Same Lemon
But especially sour for single unemployed people
there is no doubt about it we have definitely got a huge lemon on our hands, Covid – 19. But it has affected everyone differently. For some they have lost their jobs and are worried about how they’re going to have food on their plate for others they are hunkering down at home ordering stuff and doing projects possibly with income not an issue. Then there’s the essential workers on the front line that are risking their lives in the healthcare industry seeing the affects first hand and being stressed for their own lives and probably taking on a large amount of work and stress without being able to see family. Then there are others that are serving us at supermarkets and food service but not making much over minimum wage but also in a situation where they’re at risk and putting their families at risk. The people that are alone being quarantined are extremely alone seeing posts of family members having fun together and bonding and making them feel even more alone. Since I’m one of them those are the people I’m really worried about today. I think anyone that is with family, friends or roommates needs to think of the lonely singles that are quarantined alone. I find I’m often the one reaching out possibly annoying others because of how alone I am. But it’s because I’m feeling sad and detached and trying to feel connected. Think of your friends that are alone and send them a card, drop a homemade meal by if you cook because meals especially are hard to have alone day after day after day. Flowers can brighten anyone’s day and let them know your thinking of them. Shoot a bowl of lemons for them at this time with a cute note about making lemonade and also hope it’s good digestion. Whatever you can do to brighten someone’s day. Reaching out to someone that’s alone is really important right now. People that are alone or jobless feel the slice is more sour for them so keep that in mind... it may be hard for you, a working single that still has contact through work but imagine the stress for that single friend with the worry for their future and financial security. To them it seems like the lemon is worse and you know why it is. Being aware of that and sensitive to others makes them feel validated more so let them wallow. They’ll listen back but just be sensitive that they might not feel the best if you talk about work maybe keep subjects to things that will make them feel positive instead. Have recipe club where you try new recipes together, book club or a game night with them fun things to take this off everyone’s minds.
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More Than 5 Million Native Plants Reintroduced in Deserts Are Slowing Land Degradation and Rebooting Arid Ecosystems
Deserts are often seen as barren, unforgiving landscapes, but they are far from lifeless. These ecosystems, while harsh, support unique biodiversity and provide critical environmental services, from carbon sequestration to regulating local climates. Yet, decades of overgrazing, unsustainable land use, and climate change have taken their toll, leaving many arid regions struggling with soil erosion, loss of native vegetation, and diminished ecological resilience. Now, a bold rewilding effort is turning the tide: over five million native plants have been reintroduced into deserts worldwide, and the early results are promising. The scale of the initiative Across regions from the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa to the arid plains of Australia and North America, conservation organizations, local communities, and governments have collaborated to replant native species that were once nearly wiped out. These plants range from hardy shrubs and grasses to iconic desert flowers, all carefully selected for their ability to survive in extreme conditions and restore ecological balance. The numbers are staggering: more than 5 million individual plants have been transplanted over the last five years, covering thousands of hectares. While this effort is labor-intensive, involving soil preparation, irrigation during establishment phases, and ongoing monitoring, the environmental payoff has been remarkable. Slowing land degradation One of the primary goals of these reintroductions is to combat land degradation, a process that affects over 40% of the planet’s land surface. In deserts, degradation is particularly acute because soil erosion occurs rapidly in the absence of stabilizing vegetation. Without plants to anchor the soil, wind and water can strip away fertile topsoil, creating a feedback loop of declining vegetation and worsening erosion. Early monitoring reports suggest that reintroduced native plants are helping to stabilize sandy soils and reduce the spread of desertification. In some areas of the Middle East, for instance, wind erosion rates have decreased by up to 30% in regions where shrubs and grasses were replanted. This stabilization not only benefits the environment but also local communities that rely on the land for grazing, agriculture, and other livelihoods. Rebooting arid ecosystems Beyond slowing soil loss, these plant reintroductions are rebooting entire desert ecosystems. Deserts are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including insects, birds, and mammals that rely on native plants for food and shelter. By re-establishing vegetation cover, these efforts have triggered a cascade of ecological benefits. In parts of the Sonoran Desert in North America, researchers observed a noticeable increase in pollinator populations, such as bees and butterflies, following the reintroduction of native flowering plants. Similarly, small mammals and reptiles that had disappeared from degraded areas are gradually returning, attracted by improved habitat structure and food availability. Climate resilience Another key advantage of reintroducing native plants is enhancing climate resilience. Many desert plants are adapted to survive extreme heat, drought, and poor soils. By re-establishing these species, ecosystems can better withstand climate-related stresses, such as prolonged droughts or extreme heatwaves. Additionally, some species improve soil moisture retention and reduce surface temperatures, creating microclimates that further support biodiversity. Community engagement and knowledge transfer What makes these rewilding efforts particularly successful is the integration of local communities. Indigenous knowledge about native species, planting techniques, and seasonal cycles has been invaluable. In some regions, schools and community groups participate in planting days, turning conservation into a source of pride and education. This engagement ensures that restored areas are maintained, monitored, and valued over the long term. Looking ahead While the reintroduction of five million native plants is a significant achievement, experts caution that long-term success requires continued investment, monitoring, and protection from overgrazing, development, and climate pressures. However, the initiative provides a compelling example of how targeted, science-backed restoration can reverse environmental damage. For arid ecosystems, these efforts are more than just planting trees and shrubs—they represent hope. They demonstrate that even the most fragile landscapes can recover when humans actively collaborate with nature, restoring not only plants but the entire web of life that depends on them. As the world grapples with climate change and land degradation, the lessons from these desert rewilding projects offer a blueprint for action: by investing in native biodiversity, we can slow degradation, rebuild ecosystems, and create landscapes that are resilient, productive, and teeming with life once again.
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