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India's greenhouse gas emissions increased by 58 percent between 1994 and 2007, reaching 1.9 billion tonnes in 2007 compared to 1.2 billion tonnes in 1994. The rise was largely due to the coal-reliant power sector, which almost doubled its emissions during this period. India's industry and transport sectors also saw an increase in emissions, solidifying India's position as one of the top five carbon polluters globally. Despite the significant increase, India still has relatively low per-capita emissions, about one-tenth of the United States. In 2007, the power sector was responsible for 719.30 million tonnes of emissions, up from 355.03 million tonnes in 1994, while the transport sector's emissions rose from 80.28 million tonnes to 142.04 million tonnes over the same period. During the same period, industrial emissions increased by just over 30 percent. As agriculture's contribution to the Indian economy has decreased in recent years, emissions from this sector slightly decreased between 1994 and 2007. The report emphasizes India's growing importance in U.N.-led climate negotiations to replace the Kyoto Protocol, and the necessity of involving major developing countries in global efforts to combat climate change. According to figures from the government report, released by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh at a conference in New Delhi, India is nearing Russia as the world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, emitting nearly 2.2 billion tonnes in 2007. China holds the top spot as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. The United States is ranked second in emissions, with Russia's emissions growing slower than India's. India's economy has been expanding rapidly in an effort to reduce poverty, leading to increased investment in various industries including coal, steel, cement, and renewable energy. In 2007, the emissions of the United States and China were nearly four times that of India. India's GDP energy intensity decreased by more than 30 percent from 1994 to 2007 due to proactive efforts and policies. He stated that they plan to keep following this trend. Energy intensity is the quantity of energy utilized per unit of GDP. India has a goal of reducing carbon intensity by 20 to 25 percent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels. The most recent official report on India's emissions to the United Nations was in 1994 because, as a developing nation, India is not required to report emissions annually like wealthier nations. The most recent UN emissions data for developed countries is from 2007. India's new climate plan focuses on renewable energy like solar power, but coal continues to be the main source of energy in a country where nearly half of the population lacks access to electricity. India has a significant amount of coal reserves and plans to increase power generation, with most of it coming from coal. Despite developing nations emitting more greenhouse gases, India's per-capita emissions are still lower than the global average. | 1 |
As wheat and rice prices increase, the once overlooked potato is now being recognized for its nutritional value and potential to feed the world at a low cost. Potatoes, originally from Peru, can be grown in various climates and require minimal water. They mature quickly and can produce more food per hectare than wheat or rice. Pamela Anderson, director of the International Potato Center in Lima, believes that potatoes could help address food supply issues and contribute to food security. The potato is being recognized as a solution to hunger caused by rising food prices, a growing population, increasing costs for fertilizer and diesel, and more land being used for biofuel production. The United Nations declared 2008 the International Year of the Potato to bring attention to its potential as a valuable resource. Governments, such as Peru, are promoting the use of potato flour in bread to combat rising wheat prices, distributing potato bread to various groups in the hopes of starting a trend. Supporters argue that potato flour tastes just as delicious as wheat bread, but there are not enough mills producing it. Ismael Benavides, Peru's agriculture minister, believes that people's eating habits need to change as they became addicted to wheat when it was inexpensive. Despite the potato originating in Peru 8,000 years ago near Lake Titicaca, Peruvians consume fewer potatoes compared to Europeans. Belarus is the world leader in potato consumption, with each citizen eating an average of 376 pounds (171 kg) a year. India aims to double its potato production in the next five to 10 years, according to food experts. China, a country that has experienced significant famines in the past due to its heavy reliance on rice consumption, has now emerged as the leading producer of potatoes globally. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the cultivation of potatoes is rapidly increasing compared to other crops. This shift in consumer preference towards potatoes is evident in countries like Latvia, where rising bread prices have led to a decrease in sales by 10-15 percent, while potato purchases have increased by 20 percent. The developing world, particularly, is seeing a surge in potato cultivation, offering an opportunity for impoverished farmers to increase their income as demand for the crop rises. Anderson stated that countries are considering the potato as a viable choice for ensuring food security and generating income. Despite being the world's third most important food crop, potatoes come in a variety of colors and are not limited to the traditional Idaho variety. Peru is contributing to a gene bank for food crops by sending thousands of potato seeds to the Doomsday Vault near the Arctic Circle. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes, allowing creative chefs to create visually appealing dishes. According to 17-year-old potato farmer Juan Carlos Mescco from Peru, potatoes taste great and can be enjoyed in various ways from breakfast to dinner. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide slow-release energy, with only five percent fat content compared to wheat. They have one-fourth of the calories of bread, more protein than corn, and nearly twice the calcium when boiled. Additionally, potatoes contain vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc. Speculators are not interested in potatoes because they are not a global commodity like wheat, which attracts professional investment for speculation. Wheat production is almost double that of potatoes, with only about 5 percent of potatoes being traded internationally. Local tastes drive potato prices, as they are heavy and prone to rotting during transportation, limiting global trade. They are also vulnerable to getting infected by diseases, which makes it difficult to export them and prevent the spread of plant diseases. However, the drawback is that prices in certain countries are not appealing enough to encourage farmers to cultivate them. Locals in Peruvian markets believe the government should step in to increase demand. Juana Villavicencio, who has been growing potatoes for 15 years, stated, "Prices are low. It is not profitable to cultivate potatoes," as she sells them for very little in a market in Cusco, in the southern Andes region of Peru. However, advancements in science are happening quickly. German chemicals group BASF is currently working on creating genetically modified potatoes that are resistant to "late blight." This disease caused a famine in Ireland in the 19th century and still results in approximately 20 percent of potato harvest losses worldwide, according to the company. Researchers suggest that farmers who utilize clean, virus-free seeds could increase their yields by 30 percent and gain approval for export. This could lead to increased income for farmers and promote more production, as companies would be able to sell specialty potatoes internationally, rather than just as frozen french fries or potato chips. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama, speaking in Singapore on Sunday to Asia Pacific leaders, expressed optimism about the world economy's recovery but cautioned that failure to re-balance the global economic system could result in further crises. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum's statement, which endorsed stimulus measures to prevent a recession and called for successful trade talks in 2010, did not include any mention of market-oriented exchange rates following disagreement between the US and China on the issue. The original draft had included a commitment to maintaining such exchange rates, but this was ultimately removed from the final communique. A representative from an APEC delegation, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that discussions between China and the United States regarding exchange rates caused a delay in the final statement after two days of talks. This highlights the tensions that are expected to arise when Obama visits China following the imposition of tariffs on Chinese tires by Washington. Beijing is concerned that this could open the door to further tariffs on Chinese products that are gaining popularity in the US market. During the APEC meeting, Obama emphasized the need to avoid repeating the same mistakes that led to the global recession, stressing the importance of moving away from policies that resulted in uneven growth. Obama stated that if we do not change our current path, we will continue to face crises that have already had negative impacts on our citizens, businesses, and governments. He believes that we are at a critical moment in history where we have the chance to choose a different direction, focusing on creating a balanced and sustainable growth. His strategy includes saving more, spending less, reforming the financial system, and reducing deficits and borrowing. Washington is also urging major exporters like China to increase their own domestic demand. Chinese President Hu Jintao has faced pressure to allow the yuan to increase in value, but he has not addressed the issue directly in recent speeches at APEC. Instead, he has focused on what he sees as unfair trade restrictions on developing countries. When President Obama visits China, the yuan will be a key topic of discussion, as it has been effectively tied to the US dollar since 2008 to protect China's economy. The US argues that an undervalued yuan is causing imbalances between the US and China. China, on the other hand, is seeking recognition as a market economy from the US and wants concessions on trade cases that would make it more difficult for the US to take action against Chinese goods. The central bank of China announced last week that it will take into account major currencies when determining the value of the yuan, indicating a shift away from the peg system. President Obama arrived in Singapore late on Saturday, missing most of the formal talks and speeches that day where some leaders accused the United States of hindering free trade with policies like "Buy America" campaigns. The APEC meeting is the final gathering of global leaders before the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in three weeks, which aims to increase efforts to combat climate change. Negotiations for the summit have stalled, but a US official stated that Obama supports a two-step plan proposed by the Danish prime minister to first reach an operational agreement and then address legally binding details later. The APEC statement no longer includes references to emissions reductions that were present in earlier drafts. | 1 |
The family of the accused gunman in the Arizona shooting spree expressed their sadness on Tuesday over the "heinous events," while the congresswoman who was shot in the head showed signs of improvement. In their first public statement, relatives of Jared Lee Loughner, 22, said that it was a "very difficult time" and requested privacy. The statement, attributed to "The Loughner Family," acknowledged that there were no words that could adequately express their emotions. The eight-sentence statement did not mention the young man charged in the shooting at a Tucson shopping mall that resulted in the deaths of six people, including a federal judge, and the injury of 14 others. The shooting resulted in Representative Gabrielle Giffords being in critical condition, however, she was able to breathe on her own despite a bullet passing through her brain. The family expressed their confusion and sorrow over the tragic events, stating that they wish they could change what happened and offering their deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Giffords, a 40-year-old Democrat, is in critical condition at a Tucson hospital but her doctor stated that she is "holding her own," responding to simple commands, and breathing without the aid of her ventilation tube. Dr. Michael Lemole, head of neurosurgery at the University Medical Center, expressed hopefulness about her condition, stating that she looks better than expected. He emphasized that her recovery will be a gradual process, with progress being monitored on a week to week, month to month basis. President Barack Obama is planning to travel to Arizona on Wednesday to attend a memorial service for those who died in a recent tragedy, including a 9-year-old girl. In Washington, the House of Representatives was set to vote on condemning the violent attack that targeted one of their own, sparking discussions about the aggressive nature of recent political campaigns. Jared Loughner, the accused gunman, is currently in custody and awaiting a preliminary hearing on January 24 for five federal charges, including the attempted assassination of Gabrielle Giffords. Two young men came out of Loughner's home in a middle-class neighborhood in Tucson and distributed a statement from his family to the gathered media. A neighbor had previously told local media that Loughner's parents, Amy and Randy Loughner, were devastated by the events. Neighbor Wayne Smith, with tears in his eyes, expressed that it is important for people to recognize that the son of Amy and Randy is not involved in the tragic events. He emphasized that they are deeply affected by the situation and asked others to imagine how they would feel if it were their own child. According to a recent CBS News poll, most Americans do not believe that the heated political discourse played a role in the Arizona shootings. The survey revealed that 57 percent of participants believed that the violent political atmosphere was not connected to the shooting incident, while 32 percent thought it was. Republicans were the most adamant in denying any link, with 69 percent rejecting the idea. Despite the unclear motive for the attack, some politicians and analysts have suggested that a culture of intense rhetoric and ideological division could have played a role. Former President Bill Clinton warned about the impact of language in the digital age, emphasizing the echo-chamber effect of the Internet. Lawmakers from both political parties are urging for more politeness in politics, and they will gather for a bipartisan prayer service on Wednesday. Colleagues of Giffords in Congress paused their work after the shootings to review their security. The vote to repeal Obama's healthcare reform has been postponed by the Republican-led House, a reform that Giffords and other Democrats supported. Loughner allegedly shot at the congresswoman and constituents with a semi-automatic Glock pistol in a supermarket parking lot. "In a moment, he stole six loved ones from us and shattered our peace of mind," expressed Arizona Governor Jan Brewer during a speech in Tucson. She emphasized the immeasurable loss that Tucson and all of Arizona experienced in that tragic moment. Over 600 mourners came together at a memorial service held at St. Odilia Catholic Church in Tucson to honor the shooting victims. In response to the threat of picketing at the victims' funerals by a Kansas fundamentalist Christian church, Arizona state lawmakers passed a bill to prevent such actions on Tuesday. Governor Brewer promptly signed the legislation into law. The small church's members have become well-known for showing up at military funerals and stating that God is punishing the troops due to the country's acceptance of homosexuality. They also attended the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards. | 1 |
Xi's address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which was the first by a Chinese leader, could potentially signal a change in the global political landscape amidst the struggles of western democracies with populist nationalism. Despite China being a one-party communist state with strict restrictions on foreign investment, it surprisingly advocated for free markets at the event known for global capitalism. As Western nations like the US and Europe focus on protectionist and insular policies, China sees an opportunity to take on a larger role in global economic leadership. Xi warned against protectionism, comparing it to isolating oneself in a dark room and cutting off light and air, emphasizing that no one benefits from a trade war. Real estate tycoon and former reality television personality Trump, who is set to become the U.S. president on Friday, ran his campaign on the promise to take a tougher stance on China regarding trade and either renegotiate or withdraw from multinational trade agreements. Members of his team have accused China of engaging in economic warfare against the U.S. However, Xi countered these allegations of unfair trade practices by stating that Beijing would not manipulate its currency for competitive gain, as Trump has frequently claimed. Xi also urged all parties involved in the landmark climate agreement reached in Paris about a year ago to uphold their commitments, a direct message to Trump, who has expressed disapproval of the deal and hinted at the possibility of the U.S. backing out. China's aspirations were evident in the significant presence of high-ranking Chinese government officials, including Xi, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a larger and more prominent delegation than in previous years. A significant number of panels at the WEF are focused on Asia, with one titled "Asia Takes the Lead." WEF founder Klaus Schwab mentioned the world's reliance on China in a time of uncertainty before introducing Xi. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt noted on Twitter that Xi Jinping seems to be positioning himself as a global economic leader successfully. Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, tweeted that the reaction to Xi's speech at Davos was positive. Xi's appearance, which is a departure from previous official Chinese speeches, comes during a time of heightened tensions between Beijing and Trump. Trump's recent actions, including breaking with tradition by speaking to the president of Taiwan, have sparked strong reactions from Chinese newspapers. Despite Xi's portrayal of China as an open economy, criticism has been mounting over China's restrictions on foreign investments while state-run firms are actively acquiring companies in Europe. In response to these criticisms, China's cabinet announced plans to ease investment limits in financial institutions. However, no additional information was given, and there was no set timeline for when these plans would be put into action. Some officials, who chose to remain anonymous, suggested that China may be trying to capitalize on the growing divide between the United States and Europe. Bob Moritz, the global chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers, expressed uncertainty about China's future actions on the global stage and emphasized the importance of monitoring their negotiations in the coming year to determine if they will focus more on regional or global matters. Last year, worries about a severe economic downturn in China caused turmoil in global markets at the World Economic Forum. While these concerns have lessened, the International Monetary Fund issued a warning on Monday about ongoing risks in the Chinese economy, such as heavy reliance on government spending, extensive lending by state banks, and an overheated property market. Xi attempted to provide reassurance by stating that the economy had shifted to a "new normal" driven by household consumption. Despite a slow global economy, he projected that China's economy likely grew by 6.7 percent in 2016. However, some economists at Davos remain cautious. Kenneth Rogoff, an economist at Harvard University, stated that although China remains a significant risk, it is not at the top of the list due to the United States being a major source of uncertainty. | 1 |
The World Health Organization (WHO) has significantly lowered its previous estimate of the number of people who contract malaria annually, citing the impact of rapid urbanization in Asia on the habitats of disease-carrying mosquitoes. According to a report, 247 million individuals worldwide were infected with malaria in 2006, a decrease from the previous estimate of 350 million to 500 million. The updated report also reduced the global death toll from the disease by about 10 percent compared to the WHO's previous calculation methods, which were issued three years ago. The WHO stated that it is unclear whether there was a decrease in cases and deaths from malaria between 2004 and 2006. A report revealed that 881,000 people died from malaria in 2006, a lower figure than the previous estimate of over 1 million deaths per year from the disease, which primarily affects infants, children, and pregnant women. Various organizations, including the WHO, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Foundation, have provided significant funding for malaria prevention and treatment. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership of the WHO has called for an increase in funding for malaria to $3.4 billion annually, up from $1.2 billion, to improve access to artemisinin-based drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets. Estimating the global burden of disease is a challenging task, and public health experts often need to make significant adjustments to their calculations. Last year, the WHO revised its estimate of AIDS virus infections to 33 million from 40 million due to new data from India. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also adjusted its estimate of HIV infections in Americans, increasing it by 40 percent with improved reporting methods. According to WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, less than one-third of the organization's member states have reliable disease monitoring systems, particularly for diseases like malaria which can be mistaken for the flu. Chan announced that the malaria report will now be issued annually to provide decision-makers with up-to-date information on the disease. She emphasized the importance of accurate information and analysis due to the increased funding and efforts to reduce the malaria burden in recent years. Novartis AG's medication Coartem is utilized for the treatment of malaria, and other pharmaceutical companies, such as Austria's Intercell, are also working on developing malaria vaccines. However, it is anticipated that it will be several years before any of these vaccines are available on the market. Malaria is most common in Africa, where the World Health Organization (WHO) uses climate data on heat and humidity to predict the number of cases, as these factors affect mosquito breeding. Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania were identified by the WHO as the countries with the highest number of malaria-related deaths in 2006. In addition to Africa, countries such as India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are also significantly impacted by malaria. | 1 |
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd marked his first 100 days in office by releasing a booklet detailing his accomplishments and addressing critics who claim not much has changed since he assumed power. Despite winning the election 97 days ago and officially taking office on December 3, some newspapers have criticized Rudd for setting up numerous committees, reviews, and inquiries without making many definitive decisions. Sydney Morning Herald Political Correspondent Phillip Coorey even likened Australia to a camel at risk of growing humps due to Rudd's tendency to rely on committees. Rudd's 55-page book highlights his decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, send extra troops to East Timor, and plan the withdrawal of Australian combat forces from Iraq as major accomplishments. However, Rudd stated that the most significant change during his time in office was his government's apology to Aborigines for past mistreatment. He believes this apology will have lasting value for the nation. According to reports, Rudd has established numerous committees and inquiries since taking office, with some sources stating he has created one new committee or inquiry every four days. Despite criticism, Rudd defended his actions by pointing out that the former conservative government had initiated 495 inquiries and reviews in just one year. Rudd stated that it is a responsible decision for a new government to outline areas that need to be reevaluated for the future. Political analyst Nick Economou praised Rudd for starting his term well and attempting to establish a national consensus for his agenda. Economou believes Rudd is doing well, especially in handling issues like the apology. He also mentioned that even if Rudd were to be removed from office, he has already made a significant mark on Australian political history. He mentioned that Rudd's interest in committees and reviews, as well as his upcoming ideas summit involving 1,000 people in April, were all aimed at assisting the government in implementing its plans. He stated that Rudd has a clear agenda for what he wants to accomplish but is seeking to involve others in the process. He added that Rudd has a vision of where he wants to go but is looking for a process that will result in consensus. | 1 |
The European Union and United States will agree at a summit on Monday that climate change is a significant challenge that requires immediate, ongoing global action, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her first visit to Washington since becoming the president of the EU, is aiming to persuade the Bush administration to implement concrete measures to reduce the greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. Merkel is hoping that the joint statement will set the stage for a more comprehensive agreement on combating global warming at a June G8 summit that she will host in the Baltic resort of Heiligendamm. "I believe we have made progress on climate and energy efficiency," she told reporters in Washington before her meeting with US President George W. Bush. "We hope to use this as a basis for a broader agreement at the summit among the G8 countries, and possibly also India and China." The announcement regarding energy security, efficiency, and climate change will be accompanied by a broader initiative called the "Transatlantic Economic Partnership," which aims to reduce costly non-tariff barriers to trade between the EU and United States. As part of this agreement, the partners will work together to align regulatory standards and collaborate on issues such as intellectual property, trade security, investment, and financial markets. A council, led by EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen and White House economic adviser Allan Hubbard, will be established to oversee the progress of regulatory alignment and provide annual reports to EU and US leaders. In addition to these discussions, Merkel and Bush will also address various international issues, including Iran's nuclear program and Middle East peace. Recent tensions in Russian relations have become a focal point following a strong speech by President Vladimir Putin criticizing US plans for a missile shield in central Europe and suspending Moscow's commitments under a key arms treaty. Washington believes that the proposed shield would defend against threats from countries like Iran and North Korea, however, Moscow views it as a potential threat and infringement on its former sphere of influence. Merkel emphasized the importance of discussing this issue with Russia through the NATO-Russia council, despite stating that it would not be the main focus of her talks with Bush. The joint declaration on climate change has been praised by German officials as progress for the Bush administration, although it does not include specific commitments. The draft highlights the commitment of the EU and US to address greenhouse gas emissions and recognizes the findings of the IPCC report, which warned of the impacts of rising temperatures. It calls for the development and implementation of advanced technologies to reduce global emissions and promises cooperation at the upcoming U.N. meeting on climate change in Bali, Indonesia. During her fourth trip to Washington, Merkel has forged a strong bond with Bush, mending relations that suffered during her predecessor's disagreements with the US president over the Iraq war. However, as the Heiligendamm summit approaches, she must convince Bush to support more comprehensive, enforceable global measures to combat climate change. German officials are worried that the escalating tensions between Washington and Moscow over the missile shield and the impending conflict over Kosovo independence could overshadow the upcoming summit on June 6-8. | 1 |
Speaking at an Iftar program for journalists covering foreign affairs in Bangladesh, he mentioned that she received an invitation from the G7, a group known as the influential leaders of the world. It is a matter of pride for them, as the ruling Awami League's central sub-committee on international affairs hosted the event with Obaidul Quader as the chief guest. The Chairman Ambassador Mohammad Zamir, International Affairs Secretary Shammi Ahmed, and other members were also in attendance. The Prime Minister is currently in Canada to participate in the G7 outreach session, following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This elite club has invited Hasina for the third time as the leader of a developing country, which Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali described as "unprecedented". Hasina has previously attended meetings in Japan in 2016 and Italy in 2001. Before leaving Dhaka on Thursday, Ali stated that this invitation is a recognition of the prime minister's strong role in world peace and development, as well as her efforts in addressing climate change, women and children affairs, and the blue economy. The other members of the grouping include France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. The prime minister is scheduled to discuss 'enhancing resilience through comprehensive adaptation planning, preparedness for emergencies, and recovery' in a speech. Prior to her return to Dhaka on Tuesday, she will hold a bilateral meeting with Trudeau on Sunday. During the Iftar, the Awami League's sub-committee on international affairs introduced themselves to journalists, highlighting that the committee was recently formed. Shammi Ahmed encouraged journalists to provide constructive criticism when discussing government actions. | 1 |
A wealthy supermarket owner is the frontrunner in Panama's upcoming presidential election, with voters seeking reassurances about the economy amid the global crisis. Ricardo Martinelli, a pro-business conservative, is leading in polls over leftist Balbina Herrera, who has a controversial past. President Martin Torrijos' party, the PRD, has seen a decline in popularity due to rising prices and crime. Frustrated voters like teacher Jose Cedeno are tired of unfulfilled promises and increasing food prices. Panama's economy has been thriving in recent years due to the construction of luxury apartments, increased trade with Asia through the canal, and a strong banking sector. However, analysts predict a decrease in growth to 3 percent or less this year as credit becomes scarce, canal traffic decreases, and activity in the Caribbean free-trade zone slows down. Voters are concerned about high inflation and crime rates. In the upcoming election, Martinelli is leading in the polls and only needs to receive more votes than his rival to win. His victory would stand out in Latin America, where there has been a shift to the left in recent elections. Martinelli, a US-educated businessman and former minister of Panama Canal affairs, has promised to invest in infrastructure to create jobs if elected. Martinelli expressed his desire to implement a flat tax ranging from 10 to 20 percent, with plans to increase tax rates for the banking and insurance sectors while decreasing them for small-business owners. His well-funded campaign, which outmatched Herrera's, showcased him assisting at a banana plantation and cleaning up a city collection route in an effort to appeal to lower-income voters who typically support the PRD party. Additionally, his charity that supports education played a role in winning over supporters. According to Ercilia Ramos, a 60-year-old cattle farmer, Martinelli's wealth does not indicate corruption, as he is generous towards the less fortunate. Herrera, a member of the PRD, faced opposition from the United States after leading protests against former President George H.W. Bush following the US invasion of Panama in 1989. Despite her ties to former dictator Manuel Noriega, she now expresses support for strong US relations and her campaign platform aligns with Martinelli's. Both candidates have expressed their plans to address crime, inflation, and poverty through improvements in education and infrastructure without significantly increasing the budget deficit. Foreign investors believe that the election outcome will not negatively impact Panama's economy or investment environment, as it is seen as a favorable place to do business with minimal government interference. Roger Khafif, developer of the Trump Ocean Club in Panama City, stated that he does not anticipate any negative effects on his business regardless of the election outcome. An agricultural engineer who transitioned into politics, Herrera has experience as a mayor, lawmaker, and housing minister. She grew up in a tough neighborhood in Panama City with five siblings and a single mother who worked as a house cleaner. Her tough stance on crime appeals to voters like Maria Zuniga, a street pedicurist who believes Herrera will bring about change. Former President Guillermo Endara, 72, is a distant third in polls with only about 5 percent support. Panamanians will also be choosing a new legislature on Sunday. | 1 |
The European Union and Southeast Asian countries agreed to increase political and economic cooperation during a meeting in Nuremberg, Germany. However, Myanmar's military rule posed a challenge to implementing a comprehensive free trade agreement. The foreign ministers pledged to work together on security, energy, environmental, and development issues, including combating terrorism, money laundering, cyber crime, drug trafficking, and addressing climate change. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana expressed satisfaction with the progress made in relations between the two sides, particularly in economic, trade, and political matters. He highlighted the common ground shared between the EU and the Southeast Asian countries, which are significant players in the region. Analysts believe that ASEAN is interested in strengthening its relationship with Europe in order to counterbalance China's increasing power. ASEAN also aims to create its own single market by 2015, following the success of the European Union. The EU is seeking to benefit from the potential of a 10-nation region with a population of 500 million through a free trade agreement, but ASEAN is insisting on Myanmar's inclusion in the deal. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Myanmar since its military rulers disregarded the results of a 1990 election won by the main pro-democracy party. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Walder has expressed the EU's desire for ASEAN countries to push for improvements in human rights in Myanmar, including the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "We want to see Burma/Myanmar undergo changes," she stated. The EU is currently working on bilateral cooperation pacts with various countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and eventually Vietnam, while awaiting a full EU-ASEAN trade deal. The EU's goal is to eventually have a free trade agreement between the two blocs, but for now they are focusing on individual agreements with different countries. While progress is being made with Indonesia, issues remain with Singapore and Thailand due to a military takeover. The EU also has concerns about human rights issues in Vietnam, as well as trade frictions. However, EU officials note that they have a rights dialogue with Hanoi, unlike with Myanmar. | 1 |
Trump, a member of the Republican party, has accused the November 3 election of widespread voter fraud without presenting any evidence. Despite not accepting Biden's victory after the former vice president secured the Electoral College more than two weeks ago, Trump's statement on Monday was the closest he has come to admitting defeat. The Trump campaign's legal attempts to overturn the election results in key battleground states have largely been unsuccessful, leading to a growing number of Republican leaders, business executives, and national security experts urging the president to allow the transition to begin. Biden won 306 state-by-state electoral votes, well surpassing the 270 needed for victory, compared to Trump's 232. Biden also holds a lead of over 6 million in the national popular vote. He has started announcing members of his team even before receiving government funding or a concession from Trump. However, Democrats have criticized the president for not accepting the election results and undermining US democracy. The General Services Administration informed Biden on Monday that he could start the transition process, allowing him access to resources that were previously withheld due to legal challenges. This decision followed Michigan certifying Biden as the winner in their state, diminishing Trump's chances of overturning the election results. Trump and his team will continue to pursue legal options, but his tweet indicated that the White House was recognizing the need to move forward. Despite believing strongly in their case, Trump stated that for the best interest of the country, initial protocols should be followed. This was not seen as a concession by a Trump adviser. The Biden transition team announced that meetings would start with federal officials to address the coronavirus pandemic and national security matters. I would like to express my gratitude to Emily Murphy from GSA for her unwavering dedication and loyalty to our country. She has faced harassment, threats, and mistreatment, and I hope to prevent this from happening to her, her family, or GSA employees. Our case remains strong, and we will persist in our efforts. The decision by the GSA allows Biden's team to receive federal funds and have an official office for their transition until he takes office on January 20. This also allows Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to receive regular national security briefings like Trump. Trump administration officials stated that Biden's agency review teams could start interacting with Trump agency officials as early as Tuesday. Biden also announced the top members of his foreign policy team, including Antony Blinken as head of the State Department, John Kerry as his special climate envoy, Jake Sullivan as national security adviser, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield as US ambassador to the United Nations, all of whom have extensive government experience. Biden has expressed his intention to reverse Trump's "America First" policies. The 78-year-old Democrat is putting together a team from his home in Delaware in preparation to lead the country through a severe public health crisis. He is expected to nominate Janet Yellen, former Federal Reserve Chair, as the next Treasury secretary, according to two Biden allies who requested anonymity. Biden also made a move to undo Trump's strict immigration policies by selecting Cuban-born lawyer Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on the world to come together and agree on a new climate treaty by 2009, with detailed greenhouse gas cuts to be determined after UN talks in Bali. Despite disagreements between the United States, the European Union, and some developing nations, Ban emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement to begin negotiations on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. He warned that climate change is a pressing moral challenge, urging immediate action to address its impacts such as rising seas, floods, droughts, famines, and wildlife extinctions. Ban stressed the urgency of the situation and encouraged ministers to set aside differences and move forward with negotiations for a new global treaty to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Opposition from Washington has hindered discussions on specific targets for emissions reductions, but Ban emphasized the need to consider scientific evidence calling for significant cuts by 2020. Ban said that in practical terms, negotiations will need to take place in the future, with the goal of reaching an international agreement within two years. He emphasized the importance of respecting the U.N. climate panel's recommendation of a 25-40 percent reduction in order to prevent the most severe effects of climate change. Ban also suggested the need for a clear roadmap with a tight timeline to secure a climate deal by 2009, with the United Nations aiming to adopt a new pact at a meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009. The United States, with the support of Japan, Canada, and Australia, argues that even mentioning a 25-to-40 percent range could impact the outcome of negotiations. Paula Dobriansky, US Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, emphasized the importance of not pre-determining the results of the process. On the other hand, the European Union believes that wealthy nations must lead by example in order to persuade developing countries like China and India to reduce their emissions from burning fossil fuels. German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel stressed the need for a clear starting point and goal in order to make significant progress. Ban urged all countries, including the United States, to be flexible and adapt to the threat of global warming. He mentioned that there is a positive aspect to the situation as creative solutions could lead to job creation and alleviation of poverty in developing nations across Africa and Asia. Australia's new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, recently ratified the Kyoto Protocol, leaving the United States as the only wealthy nation not bound by caps on greenhouse gas emissions until 2012. Rudd, who won a significant election victory, emphasized that Australia is already experiencing the effects of climate change, such as rivers drying up and disruptions to the Great Barrier Reef. He warned that the current situation is a preview of what's to come. The negotiations are scheduled to conclude by Friday or early Saturday, and traditionally, annual U.N. climate meetings involve tough bargaining and sessions that last all night. The United Nations is aiming to reach an agreement by the end of 2009 in order to allow parliaments three years to ratify it and provide guidance for billions of dollars in investments in various forms of energy production. The ratification process for the Kyoto Protocol, which came into force in 2005 after eight years, was delayed in 2001 when the United States decided not to sign on. Failing to reach an agreement in Bali to begin talks would decrease the likelihood of a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. With the exception of Australia, 36 Kyoto nations have pledged to reduce emissions by an average of 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-2012. The United States contends that the Kyoto agreement would negatively impact its economy and unfairly does not include targets for major developing countries for the years 2008-2012. | 1 |
The government announced on Thursday that it will reduce tax relief on pension savings for approximately 100,000 higher earners, aiming to generate 4 billion pounds annually and address a significant budget deficit. This decision comes after last week's elimination of child benefits for higher earners, potentially allowing the coalition government to justify its cuts as fair during Chancellor George Osborne's upcoming spending review on Oct 20. Additionally, the government revealed plans to eliminate, combine, or reform 481 semi-independent agencies, a move expected to result in the loss of numerous jobs. These measures, along with recent reports on reducing government waste and increasing university fees, lay the groundwork for significant cuts to departmental budgets by at least 25%. In light of the challenging economic conditions, even the queen is implementing austerity measures. A representative stated that the Queen has decided to cancel a previously planned Christmas party at Buckingham Palace due to the challenging circumstances currently facing the country. The Treasury announced on its website that beginning in April 2011, the annual allowance for tax-privileged pension savings will be reduced from 255,000 pounds to 50,000 pounds. This change will impact 100,000 individuals, with 80 percent of them earning over 100,000 pounds. Additionally, the lifetime allowance will be decreased from 1.8 million pounds to 1.5 million pounds starting in April 2012, resulting in a total yearly savings of 4 billion pounds. These pension reforms may cause frustration among many high-income earners, who typically support the Conservative Party led by Osborne, the senior partners in the current coalition government. Numerous newspapers have already begun to oppose the government's decision to eliminate child benefit for individuals earning more than 44,000 pounds. Treasury officials claim that the measures are fair and necessary, and they believe this will become evident on Oct 20. Osborne is anticipated to make significant cuts to the welfare budget. Business organizations have expressed approval for the modifications to the law, stating that the situation could have been worse. "The announcement today is not as negative as anticipated. John Cridland, Deputy Director-General of the CBI, stated that the government had thought about reducing the annual allowance to 30,000 pounds. However, the Labour Party opposed this idea, arguing that it would negatively impact families with lower incomes. David Hanson, a Labour treasury spokesman, assured that their plans would only affect individuals earning over 130,000 pounds, criticizing the government for taxing individuals based on their desire to save for retirement rather than their actual income level. | 1 |
Analysts said that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto has set the United States back to square one in their efforts to find a stable, democratic partner in Pakistan to combat Islamic extremism. The consequences of her death could range from street riots by her supporters to the nightmare scenario of Pakistan becoming a nuclear-armed, unstable Islamic state. Financial investors, who already consider Pakistan to be politically risky, believe that the ongoing instability will only increase the risk. Stephen Cohen from the Brookings Institution expressed concern about Bhutto's death, calling it a setback for the idea of a liberal, moderate Pakistan and warning of unpredictable and unpleasant consequences for Pakistan's neighbors, Europe, and the United States. Cohen stated that it is likely too late for the United States to take significant action, as they had heavily supported Musharraf and ignored Benazir's requests for communication until recently. The US invested a lot of effort and political resources to bring the exiled former prime minister back to Pakistan and convince Musharraf to step down as military leader. However, now there are concerns about a potential disaster, from the fading prospects of a democratic transition to the increased risk of attacks by radical groups, according to South Asia expert Frederic Grare. Mainstream party leaders are also facing assassination threats. He stated that this weakens the political parties and does not bode well for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. President George W. Bush encouraged Pakistanis to honor Bhutto by continuing the democratic process she fought for. U.S. officials hope that Pakistan will still hold the scheduled elections on January 8. Security analyst Anthony Cordesman believes that Bhutto's death has intensified an already unstable political situation in Pakistan, making it difficult to find a leader who can bring stability, legitimate elections, and bridge the gap between Musharraf and the Pakistani people. Analysts cautioned that in a country known for conspiracy theories and intense politics, blame would be cast in various directions following the assassination, leading to potential violence fueled by grief and anger. Lisa Curtis from the Heritage Foundation emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Pakistan, advising against Musharraf implementing emergency rule. Some analysts also raised doubts about Musharraf's ability to effectively combat terrorism, questioning how he could address issues in remote tribal areas if he couldn't protect a prominent politician in a relatively secure city like Rawalpindi. Win Thin, senior currency strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co, questioned the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal during times of crisis. US officials have maintained that the weapons are secure despite recent turmoil. Cordesman of CSIS suggested that Islamabad had received assistance from the US and looked at other countries' policies to enhance safety measures for its nuclear facilities. However, he emphasized the lack of transparency that would allow outsiders to definitively assess the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, warning that making any categorical statements on this matter could be discrediting. | 1 |
Russia's opposition is concerned that Vladimir Putin may resort to using force to suppress their protests following the detention of hundreds of demonstrators challenging his election victory. Over 500 people, including opposition leaders, were taken into custody by riot police after participating in unsanctioned protests in Moscow and St Petersburg. This crackdown indicates Putin's growing impatience with those calling for political reforms and greater democracy. Opposition leaders are expressing fear of losing power and a reliance on police brutality. Novelist Boris Akunin, a protest organizer, believes that the upcoming rally scheduled for Saturday may not be peaceful. "It is evident that the time for peaceful protests and marches is finished. There is no reason to plan a march on March 10 as it will provoke a forceful response from the authorities," he stated. The police maintained that their actions were lawful, and Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, supported their intervention, stating that the opposition's actions included both legal and illegal components, and the police responded with professionalism and within the confines of the law. After serving as prime minister for four years, Putin was re-elected as president with nearly 64 percent of the votes in Sunday's election. He previously held the position of president from 2000 to 2008. Despite some instances of officers forcefully handling protesters, there were reports of restraint shown by many, indicating Putin's efforts to not be portrayed as a dictator willing to suppress any opposition. While some protesters were injured, police appeared to be focused on minimizing casualties during the main protest at Pushkin Square in Moscow. However, harsher tactics were reportedly used against a group of protesters at Lubyanka Square, in front of the Federal Security Service headquarters. Protesters were forcefully removed in St Petersburg, Putin's hometown, raising concerns among foreign investors about potential clashes between police and protesters. This could harm the investment climate and hinder reforms needed to reduce Russia's dependence on energy exports. Russian stocks experienced a significant decline on Tuesday after Fitch warned of potential conflicts. Putin seems to allow limited, controlled protests as a way to address discontent among urban demonstrators. He could also make some conciliatory gestures to pacify the opposition. For example, the Kremlin has initiated a review of 32 criminal cases, including the imprisonment of former oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky and the denial of registration to a liberal opposition group that has been excluded from elections. However, Putin, a former KGB agent, will do everything in his power to prevent what he perceives as more extreme protesters from challenging his re-election for a third term as president. Any dissent will be met with strong force. "We noticed fear in the dictator's eyes." According to opposition leader Ilya Yashin, we observed vulnerability and uncertainty in the man during his victory speech, where he shed a tear. Yashin questioned the presence of troops and riot police in the capital, wondering if a war had started. The US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, expressed concern about the arrests and emphasized the importance of freedom of assembly and speech as universal values. This statement led to a response from Russia's Foreign Ministry on Twitter, who defended the actions of the Russian police compared to those of US officers when dealing with protesters. The United States and several European countries have called for an impartial and trustworthy investigation into claims of voting irregularities in the election. International observers noted some improvements from the previous parliamentary poll but still found the recent vote to be unjust and heavily biased in favor of Putin. Despite this, Russia's Foreign Ministry stated that the observers' report was generally fair, although they disagreed with some criticisms without specifying them. Many Russians have become disillusioned with the idea of fair elections and Putin implementing reforms. Vasilisa Maslova, 35, who works in the fashion industry, expressed that she used to admire Putin due to his charisma, but now believes he is becoming senile. She also mentioned that nobody can remain in power indefinitely. | 1 |
During a High-level Meeting of the Plenary of the UN General Assembly on refugee and migrant rehabilitation at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday, the Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim informed bdnews24.com that the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of securing the rights of refugees and migrants regardless of their status. She highlighted the necessity of protecting and promoting their rights to foster harmony in diverse societies worldwide. The Prime Minister also praised UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for organizing the first-ever Summit on Refugees and Migrants. She stressed the significance of mutual trust, respect, shared responsibility, and inclusiveness in addressing the refugee crisis and called on countries to come to a consensus on these universal principles. Delegations from around the world also adopted the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants at the summit's opening. The text outlines bold commitments to address current issues and prepare for future challenges, including initiating negotiations for an international conference and adoption of a global compact for safe migration in 2018. It emphasizes protecting the human rights of refugees and migrants, ensuring education for children, preventing gender-based violence, supporting countries hosting refugees, ending child detention for migration status, finding new homes for refugees needing resettlement, and strengthening global migration governance by incorporating the International Organization for Migration into the UN system. Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need for a robust, ambitious blueprint to handle large refugee movements within a development context, highlighting migration as a reality and freedom enhancer. She proposed a Global Compact on Migration to address governance gaps and align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The suggested migration compact would include ambitious and enforceable elements and modalities, while also being balanced and flexible, according to the speaker. She emphasized the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding to accommodate migrants and refugees. Hasina also noted the need for the compact to address the protection needs of millions displaced by climate change. As the current Chair of the Global Forum on Migration and Development, Bangladesh is willing to contribute to the agreement's development. Prior to speaking at the plenary session, the prime minister met with Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister, Aung San Suu Kyi. Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Janet Scotland also visited her at the UN headquarters. | 1 |
Australian leader John Howard is at risk of losing his seat in the upcoming election, which would make him the first prime minister to do so in almost 80 years. Changes to the electoral boundaries in his safe Sydney seat of Bennelong have made it more competitive, with a swing of 4 percent enough to defeat him. The increase in Asian migrants in the area, particularly Chinese and Koreans, is also seen as a challenge for Howard, who is seeking a fifth term in office. Some voters believe Howard has used the "race card" in previous elections, particularly with his stance on boatpeople, which helped him win in 2004. In contrast to past elections, the opposition Labor party has selected a well-known figure, former journalist Maxine McKew, to challenge long-time incumbent Howard in the seat he has held since 1974. Despite McKew's recent move to the area, she is currently ahead of Howard in polls and with betting agencies. Howard is aware of the threat to his political career and has been actively engaging with voters in Bennelong, where he has been spending more time and attending community events. The Granny Smith Apple Festival last Saturday became a lively political event when both Howard and McKew made appearances. Hundreds of supporters of both candidates participated in a vocal battle, brandishing placards and balloons. According to John Booth, editor of The Weekly Times, this was the first time in 21 years that Howard had attended the festival. Booth believes that Howard is feeling the pressure and is in danger of losing his seat, as even people who voted for him last time are now calling for a change. Bennelong, named after a prominent Aboriginal figure in Australian history, encompasses some of Sydney's affluent northern suburbs. Initially a conservative, middle-class electorate, it has evolved over time to include more working-class Labor suburbs to the west. The key issues in Bennelong mirror those of the national campaign, such as economic management, the Iraq war, climate change, and new workplace laws. However, the seat stands out due to its significant Asian-Australian population, with 12,000 Chinese and 5,000 Koreans. Immigration and Australia-Asia relations are crucial topics in Bennelong, where half of the residents were either born overseas or have immigrant parents. Koh pointed out that Bennelong's Asian voters have not forgotten Howard's 1988 anti-immigration comments while in opposition, as well as his government's efforts to gain support from Pauline Hanson's anti-immigration supporters in the 2001 election. Koh stated that Howard has a history of using divide and rule tactics, which has made many people suspicious. In contrast, Booth mentioned that Labor has highlighted its Asian connections by showcasing a former state politician and his Asian wife, as well as leader Kevin Rudd, who is fluent in Mandarin. Rudd's ability to have a fluent conversation with Chinese President Hu Jintao at a recent summit in Sydney has earned him support from many Asian communities in the city. Koh also noted that the Korean and Chinese vote could be influential in determining the winner between John Howard and Maxine McKew in the election. | 1 |
Changes in Trump's positions have pleased critics worried about his campaign promises but upset some of his supporters. Trump has a history of altering his stances during the campaign, leading to the possibility that he may change his positions again before or after his inauguration on Jan 20. One example of this is his stance on prosecuting Hillary Clinton, which he had promised to do if elected. However, during a New York Times interview on Nov 22, Trump indicated that he no longer wished to pursue legal action against Clinton, stating that he wanted to focus on moving forward rather than looking back. "I have no intention of causing harm to the Clintons. Absolutely not." Despite this statement, he refused to confirm that he was completely ruling out the possibility of investigating Clinton. Regarding climate change, Trump has dismissed global warming as a hoax and has expressed his desire to withdraw the US from the 2015 Paris Agreement, which involves nearly 200 nations and went into effect on November 4th. He has instead expressed his intention to focus on developing affordable coal, shale, and oil resources. According to a source within Trump's transition team on November 12, advisers were exploring options to avoid the lengthy process of withdrawing from the climate accord. In an interview with the Times on November 22, Trump indicated that he was considering taking America out of the forefront of addressing climate change, stating that he had an open mind on the issue and would carefully consider it. When asked about his beliefs on human activity causing climate change, he acknowledged some connection but was uncertain about the extent of it. "It all depends on the extent." During his campaign, Trump stated his intention to repeal the Affordable Care Act put in place by President Obama, referring to it as a disaster. He proposed replacing it with a plan that would grant more authority to states over the Medicaid health plan for low-income individuals and allow insurers to sell plans nationwide. In a Wall Street Journal interview on Nov 11, Trump mentioned the possibility of retaining certain aspects of the law, such as allowing parents to keep adult children on their insurance policies until age 26 and prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Trump informed the Journal that Obamacare would either be modified or completely replaced. During his campaign, Trump made several promises regarding immigration, including building a wall along the US-Mexican border to reduce illegal immigration and having Mexico pay for it. He also discussed deporting illegal immigrants and implementing a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country for security reasons. Although he never took back these statements, towards the end of the campaign, he modified his proposal to temporarily suspend immigration from areas known for exporting terrorism and lacking proper vetting procedures. In an interview with CBS program "60 Minutes" on Nov 13, Trump confirmed his intention to build a wall but suggested it could be a combination of wall and fence. He mentioned that he would use a fence for certain areas and a wall for others, stating that he is skilled at construction. When asked about deporting illegal immigrants, he indicated that the priority would be on those with criminal backgrounds, estimating the number to be around 2 to 3 million. Trump also expressed support for the use of waterboarding and other harsh interrogation methods on terrorism suspects, despite it being considered torture and banned under President Obama. In a recent interview with the Times on November 22nd, Trump mentioned being impressed by Marine General James Mattis' response when asked about waterboarding. Mattis stated that he performs better with a pack of cigarettes and a couple of beers than with torture. Although Trump's view on waterboarding remained unchanged, he was impressed by Mattis' belief that it may not have as big of an impact as some people think. | 1 |
Modi did not provide further details on these concerns during his speech at the Sydney Dialogue, a conference centered on emerging, critical, and cyber technologies. However, officials in India and other countries have expressed worries about cryptocurrencies being utilized by terrorist organizations and organized crime, as well as the potential destabilizing impact they could have on national economies. While highlighting the opportunities offered by technology in the digital age, Modi also issued a warning about digital currencies like cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. He emphasized the importance of democratic nations collaborating to prevent these currencies from falling into the wrong hands and negatively impacting young people. Indian officials who are currently working on regulations are likely to suggest banning all transactions and payments in cryptocurrencies, but allowing investors to hold them as assets, similar to gold, bonds, and stocks. The Economic Times newspaper reported this information on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi led a meeting to discuss India's stance on cryptocurrencies on Saturday, and the Economic Times mentioned that the draft regulations could be presented to his cabinet for review within the next two to three weeks. In September, China implemented a ban on all cryptocurrency transactions and mining. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency in the world, is currently valued at around $60,000, having more than doubled in value since the beginning of the year. India's digital currency market was valued at $6.6 billion in May 2021, compared to $923 million in April 2020, as reported by the blockchain data platform Chainalysis. | 1 |
Paul Eckert, the Asia Correspondent, reported that analysts believe Benazir Bhutto's assassination has put the United States back to square one in its efforts to find a stable, democratic partner in Pakistan to combat Islamic extremism. The potential consequences of her death could range from widespread riots to the nightmare scenario of Pakistan becoming a nuclear-armed, unstable Islamic state. Financial investors, who are already wary of Pakistan's political risk, stated that while Bhutto's killing was not unexpected, ongoing instability would increase the risk. Stephen Cohen of the Brookings Institution expressed concern about the impact of Bhutto's death on the idea of a liberal, moderate Pakistan and how it could affect neighboring countries, Europe, and the United States in unforeseen and negative ways. Cohen stated that it is likely too late for the United States to make a significant impact, as they had heavily supported Musharraf while ignoring Benazir's requests for recognition. The US invested a lot of effort and political resources to bring Benazir back to Pakistan in October, convincing Musharraf to step down from his military role and agree to share power with her. However, according to South Asia expert Frederic Grare, the situation now presents multiple challenges, including a setback in democratic progress and an increased risk of attacks by radical groups, with mainstream party leaders being targeted for assassination. He stated that this weakens the political parties and is not a good sign for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. President George W. Bush encouraged Pakistanis to honor Bhutto's memory by continuing the democratic process she fought for. U.S. officials expressed hope that Islamabad would still hold elections as planned. Security analyst Anthony Cordesman noted that Bhutto's death worsened an already unstable political situation in Pakistan, making it difficult to find a leader who could bring stability, legitimate elections, and bridge the gap between Musharraf and the Pakistani people. Analysts cautioned that in a country with a history of conspiracy theories and intense politics, there would be blame and unrest following the assassination, potentially leading to violence. Lisa Curtis of the Heritage Foundation emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in Pakistan, advising against imposing emergency rule. Some experts also raised doubts about Musharraf's ability to effectively combat terrorism, questioning how he could handle the challenges in areas like the tribal regions if he couldn't protect a prominent politician in a relatively secure city. Win Thin, a senior currency strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co, questioned the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal during crises. Despite U.S. officials stating that the weapons were secure amid recent turmoil, Cordesman of CSIS mentioned that there was uncertainty about the transparency of Pakistan's nuclear weapons security. He stated that making a categorical statement about their security may discredit oneself. | 1 |
With the rising prices of wheat and rice, the once-dismissed potato is now being recognized as a valuable and nutritious crop that could help alleviate hunger in the world. Originating from Peru, potatoes can be grown in various climates and require minimal water, maturing quickly and yielding more food per hectare than wheat or rice. The International Potato Center in Lima, led by Pamela Anderson, is researching the potato family to address food security issues and believes that potatoes can play a significant role in solving the global food supply problem. The potato is being seen as a solution to the problem of hunger caused by rising food prices, a growing population, increasing costs for fertilizer and fuel, and more land being used for biofuels. The United Nations designated 2008 as the International Year of the Potato to draw attention to its potential as a valuable resource. Governments, such as Peru's, are promoting the use of potato flour in bread as a way to combat rising wheat prices, with the hope that this trend will spread to various sectors of society. Supporters claim that potato flour tastes just as good as wheat bread, but there are not enough mills producing it. Ismael Benavides, the agriculture minister of Peru, believes that people's eating habits need to change as they became accustomed to consuming wheat when it was inexpensive. Despite the potato originating in Peru 8,000 years ago near Lake Titicaca, Peruvians consume fewer potatoes than Europeans. Belarus leads the world in potato consumption, with each person consuming an average of 376 pounds (171 kg) annually. India aims to double its potato production within the next five to 10 years, as stated by food experts. China, a country with a long history of devastating famines due to its heavy reliance on rice, has now emerged as the leading producer of potatoes globally. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the potato is experiencing significant growth compared to other crops. Some consumers are making the switch to potatoes as a result. In Latvia, rising bread prices led to a decrease in sales by 10-15 percent in the first two months of the year, while potato sales increased by 20 percent, according to food producers. The majority of new potato crops are being planted in the developing world, where increased consumption provides an opportunity for poor farmers to earn more income. Anderson stated that countries are considering the potato as a valuable option for enhancing food security as well as generating income. The potato is ranked as the world's third most significant food crop, following wheat and rice. Unlike corn, which is primarily utilized for animal feed, potatoes offer a diverse range of colors and flavors, with about 5,000 different varieties available. Peru is contributing to a gene bank for food crops by sending thousands of seeds to the Doomsday Vault near the Arctic Circle, which was established as a precaution for potential global disasters. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing chefs to create visually appealing dishes. Juan Carlos Mescco, a 17-year-old potato farmer in Peru, enjoys eating potatoes in different ways throughout the day. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide slow-release energy and have a low fat content compared to wheat. They also have fewer calories than bread and more protein and calcium when boiled. In addition, potatoes contain vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc, making them a nutritious choice. One reason why potatoes have remained affordable is because they are not a global commodity like wheat, which has attracted speculative professional investment. Wheat production is almost double that of potatoes, with only about 5 percent of potatoes traded internationally. Prices for potatoes are mainly influenced by local tastes, rather than international demand, due to the difficulty of transporting raw potatoes and the risk of them rotting in transit. They are also prone to becoming infected by harmful organisms, which limits their export opportunities in order to prevent the spread of plant diseases. However, the drawback is that the prices in certain countries are not enticing enough to encourage farmers to cultivate them. Locals in Peruvian markets suggest that the government should intervene to boost demand. Juana Villavicencio, who has been planting potatoes for 15 years and now sells them at a low price in a market in Cusco, in Peru's southern Andes, expressed, "Prices are low. It is not profitable to work with potatoes." Science is advancing quickly, with German chemicals group BASF developing genetically modified potatoes that can resist "late blight." This disease, which caused a famine in Ireland in the 19th century and still results in around 20 percent of potato harvest losses globally, is a major concern. Researchers suggest that by using clean, virus-free seeds, farmers could increase yields by 30 percent and be eligible for export. This could lead to higher incomes for farmers and stimulate more production, as companies could sell specialized potatoes internationally, rather than just as frozen french fries or potato chips. | 1 |
German Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully persuaded her fellow leaders to agree on a single communique covering trade, finance, energy, and Africa at a meeting in Hamburg, showcasing her mediation skills ahead of the German election. However, there was a noticeable divide between US President Trump, who prioritizes "America First", and the 19 other members of the group, which includes countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. Merkel pointed out that disagreements over climate negotiations were largely centered around the US, particularly since Trump announced the country's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. She also noted that trade negotiations were challenging due to the specific positions taken by the US. The summit in Hamburg was marked by violent protests that resulted in burning cars and broken shop windows. The meeting brought together a mix of leaders during a time of significant changes in global geopolitics. Trump's move towards a more unilateral and transactional diplomacy has created a leadership vacuum, causing unease among traditional allies in Europe and allowing China to play a larger role. Tensions between the US and China were a major focus leading up to the meeting, with the Trump administration pressuring President Xi Jinping on North Korea and threatening trade measures. Trump's first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hamburg was highly anticipated, as Trump had promised improved relations with Russia during his campaign but faced accusations of Russian interference in the election and investigations into his associates' ties to Russia. Putin stated that Trump questioned him about the meddling during a two-hour meeting, and appeared satisfied with Putin's denials of involvement. Trump had previously criticized Russia for their actions in Ukraine and Syria, but during the summit in Hamburg, he took a more friendly approach, expressing his admiration for Putin and emphasizing a focus on future relations rather than past grievances. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson noted the positive chemistry between Trump and Putin during their meeting. The other leaders acknowledged the US withdrawal from the Paris climate accord as irreversible, while the US stated its intention to collaborate with other countries to improve the use of fossil fuels. French President Emmanuel Macron took the lead in trying to tone down the language coming from the US. According to Thomas Bernes from the Centre for International Governance Innovation, there is a general agreement among the other countries involved, but the absence of the US poses a significant challenge. Jennifer Morgan, executive director at Greenpeace, praised the G19 for standing firm against Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The leaders agreed to fight protectionism and unfair trade practices, while also acknowledging the importance of legitimate trade defense instruments. They also committed to promoting economic development in Africa, a key initiative for Merkel. The summit, held in Hamburg, was chosen by Merkel to demonstrate Germany's openness and tolerance for peaceful protests, despite violent demonstrations that took place nearby at a former theater called the "Rote Flora". Over 200 police officers were harmed and around 143 individuals were detained, with 122 being held in custody. Significant destruction occurred while Merkel was entertaining other leaders at a concert and extravagant dinner at the Elbphilharmonie, a contemporary glass concert hall with a view of the Elbe River. Following the summit, Merkel expressed gratitude towards the police and security forces and criticized the excessive violence displayed by some protesters. However, during her concluding press conference, she faced challenging inquiries regarding the decision to hold the summit in Hamburg. | 1 |
The government's controversial proposal comes after significant pro-democracy protests last year, posing a major challenge to Beijing's Communist Party rule since the return of the former British colony to Chinese control in 1997. Analysts believe the blueprint, which will be voted on by lawmakers in the early summer, could reignite political tensions after a period of calm. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying warned reporters that the city's political climate may become less favorable in the future, stating that there is currently no room for compromise and initiating political reform will be difficult. Leung stated that if the proposal is rejected, it may take several years before another opportunity arises. Outside the Legislative Council, hundreds of protesters gathered with Chinese flags in support of the proposal, advocating for progress in Hong Kong. Another group held yellow umbrellas, a symbol of the democracy movement, and called for "true universal suffrage" while demanding Leung's resignation. Democratic lawmakers, adorned with yellow crosses on their black shirts and some carrying yellow umbrellas, exited the chamber following the government's presentation. Last year, tens of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators took to the streets in Hong Kong, demanding genuine democratic elections and open nominations for the city's next chief executive in 2017. Despite their efforts, their requests were disregarded, leading to the forceful removal of the remaining protest sites by police in December. The proposal, which suggests the public vote on candidates pre-selected by a pro-Beijing nominating committee, was introduced by China's National People's Congress in August. The Hong Kong government has remained steadfast in its support for this blueprint, refusing to make any concessions to appease democratic lawmakers who are determined to veto it during the formal approval process. The opposition group has a veto bloc representing one-third of the camp, however, Leung, who is supported by Beijing, expressed optimism that he could convince four or five democrats to change their stance. Supporters of democracy who initiated the "Occupy" movement last year criticize a voting process without open nominations as being fraudulent. Despite being a part of China, Hong Kong operates as a special administrative region with its own legal system and freedoms that are not allowed on the mainland. | 1 |
Critics of the Bush administration's environmental program are increasingly speaking out against loose regulation, which is now being blamed for various issues such as the US financial crisis and the importation of contaminated Chinese goods. In the final months of President George W. Bush's presidency, there has been growing criticism about the reliance on regulation instead of legislation to shape environmental policy. This criticism is further fueled by the upcoming U.S. presidential election, with both Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama taking stances on the environment that differ from the current administration. While the environment is an important issue for American voters, it is not their top concern - the economy and jobs are prioritized. According to a CNN poll, 66 percent of voters consider the environment important or very important when choosing a president, compared to 93 percent who feel the same way about the economy. Opponents, both inside and outside of government, have criticized the White House for its handling of a wide range of environmental issues, such as climate change, endangered species protection, and pollution control. Senator Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat, has been a vocal critic, accusing the Bush administration of prioritizing narrow special interests over the health and well-being of the public. Frank O'Donnell of Clean Air Watch also expressed concern, stating that the administration's environmental policy is characterized by a lack of regulation. A Capitol Hill staffer who is knowledgeable about global warming legislation accused the Bush administration of actively trying to hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The staffer claimed that the administration was the main obstacle to progress and did everything in its power to prevent any action from being taken. James Connaughton, the head of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, strongly disagreed with this assertion, stating that the Bush administration has achieved as much or more in terms of environmental accomplishments compared to previous administrations, sometimes through regulations and other times through the use of incentives. Connaughton also criticized states, particularly California, for setting high environmental standards but failing to meet them. He criticized Congress for not reinstating the Clean Air Interstate Rule, which aimed to reduce power plant pollution, after it was rejected by a federal appeals court in July. When he campaigned for president in 2000, Bush pledged to regulate carbon emissions but changed his stance once in office, citing potential job losses and unfair advantages for countries like China and India. The Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that the EPA could regulate greenhouse gases if they posed a threat to human health. The EPA postponed a decision on this ruling, leaving it up to the next president to take action. Conservation groups have heavily criticized the Bush administration's handling of endangered species. Up to this point, the current president has listed 58 species under the Endangered Species Act, while President Bill Clinton and President George H.W. Bush listed 522 and 231 species, respectively. The Bush administration waited until one day before a court-ordered deadline on May 14 to list the polar bear as threatened by climate change. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne mentioned that the listing would not directly address climate change, and he was taking steps to prevent the decision from being used as a basis for global warming policy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commended the ruling as a reasonable compromise between business interests and environmental issues. During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on September 24, Boxer criticized the Bush administration for allegedly attempting to weaken the EPA and Interior Department's mandate to safeguard public health and the environment. | 1 |
As the 50-year anniversary of the treaty approached, the partnership between France and Germany has expanded beyond the European Union to Bangladesh. Construction of the first joint Franco-German embassy in the world is currently underway in Dhaka. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius are scheduled to visit Dhaka together on Monday to strengthen relations. This visit is planned before the November climate conference in Paris, and they will also participate in the topping-off ceremony of the joint embassy at Baridhara. The German Ambassador in Dhaka, Thomas Prinz, spoke to bdnews24.com on Sunday about the first embassy worldwide that will be jointly built and operated by France and Germany. He mentioned that the building's external structure, with its variously colored facade elements, will resemble a DNA and represent the strong relationship between the two countries. Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali described the upcoming visit as "historic" as it would be the first time such a joint visit has occurred. Ali will also join the ministers on a trip to the Patuakhali district to observe projects addressing climate change. The officials from the foreign ministry confirmed their attendance at a working lunch hosted by Ali at the state guest house Padma, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban. They planned to depart from Dhaka at night after participating in the topping-off ceremony at the new joint embassy. The German ambassador noted that the embassy project was established in accordance with the 'joint declaration' made during the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty in January 2004. The joint declaration emphasized the decision to construct a joint embassy to enhance the network of diplomatic and consular services of both countries. The foundation stone for the embassy was laid in 2013 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty. The Elysée Treaty was seen as a symbol of reconciliation that shaped the future of the Franco-German friendship, cooperation, and partnership. Ambassador Prinz emphasized that Germany is a committed member of the European Union, believing in the shared values and principles of unity in diversity. He highlighted the strong bond between France and Germany, which he sees as essential for a successful European Union. Both countries supported Bangladesh during its 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan, with Germany being the largest single-country trading partner for Bangladesh in the EU, providing duty-free market access for all products. France and Germany both collaborate with Bangladesh on a range of global issues, including sustainable development, climate change preparedness, culture, and human rights. The visit is significant on a global scale, as the German ambassador noted that many challenges are becoming increasingly complex and international in nature. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing issues such as climate change, stating that only by uniting as an international community can we effectively tackle this challenge. He highlighted the upcoming climate conference in Paris in December as a crucial opportunity to negotiate a comprehensive and legally binding agreement to combat climate change. | 1 |
The leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada pledged to combat the spread of the H1N1 swine flu and address climate change at their summit, known as the "three amigos." However, they disagreed on trade issues. US President Barack Obama, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper met amid economic challenges in their countries, with a US recovery seen as crucial for regional progress. Obama and Harper promised to share information to prepare for a potential increase in the H1N1 virus in the upcoming months, while Calderon emphasized the need for all three countries to responsibly handle the situation and minimize its impact on their citizens. All three leaders pledged to uphold the North American Free Trade Agreement that connects their nations in trade, though they had differing views on certain issues. Harper brought up Canada's concerns with Obama about the "Buy American" provisions in the $787 billion U.S. economic stimulus plan, which Canadian companies fear could exclude them. Canada is the United States' biggest trading partner. Obama emphasized the importance of recognizing that no widespread protectionist measures have been implemented, and that the "Buy American" provisions only apply to the stimulus and do not jeopardize the billions of dollars in trade between the two countries. Calderon, who is seeking to persuade Obama to resolve a cross-border trucking dispute to allow Mexican trucks to enter the United States, stated that all three leaders agree on the necessity of adhering to NAFTA and addressing unresolved issues that hinder regional competitiveness. Obama informed Calderon that he was collaborating with the US Congress to address safety concerns related to Mexican trucks. He emphasized the importance of avoiding protectionism and expanding trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The leaders also released a statement expressing their commitment to combatting climate change and preparing for the global summit in Copenhagen. | 1 |
In the midst of a $42 billion deficit, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has somberly warned that California is on the verge of insolvency. Many residents have been leaving the state due to issues such as traffic congestion, lack of employment opportunities, and high taxes. With the possibility of even higher taxes and reduced public services, residents are feeling disheartened. Despite these challenges, experts believe that California, as the most populous US state and the world's eighth-largest economy, has the potential to recover and that this crisis could lead to significant long-term economic changes. According to economists and historians, California's abundant natural resources, large ports, access to the Pacific Rim, young workforce, entrepreneurial spirit, and tech industries bode well for the future. Despite some government-created issues, the overall outlook for California is positive, with potential for significant prosperity. Governor Schwarzenegger recently made headlines by delivering a pessimistic message about the state's economy, in contrast to his usual optimistic demeanor. "The former actor and bodybuilder declared that California is facing a state of emergency, with a $42 billion deficit weighing like a rock on the chest of the state. Controller John Chiang announced that $3.7 billion in tax refunds and payments would be delayed due to the state running out of money. This dire situation contrasts sharply with California's prosperous post-World War Two era, characterized by rising incomes, abundant land, affordable homes, and expansive freeways." The prosperous times abruptly ended in 1973 due to the OPEC recession, according to Dowell Myers, a professor at the University of Southern California. California's ongoing issues are attributed to its heavy dependence on personal income taxes, resulting in fluctuating revenue. Proposition 13, a voter-approved measure, plays a significant role in the state's reliance on income taxes by limiting property tax increases and requiring a two-thirds majority in the legislature to raise taxes. The 1978 measure is said to have sparked anti-tax sentiment in other states and helped Ronald Reagan win the U.S. presidency two years later. Lawmakers have responded by imposing some of the highest income and sales taxes in the nation on state residents. Economists believe the state has needed to address its volatile revenue situation for a long time and are optimistic that the current crisis will compel leaders to confront the issue. They also argue that the number of people leaving the state should not be overemphasized, as California's large population makes absolute comparisons with other states misleading. Despite this out-migration, California's population is still growing due to immigration and births, and its younger workforce may give it an advantage as older generations retire. According to some projections, California's population could reach 60 million by 2050, which is six times the population in 1950 and 60 percent more than the current 38 million. The mortgage crisis and foreclosures have caused home prices in Southern California to drop by 35 percent in 2008, making home ownership more affordable for young families. Despite a high unemployment rate of 9.3 percent in December, which is above the national average, California remains a leader in industries such as green energy, biotechnology, and aerospace, which are expected to create new job markets and thrive in the global economy. Myers stated that some may believe that the problems in California cannot be solved without completely disrupting the current situation. He believes that shaking things up and forcing a reassessment is necessary for progress. Jessica Gould, a graduate student at USC who moved from Atlanta and appreciates California's climate, beauty, lifestyle, and culture, is also hopeful for positive change. I am worried about the budget situation, to be honest. However, challenges are inevitable no matter where you go, and there are many other benefits I receive from living here. I suppose it's a minor inconvenience in comparison. | 1 |
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced on Thursday that he will lead a new environmental organization funded by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, aimed at improving Africa's food production and doubling output. Annan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to address the challenges faced by millions of small-scale farmers in Africa alongside his fellow Africans. The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, established last year with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, appointed Annan as its first chairman. This African-led group, based in Nairobi, Kenya, aims to support small-scale farmers and their families in fighting poverty and hunger by increasing farm productivity and incomes sustainably. Annan stated that the organization's focus will be on collaborating with governments and farmers to enhance local and regional agricultural markets, improve irrigation, soil health, and farmer training, as well as support the development of new seed systems that can withstand the harsh African climate. He emphasized that the group will not promote the use of genetically modified seeds, which have sparked controversy in some African nations, but will instead work towards enhancing disease resistance in existing seeds on the continent. Annan expressed his optimism that agricultural productivity could potentially double or even triple within the next 10-20 years, stressing that this vision is not merely a dream but a goal that will be actively pursued. The Alliance expressed its support for the goals outlined in the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which aims to achieve a 6 percent annual increase in food production by 2015. The group plans to implement agricultural changes that have proven successful in Asia and Latin America. During his time at the United Nations, Annan frequently highlighted the connection between Africa's struggling agriculture sector and its ongoing issues with hunger and poverty. Over the past five years, the number of undernourished children in Africa has increased by approximately 12 percent. Annan, who is from Ghana, completed a decade-long term as UN secretary-general last year. | 1 |
Environment Minister Ben Bradshaw announced that the UK government will unveil plans on Thursday to address the country's poor recycling rates and reduce its reliance on harmful landfill sites. The government is considering implementing positive incentive schemes, including financial rewards, for residents. The upcoming Waste Strategy, to be presented by Environment Secretary David Miliband, will detail how the government intends to comply with strict EU regulations on landfill waste in England. A consultation document from last year proposed increasing household waste recycling and composting rates from 27 percent to 40 percent by 2010 and 50 percent by 2020. Recent data from the Institute for Public Policy Research and the Green Alliance reveals that Britain ranks near the bottom of Europe's recycling rankings, with only Greece and Portugal recycling less. Campaigners are urging the government to implement increasing charges for waste collection in order to promote more recycling among households. A recent consultation showed strong public support for some sort of variable charging, although there were concerns about potential increases in fly-tipping. According to Bradshaw, it is crucial for the government to boost recycling rates and decrease reliance on landfills, which can have negative environmental impacts. He emphasized the importance of reducing waste that could be recycled or used for energy, as well as preventing the release of methane gas. However, he also mentioned that collection schedules should continue to be managed by local authorities. Several councils have angered residents by changing to fortnightly waste collections. Friends of the Earth believes that businesses should have recycling targets mandated by law. Additionally, they argue that proposals to increase incinerators as a waste disposal method would be harmful, as incinerators produce more carbon dioxide than gas-fired power stations. | 1 |
A variety of targets aimed at reducing poverty were established at the UN in 2000. The speaker presented a nuanced view of progress towards these goals, emphasizing the importance of aiding the most vulnerable populations. The secretary-general stressed that the Millennium Goals are still attainable, but only if assistance is provided to nations struggling to overcome poverty. Additionally, he called for the UN Human Rights Council to fulfill its role in promoting human rights globally. The secretary-general expressed strong support for multilateralism, stating that the UN is best equipped to address the challenges faced by an increasingly interconnected world. "He said that they can only be handled through the UN," he stated. It is anticipated that 193 speakers will take part in this year's general debate, with over 70 heads of State and nearly 30 heads of government participating. The debate is set to run until 3 October. The start of the assembly's general debate comes after important meetings on climate change, the Darfur conflict, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. Ban is also set to hold one-on-one meetings with more than 100 heads of State, government officials, or ministers over the next two weeks. | 1 |
Japan's prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, began three days of talks in India on Monday with a focus on improving relations and increasing trade between the two countries. Hatoyama, who took office in September, aims to establish a new role for East Asia in global diplomacy. Despite a decline in his popularity ratings, he met with Indian industrialists in Mumbai, including Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, to discuss strengthening ties between Japan and India, the region's largest and third largest economies. Hatoyama is also scheduled to hold discussions with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit. India, which has been a major recipient of Japanese aid for a long time, is interested in learning more about Hatoyama's foreign policy, especially Japan's efforts to have a foreign policy more independent of the United States and strengthen ties with China, which has been a long-standing rival of India. India is keen to understand its role in Hatoyama's proposed East Asian community with a single currency, similar to the European Union. According to Siddharth Varadarajan, a senior editor at The Hindu newspaper, Yukio Hatoyama is different from past Japanese leaders that India has interacted with in the last decade. Hatoyama's vision of an East Asian Community and his willingness to collaborate with China present an opportunity for India and Japan to enhance their bilateral relations on a more solid foundation than just a balance of power. This contrasts with New Delhi's perspective of Japan as a counterbalance to a growing China. Boosting trade and military ties is seen as a way to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, as evidenced by the recent closer military cooperation and Japanese support for the U.S.-India civilian nuclear deal. India's foreign ministry spokesman, Vishnu Prakash, mentioned that the two sides are currently in discussions to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with twelve rounds of talks already completed. Japan is the sixth largest investor in India, with bilateral trade reaching over $12 billion in 2008-09 and a goal to increase to $20 billion by the following year. During Hatoyama's visit to India, discussions may also touch upon climate change policies, especially regarding Japanese support for renewable energy projects in India. Additionally, talks will include Japan's proposal to train former Taliban members as part of their aid package for Afghanistan, a move that makes India uneasy. As domestic criticism of Hatoyama's government grows, they will aim to portray the visit as a success, despite recent approval of a record trillion dollar budget that will increase Japan's already substantial debt due to economic challenges. Japanese voters are increasingly questioning Hatoyama's capacity to make difficult decisions in foreign policy, and calls for further clarification on a scandal involving false political funding records have been intensified by the arrest of two former aides. | 1 |
European leaders have long avoided taking sides in the rivalry between America and China, hoping for stability. However, the Trump administration's tariffs and trade barriers against China increased tensions. The Biden administration's recent announcement of an alliance with Britain and Australia to deploy nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific has further complicated matters and caused a $66 billion deal for Australia to buy French submarines to be cancelled. Thomas Gomart, director of the French Institute of International Relations, stated that Europeans are hesitant to make a decision between the United States and China, preferring to delay the moment of truth. The Biden administration, much like the Trump administration, is pushing for a decision to be made. France was upset by this, but it may have a positive side as it aligns with President Emmanuel Macron's push for Europe to maintain "strategic autonomy" and find a balance between the US and China. Josep Borrell Fontelles, the EU's foreign policy chief, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for Europe to be self-reliant like other countries. The French were embarrassed by the sudden announcement of the submarine deal by the Americans, which added to the frustration caused by the handling of the Afghanistan situation. European allies were upset with the lack of consultation from the Biden administration, reinforcing the belief that the United States may not be a reliable security partner. Analysts doubt whether France can use this bilateral setback to promote strategic autonomy, as some may view it as a way for France to further its own agenda. Europe's ability to balance its priorities is becoming more challenging, according to Rosa Balfour, director of Carnegie Europe. She emphasized the importance of Europe investing more in defense while also maintaining alliances with countries like Britain and the United States. Strengthening Europe's security capacity is crucial for gaining respect from its partners, Balfour added. The AUKUS alliance aims to bring Australia and Britain into the larger American strategy to counter China's security threats. Analysts agree that the United States and Britain offer Australia a stronger deterrent against China in the Indo-Pacific than the deal with France, whose relations with Beijing have deteriorated. Ian Lesser, from the German Marshall Fund, believes that the partnership with the US and Britain sends a significant message to Beijing, benefiting both the US and Australia. He also argues against viewing American moves in the Pacific as diminishing Europe's importance. The European Union's challenge may lie in mustering the political will for strategic autonomy, as mentioned by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. France is moving towards autonomy, but it is uncertain if the rest of the European bloc wants this and wants to distance themselves from the US. There are concerns that France could end up isolating itself, as the US remains a critical partner in many regions where France has security concerns. There are doubts about the US's reliability as a security partner in the future, especially if there is conflict with China. In Poland, a strong US ally, the reaction to the new alliance was more positive, focusing on the US, UK, and Australia coming together to address China and defend the free world. However, there are also concerns that the Biden administration is not consulting with European allies and is disregarding their interests. "He stated that this time it was the French, but previously it was Nord Stream 2, where we were betrayed for the benefit of Germany. This refers to Biden's choice to support the construction of a Russian natural gas pipeline to Germany, bypassing Ukraine and Poland, a project favored by Berlin. Baranowski pointed out that the US claims to be strengthening alliances with Germany and Australia, but it is other allies who end up suffering. In terms of relations with China, Europeans would rather not provoke Beijing, according to Balfour of Carnegie Europe." She stated that European allies are not comfortable with taking aggressive stances against China and are aware of the importance of engaging in discussions with China regarding climate and trade. She mentioned that it would be beneficial if Europe could continue talking to Beijing without being seen as forming a security alliance against China. She also suggested that if the European Union can handle this situation diplomatically and avoid polarizing the world into pro or anti-China factions, it could have positive outcomes. | 1 |
On Tuesday, an estimated 200,000 visa applications for highly skilled foreign workers flooded the US government, competing for just 65,000 H-1B visas. These visas allow American companies to hire specialized foreign workers for up to six years. Last year, the government received 120,000 applications on the first day alone, leaving many like Sven, a German civil engineer in San Diego, without luck. Sven, who requested to keep his last name private for privacy reasons, plans to participate in the H-1B visa lottery again this year despite knowing the slim chances of success. The 33-year-old, who spent eight years studying civil engineering at a German university, likened winning the lottery to hitting the jackpot. He was surprised by the high number of applicants last year. Although his company has been supportive by covering legal fees and submitting necessary information, Sven is disappointed that his ability to work in the United States depends on luck. This year, the chances of receiving an H-1B visa are expected to be even lower. Experts anticipate around 200,000 applications on the first day that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) begins accepting visa petitions for the fiscal year starting on October 1, 2008. "The individuals we have offered jobs to are essentially at the mercy of a lottery," stated Jack Krumholtz, who is the managing director of federal government affairs at Microsoft Corp. Last year, USCIS closed the application period after just two days and combined all the petitions, selecting visa recipients through a computerized lottery system to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants. Tech companies argue that the high demand for visas highlights the necessity for the industry to utilize foreign talent. Heather Dickinson, a spokesperson for Cisco Systems Inc., stated that not being able to access the best workers puts U.S. companies like Cisco at a disadvantage. Companies in science, technology, engineering, and technology sectors believe that the current system is a dilemma as the U.S. does not have enough qualified candidates and restricts companies from hiring foreign workers. Krumholtz emphasized the importance of getting this right to maintain U.S. competitiveness and economic well-being. Immigration lawyer Jacob Sapochnick mentioned that he is assisting with around 150 visa applications this year for employers and workers in various fields, including high tech, science, and marketing. Last year, Sapochnick filed approximately 200 applications for visas, with about half being approved. This year, he is facing even more uncertainty as the USCIS has announced that the application window will remain open for five business days. Sapochnick anticipates a surge of around 300,000 applications during this time. He described the situation as absurd and The National Association of Manufacturers is calling for a long-term solution to address the shortage of skilled workers in various industries, including manufacturing. There used to be a balance between supply and demand for H-1B visas, with the quota being raised to 195,000 in 2000 but then reduced to 65,000 as the tech industry slowed down. Tech companies have been pushing for an increase in the quota, while labor groups argue that this would harm job opportunities for U.S. workers. Around one-third of Microsoft's U.S.-based employees have needed visa assistance, with the company submitting 1,200 H-1B visa applications last year and receiving 900 approvals. This year, Microsoft is looking to increase its odds in the lottery by submitting around 1,600 applications. According to Krumholtz, the company has 3,000 to 4,000 job openings that they are looking to fill. However, their immigration staff is only expecting about 40 percent, or 640 visas, to be approved. Bob Gaynor, an immigration lawyer in Boston, shared that his clients applying for H-1B visas are concerned about their chances in the selection process this year. Gaynor represents professionals from various countries and anticipates a surge of approximately 200,000 applications on Tuesday. Gaynor expressed her sadness, stating that the individuals mentioned truly make a valuable contribution to the economic environment of the nation. | 1 |
In Beijing, major emerging economies such as China and India have come together to collaborate and exert pressure on developed countries during the upcoming climate change negotiations in Copenhagen. After two days of discussions, they have agreed on key issues, emphasizing the importance of financial and technological support from the West to assist developing nations in addressing global warming. The meeting included officials from China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Sudan, the current chair of the Group of 77 developing countries. China, India, and Brazil are significant greenhouse gas emitters, with plans to reduce their carbon emissions. The efforts of wealthy countries to combat climate change are being criticized for not being sufficient. A statement released after a meeting in Copenhagen, which took place over Friday evening and Saturday, highlighted the goal of working towards a positive, ambitious, and fair outcome in Copenhagen. The meeting was intended to lay the groundwork for a stronger and more enforceable climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. However, negotiations that began in Bali two years ago have not successfully addressed the differences between rich and poor nations on emission reduction efforts, measurement and reporting, and financial responsibilities. Denmark and several wealthy nations are in favor of reaching a comprehensive political agreement at Copenhagen and finalizing legally binding details in 2010, rather than immediately backing a plan to seal a deal. Developing nations are calling for support of the Kyoto Protocol and are concerned about efforts to replace it with a new agreement or selectively incorporate its provisions into another agreement. The European Union believes Kyoto has not succeeded in reducing emissions from wealthy nations and advocates for a new agreement. The Beijing statement emphasizes the importance of keeping the Kyoto Protocol intact, with rich countries taking responsibility for reducing emissions according to the protocol's second commitment period starting in 2013. Developing countries have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in exchange for support, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh and others discussed a draft negotiation strategy presented by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. China's top climate negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, will present the strategy in Copenhagen. The WWF expressed support for the developing economies' stance, calling it a challenge to the developed world. WWF's Global Climate Initiative leader Kim Carstensen stated that they were not surprised by this move. The Danish proposal is very weak, to be honest, and the governments of developing countries are not foolish. | 1 |
The Commonwealth expressed concern on Saturday about the threat of climate change to small island nations facing rising sea levels, but did not support mandatory goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A statement released during a summit of the mostly former British colonies emphasized the seriousness of climate change as a direct threat to the survival of certain Commonwealth countries, particularly small island states. The statement stressed that the cost of inaction would be higher than taking proactive measures to combat global warming. However, the summit's declaration lacked specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, leading Greenpeace Executive Director John Sauvan to criticize it as insufficient. Sauvan pointed out the lack of urgency in addressing the need to control emissions and the disproportionate impact of climate change on the poorest Commonwealth members. The Commonwealth secretary-general, Don McKinnon, described the agreement as a significant step forward, but noted that it fell short of the strong statement many countries were hoping for. Prior to the summit, Britain had called for a clear message and urged developed nations to make binding commitments before the upcoming environment conference in Bali. While the Kampala declaration did not meet those expectations, it did emphasize that developed countries should lead in reducing emissions. It also stated that efforts to address climate change should not hinder the sustainable economic development of developing nations. The Bali summit will focus on a new agreement to replace the expiring Kyoto protocol, which aims to reduce emissions of gases that contribute to global warming. Kyoto does not require developing nations like India and China to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Canada's conservative government stated they would not sign the Kampala agreement unless all countries were required to decrease emissions. The Commonwealth typically reaches agreements by consensus, which may explain the vague wording in the recent declaration, as they had to compromise between Canada's stance and the demands of developing nations, particularly island states. The Commonwealth Climate Change Action Plan called for a post-Kyoto agreement to reduce greenhouse gases, but only mentioned a "long term aspirational global goal for emissions reduction that all countries would contribute to." Environmentalists have criticized similar non-binding language used in recent summits by the G8 and APEC. A British official expressed satisfaction with the statement's ability to maintain momentum leading up to the Bali conference, but questioned whether the CHOGM was the appropriate venue to commit to binding targets. Some participants believed that Bali would be a more suitable place to discuss commitments. Australia, previously hesitant to address climate change, announced its intention to sign the Kyoto Protocol after the Labor Party won the general election. The previous government's refusal to ratify Kyoto had upset Pacific island nations, including Commonwealth members, who are at risk of being submerged by rising sea levels. | 1 |
The upcoming US president will be faced with numerous foreign policy challenges, including ongoing wars, the global financial crisis, and the need to improve the country's international reputation. Despite focusing on domestic issues like taxes and healthcare, candidates Barack Obama and John McCain will have to address critical national security concerns once they take office. James Lindsay, a former foreign policy aide to President Bill Clinton, warned that the next administration should be cautious in their approach to these complex issues. "The incoming president-elect will face a significant foreign policy agenda with critical implications for American security," Lindsay, currently at the University of Texas in Austin, noted. A summit will be convened in Washington by Bush a week and a half after the election to address the global economic crisis and initiate discussions on financial reforms with world leaders. The next president, inaugurated on Jan. 20, will inherit ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the escalating campaign against al Qaeda militants near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and ensuring North Korea fulfills its commitment to dismantle its nuclear program are also urgent priorities. Both candidates have pledged to prioritize efforts towards achieving peace in the Middle East and affirm unwavering support for Israel. Mark Lippert, a foreign policy adviser to Obama, stated that combating terrorism, addressing militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border, and capturing or killing Osama bin Laden are crucial national security priorities. Obama has promised to end the Iraq war and increase the US military presence in Afghanistan. Lippert emphasized that handling the worsening security situation in Afghanistan and going after militants is closely connected to advancing political reconciliation in Iraq and reducing troop numbers there. McCain also supports the idea of deploying more troops in Afghanistan, but he opposes setting a timeline for withdrawal in Iraq, believing that US forces should stay as long as necessary. Obama's readiness to have direct discussions with America's enemies like Iran and Syria is another significant point of contention. Obama believes that the Bush administration's refusal to communicate with adversaries has restricted diplomatic possibilities, while McCain criticizes the Democratic candidate's proposal for high-level dialogues as being too simplistic. McCain has suggested removing Russia from the Group of Eight due to their conflict with Georgia, a move Obama does not support. Although both candidates condemned Russia's invasion following Georgia's attempt to regain control over South Ossetia, McCain expressed stronger disapproval. One common foreign policy goal shared by Obama and McCain is to mend relationships with traditional allies, particularly European countries, that were strained during the Bush administration. Although Obama's popularity overseas may give him an initial advantage, it will not solve challenges like convincing Europe to increase troop contributions in Afghanistan. Strengthening alliances with Europe could provide leverage with Russia and help in addressing various global issues such as nonproliferation, terrorism, climate change, energy, and democracy promotion. While McCain has been tougher on Russia and made jokes about bombing Iran, he has pledged to move away from the current administration's aggressive diplomatic approach. Randy Scheunemann, a top foreign policy adviser to McCain, dismissed the idea that McCain would be more likely to use force than previous US presidents due to his experience as an Arizona senator and former prisoner of war. Scheunemann emphasized McCain's understanding of the consequences of sending men and women in uniform into dangerous situations in an interview. The economic summit on November 15 organized by Bush will include leaders from the G20, which consists of major industrialized nations as well as emerging economies like China, Brazil, and India. It remains uncertain if the president-elect would attend the summit or have any input. Both McCain and Obama have highlighted the importance of the US economy in its global role. Obama takes a more careful approach to trade, but they both pledge to act swiftly to enhance the financial regulatory system. | 1 |
Additional cities experienced flooding and agricultural damage as the extreme weather moved north, resulting in economic losses of 1.22 billion yuan according to Xinhua news agency. The storm alert was raised to the highest level for four cities in Henan province, including Xinxiang, Anyang, Hebi, and Jiaozuo. Tragically, 12 individuals lost their lives in the flooded subway in the provincial capital of Zhengzhou, with eight people still missing. Over 73,000 residents were evacuated from Anyang due to heavy rainfall exceeding 600 mm since Monday. Xinhua reported that Xinxiang, a small city located north of Zhengzhou, experienced a record-breaking 812 mm of rainfall between Tuesday and Thursday. This extreme weather event caused seven medium-sized reservoirs in the city to overflow, impacting numerous nearby villages and towns. By late Wednesday, more than 470,000 people and over 55,000 hectares of crops had been affected by the heavy rain in Xinxiang. The local government responded by deploying a search and rescue team of over 76,000 individuals. In the neighboring province of Hebei, two individuals lost their lives when a tornado hit the city of Baoding. Following the fatal flooding of the Zhengzhou subway, the government directed local authorities to enhance urban transit flood controls and emergency responses without delay. Media images showed commuters in dark subway cars submerged in water up to their chests, with one station turned into a swirling pool. The Ministry of Transport urged local authorities to immediately review and address any hidden risks in rail transit systems. Emergency measures such as halting train services, evacuating passengers, and closing stations during unusually severe storms were recommended by the ministry in response to the heavy rainfall in Zhengzhou, which reached 617.1 mm (24.3 inches) from Saturday to Tuesday, nearly matching the city's average annual rainfall of 640.8 mm (25.2 inches). The promptness of weather bulletins from local meteorological services has come under public scrutiny. The provincial weather bureau stated that they had issued a report about the upcoming heavy rains two days beforehand. Starting from Monday evening, meteorological departments at various levels have sent out 120 million text messages to mobile phone users to alert them about the storms, according to the Henan weather bureau. | 1 |
All times listed are in local time (GMT). At 8:15 p.m., the talks concluded after a last-minute dispute over the wording "down" or "out" in relation to coal use. The result was a global agreement with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, in an effort to prevent catastrophic climate change. Initial reactions to the deal were mixed, with Kaveh Guilanpour, Vice President of International Strategies at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, stating that the true measure of success for COP26 will be seen in the future, as the focus shifts from promises on paper to actual implementation. At 7:40 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma appeared emotional, almost on the brink of tears, as India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav disrupted the adoption process of the Glasgow pact by suggesting a change in the language regarding coal use. Instead of phasing out coal, the new proposal was to "phase down" its use. While some countries expressed disappointment, they still pledged their support to prevent the negotiations from failing. Sharma expressed regret for the way the process unfolded and became visibly emotional. At 7:23 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma officially began the formal plenary by stating, "It is now decision time." At 7:04 p.m., it was confirmed that a deal had been reached according to China. Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua signaled approval to Reuters when questioned on the plenary floor about the passing of the Glasgow pact. He then stated "we have a deal" through his translator. However, he did offer a critique. "The voice of developing nations has not been adequately listened to," he stated with the help of his translator at 6:51 p.m. Samuel Adeoye Adejuwon, a technical adviser representing Nigeria, mentioned that his country supports India's stance against using strong language to address fossil fuels in the Glasgow agreement. He emphasized the need to consider the unique circumstances of developing countries and argued that they should not be pressured to halt their developmental processes. Adejuwon also noted that the discussions between the US, China, and India regarding coal were aimed at reaching a compromise. At 6:42 p.m., observers at the UN climate talks became anxious when representatives from the United States and the EU held a meeting with their counterparts from China and India to discuss the language in the deal regarding the phasing out of coal. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes before they emerged. A member of the Indian delegation confirmed to Reuters that the meeting took place, indicating that last-minute negotiations were happening as the UK conference hosts pushed for an agreement. Just before the meeting, US special envoy John Kerry was overheard by Reuters reminding his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua that they had agreed to phase out coal over the next 20 years. At 5:36 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma announces that the meeting will resume shortly after country delegations complete their speeches. A vote on the deal is expected to take place once they reconvene. At 4:40 p.m., US special climate envoy John Kerry observed that not everyone was pleased with the draft deal being discussed at the UN talks in Glasgow, noting that discomfort among all parties is a sign of a successful negotiation. The negotiation was considered successful by some, despite criticism from poor and island nations who felt the draft did not provide enough support. Maldives Environment Minister Aminath Shauna warned that time was running out for countries like the Maldives. India's environment minister, Bhupender Yadav, also expressed disagreement with the draft deal, particularly with the request for developing countries to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Yadav argued that developing countries are still focused on their development agendas and poverty eradication. At 4:08 p.m., Swiss Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga expressed her country's dissatisfaction with the deal due to concerns about how it addressed global carbon markets, but stated they would accept it nonetheless. She mentioned leaving the COP26 with a sense of discontent. Gabon's Minister of Water, Forests, Sea, and Environment, Lee White, also shared some reservations before departing the conference, emphasizing the need for further reassurance from developed countries. At 3:58 p.m., he remarked that the deal was not flawless. The poor and small island nations repeatedly expressed their support for the draft climate deal during the plenary, despite acknowledging its limitations. These nations, including low-lying island countries and small economy blocs, have been advocating for more financial assistance from wealthy nations to address various climate-related challenges. Although some, like Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege, believed the deal fell short in this regard, they still pledged their support as they could not return to their islands empty-handed. Tuvalu's climate envoy Seve Paeniu, holding a photo of his grandchildren, emphasized the importance of securing their future by fulfilling the promises made at the Glasgow summit. At 3:44 p.m., EU climate chief Frans Timmermans received enthusiastic applause for urging countries to come together for the sake of future generations. He emphasized the importance of reaching a deal for the well-being of "our children, our grandchildren," stating that they would not forgive us if we do not succeed. Timmermans warned that the conference was at risk of faltering near the end if countries insisted on making new changes to the texts. At 3:30 p.m., he expressed that delivering this agreement would be the greatest Christmas gift he could offer to the attendees. In an optimistic development, Chinese negotiator Zhao Yingmin stated that while the current draft of the deal is not perfect, his team has no plans to reopen it. Representatives from Tanzania and Guinea expressed disappointment that the draft did not provide enough financial assistance for poor, climate-vulnerable nations like theirs. COP26 President Alok Sharma initiated an informal plenary to review the latest proposals, emphasizing that the conference was at a critical juncture for the planet and future generations. Despite remaining differences on the final agreement, Sharma indicated that negotiations needed to conclude soon. In the moments leading up to the official plenary session, US special envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua were seen together, meticulously reviewing a document line by line. Just days before, the two surprised the summit by releasing a joint declaration in which China committed to increasing its efforts to combat climate change by reducing coal usage, controlling methane emissions, and preserving forests. Meanwhile, at 2:30 p.m., negotiators were meeting privately to address final obstacles to reaching an agreement, leaving delegates from three countries confused and uninformed about the ongoing discussions. One negotiator described the situation as chaotic, highlighting the last-minute tensions surrounding the deal. China's No.. As he arrived at his country's offices, negotiator Zhao Yingmin stated that he had no new information. Meanwhile, representatives from Brazil were observed attending a meeting of the G77 group of developing nations. At 1:45 p.m., after an hour and 45 minutes, Sharma returned to the microphone to inform everyone that they could leave but should return at 2:30 p.m. for the official plenary session to commence. The delay was necessary for parties to finalize their negotiations, and Sharma assured that a deal would be reached later in the afternoon. At 1:06 p.m., COP26 President Alok Sharma attempted twice to get delegates from other nations to sit down in the plenary room, where he had arrived promptly at noon. However, an hour later, he was still unable to successfully gather everyone. On one side of the stage, large groups of discussions continued to take place, while US climate envoy John Kerry was seen moving between different groups in the room. By 12:30 p.m., delegates were eagerly awaiting updates on the negotiations, despite the delays, and remained composed. Axel Michaelowa, an advisor to the Honduras delegation, noted that it is typical for the COP to run over time, so the delays were expected. In the cafeteria, opinions were divided on whether the delays indicated a strong agreement to limit global warming to 1.5C or a weaker one. Emily Wright from Save the Children International believed the delay showed commitment to a deal that benefits everyone, while Naja Moretro from the Norwegian Church Aid Youth Organisation felt the language in the texts was becoming less clear. Danish Climate Minister Dan Jorgensen expressed his support for language in the final deal that pushes for a phase-out of coal as he entered the summit's plenary room at 12:02 p.m. He stated that it is important to recognize that the focus is not on shaming countries reliant on fossil fuels, but rather on providing assistance to help them transition away from coal. One positive change in the text is the inclusion of the concept of 'just transition.' Nellie Dokie, 37, has been commuting two hours each way to work as a chef at the conference center, where she has been cooking for VIPs and delegates before exploring the main conference area. Dokie resides in Glasgow, hailing from Liberia. She expressed her desire to contribute to history, stating that she played a minor role. At 11:20 a.m., US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry seemed to be in a jovial mood. He mentioned that it was a lovely day in Scotland while walking with his key negotiators Sue Biniaz, Jonathan Pershing, and Trigg Talley, with reporters following closely behind. It was not clear if his comment was based on the progress of negotiations at the conference or the unexpectedly sunny weather in Glasgow. The focus of activity had moved to "bilateral" meeting rooms throughout the conference venue over the past day. Delegates were gathered in these windowless rooms, closely monitored by security. They were going over the draft text in preparation for the noon stocktaking session. At 8:53 a.m., a group of Greenpeace employees were gathered in the COP26 conference halls, working on a new statement about the latest draft revisions. Spanish Energy and Environment Minister Teresa Ribera was seen hurrying from her delegation's office, while the UK COP26 Presidency released what many hope is the final draft of the Glasgow agreement. Technical crews were dismantling equipment and removing it from meeting rooms as they continued to break down parts of the venue. At 8:21 a.m., delegates were ready for the release of another draft agreement after intense discussions overnight. The pavilions that were used by countries to display their eco-friendly projects have been taken down, but coffee stands are still open. Civil society organizations are closely examining the documents that were released early in the morning to try to understand what will be included in the final agreement. At 9:30 p.m. on Friday, the UK conference hosts announced that there will not be a deal made that night. Alok Sharma, the UK summit president, stated that he expects formal meetings to take place in the afternoon on Saturday to finalize decisions and close the session. Delegations and the media seemed to be heading back to their hotels to get some rest before what is expected to be a long day tomorrow. At 8:40 p.m., the COP26 conference halls became quiet as small groups of negotiators, including about twelve EU delegates, were seen moving along the halls to and from meetings. According to Costa Rica's carbon markets negotiator, Felipe De Leon Denegri, this "shuttle diplomacy," where diplomats shuttle between rooms, is how most of the work is accomplished in the final hours of climate negotiations. However, this year's negotiations may be quieter as a lot of the communication is now done over the messaging app WhatsApp. De Leon noted that in the 21st century, it is not uncommon for shuttle diplomacy to take place on WhatsApp, which he finds somewhat peculiar. He believes that the pandemic and the rise of virtual work have led to an increase in exchanges conducted through the Facebook-owned app. Despite this shift to virtual platforms, people are still actively working, but are now doing so through their phones without physically going anywhere. Tuvalu's Finance Minister Seve Paeniu, who leads the delegation of the island nation, disclosed that he spent most of the previous night negotiating the section of the draft agreement related to "loss and damage". Countries like Tuvalu, which are vulnerable to climate change impacts, are pushing for wealthy nations with high emissions to provide financial compensation. He mentioned that his team is making efforts to urge the United States and Australia to support a separate fund for loss and damage. He also expressed his determination to ensure a strong collective agreement is reached in Glasgow to maintain the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C. He stated that countries have not shown enough commitment to reducing emissions to reach the 1.5 degree target, and there is not enough emphasis on providing additional financing for adaptation. Former UK Labour Party leader Ed Miliband paused in the hallway to praise a speech delivered by Paeniu earlier. At 7:38 p.m., the delegation offices at the summit complex were mostly quiet. Two prominent negotiators from China were observed in their office, while nearby, two US negotiators were seen walking down the hall with sandwiches. It was anticipated that the night would be lengthy due to significant discrepancies regarding increasing emissions cuts pledges and addressing issues related to carbon markets and funding for developing countries. | 1 |
The Maldives, a popular tourist destination, appointed a new president after the man who introduced democracy to the islands resigned due to military pressure following a police mutiny. His party called it a bloodless coup. The capital island, Male, was peaceful the day after police and opposition protesters attacked the military headquarters and took over the state TV station. Former President Mohamed Nasheed resigned on Tuesday and was released from military custody. Everyday life in the Maldives, including political turmoil, is separate from the luxury resorts that attract tourists. The speaker of the People's Majlis swore in Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik as his deputy. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed hope that the transfer of power would peacefully resolve the political crisis in the country, which was sparked by President Nasheed's order to arrest a judge. This incident led to weeks of opposition protests and a police revolt. Ultimately, elements of the military forced Nasheed to resign, with unmarked vehicles and unfamiliar military men appearing at his office. Nasheed's communications adviser, Paul Roberts, witnessed the events firsthand. Roberts reported that Nasheed was taken to his office, introduced to his cabinet, and later appeared on television to announce his resignation from an undisclosed location. According to Roberts, a British citizen, Nasheed was pressured to resign by the military. Despite having the option to resist, Nasheed chose not to resort to violence. Amnesty International advised the new government against targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, as there were concerns about potential persecution of Nasheed and his supporters. Rumors circulated that Nasheed's close allies might be prevented from leaving the country. The new president, Waheed, was expected to lead a coalition national unity government until the presidential election in October 2013. He stated that labeling the change of leadership as a coup was incorrect and assured that tourists were safe. Tourism contributes significantly to the Maldives' economy, making up two-thirds of its gross domestic product of approximately $1 billion. Despite travel advisories, such as those from Britain, warning against travel to Male, most of the Maldives' nearly 1 million annual visitors do not visit the capital. Instead, they are transported directly from the airport island to their resorts by speedboat or seaplane. Flights arrived as scheduled on Wednesday. Opposition parties, with different views, united against Nasheed amid the crisis and protests. They began using strong language to criticize his Islamic beliefs in the Sunni Muslim country. Analyst N. Sathiya Moorthy praised Nasheed for being the first democratically elected president but also criticized him for causing unnecessary political and constitutional issues. Despite this, Nasheed showed strong commitment to democratic principles by gracefully stepping down from office. During the period preceding Nasheed's presidency, the state broadcaster MNBC was renamed TV Maldives, a name it had during former president Gayoom's 30-year rule known for his authoritarian leadership. Nasheed, who had spent a total of six years in jail and faced 27 arrests while fighting for democracy against Gayoom, defeated him in the 2008 election, marking the first multi-party democratic election in the history of the country. Nasheed was also praised for his strong stance on climate change and the threat of rising seas to the low-lying nation. | 1 |
President Emmanuel Macron, aged 44, is the favored candidate who has chosen to remain neutral, delaying his announcement to run for a close deadline in March. This is a strategic move to keep his opponents uncertain. Macron, comfortable in his moderate position, has observed the right and extreme-right parties fight amongst themselves. Immigration and security have become the main focus, overshadowing other issues like climate change and the increasing debt due to the coronavirus crisis. Éric Zemmour, a far-right candidate, believes that naming a child 'Mohammed' is a form of colonization in France. He presents himself as the only barrier between French civilization and the influence of Islam and American political correctness. Similar to former President Donald Trump, Zemmour relies on continuous provocation to remain in the spotlight, as evidenced by his recent conversation with Trump. However, Macron currently holds a significant lead in polls, with around 25% of the vote projected for the first round of the election on April 10. Zemmour and two other right-wing candidates are polling in the 12%-18% range. On the other hand, left-wing parties are fragmented and lagging behind, appearing to be mere onlookers for the first time since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958. Despite France traditionally leaning right, this election season has seen a noticeable shift in dynamics. Pascal Bruckner, an author and political philosopher, stated that the left lost support from the popular classes who moved to the far right due to its lack of response on immigration and Islam. Macron, seen as a chameleon, is now facing off against the right. Macron is benefiting from the perception that he has successfully managed the coronavirus pandemic and the economy, making him appear stronger than in the past. The economy grew by 7% in the last quarter and unemployment is low at 7.4%. It is likely that COVID-19 measures, including mask requirements in public places, will be lifted before the election, which would be a powerful symbolic gesture. It is a challenge to attack Macron because he represents both the remaining elements of social democracy in France and right-wing policies, such as his strong stance against "Islamist separatism." Macron is described as adaptable by some, while others criticize him for constantly changing his beliefs. The upcoming election will see a battle for the second spot in the runoff against Macron, with right-wing candidates vying for the opportunity. Marine Le Pen has become a vocal critic of Zemmour, accusing him of attracting supporters with extreme views and trying to destroy her party. Zemmour, known for his extreme belief that Islam is not compatible with France, has criticized the president for attempting to differentiate between extremist Islamism and the religion itself. He has also condemned her for not accepting the concept of the "great replacement" - a racist conspiracy theory suggesting that white Christian populations are deliberately being replaced by nonwhite immigrants, leading to what Zemmour refers to as the "Creolization" of societies. The president remains confident in his chances against both Le Pen and Zemmour, despite the latter's ability to break through conservative French voter taboos. While France is facing challenges such as high energy costs and pandemic fatigue, a disruptive choice like the election of Trump in the US or Brexit in Britain would be unexpected. Retiree Paulette Brémond, who voted for Macron in 2017, is now torn between supporting the president or Zemmour. She stated that the issue of immigration is serious and she is waiting to hear what Mr. Macron's stance on it will be. She believes he may not take as extreme of a position as Zemmour, but if he appears effective, she may vote for him again. She feels like the campaign has not truly begun until Macron officially announces his candidacy, a sentiment shared by many in the country. Macron, however, seems unconcerned by the early political maneuvering, as he has emphasized his focus on important state matters such as diplomacy with Putin to prevent war in Ukraine and ending the French anti-terrorist campaign in Mali. If Mali has been a clear failure, although it is unlikely to influence many voters, the Ukraine crisis has allowed Macron to appear as Europe's unofficial leader in seeking positive engagement with Russia, as long as it does not result in war. Zemmour and Le Pen, who together represent around 30% of the vote, openly admire Putin. A member of Macron's potential reelection team expressed concerns about facing the centre-right Republican candidate, Valérie Pécresse, in a runoff rather than Le Pen or Zemmour. Pécresse, a graduate of the same prestigious school as Macron and a competent two-term president of France's most populous region, may attract center-left and left-wing voters who see Macron as a betrayer in the second round. However, Pécresse's chances have been somewhat diminished by a poor performance in her first major campaign speech in Paris this month, although not necessarily beyond repair. One recent poll showed that Pécresse's support has decreased from 19% in December to 12%. She has shifted towards the right due to the prevailing climate in France, a country heavily impacted by Islamist terrorism. Pécresse referenced "the great replacement" in her campaign speech, leading to criticism. She stated in a television interview that she will not accept a Macron-Zemmour showdown, as voting for Le Pen or Zemmour ultimately benefits Macron. Macron's initial term focused on reforming the French state-centric model by simplifying labor laws, eliminating the wealth tax, and attracting foreign investment to stimulate the economy. Then there was a rebellion in the form of the Yellow Vest movement against increasing inequality and wealthy financiers who travel the world - Macron was one of them - who were perceived as being unaware of the widespread social suffering. Just as that unrest settled down, the coronavirus pandemic hit, causing the president to suddenly shift from a supporter of free-market reforms to advocating for state intervention at any cost. Macron confidently declared in 2020, "We have nationalized salaries," without hesitation. The consequences of these actions will eventually have to be faced, and they will likely be burdensome. However, for now, Macron, who is known for constantly changing his stance and being referred to as the "at the same time" president, appears to be enjoying the success of controlling the pandemic. "He was fortunate," a member of his campaign team remarked. "The presence of COVID prevented him from having to implement more unpopular reforms." Despite the possibility of unforeseen events such as a European war, a new virus variant, a major terrorist attack, or a surge in social unrest, Macron's strategy of staying detached from the chaos appears to be effective at the moment. "Unless a disaster occurs, I believe Mr. Macron will be reelected," Bruckner stated. However, the true campaign will only commence once the current leader finally enters the tumultuous arena. ©2022 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
Something occurred last year that caused a change in the usual job situation in Midland, Michigan. Signs began to appear in windows advertising job openings, with McDonald's, Walgreens, and Taco Bell all looking for employees. The town was experiencing a high demand for workers. Haner, a 32-year-old who left his job at Applebee's and took a remote sales position at a tech company, questioned why work shouldn't be centered around people like him. He referred to the Great Resignation, where over 40 million people left their jobs, particularly in retail and hospitality, to seek better opportunities. This movement led to various terms being used, such as the Great Renegotiation, the Great Reshuffle, and the Great Rethink, but people were not abandoning the workforce entirely. They still needed to earn money despite much of the pandemic assistance ending by the fall and savings rates decreasing to 6.4% by January, the lowest in nine years. Workers discovered they could find more lucrative opportunities with higher pay and stable hours. Flexibility was key. Employees were demanding more from their employers and seemed to be receiving it. Applebee's emphasized the importance of safety for both workers and guests. Kevin Carroll, the company's chief operations officer, stated that aggressive behavior would not be tolerated. Workers nationwide were experiencing a surge in opportunities and could now reject the rigid bosses and customer abuse they had previously endured. In order to keep businesses operational, employers had to begin listening to their workers. Nick Bunker, director of economic research for North America at Indeed’s hiring lab, viewed the situation as people seizing the abundance of job opportunities rather than rejecting work. As vaccines and stimulus money became available last year, businesses faced a shortage of workers and workers reevaluated their expectations from employers. This did not result in millions of workers quitting permanently and abandoning their laptops. It involved low-wage workers leaving their jobs and applying to other businesses that were hiring. It also involved white-collar workers, encouraged by the competitive job market, asserting their preferences for how and where they work. Tim Ryan, the US chair of PwC, emphasized the power that employees now have, as the company undergoes a three-year transition to offer more flexible work arrangements, including allowing many employees to work remotely permanently, which is estimated to cost $2.4 billion. This workplace transformation is so significant that the executive had to use a Disney reference from 2003 to explain it, likening it to a line from "Pirates of the Caribbean." Ryan continued by paraphrasing Captain Hector Barbossa's dialogue about ghost stories, emphasizing the significant transformation happening in the workplace that many people may not even realize. Data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics and the census show that many of last year's job quitters are actually job swappers, particularly in industries such as leisure, hospitality, and retail. For example, in leisure and hospitality, the rate of workers quitting has increased from 4% to nearly 6% since the start of the pandemic. In the retail sector, the rate of job turnover increased from 3.5% to nearly 5%. Employers in white-collar industries continued to have difficulties with hiring, but they experienced fewer resignations. For example, the resignation rate in the finance industry decreased at the beginning of the pandemic and is now slightly below 2%. Similarly, the resignation rates in the media and technology sectors remained relatively stable, also below 2%. When employees changed jobs, they frequently received higher pay. Wages in the leisure and hospitality sector grew by almost 10% in the past year, and by over 7% in the retail sector. Workers were able to extend their shift hours, with fewer people working part-time involuntarily. A small number of individuals left the workforce, mostly older men retiring before age 65, some of whom are now returning to work. The gap between retiring baby boomers and the smaller number of young people entering the workforce has also led to a tighter labor supply. Overall, people are not ready to stop working and must continue due to financial reasons. Last year saw a trend of people moving to new jobs, working more hours, and receiving higher pay instead of giving up on work. Workers did not really change their feelings towards work, but rather their expectations. According to Rebecca Givan, an associate professor of labour studies at Rutgers, most people work out of necessity rather than desire. However, workers are now demanding more accountability from their bosses. For example, Porsha Sharon recalls witnessing customer outbursts at Buddy's Pizza in Troy, Michigan, where a customer got upset when asked what kind of pizza they wanted. Other customers made fun of Sharon for wearing a mask, asking her if she was dense. Sharon endured eight-hour shifts at the pizzeria, which left her with burning pain in her swollen feet. In March, she received an offer to work as an administrative assistant at a law firm, a job she had done temporarily in college. Last month, she decided to quit the pizzeria. Sharon expressed her belief that the previous generation stayed in miserable jobs because they felt they were supposed to, but she and her peers are different and she appreciates that. Katy Dean, the chief operating officer of Buddy's Pizza, a Michigan restaurant chain, expressed how some workers feel overwhelmed and sick due to overwork, with abusive customers being a difficult aspect of the current food service industry. Dean stated that if a guest is disrespectful, managers have the authority to ask them to leave. This situation has been labeled as anti-ambition, but it has also sparked a wave of calls for better job conditions, such as promotions, stable hours, and various types of leave. A sign outside a McDonald's, featured in a popular TikTok video, expressed the sentiment that many people are no longer willing to work under these conditions. Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich responded by saying that no one wants to be taken advantage of anymore. Last year, when millions of people quit their jobs, the impact was not limited to just the companies and industries involved. White-collar workers were not leaving their jobs at the same rate as those in hospitality and retail, but they were still making strong demands of their employers, aware that unemployment is low and there is fierce competition for talent. Bunker noted that there is a threat of quitting rather than actual quitting, as employees recognize their bargaining power and are using it, especially when it comes to flexibility. The closure of offices resulted in workers feeling a sense of independence that they were not willing to give up. Even some high-ranking bosses on Wall Street acknowledged that traditional practices were no longer sustainable. Companies like Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and BNY Mellon informed employees that their return to the office would be a hybrid model, allowing for fewer days of commuting. Only 8% of Manhattan office workers have resumed working in the office five days a week, as reported by the Partnership for New York City. Lyssa Walker White, 38, mentioned that her quality of life improved significantly after switching to a nonprofit job earlier this year, as her previous employer expected her to return to the office, which she found was not worth it. Some employers attempted to bring their employees back to the office for part of the week, only to encounter strong resistance. Apple, for instance, faced backlash from workers who were against the mandate to return to the office three days a week. In a letter to the company, employees expressed their opposition to being told how often they had to work in person and asked for more flexibility in determining their work arrangements. Apple did not provide a response and continues to enforce its hybrid return-to-office policy. In other professional environments, newly established unions began advocating for the rights of remote workers. The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union, for instance, saw a significant increase in membership from 12 organizations and 300 workers in 2018 to around 50 organizations and 1,300 workers this year. One member organization successfully negotiated for managers to cover travel expenses for employees who had to commute. Another organization persuaded management to provide written explanations to employees required to return to the office. Jessica Kriegel, head of people and culture at Experience.com, a technology company, recently discussed various encounters with empowered staff alongside human resources colleagues at an industry conference. There were stories about employees requesting raises four times the amount of their current salaries. There were also stories about company strategy meetings that used to be exclusive retreats in Napa, California, but now included junior staff in town hall meetings. Kriegel mentioned giving a significant raise to a top performer, and witnessing another employee go through three promotions in just one year. Kriegel noted that some employees were requesting title changes not necessarily tied to financial promotions just to update their LinkedIn profiles. This has led to entry-level employees receiving director-level titles. The human resources director finds it ironic when colleagues claim employees are overworking, as she sees her staff actively pursuing the type of work they desire. She stated that people are starting to feel more confident and less fearful, emphasizing that it is not about lacking ambition but rather having great ambition. Haner, who used to work at Applebee's, recently received a 16% raise at his new job, which now pays him significantly more per hour than his previous job. He speaks highly of the meaningful conversations he has with his manager and appreciates the bereavement leave offered by his company, a benefit he believes would not have been available at Applebee's. Even though his job is still a job, the feeling of dread that used to accompany his morning alarm has been replaced by a new sense of being treated with respect. | 1 |
China is in the process of developing its first plan to address climate change, according to a senior policy adviser. The plan is expected to establish goals for reducing emissions and adapting to changing weather patterns, and is likely to be released this year after several years of preparation. Zou Ji, a climate policy expert, stated that the plan demonstrates China's growing concern about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global warming and the need to take action. The Chinese government is increasingly focused on addressing this issue. China is on the verge of releasing its first official document on climate change, which comes after a recent warning from a U.N. panel of scientists about the impact of human activity on global warming. The panel estimated that temperatures could rise by 1.8 to 4.0 Celsius in the 21st century, leading to more droughts, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. Despite China's rapid economic growth, it is projected to surpass the United States as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases by 2009. Zou, a member of the Chinese delegation to international climate talks since 2000, stated that while Beijing's public response to the panel's findings has been restrained, they are closely monitoring the warnings. Pan Yue, a vice minister of China's State Environmental Protection Administration, acknowledged that wealthy nations bear the primary responsibility for reducing emissions, but assured that China would also make contributions. He emphasized that as a responsible major power, China will not shirk its responsibilities, despite the immense pressure to reduce emissions. Zou mentioned that the program is currently awaiting approval from China's State Council after being reviewed by numerous ministries and agencies, but there may be delays due to preparations for a major Communist Party congress later this year. Alan Dupont, an expert on climate change and security at the University of Sydney, stated that President Hu Jintao is facing a dilemma on how to implement policies that promote economic growth and job creation while also reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. Dupont emphasized the importance of maintaining economic growth for the stability of the regime and the future of China, but acknowledged the growing realization that addressing climate change is essential for China's long-term goals. Despite China's secretive government, there are indications that Beijing is increasingly concerned about how climate change could impact its aspirations for prosperity, stability, and global influence. Climate experts are getting ready to give a presentation on global warming to China's top leaders. This will be the first time that one of their regular study sessions will focus on climate change, indicating that the issue is gaining importance in the political sphere, according to Zou. | 1 |
A group of small island states at the 192-nation UN climate talks in Copenhagen are advocating for tougher goals for limiting global warming than those favored by wealthy nations. The alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) expressed concern over the omission of many island states from discussions, citing the threat of rising sea levels. They reported that more than 100 nations have signed up to limit temperature rises to 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels, an increase from 86 nations in August. The least developed nations and small island states are all in support of this goal, which would require significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by wealthy nations by 2020. In Copenhagen, any agreement will need to be approved unanimously. Key challenges to reaching a deal in Copenhagen include determining the extent of greenhouse gas reductions by wealthier countries and the level of financial assistance provided to poorer nations. The majority of developed countries and major emerging economies, such as China and India, support the goal of limiting temperature increases to 2 degrees Celsius. Current temperatures have already increased by 0.7 degrees Celsius and are expected to continue rising. AOSIS is advocating for a legally binding treaty to come out of Copenhagen, rather than a non-binding political statement preferred by some developed nations. She mentioned that despite the current warming, many islands were experiencing severe damage, including submersion and loss of fresh water supply. Rising temperatures were also harming coral reefs. She denied claims of divisions within the developing nations' group regarding a proposal from Tuvalu for legally binding agreements at Copenhagen. While AOSIS members generally supported Tuvalu's proposal, they were still trying to establish a unified stance. China and India were in favor of legally binding cuts in greenhouse gases for wealthy nations under the Kyoto Protocol, but believed that poorer nations should have less strict obligations. Barry Coates, a spokesperson for Oxfam, likened a political declaration from Copenhagen that lacks legal binding to a toothless shark. Antonio Lima, vice chair of AOSIS from Cape Verde, warned that climate change is a looming disaster for the poor, comparing it to the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried Pompeii 2,000 years ago. Lima stated, "They did not know what they were facing. Now we know what is going to happen. It will be the planet Pompeii." | 1 |
During a recent climate protest event in Dhaka, Khalidi highlighted the significant impact of people power in global protests. He compared the non-violent movements initiated by Gandhi and Bangabandhu against oppressive forces, noting the violent responses they faced. Gandhi's actions indirectly caused violence in post-1947 India, while Bangabandhu's non-violent protests were met with brutal military force from the Pakistani army. The resistance in both cases took different forms, but ultimately both heroes emerged victorious. The impact of influential leaders like Gandhi and Bangabandhu can be seen in the current climate protests organized by young activists worldwide, as noted by Khalidi. The recent #ShutdownDC protest in the US capital brought traffic to a standstill without any violence. Khalidi emphasized the urgent need to address the environmental crisis and its impact on the planet and its inhabitants, stating that it is more destructive than all wars in human history combined. He highlighted the protesters' demand for action against climate change and emphasized the importance of creating fair and safe societies, a goal that Gandhi and Bangabandhu worked towards in their lifetimes. Khalidi discussed the shared goal of climate protesters at a seminar on the founding fathers of India and Bangladesh, organized by the Gandhi Ashram Trust. The event, held at the National Museum in Shahbagh, was attended by various dignitaries including Agriculture Minister Dr. Mohammed Abdur Razzaque and Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das. Razzaque highlighted the impact of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on contemporary issues during his speech at the event. Photo: Mostafigur Rahman stated that religion had a significant impact on politics during the times of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu, but neither of them engaged in politics based on religion, as mentioned by the agriculture minister. He emphasized that Bangabandhu understood early on that religion should not be intertwined with politics, a belief also held by Gandhi who considered religious extremists using religion for political gain as enemies of the people. The minister also mentioned the founding of the Awami Muslim League, which separated from the Muslim League and eventually removed the word "Muslim" from its name. Razzaque, a member of the Awami League's presidium, stated that at the time, the Muslim League was seen as a representation of religion. Speaking against the Muslim League was seen as speaking against religion. Bangabandhu took action despite this. The minister also mentioned that Gandhi's words and tactics remain relevant today. He demonstrated during his movement against the powerful British forces that nonviolence and non-cooperation can be just as impactful. Nonviolent resistance requires participation and inspiration, which is why it is more effective, according to High Commissioner Riva Das. She emphasized Mahatma Gandhi's belief that strength comes from righteousness, power from truth, and victory from moral courage. Das pointed out that history shows violence only leads to more violence, while nonviolence can achieve many things that force cannot. She also mentioned the leadership examples of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. She urged everyone to incorporate the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu into their daily lives, not just during special events. Speaking at a discussion organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust, former minister Narayon Chandra Chanda emphasized the importance of the youth in Bangladesh holding on to the spirit of the Liberation War as they work towards development. He highlighted the need for them to honor the sacrifices of Bangabandhu and the freedom fighters by building a diverse and multicultural nation. Chanda also praised both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu for their unwavering commitment to establishing people's rights through nonviolent resistance, noting that they upheld these ideals in their personal lives as well. Despite facing allegations of corruption, Bangabandhu's integrity remained unquestioned as he never compromised on his principles. Professor Muntasir Mamun, a history professor at Dhaka University, spoke at a discussion organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In his speech, Professor Mamun highlighted Gandhi's religious devotion and his separation of politics from religion. He also mentioned the upcoming publication of intelligence reports on Bangabandhu, stating that there is no evidence of him using religion in politics. Professor Mamun criticized the ruling party's use of religion in politics after Bangabandhu's death. The journalist Swadesh Roy mentioned that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the only exception who never used religion for political gain and advised the youth to follow the paths shown by both Gandhi and Bangabandhu to address global issues. Raha Naba Kumar, the Director of the Trust, moderated the seminar. Khalidi stated that both Gandhi and Bangabandhu, through their networking skills and ability to inspire the masses with personal sacrifices, played a crucial role in leading their countries to freedom. He emphasized that the impact of these leaders goes beyond their lifetimes and their stories are particularly relevant in addressing contemporary injustices worldwide. Khalidi also highlighted that the wealthy and powerful individuals are often the main culprits in climate crimes. The primary polluters are the advanced economies, the most industrialized societies, capable of causing the destruction of human civilization in a matter of minutes or seconds, and multiple times over, according to Khalidi. Both Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman fought against the powerful in their lifetimes, teaching the world how to confront and defeat them. It is believed that even in the afterlife, they continue to do so. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, addressed a discussion organized by Gandhi Ashram Trust at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on Thursday to honor the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. At the event, Khalidi highlighted a report from a British think tank which revealed that Bangladeshi households are spending nearly Tk 158 billion taka annually on repairing damages caused by climate change and taking preventive measures. He pointed out that this amount is significantly higher than the contributions from international donors to Bangladesh and double the government's expenditure on the same issue. As a result, rural families are being compelled to reallocate their resources to combat the impacts of climate change, leading them to borrow from informal sources at high interest rates and plunging them further into poverty. The information comes from the International Institute for Environment and Development. Khalidi mentioned that both Gandhi and Bangabandhu would have spoken up to help these families. Despite their absence, their influence still affects the world. For example, Bangabandhu's leadership from afar rallied global support for Bangladesh in 1971, despite opposition from powerful nations. | 1 |
A new round of United Nations climate discussions is set to begin on Monday in Mexico, with nearly 200 nations gathering to try to reach an agreement on a few crucial issues dividing wealthy and developing countries. The conference in Cancun, lasting two weeks, will focus on securing funds and strategies to protect rainforests and prepare for a warmer planet. It will also aim to formalize current goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The event is not expected to generate as much excitement as last year's summit in Copenhagen, which aimed to establish a new climate pact but ultimately resulted in a non-binding agreement that was not supported by several developing nations. The ongoing UN negotiations have brought into conflict the world's top two polluters, the United States and China, with the US pushing for stronger emission reductions from China, similar to pressures on trade and human rights issues. Mexican President Felipe Calderon highlighted the economic benefits of addressing climate change on the eve of the talks, aiming to dispel the mistrust from previous summits. He emphasized that the choice between protecting the environment and fighting poverty, or between addressing climate change and promoting economic growth, is a false dichotomy. Calderon inaugurated a wind turbine at the conference hotel to showcase the potential of renewable energy. He stated that the focus of the talks would be on preparing for a warmer world, particularly concerning poorer nations, with an emphasis on adaptation. This stance was met with criticism from European Union negotiators, who believe that the talks should also result in stronger commitments to reducing emissions, including from developing countries. "We will seek a limited number of decisions in Cancun and hope to establish a way forward," stated Artur Runge-Metzger, a senior EU negotiator, on Sunday. Peter Wittoeck, a senior negotiator with Belgium, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, mentioned, "We can see the beginnings of a compromise." The primary goal of the negotiations is to reach an agreement on a stronger climate deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire in 2012, in order to intensify efforts to combat global warming. Studies released on Sunday indicated that in the worst-case scenario of climate change, global temperatures could rise by 4 degrees Celsius (7.2F) by the 2060s and would require an annual investment of $270 billion just to prevent rising sea levels. | 1 |
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta expressed her anticipation for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to bring unique qualities to leadership. As the first woman in her role, Mahuta emphasized the importance of working in the best interests of their respective countries and expressed hope for opportunities to collaborate on common interests. This enthusiasm mirrors a global shift away from right-wing populism towards more inclusive and competent leadership, with New Zealand being seen as a promising alternative model led by charismatic women like Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Ardern and her team, having achieved success in handling COVID, are now facing increased expectations. After leading a coalition government for three years without significant policy achievements on major issues like inequality, Labour now has the votes to pass their desired policies, as well as a diverse group of members. The majority of Labour's newly elected members are women, including the first member of African descent, Ibrahim Omer. The Parliament also includes 11 LGBTQ+ lawmakers, a dozen Pacific island descent members, and 16 Maori members. This Parliament is the most diverse in New Zealand's history, representing the country's demographics and its connection to the broader Pacific islands. Richard Shaw, a politics professor at Massey University in Palmerston North, described it as a significant development. Prime Minister Ardern's new executive council includes a mix of familiar allies, with Grant Robertson becoming the first openly gay deputy prime minister. Additionally, she appointed several members of Maori and Pacific island heritage. Mahuta, 50, came as a big surprise as the new foreign minister in New Zealand, joining Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's diverse cabinet. She entered Parliament at 26 with a master's degree in social anthropology, having worked as a researcher for her Tainui tribe during a historic treaty settlement with the government. Her father was the lead negotiator and her aunt was the Maori queen. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan on September 27, 2018. Nanaia Mahuta, the newly appointed foreign minister in New Zealand, is known for being an honest mediator and has joined Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's diverse cabinet. Despite her reputation, Mahuta prefers to focus on briefing papers rather than seeking attention, displaying a no-nonsense and measured approach. She was known for her honesty as she took on different roles. As an associate environment minister, she handled negotiations between her tribe and the government on water rights. As a local government minister, she resolved disputes on various issues. As a customs minister, she collaborated with exporters and facilitated trade agreements with Japan and other countries. In her new position, she is expected to focus on organizing safe tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, as well as strengthening economic ties with other Pacific Island nations and Australia. David Cunliffe, a former leader of the Labour Party who has worked closely with Mahuta for nearly twenty years, praised her appointment to the foreign affairs role, calling it a smart decision. He highlighted her dedication to progress rather than personal recognition, saying that her hard work has finally been acknowledged. In an interview on Thursday, Mahuta revealed that she had not actively pursued the foreign affairs position, although it was something she had considered. She was surprised by the offer but eagerly accepted the opportunity to enhance New Zealand's global standing while collaborating with Pacific Island nations. The region has gained increased importance and attention in recent years due to growing Chinese influence and investment. US officials believe that Mahuta and her team, which includes the Maori defence minister Peeni Henare, will be well-received in the region as cultural equals and as a strong opposition to Beijing. Mahuta's promotion has been met with celebration in the Maori community, despite some cultural disagreements. When Mahuta, the first woman in Parliament to display a moko kauae (a sacred facial tattoo), was promoted to foreign affairs, a conservative New Zealand author criticized the tattoo as inappropriate for a diplomat. However, New Zealanders showed their support for Mahuta, with political commentator Morgan Godfery calling it a victory for history and politics as well as diversity. Mahuta, a prominent member of the Maori King Movement, has been appointed to New Zealand's foreign ministry, which demonstrates the progress the country has made. However, this appointment is just the beginning for Ardern's government, as they face various challenges both domestically and internationally. Climate change, economic struggles, and growing inequality are all pressing issues that need to be addressed. According to Oliver Hartwich, bold actions such as reforming education and changing the tax structure are necessary to address these issues effectively. "He stated that they are unwilling to take risks and do what is necessary," he said. "There are many promises made, but not enough actions taken." Cunliffe, the former leader of the Labour Party, mentioned that both Ardern's and President-elect Joe Biden's administrations must be transformative while also convincing doubters. He explained that populism can only be defeated by producing progressive outcomes that benefit both supporters and critics. "You can't defeat it with just one election day," he said. "You have to use your position of power to address the underlying causes that led to it, or it will return in a few years." Mahuta concurred. She expressed her desire for ideas on redefining prosperity to be shared from the Indigenous community, which includes values such as manaakitanga (caring for people) and kaitiakitanga (protecting the environment). She acknowledged that addressing economic inequality is a major challenge for numerous countries and emphasized the need to move away from traditional approaches. | 1 |
With polls indicating that Scott Morrison's conservative coalition may lose the May 21 election, they are focusing on their national security credentials, particularly their tough stance on China. Morrison emphasized the Chinese government's attempts to influence Australia, citing past instances of foreign interference. This statement came in response to claims by Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews that China's timing of announcing a recent deal with the Solomons was a form of interference in Australia's election. China has denied targeting any third party and called on Australia to respect their sovereignty and the choices made by both China and the Solomons. The news of the security agreement with the Pacific nation raised concerns about the possibility of a Chinese military presence being close to Australian shores, which has led to criticism of the national security efforts of Morrison's coalition. Following the opposition Labor party's criticism of the deal as a national security failure, Morrison's government has responded by emphasizing measures such as a ban on foreign political contributions and a registry of foreign representatives. Morrison stated that the legislation was put in place for a reason and indicated that the Chinese government does seek to interfere in Australia. In the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated that the country would not support militarization in the Pacific and signed the China deal due to perceived inadequacies in the security pact with Australia. | 1 |
While Ukraine successfully conducted a peaceful presidential election recently, the situation in the eastern region near the Russian border remains unstable, with armed groups attacking Ukrainian government forces and taking over state buildings. The G7 stated their readiness to impose more sanctions on Russia if necessary, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the need for Russia to stabilize the situation in Ukraine. The US and EU have already implemented some sanctions in response to Russia's actions in Crimea, with further measures threatened if the elections were disrupted. However, the smooth election process may suggest that Russia is becoming more cooperative and reducing the risk of additional sanctions. Wednesday's statement indicates that the West is not yet convinced that President Vladimir Putin is taking enough action to ease tensions in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian militias have seized control of buildings, attacked Ukrainian troops, and declared independence. Despite Russia's denial of involvement in the conflict, Putin has defended his right to protect Russian-speaking people. Although Putin has been excluded from the G7 summit for the first time since 1997, he will have face-to-face meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, and British Prime Minister David Cameron at a D-Day anniversary event in France. The focus of these meetings is on the discussions that take place rather than who Putin is meeting with. The summit will also address economic, trade, climate, and energy policy issues, with energy security in Europe being a key topic of discussion. The G7 leaders are expected to highlight the importance of prioritizing the security of energy supplies and condemn the use of energy resources as a political tool. The crisis in Ukraine highlights the importance of prioritizing energy security and taking significant steps to diversify energy supplies. Economic discussions among G7 members, including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Britain, Japan, and Italy, are expected to focus on sustaining economic recovery and implementing stricter regulations to avoid future banking sector issues. Leaders will also reaffirm their dedication to completing financial reforms, such as addressing "too-big-to-fail" banks, by the end of the year. | 1 |
An unexpectedly positive business sentiment report from Germany boosted the euro and European stocks on Wednesday, while concerns about the US economy continued to weigh on the dollar. The weakening dollar led to increased interest in commodities like oil and gold, which had recently experienced declines. Despite a softer outlook for the US, global demand for commodities is expected to remain strong due to robust economies like China. The Ifo institute's report showed an improvement in German corporate sentiment in March, with firms expressing a more optimistic view of the economic situation, helping to alleviate some of the pessimism surrounding the global economy. Audrey Childe Freeman, European economist at CIBC World Markets, noted that this was the third consecutive month that the Ifo report had exceeded expectations. She mentioned that the data supports the idea of Germany and the euro zone becoming more independent from each other, and also suggests that the European Central Bank will not be lowering interest rates in the near future. The Ifo economic research institute reported that its business climate index increased to 104.8 from 104.1 in February, which reduced investors' inclination to seek safety and caused euro zone government bonds to decrease in value. This news followed reports of a decrease in US consumer confidence and a significant drop in home values, indicating that Americans may be starting to spend less. In response to this information, the FTSEurofirst 300 index initially went up before eventually dropping 0.2 percent, with Germany's DAX remaining steady and London's FTSE 100 index declining by 0.3 percent. Swiss miner Xtrata experienced a significant decrease in value, losing approximately 9 percent, following the breakdown of takeover discussions with Vale, the largest iron ore miner in the world. The previous day, European stocks had increased by about 3 percent, led by banks, after JPMorgan dramatically increased its offer to acquire Bear Stearns, alleviating concerns in a sector impacted by the credit crisis. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei index closed 0.3 percent lower, while MSCI's index of other Asian stock markets rose by 0.6 percent. The MSCI world equity index saw a slight increase of 0.2 percent. The dollar weakened against major currencies, facing challenges due to ongoing worries about the US economy's health. The dollar index decreased by 0.6 percent, leading to a rise in the euro by half a US cent to approximately $1.5646 following the Ifo report. The 10-year Bund yield remained relatively stable at 3.872 percent, while the 10-year yield for US Treasuries decreased by 2.4 basis points to 3.517 percent. US light crude for May delivery increased by 73 cents to $101.94, and the price of gold slightly rose to $940.50 per ounce from around $934.60 per ounce at the end of trading in New York on Tuesday. | 1 |
European Union leaders have agreed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable fuels, setting a challenge for other countries to also take action against climate change. German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised the EU's ambitious decisions, such as a binding target for renewable energy to account for 20% of EU energy consumption by 2020, positioning the EU as a leader in the fight against global warming. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized that Europe is leading the way in combating climate change and called on other nations to join in these efforts. The EU package established goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming, promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and utilizing biofuels. The leaders have called for mandatory energy-saving lighting in homes, offices, and streets by the end of the decade, impacting all 490 million citizens of the bloc. Barroso believes that Europe can benefit economically by investing in green technology early, but businesses fear high costs and potential loss of competitiveness to cheaper foreign competitors. The agreement outlined EU-wide targets for reducing CO2 emissions and increasing renewable energy sources, with individual member states needing to agree to national targets, leading to potential disagreements between Brussels and governments. Merkel achieved a diplomatic win by securing a binding target for renewable fuels like solar, wind, and hydro-electric power, which was a highly debated issue. Leaders agreed to the 20 percent target for renewable sources in exchange for flexibility on individual country contributions. The United Nations, responsible for coordinating global climate change efforts, praised the plan as ambitious in light of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Deputy UN spokeswoman Marie Okabe emphasized the importance of ambition and leadership in addressing climate change, calling it one of the most significant challenges facing humanity. British Prime Minister Tony Blair described the targets as groundbreaking, bold, and ambitious for the European Union. He informed reporters that Europe would need to put in a significant amount of effort to ensure this, but it would ultimately give Europe a strong leadership position on the important issue facing the world. The summit statement pleased countries that rely on nuclear energy, like France, coal, like Poland, and smaller countries with limited energy resources, such as Cyprus and Malta, by promising to respect their national energy mixes and potentials. The leaders agreed to aim to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020, with a potential increase to 30 percent if major nations like the United States, Russia, China, and India do the same. They also set a target of 10 percent for biofuels in transport by 2020, to be implemented in a cost-effective manner. However, they did not support the European Commission's proposal to require large utility groups to sell or spin off their generation businesses and distribution grids. Instead, they came to an agreement on the necessity of separating supply and production activities from network operations, without mentioning the breakup of major energy companies like E.ON, RWE, Gaz de France, and EDF. Currently, renewable energy makes up less than 7 percent of the EU energy mix, and the bloc is not meeting its targets for renewable energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. French President Jacques Chirac argued for the inclusion of nuclear power in Europe's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it supplies 70 percent of France's electricity. However, some EU countries oppose nuclear power, with Germany even phasing it out. Poland secured a commitment to solidarity among member states in case Russia cuts off energy supplies. Many ex-communist member states in central Europe were hesitant to accept the renewables target due to concerns about the costs of the green energy revolution. Merkel, as chair of the Group of Eight industrialized powers, is advocating for the EU to lead the way in setting the environmental agenda. The outcome of the summit will influence the EU's stance in international discussions to replace the expiring UN Kyoto Protocol in 2012. Environmentalists, who have been critical of EU efforts in the past, praised the agreement as a significant step forward. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina departed for Switzerland on Tuesday to participate in the World Climate Conference-3. She flew on a regular flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines bound for London at 8:45am, accompanied by Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, State Minister for Environment Hassan Mahmud, Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul. The delegation was bid farewell by cabinet ministers, three military chiefs, and other high officials at Zia International Airport. Mahmud stated to reporters in the VIP Lounge that Bangladesh would be seeking compensation from countries accountable for climate change. The theme of the five-day summit, which began on Monday and is organized by the World Meteorological Organization, is 'Better Climate Information for Better Future'. The summit, chaired by Bangladesh, will continue until September 4. Bangladesh leads the 50-member LDC Group, composed of countries most at risk from the adverse effects of climate change, largely due to emissions from developed nations. | 1 |
While inspecting the damage caused by a car bombing at UN offices in Algiers, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his shock at the attack that killed 17 UN staff. He emphasized that terrorism is never justified and must be condemned in the name of humanity and the international community. Ban was deeply affected by the attack, which was one of two bombings that took place in Algiers on December 11, resulting in the deaths of at least 37 people. These bombings were the second major attacks in the capital of the OPEC member country, which is still recovering from a civil war in the 1990s that claimed up to 200,000 lives. "I want to offer my sincere condolences to the government and people of Algeria, as well as to the families of the victims and my UN colleagues." Witnesses reported that Ban was taken in a heavily guarded convoy to the Hydra district in the city, where he inspected the damaged offices of the UN refugee agency and the UN Development Programme. Reporters were not allowed to go with Ban to the site. The second suicide car bombing on December 11 caused damage to the Constitutional Court building in the Ben Aknoun district. The North African branch of Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that they were targeting what they referred to as "the slaves of America and France." Ban had a meeting with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika where they discussed collaborating to combat terrorism, as well as addressing issues such as climate change, illegal migration, and the situation in Western Sahara. The United Nations confirmed that 14 Algerians, one person from Denmark, Senegal, and the Philippines were among the victims of the recent attacks. Ban condemned the bombings as an assault on those working towards the UN's mission and called for increased security measures at UN offices worldwide. Dervis, the UN Development Programme Administrator, mentioned during a recent visit to Algiers that additional funding would be required for enhanced security measures. | 1 |
However, the exact date when this large power plant will start providing electricity to France is unknown. The construction is ten years behind schedule and over budget by 12 billion euros. The original plans to begin operations this year have been delayed once more, now set for 2024. The issues at Flamanville are not exclusive, as Finland's most recent nuclear power plant, which just began operating, was meant to be finished in 2009. As President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine lead Europe to reduce its reliance on Russian natural resources, nuclear power is gaining prominence as a source of domestic energy and stable electricity. Advocates suggest that nuclear energy could help address Europe's imminent energy shortages, complementing the ongoing shift towards renewable technologies such as solar and wind power to meet climate goals. The invasion by Putin has reshaped Europe's energy security considerations, according to Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency, who predicts that nuclear energy may become less popular due to increased energy insecurity. However, the push for a nuclear resurgence faces challenges, as the search for alternatives to Russian fuel highlights a political divide in Europe over nuclear power. While a group of pro-nuclear countries led by France advocate for expanding nuclear power, others like Germany are against it, citing concerns about radioactive waste. The recent plan from the European Commission to reduce reliance on Russia did not include nuclear power as an option to explore. The challenges faced by the Flamanville-3 project, such as delays and cost overruns, are representative of the broader issues faced by nuclear power expansion. Currently, a quarter of the EU's electricity comes from nuclear power, with most plants built in the 1980s. France, with 56 reactors, produces over half of this total. Plans for up to 13 new-generation reactors in France, using a different design from Flamanville, are not expected to be operational until at least 2035, which is too late to address the current energy crisis. Britain has announced plans for eight new nuclear plants, but the reality is that five of the six existing reactors will be retired in the next decade due to their age. Only one new nuclear station is currently under construction in southwest England, with completion expected in 2026. Projects in Eastern Europe are not expected to be completed before 2030, as nuclear projects typically take at least 10 years to finish. Jonathan Stern from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies notes that nuclear projects are time-consuming. The main issue is reducing dependence on Russian gas, and this needs to happen now, not in ten years. Advocates believe nuclear power could be a solution with the right political support. Belgium's government, in partnership with the Green party, decided to extend the life of two reactors to avoid relying on Russian gas following the invasion of Ukraine. This decision will also help Belgium meet their renewable energy goals by 2035. “We aimed to decrease our imports from Russia.” However, in Germany, which relies more heavily on Russian gas and coal than any other European country, the suggestion of using nuclear power to address an energy crisis seems to be facing obstacles. Germany is set to shut down its remaining three nuclear plants by the end of the year, marking the end of a plan approved by lawmakers to phase out the country's 17 reactors following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011. Despite some of Germany's largest energy companies being open to delaying the closures to reduce reliance on Russia, the Green party, part of the governing coalition in Berlin, has rejected the idea of keeping the plants operational, let alone reopening the three nuclear stations that closed in December. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated to parliament that the decision to phase out nuclear power was made for valid reasons and that postponing Germany's exit from nuclear power was not a viable plan. Even in countries that view nuclear power as a viable option, numerous obstacles stand in the way. Mark Hibbs, a nuclear expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stated that President Emmanuel Macron's plans for a nuclear power resurgence in France will not happen quickly. The estimated cost of this plan is 50 billion euros, which is a significant expense that other European countries may not be able to afford. Additionally, there is a need for training a new generation of nuclear power engineers to support this initiative. While other technologies are advancing rapidly and becoming more affordable, the nuclear industry is not progressing as quickly and is becoming more expensive. France's aging reactors, originally built in response to the oil crisis in the 1970s, are currently undergoing safety inspections, which hinders their ability to assist with energy shortages caused by Russia's energy policies. She mentioned that nuclear production in France will decrease this year unless a magic solution is found, although there is no such solution. However, Moscow's aggression could potentially reverse the industry's gradual decline. Lately, there have been several positive statements. In addition to Britain's recent announcement to increase its nuclear capacity, the Netherlands, which currently has one reactor, intends to construct two more to complement solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources. Furthermore, in Eastern Europe, several countries near Russia had been planning to build multiple nuclear reactors, a decision that supporters believe is wise given Russia's invasion of Ukraine. NuScale Power, based in Oregon, is promoting a new reactor design that they claim will be more cost-effective and faster to build by assembling key components in factories. The company has secured initial agreements in Romania and Poland, and according to Tom Mundy, the chief commercial officer, the recent Russian invasion has increased interest in nuclear power as part of the energy mix for many countries. Nuclearelectrica, the Romanian power company, is moving forward with plans for a NuScale plant and two Canadian reactors in response to the need for greater energy security highlighted by the Ukraine crisis. Meike Becker, a utilities analyst at Bernstein, believes that in the long run, Russia's war will likely support the European goal of achieving more energy independence. Copyright 2022 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
China, a member of the group, was expected to eventually back the deal, according to analysts. The Chinese stance was revealed during discussions between Premier Wen Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the East Asia Summit, which includes 16 nations. | 1 |
US President Barack Obama's upcoming announcement of a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan poses political risks for his Democratic Party ahead of challenging midterm congressional elections. Obama will reveal the strategy at the West Point military academy, which is expected to involve increasing US troop levels in Afghanistan and potentially outlining an exit plan for the conflict. Republicans are pushing for decisive action from Obama, while many Democrats have concerns, creating a challenging situation for the president as he tries to fulfill his political commitments. Obama is facing a decision on whether to approve General McChrystal's request for up to 40,000 more US troops in Afghanistan, or to follow the advice of more cautious advisers who prefer a smaller deployment of 10,000 to 20,000 additional troops. Influential figures in Obama's Cabinet, including Defense Secretary Gates and military chiefs, support a troop increase of 30,000 or more, which could potentially reach 35,000 when factoring in US trainers. This decision is crucial for the future of the US-led war in Afghanistan, where there are already 68,000 US soldiers and a total of about 110,000 troops fighting against the Taliban. The conflict is part of a broader campaign against al Qaeda and poses risks for neighboring countries like Pakistan and US allies such as Britain. Additionally, the war could impact Obama's domestic agenda, including issues like healthcare and climate change, as politicians and voters evaluate the value of a costly US campaign in a historically challenging region. Opinion polls indicate that Americans are divided on the issue of Afghanistan, with some supporting a large influx of troops while others prefer sending a smaller number. A recent poll by Washington Post-ABC News showed that 48 percent of Americans disapproved of President Obama's handling of the situation in Afghanistan, while 45 percent approved. Approval among independents, who were crucial in Obama's election in 2008, dropped to 39 percent, which is concerning for Democrats. There are doubts about Afghanistan at the same time as Americans are worried about high unemployment, government bailouts, the federal budget deficit, and healthcare reform. This could affect Democrats' majority in Congress in the upcoming 2010 elections. Many liberal Democrats are against further involvement in Afghanistan, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticizing President Karzai and questioning the need for more US aid. Other high-ranking members of the Democratic party have advised Obama to clarify the plan for withdrawing from Afghanistan. General McChrystal, during a briefing with U.S. lawmakers, mentioned that the number of troops could start decreasing after reaching a peak in 2013, and an upcoming international conference in London in January will focus on transitioning security control to Afghan forces. Some experienced Democratic lawmakers have suggested implementing a "war tax" on the wealthiest Americans to fund the war effort, a move that is typically avoided in election years. Democrats are looking to distance themselves from an unpopular war with no clear end in sight and regain credibility as responsible financial managers by curbing rising war expenses. Republicans have used Obama's Afghanistan decision-making process as a chance to emphasize their strong stance on national security and criticize the perceived indecisiveness of the Democratic president. Former Vice President Dick Cheney expressed concern over the length of time Obama took to review the options, stating that the delay is causing uncertainty among allies and troops in the region. Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell encouraged Obama to continue pressuring the Taliban, while 14 House Republicans expressed their support for General McChrystal's request for 40,000 additional troops in a letter to Obama. Republicans aim to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the United States and regain support from disillusioned voters in swing districts. Democrats argue that Republicans are attempting to divert attention from the lack of success in defeating the Taliban during the seven years of military operations under former President George W. Bush, who deployed significantly more troops to the war in Iraq. | 1 |
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree stating that foreign buyers of Russian gas must pay in roubles starting on Friday, or risk having their supplies cut. This move has been rejected by European capitals, with Germany referring to it as "blackmail". The potential consequences include Europe losing over a third of its gas supply, with Germany already implementing emergency measures that could lead to rationing. Putin is using energy exports as a key tool in response to Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a "special military operation". In his televised speech, Putin stated that those purchasing Russian gas must establish rouble accounts in Russian banks for payment starting on April 1. Failure to do so will be considered a default, leading to the termination of existing contracts. It is uncertain if there are alternative payment methods for foreign firms, as the European Union and G7 have rejected the use of roubles. His choice to implement rouble payments has caused the Russian currency to increase in value, after it had dropped to record lows following the invasion on February 24th. The rouble has now regained a significant amount of the value it lost. Western companies and governments have refused to alter their gas supply contracts to accommodate a different payment currency, with most European buyers currently utilizing euros. Executives believe that renegotiating these terms would require several months, if not longer. Payment in Russian roubles would help reduce the impact of Western restrictions on Moscow's access to foreign exchange reserves. European countries are scrambling to find alternative energy sources, but with limited options in the global market. The United States is offering more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to help, but it cannot fully replace Russia's supply. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck stated that Russia's attempts to divide Europe have failed, and Western allies are united in not allowing themselves to be manipulated by Russia. Germany has decided to continue paying for Russian energy imports in euros. France's economy minister Bruno Le Maire discussed the potential of Russian gas flows being stopped and the latest Russian demands for payments in roubles. Putin's order allows for payments to be made through special foreign currency and rouble accounts at Gazprombank, with foreign money being converted into roubles through currency auctions in Moscow. Putin believes this switch will strengthen Russia's sovereignty and is a response to Western countries using the financial system as a weapon. Trading in dollars and euros is seen as pointless by Russia due to assets being frozen in those currencies. Putin questions the current situation and actions taken by Western countries. We have provided European customers with our resources, specifically gas, and they paid us in euros, which they then saved. As a result, it is clear that we supplied some of the gas to Europe almost for free," Putin stated. He emphasized that this situation cannot continue and highlighted Russia's commitment to maintaining its business reputation. He stated that we will comply with obligations in all contracts, including gas contracts, by continuing to supply gas in the specified volumes and prices as outlined in existing long-term contracts. Several European companies with Russian contracts either had no immediate response or did not comment as Putin's announcement caused further concerns in the market. The tension with Russia has led to a surge in European gas prices in recent months, increasing the risk of recession. The high energy prices have already resulted in companies, such as steel and chemical manufacturers, cutting back on production. Poland's PGNiG, which has a long-term contract with Russia's Gazprom expiring at the end of the year, had no immediate response. The Polish Climate Ministry did not provide a response immediately. The contract between Poland and Gazprom is for 10.2 billion cubic meters of gas annually and is in dollars. Eni, an Italian energy company that is also a significant purchaser of Russian gas, did not comment either. In 2020, Eni purchased around 22.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas. Their agreements with Gazprom will end in 2035. Germany's purchasers of Russian gas, including Uniper, RWE, EnBW, and VNG, did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment. | 1 |
Water is a critical issue in Bangladesh, where its abundance in the form of rivers and coastlines means life and death for its people. The year 2020 has been particularly challenging, with cyclone Amphan causing widespread destruction in the south-west and heavy monsoon rains displacing thousands and damaging crops. Dealing with water's destructive power, including pollution and disease, is a difficult task for the resilient population of Bangladesh. It is especially challenging this year due to the impact of Covid-19, which has made it harder to obtain clean water necessary for sanitation and preventing the spread of the virus. Despite the receding waters in the Brahmaputra and Padma basins in Dhaka, my community is slowly returning to normalcy amidst the ongoing pandemic. We are evaluating flood defenses and offering assistance to those impacted. As always, we are strategizing to improve our preparedness for future challenges, as there is always the possibility of another crisis in Bangladesh. The climate crisis is a constant threat that affects everyone, including countries, bankers, and financiers who may think they are immune. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that no one can survive alone and that working together is the key to addressing global crises. Additionally, the pandemic has shown that preventing crises is easier than trying to cure them. In 2020, it is imperative that we prioritize heeding the advice of scientists. We are currently dealing with a global crisis encompassing climate, health, and nature. The decline of biodiversity is being worsened by climate change, and this has been evident in various regions such as Bangladesh, the Amazon, Australia, California, and Siberia. Cyclones and hurricanes have hit the United States, Caribbean, and parts of Asia, while the United Kingdom, which will host the COP26 climate summit next year, has experienced flooding. The root cause of climate change is the unsustainable nature of human activities. In recent years, there has been an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, heavy rainfall, cyclones, heatwaves, landslides, and droughts, posing a threat to food security. It is important to acknowledge the seriousness of these issues. A sea level increase of one meter will flood many small island and coastal nations, while melting glaciers will cause disasters in mountainous countries. Climate refugees will number in the millions, overwhelming the world's capacity to provide shelter. The G20 countries are accountable for 80% of emissions, while the bottom 100 countries only contribute 3.5%. The emitters bear a heavier burden and must contribute more to the mitigation efforts required to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5C. Bangladesh, as the current president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, is calling for increased assistance from the international community and the G20 in terms of finance and technology to accelerate adaptation for the most vulnerable countries. Among these nations, Bangladesh is well-equipped to handle extreme weather events, with initiatives such as building sea walls, planting mangrove forests, and integrating resilience into all government activities. However, we cannot face these challenges alone. Sixty-four countries and the EU have recently signed the Pledge for Nature in order to address the global environmental crisis. Together, these countries represent approximately 1.4 billion people and a quarter of the world's gross domestic product. It is now crucial to establish a unified political commitment at both national and international levels. As hosts of upcoming international meetings, such as COP, G7, and G20, the UK and Italy must take the lead in advancing this agenda, including providing essential support to the countries most affected by the crisis. Business leaders, including CEOs, CFOs, and investors, are also integral in driving progress at all levels. You might think that your main concern is quarterly results, but our shared priority is much more crucial: if the environment is harmed to the point where it cannot safeguard us, we will all face consequences. Events in Bangladesh can impact markets in London and New York. Sea level rise affects everyone. The solution lies in a fundamental change in government policies and business practices, moving from high to low carbon emissions and from exploiting the planet to caring for it. A recent study conducted by Vivid Economics on the response to Covid-19 indicates that its effects on climate change have been varied. I commend the EU for emphasizing a green recovery. In Bangladesh, we also intend to prioritize a similar approach, and I hope that other government and business leaders will do the same. While jobs are important, we must also focus on creating opportunities for the future and laying a strong foundation for the years ahead. Climate change, pandemics, and environmental degradation are shared challenges that need to be addressed. They must bring us together to collaborate on finding a shared solution: a world that is cleaner, more sustainable, and safer. In the words of Bangla, "Bhabia korio kaj, koria bhabio na" (think before you act, not after you have acted), we should avoid irreversible actions. | 1 |
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd impressed China with his fluent Mandarin, but his complex, jargon-filled English often confuses his fellow Australians. Newspapers in Australia criticized Rudd for being overly focused on policy and using too much diplomatic language and acronyms. Some even accused him of creating his own language. Despite this, he received praise for delivering a speech in Mandarin at a Chinese university. Australian newspapers criticized Rudd's use of complex language in Beijing, contrasting it with his use of simpler English. They highlighted a climate change comment as an example of his "geek talk", and pointed out his frequent use of acronyms like EWS, RTP, and CCS. The Sydney Morning Herald remarked that "you can take the boy out of the bureaucracy but you cannot take the bureaucrat out of the boy". | 1 |
The 2008 presidential campaign is not the only place where the call for change is being heard, as Democrats are expected to gain more control in Congress. Polls indicate that voters prefer Democrats over Republicans on various issues such as the Iraq war, the economy, and energy, and believe that the country is headed in the wrong direction as President George W. Bush's term comes to an end. However, Democrats also face challenges as surveys show that only one in five Americans approves of the divided Congress, where Democrats took over from Republicans in 2007. Despite their minority status, Republicans have been able to block Democrats on certain issues, including efforts to withdraw from Iraq. Stu Rothenberg from the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report, which monitors presidential and congressional elections, stated that the public desires change. He emphasized that when voters consider who is in control, they focus on the president rather than Congress, and if they are dissatisfied, they tend to blame the president's party. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois gained popularity in the Democratic presidential race by promoting the ideas of "hope and change" in Washington, despite facing challenges from political conflicts. Obama's popular "change" slogan has been adopted by his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee John McCain. In addition to choosing a new president in November, voters will also be electing members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Democrats currently hold a slight majority in both chambers and are expected to gain more seats, possibly even reaching the 60 seats needed in the Senate to overcome Republican filibusters. The most recent instance of either party having a Senate that was able to avoid filibusters was in 1977-78 with the Democrats in control. According to Jennifer Duffy of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, there is a possibility that Democrats could reach 60 seats if everything goes well, but the likelihood of this happening is low. The upcoming election has 23 Senate seats held by Republicans, with five of them retiring and others facing difficult races. All 12 Senate Democrats who are up for re-election are expected to win, according to Senator John Ensign of Nevada, who is the chairman of the Senate Republican campaign committee. Ensign mentioned that a successful outcome for Republicans would be to maintain 47 or 48 seats, down from the current 49. He also stated that he doesn't see a scenario where Democrats reach 60 seats. On the other hand, Senator Charles Schumer of New York, who leads the Senate Democratic campaign committee, expressed optimism about the direction of the election. The Democrats are worried that the bitter battle between Obama and Clinton in the Democratic primaries could create lasting wounds that may affect their chances in the general election. Despite raising more money and facing fewer congressional retirements, they are concerned about the potential fallout. Rep. Chris Van Hollen expressed his concerns about the impact on the party's efforts to gain seats in Congress. Andrew Kohut of the Pew Research Center suggested that a strong showing by McCain in the presidential race could help Republicans prevent further losses in Congress. Kohut emphasized the importance of the top of the ticket, noting McCain's appeal to independents who often determine election outcomes. Democrats aim to counter claims of Republicans as "agents of change" by linking them to Bush, whose low approval ratings continue to impact elections according to Van Hollen. House Republicans need to provide explanations for their support of the unsuccessful Iraq and economic policies over the past seven years. Rep. Tom Cole, the chairman of the House Republican campaign committee from Oklahoma, downplayed concerns about this issue, stating that he believes their prospects have been underestimated. Cole pointed out that Democrats gained control of Congress in 2006 by blaming Republicans for various problems, such as the unpopular Iraq war, a weak economy, and high gas prices. He also mentioned that now that Democrats control both the House and Senate, they are also responsible for the negative perceptions of Washington. | 1 |
European Union leaders have agreed to send administrators and police to Kosovo before it declares independence from Serbia. They have also offered Serbia a fast-track route to joining the EU once certain conditions are met. However, Serbia has rejected the idea that this is compensation for losing Kosovo, with the Foreign Minister calling it an "indecent proposal." EU leaders have stated that negotiations on Kosovo's future are over and a resolution needs to be found. They did not fully support independence but made a political decision to send an ESDP mission to Kosovo, signaling Europe's intention to take a leading role in Kosovo and the region's future. The ESDP mission includes police, justice officials, and civilian administrators, totaling 1,800 personnel. When questioned about the European Union's recognition of Kosovo's independence, Socrates stated that discussions on the matter were ongoing at the United Nations. He emphasized that the EU was actively addressing the issue and not ignoring it. French President Nicolas Sarkozy acknowledged the EU's struggle with Kosovo, noting that it seemed inevitable for Kosovo to become independent. Diplomats revealed that Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, and Romania were opposed to recognizing Kosovo's sovereignty without a resolution from the UN Security Council. "ON A PLANE"? Following the signing of a treaty to end a long institutional stalemate, EU leaders shifted their focus to addressing challenges in the Balkans, globalisation, and immigration. The final summit communique expressed confidence in accelerating progress for Serbia to join the EU, with hopes for candidate status by the end of next year. EU Enlargement Commission Olli Rehn noted that this timeline, although ambitious, is feasible considering the usual two-year process for granting candidate status after signing a Stabilisation and Accession Agreement. The delay in signing an SAA with Belgrade is due to the failure to transfer Bosnian Serb wartime general Ratko Mladic to a UN war crimes tribunal in the Hague on genocide charges. Outgoing chief war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte has urged EU leaders not to go easy on Belgrade and to continue putting pressure on them to hand over those accused. Del Ponte expressed surprise at France, Germany, and Italy wanting to soften their stance, and is depending on Belgium and the Netherlands to remain firm. Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has stated that Mladic must be sent to the Hague before he will agree to sign the SAA. EU leaders have appointed former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez to lead a new group focused on discussing the long-term future of the EU, covering topics such as enlargement, climate change, and regional stability. Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Jorma Ollila were named as vice-chairs of the panel, with a report expected in June 2010. The leaders also addressed concerns about European job markets being impacted by immigration and cheap imports, following the signing of the new Lisbon Treaty. The treaty, which replaced the failed constitution in 2005, aims to streamline the EU's structures to accommodate recent enlargements. Critics argue that it will limit the authority of individual nations and transfer more control to Brussels. | 1 |
This country may be the first to approve the British drugmaker's vaccine, while the British medicine regulator is still reviewing trial data. India, known for being the largest vaccine producer globally, aims to begin vaccinating its population next month and is also considering emergency use authorization for vaccines from Pfizer Inc and Bharat Biotech. Providing vaccines to India, which has high infection rates, will be a significant step in fighting the pandemic. The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is seen as important for lower-income countries and hot climates due to its affordability, ease of transport, and long shelf life at regular fridge temperatures. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization in India reviewed the applications on Dec. 9 and requested more information from the companies, including Serum Institute of India, which is producing the AstraZeneca vaccine. The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, SII, has shared all the necessary data, according to two sources. Authorities are still waiting for more information from Pfizer and Bharat Biotech, as mentioned by a government health adviser at a news briefing. Indian health officials are in communication with British officials regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine, with expectations of approval by next week. Recent data from AstraZeneca's trials in the UK and Brazil showed varying efficacy rates, with the Indian regulator only considering the two full-dose regimen for approval. One of the sources reported that the serum is prepared and there could be an initial supply of 50 to 60 million doses. The sources chose not to reveal their identities due to ongoing discussions and the possibility of timeline changes. CDSCO chief V.G. Somani did not respond to a comment request. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer refused to comment, and SII did not respond to an email seeking comment. India has not yet finalized a contract for vaccine supply with any company, however, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has already accumulated over 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and aims to produce a total of 400 million doses by July. | 1 |
Dhaka, June 8 - The government is planning to announce a budget of around Tk 100,000 crore for the upcoming fiscal year, with a proposal to use up to 15 percent of the amount for subsidizing essential commodities, according to the finance adviser. This will be the first time in history that a caretaker government has suggested a complete budget for two consecutive fiscal years. Finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam, who will present his second budget speech on Monday, mentioned that up to Tk 15,000 crore will be allocated for fuel, food, and fertiliser subsidies, which is three times higher than the previous fiscal year. Despite spending over Tk 70,000 crore on non-development sectors, the finance adviser assured that the overall budget deficit will not exceed five percent. Mirza Aziz stated that while the government will not be raising tax rates in the upcoming fiscal year, there may be an increase in import duty on certain goods to support local industry. He highlighted the challenges faced by Bangladesh in preparing the budget, such as fuel price spikes, the global food crisis, and natural disasters due to climate change. Despite the skyrocketing oil prices internationally, the government has refrained from raising fuel prices in response. Mirza Aziz emphasized that despite oil reaching $139 a barrel and rising by over $10 in a single day, the government has chosen not to raise fuel prices given the current economic situation. The adviser mentioned that the cost of a barrel of fuel was $62 on the global market when the government last raised fuel prices in 2007. In the fiscal 2007-08 budget, the overall deficit was projected at 4.2 percent. The adviser stated that the budget deficit was expected to slightly increase in the next year due to higher subsidies to sectors like fuel, fertiliser, and food. However, he assured that it would not exceed 5 percent. The finance adviser also mentioned plans to widen the tax net significantly in order to boost revenue income. The estimated revenue increase for the upcoming fiscal year is 17 percent. In the 2008-09 budget, Tk 43,850 crore was expected to be generated from NBR-controlled sources. The adviser mentioned that the tax system in the budget would be favorable for businesses, with a focus on reducing the discretionary power of tax officials and simplifying the tax collection process. The target growth rate for the gross domestic product is set at 6.5 percent, and the projected annual inflation rate is around 9 percent. The target for GDP growth in the fiscal year 2007-08 was 7 percent, with an average inflation rate of 6 percent. The finance adviser explained that achieving 7 percent growth in the fiscal year was not possible due to floods and cyclones. Initially, it was expected that the growth rate for the present fiscal year would be below 6 percent. However, recent data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics indicates that the growth rate is actually 6.21 percent. In the previous fiscal year (2006-07), GDP growth was 6.5 percent. Mirza Aziz expressed that the main issue for Bangladesh's economy is inflation. He noted that the point-to-point inflation rate decreased by three percentage points to 7.7 percent in April, according to data from the Bureau of Statistics. In March, the point-to-point inflation rate was 10.06 percent. Aziz also mentioned that agriculture will be given top priority in the upcoming budget, with the highest allocation being made for the sector in the development budget. Mirza Aziz announced that the government has devised plans to create job opportunities for the underprivileged in the upcoming fiscal year. As part of the scheme, one member of each family will be compensated for 100 days of work. Additionally, the number of individuals benefiting from various government aid programs will be expanded. The government aims to boost the purchasing power of those with fixed incomes and plans to introduce a cost of living adjustment for government employees to alleviate the impact of rising prices. The finance adviser's budget speech will be aired live on government and private-owned TV and radio channels at 3pm on Monday. Similar to last year, the government is encouraging public scrutiny of the proposed budget by posting the budget speech, budget summary, and the government's annual financial statement on www.mof.gov.bd. Hard copies will also be available starting at 3pm on Monday. Anyone can access these documents, download necessary information, and provide feedback to the government by filling out the available forms until 5pm on June 16. Individuals and organizations can also submit written comments, recommendations, and criticisms for consideration in the final approved budget, ensuring public participation in the process. The government has identified several specific websites where the public can access the proposed budget, including www.bangladesh.gov.bd, www.nbr-bd.org, www.plancomm.gov.bd, www.imed.gov.bd, www.bdpressinform.org, and www.cao.gov.bd. Additionally, links to the budget documents will be provided on other government websites under the finance ministry and bdnews24.com. | 1 |
Australia, criticized for not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, is now calling for the agreement to be abolished. The Environment Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, believes that Kyoto should be replaced with a new global agreement that includes major players like India, China, and the United States. Turnbull expressed doubt that the United States would ever ratify the protocol in its current form. Despite warnings of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, Australia is confident it will meet its targets under Kyoto. Turnbull stated that the protocol's first commitment period is becoming a thing of the past. The Kyoto Protocol, which places limits on emissions for wealthier countries but not for poorer countries like China, will come to an end in 2012. Australia, the largest coal exporter in the world, has chosen not to approve the agreement or impose mandatory reductions on carbon emissions, arguing that it would negatively impact the economy. Instead, Canberra has pledged to spend A$18.5 million ($15.2 million) in China to help reduce emissions by capturing methane from underground mining for electricity generation. China, a member of a different climate agreement along with the US, Australia, Japan, India, and South Korea, has rejected emissions restrictions, fearing they could hinder economic growth. Prime Minister Turnbull believes in practical steps to combat climate change, such as addressing deforestation in developing countries like Indonesia and Brazil, rather than relying on symbolic agreements like Kyoto. He stated that Kyoto's results have been lackluster. The Climate Institute recently announced that Australia, the world's highest polluter per person, would surpass its limit of 108 percent of 1990 greenhouse emissions, a claim Turnbull disputed with the most recent 2005 data. Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne accused Turnbull of trying to hide the fact that energy and transport emissions had increased in the past two years due to the country's mining and commodity export boom. Prime Minister John Howard believes that solutions to climate change should be globally agreed upon, rather than limited to industrialized, primarily European nations like the 'Old Kyoto' agreement. With the government facing re-election later in the year and opinion polls indicating that 80 percent of voters consider climate change a major concern, Howard has introduced several environmental initiatives to strengthen his environmental credentials. Australia is anticipated to prioritize taking action on climate change in the upcoming May 8 Budget, with the government planning to allocate A$10 billion towards improving water use in response to a prolonged period of severe drought. | 1 |
France's president-elect Nicolas Sarkozy will begin his foray into international diplomacy by meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is preparing to leave office after ten years. The two leaders, both in their 50s, have a good relationship and share similar views on various issues, including the reformation of the European constitutional treaty that was rejected by French voters in 2005. Their discussions, set to begin at 1530 GMT, will focus on important upcoming European Union and G8 meetings. Blair's spokesperson mentioned that the talks will cover topics such as the EU treaty and climate change, following up on the Gleneagles agenda. Blair, who will step down on June 27, publicly welcomed Sarkozy's election with a message in French on the YouTube website. He indicated that the success of the right-wing leader provided a great opportunity for collaboration between Britain and France in the future. Sarkozy is in favor of a less ambitious treaty for updating the EU's institutions to be approved by parliament and has rejected the idea of holding another referendum on the constitution. Blair's spokesperson stated that he does not speak on behalf of Nicolas Sarkozy and that they will discuss this matter. The prime minister is in favor of a revised treaty rather than a complete constitution. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who Sarkozy will meet after officially taking on his presidential role, has made bringing back the charter a top priority of her EU presidency. Sarkozy has expressed his commitment to addressing the lingering distrust stemming from France's strong opposition to the U.S. and British-led war in Iraq. He has prioritized improving relations with Washington and London. His visit to Berlin next week, on the day he assumes office, demonstrates his recognition of the significance of the traditional alliance with Germany. German government spokesman Thomas Steg described it as an exceptionally strong signal of Franco-German friendship. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has suggested that Bangladesh and the Maldives collaborate in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, particularly as both countries are highly vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels. This proposal was made during a meeting with the Maldives ambassador in Dhaka, Ahmed Fareer, who informed Hasina about the Maldives' plans to host climate change discussions in Asia. Hasina urged the leaders of the Maldives to work together with Bangladesh to address the consequences of climate change, such as extreme weather events and sea level rise. Additionally, she requested the Maldives government to consider importing goods such as medicines, garments, and ceramic products from Bangladesh, as well as hiring physicians and teachers from the country. The envoy was assured by the Prime Minister that Bangladesh would provide full support for the establishment of the 'Bangladesh-Maldives University' in the Maldives, as stated by Islam. Also in attendance were the PM's principal secretary MA Karim, PMO secretary Mollah Wahiduzzman, and ambassador at large Ziauddin Ahmed. | 1 |
He entered office with pledges of cautious reforms, but now critics are suggesting that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's true intention may be to act as a temporary seat-warmer for Vladimir Putin's return. Despite nearly two years in office, there is little proof that Medvedev is following through on promises to liberalize Russia's political system, modernize its oil-based economy, combat corruption, and establish a fair legal system. Recent local elections were labeled the most corrupt in Russia's history by opposition leaders, while NGOs and business leaders claim that corruption remains rampant. Regional leaders with ties to the Kremlin who have been accused of unethical practices have been reappointed. Every day, there are reports of police and court power being abused. According to Vladimir Ryzhkov, who was the last independent deputy in the Russian parliament until he was unable to run again in 2007 due to changes in election law, Medvedev has not shown a willingness to reform. Ryzhkov believes that Medvedev only makes small changes to give the appearance of reform without actually implementing any real changes. When asked about Medvedev's achievements since his election in March 2008, the Kremlin stated that they were preparing detailed information for the press to mark his two years in office in May, but did not have that information available at the moment. Medvedev's spokeswoman, Natalya Timakova, mentioned that the president's focus this year will be on reforming the political system, improving the investment climate, calming the situation in the North Caucasus, and reaching a nuclear arms agreement with Washington. An analysis by the Interfax news agency revealed that state-run media has attempted to enhance the president's image, with more references to Medvedev than Putin in Russian media last year. However, pollsters indicate that Putin's popularity among the general population is higher due to the economic growth and stability experienced during his presidency from 2000-2008. This popularity has continued during Putin's current role as prime minister and is also evident among Russia's elite. For example, Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov praised Putin as a strong global leader in a recent Reuters interview. He did not mention Medvedev. The hopes of Western powers that Medvedev would be more cooperative than Putin quickly disappeared when Medvedev led Russia into a conflict with Georgia in 2008. Moscow had raised hopes for entering the World Trade Organisation, signing a nuclear arms reduction agreement with the US, and agreeing to sanctions against Iran, but ultimately disappointed on all three. Officials privately acknowledge that Putin, not his superior Medvedev, had the final say in each case, revealing where power truly lies in Russia's ruling "tandem". Officials at the Kremlin and the White House emphasize that the "tandem" between Putin and Medvedev is a strong and effective working relationship where both leaders respect each other's roles. For example, Medvedev recently held a meeting to discuss political reforms in Russia, which is currently dominated by the United Russia bloc. However, Putin had the final say, cautioning that while improvements to the political system are necessary, they must be approached carefully to avoid instability. According to a senior diplomat, Putin's communication was unambiguous: political reform in Russia is unlikely. Investors recognize where the real power lies as well. A chief strategist at a Moscow bank stated that a Medvedev departure would not impact Russian markets significantly, but if Putin were to leave, there would be chaos. However, the frequent differences in public demeanor between Putin and Medvedev have caused some observers of Russia to speculate about potential disagreements or power struggles within the elite. Supporters of Medvedev are particularly interested in spreading this narrative to enhance his image as a reformer, according to diplomats. According to this perspective, Medvedev's apparent lack of progress in implementing reforms is attributed to his cautious approach in order to avoid antagonizing Putin. On the other hand, advocates for the president argue that Medvedev will eventually take more decisive action, although many within the inner circle of power reject this idea. Opposition journalist Yulia Latynina believes that there cannot be a real power struggle between Putin, who holds all the power, and Medvedev, who has none. Critics also argue that Medvedev, who has worked closely with Putin for 19 years, is unlikely to have a secret reform agenda that he has not shared with his well-informed boss, a former KGB spy. Many experts predict that Putin will likely return to the presidency in 2012, taking advantage of a constitutional reform that extends the term of the Kremlin chief to six years, which is the most significant political reform enacted by Medvedev. If re-elected, Putin could remain in office until 2024 before being required to step down by the constitution. Olga Kryshtanovskaya, an expert on the Russian elite and member of United Russia, stated that Putin is more popular and trusted than Medvedev. "I have recently returned from a trip to the provinces where the prevailing belief is that Putin will return in 2012. This is a widely held view, and I personally agree with it, as Putin has a greater amount of resources and support." | 1 |
Dhaka, Sep 9 (bdnews24.com)—The Netherlands, known for its advanced irrigation systems, has shown interest in helping Bangladesh modernize its own irrigation system. Foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury held separate meetings on Monday with the Dutch foreign minister and development cooperation minister in Amsterdam, as stated by the foreign affairs ministry on Tuesday. During the meeting with development cooperation minister Bert Koenders, Chowdhury emphasized the importance of directing Dutch assistance through the government rather than NGOs and multilateral agencies, which is the current practice. They discussed potential areas of cooperation such as modern irrigation systems, livestock and dairy, food processing, and agro-business development. Additionally, Chowdhury also met with his Dutch counterpart Maxime Verhagen. According to the foreign ministry, Bangladesh described the Netherlands as a reliable partner in development during their recent meeting. Iftekhar encouraged the Dutch foreign minister to increase their imports from Bangladesh beyond just ready-made garments, suggesting other manufacturing sectors like small and medium size ships. They also agreed to collaborate on issues such as climate change. Verhagen promised to support the electoral process and was briefed by the adviser on preparations for the Jatiya Sangsad polls. Iftekhar highlighted the importance of having a European Union Observer Mission for the upcoming elections while discussing the current government's reform programs with the Dutch minister. The meetings were attended by Mizanur Rahman, the Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands, M Zulfiqur Rahman, director general of the foreign ministry, and Bea Ten Touscher, the Dutch envoy to Bangladesh. | 1 |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated that the growth outlook and business climate have deteriorated, while also cautioning about potential inflation risks, just a day before it is expected to maintain interest rates. The RBI also suggested that it is unlikely to reduce the cash reserve ratio (CRR), which disappointed some market expectations. In December, the RBI chose not to change interest rates after increasing them 13 times from March 2010 to October 2011. The RBI emphasized that future rate decisions will depend on core inflation and exchange rate pass-through in its quarterly macroeconomic and monetary review on Monday, noting that core inflation has remained high for nearly a year. Contributing to rising inflation, the rupee depreciated by 16 percent against the dollar in 2011, increasing the cost of essential imports like oil. Headline inflation, as indicated by the wholesale price index, reached a two-year low of 7.47 percent in December due to a significant drop in food prices. However, the inflation rate for manufactured goods rose slightly compared to the previous month. The RBI warned of potential inflation risks from inadequate supply responses, currency exchange rate fluctuations, suppressed inflation, and a fiscally expansionary approach. The RBI predicted that inflation would likely decrease to its target of 7 percent by the end of the fiscal year in March. Slow decision-making in New Delhi has hindered investment in industrial capacity, which would help alleviate supply constraints in India, the third-largest economy in Asia. Additionally, initiatives aimed at boosting the purchasing power of rural Indians have led to increased demand for protein-rich foods. Indian government bond yields and overnight indexed swap rates decreased on Monday as there was speculation that the RBI might reduce the CRR. Out of 20 economists surveyed by Reuters, 7 predicted a CRR reduction on Tuesday, while none expected an interest rate cut. The 10-year benchmark bond yield ended 1 basis point lower at 8.17 percent, the one-year swap rate dropped 8 bps to 7.93 percent, and the five-year rate fell 3 bps to 7.23 percent. However, according to some analysts, the central bank's review on Monday seemed to decrease the likelihood of a CRR reduction on Tuesday. The RBI acknowledged a significant tightening of liquidity since November, but mentioned that liquidity stress had been managed through open market operations (OMOs) instead of reducing the CRR immediately. This has led some experts to believe that the RBI may continue to conduct OMOs to inject rupee liquidity rather than cutting the CRR in the near future. A senior trader at a foreign bank noted that Monday's statement indicated a lack of CRR cut, which could have a negative impact on bonds on Tuesday. Despite this, others still see a CRR cut as a possibility on Tuesday. The central bank stated that although open market operations have been its preferred method for dealing with tight market liquidity, it is open to considering other measures if necessary. It emphasized the importance of ensuring that liquidity deficits remain within acceptable limits to facilitate the smooth operation of other markets. The RBI also projected an improvement in growth for the upcoming fiscal year, but noted that sluggish investment and external demand could hinder a speedy recovery. It attributed the weakened growth outlook to unfavorable global and domestic factors. | 1 |
The president made a statement during a program in Dhaka on Sunday regarding the recent murders of two foreigners in the country, which were claimed by the radical group Islamic State. He spoke at the inaugural ceremony of the 44th national council of Bangladesh Scouts, urging the scouts to instill patriotism and promote the country's tradition of communal harmony among young people. He emphasized the importance of rejecting zealotry, fundamentalism, extremism, and militancy in the country. The chief scout, Hamid, commended the organization for their efforts in responding to natural disasters and encouraged them to raise awareness about ecological balance to address the impacts of climate change. He also called for a social movement against drug addiction. The president awarded the Silver Tiger to nine scouts, Silver Hilsa to 17, President's Rover Scout to two, and President's Scout to 122. Abul Kalam Azad, the President of the Bangladesh Scouts and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, presided over the event. The organization's chief national commissioner, Home Secretary Md Mozammel Haque Khan, also addressed the audience. | 1 |
Six months after the US invasion, a 30-year-old Iraqi artist and writer named Esam Pasha proudly painted a mural titled "Resilience" over a large portrait of Saddam Hussein on a government building wall. Pasha now resides in the United States, one of the many Iraqis forced to leave their country since the war, including doctors, businessmen, academics, and other professionals whose expertise Iraq cannot afford to lose. Pasha fondly remembers spending days chatting and sipping tea at a gallery in Baghdad, reminiscing about the sounds, birds, and aroma of tea in Iraq. His mural was a vibrant tribute to Baghdad life and what he described as "the ever-shining sun of Iraq." Pasha mentioned in a phone interview from Connecticut that he did not use any black paint in the mural because he believed Baghdad already had enough darkness in its past. The mural is located on a wall of the Ministry of Labour, which is currently inaccessible to the public due to security measures. Pasha hopes that one day Baghdad will be safe enough for public artworks to be enjoyed by all, envisioning a city that is beautiful and clean like it used to be. Abu Mina, a ceramic artist and university professor, continues to visit the gallery that Pasha holds dear, but he expresses concern over the lack of security which is affecting his ability to sell art. He mentions that he has not received payment from the university for a month and many of his students are not attending classes due to safety concerns. Abu Mina fears that only a few students will graduate this year, as most of them have not been attending classes. "I wouldn't be able to identify them by their faces." According to the Higher Education Ministry, a minimum of 185 university teachers have been murdered since April 2003, with another 52 being abducted and 41 being injured. A recent attack at a university in Baghdad resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, mostly students. Abu Mina's son is studying medicine, but classes are only held every two weeks and many professors have relocated to Damascus for safety reasons to teach at a private university. It can take weeks, and sometimes be impossible, to find a dentist, specialist surgeon, or consultant, leading those who can afford it to seek medical care abroad. Hospital emergency departments dealing with a surge of patients from bombings and shootings often lack sufficient staff and are overwhelmed. A recent United Nations report highlighted a concerning rise in attacks on professionals such as teachers, doctors, artists, lawyers, ex-military officers, and journalists. The report attributed these attacks to extremists promoting a conformist ideology and militant/terror groups aiming to instill fear and intimidation. It also noted a growing presence of Islamic extremism linked to assaults on academics. Asam Rifaat, a 38-year-old criminal lawyer residing in Baghdad's affluent Mansour neighborhood, expressed his decision to relocate his family out of Iraq due to the unsafe conditions in the city. He stated that he cannot bear the idea of his children growing up without parents in a city dominated by death. He expressed his refusal to work for justice in a country controlled by militias that operate outside the law, often collaborating with the police to carry out numerous killings every week. He emphasized that they are living in a lawless society and he fears for his life every time he leaves home, worried that he may never return. His wife, a teacher, has stopped working to care for their children. Salim al-Taie, a 45-year-old former army officer living in Amriya, Baghdad, expresses concern for his safety every time his wife, Asam, leaves for work. He becomes emotional and worries when he sees urgent news about bombs on television, and he doesn't stop crying until she returns home. Salim believes that over the past four years, many negative changes have occurred in Baghdad, with a lack of respect for the law being a significant issue. He described life in Baghdad as similar to living in a city controlled by the mafia, where anyone could be murdered without reason. He recounted the deaths of two friends who were killed by gunmen, causing him to lose hope despite his efforts to reassure his wife. The ongoing violence and sectarian conflicts only confirmed his doubts. After deciding to stop sending his children to school and ultimately relocate to Egypt, his daughters' tears convinced him to leave Iraq for good in order to protect them from further harm. He expressed his desire for his children to no longer cry, even if it meant never returning to Iraq. | 1 |
The initiative was started a decade ago and is set to continue until 2015. Although countries are in agreement regarding the objectives of reducing worldwide poverty, wealthy nations facing challenges such as high unemployment and increasing debt, prefer to shift the discussion towards achieving the most effective outcomes from poverty alleviation programs. | 1 |
German Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully convinced her fellow leaders at the meeting in Hamburg to support a single communique covering various topics such as trade, finance, energy, and Africa, showcasing her mediation skills ahead of the German election. However, the divide between President Trump, who prioritizes "America First", and the other 19 members of the group was evident. Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord further highlighted this divide, leading to protests by Greenpeace activists at the G20 summit. Merkel noted that the negotiations on climate ultimately showed disagreement, particularly with the United States. Greenpeace activists protested at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany by displaying a large statue of US President Donald Trump in front of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall on July 7, 2017. The summit was marked by difficult trade negotiations, which were attributed to the United States' specific positions. The event brought together a diverse group of leaders during a time of significant shifts in global politics. Trump's more unilateral approach to diplomacy has created uncertainty among traditional allies in Europe and allowed countries like China to play a larger role on the world stage. Tensions between the US and China were a major focus leading up to the summit, with the Trump administration pressuring President Xi Jinping on issues like North Korea and threatening trade sanctions. Trump and Putin met for the first time in Hamburg, an eagerly awaited meeting following Trump's campaign promise to improve relations with Moscow. However, this was overshadowed by allegations of Russian interference in the election and investigations into Trump associates' connections to Russia. Putin denied any meddling during a two-hour meeting with Trump, which seemed to satisfy the US President. Despite Trump's previous criticism of Russia's actions in Ukraine and Syria, he took a more conciliatory approach in Hamburg, stating that it was an honor to meet Putin and indicating a desire to focus on future relations rather than past issues. During their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on July 7, 2017, Russia's President Vladimir Putin engaged in discussions with US President Donald Trump. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson described the meeting as highly significant, noting a positive chemistry between Trump and the former KGB agent. Trump appeared satisfied with Putin's denials of poll meddling. The final communique acknowledged the US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, deeming it irreversible. The United States also expressed intentions to collaborate with other nations to improve access and use of fossil fuels in a cleaner and more efficient manner, a statement that was contested by French President Emmanuel Macron. Thomas Bernes, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, mentioned that there is a clear consensus among countries other than the United States, but highlighted the issue of not having the largest economy in the world on board. Jennifer Morgan, executive director at Greenpeace, commended the G19 for standing up against Trump's decision to withdraw from Paris. The leaders also agreed to combat protectionism and unfair trade practices, while acknowledging the importance of legitimate trade defense instruments. The leaders have also promised to collaborate in order to promote economic growth in Africa, a key initiative for Merkel. To demonstrate Germany's openness to the world and its acceptance of peaceful protests, Merkel decided to host the summit in Hamburg, her birthplace. The summit took place near the "Rote Flora," a former theatre that has become a symbol of left-wing resistance after being occupied by anti-capitalist squatters almost thirty years ago. During the G20 summit in Hamburg on July 8, 2017, a protester threw a bottle at riot police. Throughout the summit, extremists vandalized stores, set fire to cars and trucks. Over 200 police officers were injured, 143 people were arrested, and 122 were taken into custody during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on July 8, 2017. A protester threw a bottle at riot police during the demonstrations. The most severe damage occurred while German Chancellor Merkel hosted a concert and dinner for other leaders at the Elbphilharmonie. Merkel later met with police and security forces to express her gratitude and condemned the excessive violence of certain protesters. However, she faced criticism during her closing press conference for choosing Hamburg as the summit location. | 1 |
While speaking at a discussion titled "Leaders Dialogue: High Level Political Forum-From Vision to Action" at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of world leaders recognizing and addressing key issues with visionary leadership and sincere commitment to achieve common goals for the sustenance of the world. She stressed the need for decisions that prioritize the welfare of all human beings and encompass all living species to create a sustainable world for future generations. Bangladesh is focused on the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social, and environmental - with adaptation and mitigation programs being crucial, especially in the face of climate change challenges. The country's vulnerability to climate change, particularly global warming, presents a significant threat, with the potential for a rise in sea level to submerge a fifth of its land mass and displace millions of people. Bangladesh is actively engaged in the Open Working Group for Sustainable Development and has submitted nationally agreed targets for the Post-2015 Development Agenda to the UN. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the Forum recognizing the specific needs of the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states in achieving sustainable development goals, as these countries are struggling to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. According to her, expectations and commitments play a crucial role in sustainable development. She pointed out that Bangladesh has achieved notable success in some MDGs due to efficient resource use, local leadership, indigenous capabilities, and innovations. Hasina emphasized the importance of developed nations fulfilling their pledge to provide 0.7 percent of GNP as Official Development Assistance (ODA) and 0.2 percent of GNP as ODA for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as well as transferring technologies to these countries and other deprived groups. She highlighted how advancements in science and technology are driving socioeconomic progress and bringing states closer together, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Hasina urged the Forum to make informed decisions in response to the new challenges of our time, given the abundance of natural and technological resources available today. | 1 |
The research will examine the economic benefits that Cambridge could have gained from the slave trade, as well as analyze how academic studies may have perpetuated racist ideologies from the 18th to the early 20th century. It is estimated that between 10 million and 28 million Africans were transported across the Atlantic as part of the slave trade from the 15th to the 19th centuries, with many perishing during the journey. Those who survived faced a life of servitude on plantations producing sugar, tobacco, and cotton. Although Britain banned the trans-Atlantic slave trade in 1807, slavery itself was not fully abolished until a generation later. Martin Millett, the head of the advisory group overseeing the Cambridge study, stated that it is unclear what the investigation will reveal, but it is reasonable to believe that Cambridge University has benefited from the slave trade. He mentioned that during the colonial era, many large British institutions, including the University, likely directly or indirectly gained from and contributed to the practices of the time. Millett, who is a professor of archaeology, emphasized that the panel is also interested in how scholars at the University influenced public and political opinions, sometimes supporting racial attitudes that are unacceptable in today's society. The inquiry will be carried out by two full-time post-doctoral researchers at the Centre of African Studies. The research will investigate specific donations, inheritances, and historical ties to the slave trade. It is unclear what actions Cambridge University will take if it discovers that it profited from or supported slavery. Some of the leading universities in the Western world have been scrutinizing their histories and the origins of their wealth. In the United States, universities in the South have faced controversy over the confederate flag. In 2017, Yale University renamed its Calhoun College following protests calling for the removal of the name associated with a prominent supporter of slavery in the U.S. Grace Hopper College is now named after the computer scientist. In the UK, Oxford University is facing a debate about whether or not to remove a statue of colonialist Cecil Rhodes. Glasgow University has announced plans for a "programme of reparative justice" after finding out it benefited from historical slavery. Cambridge University's vice chancellor, Stephen Toope, believes it is important to acknowledge and understand the university's role in history, even if we cannot change the past. Critics argue that such investigations are driven by a contemporary trend of revisiting past injustices, often oversimplify complex issues, and, if applied broadly, would call into question nearly every aspect of the early history of long-established institutions. Gill Evans, a retired professor from Cambridge University, stated that in the current era of anti-colonialism, universities feel compelled to scrutinize their historical connections to colonialism. Evans emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context and intentions of people from the past before assigning blame, as culpability cannot be transferred from one era to another without considering the nuances of each time period. Cambridge University, one of the most ancient universities globally, can trace its roots back over 800 years to 1209 when scholars from Oxford sought shelter in the city. Oxford University itself has a history dating back to 1096. | 1 |
Democrats are hoping to pass President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan, paid family and medical leave, and potentially expand health care, including Medicare. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders expressed optimism about the possibility of using a new ruling from the parliamentarian to advance their priorities in Congress. The ruling allows for another round of reconciliation in the budget resolution, which could help Democrats bypass Republican opposition and pass significant budget legislation. The process is full of difficulties, such as strict rules limiting what can be included, and Democrats would still need to gather 50 votes for any proposal, which may be challenging for some of their more ambitious ideas. However, the newfound flexibility could make it easier for them to pursue their most ambitious goals, including breaking down Biden's infrastructure plan into smaller, more manageable pieces. Activists are also pushing Biden to consider using reconciliation to provide a path to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants, such as farmworkers, essential workers, and Dreamers. It is uncertain how or when Democrats will utilize this opportunity. There is increasing pressure for the ruling party to test the limits of what they can achieve with control of both congressional chambers and the White House. Senator Chuck Schumer sees the recent decision as a positive development, but he is not revealing how it will affect his legislative plans, including passing a large public-works proposal from President Biden. The parliamentarian's initial guidance suggests there may be more opportunities to use the reconciliation process before the end of the fiscal year on Sept 30, and beyond. Lawmakers may need to seek further clarification on how to move forward. However, for the time being, her choice has encouraged some activists who have been urging Biden and Democrats to take a more assertive stance in using their power to push forward significant policy changes. These activists are expected to increase their efforts to put pressure on the White House and prominent Democrats in the upcoming weeks to utilize this new tool. Democrats believe that the recent ruling could offer more flexibility in passing Biden's proposed $4 trillion economic investments, which include initiatives such as rebuilding electric grids, combatting climate change, reducing poverty, and empowering women in the workforce. Since Biden's election, his team has been focused on strategizing various plans to push his agenda through Congress, involving significant government spending partially funded by tax hikes on corporations and wealthy individuals. Reconciliation has become a key component in many of these plans following the Democrats' victory in the Georgia runoff elections in January, which gave them control of the Senate. The Biden administration considered using reconciliation as a way to overcome Republican opposition to pandemic aid and to advance their economic agenda, including funding for various projects. However, they faced challenges as the parliamentarian rejected a provision to raise the federal minimum wage due to budget rules. Activists argue that legalizing some unauthorized immigrants could impact the budget positively, but it remains uncertain if the parliamentarian would allow it in a reconciliation measure. Schumer and Sanders have not settled on a strategy for using reconciliation and Sanders acknowledged the difficulty of prioritizing legislative goals. Despite this, White House officials maintain that Biden is committed to pursuing a bipartisan agreement with Republicans on his infrastructure plan. Business organizations are interested in negotiating a solution to the issue, despite objections from them and Republicans to Biden's tax hike proposal. The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, stated that Biden still believes there is a possibility for bipartisan agreement on the issue. However, she also mentioned the option of using the more partisan reconciliation process to pass the bill if necessary, leaving the decision on the process to Congress leaders. Currently, less than a week after the announcement of the American Jobs Plan, the focus is on engaging with both Democrats and Republicans, as well as staff and committee members, and inviting members to the White House. Lobbyists and congressional staff anticipate that President Biden will give Senate moderates a brief opportunity to establish a bipartisan consensus on the plan before moving on if no agreement is reached. Press Secretary Psaki mentioned that Biden hopes to see progress on Capitol Hill by May and a finalized package by the summer. Some administration officials acknowledge the challenge of passing Biden's agenda without using reconciliation, as attracting at least 10 Republican votes would be necessary to overcome a Senate filibuster. A group of that size has already begun negotiations with Biden on his proposed $1.9 trillion economic aid package. The Republicans responded with a $600 billion proposal, but Democrats rejected it as inadequate. Biden proceeded with his own plan, overcoming Republican resistance to pass a $1.9 trillion bill through reconciliation. | 1 |
Climate talks in Poland began with calls for urgent action against global warming despite economic slowdown, warning that inaction could lead to water shortages for half the world by 2050. US President-elect Barack Obama received praise for his ambitious goals to combat climate change. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need for environmental work to continue regardless of economic conditions, stressing that financial crises are temporary while the impact of climate change is long-lasting. The talks in Poznan mark the halfway point in a two-year effort to reach a new UN climate treaty by the end of 2009 to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized the importance of not allowing the financial crisis to detract from addressing urgent issues like climate change. He will be hosting a meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009 to reach a UN deal. Rajendra Pachauri, head of the UN Climate Panel, warned that many people were still not fully aware of the potential consequences of inaction, which could lead to irreversible change. He highlighted the increasing number of people facing water stress in river valleys and the possibility of the Greenland icecap melting. Pachauri also pointed out the growing risk of extinction for various species of animals and plants. Yvo de Boer, who leads the UN Climate Change Secretariat, emphasized the urgency of increasing efforts to reach a deal by next year. He stated that time is running out and work needs to accelerate. The WWF organization distributed walnuts to attendees at the conference and encouraged them to solve the climate crisis. Greenpeace revealed a large sculpture depicting the planet in danger from a wave of wood and coal. Rasmussen commended Obama's policies following disagreements with President George W. Bush. He expressed his pleasure at Obama's ambitious climate and energy policies as a way to combat the economic downturn. De Boer praised Obama's plans as being ambitious and noted that he aims to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Currently, US emissions are approximately 14 percent higher than they were in 1990, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels in various industries. In contrast, Bush's policies do not anticipate a peak in emissions until 2025. The economic downturn in Europe has raised concerns about the expenses associated with the EU's target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. Poland and Italy, both heavily reliant on coal for electricity, are pushing for changes in a deal set to be finalized at an EU summit on December 11-12 in Brussels. | 1 |
In Brussels on Friday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke to an audience about the importance of not letting a crisis go to waste, emphasizing the opportunity to rebuild economies in a more environmentally friendly and less energy-intensive manner. She also expressed concern over Europe's reliance on Russian gas exports via Ukraine and condemned the use of energy as a political tool. Clinton encouraged young Europeans to see the global economic turmoil as a chance to positively impact climate change and energy security. With President Obama's new focus on tackling climate change, Europe sees the United States as a crucial ally in upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen. Europe has already outlined plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly, while Obama has proposed a shift towards renewable energy and a cap and trade system for CO2 emissions. Many countries are facing a severe recession, leading to doubts about whether businesses can find the necessary funds to reduce carbon emissions. Clinton stated that the United States has not fulfilled its obligations and suggested that now is the time to take action. Some politicians believe that addressing the economic crisis, energy security, and climate change can be accomplished through a "New Green Deal," which would involve replacing high-carbon infrastructure with green alternatives and creating job opportunities. Clinton emphasized the need to address energy security and climate change simultaneously. She criticized the use of energy as a political weapon, reflecting concerns in Europe following disputes between Russia and Ukraine that affected EU supplies. Clinton expressed unease about using energy for intimidation, stating that it hinders the development of a more efficient energy system. She is scheduled to have dinner with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva to improve relations after a strained period during Bush's presidency. The recent reduction in Russian gas exports in January led to the shutdown of essential facilities in Eastern Europe and left many households without heating. A potential conflict between Ukraine and Russia was avoided on Thursday when Gazprom announced that Ukraine had resolved the payment issue that sparked the dispute. However, European leaders expressed concern over Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's threat to cut off gas supplies. | 1 |
On Friday, Meng Wanzhou, the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, returned to China from Canada after coming to an agreement with US prosecutors to resolve the bank fraud case against her, a source of tension between China and the United States. Shortly after this news, the two Canadians who had been arrested following Meng's detention were released from Chinese prisons and were on their way back to Canada. Despite Beijing denying any connection between the arrests, some speculated about a "prisoner swap" involving the White House, a notion that White House press secretary Jen Psaki dismissed, emphasizing that the deferred prosecution agreement with Meng was solely the decision of the independent Department of Justice. "This is a law enforcement issue," she stated, before confirming that two weeks before the announcements, China's Xi Jinping had mentioned Meng's case in a call on Sept 9, and President Biden had pushed for the release of the two Canadians, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, who had been detained in China for over 1,000 days. Psaki clarified that the leaders had discussed the cases but there was no negotiation involved. She also mentioned that she did not have any information on whether Biden was aware of the negotiations between Meng's lawyers and the Justice Department. Meng was arrested in Canada on a US warrant, and was charged with bank and wire fraud for allegedly deceiving HSBC in 2013 about the company's business dealings in Iran. The extradition saga, which has spanned several years, has been a major point of contention in the deteriorating relationship between Beijing and Washington. Chinese officials have suggested that dropping the case could help resolve the diplomatic deadlock. Psaki clarified that the recent agreement does not mean the US has softened its stance on China. She reiterated that the US will continue to address China's unfair economic practices, coercive actions globally, and human rights violations, emphasizing that the relationship is one of competition rather than conflict. In a virtual meeting earlier in September, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the United States to address a list of demands, which included dropping the case against Meng, in order to improve relations. Wang stated that the United States now holds the responsibility to take action. However, US officials have denied any claims that negotiations were made for Meng's release in exchange for other concessions. President Xi recently announced at the United Nations that China would not build new coal-fired power projects abroad, a move that US climate envoy John Kerry had been pushing for to meet the goals of the Paris climate agreement. The White House emphasized that they were not involved in China's decision-making process regarding this announcement. "The primary reason for the movement on coal is China acting in its own self-interest," stated the official. "They likely recognized that they had no leverage and wouldn't gain anything from holding onto it." Meng was greeted as a hero in China, with official media speculating that her release could improve strained US-China relations. Though some Republican senators denounced the Biden administration for caving to Beijing's requests, analysts disagreed with that assessment. Bonnie Glaser, an expert on Asia at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, believes that the agreement made by the PRC for Meng's release was discussed during the Trump administration. Meng had to admit to wrongdoing, which she ultimately did. Glaser does not view this as capitulation. The Justice Department is still getting ready for a trial against Huawei. | 1 |
The Edelman Trust Barometer, a survey conducted for twenty years that measures trust in governments, media, business, and NGOs, revealed an increase in trust in autocratic states like China. Despite this, the survey also showed that business, due to its efforts in developing vaccines and adapting to new workplace and retail practices, continues to be highly trusted globally. However, there are concerns about its commitment to social fairness. Richard Edelman, who oversaw the survey of over 36,000 respondents in 28 countries, noted a decline in trust in democracies, attributing it to economic confidence and concerns about job losses due to the pandemic or automation. In the past year, institutions in Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United States have seen a decline in public trust, while public trust in institutions in China, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand has increased. Despite trillions of dollars in stimulus spending by wealthy nations to support their economies during the pandemic, there is still a lack of lasting confidence. In Japan, only 15% of people believe they will be better off in five years, while in China and India, a majority are optimistic about their economic futures. Edelman stated that in China, higher levels of public trust are not only related to economic beliefs but also to a stronger sense of predictability regarding Chinese policies, especially during the pandemic. He mentioned that there is consistency between actions and words in China, giving the example of their better handling of the COVID-19 situation compared to the US. The latest Edelman survey reflects a trend of increasing dissatisfaction with capitalism, political leaders, and the media in recent years. Concerns about "fake news" are at an all-time high, with three-quarters of respondents globally expressing worry about its potential use as a weapon. Climate change has become a significant societal fear, now ranking just below unemployment as a major concern. Business leaders are under pressure to act in alignment with their beliefs and values, as many consumers and employees expect them to make socially responsible decisions. Despite this, a significant portion of people feel that businesses are not taking sufficient action to address climate change, economic inequality, and workforce reskilling. | 1 |
Johnson had initially planned to use the conference this week to move past the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on fulfilling his promises from the 2019 election regarding regional inequality, crime, and social care. However, instead of moving forward, the prime minister is facing challenges following Britain's exit from the European Union, which he had claimed would enable the country to have more control over its economy. Now, he is dealing with issues such as fuel shortages, concerns about Christmas supplies, and increasing gas prices. In a statement before the conference in Manchester, Johnson avoided mentioning these ongoing problems and instead highlighted his government's achievements in addressing the public's needs. He emphasized the importance of not reverting to the way things were before the pandemic. The concept of Build Back Better involves making changes and improvements as we recover, with a focus on key priorities such as social care, job support, climate change, crime prevention, and addressing inequalities. The government has highlighted its efforts to support businesses and protect jobs during the pandemic, as well as its successful vaccination programme. However, critics argue that this narrative ignores early missteps in handling the pandemic, particularly the reluctance to impose lockdowns. Some lawmakers, especially from northern and central England, may criticize the withdrawal of benefits and job support schemes at the conference. | 1 |
The United States and France, whose relationship suffered due to the Iraq war, emphasized their strong connections during US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's recent visit to Paris, her first since Nicolas Sarkozy became president. Sarkozy is a known ally of the US, and Washington is hopeful that Rice's extended stay in Paris will signify a new chapter in US-French relations, which were strained by former French president Jacques Chirac's opposition to the 2003 Iraq war. Rice's visit coincided with a meeting convened by Sarkozy on Darfur, a region where the US believed the previous French government did not do enough to address what it considers genocide. During her visit, Rice had extensive discussions with Sarkozy, as well as the French foreign and defense ministers, on various global issues such as Iran, Iraq, the Middle East, and Kosovo. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner stated at a joint press conference that working together will lead to better outcomes and that unity will make both countries stronger. "We had the opportunity to discuss various current events and realized that we have different perspectives at times. It is important to be honest with friends," he mentioned. Rice also congratulated Sarkozy on his election win and commended Kouchner for his work with Medecins Sans Frontieres, calling it one of the best organizations ever established. Analysts pointed out that despite the friendly atmosphere, there are still significant disagreements between the two countries on issues such as French concerns about NATO expansion, U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Europe, and U.S. support for Israel. Dominique Moisi, a senior counselor at the French Institute of International Relations, noted that while there is a new sense of confidence and cooperation between the U.S. and France, it is more about style than substance. He also mentioned that while there is a perception in the U.S. of a new France as a strong ally, the view of the Bush administration in France has not changed. In order to confirm a change in the atmosphere, it is suggested to wait for a new president in Washington, preferably one from the Democratic party. Despite this, US and French officials were cordial in their public interactions. Kouchner kissed Rice on both cheeks at the end of their news conference, symbolizing a reconciliation between France and the United States after the Iraq war, which had already begun years ago. The French foreign minister was pleased when Rice acknowledged French support for the American revolution, emphasizing the importance of their assistance in the formation of the United States of America. | 1 |
Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine was inaugurated as president on Thursday, promising to address corruption, poverty, and political instability in order to regain foreign support for the struggling economy. Despite a low-key ceremony that highlighted the disputed nature of his election against Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Yanukovich's inauguration marked a comeback from the 2004 Orange Revolution that had overturned an allegedly rigged election in his favor. In his speech to officials, lawmakers, and foreign dignitaries, Yanukovich emphasized the country's significant challenges, including massive debts, poverty, corruption, and economic collapse, while asserting that his team had developed a strategy for moving Ukraine forward. He talked about the lack of foreign investment in Ukraine and the unpredictable business climate, emphasizing the need for political stability, reducing corruption, and implementing clear rules for the relationship between the government and businesses to build trust with investors and international financial institutions. Ukraine's economy has been severely affected by the global economic downturn, particularly in its steel and chemical exports, leading to a significant drop in the value of the hryvnia. The country relies on a $16.4 billion IMF bailout program, but lending was halted last year and is expected to resume only after stability is restored. The finance ministry announced that an IMF technical mission is scheduled to visit on April 7th. This often results in a visit from IMF officials, who will then determine whether to resume the program. Yanukovich, a former mechanic supported by wealthy industrialists, had a difficult childhood in eastern Ukraine and a history of minor criminal offenses. He is expected to improve relations with Russia, Ukraine's former Soviet ruler, following a period of estrangement during Viktor Yushchenko's pro-Western leadership. Yanukovich has suggested potential compromises with Russia regarding the Black Sea fleet forces in Crimea and has proposed a consortium involving Russia to manage Ukraine's gas pipelines. However, he aims to revise a decade-old gas supply agreement between Ukraine, Tymoshenko, and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He has expressed his intention to pursue a well-balanced foreign policy and has committed to strengthening relations with the European Union. He stated in his speech that he will maintain open options and strive for equal and mutually beneficial relationships with Russia, the EU, and the United States in order to achieve optimal results for Ukraine. According to his website, he confirmed plans to visit Brussels next week and Moscow in early March. Yanukovich defeated Prime Minister Tymoshenko by 3.5 percentage points but only received support from one-third of the 37 million voters. The voting results showed a clear divide between Russian-speaking voters in the east and south, who supported Yanukovich, and Ukrainian-speaking voters in the west and center, who voted for Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko gave up her legal challenge to Yanukovich's election recently, but she still believes he was not rightfully elected. She and most of her bloc in parliament did not attend the ceremony, making it seem insincere. Despite Yanukovich's call for a capable government, Tymoshenko is resisting efforts to remove her as prime minister, indicating ongoing political tension in the near future. She is working to rally her allies in parliament, while his party and supporters are trying to weaken her coalition and form a new one. Creating a coalition involves complex negotiations and may take a considerable amount of time. If Yanukovich is unable to form a new coalition, he will have no choice but to reluctantly announce new parliamentary elections, which will only extend the period of uncertainty. | 1 |
German authorities conducted raids in six northern German states on Wednesday due to concerns that left-wing radicals were planning attacks to disrupt the upcoming G8 summit in Heiligendamm next month. The federal prosecutor's office stated that around 900 security officials were involved in searches at 40 locations in Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. The office suspects individuals linked to the militant extreme-left scene of organizing a terrorist organization or being members of such an organization, with intentions to carry out arson attacks and other actions to disrupt or prevent the G8 summit. Security officials believe this group is responsible for nine minor attacks in Hamburg and three in Berlin over the past two years, including a well-known incident involving the car of deputy finance minister Thomas Mirow being set on fire and his house being vandalized. Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble expressed concerns earlier this year about the possibility of left-wing extremists carrying out attacks during Germany's presidency of the G8. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be hosting the leaders of several nations at the Heiligendamm summit, where discussions are expected to revolve around issues such as climate change and global economic coordination. Germany has not faced significant left-wing violence since the disbanding of the Red Army Faction in 1998, which had been responsible for a series of killings and kidnappings over a two-decade period. | 1 |
Charles will automatically become Canada's head of state after Queen Elizabeth II, following the tradition of British monarchs since the nation's inception, without any changes to Canada's Constitution. Although Queen Elizabeth II is highly respected by Canadians, polls indicate that fewer Canadians are willing to pledge allegiance to another British monarch, particularly Charles, who is unpopular and represents an institution seen as increasingly irrelevant. It is uncertain what actions Canadians may take to prevent the reign of King Charles III. Philippe Lagassé, an associate professor at Carleton University and an expert on the monarchy in Canada, noted that both sides in Canada are currently in a stalemate. The monarchists maintain the formal legal structure and symbolic aspects of the monarchy, while the Republicans argue that the monarchical principle does not play a significant role in Canadian life. The visit by Charles and Camilla, which includes events with an Indigenous theme, follows the discovery of children's remains at a former residential school in British Columbia. The royal couple will attend a reconciliation event in Newfoundland, visit an Indigenous First Nation near Yellowknife, and engage in climate-related discussions and activities in Ottawa and the far north. The only uncertainty surrounding the upcoming visit is whether handshaking, typically the main activity during Royal Tours, will be replaced by a safer form of greeting due to COVID-19. A recent poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute showed that 55% of Canadians believe the monarchy is irrelevant, with another 24% stating it is becoming less relevant. Additionally, 67% of Canadians surveyed expressed opposition to the idea of Charles succeeding his mother. Despite being warmly received during his visits to Canada with his first wife Diana, public interest in Charles declined after their separation in 1992. His condescending behavior is not well received in a country that values equality. The connection between Andrew and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who committed suicide in a New York jail, has further decreased support for the monarchy in Canada. The reputation of the monarchy was also tarnished after Meghan Markle, Charles' daughter-in-law, revealed in an interview that she experienced racist remarks from members of the royal family while living in Toronto and British Columbia. Nevertheless, Charles and Camilla are expected to attract crowds, especially in St John's, Newfoundland, where their visit will be a major topic of discussion. The perception of the royals varies by region, with the monarchy historically lacking significant support in predominantly French-speaking Quebec, the second most populous province in Canada. Canada's changing demographics have helped to spread anti-monarchy sentiment, with many immigrants from countries such as China or India having no real ties to the British monarchy. Shachi Kurl, president of Angus Reid, suggests that Canadians may eventually question the presence of the monarchy on their currency, as support for the institution is largely based on respect for the queen and is likely to decrease further after her passing. She explained that the lack of motivation to make a change is largely due to a deep affection for the queen. Barbados recently removed the queen as its head of state and transitioned to a republic in a ceremony attended by Prince Charles and Rihanna. This move may inspire six other Caribbean nations to do the same. Prince Edward and Prince William's visits to the Caribbean this year were met with protests against the monarchy and Britain's history of slavery, leading to the cancellation of some planned stops. Instead of being concerned about potential protests, the organizers of Charles' visit to Canada have focused on ensuring that he has an audience. Apart from a ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, there are few opportunities for large crowds to gather in major cities. Charles will instead be visiting Quidi Vidi, a neighborhood and fishing village in St John's, a city with a population of 114,000 people, where any appearance by an international celebrity is sure to be a significant event. Changing Canada's Constitution to remove the British monarch as head of state is a challenging process, requiring unanimous consent from the federal government and all 10 provinces, according to Lagassé and Kurl. In a country where politics are heavily influenced by regionalism, obtaining consent for constitutional change may be extremely difficult. According to Kurl, most politicians consider any discussion of constitutional change to be highly controversial and prefer to avoid the topic altogether. Lagassé suggests that one potential solution could be to gradually reduce the role of the monarch in Canada, as the Queen's powers have largely been delegated to the governor-general since 1947. Lagassé also notes that there are several actions the Canadian government can take to diminish the monarch's presence without needing to pass new legislation or amend the constitution. The queen used to be featured on all of Canada's bank notes, but there is no legal issue with removing her from the last remaining one, the 20 dollar bill, or replacing her image on coins. It is not required by law for the monarch's portrait to be displayed in government offices or for royal tours to be mandated. According to Lagassé, there are many aspects of monarchical symbolism that can be changed, and the current attitude in Canada is that the monarchy is intact. Do not engage with it, but also do not allow it more attention than necessary. | 1 |
The activist group Egality is encouraging British voters to give their right to vote to individuals in developing countries impacted by UK policies on war, climate, and poverty. Britons can register on www.giveyourvote.org to donate their votes to Afghans, Bangladeshis, or Ghanaians. On the eve of the election, they will receive a text message informing them who wants to vote for which party. Many Britons have already committed their votes, with Egality expecting thousands to register. Student Fanny Rhodes-James, 23, expressed excitement about donating her vote, stating that it is a significant way for her vote to make an impact. The national voter turnout in Britain has decreased in recent years, and Egality's initiative aims to address this issue. Egality stated that when we criticize our political parties for being indistinguishable and claim that voting is ineffective, we overlook the perspective of vulnerable individuals in developing countries. These people's lives can be negatively impacted by decisions made in British government offices, known as Whitehall. Kwabena Okai Ofosuhene from Ghana believes that having a say in British elections is important because of Britain's influence on international financial institutions like the World Bank, which play a crucial role in Ghana's development. He emphasized the UK's status as a major global economy and a key trading partner for Ghana. Additionally, Ofosuhene, who works for an NGO, highlighted Britain's political power as another significant factor. He stated that America would not have engaged in military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan without the support of the UK. Britain is a major contributor to development and humanitarian aid, having donated 5.5 billion pounds between 2008 and 2009. Egality allows potential voters in the three countries involved to submit questions for British politicians, and British volunteers can relay these questions to their local representatives through various platforms. The campaign coordinator described Egality as essentially running a UK election campaign in those countries, similar to the work of the Electoral Commission in the UK. A spokesperson from the Electoral Commission noted that as long as votes were not being exchanged for payment, the Egality campaign was not illegal and they were not aware of any similar campaigns in the past. | 1 |
President-elect Barack Obama will focus on selecting his White House Cabinet members for energy, the environment, trade, and agriculture next week, following the placement of his economic and national security team. Climate change policy is a top priority for Obama, who will hold a news conference on Sunday to honor those who have served the nation and may discuss future appointments on a television news program. During Obama's campaign, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius was a key supporter and is now being considered for a position in the administration, potentially as energy or agriculture secretary. Sebelius' spokesperson stated that she is honored to be considered and is willing to assist the Obama administration in any way possible. The Democratic governor, who was also considered for vice president, has been a strong advocate for renewable energy in Kansas, aiming for 20 percent of the state's energy to come from wind by 2020. Obama has pledged to increase the use of renewable energy sources in the U.S. to lessen reliance on foreign oil suppliers. Industry sources have mentioned potential candidates for the role of energy secretary in the Obama administration, including Dan Reicher from Google.org and John Podesta, who is currently co-chair of the transition team. Carol Browner, who leads Obama's energy and environment task force, is also being considered for a top climate position. It is expected that a decision will be made in the near future, but vetting for these positions is still ongoing. Obama officials are also determining how a climate official in the White House would impact other policy players. Potential candidates for the role of EPA administrator include Lisa Jackson, former commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection in New Jersey, and Mary Nichols, who served as an assistant administrator for the EPA under Clinton. In terms of trade, Obama met with California Democratic Rep. Xavier Becerra to discuss the chief trade negotiator position, making Becerra a potential candidate for the role. Additionally, Vice President-elect Joe Biden has selected Jared Bernstein as his chief economist and economic policy adviser. Top candidates for agriculture secretary include Democrats John Salazar of Colorado and Sanford Bishop of Georgia, as well as Sebelius, according to two farm lobbyists who spoke anonymously. Bernstein was the deputy chief economist for the Department of Labor from 1995 to 1996. | 1 |
The head of the UN climate change secretariat expressed confidence that a new global agreement on climate change would be reached at a meeting in Copenhagen next year, despite disagreements at talks this week. Yvo de Boer made this statement during a speech at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, following calls for action on climate change at U.N.-led talks in Bonn. The United States, however, expressed reluctance to take substantial steps at this time. The Copenhagen meeting in 2009 aims to establish a new treaty on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to replace the Kyoto Protocol after it expires in 2012. De Boer believes that increasing public awareness of the consequences of inaction on global warming will pressure governments to take action, especially following the agreement made at the Bali summit last year. He stated that the world is anticipating a mutual agreement in Copenhagen, similar to how politicians in Bali initiated negotiations before leaving. He believes that politicians should not leave Copenhagen until a deal is reached. He emphasized that the new pact should be concise and direct, allowing national governments the freedom to develop and enforce their own policies. He also stressed the importance of keeping the Copenhagen agreement brief and centered on key issues that require an international agreement to be effective. He expressed hope that unnecessary elements would not be added to the agreement. De Boer spoke to reporters earlier and mentioned that the United States' ability to take concrete action had been affected by the presidential election. However, he expressed confidence that all major candidates in the race understood the importance of taking action. De Boer chose not to criticize the U.S. stance, stating that Washington had acted responsibly by not making commitments that could bind a future administration. He expressed hope for progress in the coming year. | 1 |
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke are visiting China to encourage the country to collaborate with the United States in efforts to combat global warming. The two Chinese-American officials will meet with Chinese leaders to emphasize the mutual benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This visit precedes President Barack Obama's upcoming trip to China, where discussions on joint action between the two countries are expected to take place before a global climate treaty meeting in Copenhagen in December. Cooperation between the US and China, as the world's largest developed and developing countries, is seen as crucial for the success of efforts to address climate change. Kenneth Lieberthal, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institute, emphasized the significant potential and urgent need for collaboration on this issue. "It's not a situation where one party benefits while the other suffers." China has recently surpassed the United States as the largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, although its per capita emissions are still lower. Chu, a Nobel physicist with a focus on climate change, is expected to advocate for action from both the US and China to combat rising global temperatures in a speech at Tsinghua University. "We are facing a serious threat from climate change," Chu warned US senators, comparing the potential impact to a significant climatic shift. Locke, a former governor from Washington state, is eager to highlight opportunities for China to reduce carbon emissions using US renewable technologies like solar and wind power. A Commerce Department official stated that there are significant market opportunities for companies in China due to a high demand in the country, but there are also substantial challenges. China heavily relies on coal for energy, while the United States has the largest coal reserves and uses it for about 22 percent of its energy needs. This creates an incentive for the two countries to work together on technology to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions underground instead of releasing them into the atmosphere. Assistant energy secretary David Sandalow emphasized the importance of this collaboration in a recent interview with Reuters. "We believe that we can achieve more when we work together rather than separately." China's efforts to construct new nuclear power plants have also attracted the interest of American companies. As President Obama urges Congress to finalize a bill aimed at reducing US greenhouse gas emissions, there is significant pressure on him to persuade China to agree to a specific emissions limit at the upcoming meeting in Copenhagen in December. Stuart Eizenstat, the former lead US negotiator for the Kyoto climate treaty in 1997, which was never ratified by the US, stated that without China's commitment, a new climate change agreement is unlikely to be approved by the US Senate. Even though Chu and Locke are not planning to travel to Beijing for discussions on a bilateral climate agreement, the US is hopeful that closer collaboration with China will help achieve a positive outcome in Copenhagen, according to Sandalow. China, along with 16 other major world economies, recently agreed to aim for keeping the global temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. However, China has chosen not to establish a short-term emissions reduction target. China argues that it has only been industrializing for a brief period, and implementing strict caps could hinder growth and urbanization efforts in a country where many people live in poorer conditions compared to the West. Despite this, China's most recent five-year plan aims to reduce energy intensity by 20 percent by the end of 2010 and plans to use renewable energy to fulfill 15 percent of total demand by 2020. Eizenstat suggested that the Obama administration should urge Beijing to turn these goals into enforceable global agreements as an initial move. He also mentioned that China will likely need to accept emissions limits in the future, although this is not expected to happen during the upcoming conference in Copenhagen. | 1 |
Speaking at a seminar titled "Bangladesh in 2017 Davos: Some Reflections", Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali stated on Sunday that Professor Klaus Schwab had written a letter four days earlier. He mentioned that Prime Minister Hasina was the first elected leader of Bangladesh to be invited to the prestigious forum, which took place from Jan 17 to Jan 20. Ali emphasized that this invitation was a result of the Prime Minister's visionary leadership and her efforts to lead Bangladesh towards stability, development, and prosperity through her 'Vision 2021'. He further pointed out that Prof Schwab's letter confirmed this. The annual World Economic Forum meeting in Switzerland is known as the main platform for global leaders to collaborate and shape the global, regional, and industrial agenda at the start of each year. Leaders will be sharing their insights and innovations on how to navigate the future in this Forum. Newly elected UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to attend the meeting. Hasina has been invited to participate in six sessions covering topics such as water, climate change, sustainable development, and the digital economy. During these sessions, she discussed the progress made in Bangladesh and shared her thoughts on future growth, including both opportunities and challenges. The foreign minister noted that Hasina's perspectives, often representing the developing world, helped other panelists understand the complexities of the challenges we are facing. During the seminar organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the challenges and limitations faced by a developing country were discussed in order to find solutions and pathways. Ali emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of the discussions at Davos, even if some may argue that they may not directly apply to their own situation. He also noted that these discussions offer useful insights into potential future scenarios as the country progresses to the next level. MCCI President Barrister Nihad Kabir was among those in attendance at the seminar held at a hotel in Dhaka. | 1 |
Stone explained to Reuters that initially he was hesitant and not seeking trouble when considering making a film about Snowden. However, after meeting with Snowden in Russia, the veteran director, famous for movies like "JFK", "Natural Born Killers" and "Wall Street", changed his mind. Stone was concerned that a documentary-style film about Snowden might be uninteresting, but he ultimately viewed it as a thrilling drama that would appeal to a wider audience. The film "Snowden", which premiered in theatres on Friday, follows Snowden's transformation from a conservative CIA agent to a disillusioned NSA operative who eventually fled the United States in 2013 and exposed the government's mass surveillance programmes targeting ordinary citizens. He currently resides in Russia and is being sought by the US government for espionage. Amnesty International and two other organizations have recently started a campaign to seek a pardon for him. Stone and Snowden had a few meetings in Russia where they agreed that the film would be a dramatization. However, the film's progress was halted when Stone approached studios for funding, though he did not disclose which studios he had contacted. "We are currently in a climate where self-censorship is prevalent," Stone stated. "I don't think the NSA directly told anyone not to make this film, but the reality is that you either conform to the norms or risk being marginalized." Eventually, Open Road Films, a partnership between Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment, contributed to financing "Snowden", which had a budget of around $40 million. The movie, which features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Snowden and Shailene Woodley as his girlfriend Lindsay Mills, was primarily filmed in Europe. Germany provided production subsidies and served as a stand-in for Maryland, Snowden's hometown. Despite challenges in making a storyline about computer coding and programmers engaging for audiences due to lack of violence, chases, and guns, director Stone shot key scenes in Washington DC and Hawaii. Additionally, Gordon-Levitt and Woodley acted out a date scene in front of the White House. The director chuckled as he suggested that if one were to take a risk in the US, they should go all out. | 1 |
After a long period of disagreement, Australia's government may finally be able to finalize a deal for its extensive carbon trading scheme by early next week, as the opposition has expressed confidence in reaching an agreement. The government's goal is to have carbon trading implemented by July 2011, covering 75 percent of emissions and potentially becoming the second largest domestic trading platform after Europe. However, the laws needed for the scheme have been stuck in limbo for months due to opposition from rival lawmakers. With negotiations ongoing, the government, lacking a majority in the Senate, has been working with the main opposition party to secure the additional votes necessary for the carbon laws to be passed. Ian Macfarlane, a key negotiator for the opposition, is optimistic that his party will now support a deal. Macfarlane expressed confidence that a favorable outcome will be reached in negotiations on the laws, which will be presented to the party room for consideration. He indicated optimism that the party room would support the proposed laws. Discussions will continue throughout the week and into the weekend, with the opposition expected to vote early next week on whether to support or reject the laws. The government has agreed to permanently exclude agriculture from the laws, in response to a key opposition demand, but the opposition is also seeking further concessions for coal miners. The Senate rejected the carbon trade bills in August, and if they are rejected again this month, it could lead to an early election. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is pushing for the 11 bills to be passed before the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. The Senate is set to adjourn on Nov. 26, but Rudd is willing to extend the sitting if necessary. The opposition coalition is split on climate policy, with leader Malcolm Turnbull promising his lawmakers the opportunity to approve or reject any deal with the government. This division was evident at a recent closed-door meeting where 10 opposition lawmakers insisted on voting against the scheme regardless of any negotiations for amendments. However, a party representative stated that more than 10 lawmakers supported Turnbull's policy to negotiate changes. Turnbull is lagging in opinion polls and is seeking a deal to avoid an early election. The government is lacking seven seats for a majority in the Senate. Junior Climate Minister Greg Combet expressed concerns about opposition divisions posing a threat to the carbon trade scheme, a key component of Rudd's global warming policy. Combet noted that the coalition is divided, with the Nationals pursuing their own agenda and the Liberal and National parties at odds over climate change. The carbon debate in Australia is being closely monitored abroad, especially in the United States and New Zealand, where lawmakers are also discussing proposals for emissions trading. For more information on Australasian carbon risks and opportunities, visit Carbon Central - Australia's Climate Change Hub, which features leading climate-change experts in one location. To stay updated on global carbon markets, sign up for the free Carbon Interactive newsletter. | 1 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed in the final hours of a 190-nation conference in Bali for an end to a stalemate over a plan to begin discussions on a new UN treaty. Ban expressed disappointment at the lack of progress and urged delegates to continue working towards a resolution, emphasizing the need for compromise. The dispute revolves around developing nations' demands for more assistance from wealthy countries in addressing climate change. If resolved, the meeting would initiate two years of negotiations on a comprehensive new global treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol after 2012 and involve all nations, including the US. Ban urged delegates to recognize the opportunity they have to achieve a successful outcome for the world's people. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also urged delegates, emphasizing the importance of having a clear road map to achieve their goals. He expressed concern that failure to find the right wording could jeopardize the project, stressing the need to not disappoint the world that is closely watching. | 1 |
Britain's new Prime Minister Gordon Brown will downplay any rumors of a cooling of US-British relations during his upcoming talks with President George W Bush. Despite recent speeches by Brown's ministers that have sparked speculation of a shift in foreign policy away from the United States, Brown has denied any such plans. Brown and Bush will emphasize the strong "special relationship" between London and Washington during their discussions at Camp David, but it is unlikely that Brown will develop the same close personal bond with Bush as his predecessor, Tony Blair. According to politics professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University, the focus will be on maintaining a professional working relationship rather than a deep personal connection. Brown's spokesperson stated that topics to be discussed include global trade liberalization talks, climate change, as well as issues in Darfur, Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Russia, and Iran. Brown has confirmed that Britain will uphold its United Nations obligations in Iraq and there will not be an immediate withdrawal of British troops, despite some within the Labour Party pushing for it. However, the leader of the British military mentioned that Britain should be prepared to hand over control of Basra to Iraqi forces by the end of the year. Regarding Iran, Brown mentioned that military action is not off the table, but he believes that sanctions could still convince Tehran to abandon its nuclear program. The close relationship between Bush and Blair was established following the 9/11 attacks and their joint decision to invade Iraq. The ongoing violence in Iraq was a major factor in Blair's resignation as Prime Minister, leading to criticism from both voters and his own party. He was often ridiculed in the British press as being too submissive to President Bush, a perception that Brown, his successor, will want to avoid. Brown has managed to improve the ruling party's standing in the polls since taking office and there is speculation that he may call for an early election. Despite showing interest in European leaders, Brown has not been particularly enthusiastic about the European Union in the past. The discussion about a change in British foreign policy started when Brown appointed David Miliband as the foreign secretary, who was reported by British media to have doubts about the Iraq war. Brown also gave a lower-level position to Mark Malloch Brown, a former UN deputy secretary general who has criticized both Britain and the United States for their actions in the war. Recently, Malloch Brown mentioned that the close relationship between Brown and Bush may not be as strong as the one between Blair and Bush, and another minister emphasized the importance of alliances over military strength in a speech to a Washington audience. | 1 |
Maruf Mallick, bdnews24.com's environment correspondent in Copenhagen, reported that Yvo de Boer, the executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, expressed confidence that the Kyoto Protocol will endure the climate conference in Copenhagen. De Boer emphasized the importance of the Kyoto Protocol surviving for various reasons and discussed the possibility of a second period under Kyoto as well as a new treaty under the convention being established. He stated that it took eight years from when countries began signing the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 to when it was enforced in 2005. While some countries prefer a single treaty, most countries involved in the process are in favor of a two-track outcome, wanting additional measures alongside the Kyoto Protocol. De Boer noted that the Kyoto Protocol already includes functioning market-based mechanisms, but there are currently no provisions for additional mechanisms under the Convention. If someone is interested in proposing a new treaty, there is a gap that many people are unwilling to overlook. The Kyoto Protocol is the sole legally binding document related to climate change, and there is no valid reason to discard it, according to him. De Boer mentioned that substantial advancements have been achieved on key components that will form an agreement. "It is crucial now to concentrate on the broader perspective." Bangladesh previously called for a more robust climate agreement by extending the Kyoto Protocol, which ends in 2012. It also suggested a new stage with fresh targets for the Kyoto Protocol. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is advocating for a new agreement, the 'Copenhagen Protocol', which would be modeled after the Kyoto Protocol, a legally-binding document. | 1 |
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that US President Barack Obama will proceed with plans to meet the Dalai Lama, despite warnings from China not to do so. China has expressed concern that the meeting between Obama and the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader could further strain relations between the two countries, which are already facing challenges due to issues such as arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing has urged Obama not to meet with the Dalai Lama, with a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stating that the government strongly opposes any contact between the US leader and the Tibetan leader. Ma stated that during Hu's meeting with Obama in Beijing last November, the Chinese leader made it clear that China strongly opposes any government officials meeting with the Dalai Lama. Ma urged the U.S. to understand the sensitive nature of Tibetan issues and handle related matters carefully to avoid harming China-U.S. relations. The Chinese government's anger over the White House announcement was expected, as was the White House's confirmation of the meeting, which had been anticipated. This conflict occurred shortly after Beijing criticized Washington for a $6.4 billion U.S. weapons deal with Taiwan, which China considers a rebellious province. It also happened during tensions between China and the U.S. over currency value, trade protectionism, and Internet freedom. Beijing has become more forceful in opposing meetings between the Dalai Lama and foreign leaders, which has sparked strong reactions among patriotic Chinese who view Western criticism of Chinese policies in Tibet as interference. The protests against Chinese rule in Tibet during the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay in London and Paris led to counter-protests by Chinese citizens abroad and boycotts of French goods in China. When French President Nicolas Sarkozy refused to cancel a meeting with the Dalai Lama during France's EU presidency in 2008, China cancelled a summit with the EU and called for boycotts of French products. Recently, a Chinese Communist Party official warned that a meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama would harm Sino-U.S. relations. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese Communist forces. He wants genuine autonomy for Tibet while remaining under Chinese rule, however Beijing believes he is actually seeking independence. Past US presidents, such as George W. Bush, have also met with the Dalai Lama, causing anger from Beijing but no significant consequences. China's recent statement did not mention any specific retaliation for Obama's upcoming meeting with the Dalai Lama. The spokesman for the Tibetan government-in-exile suggested that China's lack of reaction may indicate their concern over the Tibet issue and pressure from the international community. Despite earlier warnings from Beijing, the White House is not concerned about the meeting, which could take place this month. White House spokesman Bill Burton informed reporters that the president had informed China's leaders during his trip last year that he planned to meet with the Dalai Lama and still intends to do so. He emphasized that the relationship between the United States and China is mature enough to address mutual concerns such as climate change, the global economy, and non-proliferation, as well as openly discuss areas of disagreement. The US recognizes Tibet as part of China and urges Beijing to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama regarding the region's future. However, a Chinese foreign policy analyst warned that Beijing's response might be more challenging than expected, as China is becoming more assertive on what it considers core issues and aims to change the rules of engagement. Yuan Peng, head of US studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, expressed this viewpoint to the Chinese newspaper Global Times. Even though the US has sold weapons to Taiwan and met with the Dalai Lama in the past, we have expressed anger towards the United States. However, this time there will be genuine cursing and retaliation. | 1 |
The government plans to establish a second nuclear plant in the southern region, according to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She made this announcement during the inauguration of six new state-of-the-art scientific research facilities, which includes a 3MV Tandem Accelerator. | 1 |
According to a United Nations website, European nations, Canada, Bolivia, and Nepal have secured enough support for the 2015 Paris Agreement, representing 56.87 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement will officially begin in 30 days on Nov 4, just before the US presidential election. President Obama hailed the development as a historic moment in the fight against climate change. Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Portugal, and Malta, all members of the European Union, have also formally signed up for the agreement. According to the UN website, a total of 73 out of 195 countries have approved the agreement. European Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete praised this achievement on Twitter. European nations hurried to submit their formal documents to the United Nations ahead of a planned ceremony on Friday, concerned that other countries might ratify the agreement and cause it to come into effect without them. An EU diplomat explained, "We didn't want to be overshadowed." The rapid ratification of an agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from burning fossil fuels, was praised by many. This is aimed at limiting floods, droughts, stronger storms, and rising ocean levels. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that what was once considered impossible is now inevitable. However, all acknowledged that more work is necessary. Thoriq Ibrahim, the Environment Minister for the Maldives and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that time is running out. In contrast, it took eight years for the previous UN climate deal, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, to gain enough support to come into effect. The Paris climate agreement only required wealthy countries to reduce emissions, leading the United States to opt out. The Republican-led US Congress continues to oppose President Obama's climate change policies. House Speaker Paul Ryan argued that the deal would harm the American economy. On the other hand, Unilever CEO Paul Polman believes ratification indicates a pressing need for a transition to a low-carbon economy. However, current emission reduction commitments are not enough to meet the Paris agreement's target of limiting global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius. According to UN studies, average global temperatures are predicted to increase by 3 degrees or more by the year 2100, if current trends continue. Additionally, this year is anticipated to be the hottest on record since temperature measurements began in the 19th century, surpassing the previous record set in 2015. | 1 |
Diplomats from the largest greenhouse gas polluters in the world, such as the United States, China, and India, will be attending a forum at the U.S. State Department on Monday with the goal of reaching a U.N. agreement to reduce global warming. This meeting of major economies aims to kick-start discussions on climate change before the December deadline in Copenhagen, where a new agreement will be sought to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will give opening remarks, and participants will address issues such as technology cooperation. The major economies involved are Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and the United States. Denmark, as the host of the December meeting, was also extended an invitation. Environmentalists and other individuals believe that the United States' dedication to combating climate change is crucial for any global agreement. Jake Schmidt from the Natural Resources Defense Council activist group stated, "Without U.S. leadership, a global warming agreement in Copenhagen will be largely unattainable." President Barack Obama has emphasized the connection between addressing climate change and assisting the struggling economy, and convened the meeting to restart the major economies process initiated by his predecessor, George W. Bush. The efforts of the Bush administration were met with doubt by many participants and were viewed as a diversion from the primary U.N. talks on climate change. Obama's plan to reduce U.S. emissions by 15% by 2020 is a stark contrast to Bush's opposition to the Kyoto Protocol and limits on carbon dioxide emissions. Obama's administration believes in taking action on climate change, including potentially regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant. Legislation is currently being debated in the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, with support from environmental activist Al Gore. Todd Stern, the U.S. special envoy for climate change, did not outline specific requirements for the United States to showcase leadership in Copenhagen in December. He mentioned that the Obama administration's strategy is distinct from the Bush administration's, as they are seeking an international agreement and aiming for significant cooperation at a potentially transformative level. | 1 |
The agreement reached in Paris last December by nearly 200 countries aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by moving away from fossil fuels in order to limit global warming to "well below" two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. However, in order for the agreement to take effect, it must be formally ratified by countries representing at least 55 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. A statement from a spokesman for the UN Secretary-General called on all parties to expedite their internal processes to join the agreement this year. The European Union is expected to complete the joint ratification of the climate pact next week, which will push approvals past the 55 percent mark and put the agreement into effect before the next round of climate talks in Morocco in November. The approval of the United States and China, the world's top two emitters, last month provided a boost to the Paris agreement. Concerns regarding the United States' involvement in the deal are present, with the timing of finalizing the accord before the presidential election on Nov 8 being crucial in order to prevent any potential challenges if Donald Trump, who opposes the deal, wins over Hillary Clinton. President Obama praised India's ratification in a tweet, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in following the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. India had expressed the need for further work on the agreement prior to ratifying it, emphasizing the necessity of detailed guidelines and rules for the Paris agreement to be fully operational. The ministry also expressed disapproval towards developed countries, stating that their citizens have luxurious lifestyles that contribute to a significant carbon footprint. It emphasized the importance of addressing key issues such as finance and technology transfer at the upcoming meeting in Marrakesh, where India intends to push developed countries to take more action. The ministry announced that India will demand a clear plan of action from developed nations at the Morocco meeting. | 1 |
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