Environmental activists from Greenpeace UK have taken their protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's environmental policies to the sands near his Turnberry golf course in Scotland. The protest, which featured a massive 55m by 40m sand artwork of Trump's face alongside the slogan 'Time to resist - fight the billionaire takeover,' was designed to be visible only from the air, leaving golfers on the course unaware of the demonstration unfolding nearby.
The sand artwork, created in collaboration with the arts organisation Sand in Your Eye, was timed to coincide with the first 100 days of Trump's second term in office. Greenpeace has criticized the president's decisions during this period, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the administration's support for coal and oil projects. The protest aimed to highlight what the group sees as a prioritization of corporate profits over environmental protection and public health.
Areeba Hamid, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, articulated the group's concerns, stating that Trump's policies have actively worked to dismantle environmental protections and silence activism. 'It's time to resist the billionaire takeover of our rights and freedoms,' Hamid said, accusing the president and his allies in the fossil fuel industry of endangering the planet and its inhabitants for financial gain.
This marks the second protest targeting Trump's Turnberry golf resort in recent months, following an earlier demonstration by pro-Palestine activists. The sand artwork, a temporary installation, was eventually washed away by the tide, but the message it carried reflects ongoing tensions between environmental activists and the Trump administration's policies. Greenpeace's aerial protest underscores the global reach of environmental activism and the creative tactics employed to draw attention to climate change and corporate influence in politics.
Sandy Gall, the revered war correspondent and long-standing ITN broadcaster, has died at the age of 97. Known for his fearless reporting from some of the most dangerous conflict zones around the world, Gall's career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most trusted voices in British journalism. His passing marks the end of an era for war reporting and broadcast journalism.
Gall's journey in journalism began in the early 1950s with Reuters, covering significant global events such as the Suez Crisis and the assassination of President Kennedy. His transition to ITN in 1963 marked the start of a legendary tenure that would see him cover pivotal moments in history, including the Vietnam War and the Soviet-Afghan War. Gall's dedication to reporting from the front lines, often without official clearance, underscored his commitment to bringing the truth to the public.
Beyond his achievements in journalism, Gall was also known for his humanitarian efforts. After retiring from ITN in 1992, he founded Sandy Gall's Afghanistan Appeal, a charity aimed at aiding victims of war, particularly those injured by landmines and children in refugee camps. His work off the field was a testament to his compassion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by conflict.
Sandy Gall's legacy is not only defined by his groundbreaking reporting but also by his mentorship to younger journalists and his unwavering integrity. As tributes pour in from colleagues and admirers worldwide, it's clear that Gall's contributions to journalism and humanitarian efforts will continue to inspire future generations. His was indeed a great life, generously and courageously lived.