Stay Alert! Be Prepared!

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

- Benjamin Franklin

7 Tips for Safe Surfing: Protecting Your Computer with Simple Measures:

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2. Prepare for Rescue:

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   • Prepare a USB rescue medium that can help in case of an attack. Windows supports this feature.
   • The rescue medium contains all the necessary files for repairing Windows. In the event of an attack, the USB stick can quickly restore your computer.

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4. Create Backups:

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   • Regularly create backup copies of your files, approximately on a weekly basis.
   • It's wise to have redundant backups stored on external hard drives and USB sticks.
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   • Avoid permanently connecting these backup media to your home network to prevent them from being infected in case of an attack. Cloud backups can also be useful.

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6. Enable Phishing Protection:

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   • Keep phishing protection enabled in your browser and antivirus programs.

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8. Update Apps:

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   • Keep the programs on your computer up to date.
   • Older versions of browsers, media players, and PDF readers are vulnerable to attacks.

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10. Disable Autofill:

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    • Deactivate the automatic form filling feature in your browser.
    • Attackers can exploit the autofill function in browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Opera to steal personal data.

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12. Restrict User Rights:

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    • Create a user account with restricted rights in Windows.
    • Avoid browsing with administrator privileges to prevent attackers from gaining deep access to your system.

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14. Stay Vigilant:

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    • Avoid risky actions: Only click on attachments or links in emails if you know the sender and are certain the email is legitimate.
    • Every click could potentially initiate a malware attack or lead to a phishing site.

By following these simple tips, you can enhance your computer's security and minimize the risk of falling victim to cyber threats while browsing the internet.

Acknowledgment: Stiftung Warentest

 Dear Disaster Diary,

Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.

- Nikita Khrushchev

Why John Podesta's Appointment Raises Concerns for Climate Action ?

President Biden's selection of John Podesta to replace John Kerry as his climate envoy has raised eyebrows and concerns among climate-conscious voters, and for good reason.

While Podesta brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to the table, his appointment comes with significant baggage that could undermine the administration's ambitious climate goals.

At 75 years old, Podesta's age alone isn't the issue. Rather, it's his past associations and controversies that cast doubt on his suitability for this crucial role.

While the White House touts Podesta as a key figure in driving both international climate efforts and domestic clean energy initiatives, his track record raises valid concerns about his ability to effectively lead on these fronts.

Podesta's past involvement with the now-defunct Podesta Group, a lobbying firm with ties to problematic clients such as Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and BP, is troubling.

While he may have distanced himself from these associations, they nonetheless raise questions about his commitment to truly transformative climate action.

Furthermore, Podesta's involvement in the email hacking scandal during Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, along with his connection to conspiracy theories like Pizzagate, only serve to tarnish his reputation and provide ammunition for his detractors.

In an era where climate change demands urgent and decisive action, the appointment of someone with Podesta's baggage risks undermining the credibility of the administration's climate agenda.

With ambitious targets like a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030* and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the stakes couldn't be higher.

While Podesta may be described as methodical and lawyerly, and may indeed possess the expertise necessary for the role, his past controversies raise legitimate doubts about his suitability.

At a time when the Biden administration needs to inspire confidence and rally support for bold climate action, Podesta's appointment may instead invite skepticism and criticism.

Ultimately, the question arises: Is John Podesta truly the best person to lead the charge on climate action, or is there a younger, less controversial candidate better suited for the task?

If the administration is serious about meeting its climate goals and winning over skeptical voters, it may need to reconsider its choice and look for someone with a cleaner slate and a stronger mandate to drive change.

Addendum:*  ....experts say that it is impossible for Mr. Biden to meet his pledge to the world that the United States will cut its emissions in half by 2030....

Acknowledgment: Washington Post, The Guardian, NBC, Wikipedia, NYT.

Beat The Heat 

Today: "Greening Urban Spaces: The Pros and Cons of Rooftop Gardens and Plant Walls"

Storms make the oak grow deeper roots

- George Herbert

Pros: +

1. Temperature Reduction:

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3. Singapore's green skyscrapers and rooftops demonstrate how vegetation can significantly lower urban temperatures. Research indicates that fully greened rooftops can reduce local temperatures by up to 1.3 degrees Celsius,* contributing to a cooler urban environment.

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5. Biodiversity Support:

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7. Green infrastructure such as plant walls and rooftop gardens provide habitats for insects and birds, enhancing urban biodiversity. This promotes ecological balance and contributes to the overall health of urban ecosystems.

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9. Microclimate Regulation:

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11. Vegetation on buildings helps regulate micro-climates by providing shade and reducing the urban heat island effect. This not only makes urban areas more comfortable for residents but also mitigates heat-related health risks during extreme weather events.

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13. Aesthetic Appeal:

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15. Greenery adds aesthetic value to urban landscapes, creating visually pleasing environments for residents and visitors. It enhances the livability and attractiveness of cities, potentially increasing property values and promoting tourism.

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17. Air Quality Improvement:

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19. Plants absorb pollutants and particulate matter, thereby improving air quality in urban areas. This has positive implications for public health by reducing respiratory illnesses and other health issues associated with poor air quality.

Cons: -

1. Limited Impact:

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3. Critics argue that the impact of rooftop gardens and plant walls on urban climate may be overestimated. While they do contribute to temperature reduction and biodiversity, the effects may not be as significant as those of large trees. A single tree can lower the temperature by 3,5 degrees Celsius.*

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5. Maintenance Challenges:

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7. Maintaining green infrastructure requires ongoing care and resources. Many building owners may underestimate the time and cost involved in maintaining vegetation on rooftops and walls, leading to neglect and deterioration of green spaces over time.

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9. Space Constraints:

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11. In densely populated urban areas, space for rooftop gardens and plant walls may be limited. Building owners may prioritize other uses for available space, such as commercial or residential development, making it challenging to implement green infrastructure projects.

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13. Potential Damage:

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15. Concerns about potential damage to building facades from plant growth, such as moisture retention and structural damage, may deter some property owners from investing in green infrastructure. Additionally, there may be safety concerns related to overhanging vegetation affecting pedestrians or neighboring properties.

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17. Cost Considerations:

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19. While there may be financial incentives for implementing green infrastructure, the long-term costs of maintenance and upkeep can be prohibitive for some building owners. The initial investment in installing rooftop gardens and plant walls may outweigh the perceived benefits, leading to reluctance in adoption.

In conclusion, while rooftop gardens and plant walls offer various benefits such as temperature reduction, biodiversity support, and aesthetic enhancement, they also pose challenges such as maintenance requirements, space constraints, and potential damage to buildings.

Therefore, when considering the implementation of green infrastructure in urban areas, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and develop sustainable strategies that address both environmental and economic considerations.

Here is a thought: Every bush counts. Start small. Do your research. Contact experts.

Acknowledgment: * Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; France 24 English