You know what this pristine reef really needs?

Concrete. Aluminium. But most importantly... air conditioning.

Did you know that France conducted 193 nuclear tests from 1966 to 1996 in the French Polynesian islands?

With the Pacific Islands Forum happening, and calls to revisit anti-nuclear treaties, there’s no better time to read up on the lasting legacy of these tests on the local population (spoiler alert: it wasn’t great).

Another bit of news that hit my feed is the local protests of the 2024 Olympic Games surfing event happening in world famous surfing spot, Teahupo’o in Tahiti.

I knew the Olympics would be here for the surfing event next year, however I had no idea that there were plans to destroy a decent chunk of the reef to build a $4 million platform that’s just going to be taken down again.

Well, I presume the concrete foundations and plumbing lines for toilets and air conditioning will stay… a long-lasting testament to the ability for man to be surrounded by the pristine beauty of nature, but not be satisfied until the atmosphere is the optimal temperature of 21º.

matahidrollet

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The construction has a high risk of introducing a nightmare disease (ciguatera) to the locals who rely on the reef for food. It’s a disease that plagues heaps of the smaller islands already and limits the local population’s ability to live off the land.

The delicate balance between the natural environment and the health of the locals became very apparent to us when we visited the Gambier Islands back in January. These are some of the most remote islands in French Polynesia, and some of the worst affected by the nuclear tests; entire families have come down with the same thyroid cancer, half of the main island (Mangareva) is unable to be fished due to the lasting damage.

When we got back, I wrote the below comic for Going Down Swinging, issue 42, Hell or High Water (which you can buy here if you’re interested in an excellent literary journal).

The stored history of these corals

Listening, reading, thinking about…

1. 1001 Albums Generator

I’m trying to get out of a Spotify algorithm hole that feels like everything is same-same. I stumbled across this website, which takes the various versions of the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die and gives you a random album a day to listen to.

So far, a few old favourites have shown up (hello Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, my old love!) and I’ve discovered some PHENOMENAL newbies (Janelle Monáe’s The ArchAndroid is a masterpiece). If you’re getting bored with what Spotify’s throwing up for you, I’d suggest giving the generator a go.

2. Your Best French

Belle sœur (literal translation: beautiful sister) is such a nicer phrase than sister-in-law. Sister-in-law sounds like they’ve been unwillingly shackled to you for life. Anyway, my belle sœur Aurélie teaches French, and her newsletter is excellent. She also has some very funny and charming videos on both YouTube and Instagram. If you’re learning French, check her out. If you’re not, check her out anyway.

yourbestfrench

A post shared by @yourbestfrench

3. Since the 2024 Olympics in Tahiti looking not so great for the environment…

… Perhaps you want to sign the petition telling organisers maybe don’t destroy a fragile ecosystem for the sake of a 3 day sports event?