO partnerships with companies who are accredited and they can therefore trust the BPO's credentials across important areas including policies, processes, people and technology. It’s a big decision for businesses to outsource so it’s vital that they have full confidence in their partner.  

“The research clearly shows that trust and transparency are far more important than experience and price. The sector must not forget that clients are risking their brand, reputation, performance and customers – price is secondary to their most valuable assets.  

“Overall, this latest research should be the moment that many BPOs hit the reset button. It’s a wake up call and the market clearly wants to partner differently with BPOs, and ones who are independently assessed.

“The great news is that as the demand for accredited BPOs grows, increasingly BPOs are waking up to the industry change and becoming accredited with a healthy variety of choices for clients in different countries and capabilities. South African is leading the way boasting the largest number of Accredited members last year.”

Source: Solomon Islands Government

The inaugural Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) Day 2025, was successfully held from December 22 to 28 in Ringgi on Kolombanga Island.

Guided by the 2025 constituency theme, “One Constituency, One Future: Showcasing Culture, Talents, and Development in Unity,” this week-long celebration marked a first of its kind for the constituency.

The occasion facilitates an environment for talent showcasing, cultural exchanges and social relationships to be fostered among the various ethnic groups and communities of the Constituency.

The event highlighted the collective spirit, resilience, and shared aspirations of these communities, emphasizing that despite of unique and diverse cultures good community spirits and progress are rooted in unity, cultural understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity.

Furthermore, the success of this program clearly showcased what can be achieved when unity, inclusive development, cultural pride, youth empowerment, and purposeful leadership come together under a common vision.

“This was not merely a celebration — it was a living demonstration of people-centred development in action,” said the Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara and the Honourable Minister for Police, Jimson Tanangada.

He emphasized that the program was purposely designed as a practical platform for service delivery, economic empowerment, youth and sports development, cultural promotion, and long-term community transformation across Gizo and Kolombangara.

The historic event featured five key activities:

Opening of office infrastructures
Showcasing culture and talents
Delivering flagship projects
Mini expo including private sector and service providers
Sports

Dubbed a remarkable celebration and achievement for GKC, the week-long program commenced on Monday, December 22, 2025, with the official opening of the GKC office branch at Ringgi Station on Kolombangara Island.

“The establishment of a permanent constituency office in a rural station is a significant step toward strengthening administration and governance and bringing services closer to the people. This office provides access to information on constituency development priorities, promotes transparency in the use of Constituency Development Funds (CDF), and guides individuals, groups, and communities on how to access development support.

“It also reflects our firm commitment to inclusive, accountable, and people-centred leadership,” Honourable Tanangada emphasized.

The following day, Tuesday, December 23, GKC formally opened its second office in Gizo, on Gizo Island, marked by the delivery of the first phase of its flagship constituency development projects that directly support livelihoods, food security, housing, and community resilience.

The flagship projects delivered to beneficiaries were funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) under the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) $1.5 million and GKC’s 2025 CDF funding allocation of $1.2 million. The projects include:

15 fishing boats with outboard motors under its fisheries development program
50 chainsaws to support agriculture and farming activities
180 Pcs of roofing iron for copra and cocoa driers and shed
Over 100 wheelbarrows, 100 bush knives, 100 spades, 50 tents and assorted garden tools
20,000 poly bags for farmers,
2400 Roofing irons for 100 rural homes
200 rural solar lights, prioritizing the elderly and vulnerable

“These initiatives demonstrate GKC’s commitment to empowering rural households, strengthening local economies, and responding to real community needs with practical solutions,” Hon. Tanangada stated.

On Wednesday, December 24, GKC Day provided a dedicated space for young people to showcase their talents and cultural identity.

“The participation of local GKC artists highlighted the constituency’s growing creative arts sector and its potential contribution to tourism and economic development.
Performances by Ismuki, Boxman, Jungle Juice, Easy Rush, and other emerging artists powerfully demonstrated that our youth possess the talent and confidence to present unique Gizo/Kolombangara music at national and international levels. Culture and creativity remain vital tools for unity, identity, and opportunity.”

From Monday, December 22, to Friday, December 26, the GKC Office also hosted a Mini Trade Show, bringing together private sector partners such as Telekom and Adventist Christian Books Market, among others.

“This initiative strengthened partnerships between communities and service providers, promoted financial literacy and digital access, supported small-scale enterprise opportunities, and reaffirmed the importance of private sector participation in constituency development.”

On Sunday, December 28, GKC Day concluded with the grand soccer final between Gizo Town and Central Kolombangara, uniting communities in sportsmanship, celebration, and friendly competition.

The GKC Games were never intended to focus solely on competition or prize money. Rather, they form part of a long-term, sustainable sports development framework aimed at:

Developing rural sports facilities
Encouraging youth participation in sports as a career pathway
Promoting discipline, teamwork, and leadership
Improving physical and mental health
Supporting sports investment and facilitation

“GKC invested significantly in youth and sports development through prize money and full facilitation, with a total investment of $154,700. Additional costs fully covered by the GKC office include 24 full sets of uniforms for all participating teams across three sports — soccer, volleyball, and netball — as well as travel costs for teams and officials, food and catering for six days, accommodation for teams and officials, and allowances for officiating officials.

“Through these activities, GKC is proud to have injected over $300,000 back into the local economy—benefiting young players, catering groups, market vendors, farmers, transport operators, SMEs, and service providers,” Hon. Tanangada revealed.

He stated that the constituency office (GKC) will continue to work closely with the Western Football Association and other sporting bodies to strengthen long-term leagues and pathways for talented young athletes across Gizo and Kolombangara.

Meanwhile, Honourable Minister Tanangada expressed profound gratitude and acknowledgment to all stakeholders, the people of Gizo/Kolombangara, his constituency officers, Constituency Development Committee (CDC) members, Western Province Football Association, game officials, the local organizing committee, and everyone who contributed in one way or another to the success of the week-long program.

He also expressed deep appreciation to the PRC for its generous funding support through RSDP to support the GKC’s Fishery Development Program and other livelihoods initiatives.

“GKC Day 2025 has proven that when we work together in unity, vision can be transformed into action. Development is not delivered from afar — it is built together with our people, rooted in culture, powered by youth, strengthened by partnerships, and guided by accountable leadership,” Hon. Tanangada stated.

With lessons learned and momentum from GKC Day 2025, GKC looks forward to further strengthening partnerships in education, health, sports infrastructure, road development, and sustainable economic initiatives on Gizo/Kolombangara Island — ensuring that Gizo/Kolombangara truly moves forward as One Constituency, with One Future.

The week-long program was sponsored by the constituency office with funding support under its 2025 CDF allocation in accordance with Section 26 (d) of the CDF Act 2023.

The GKC Day is now an annual event and will be held at the end of each year.

Source: Flinders University
 
Whales, dolphins and other marine mammals are highly social, but those social ties can also help diseases spread through populations of rare or threatened species.
 
New research reveals why understanding these social networks is critical for predicting and managing disease outbreaks in oceans already under siege with pressures from climate change, pollution and human activities.
 
In a new global study, marine mammal experts from Flinders University and the US warn of the potential of pandemics in marine environments, with some species more vulnerable than others.
 
Flinders University Associate Professor Guido J Parra says infectious disease transmission in marine mammals is understudied, posing a risk for more than one-quarter of the species classified as threatened.
 
“Disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in marine vertebrates, along with fisheries interactions, pollution, habitat degradation and climate change,” says Associate Professor Parra from the Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at Flinders University.
 
“These stressors tend to weaken immune systems and make animals more vulnerable to infection.
 
“Like people, marine mammals have social networks, and diseases move through them. Understanding how these networks differ between species, and how some species interact with others, is essential for developing effective, targeted conservation strategies to manage disease risk.”
 
Caitlin Nicholls, PhD candidate with the CEBEL research group at Flinders’ College of Science and Engineering, says dolphins, whales and seals are highly social animals. Many live in groups, form long-term relationships with preferred companions, while others move between groups in fluid, ever-changing social networks.
 
“Unlike on land, scientists cannot easily observe every interaction, isolate sick individuals, or intervene early when disease begins to spread,” says Ms Nicholls, lead author in a new article in Mammal Review, which used historic research spanning decades to model different species behaviours to map social connections and patterns.
 
“One of the clearest findings was that highly connected individuals often play an outsized role in disease spread. These animals, sometimes called ‘super spreaders,’ interact with many others and can rapidly pass infections through a population.
 
“In dolphin communities, for example, animals with stronger or more frequent social ties are more likely to be associated with disease.
 
“And while bottlenose dolphins are among the most studied species – particularly in Australia and North America – many threatened species and other regions remain poorly studied, limiting our ability to assess and manage disease risk.”
 
Researchers say the findings have important implications for how we monitor and manage wildlife health.
 
Marine mammals are difficult, and often impossible, to treat once disease is widespread.
Modes of transmission include direct contact, airborne/respiratory, bites or wounds and sexual activity.  Viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal diseases include Papillomavirus, Poxvirus, Morbillivirus, Influenza, Herpesvirus, Caliciviruses, Lobomycosis, Brucellosis and Toxoplasmosis.
 
“Prevention, early detection and informed management will be critical, particularly for the most vulnerable populations before an outbreak makes animals sick,” adds Associate Professor Parra.
 
“Understanding social relationships can help identify which individuals or populations are most vulnerable before an outbreak occurs.
 
“In some cases, targeting monitoring efforts towards socially central animals could provide early warning signs of emerging disease. In others, protecting habitats that support stable social structures may help reduce transmission risk.
The new article, ‘Sociality of marine mammals and their vulnerability to the spread of infectious diseases: A systematic review’, (2026) by Caitlin R Nicholls, Mauricio Cantor (Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University), Luciana Möller and Guido J Parra has been published in Mammal Review DOI: 10.1111/mam.70020
https://doi.org/10.1111/mam.70020

Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program, Australian Wildlife Society, Donald Laidlaw AO Playford Trust and Oregon State University Marine Mammal Research Program.

Source: We Don't Have Time org

Davos, 19 January 2026 – At the start of the World Economic Forum (WEF) week, Climate Hub Davos 2026 officially opens its doors at Kulturplatz. Initiated by the Swiss non-profit organisation GreenUp, the Climate Hub is now taking place for the third consecutive year. It offers an open and accessible space dedicated to climate, nature and sustainability, beyond traditional conference formats and access barriers.

Over the past year, Climate Hub Davos has continued to develop as a place where dialogue leads to tangible cooperation across sectors for the benefit of nature. In 2025, GreenUp hosted 25 impact sessions co-created with 46 different partner organisations, across business, policy, academia, civil society and media. More than 2,000 participants took part during the week, and 12 new collaborations were initiated as a result of participating in the Hub.

Ten years after Paris: shaping the next decade

This year, GreenUp will host 30 interactive sessions co-created with 47 partner organisations on the themes of transformative finance, regenerative business models and impact leadership.

Ten years after the Paris Agreement, Climate Hub Davos 2026 deliberately shifts the focus from talking about change to making it happen. This year's programme asks a simple, practical question: what tools, partnerships, and stories are there and or need to be created to turn the next decade into real progress for climate and nature?

The programme is built around three powerful transformation drivers toward a regenerative future: transformative finance, regenerative business and impact leadership. Topics include climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, leadership and the role of innovation and artificial intelligence.

The official sessions start today at 12:00 PM. Across the week, the programme features a wide and diverse range of speakers from different disciplines, sectors, and parts of the world. This includes – as just a small selection – Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Co-Chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change and Co-Founder of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad; Tony Goldner, Chief Executive Officer of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD); Paul Stamets, mycologist and founder of Fungi Perfecti; and Valerie Keter, TikTok influencer, Content Creator and Commercial Filmmaker. Together, they reflect the breadth of perspectives represented throughout the week.

GreenShare: circular economy in practice

GreenUp also runs GreenShare, a circular sharing platform that connects organisers, partners and local stakeholders before and after WEF week. GreenShare extends product lifecycles and reduces waste at source. During Davos week 2025, around 2,500 items – from event materials and furnishings to equipment and everyday objects – were redistributed instead of being discarded. They were rehomed with more than 500 households and organisations in the local community, saving an estimated 15,000 kilograms of CO₂.

“Since 2022, more than 9,000 items have been saved from landfill and redistributed locally to schools, care homes and private individuals, avoiding over 40,000 kilograms of CO₂ emissions and significant material loss”, says Nicole Keller, Managing Director of GreenUp.

In 2026, GreenShare is also piloting systems to reduce single-use plastics, including access to local Davos water in reusable glass carafes. Circular economy will additionally be addressed on the stage of Climate Hub Davos in a dedicated session with the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN/BAFU), International Institute for Management Development (IMD) and Swiss Marketplaces Group (SMG), focusing on how circular solutions can be scaled in Switzerland and beyond. Journalists are invited to experience GreenShare in action, particularly on Saturday, January 24th.

Art in public space

With the interactive installation “Monkey Rock – Species Corner for Nature”, in collaboration with Climate Basecamp and Atelier Van Lieshout, Climate Hub Davos expands into the plaza. The 8 meter high installation invites passers-by to turn public space into a Speakers' Corner where anyone can step up on its stage and speak for nature. This experience is designed to engage the audience emotionally  with questions of responsibility and our collective future.

Free studio for sustainability reporting and storytelling

Throughout the week, journalists can use the GreenUp Media Box, an on-site interview studio located next to the Climate Hub, free of charge. The team supports interview coordination and provides image material, programme information and background briefings.

www.green-up.ch/climatehubdavos

About GreenUp
Founded in Switzerland in 2016, GreenUp is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering people and organisations to use resources wisely and strengthen the planet's capacity to regenerate. Through programmes, partnerships, and initiatives such as GoSimple, the Climate Hub Davos, and tailored corporate employee engagement, GreenUp makes sustainable and regenerative living tangible, actionable, and joyful.

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to emerging videos that appear to show the release and escape attempts of victims from scamming compounds across Cambodia, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer said:

“Footage appearing to show the mass release and escape attempts from scamming compounds of individuals who are possibly victims of human trafficking and torture raise concerns that thousands of people are now stranded in Cambodia without support and at risk of being re‑trafficked into other compounds.  

“The Cambodian government must provide support for these individuals and help bring all remaining victims inside scamming compounds to safety, as well as ensuring their access to justice and remedy. They must not be forcibly sent back to countries where they risk being persecuted, as has happened in the past.

“This latest dramatic development reflects the alarming scale of the problem of the scamming industry in Cambodiaand the failure of the government to properly investigate and hold those responsible to account.

“If the Cambodian government is serious about ending this slave-driven industry, it must now investigate all scamming compounds in the country. Where there is sufficient evidence, it must prosecute perpetrators and their accomplices – including landlords and companies who have contributed to the harms of scamming compounds. Testimonies from victims, if willing, should be used to prosecute the offenders in Cambodian courts.”

Background

Amnesty International has geolocated 15 videos and images, many provided by research group CyberScamMonitor, and reviewed social media posts that appear to show escape attempts and releases at least 10 scamming compounds across Cambodia within the last 36 hours. Seven of these sites were profiled in Amnesty International’s June 2025 report on scamming compounds where they were referenced as BA01, KA02, SI03, SI08, SI15, SI37 and SI38. (ref. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/06/cambodia-government-allows-slavery-torture-flourish-inside-scamming-compounds/ )

Videos show people leaving, or having already left, multiple sites Amnesty International has confirmed as scamming compounds or identified as suspected scamming compounds. In some of the videos, people appear to being beaten by security guards at the gates of one of these sites in Bavet (BA01).

To date, Amnesty International has interviewed more than 100 victims of the scamming industry who are often trafficked into compounds from outside of Cambodia where they are then enslaved, forced to scam or recruit others, deprived of their liberty and tortured if they do not comply with the orders of their bosses.

In July 2025, the Cambodian government announced a nationwide crackdown on scamming compounds in the country. The government later said it had freed more than 3,000 victims of human trafficking.

In June 2025, an Amnesty International report found that more than 50 scamming compounds across Cambodia were sites of widespread slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, torture and other human rights abuses, operating as prison‑like facilities controlled by organized criminal groups. The report concluded that Cambodian authorities had failed to prevent or address these violations, with evidence pointing towards state complicity or deliberate inaction that had allowed the industry to flourish.