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English blog posts / Články v angličtine
Let’s talk about Energy poverty
Energy poverty doesn’t just mean higher gas and electricity bills—it also has serious effects on health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Echo: Cyber threats in solar energy: What are we facing?
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are no longer just targeting traditional technologies like computer systems or wind turbines. A new threat has emerged: solar panels. Ethical hackers from the Netherlands recently revealed that these devices are not sufficiently protected against tampering. They managed to remotely turn solar panels on and off and even change their settings. Solar energy plays a crucial role in the European Union’s energy mix. In 2022, solar energy accounted for 14% of the electricity supply in the Netherlands, the highest share in the EU. This only underscores the importance of protecting these resources. One of the most vulnerable components is the converters, which transform solar…
Echo: Strengthening cyber resilience in the EU’s energy sector: Insights from the latest ENISA report
A new report provides the first comprehensive overview of cybersecurity in the EU’s energy sectors. It focuses on supply chain risks, technical vulnerabilities, and sector-specific threats. Member States and ENISA are urged to swiftly implement recommendations to strengthen resilience.
Sri Lanka: Lake, city and hills of Kandy
Upon arrival in Kandy, I have been both thrilled and overwhelmed by the vibrant city streets. From the cars, tuk-tuks, buses, trucks to the occasional cyclists, the city's lively traffic took me by surprise. More so, as the few days prior I spent in the relatively calm jungle area.
Echo: European weather in 2023
2023 was globally the warmest year on record, emphasizing the widespread impact of climate change. Europe stood at the forefront of this.
Echo: My reflections on the IEA’s latest EV outlook
The IEA has in April published their annual update to the Global EV Outlook. The electric vehicle adoption is gaining momentum, driven by technological advancements, supportive policies and shifting consumer preferences. The challenges lie particularly in terms of supply chain dependencies and the need for comprehensive infrastructure development.
Sri Lanka: Anuradhapura – the ancient capital
I always found Sri Lanka, an island country with rich history, lush greenery and marvellous cuisine, very attractive to visit. I had explored the southern part of the island years ago, and recently, I found myself wandering through the heart of the country, discovering gems like Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, and Pinnawala. Anuradhapura, an ancient city that once stood as the island’s capital from the 4th century BC to the 10th century AD, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to many archaeological sites, including stupas, statues, palaces and monasteries. My visit included the Ruwanwelisaya white stupa and the sacred Bodhi tree. Slovenská verzia: Sri Lanka: Anuradhapura –…
Sri Lanka: Safari trip and how to spot warnings from elephants
A safari in Sri Lanka offers the opportunity to watch elephants in their natural habitat. During my last visit of the island I did not hesitate and went elephant-watching again. We were lucky right from the start and encountered a small family of elephants. They were peacefully grazing near the road, so we watched them for a while.
Sri Lanka: The climb to Sigiriya – the Lion Rock
Sigiriya, often referred to as the Lion Rock, is located in the central Matale District near the town of Dambulla in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sri Lanka and is an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
Echo: What to do after being scammed online
Have you noticed unusual charges for items you never purchased showing up on your account statements? Perhaps your hard drive has become inaccessible, or maybe someone else is impersonating you on your Facebook or Instagram account? If you’ve fallen victim to an online scam, it’s crucial to act swiftly to mitigate the damage and protect your digital identity.
Slovakia on the path to carbon neutrality: What does it mean for you?
As one of the humble authors, I am excited to share our work on the importance of achieving carbon neutrality in Slovakia by 2050. In this report, we aim to enhance discussions in the public domain, promote cooperation among government bodies, and provide informative insights for policymakers, businesses, and the public. Let's dive into the analysis and discover the noteworthy messages it holds.
Echo: OECD sees Slovakia is not on a net-zero pathway
The OECD analyzed Slovakia's environmental progress and published a report on April 18, titled "OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Slovak Republic 2024". The review highlights that Slovakia has made some advancements in environmental protection in recent years but continues to face multiple challenges.
Victoria: Seychelles’ Capital
Victoria is the hub of all major administrative activities on Mahé, which is divided into 24 districts. Each district has its own school, church and a health center. Many of its district names reflect early French influence, but the capital is named after the British Queen Victoria.
Seychelles: Netopiere nad morom / Bats above the sea
Na Slovensku nad vodnými plochami lietajú čajky, na Seycheloch netopiere.
Seychelles: La Misere
La Misere in Seychelles is renowned for its spectacular viewpoints, offering views of Mahé, the largest island of Seychelles.
Hello, giant tortoise
Meet the Seychellois Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), one of the largest tortoise species on Earth.
Welcome to paradise or weather Seychellois
Weather in Seychelles: Be prepared not only for blue skies, calm seas and pristine beaches. Weather can change rapidly.
Seychelles 9 years later / Po 9 rokoch znovu na Seycheloch
Back at Seychelles after 9 years. Almost all still equally amazing - the beach (soft sand), the sea (turquoise and warm), ocean waves (loud but calming), mountains (all shades of green), weather (30°C, partially cloudy with occassional showers), food (especially oranges and pineapples).
101 for identifying fake emails and text messages (How to avoid online scams)
In today's world of artificial intelligence and direct translators, it might not be easy to distinguish whether a phone call is a fraud or real, so I recommend being careful of other phone calls that try to extract orders, addresses, or even your credit card number, or the access code for two-factor authentication that came to your phone.
What do I mean when I talk about KEP?
The Climate and Energy Plan for a city or municipality should analyze the basic structure of energy, water, waste, vehicles and other activities within the operation or assets in the ownership of the city and local government. This includes municipal buildings (including schools, social facilities, administrative and other buildings), service vehicles, greenery services, cemeteries, sports facilities, public lighting, traffic lights and the city's public transport.
Reflection on How Slovakia Can Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050
Report with scenario analysis about how Slovakia can achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 - from buildings, transportation, energy, to industry and agriculture.
