carterfelder

That is all quite vague. It's not specific enough. What constitutes "intimate images?" What kind of communication is "threatening?" Does someone's hurt feelings count? If trolling is teasing, are comedians allowed to troll on stage, or "troll" people on a video-sharing site? Does a man flashing his chest or upper thighs count as cyber-flashing?

I like the Tate brothers. They're always smiling, laughing, thoughtful, passionate and full of life.

"Humans have removed a significant portion of the Amazon Rainforest, primarily through deforestation and degradation. Recent estimates indicate that approximately 17% of the Amazon has been deforested—meaning the forest has been completely cleared for other land uses, such as agriculture or ranching. Additionally, more than a third of the remaining forest has been degraded by human activities like selective logging, fires, and habitat fragmentation, though this degradation does not always result in total removal of the forest cover. These figures are based on data covering the period up to around 2018–2023, with deforestation rates fluctuating depending on regional policies and enforcement. For instance, in the Brazilian Amazon, which accounts for about 60% of the total rainforest, just under 20% of the original forest cover has been lost since the early 1970s. When combining deforestation and degradation across the entire Amazon basin, the impact on the original forest is substantial, though exact percentages can vary slightly depending on the source and methodology used." - Grok 3

“COP30 is being held in Belém, Brazil, primarily due to its location in the Amazon region, which carries profound symbolic and practical significance for global climate discussions. The decision stems from a proposal by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who, shortly after his election in 2022, pitched the idea during COP27 in Egypt. He argued that if the Amazon—often called the ‘lungs of the Earth’ for its role in absorbing carbon dioxide—is a central topic at climate summits worldwide, then hosting the event in an Amazonian city like Belém would bring a unique, grounded perspective. The Amazon stores vast amounts of greenhouse gases and hosts unparalleled biodiversity, making it a critical player in the fight against climate change, and Belém, as the capital of Pará state and a gateway to the Amazon River, embodies that connection. Lula’s vision was to shift the conversation from distant venues like Paris or Dubai to the heart of the rainforest, letting world leaders see the region and its people—indigenous communities, riverside dwellers—up close. This aligns with Brazil’s push under his administration to reclaim a leadership role in climate action, especially after years of rampant deforestation under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. The choice was formalized at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, with unanimous approval from UN member states, backed earlier by the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Beyond symbolism, COP30 in Belém is a strategic move. It’s timed for November 2025, when nations must submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement—plans to cut emissions and adapt to climate shifts. Hosting in the Amazon underscores the urgency of protecting forests as carbon sinks, while spotlighting Brazil’s efforts (and challenges) in curbing deforestation, which dropped nearly 50% in 2023. It’s also a chance for Brazil to showcase sustainable development and pressure richer nations to deliver on climate finance promises, like the $100 billion pledged annually to developing countries. Belém’s selection isn’t without wrinkles—its infrastructure struggles, from limited hotels to poor sanitation, have sparked debate—but the Brazilian government sees it as an opportunity to transform the city and leave a legacy, with investments topping 4.7 billion reais ($850 million USD) for projects like parks and highways. Critics point to the irony of clearing rainforest for a climate summit, but proponents argue the global attention could galvanize action where it’s needed most. In short, Belém’s hosting COP30 is about putting the Amazon—and its stakes—front and center.” - Grok 3

“Significant portions of the Amazon rainforest are being cleared in preparation for a climate change summit. Specifically, tens of thousands of acres of protected rainforest in Brazil are being cut down to build a four-lane highway, known as Avenida Liberdade, for the COP30 climate summit scheduled for November 2025 in Belém. The highway, stretching over about 8 miles, is intended to ease traffic for the expected 50,000+ attendees, including world leaders. Drone footage and satellite imagery have documented the deforestation, showing cleared paths through previously lush, protected areas. Local officials claim the project includes ‘sustainable’ features like solar lighting and wildlife crossings, but conservationists and some residents argue it contradicts the summit’s purpose—tackling climate change—since the Amazon is a critical carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot. Critics also point out that the construction could open the door to further deforestation by increasing access for illegal logging or development. The irony hasn’t gone unnoticed: a summit meant to address environmental crises is directly causing ecological harm. Posts on X and reports from sources like the BBC and Newsweek confirm this is happening, with locals reporting losses of livelihoods—like açaí harvests—without compensation. The Brazilian government defends it as a necessary modernization effort, but the backlash is loud and clear.” - Grok 3 Amazon forest felled to build road for climate summit | BBC News

That's why I don't use animals or consume animal products.

Now that would actually be a worthy investment for my tax dollars.