Across South Asia, devastating floods and landslides have claimed over 900 lives in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand, with hundreds still missing. Heavy monsoon rains, intensified by a tropical storm, have caused widespread damage, displacing thousands and leaving many without essential supplies. In Sri Lanka, the death toll has risen sharply, while Indonesia struggles to reach the hardest-hit areas and Thailand addresses public criticism of its flood response. The climate crisis is thought to be a contributing factor, impacting storm patterns and leading to intensified rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts.
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Swiss voters have just spoken, and the message is clear: they’ve rejected a proposed tax on the super-rich. It’s a decision that’s sparked a lot of discussion, and honestly, the reaction feels pretty typical for a country like Switzerland. This specific proposal aimed to levy a 50% tax on inheritances exceeding 50 million Swiss francs (roughly $62 million).
Now, the main argument against this tax, the one that seems to have resonated with a majority of voters, centers around the potential for capital flight. The worry is that these wealthy individuals, faced with a hefty inheritance tax, would simply pack up and move their assets elsewhere, taking their tax revenue with them.… Continue reading
Logging and mining activities are devastating the Congo rainforest, leading to a critical shift in the continent’s carbon balance. African forests transitioned from being a carbon sink to a carbon source between 2010 and 2017, releasing an estimated 200 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This change is primarily driven by deforestation in the Congo rainforest, making it more difficult to achieve global net-zero emissions. While initiatives like the Tropical Forests Forever Facility are underway, increased support is needed to reverse this trend and protect the remaining forests.
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Former US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed strong criticism of the second Trump administration, citing perceived corruption and declining political standards. Kerry also voiced disappointment in the recent Cop30 climate conference, suggesting it lacked ambition and that the US’s absence negatively impacted the outcome, potentially hindering the global transition away from fossil fuels. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the clean energy transition’s continuation, although he expressed concern about the timeline to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Kerry further indicated that the COP process is “losing credibility,” due to disappointing outcomes.
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The UK’s decision to cease issuing new oil and gas licenses marks a historic turning point, according to Greenpeace UK. This move signifies the beginning of the end for fossil fuels in the country and demonstrates global climate leadership. While welcoming the government’s commitment, Greenpeace emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive plan to support North Sea workers during the transition to clean energy. A more robust investment is crucial to ensure a just transition that creates new jobs and strengthens communities.
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A recent United Nations study reveals Jakarta as the world’s largest urban center, surpassing Tokyo, which previously held the title. The report highlights the rapid urbanization in Asia, with nine of the ten most populous cities located there. Jakarta’s massive population poses significant challenges, including congestion and pollution, prompting Indonesia’s plan to relocate its capital. Overall, the UN emphasizes that urbanization is a defining force, urging countries to adopt integrated policies for balanced development and sustainable growth.
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Colombia bans all new oil and mining projects in its Amazon, and that’s a seriously significant development. It’s the kind of decision that makes you sit up and take notice, and honestly, it’s a relief to see a country taking concrete steps to protect such a vital ecosystem. The Amazon is, after all, the lungs of the planet, and its preservation should be a global priority. This move feels particularly impressive given the ongoing challenges faced in the region.
Colombia bans all new oil and mining projects in its Amazon, and it’s understandable why this announcement is garnering attention. This decision seems to have the potential to resonate globally, especially given the increased awareness of environmental issues.… Continue reading
Carney Says World Can Move on Without The US, Stresses New Ties, and the sentiment is clear: the world is evolving, and the United States’ role in that evolution is being reevaluated. It’s a reality check for a nation grappling with its internal issues. This discussion highlights a shifting global landscape, and it’s understandable why this subject would generate a lot of discussion.
The crux of the matter seems to be a frustration with the direction of the United States. There’s a prevailing feeling that the country is not acting in the world’s best interest, prioritizing internal politics and potentially damaging global relationships.… Continue reading
At the G20 summit, leaders from the world’s top economies issued a joint statement, reinforcing their commitment to the Paris climate agreement and supporting open trade, despite the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump who boycotted the summit. The 30-page communique reaffirmed commitments to tackle climate change, acknowledging the financial needs of developing countries in meeting emissions reduction targets. Simultaneously, Australia endorsed the “Belém Declaration on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” signaling a shift away from fossil fuels. Despite these strong commitments, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified that Australia would not be altering existing policies, maintaining the current stance on the role of gas in the energy transition.
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The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, stated that moving the capital is no longer a choice but an obligation due to the severe ecological strain on Tehran, citing sinking land and shrinking water supplies as evidence of a looming catastrophe. The government is considering moving the capital to the Makran coast, a remote area, to alleviate overcrowding and resource stress. This plan, which has been proposed before, faces challenges including high costs and political resistance, while critics also question the area’s readiness and security.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood