During the course of the Beijing meeting, both men advocated for and discussed their desires for Chinese unification. Both Xi and Ma agreed that their two nations belonged to one people, with Xi commenting that, “Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese people.” 

He then continued by saying “There is no grudge that cannot be resolved, no issue that cannot be discussed, and no force that can separate us. External interference cannot stop the historic trend of the reunion of the family and the country,” Trying to show the results that cooperation could bring for the two nations. 

In response to this statement, Ma agreed saying that while Taiwan and China developed along different systems, both populations belong to the same Chinese nation. Ma then expressed his belief that war between the “two sides of the Taiwan Strait” would be devastating for the Chinese people. 

However, despite the show of diplomacy, cooperation, and parallel standings on unification, tensions between China and Taiwan continue to be strained, especially as China is increasing the military, economic, and political pressure on its democratic neighbor all the time. 

China continues to claim Taiwan as the territory of not ‘one China’ but instead as an annexed part of the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, military pressure in the form of warships and planes goes near the island nation of Taiwan nearly daily with the intent of demoralizing the population and wearing out Taiwanese defense systems.

Xi and his government hope to bring the current Taiwanese government onto the same stance as Ma, which is to say, a more open and pro-unification stance. Nevertheless, the current president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen is firm in her defiant position against China and denounces any talk of one nation of unification between the two populations. 

Only time will tell how the rising tensions and pressure between China and Taiwan will continue or result, but the meeting between Xi and Ma may be the first stepping stone towards friendlier cooperation and more open diplomacy. 

In February, a team of twenty-one scientists explored the giant underwater depression, Bounty Trough off the coast of South Island, New Zealand. The three-week expedition led to the discovery of over 100 hundred new marine species, the scientists said. 

The team boarded the research vessel from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric (NIWA), named Tangaroa, and collected nearly 1,800 samples. 

According to Alex Roger, the marine biologist in charge of the expedition, said “I expect the number to increase as we work through more and more of the samples. I think the number is going to be in the hundreds instead of just 100.”

Ocean Census was founded by the Nippon Foundation, a Japanese organization, and Nekton, a U.K-based ocean exploration foundation last year. Their goal is to find at least 100,000 new marine species in a decade. Currently on average, only 2,200 species are discovered per year.

Among the new species were dozens of mollusks, 3 fish, a shrimp, a squid-like creature and a mystery animal. Said creature was about one centimeter across. At first, researchers believed it to be a sea anemone of mollusk, but now it is believed to be a coral. 

“We now think it could be a new species of octocoral, but also a new genus. Even more excitingly, it could be a whole new group outside of the octocoral,” said Dr Michela Mitchell, who is the network taxonomist of Queensland Museum. “If it is, that is a significant find for the deep sea and gives us a much clearer picture of the planet’s unique biodiversity.” 

Over two million species are estimated to live in oceans, but barely 10% is known. “We’re dealing with a situation where we know marine life is in decline,” Dr. Rogers said. “In order to try to manage human activities to prevent this continuing decline, we need to understand the distribution of marine life better than we currently do.”

On April 9, three Micronesian men stranded on Pikelot Island were saved after a reconnaissance jet spotted the beachside ‘HELP’ sign they built with palm tree leaves.

They had been stranded for over a week since March 31 on the 31-acre, Micronesian atoll after waves damaged their boat’s motor, forcing them to disembark onto the island. As their radio ran out of battery, the stranded sailors decided to gather palm leaves throughout the island and form a ‘HELP’ sign on the island’s beach. 

When the men did not return from their trip to the Western Pacific, their niece alerted rescue officials in Guam’s Coast Guard's Joint Rescue Sub-Center on April 6. Initially, US Coast Guard were searching an area spanning over 78,000 square nautical miles until on April 7, a US Navy P-8A reconnaissance jet spotted the emergency sign on the beach.

“This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location,” noted Lt. Chelsea Garcia, leader of the search-and-rescue mission.

As a rescue boat was dispatched to the men’s location, the Coast Guard began airdropping food and medical supplies as well as a radio to the island. While the men had been eating coconut meat for a week and water from a small well on the isle, they radioed they were in good condition. 

By April 9, Oliver Henry, a US Coast Guard vessel, reached Pikelot and rescued the sailors by bringing them to Polowat Atoll, another island in Micronesia. 

"Every life saved, and every mariner returned home is a testament to the enduring partnership and mutual respect that characterizes our relationship," said Lieutenant Commander Christine Igisomar, an officer that took part in the search-and-rescue mission.

In August 2020, a similar incident occurred when three Micronesian sailors stranded on Pikelot were saved after Australian and American search aircrafts spotted a ‘SOS’ sign the sailors had laid out on the beach.

On February 19, 2024, a rare and endangered pygmy hippopotamus was born in Athens Attica Zoological Park for the first time in nearly ten years. 

The pygmy hippopotamus is native to West Africa’s forests and swamps. These areas include the Ivory Coast, Libera, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List reports that as of 2021, there are roughly 2,000 individuals left, with most of them inhabiting Liberia. The IUCN classified pygmy hippos as an endangered species in 2015 due to their rapidly decreasing population. Animalia, a well-known online animal factbook, lists the main reasons for the population decline as deforestation, hunting, and the development of agriculture.

Noi Psaroudaki, the zoo’s wildlife veterinarian, said she was absolutely thrilled, “not only because it is a very endangered species but because it is a boy. Every captive birth of hippos is extremely important.” She went on to discuss her hopes that the newborn will play a key part in “reproducing and producing more pygmy hippos.” 

Jean Jacques Lesueur, the Attica Zoological Park’s founder and CEO, shared Psaroudaki’s sentiment. “The ratio of female to male pygmy hippos in zoos is 7 to 1, so you understand that the birth of a boy is important for the evolution of his species.”

The public was equally ecstatic; their reaction was similar to the birth of Mikolas, another male pygmy hippo born in Dvur Kralove Zoo, Czech Republic.

The Attica Zoological Park is part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), which manages the genealogy and reproduction of endangered species. Thus, the zoo will only keep the calf for three years. When the calf comes of age, a corresponding coordinator will decide where he goes next. As Lesueur explains, “[this is] So that it can be paired with a suitable mate, thus avoiding even the slightest possibility of inbreeding. 

While similar in multiple ways, the pygmy hippo is much smaller and more adapted to life on land than its cousin, the common hippo. Specifically, the pygmy hippo has a more streamlined head, less webbed toes, and a less prominent nose. Their eyes are on the sides of their heads instead of on top, allowing pygmy hippos to run.

Pygmy hippos can only carry one calf per pregnancy, and a pregnancy duration lasts 184 to 210 days. 

The Taal Volcano in Tagaytay, Philippines emitted the year’s highest sulfur dioxide emission on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

311 meters high, one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes, Taal volcano has raised its presence among the Filipino authorities by recent changes in its volcanic activities since the previous motions continuing from 2020.

Phivolcs, the Philippines Institute of Volcanology warned of possible vog (otherwise known as volcanic smog) in the Taal Volcano’s proximate communities, advising to limit exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO2) by avoiding outdoor activities and blocking doors and windows from the volcanic gas entering in.

The Phivolcs bulletin said, “A total of 18,638 tons per day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was measured today (March 28), the highest flux recorded this year,” which is even more than the last largest 15,145 tons of SO2 gas emissions reported on January 25, 2024.

It added that moderate winds have prevented SO2 from being visually observed, unabling for the visual monitors to detect any vog over the Taal Caldera region on that day.

However, the Phivolcs commented the vulnerability to respiratory-related health hazards in communities within a certain range distance from the Taal Volcano Island, including sensitivity to the skin, eyes, throat, nose, and causing asthma, lung disease, and heart disease if the exposure to vog continues over a stretched period of time. 

“Protect yourself. Cover your nose, ideally with an N95 facemask. Drink plenty of water to reduce any throat irritation or constriction,” Phivolcs said. 

In the Phivolcs bulletin, it emphasized extra attention to those associated with the notable group of people- those with health conditions like asthmas, lung disease, and heart disease, the senior citizens, pregnant women, and children.

Phivolcs explained that the Taal Volcano remains on Alert Level One, which is defined to be an insecure state; meaning that the volcano still prevails active and eruptive activities may occur. At the extent of Alert Level One, unexpected steam and vapor explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and volcanic gatherings can pose a threat to the surrounding societies of the Taal Volcano Island.

Local government units are recommended to assess damages and road accessibilities; strengthening preparedness and communication in case of further dangers around the Taal Lake. The Filipino aviation authorities are required to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as its hazardous ash and fragments may cause risks to the safety of the aircraft.

“Taal has averaged approximately 10,331 tons per day for the year and has been continuously degassing voluminous concentrations of SO2 since 2021,” commented the Phivolcs. Significant increase in the volcanic SO2 has been noticed, which can affect communities and individuals’ long-term health near the Taal Caldera areas and require constant monitoring throughout the year. 

The Taal Volcano Island is currently restricted to entry, strictly in the areas of the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissure; marked additional observation as Taal’s permanent danger zone.

During the first week of April 2024, a man was charged with animal cruelty and neglect after several animals were discovered in his home by officials. The discovery has shocked the public.

The animals’ former owner had approached officers about a stray dog. Upon further investigation, they found several animals living in his home under dangerous and unsanitary conditions. 

A small, one-month old kitten was found wrapped in duct tape and missing a front leg. He smelled of sewage and had an untreated wound. The cat, later named Roo, was sent to Brandywine Valley’s SPCA’s West Chester Campus for emergency treatment. 

“It truly is a miracle she survived this horrific trauma and neglect,” Adam Lamb, PVSPCA’s Chief Executive Officer, stated. “We are committed to providing her with the medical attention and care she needs to heal both physically and emotionally.”

Roo is now in foster care. Although he only weighs 1.5 pounds, he is reportedly making a swift recovery. 

“What they found in that home was unthinkable. Now, we can give these survivors the medical attention, care, and brighter future they all deserve.” Lamb remarked. 

Officials announced that by the time they discovered the animals, a kitten had already died.  Other animals sustained serious injuries, including infected eyes, untreated wounds and upper respiratory infections. 

Some animals have already found homes. Others are still in foster care or still under care. To support these animals, consider donating to https://bvspca.org/roodonate. If you would like to help other creatures PAWS is helping in the Philippines, volunteer or donate to https://paws.org.ph/donate/. 

Officials have discovered one of the biggest dog fighting operations in South Jersey, arresting eight people. 

“This formidable and heart-wrenching task unfolded throughout the day in pouring rain,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin said, who announced the arrests. 

On the morning of April 3, 2024, puppies and dogs were found living in barren cages and pens within buildings. Others were chained up outside with no protection from the elements. 

The dogs that were found sustained many untreated wounds, scarring, and broken or missing limbs. Most were abnormally thin, including those that were nursing or pregnant. Responders immediately jumped into action, working late into the night to perform medical triage, then further examining the dogs away from the property. 

“What’s striking is the level of suffering involved in dogfighting contrasted with how sweet and eager for affection these dogs are.” Animal crimes investigations program manager for the Humane Society of the United States, Janette Reever, said. “Though they were shivering in the cold rain, these dogs still left their meager shelters to greet us. We are grateful for New Jersey authorities for their hard work and dedication to put a stop to this cycle of suffering.”

Dogfighting often causes serious, if not fatal injuries. In professional dog fighting operations, dogs are specifically bred and controlled to fight. These operations commonly co-occur with other crimes, such as violence, gambling, and illegal drugs. 

In a recent study by the University of Helsinki, researchers discovered 78% of bird species can’t thrive in human-dominated environments. 

This leaves us with the uncomfortable truth of how our behavior has impacted the avifauna, for better or worse. 

The study examined different bird species’ populations across different land-scapes. Said areas ranged anywhere from untouched nature to human-dominated environments. 

“Threatened species, and species with declining populations, are less tolerant to breeding in human-dominated habitats,” Said PhD Emma-Liina Marjakangas, who led the study. “For example, the Fern Wren, a species occurring only in tropical forests of northeastern Australia…[has] a very low tolerance to any human pressure.”

However, Marjakangas noted not all species are as sensitive to living in human-dominated environments. “Some species can tolerate even the most intense human pressures on all continents. Common Swifts are an example of such species that can be found breeding in urban areas all around the world.”

In the Philippines, most animals struggle with human-induced threats. Some of the most notable contributors include mass habitat loss, poaching (for food or to become pets), and climate change. This has led to the extinction of a dwarf elephant species (Elephas beyeri), Cebu Wart Pigs, and the Palawan Giant Tortoise. 

During Easter, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) spoke out against animals as easter favors. 

According to PAWS, 95% of “Easter bunny” giveaways cannot survive beyond their first year. The non-profit organization explained the adoption process should take longer to ensure pet guardians are well-prepared. 

“Despite many years of PAWS’s campaigning against live animal giveaways or having raffle items, several non-animal welfare friendly establishments still insist on giving away live rabbits or chicks for Easter and other events. PAWS said during a press conference on Black Saturday in 2024. 

One of the animals frequently given away are bunnies, a traditional Easter animal. “Rabbits need to run and burrow and cannot be confined to a small cage.” PAWS stated. “A proper enclosure for a rabbit and a healthy diet needs a considerable budget.” 

Chicks are another popular animal associated with the holiday. During live animal giveaways, they are sprayed with colorful dye that distresses the creatures. 

The GNO reminded everyone that “These chicks do not remain small, yellow and fluffy for life - they grow into chickens who need to be able to roam, scratch, peck and stretch their wings.” It also said to be aware of an avian or poultry vet near you, so the chick can be properly treated as a pet. 

If you see live animals being given away or raffled off, PAWS suggested calling the Bureau of Animal Industry’s Animal Health and Welfare Division and asking whether an establishment has a permit to do so. Because if they do not, they are violating the Animal Welfare Act. 

Easter is a prominent holiday, especially in the Philippines. It is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar. It is also the last day of the most sacred week for Christians, Holy Week. 

The King and Queen had been informed of the news about the princess's health before Friday's announcement, and King Charles himself is also undergoing treatment for cancer.

King Charles and Catherine were concisely treated at the London Clinic private hospital at the same time; Catherine had her abdominal surgery there, and the King was admitted for a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did." After their time in the hospital together, he has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past few weeks.".

Buckingham Palace said King Charles III, her father-in-law, was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did.” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also said, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they can do so privately and in peace.” 

At the end of the video, Princess Kate left a sweet message to viewers: "For everyone facing this disease in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”