Tackling the Planetary Emergency: Supporting a Declaration of Planetary Emergency at the UN General Assembly and the Convening of a Planetary Emergency Platform
NEW YORK, Aug 26 2024 (IPS) – The world is facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Climate change continues to pose an existential threat to humanity, with recent science estimating that we have possibly less than six years left to change course and rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to have a chance of avoiding the worst of the climate crisis.
Pollution is crippling air and water quality, exacerbating the inequality between wealthy and low-and middle-income countries. Biodiversity loss has the potential to collapse our food and water supply chains, putting further pressure on some of the most vulnerable countries in the world to manage the ever-growing risk of poverty, hunger, and harm to human health.
We also have scientific evidence that six of the nine core Planetary Boundaries have been crossed, posing a catastrophic danger to the Earth’s overarching ecosystem.
With this in mind, the Climate Governance Commission, supported by the Earth governance smart coalition Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance (MEGA), seeks to assist in catalyzing the implementation of critical reforms to global governance institutions for the effective management of the triple planetary crisis.
Probably the most significant and fundamental reform that could be established quickly and effectively would be a Declaration by the UN General Assembly of a Planetary Emergency and the convening of a Planetary Emergency Platform to facilitate global cooperation to address the emergency.
Adopting a Planetary Emergency Declaration would ensure that policy actions to protect the environment – especially the climate – would be elevated to top priority in global, national and local decision-making, requiring concerted action by all sectors of government, similar to the way that other critical emergencies are addressed.
Convening the Planetary Emergency Platform would help facilitate the development of cooperative plans for urgent action at all levels of governance on specific goals such as, for example, a global, fast-track de-carbonization package. The fact that we are indeed in a serious planetary emergency justifies and indeed requires an approach that can sufficiently address such an emergency.
Why declare a Planetary Emergency?
An emergency occurs when risks (impact X probability) are unacceptably high, and when time is a serious constraint. As identified by MEGA and the Climate Governance Commission based upon the best available science, we are at such a juncture. Consequently, with scientific evidence continuing to mount depicting the grave circumstances humanity finds itself in, the UN General Assembly, with the support of climate-vulnerable countries, should consider responding in kind, declaring a planetary emergency recognising this fundamental shift toward an emergency footing and moving quickly to convene an emergency platform to reflect these circumstances and facilitate urgent, coordinated action, with linked national emergency plans.
The growing urgency for declaring a planetary emergency stems from a history of a fragmented multilateral planetary policy system, that lacks a coordinated and ambitious response at the speed and scale required. Climate change to date has been treated as a peripheral issue dealt with primarily within a two-week framework every year at the climate COPs (Conference of the Parties), leading to a lack of effective cooperation between different aspects of the multilateral system and its domestic counterparts. Further, climate change solutions have not been adequately linked to mitigating pollution and biodiversity loss.
This siloed approach to handling the crisis as just another social and economic issue, rather than the interlinked and existential threat that it poses to society, illustrates how unequipped current governance structures are to handle this all-encompassing and systemic issue.
Consequently, global governance at present lacks the preparation and resilience necessary for current and future global shocks caused by the planetary emergency (e.g. extreme weather events, potential collapse of food supply chains, major economic crises, among other shock events).
However, this emergency also opens the door for the UN General Assembly and broader multilateral system to reconsider its framing of its approach and identify new governance mechanisms to address current gaps in the system. Governments and policymakers are now presented with an opportunity for transformation – to create a sustainable governance framework that facilitates the safe operation of humanity within its Planetary Boundaries.
Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss and its related ecological, social, and economic problems are global issues, and thus require a whole-of-system approach to provide global solutions.
By recognizing that the world is in a state of acute distress through the Declaration of a Planetary Emergency at the UN General Assembly and thereby convening a Planetary Emergency Platform to coordinate a response to this emergency, policymakers would be provided with a framework needed to transcend current political divides to effectively address the challenges we face.
What would a Declaration of a Planetary Emergency at the UN General Assembly achieve?
We have already seen regional, national, and local climate emergency declarations issued across 2359 jurisdictions (as of August 2024). Such declarations by themselves have limited impact due to the global nature of this emergency. However, they demonstrate a keen interest in responding to the triple planetary crisis within an emergency framework, providing a core foundation for multilateral cooperation.
A Planetary Emergency Declaration would be science-led and action-focused, helping to elevate global planetary policy by connecting and elevating the existing declarations and filling the gaps in our current governance framework. Activating, focusing, and coordinating existing capacities at the UN through a Declaration of this kind could form a crucial aspect in ensuring that the Declaration is not merely a reflection of well-intended aspirations, but that it provides a solid basis for building effective, cooperative action.
A Planetary Emergency Declaration could build off and connect to its predecessors’ efforts and acknowledge all inter-connected risks associated with the triple planetary crisis in order to facilitate a global green transition. This would in turn allow for the Declaration to stimulate, support and facilitate cooperation and implementation of planetary policy at multilateral, national, and subnational levels.
The Declaration could seek primarily to achieve three things at the outset.
Firstly, as noted above, it could place the multilateral system on an acknowledged emergency footing, allowing for more ambitious action at all levels of governance, and reducing the current barriers to planetary progress.
Secondly, a Declaration could open the door for more effective emergency governance platforms including in particular the convening of a Planetary Emergency Platform, in line with the broader proposal of the UN Secretary General that emergency platforms be convened to strengthen the response to complex global shocks.
A Planetary Emergency Platform, using the Declaration as its basis, could be tasked with coordinating, defragmenting, and harmonizing the international community’s response to the triple planetary crisis. This would, in turn, speed up much needed solutions to the crisis, including, for example, the unlocking of greater climate finance and increased protection of crucial global commons under threat from human activity, from the Amazon to the High Seas.
A Platform of this kind would also be capable of developing a Planetary Emergency Plan, which could outline and bring into effect these desired outcomes, as well as assist with monitoring the implementation of the Declaration.
Finally, a Declaration of Planetary Emergency would allow for scientific concepts like Planetary Boundaries to become more familiar and integrated into our global policy responses, as well as creating vital opportunities to bridge the gap between planetary science and policy.
The Declaration could seek to ensure policymakers have greater impetus to take emergency action to protect these Planetary Boundaries, helping to generate political support and reduce geopolitical barriers to progress.
A Planetary Emergency Declaration at the UN General Assembly could serve as a crucial next step toward remedying the – to date – dysfunctional and inadequate nature of our response to the triple planetary crisis and convene a Planetary Emergency Platform as a key governance mechanism to facilitate the cooperation required between national and subnational entities to ensure effective and equitable planetary action.
Working with climate-vulnerable states, and global experts, the Climate Governance Commission and Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance will offer support to build a coalition to advance this Declaration at the UN General Assembly and accelerate our shared efforts to capably and effectively manage the global environment.
Eoin Jackson is Chief of Staff and Legal Fellow at the Climate Governance Commission and Co-Convenor of the Earth Governance ImPACT Coalition; Nina Malekyazdi is a Summer Intern at the Climate Governance Commission and a graduate in International Relations of the University of British Columbia
Source: Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance (MEGA)
MEGA is a coalition of civil society organizations working in cooperation with like-minded governments, legislators, experts, private sector actors and other stakeholders to strengthen existing environmental governance mechanisms and establish additional mechanisms. MEGA is led by the Climate Governance Commission and World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy (co-hosts) in cooperation with 28 co-sponsoring organizations.
ROME, Aug 23 2024 (IPS) – The student movement in Bangladesh demanding reform of the quota system for public jobs was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The Awami League (AL) government led by Sheikh Hasina, in power continuously since 2008, collapsed on 5th August 2024. With Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India and leaving the country in disarray, her authoritarian rule of 15 years just melted away.
Saifullah Syed
Prior to this sudden and dramatic turn of events, during her rule, the country was mired by institutional and financial corruption, crony capitalism, authoritarian administration, and forced disappearance of opponents. In addition, the AL government of Sheikh Hasina monopolised all lucrative appointments and commercial privileges for people belonging to her party, banning political discourse and dissent.
She developed the personality cult of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the country to independence in 1971 and who was brutally murdered on 15th of August 1975. The personality cult was so perverse that liberation of the country was attributed to Sheikh Mujib alone and all the other stalwarts of the liberation war and her party were ignored. Everything of significance happening in the country was attributed to his wisdom and foresight alone and were often named after him. Every Institution, including schools across the country and embassies around the world were obliged to host a “Mujib corner” to display his photo, and books about him only.
Yet, no political party, including the leading opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) succeeded in mobilising an uprising against Hasina’s regime. This was partly due her ability to project AL and her government as the sole guarantor of independence, sovereignty and secularism. Everyone else was cast as a supporter of anti-liberation forces, being communal, and accused of being motivated to turn the country into a hotbed of Islamic extremism. BNP was also accused of committing crimes and corruption when it was in power.
The founder of BNP is linked to the cruel murder of Sheikh Mujib and the members of her family, and the current leader of BNP is accused of masterminding the grenade attack aimed at killing Sheikh Hasina at an AL rally on 21st August 2004. Hasina survived the attack, but it killed 24 people and injured about 200.
Why did the student movement succeed ?
Like most historical events there are several factors, but the ultimate ones were that (i) the students were willing to die and (ii) the Military displayed patriotism and wisdom by refusing to kill. The students came from all walks of life, transcending party lines and economic background. Hence, attempts to cast them as anti-liberation did not succeed. The army refused to kill to protect a despotic ruler. Bangladeshis have always overthrown dictatorial rulers.
Why the students were ready to die and the army refused to kill are important issues for analysis but the critical question right now is: what next and where do we go from here ?
What Next for Bangladesh ?
The students have shown support for the formation of an interim government with leading intellectuals, scholars and elite liberal professionals and civil society actors under the leadership of Dr Younus, the founder of the Grameen Bank and a Nobel Laureate. These people were previously silenced and harassed during Hasina’s 15 year rule.
Many people remain sceptical, however. Many fear collapse of law and order and communal disturbances in the short run, which may lead to the emergence of another dictatorial rule. Neighbouring India, which supported Hasina’s government, is concerned about the rights of minorities in Bangladesh, although they showed scant concern for the minorities in India in the recent past.
Political and geo-political analysts are busy analysing the geo-political implications and the role of key players in mobilising the students to overthrow Hasina. This is raising questions about who engineered the Regime Change.
Fortunately for Bangladesh and the Bangladeshis, things can get only better. None of the short-term concerns have materialised. No major collapse of law and order nor oppression of minorities have taken place, barring a few localised incidents. Regarding the long run, things can only get better: it is extremely unlikely that another leader can emerge with reasons to substantiate a “moral right to rule”, disdain political discourse and project a personality cult – the basic ingredients of a dictatorial regime.
Hasina embodied several factors which were intrinsically associated with who she was. It is unlikely that anyone else with a similar background will emerge again. She started as a champion of democracy by seeking to overthrow the military rule that followed the murder of her father, then as a champion of justice by seeking justice for the killing of her father. Over time, however, she became a despot and a vengeful leader. Even if AL manages to regroup and come to power, it will be obliged to have a pluralistic attitude and not identify with Sheikh Mujib alone. All the stalwarts of the party have to be recognised, as only by recognising the forgotten popular figures of the party can it re-emerge.
Regarding the wider geo-political play by bigger powers, it may be important but cannot take away the fact that the majority of people are in favour of the change and are happy about it. It could be similar to gaining independence in 1971. India helped Bangladesh to gain independence because of its own geo-political strategic objective, but it has not reduced the taste of independence. If Bangladeshis’ desire coincides with the objective of others’ then so be it. It is win-win for both.
Eventually, Bangladesh will emerge with robust basic requirements for the protection of the institutions to safeguard democracy, such as independent judiciaries, a functioning parliamentary system with effective opposition parties, vibrant media and civil society organisations. It will become a country that will recognise the collective conscience of the leading citizens and intellectuals and establish good governance and social justice. The economy may go through some fluctuations due to troubles in the financial sector and export market, but a robust agriculture sector, vibrant domestic real estate market and remittances will keep it afloat.
The author is a former UN official who was Chief of Policy Assistance Branch for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Pizza Hut Statistics 2024 By Employment, Education, Device Traffic, Sales And Brand Awareness August 17, 2024 —
Introduction
Pizza Hut Statistics: Pizza Hut is one of the most popular quick-service fast-food restaurants around the world. Pizza Hut ranked second by selling the highest number of pizzas in the United States of America as of 2022. The varieties of pizzas offered by Pizza Hut are mouthwatering, making it a long-known brand in the competition. This brand has become one of the best quick-service restaurants globally in 2023. Let’s dive into the Pizza Hut Statistics quickly.
Editor’s Choice
Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars were the top Pizza chains in the USA in 2022, generating the highest sales of $8,571.9, $5,269.7, and $4,724.3, respectively.
By 2023, the American customer satisfaction index for Pizza Hut Restaurants had decreased to 78 over the last 10 years.
In November 2023, pizzahut.com had 26.64 million global traffic, which was 5.29% higher than October 2023, totaling 28.13 million.
46.5% of employees had at least a high school diploma, while 20.2% had a bachelor’s degree.
What is Pizza Hut?
Pizza Hut is an American multinational fast-food restaurant chain headquartered in Texas, USA, founded by Frank and Dan Carney in 1958. Today, it is owned by Yum! Brands, Inc., offering a menu including chicken wings, pizzas, fries, pasta, desserts, breadsticks, and tacos.
Pizza Hut Facts
The name “Pizza Hut” was chosen because it fit perfectly on their signage with only 8 letters.
Pizza Hut was the pioneer in offering online pizza orders.
The first Pizza Hut restaurant now operates as a museum.
In 2001, Pizza Hut delivered pizza to the International Space Station.
Pizza Hut consumes over 300 million pounds of cheese annually.
General Pizza Hut Statistics
In November 2023, pizzahut.com had 26.64 million global traffic, showing a 5.29% increase from October 2023.
By 2023, Pizza Hut had generated $5,487 billion in sales and operated more than 6,561 stores in the USA.
Pizza Hut Statistics by Employment
Females constituted 56.9% of the workforce compared to 43.1% males.
64.7% of employees were white, followed by Hispanic or Latino (14%), Black or African American (11.8%), and Asian employees (6.2%).
7% of employees were under 18 years old, with the majority (46%) falling in the 20-30 age bracket.
Pizza Hut Statistics By Education
(Reference: zippia.com)
Most employees had at least a high school diploma (46.5%), followed by a bachelor’s degree (20.2%), an associate degree (18%), and a diploma (9.9%). A small percentage had certificate education or master’s degrees.
Pizza Hut Statistics By Device Traffic
(Source: Semrush.com)
The United States of America generates the most traffic on pizzahut.com and its online delivery app, followed by Indonesia, Germany, Colombia, and Canada in terms of website traffic numbers over the last 6 months of 2023.
During this period, mobile online delivery apps accounted for 88.41% of the traffic, equivalent to 23 million users worldwide, while desktop traffic was only 11.59%, representing 3 million users.
Pizza Hut Statistics By Initial Franchise Investment in the USA
(Source: statista.com)
In 2022, Pizza Hut’s major franchise investments in the USA included building and site improvements ($1,575,000), equipment ($300,000), and small wares ($50,000), with a total estimated investment cost of $2,063,500.
Online Food Delivery Bookings by Brand in the USA
(Source: statista.com)
Pizza Hut holds a 32% market share in online food delivery bookings in the USA as of September 2023, ranking among the top 5 brands, while DoorDash (69%), Domino’s (47%), and Uber Eats (45%) lead the market. GrubHub accounts for 23% of the online food delivery bookings in September 2023.
American Customer Satisfaction Index Score by Brand For Leading Quick Service Restaurants
(Source: statista.com)
In 2023, Pizza Hut achieved a high customer satisfaction score of 78 in the USA, placing it among the top 10 brands. Chick-fil-A leads the satisfaction scores with a notable 85 points.
Leading Fast Food Restaurant Chain by Brand Value
(Reference: statista.com)
One of the leading restaurant brands worldwide in 2023 according to Pizza Hut Statistics is valued at 5.88 billion. The top three ranked brands are Starbucks (53.43 billion), McDonald’s (36.86 billion), and KFC (17.66 billion).
Leading Quick Service Pizza Chains in the USA by Sales
(Reference: statista.com)
Ranked Pizza chains in the USA for 2022 in terms of sales are Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesars, with sales of $8,571.9, $5,269.7, and $4,724.3 respectively. Other pizza brands like Papa John’s Marco’s Pizza, Papa Murphy’s, also made it to the list with high sales figures.
Pizza Hut Statistics By Brand Awareness
(Reference: statista.com)
Brand awareness statistics for Pizza Hut in the USA shows 95% awareness, but only 43% popularity among Americans. Out of these, 34% have tried Pizza Hut, and 28% are loyal customers. The brand generated buzz among 27% of Americans.
Leading Restaurant Chains by Brand Awareness in 2022
(Reference: statista.com)
McDonald’s leads in brand awareness among fast-food chains in the USA with 95%, followed by KCF, Burger King, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, each with 94% awareness. These statistics indicate successful brand awareness efforts for all the mentioned chains, with over 50% awareness in each case.
Pizza Hut Statistics by Calorie by Product
Pizza Hut Pasta
Calories (kcal)
Fat (g)
Carbs (g)
Protein (g)
Oven Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta, 1 serving
930
49
85
37
Oven Baked Italian Meats Pasta, 1 serving
860
37
97
36
Penne with Mariana and Meatballs, half
630
28
62
33
Oven Baked Veggie Pasta, 1 serving
640
16
99
27
Oven Baked Cheesy Alfredo Pasta, 1 serving
880
48
84
30
Pizza Hut Pizza
Calories (kcal)
Fat (g)
Carbs (g)
Protein (g)
American Chicken Club Pizza, Large Thin ‘N Crispy Slice,1 serving
340
18
31
14
American Chicken Club Pizza, Large Original Pan, 1 serving
430
24
38
16
American Chicken Club Pizza, Large Original Stuffed Crust Slice, 1 serving
400
21
37
16
American Chicken Club – Personal Pan Pizza Slice, 1 serving
180
8
18
7
American Chicken Club Pizza, Large Hand Tossed Slice, 1 serving
370
18
36
15
Pizza Hut Desserts
Calories (kcal)
Fat (g)
Carbs (g)
Protein (g)
Cheery Dessert Pizza, 1 serving
240
4
47
4
Apple Dessert Pizza, 1 serving
250
4
50
4
Pizza Hut Breadsticks
Calories (kcal)
Fat (g)
Carbs (g)
Protein (g)
Breadsticks, 1 serving
140
4.50
19
4
Bakery Style Breadsticks, 1 serving
150
5
22
5
Breadsticks with Extra Cheese
210
10
21
10
Old fashioned Breadsticks – large
200
6
27
9
Breadstick Appetizer Sampler, 1 serving
930
38
118
30
Pizza Hut Chicken
Calories (kcal)
Fat (g)
Carbs (g)
Protein (g)
Buffalo Medium Traditional Bone- in Wing, 1 serving
100
4.50
5
9
Baked Bone-Out Wing, 1 serving
60
2
4
5
Buffalo Burnin’ hot traditional bone-in Wing, 1 serving
100
4.50
5
9
Buffalo Burnin’ Hot Bone-Out Wing, 1 serving
90
4
9
5
Buffalo Medium Bone-Out Wing, 1 serving
90
4
9
5
Pizza Hut Sandwich
Calories (kcal)
Fat (g)
Carbs (g)
Protein (g)
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Fries, 1 serving
1550
75
179
41
Black Forest Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Straight Cut fries, 1 serving
1170
53
132
39
Black Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Potato Chips, 1 serving
850
39
88
37
Black Forest Ham and Cheese Diablo Sandwich with Straight Cut Fries, 1 serving
1170
53
133
39
Black Forest Ham and Cheese Diablo Sandwich with Potato Chips, 1 serving
860
39
89
38
(Source: fatsecret.com)
Conclusion
Providing a wide range of food options, Pizza Hut stands out as a notable fast-food chain globally. Their diverse menu attracts millions of customers due to its affordability. While not yet the market leader in sales and brand recognition, Pizza Hut consistently ranks within the top 10 across various metrics. The enduring popularity of pizza ensures continuous demand, and brands like Pizza Hut are poised to remain successful. With ambitious strategies for future growth, Pizza Hut has much to offer in the years to come.
What is the requirement for obtaining a Pizza Hut franchisee?
The individual or business should have $700,000 net worth and $350,000 liquid assets. Moreover, a strong credit report and history are required.
Is Pizza Hut Expensive?
Compared to other brands, Pizza Hut offers relatively pocket-friendly pizzas and other menu items. However, depending on the area, the prices may be similar or lesser.
Which is the most popular item at Pizza Hut?
Pepperoni Pizza is the most popular pizza at Pizza Hut.
Pizza Hut Statistics 2024 By Employment, Education, Device Traffic, Sales And Brand Awareness
Data is from 2023 and 2024 and forecast data is for 2025 and 2026. We also expand the forecast data to 2027 and 2028.
——
REFERENCES:
This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:
Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.
Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.
Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.
Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.
Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Pizza Hut Statistics 2024 By Employment, Education, Device Traffic, Sales And Brand Awareness August 17, 2024
Africa is a family affair for the owners of Australia’s oldest travel specialist, Bench Africa, which turned 55 this year. The family-run company was founded by a Kenyan and owns ground operations in Africa. This proximity to the continent’s pulse, and the company’s practice of positioning its journeys within a broader ecological and social context, infuses the tourism experience. Visiting a chief’s homestead in Eswatini, for example, or meeting rangers involved in the restocking of depleted reserves in Malawi. See benchafrica.com
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, south-west Victoria
Try the signature kooyang (eel) tasting plates at Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Cafe.Credit: Visit Victoria
For thousands of years, the Gunditjmara people have shaped south-west Victoria’s waterways and wetlands, creating channels and weirs for farming eel that are now recognised by UNESCO as one of the world’s oldest examples of aquaculture. At Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Cafe, part of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape at the end of the Great Ocean Road, a two-hour guided tour shares how Gunditjmara managed their country before European arrival, with a focus on the role of eels. After the tour, guests can try the signature kooyang (eel) tasting plates. Eel crackling is a highlight. See budjbim.com.au
Walkabout Cultural Adventures, Queensland
Learn spear throwing, collect pipis and catch mud crabs.Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Juan Walker has a gift. He’s a total natural when it comes to sharing his knowledge, his culture and his country with others, particularly those who have never seen Kuku Yalanji country, around Port Douglas, through the eyes of its traditional owners. Juan hosts tours that feel like a day out with your new best mate, a mate who takes you swimming in rivers, spearing mud crabs in the mangroves, looking for natural medicines in the rainforest, who tells you stories and even stops in at his mum’s place for some damper. If only every tour experience was as enjoyable. See walkaboutadventures.com.au
International African American Museum, South Carolina
Grisly history is balanced with stories of survival and triumph.Credit: International African American Museum
This poignant and important museum in Charleston opened in 2023 at the very spot where almost half of all African slaves entered North America. Their inhumane transport – shackled sardine-like in the bellies of ships – is powerfully depicted in the memorial garden, in a work called Tide Tribute. Inside the museum, the history is balanced with stories of survival and triumph. It takes several hours to explore the latest special exhibition and another nine galleries, which include an insight into the Gullah Geechee culture found in coastal areas of the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. See iaamuseum.org
Canoe the Whanganui River, New Zealand
Owhango Adventures leads guests on canoe tours along the sacred river.Credit: Owhango Adventures
In 2017 the Whanganui River was the first river in the world to be recognised as a legal person, a battle that took 175 years. Owhango Adventures leads guests on canoe tours along the sacred river, explaining its importance to the Whanganui iwi (tribes), the history of their fight for recognition and what they are currently doing to protect the waterway even further. To paddle alongside these passionate and determined iwi, who now help other international rivers, including Australia’s Murray River, is to learn the Indigenous way of viewing human-landscape connections. Not just an immersive experience, but a life-changing one. See canoewhanganuiriver.com
Passchendaele Museum, Belgium
Passchendaele Museum … the closest you’ll (hopefully) get to experiencing what it was like to live through WWI.Credit: Getty Images
It’s one thing to see the white-cross-lined landscapes of World War I, it’s another entirely to visit this extraordinary museum, located right on the former frontline, and relive the horrors. With images of the fighting flashed onto walls accompanied by the sounds – the shouts, the screams, and even some of the smells – you’re transported back to those terrible times. And what was it really like to live through this? You hear the poignant letters the soldiers sent home, listen to their conversations and can wander through life-sized trenches yourself. This is the closest – thank God – you’ll ever get to WWI. See passchendaele.be/en/home-en
On Board Expeditions, Tasmania
Luxury catamaran Odalisque cruises the mirrored waters of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour.
There are many parts to this experience – the luxury catamaran that takes just 12 guests, the talented Tasmanian chef and the sublime food, even the seaplane flight that delivers guests from Hobart to Port Davey in the Tasmanian wilderness. But in the end, it’s the On Board crew that completes the picture – such is their knowledge of this remote region and its unique landscape and seascape, its plants and wildlife, its Indigenous and European histories and the challenges those isolated cultures faced alone and when they clashed. It has guests feeling connected to the area and yearning to return. And don’t the best stories leave you wanting more? See onboardexpeditions.com.au
Abercrombie & Kent’s Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Sunset at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Purros.Credit: Abercrombie & Kent
The design approach of luxury company Abercrombie & Kent assures that its lodges sensitively embrace the natural surrounds. None reflects this more than Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an extraordinary retreat in the remote desertscape of north-west Namibia that was refurbished in 2023. Resembling a movie set on a futuristic planet, a series of whitewashed modules (seven suites and a family suite) extend along a ridge, directly overlooking the Hoarusib River Valley. The egg-shaped entrance pays homage to the local Himba people. Gourmet cuisine, wilderness drives and star gazing are also out of this world. See abercrombiekent.com.au
Africa is a family affair for the owners of Australia’s oldest travel specialist, Bench Africa, which turned 55 this year. The family-run company was founded by a Kenyan and owns ground operations in Africa. This proximity to the continent’s pulse, and the company’s practice of positioning its journeys within a broader ecological and social context, infuses the tourism experience. Visiting a chief’s homestead in Eswatini, for example, or meeting rangers involved in the restocking of depleted reserves in Malawi. See benchafrica.com
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, south-west Victoria
Try the signature kooyang (eel) tasting plates at Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Cafe.Credit: Visit Victoria
For thousands of years, the Gunditjmara people have shaped south-west Victoria’s waterways and wetlands, creating channels and weirs for farming eel that are now recognised by UNESCO as one of the world’s oldest examples of aquaculture. At Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Cafe, part of Budj Bim Cultural Landscape at the end of the Great Ocean Road, a two-hour guided tour shares how Gunditjmara managed their country before European arrival, with a focus on the role of eels. After the tour, guests can try the signature kooyang (eel) tasting plates. Eel crackling is a highlight. See budjbim.com.au
Walkabout Cultural Adventures, Queensland
Learn spear throwing, collect pipis and catch mud crabs.Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Juan Walker has a gift. He’s a total natural when it comes to sharing his knowledge, his culture and his country with others, particularly those who have never seen Kuku Yalanji country, around Port Douglas, through the eyes of its traditional owners. Juan hosts tours that feel like a day out with your new best mate, a mate who takes you swimming in rivers, spearing mud crabs in the mangroves, looking for natural medicines in the rainforest, who tells you stories and even stops in at his mum’s place for some damper. If only every tour experience was as enjoyable. See walkaboutadventures.com.au
International African American Museum, South Carolina
Grisly history is balanced with stories of survival and triumph.Credit: International African American Museum
This poignant and important museum in Charleston opened in 2023 at the very spot where almost half of all African slaves entered North America. Their inhumane transport – shackled sardine-like in the bellies of ships – is powerfully depicted in the memorial garden, in a work called Tide Tribute. Inside the museum, the history is balanced with stories of survival and triumph. It takes several hours to explore the latest special exhibition and another nine galleries, which include an insight into the Gullah Geechee culture found in coastal areas of the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. See iaamuseum.org
Canoe the Whanganui River, New Zealand
Owhango Adventures leads guests on canoe tours along the sacred river.Credit: Owhango Adventures
In 2017 the Whanganui River was the first river in the world to be recognised as a legal person, a battle that took 175 years. Owhango Adventures leads guests on canoe tours along the sacred river, explaining its importance to the Whanganui iwi (tribes), the history of their fight for recognition and what they are currently doing to protect the waterway even further. To paddle alongside these passionate and determined iwi, who now help other international rivers, including Australia’s Murray River, is to learn the Indigenous way of viewing human-landscape connections. Not just an immersive experience, but a life-changing one. See canoewhanganuiriver.com
Passchendaele Museum, Belgium
Passchendaele Museum … the closest you’ll (hopefully) get to experiencing what it was like to live through WWI.Credit: Getty Images
It’s one thing to see the white-cross-lined landscapes of World War I, it’s another entirely to visit this extraordinary museum, located right on the former frontline, and relive the horrors. With images of the fighting flashed onto walls accompanied by the sounds – the shouts, the screams, and even some of the smells – you’re transported back to those terrible times. And what was it really like to live through this? You hear the poignant letters the soldiers sent home, listen to their conversations and can wander through life-sized trenches yourself. This is the closest – thank God – you’ll ever get to WWI. See passchendaele.be/en/home-en
On Board Expeditions, Tasmania
Luxury catamaran Odalisque III and tender in Bathurst Harbour.
There are many parts to this experience – the luxury catamaran that takes just 12 guests, the talented Tasmanian chef and the sublime food, even the seaplane flight that delivers guests from Hobart to Port Davey in the Tasmanian wilderness. But in the end, it’s the On Board crew that completes the picture – such is their knowledge of this remote region and its unique landscape and seascape, its plants and wildlife, its Indigenous and European histories and the challenges those isolated cultures faced alone and when they clashed. It has guests feeling connected to the area and yearning to return. And don’t the best stories leave you wanting more? See onboardexpeditions.com.au
Abercrombie & Kent’s Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Sunset at Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Purros.Credit: Abercrombie & Kent
The design approach of luxury company Abercrombie & Kent assures that its lodges sensitively embrace the natural surrounds. None reflects this more than Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, an extraordinary retreat in the remote desertscape of north-west Namibia that was refurbished in 2023. Resembling a movie set on a futuristic planet, a series of whitewashed modules (seven suites and a family suite) extend along a ridge, directly overlooking the Hoarusib River Valley. The egg-shaped entrance pays homage to the local Himba people. Gourmet cuisine, wilderness drives and star gazing are also out of this world. See abercrombiekent.com.au
Traveller Awards contributors: Kate Armstrong, John Borthwick, Jim Darby, Anthony Dennis, Ben Groundwater, Julietta Jameson, Trudi Jenkins, Brian Johnston, Ute Junker, Katrina Lobley, Catherine Marshall, Rob McFarland, Justin Meneguzzi, Craig Platt, Jane Reddy, Jane Richards, Tim Richards, Craig Tansley, Lee Tulloch, Kerry van der Jagt, Penny Watson, Sue Williams
You’d think we get enough drama from news and social media—but honestly, we live for it. Netflix has stories of tortured romance; parental struggles; political victories; and all manner of triumphs and tragedies, whether entirely fictional or inspired by true events.
Past Lives (2023)
Greta Lee plays Nora, whose family emigrated from South Korea to the United States when she was a child. Years later, and then over the course of several years, she reunites with childhood friend Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), forcing an examination of her life as it is, and as it might have been. Certainly among the best of the last five years, the film’s exploration of roads not taken builds to a powerful emotional punch. You can stream Past Liveshere.
The Two Popes (2019)
With a bit of extra relevance in recent days, this biographical film from director Fernando Meirelles (City of God) dramatizes a key period in the relationship between then-Pope Benedict XVI and his soon-to-be successor, Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Francis). Following the Vatican leaks scandal of 2012, Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) finds himself weakened both physically and in terms of his authority—as he considers resigning the Papacy, he summons Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce), the leading contender to replace him. The two debate theology and struggle with their own futures in a near two-hander than earned each of the actors Academy Award nominations. You can stream The Two Popes here.
The Six Triple Eight (2024)
Tyler Perry directs this war drama, and it’s likely his best movie yet, with a powerhouse lead performance from Kerry Washington as the real-life Major Charity Adams, commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. During World War II, a backlog in mail delivery was causing tremendous harm to troop morale, and so this battalion of Black women was charged with getting letters delivered; Perry’s greatest achievement here is making an extremely convincing case for the significance of mail sorting. Once deployed to Germany, the women come under fire from enemy soldiers, as well as from fellow allied soldiers who see no place for women, and particularly Black women, in wartime. You can stream The Six Triple Eighthere.
The Long Game (2023)
The drama here is quietly understated, though the stakes are very real. Jay Hernandez heads up the cast here to tell the true story of a group of teens from Del Rio, Texas of the 1950s, who set out to play golf at a white country club as the San Felipe Mustangs. They could be caddies, of course—but to actually play?! The kids went on to win the 1957 Texas State High School Golf Championship, with Long Game dramatizing the triumphs, setbacks, and extremely overt racism on the road to that victory. You can stream The Long Gamehere.
Society of the Snow (2023)
The true story of the 1972 Uruguayan rugby team lost in the Andes following a plane crash has been the subject of multiple documentaries and two previous dramas (the best known being, almost certainly, Frank Marshall’s cannibalism-heavy Alive from 1993). For all that Andes-crash content, this is the best of all of them: a thoughtful and tasteful take on what’s sometimes been presented as a salacious drama, with director J. A. Bayona emphasizing both the physical perils faced by the team and the spiritual toll of survival. You can stream Society of the Snowhere.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Sweaty, smoky clubs; outspoken (often openly queer) women who accepted no bullshit—women like Bessie Smith, Lucille Bogan, Gladys Bentley, and, of course, Ma Rainey. The 1920s blues scene was a moment, and Wolfe’s movie goes a long way to resurrecting the era with its contained but explosive story of one stormy Chicago recording session. Based on August Wilson’s play, it’s packed with brilliant performances, led by Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman in his final film role. You can stream Ma Rainey’s Black Bottomhere.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Jane Campion came roaring back after an absence from the director’s chair of a decade or so, with this, the most acclaimed film of her career to date. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Phil Burbank, as beguiling as he is cruel, who runs a family ranch in 1925 with his far gentler brother, George (Jesse Plemons). Phil’s callousness sparks into flame when George finds love with a local waitress (Kirsten Dunst), his brother’s happiness shifting their power dynamic uncomfortably, and leaving Phil to contemplate (or, rather, to avoid contemplating) his feelings for the man who taught him how to be a cowboy years earlier. You can stream The Power of the Doghere.
Shirley (2024)
A woman president? What’s next?! Academy Award winner John Ridley (screenwriter of 12 Years a Slave) directs this quite necessary biopic of sometimes-forgotten pioneer Shirley Chisholm. The first Black woman elected to Congress (in 1969), Chisolm ran a forcefully progressive campaign for president just three years later. Even if the movie is a bit formulaic, in the ways that these things sometimes are, Regina King (perhaps unsurprisingly) gives a moving, illuminating performance as the idiosyncratic trailblazer. You can stream Shirley here.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
Charmingly unwieldy name aside, Guernsey is a cute and clever period drama based on the popular novel from Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Lily James stars as Juliet Ashton (pen name: Izzy Bickerstaff), a writer in 1946 who finds herself entranced by the titular society, formed during the German occupation of the island. Like the book before it, the quirkiness of the story’s characters masks dark undertones related to the horrors of the just-concluded war, lending the film a surprising emotional depth. Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco) directs. You can stream The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Societyhere.
Anyone but You (2023)
A loose spin on Much Ado About Nothing, Anyone But You stars Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as a couple who meet, hit it off for about a minute—and then immediately start to get on each other’s nerves. Until, of course, they need wedding dates and find themselves surrounded by scheming friends. As Shakespeare taught us, of such inauspicious beginnings are great romances sometimes born. It’s not wildly out there as rom-com premises go, but the movie is briskly directed and boasts strong chemistry (a must) between Sweeney and Powell. You can stream Anyone but Youhere.
Beginners (2010)
Better late than never: That’s the message of Beginners, in which Hal, played by Christopher Plummer (beginning his own late-career resurgence) comes out to his son, Oliver (Ewan McGregor). As Hal begins to live his life more openly and finds love with a younger man, he also develops a more honest relationship with his son. As a result, the two become closer than they ever were before, and their relationship inspires Oliver to pursue a new romance of his own—and to generally live life on his own terms. It’s a movie about how, sometimes, being true to yourself is the best way to be a good parent. You can stream Beginnershere.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Director Spike Lee had his greatest triumph with this funny, quotable, and ultimately explosive film about the racial tensions percolating in a Brooklyn neighborhood on a hot summer day. Stylish, funny, humane, and, ultimately, a gut punch. You can stream Do the Right Thinghere.
Scoop (2024)
The reliably great Gillian Anderson plays real-life British journalist Emily Maitlis, who lead the BBC2 team that secured the disastrous interview with Prince Andrew (Rufus Sewell) that laid bare his associations with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein—and by “disastrous,” I mean that it was a disaster for the Prince, who couldn’t seem to stop himself from making things worse. A juicy and compelling true story. Keeley Hawes and Billie Piper also star. You can stream Scoop here.
Passing (2021)
This gorgeous black-and-white adaptation of the once-controversial 1929 novel explores the dramatized history of some light-skinned African-Americans attempting to pass as white. Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson play old friends who reunite unexpectedly after years apart; one is married to a Black man and living in Harlem while the other is married to an odious, racist white doctor who has no idea his wife isn’t the woman he thinks she is. The fallout both women experience as a result of their chance encounter is an indictment of a society that would place so much value on skin color, yes, but it’s also a challenging consideration of the choices people will make for self-preservation, and it offers no easy answers. You can stream Passinghere.
May December (2023)
Todd Haynes directs this insightful, moving, and also deliberately campy story of an actress visiting the woman she’ll be playing in a film. The movie’s deft, and unexpected, blending of tones makes it pretty consistently fascinating, and the lead performances from Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton saw them all as Oscar nomination frontrunners, even if no actual nods were forthcoming. You can stream May Decemberhere.
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Carol (2015)
The chemistry between Rooney Mara’s Therese and Cate Blanchett’s Carol is palpable from the moment their eyes meet across a crowded department store—but it’s the 1950s, and theirs is a love that dare not speak its name, even to one another. That’s just how things were back then (luckily, queerphobia has been entirely eradicated). The women suffer for their love in Todd Haynes’ modern classic, but the tears come less when things are going bad as when it starts to feel like they might just possibly start to go a little right. You can stream Carolhere.
Nyad (2023)
Annette Bening stars as the real-life Diana Nyad, who swam from Florida to Cuba in her 60s—powered largely by an unyielding willfulness. The movie succeeds in large part because of the performances from and chemistry between lead Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, both of whom received Oscar nominations for their work here. The movie makes a strong case that age is inevitably a weakness in many ways, but can also be a source of surprising strength. You can stream Nyadhere.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Inspired, in part, by ancient Greek mythology, this psychological drama was probably never destined to be a crowd-pleaser—but it’s a genuinely confident, bold debut from writer/director Maggie Gyllenhaal. Olivia Colman (who got a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her trouble) plays Leda Caruso, a middle-aged college professor who develops a rather disturbing obsession with a woman and her young daughter while on holiday in Greece. Jessie Buckley also got an Oscar nod for playing a younger version of Leda, and Gyllenhaal picked up a nomination for her screenplay. You can stream The Lost Daughterhere.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Chiwetel Ejiofor wrote and directed (also co-starred) in the biographical, family-friendly (in the best sense) film based not he memoir of William Kamkwamba (played here by Maxwell Simba). Born to a family of farmers in Kasungu, Malawi, William barely manages to stay in school (essentially blackmailing a teacher in lieu of being able to afford tuition), but his persistence pays off: the young engineering prodigy develops a design for a windmill that might be able to save the village from the impacts of drought and a global economic downturn—but only if he can convince his family that the sacrifices required to build his machine will be worth it. You can stream The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind here.
Judy (2019)
Renée Zellweger won an Oscar for her portrayal of screen legend Judy Garland in this biopic that focuses on the last year of her life, contrasting the period of trial with scenes from her early life, and drawing straight lines between the treatment of a child actor with the troubles of an aging star. There are some biopic tropes here, and the film builds to a necessarily tragic conclusion, but there’s a great deal of heart and humanity here, and Zellweger offers up a very worthy performance. You can stream Judyhere.
Twilight (2008)
Say what you like about Catherine Hardwicke’s adaptation of the Stephenie Meyer’s novel: the movie was a blockbuster and a genuine pop culture phenomenon, touching on the drama and trauma of teen romance in grand, nearly operatic, style. The movie was released during the country’s last major economic downturn, and some sparkly vampires might be just the comfort watch you need in more recently troubling times. You can stream Twilighthere.
Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese’s epic take on the life of real-life mobster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) is an indisputable classic of the genre—in fact, it’s the movie people think of first when you mention gangster movies. Scorsese has rarely been better, but the movie’s performances (from Liotta, Robert De Niro, Lorraine Bracco, and Joe Pesci) are where it soars. You can stream Goodfellashere.
Rustin (2023)
Colman Domingo gives a stellar performance (he earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination) as the title’s Bayard Rustin, the gay Civil Rights leader who planned the March on Washington. Domingo is all charm here as a man desperate to advance a movement focused on his skin color but is less certain how to treat his sexuality. Not only is it an intersectional corrective to our very straight-centered vision of the Civil Rights Movement, it’s a stylish and moving biopic in its own right. You can stream Rustin here.
The Boys in the Band (2020)
An update of the 1968 play (previously adapted to the screen by William Friedkin in 1970), Boys in the Band keeps its period setting and premise: Michael (Jim Parsons) is hosting a very gay birthday for his friend Harold (Zachary Quinto), joined by their friends Donald (Matt Bomer) and Larry (Andrew Rannells). Everyone’s ready to cut loose without the pressure of having to act straight—until they’re joined unexpectedly by married Alan (Brian Hutchison), and everyone has to decide how far they’re willing to shove themselves back in the closet. You can stream The Boys in the Bandhere.
