On the one hand, governments claim that tariffs defend their local green industries. For instance, imposing tariffs on foreign solar panels or electric cars can provide local producers with some space for expansion, generate employment, and cut reliance on the supply chain of a single nation. In theory, that improves long-term resilience.

But there is a downside:

higher tariffs tend to translate into higher prices for consumers and slower deployment of clean technologies. If solar panels become more costly, fewer families or companies will install them. If EVs are more expensive, individuals delay buying gas cars longer. That pushes emissions reductions we cannot afford to delay. For developing nations in particular, where cost is everything, tariffs make sustainability even more out of reach.

So in human language, green tech tariffs can seem like a tug-of-war: save jobs here and now, or accelerate climate progress later. The actual challenge is being balanced—protecting domestic industries and making green solutions cheap enough so folks can switch.

Small businesses are hit hardest by tariffs, as they don’t have the cushion that large corporations do. Take a small furniture store that buys some woods or hardware in import—when tariffs drive up those costs, they can’t always take the hit. Burdening the customers with it all risks driving them away, but taking it on their own tightens already thinning margins.

In order to survive, small businesses are getting creative. Some are reconsidering their supply chains, sourcing locally even if it means changing their product lines. Others are negotiating harder with partners, or collaborating with other small businesses in order to make bulk buys and cut costs. Others are being straightforward with customers, explaining why prices are changing—surprisingly, honesty seems to breed loyalty.

It’s not easy by any means, though. For others, tariffs are a test of resilience and adaptability. People who can change quickly and find new ways to create value seem to prosper. For others, though, the higher costs are like a losing battle against forces well out of their reach.

The secret is making the transition from “process” to “performance.” Rather than only rewarding grades or test scores, parents can see effort put forth by their child, curiosity, or how they recover from errors. That creates resilience and love of learning, not fear of failure.

Support can be as easy as establishing a peaceful study area at home, having routines, and being interested in what the child is studying—asking “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” rather than “Did you get an A?” Small changes in language are very effective.

And maybe most of all, modeling is key. When children observe mothers and fathers reading, solving a problem, or simply saying “I don’t know, let’s learn it together,” they will absorb that learning is a lifelong process, not only a school-only activity.

Therefore, parents needn’t be second teachers. They need only to be cheerleaders, models, and safe havens—reminding children that growth is more important than being perfect.

Online degrees are definitely gaining respect. Ten years ago, many employers were skeptical—thinking online meant “less serious” or “less rigorous.” But today, especially after the pandemic normalized remote learning and work, attitudes have shifted. Many well-known universities now offer online programs that are just as challenging as their in-person counterparts, often taught by the same professors.

That said, the “value” of an online degree depends on a few things: the reputation of the institution, the quality of the program, and how much the student engages with it. A degree from a recognized university—whether online or on-campus—carries weight. But beyond the paper, employers also look for what you actually learned, how you can apply it, and whether you’ve built the soft skills that come from collaboration and problem-solving.

For students balancing jobs, families, or living far from campuses, online degrees open doors that might otherwise stay closed. In that sense, they’re not just “as valuable”—sometimes they’re even more practical and empowering.

For women over 40, strength training is often a game-changer in ways cardio alone can’t match. While cardio is great for heart health and burning calories, strength training does something deeper — it helps protect the body as it naturally changes with age.

•  Muscle & Metabolism:

After 40, women naturally start to lose muscle mass, which can slow metabolism. Strength training helps rebuild and preserve muscle, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight even when metabolism slows.

 Bone Health:

Osteoporosis risk rises with age, especially for women. Lifting weights or doing resistance exercises strengthens bones, reducing the risk of fractures later on.

• Hormone Balance & Energy

Strength training can improve insulin sensitivity and support hormonal balance, which often shifts in perimenopause and menopause. Many women also report feeling more energized and less fatigued after regular strength sessions.

•  Confidence & Independence:

Beyond the physical, there’s a powerful mental benefit — feeling stronger brings confidence. It makes daily tasks (like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or traveling) easier and keeps independence intact for longer.

So, while cardio keeps the heart pumping strong, adding strength training gives women over 40 the tools to age with resilience — stronger bones, a faster metabolism, and the confidence of knowing their body is capable.