Short Sci Fi Film on Climate Change & Melanin Quietly Removed from Internet!

No longer “the face of the community.” As the shot lingers on his daughter, the viewer realizes that his efforts live on in the life of his child. Bato transformed from a black culture leader to a conformed “black-out” throughout the film only to ensure the protection of his family and consequently, his inheritance. Bato willingly sacrificed not only his melanin and his culture, but also his identity. He sacrifices all for the love of his family and the continuation of the culture and hope he strives to encourage.

- Ashley Knipp 14 October 2013

Global warming has become a tangible threat and everyone is creating new ways to protect themselves from the sun. Bato and his wife Gina are expecting a baby, but they weren't expecting it so early. With no money for the clinic, Bato enters into a race against the sun, the birth, his community and even his own identity to save his family.

A. Sayeeda Clarke's short film "White," part of ITVS’s Futurestates series, envisions a future where climate change has drastically altered life on Earth. In this world, New York City experiences extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 120 degrees on Christmas. Midday curfews are enforced to protect people from the oppressive heat.

The film explores a society where melanin, the pigment in skin, has become a valuable commodity. Scientists have developed a method to extract and inject melanin, exacerbating racial stratification. Clarke draws parallels between melanin extraction and the exploitation of natural resources like diamonds, gold, and gas, highlighting how those who possess these resources often lack control over them.

The story follows Bato, a community activist who opposes melanin extraction. However, when his wife goes into premature labor and they can't afford the clinic fees, Bato faces a moral dilemma. He ultimately sells his melanin to ensure the safe birth of his son, symbolizing the profound sacrifices individuals make in society. Clarke's film serves as a powerful commentary on identity and the pressures people face to conform or sacrifice parts of themselves.

Extreme heatwaves as a result of climate change have become a major risk factor for skin cancer among non-black communities in Africa.

Extreme heatwaves, exacerbated by the ongoing climate change crisis, pose a significant threat to the health of individuals in non-black communities across Africa. The rising temperatures associated with these heatwaves not only impact the environment but also have direct consequences on human health, particularly increasing the risk of developing skin cancer. As the planet continues to warm due to human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are on the rise. In Africa, where many regions already experience high temperatures, the additional stress of extreme heat events further escalates the health risks faced by the population.

For non-black communities in Africa, who may have a lower level of melanin in their skin compared to black individuals, the risk of developing skin cancer is heightened during prolonged exposure to intense heat. This is because melanin provides some level of natural protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which is a known risk factor for skin cancer. It is crucial for public health authorities, policymakers, and communities in Africa to address the growing threat of skin cancer due to extreme heatwaves. This includes implementing strategies to raise awareness about sun protection, promoting the use of sunscreen, encouraging the wearing of protective clothing, and providing access to shade in outdoor spaces.

By taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme heatwaves on skin health, non-black communities in Africa can better protect themselves from the increasing risk of skin cancer associated with climate change.

Betamethasone is classified as a potent topical corticosteroid medication that is frequently employed in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. Its effectiveness in managing these dermatological issues is well-documented, making it a popular choice among healthcare providers. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that along with its therapeutic benefits, Betamethasone also carries the risk of causing skin lightening as a potential side effect.

When considering the use of creams containing Betamethasone, it is imperative to exercise caution and adhere strictly to a doctor's guidance. These formulations are typically not available over the counter and necessitate a prescription for acquisition. Despite these regulations, there exists a concerning trend, particularly in countries like India, where Betamethasone and other corticosteroid creams are frequently misused as skin lightening agents, predominantly by women.

This misuse of Betamethasone for cosmetic purposes can have severe consequences on an individual's health and well-being. Prolonged and indiscriminate use of these creams can lead to a myriad of adverse effects, including but not limited to infertility, an increased risk of developing skin cancer, and irreversible disfigurement. The allure of achieving lighter skin tone often blinds individuals to the potential dangers associated with the misuse of Betamethasone, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the appropriate use of such medications.

Recent research indicates that East Indians share a gene with Europeans that significantly influences lighter skin. Published in the journal PLOS Genetics, the study found that this gene accounts for 27% of skin color variation in Indians and has been positively selected in North, but not South Indian populations. Positive selection means the gene provides an advantage, making it more common over generations. Conversely, if a gene is not selected, it may be useless or harmful to an organism's survival.

Shifting the focus to a broader perspective, the impact of global climate change on human populations becomes evident. With the rapid escalation of global temperatures, nations worldwide are grappling with various challenges, one of which is a decline in fertility rates. This decline is particularly pronounced in populations that lack natural defenses against factors such as high UV radiation, DNA damage from estrogens and phthalates, and extreme heat.

As we navigate these complex interplays between genetics, environment, and climate change, it becomes increasingly crucial to understand how these factors interact and influence human populations on a global scale. The intricate relationships between genes, natural selection, and environmental pressures underscore the need for further research and a nuanced approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by our changing world.