News
Local gamers get chance to shape animal futures in ‘immersive’ experience
GAMERS in Mid and West Wales are being invited to explore an immersive online experience from the RSPCA which considers what life might be like for animals in 2050.
The experience, dubbed ‘Animal Futures’, brings to life five possible scenarios for animal welfare in Mid and West Wales, exploring the consequences for animals, people, and the wider planet. From robot pets and nature retreats accessible only to the wealthy, to lab-grown meat and artificial intelligence enabling human-animal communication, the project paints a vivid picture of potential futures.
RSPCA CEO Chris Sherwood warns that “chilling” futures could lie ahead for animals and humans unless immediate action is taken. However, he emphasises that people in Mid and West Wales have the power to make a difference.
“We need to rethink our relationship with animals – whether that be in Mid and West Wales, across the country, or the wider world,” Sherwood states. He explains that the Animal Futures project examines how factors such as climate change, loss of natural habitats, and rapid technological and demographic changes could shape the world for both animals and people.
The experience allows users to immerse themselves in five distinct worlds set in 2050:
- Tech-centric: Technology tackles climate change and food production, but at the expense of nature and animals.
- Eco carnage: Climate change renders much land uninhabitable, pushing animal welfare to the sidelines.
- Blinkered world: Insufficient efforts to address climate change and food production result in mixed outcomes for animals and people.
- One Planet: Major challenges are tackled in a way that protects animal wellbeing and nature.
- Animals speak up: A transformative event revolutionises attitudes towards animals.
While some scenarios may seem bleak, Sherwood points out that there are also opportunities on the horizon. “Lab-grown meat has recently been licenced for pet food in the UK; scientists are using AI to decode animal communication; and we are growing organs on microchips to replace animal testing,” he notes.
The online experience is based on a groundbreaking report commissioned by the RSPCA, analysing scientific evidence, emerging trends, and stakeholder interviews[1]. It marks the first step in the Animal Futures project, with users invited to sign up for a national consultation on animal welfare attitudes later this year.
Sherwood concludes, “We want to invite everyone across Mid and West Wales to explore Animal Futures and find out how the choices they make today could build a better world for animals – and us – tomorrow”.
Those interested can visit rspca.org.uk/animalfutures to experience Animal Futures or sign up to have their say on creating a better world for all animals.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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