A Stunning Toll

Invasive pests are costing the world billions. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( September 5, 2023 Good morning! We hope you checked your baggage for any unintended passengers if you traveled over Labor Day weekend — [we'll explain why, below](. We're also celebrating [the often unsung benefits of older employees]( and taking a closer look at [a study you'll definitely want to hear about](. And if you feel like not even your morning coffee can provide the boost you need today, we'll also tell you about [a service that might just move overwhelmed moms to tears](. Let's get started!   In the News [A venomous coral reef fish Red lionfish]( A venomous lionfish. (Getty Images) A Staggering Toll A new report backed by the United Nations is sounding the alarm on a global threat that's costing us billions, driving extinction and climate change, and threatening food security. [Here's the deal.]( An unnatural spread: Plants, animals, and other organisms are being transported into unfamiliar habitats by humans at an "unprecedented rate." These invasive species, which are spread via all manner of activity from private travel to international trade, cost the world an eye-watering $423 billion every year. Once they arrive in new areas they destroy crops, spread pathogens, and exacerbate environmental disasters. What are some examples? The black rat is the most frequent traveler to foreign shores, stowing away on cargo ships and making its way to new cities and otherwise isolated islands. Venomous lionfish are preying on native species in the Caribbean, and foreign grasses in Maui helped fuel the wildfires that decimated the island last month. What's the scale of the threat? According to the report, invasive species are a major factor in 60% of extinctions, a crisis on the scale of the asteroid that eliminated the dinosaurs. Experts agree that the estimated financial cost is a huge underestimate. The problem is likely to get worse before it improves. Unless something changes, the total number of alien species worldwide will be one-third higher in 2050 than it was in 2005. [Here's what one scientist says this means for civilization.]( [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Finvasive-species-driving-extinction-report%2F   More Stories [Muddy crocs in the foreground of a muddy tent shanty town]( Getty Images Burning Man exodus: Thousands of Burning Man attendees have made their escape after being stranded over the weekend by intense rain that turned the Nevada campsite into a swamp of thick, clay-like mud. The wait time to leave the site after the driving ban was lifted Monday was around eight hours — incredibly, no longer than normal for the festival. Still, organizers urged partygoers to wait until Tuesday to leave, as the terrain is still very tricky to navigate. Texas braces itself: The Texas Senate will gather today as a high court for the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton, the firebrand Republican accused by his own party of taking bribes and repeatedly abusing his office to assist a donor. Paxton, who's strongly aligned with Donald Trump and has been instrumental in the state's shift to the right, has denied any wrongdoing. Paxton has powerful allies in the senate — including Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who will preside over the high court as judge. Shifting blame: Elon Musk has blamed the Anti-Defamation League for X's waning revenue, claiming it's the result of false accusations of antisemitism. "If this continues, we will have no choice but to file a defamation suit against, ironically, the 'Anti-Defamation' League," Musk posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "If they lose the defamation suit, we will insist that they drop the the “anti” part of their name, since obviously …" RIP: Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of the band Smash Mouth, best known for its 1999 megahit All Star (which was made famous on the Shrek soundtrack), died on Monday. He was 56. According to his manager Robert Hayes, the cause was liver failure. “Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation,” Hayes said. “Steve lived a 100 percent full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”   Must-Reads [A hand wearing gloves and holding a spray bottle]( At Your Service Know an overwhelmed mom who could really use help around the house? The ladies of Hot Mess Express are here to save the day. [Read More »]( [Older woman's hands typing on a laptop]( What Makes Them Great Ageism in the workplace is very real, but here are 3 huge reasons older employees are an asset that should not be ignored by their managers. [Read More »]( [a thank you card]( All About Etiquette Are handwritten "thank you" cards still relevant in our modern age? We looked into whether this classic gesture is still expected. [Read More »](   Extra Credit What's the buzz? Labor Day may be behind us, but we've still got weeks of summer ahead. These [surprising things you didn't know about mosquitoes]( offer insight into the bloodsuckers still hanging around — and [this insect repellent that actually smells great]( will help you get rid of them. Listen up: If things are sounding a little fuzzy to you (or a loved one) lately, you don't want to miss this research about [the connection between hearing aids and cognitive decline](. A new chapter: Whether you're currently dealing with a split or have been single again for a while now, this look at [one word that can change your post-divorce life]( will give you a whole lot to think about.   Wear the Pants [Women wearing pants black and white]( Talbots If the idea of shopping for new pants gives you a panicky feeling in your stomach, you’re not alone. Between awkward cuts, unintentional bunching, and an alarmingly widespread lack of pockets, you might feel like giving up and committing to a lifetime of sweats. Luckily, with help from our friends at Talbots, we’ve got [solutions to any pants problem you might encounter](, so you can say goodbye to the fitting room blues. [READ MORE](   Just Trust Us Ciara Hopkinson, Marketplace Senior Associate: "Not to be dramatic, but this might be [one of the fastest-acting skincare products I’ve ever used](. After just a few days of putting on this serum at night, my skin already feels and looks smoother and more even in tone. Plus, it’s lightweight and goes on gorgeously under my normal moisturizer. Simple, easy, and effective. [TRY IT FOR YOURSELF](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community. If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.