Hong Kongers hit hiking trails to escape coronavirus woes
Hong Kong: Hong Kongers are escaping the coronavirus anxiety that has gripped the crowded city by heading for the hills to find fresh air and space to exercise.
While the financial hub is known for soaring skyscrapers and cramped housing blocks, its steep mountains and remote hiking trails offer welcome relief from the COVID-19 fears which triggered the closure of public facilities.
On a narrow nature trail that winds up to High Junk Peak, overlooking the turquoise shoreline of Clear Water Bay, hikers form a queue on the steep and rocky path up to the summit.
“I’ve been staying at home for too long. Going out hiking, I think everyone shares the same thought — that is to breathe some fresh air, make ourselves comfortable, enjoy the breeze and the view,” 26-year-old Sadie Lam tells AFP.
Over the past weekends, long, snaking lines of people have been seen on popular trails like Lion Rock and Dragon’s Back.
However, the sudden increase of walkers has left a trail of rubbish behind, including surgical masks and hand wipes, and environmental group Greenpeace is urging people to “hike without trace”.
Some 101 patients have tested positive for the virus in Hong Kong, two of whom have died. (AFP)
Australia developing satellite to predict bushfire danger zones
Sydney: Australian scientists are developing the country’s first satellite designed to predict where bushfires are likely to start, following months of devastating fires.
The Australian National University said Wednesday a team is creating a “shoebox-sized” satellite that will measure forest ground cover and moisture levels using infrared detectors. It is hoped the data will help determine where bushfires are likely to start and where they may be difficult to contain.
The technology would be “specifically tuned to detect changes in Australian plants and trees such as eucalypts, which are highly flammable”, the university said in a statement. It plans to partner with the private sector to launch the new satellite into low-Earth orbit and, according to remote-sensing expert Marta Yebra, the data would be shared with firefighters. “This infrared technology and data, which is not currently available, will help to target-controlled burns that can reduce the frequency and severity of bushfires, as well as their long-term impacts on Australia’s people, economy, and environment,” she said. It is expected to take five years before scientists will be able to use the satellite.
Over summer, bushfire-prone Australia experienced one of its worst fire seasons on record. More than 30 people died, thousands of homes were destroyed, over 10 million hectares were burned and at least a billion animals perished. (AFP)
