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Speakers at a seminar have pointed out that climate change, which disproportionately affects the least developed countries such as Bangladesh, is largely a result of global corruption. They emphasized that industrialized nations bear significant responsibility for the rapid changes in climate that harm these countries the most.

The meeting held in downtown Omaha, Nebraska marked Berkshire's first gathering of shareholders since 2019, prior to the impact of COVID-19 on America's largest corporate event. Shareholders had the opportunity to ask Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Greg Abel, and Ajit Jain questions for five hours. Buffett announced that Berkshire increased its investments in Chevron Corp and Activision Blizzard Inc significantly to over $31 billion. Despite facing challenges such as supply chain disruptions, the Ukraine invasion, and inflation, Berkshire reported a first-quarter operating profit of $7.04 billion. Buffett expressed his satisfaction with addressing shareholders in person, as the previous two meetings were conducted without them. Attendees at the event included JPMorgan Chase & Co Chief Executive Jamie Dimon and actor Bill Murray. In his annual shareholder letter in February, Warren Buffett expressed frustration over the lack of investment opportunities. However, in March, Berkshire Hathaway purchased 14.6% of Occidental Petroleum Corp and agreed to acquire insurer Alleghany Corp for $11.6 billion. Buffett explained that he decided to invest in Occidental after reading an analyst report, and in Alleghany after receiving a letter from its CEO, who had previously worked for Berkshire's General Re business. Buffett attributed these investments to seizing opportunities when markets behave unpredictably. "It's not our intelligence but our sanity that I believe sets us apart. Berkshire invested $51 billion in stocks in the quarter, reducing its cash reserves by over $40 billion to $106 billion. However, the company has various sources of generating cash, such as its insurance business, and Buffett reassured that they will always have a substantial amount of cash available." "It's similar to oxygen, always present but if it suddenly disappears, it's game over." During a discussion on the potential of the Ukraine conflict leading to nuclear war, Buffett and Jain struggled to provide definitive answers. Jain, who has been commended by Buffett for many years, admitted to a limitation in estimating Berkshire's insurance risk. Buffett mentioned the extremely low likelihood of a nuclear attack, recalling the near miss during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He emphasized that the world is taking a chance every day. Berkshire Hathaway does not have a solution. Buffett criticized stock markets for resembling a casino or gambling partner, especially in recent years due to encouragement from Wall Street. Munger also disapproved of bitcoin and advised against putting retirement funds in it, as well as criticizing trading firm Robinhood Markets Inc. At the meeting, he and Buffett enjoyed their favorite candies from See's, a company owned by Berkshire, and drank soda from Coca-Cola, a major investment of Berkshire. Abel defended Berkshire's BNSF railroad, stating that there is still work to be done to improve operations and customer service in order to compete with Union Pacific Corp. Buffett reassured shareholders that Berkshire is built to last beyond his and Munger's leadership, emphasizing the company's enduring business culture. Shareholders also voted against proposals for more disclosure on diversity and climate risks, as well as the appointment of an independent chairman to succeed Buffett. Mario Gabelli, a prominent Berkshire investor, opposed ending Buffett's chairmanship, who has been running Berkshire since 1965. He mentioned that it is not wrong for companies to consider having separate individuals as chair and CEO. However, he believes that this is not necessary for Berkshire Hathaway because the current leader has been very successful for half a century. Despite projections of lower attendance compared to the previous year, thousands of people gathered outside the downtown arena before it opened at 7 am, with about 10% to 15% of seats remaining empty. At other events sponsored by Berkshire this weekend, almost everyone did not wear masks, but all had to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The meeting was broadcast on CNBC.com. Tom Spain, the founder of Henry Spain Investment Services in Market Harborough, England, arrived at 3:15 a.m. for his third meeting and bought a chair from Walmart to sit down. He mentioned that everyone has been using the chair and that he might bring a large container of coffee to share next year. Lauritz Fenselau, a 23-year-old entrepreneur from Frankfurt, Germany, arrived for his first meeting at 4 a.m. describing it as a pilgrimage. Andres Avila, who had traveled from Boston to Omaha, also arrived sleep-deprived at 4:45 a.m., carrying an umbrella to protect against the rain and expressing his excitement to meet his idols.

In general, the promises made by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to prevent a temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius, which is considered a critical point for extreme weather events and rising sea levels. A report from organizations like Christian Aid, Oxfam, the International Trade Union Confederation and WWF International concludes that major developed countries are not doing enough in relation to their fair share. This report comes as almost 200 nations gather in Bonn, Germany for talks ahead of the upcoming UN summit in Paris in December, where a deal on climate change beyond 2020 is expected to be reached. While around 150 nations have submitted plans to combat climate change, there is currently no established method for comparing the level of ambition of each nation. The report from Monday suggested that wealthy individuals could transition from using fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, while also assisting others and taking on more responsibility due to their historical use of coal, oil, and natural gas since the Industrial Revolution. The report estimated that the United States and the European Union had committed to around 20% of their "fair share," while Japan had committed to approximately 10%. In contrast, emerging economies were found to either meet or surpass their fair share commitments. China was highlighted for exceeding its fair share by considering emissions since 1950, while Brazil was contributing significantly as well. Brandon Wu from ActionAid stated that wealthy countries were falling short in terms of both emission reductions and financial contributions during negotiations. Tasneem Essop from WWF International suggested that Paris should establish systems that allow actions to become increasingly stronger through regular evaluations based on science and fairness. Both major emitters, Beijing and Washington, have stated that their plans are ambitious. China aims to reach peak greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2030, while the United States plans to reduce emissions by 26-28 percent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels. According to the report released on Monday, if current trends continue, temperatures are projected to increase by 3 degrees C (5.4F) or more above pre-industrial levels by 2100, surpassing the agreed maximum of 2C.

A top carbon expert, James Cameron, emphasized that despite the financial crisis, the world still has the resources and capability to address climate change. He warned against using the financial crisis as an excuse to delay taking action on global warming. Cameron highlighted the recent mobilization of trillions of dollars as evidence of global cooperation in facing crises. He expressed concern that governments may prioritize short-term crises over long-term issues like climate change, but stressed that collaboration across borders can quickly mobilize capital to support market systems. He suggested that if governments were able to work together with the same level of cooperation and urgency in addressing climate change as they did in responding to the financial crisis, both issues could be effectively dealt with simultaneously. Despite concerns about the financial crisis depleting public funds and countries being hesitant to make commitments to address climate change due to potential economic costs and job losses, Cameron, a prominent investor in clean-energy projects, argued against focusing solely on short-term gains. He emphasized the importance of investing in long-term solutions to tackle a crisis that will have significant economic impacts in the future. Despite recent stock market declines, he believed that there is still capital available to invest in addressing the issue of climate change. Climate Change Capital manages over $1.6 billion in funds and specializes in companies and institutions impacted by policy and capital market reactions to climate change, as stated on the firm's website.

The sixth yearly report on the Low Carbon Economy Index by PwC examined the advancement of both developed and emerging economies in reducing their carbon intensity, or emissions per unit of gross domestic product. According to Jonathan Grant of PwC, there is a growing disparity between what is being accomplished and what needs to be done each year. He noted that governments are becoming more disconnected from reality in addressing the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, as current commitments are only on track for a 3-degree increase. This falls far short of what governments are discussing. Nearly 200 countries agreed during United Nations climate talks to restrict the increase in global temperatures to under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels to prevent heat waves, floods, storms, and rising sea levels due to climate change. The current temperature rise is approximately 0.85 degrees Celsius. A reduction in carbon intensity of 6.2 percent annually is necessary to reach this target, a significant increase compared to the 1.2 percent rate from 2012 to 2013. Achieving this reduction would require changes on a much larger scale than recent shifts in energy production in some countries. France moved towards nuclear power in the 1980s and saw a 4 percent reduction in emissions, while Britain's focus on gas in the 1990s resulted in a 3 percent cut. The United States experienced a 3.5 percent reduction in emissions due to the shale gas boom in 2012. PwC noted a positive development where emerging economies like China, India, and Mexico reduced their carbon intensity faster than industrialized nations such as the US, Japan, and the EU for the first time in six years. Australia led in decarbonisation for the second consecutive year, decreasing its carbon intensity by 7.2 percent in 2013. Despite having high emissions per person, Australia's efforts to reduce emissions have slowed down since the repeal of a tax on emissions in July. Britain, Italy, and China all successfully reduced their carbon emissions at a rate of 4-5 percent. In contrast, France, the United States, India, Germany, and Brazil saw an increase in their carbon intensity.

World leaders are addressing the UN climate conference in Copenhagen as it approaches its conclusion. The Danish organizers are trying to lower expectations of a full agreement, but some leaders remain positive. French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that people want to maintain the Kyoto protocol, so let's do so. Let's come to a consensus on a political framework. We must act quickly as time is running out. A failure in Copenhagen would have dire consequences for all of us. We need to accelerate our efforts in this conference to avoid a catastrophe. We have less than 24 hours left. If we continue in this manner, it will result in failure. Our purpose here is not to hold a conference on global warming, but to make important decisions. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown emphasizes that during the few days in Copenhagen, our actions will have long-lasting consequences, and we must not let narrow self-interest hinder efforts to ensure human survival. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expresses concern about the lack of transparency from China, the second biggest emitter, stating that it is difficult to imagine progress without it. We need to be open and transparent in the forum we choose, and if there is no commitment to transparency, it is a dealbreaker for us. Israeli President Shimon Peres urges neighboring countries, even those without diplomatic relations, to work together to save the region. Political differences should not prevent environmental cooperation, as carbon molecules do not have passports. Rivers do not need visas but carry pollution. People of different religions hope for the Jordan River to remain fresh and pure. I am following the Bible's call for Adam to care for the Garden of Eden. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has strong opinions on environmental destruction and solutions to control it. I hope that those who have contributed the most to environmental destruction will agree to international commitments and help us establish a fair framework by reducing that destruction and supporting programs to mitigate its consequences. All nations should have access to new technologies to diversify their energy sources and utilize clean and renewable energies like wind, solar, tidal, geothermal, and nuclear power. Chinese Climate Change Ambassador Yu Qingtai stresses the importance of the Copenhagen conference and emphasizes that China is not interested in participating in efforts to blame other countries for any potential failure. He believes that such attempts are simply excuses for their own obstructive and unhelpful behavior throughout the process. INDIAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER JAIRAM RAMESH believes that the main obstacle to progress is some parties' desire to unilaterally abandon agreements, leading to a lack of trust and blame being placed. MICRONESIA PRESIDENT EMANUEL MORI appeals for help in saving his people and other small island nations, urging collaboration to protect the planet for future generations. JAPANESE ENVIRONMENT MINISTER SAKIHITO OZAWA questions whether it will be acceptable to developing nations if the US, China, and others do not join in an agreement. The main issue currently lies within these nations. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has observed slogans in the streets, one of which said "don't change the climate, change the system." He believes this message is relevant and suggests focusing on changing the system rather than the climate. As a result, we will start to protect the planet. Capitalism is a harmful system that is leading to the destruction of life. Another memorable quote is, "if the climate were a bank, it would have been saved by now", and I believe that to be true. If the climate were a large capitalist bank, it would have already been saved by the wealthy governments. This statement was made by Marcus Stephen, the President of Nuaru (South Pacific). Nuaru is a small island nation, only 21 sq km (8 sq miles) in size. How much of our island should we sacrifice? We are isolated by the Pacific Ocean with rising sea levels and no other options. We must not play the blame game but instead take responsibility for the world and our children. George Papandreou, Greek Prime Minister. We are present and accountable for the future of the world. Our voices at this moment must turn this dream into a tangible reality. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expresses concern about prioritizing appearance over substance and inaction over action. He emphasizes the importance of collective action for sustainable development as the planet's ability to support it is at risk. I am concerned that this conference may result in failing all the children in the world. Each of us will be held accountable for our actions or inaction. South African President Jacob Zuma believes this is a critical issue that could determine the fate of the world's population. We must come together and make important decisions as this issue poses a threat to humanity's survival. The most important thing is to prioritize helping others who are struggling, rather than focusing on personal gain. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the future of our planet and our children. In order to truly make a difference, we must work together and take action collectively. Rather than waiting for others to act first, we should take the initiative ourselves. UGANDAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER MARIA MUTAGAMBA expressed concern that the normal procedure is not being followed and that there is a tendency to overlook certain important aspects. She remains hopeful that an agreement will be reached. NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JENS STOLTENBERG emphasized the critical stage of the conference and stressed the need for all parties to take responsibility in reaching an agreement the following day. Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of ambitious emissions targets and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, with wealthier countries bearing the main responsibilities. Every country must do their part, and Norway is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020. If a strong global climate agreement is reached, we will strive to be carbon neutral by 2030. Prime Minister Edward Natapei of Vanuatu expressed concern for those affected by the recent cyclone in Fiji. This is just a glimpse of what could potentially worsen if there is no ambitious climate agreement in place.

The head of the UN climate panel is optimistic that the climate talks in Bali will conclude on Friday with a specific schedule for implementing cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to combat dangerous global warming. The negotiations, involving 190 nations, have been stalled over emissions targets, with the United States, Japan, and Canada opposing any mention of numerical goals. Rajendra Pachauri, who recently accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of his UN panel, believes that a strong statement on emissions reductions by 2020 and a clear timetable for deciding on these numbers would signify progress. He suggested that reaching an agreement on a timetable could lead to establishing solid targets for emissions reductions by wealthy nations, possibly within six months. Pachauri emphasized the importance of clearly stating the targets for 2020. The UN panel has attributed global warming to human activity this year and warned of increased heatwaves, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. There is a call for strong action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with specific reduction targets to be decided within the next six months. The Bali talks, taking place from Dec. 3-14, are discussing guidelines for formal negotiations on a post-Kyoto Protocol agreement. The EU is pushing for a non-binding agreement to reduce emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 for industrialized nations. The United States, Japan, and Canada are against providing any figures, as they believe it would unfairly influence the outcome. Pachauri, as the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, declined to address the U.S. opposition and expressed hope that the negotiations could resolve all differences. He stated that he hopes the disagreement can be resolved and noted that discussing ambitious targets of 25 to 40 percent is a positive sign that they acknowledge the scientific evidence on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Pachauri also emphasized the importance of acting to prevent the serious impacts of climate change.

The 78-year-old pontiff delivered a message in Washington, stating that America's power and wealth should be used to serve humanity. He emphasized the importance of not turning our backs on those in need, urging a mindset of openness towards others. Born in Argentina to an Italian immigrant family, Francis addressed a variety of issues in his speech to Congress, touching on both liberal and conservative values and Catholic teachings. He called for an end to the death penalty worldwide, advocated for a more equitable economy to help those in poverty, and urged greater efforts against climate change caused by human activities. After his speech, he traveled to New York, where he was warmly welcomed by crowds lining Fifth Avenue as he made his way to St. Patrick's Cathedral in his "popemobile." With the sound of organ music and a choir singing, the pope was greeted by a crowd of 3,000 people in the cathedral for an evening prayer service. On Friday, Francis is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and lead an open-air Mass in Philadelphia on Sunday. His call for action on immigration was met with applause from both Democrats and Republicans in attendance at his address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress. The issue of illegal immigration has been a focal point in the Republican presidential race, with front-runner Donald Trump vowing to deport all 11 million undocumented immigrants, many of whom are from Latin America like the pope. Trump has also made controversial remarks accusing Mexico of sending criminals across the border. Francis addressed a problem that has caused the Republicans to lose support among Hispanic voters by stating that America should not be deterred by the influx of foreigners from south of the border seeking a better life. He emphasized the importance of seeing these individuals as people, listening to their stories, and responding to their situations with compassion, fairness, and brotherhood. The Pope spoke gently and with a strong accent, flanked by House Speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden. Boehner, known for getting emotional, openly wept during the speech. The United States has been struggling for a long time to determine what to do with illegal immigrants. Last year, Republicans in Congress prevented a bipartisan effort to reform immigration laws that would have given illegal immigrants an opportunity to become US citizens. In a Pew Research Center survey conducted in May, 51 percent of 2,002 U.S. adults believed that immigrants contribute positively to the country through their hard work and abilities, while 41 percent viewed immigrants as a burden because they compete for jobs, housing, and healthcare. It remains uncertain whether the pope's speech will change people's opinions on immigration. "It doesn't change my perspective," stated Michael Tipsword, a student at George Washington University and a Catholic. Tipsword, a staunch conservative, stated that Francis' stance on immigration is more about humanitarian needs than politics. The Pope, speaking in front of the US Capitol building, referenced Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., urging lawmakers to prioritize unity for the common good. Presidential candidates on both sides used the Pope's words to support their own views. Additionally, Francis emphasized the importance of protecting human life at all stages, mentioning abortion and euthanasia. However, he quickly shifted his focus to denouncing the death penalty, emphasizing the sanctity of every life and the potential benefits of rehabilitating convicted criminals. Pope Francis also criticized the global arms trade, which he described as being fueled by money tainted with innocent blood, and called for an end to this practice. He expressed his disapproval of same-sex marriage, a stance that was well-received by conservatives. In an effort to emphasize his message of assisting the less fortunate, Pope Francis chose to have lunch with homeless individuals immediately after leaving the US Capitol in his modest black Fiat, stating that there is no excuse for homelessness.

The World Bank stated that cities should take on a larger role in combating global warming, as they can act more effectively than governments struggling to reach a UN climate agreement. According to Andrew Steer, the special envoy for climate change at the World Bank, the 10 largest cities in the world produce more greenhouse gases than Japan. He suggested reforms, such as changes to carbon markets, to help cities become more environmentally friendly. A World Bank study noted that urban areas, where over half of the world's population resides and which are responsible for two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions, could contribute to reducing emissions by adopting greener transportation, clean energy, and improved waste recycling practices. Steer emphasized that cities are both a major cause of climate change and a vital part of the solution. The report highlighted the significant economic influence of the world's 50 largest cities, stating that their combined gross domestic product was second only to that of the United States, surpassing China. Tokyo and New York were singled out as having economies larger than Canada or Turkey. The UN climate talks, aiming to reach agreement on measures to combat global warming at a conference in Cancun from Nov. 29 to Dec. 10, were described as challenging due to the diverse opinions of the 194 countries involved. In 2008, over 1,000 US mayors pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the UN's Kyoto Protocol, which obligated nearly 40 nations to limit emissions until 2012 but was never ratified by the US. Many of the world's largest cities, including Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, and Buenos Aires, are located near bodies of water, making them vulnerable to floods and rising sea levels. The World Bank is advocating for a revamp of the UN's market mechanism that currently focuses on individual projects in developing countries, such as solar panels in Morocco or hydropower in Honduras, to instead allow for broader, city-wide investments. This reform of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) would enable mayors to access funding for a range of initiatives, from flood prevention measures to eco-friendly transportation, without needing approval for each individual project. The CDM currently allows companies to invest in environmentally friendly projects in developing countries and receive credits for reducing emissions. Steer also mentioned that the opinions of urban residents regarding the best places to live were changing. In the past, when there was high industrial air pollution, areas like the east side of London, which were downwind, were inhabited by the poor. However, in the future, it is predicted that the poor will reside in low-lying areas that are at risk of flooding from rivers or rising sea levels.

The UN climate agency is calling for a special summit to address climate change, but is considering high-level ministerial talks if world leaders are not on board. Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, stated that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has agreed to send envoys to assess government interest in a high-level meeting regarding global warming. De Boer mentioned that Ban's envoys will look into the possibility of a high-level meeting, potentially during the UN General Assembly in New York in September. De Boer clarified that the meeting does not necessarily have to involve heads of state. "It may involve a different set of people, like foreign affairs or energy ministers." Ban stated on March 1 that global warming is as big of a threat as war and encouraged the United States to take the lead in addressing climate change. However, Ban's spokesperson mentioned that there were no immediate plans to organize a summit, despite requests from UN environmental agencies. De Boer clarified, "I don't believe there has been a change in perspective. What is being considered is a high-level gathering to involve a wider range of individuals - including those in foreign affairs, energy, trade, economy, and transportation." He stated that there is a need for a more extensive effort and broader support, regardless of whether leaders come together. Discussions on a global scale to combat the effects of climate change, primarily attributed to the burning of fossil fuels, have come to a standstill. Recent UN scientific reports have indicated that human activities are highly likely to be the cause of global warming, leading to potential consequences such as increased hunger, droughts, floods, heatwaves, glacier melting, and rising sea levels. De Boer emphasizes the urgency of accelerating negotiations to expand the UN Kyoto Protocol, which currently mandates emissions reductions for 35 industrialized countries until 2012. The United States and Australia withdrew from the agreement in 2001, citing concerns about the economic burden imposed by the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto nations account for only around one-third of global carbon dioxide emissions, with Russia being the only one of the top four emitters - the United States, China, Russia, and India - bound by Kyoto targets. De Boer suggested that a new meeting could complement, rather than repeat, the Group of Eight summit in June, where German Chancellor Angela Merkel aims to address climate change. The G8 summit will include leaders from China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, who, along with the G8 countries, are responsible for the majority of global carbon dioxide emissions. De Boer mentioned that the G8 summit does not include certain groups like small island states, which are in danger due to rising sea levels, the poorest nations in sub-Saharan Africa, and Australia. The next round of formal UN climate negotiations will take place in Bali, Indonesia in December, where environment ministers will meet.

According to an intelligence source, Ugandan police have discovered an unexploded suicide vest and apprehended six individuals suspected of being involved in the planning of twin bombings that resulted in the deaths of 76 soccer fans. The attacks, carried out by Somali al Shabaab Islamists with ties to al Qaeda, targeted a crowded restaurant and a rugby club in the Ugandan capital during a World Cup final viewing. A senior U.S. official in Washington mentioned that there are indications supporting al Shabaab's claim of responsibility, which would be the group's first attack outside of Somalia. U.S. President Barack Obama described the explosions as "tragic and ironic" given that they occurred during the World Cup in South Africa. Obama spoke about two contrasting visions for Africa: one of progress and unity, and the other of destruction and death by groups like al Qaeda and Al Shabaab. The U.S. government is working with Uganda and other regional governments to gather intelligence and take necessary action against potential attacks. Despite reports of a planned attack, there was no advance warning from Washington. A source from Uganda reported on June 17 that an informant from the Kisenyi suburb of Kampala had informed intelligence about a planned attack during the World Cup by some Somalis. The official stated that more than 20 individuals, including Somalis and Ugandans, were involved in planning the attacks. "As of now, we have apprehended six individuals from that group," he mentioned. Al Shabaab has threatened further attacks unless Uganda and Burundi remove their peacekeepers from the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, where the militants are in conflict with the government and have control over significant parts of the nation. The police mentioned that the suicide vest discovered at a third location on Monday night was designed to be planted, not worn. A man named Yonis, who claimed to be assistant to al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage, told Reuters that those who carried out the attack were blessed with rage and expected to live long lives, indicating that it was not a suicide bomb. Al Shabaab, in addition to banning alcohol, has also prohibited watching soccer matches in areas under its control. Coordinated attacks are a characteristic of al Qaeda and groups associated with Osama bin Laden's militant network. For al Shabaab, this would mark the first instance of the militants extending their quest for power beyond national borders. According to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, there is a general acknowledgment that al Shabaab is entering a new phase by broadening their reach geographically. Napolitano explained to reporters that the U.S. is continuously exploring ways to enhance preparedness, prevent, and intercept any potential terrorist attacks before they occur domestically. A U.S. official in Washington, who briefed reporters, mentioned that al Shabaab has been a focus of attention, has connections to al Qaeda in East Africa and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The official stated that the Kampala attack was consistent with threats to expand their targets, but did not directly address whether the group posed a specific threat to the United States. Obama mentioned in an interview with South African Broadcasting Corp that terrorist organizations do not value African life and see it as a place to carry out ideological battles with no concern for the consequences. Despite the attack, the African Union confirmed that Uganda would still host a summit for African leaders and continue its peacekeeping mission. IGAD also stated that they would not be intimidated and would continue to support the government in Somalia, with plans to increase peacekeepers to over 8,000 by the second week of August. Last week, members of IGAD, including Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, expressed their desire for 20,000 troops from the AU and United Nations to be deployed in Somalia. The opposition Forum for Democratic Change party in Uganda called on President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw his peacekeepers and stated that they would do the same if they won the 2011 elections. The party's spokesman, Wafula Oguttu, told Reuters that there is no peace to maintain in Somalia and that Uganda has no strategic interests there. He believes that Uganda is sacrificing its youth for no reason. Analysts suggest that a prolonged bombing campaign would harm Uganda's investment climate, but a single attack would probably not deter major companies like Tullow Oil from investing. Foreign investment in the third largest economy in East Africa has significantly increased, largely due to oil exploration near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the casualties, one American was reported dead, while five others were injured and evacuated to Johannesburg and Nairobi. The U.S. State Department confirmed the presence of an FBI team in Kampala.

Activists and left-wing leaders concluded at a meeting in Bolivia that big polluting countries need to aggressively reduce greenhouse gases and consider input from smaller nations in order to combat global warming. The gathering aimed to provide a platform for countries and environmental groups that felt excluded from the Copenhagen summit, where major decisions were made behind closed doors. Activists argue that industrial powers derailed the Copenhagen summit by failing to commit to significant cuts in emissions, and are calling for a more inclusive approach at the upcoming climate change meeting in Mexico. The summit in Cochabamba proposed a 50 percent reduction in emissions by leading industrial nations, a more ambitious target compared to the Copenhagen Accord's promises of 7 to 16 percent cuts. Bolivian President Evo Morales emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of the people and making decisions that benefit everyone at the Mexico meeting in December. During the summit, Morales sparked controversy by suggesting that consuming hormone-fed chicken can lead to "sexual deviation" in men, and that European men lose hair because of their consumption of genetically modified food. The World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, attended by 20,000 environmentalists and representatives from 90 governments, focused on issues such as capitalism, genetically modified food, and global warming. Indigenous groups from around the world participated in the event, which took place in Tiquipaya and featured various activities such as concerts, theater, and an arts market. Countries like Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, known for their leftist stance, have been vocal critics of the Copenhagen accord, arguing that climate change disproportionately impacts southern nations despite being caused by northern countries. Canadian author Naomi Klein stated that if people recognize the importance of justice and decency, it signifies that countries in the southern hemisphere are not simply seeking aid. She believes that the Cochabamba meeting could strengthen cooperation among nations facing the impacts of climate change, leading to a more united front among developing countries. The meeting concluded with a resolution to establish an international tribunal to hold responsible parties accountable for global warming, as well as proposing a global referendum on climate change and the creation of a fund to assist nations dealing with its effects. The resolutions are not mandatory, but countries and social organizations that participated in the summit have committed to promoting them prior to the United Nations summit on climate change in Cancun, Mexico in December. Alicia Barcena, the top UN representative at the meeting, acknowledged on Tuesday that grassroots groups were excluded from the Copenhagen summit and expressed doubt about the effectiveness of the Cancun summit. She suggested that the Rio+20 Earth Summit on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 should be the ultimate goal.

The European Union executive has emphasized the importance of EU states fulfilling their commitments to increase aid to impoverished countries, stating that failing to reach U.N. goals would have dire consequences for developing nations and global stability. While progress has been made towards the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, there are still significant challenges such as high child mortality rates, lack of access to clean water, limited education opportunities, and widespread illiteracy among women. The Commission stressed that achieving these goals is crucial for developing countries, Europe, and global stability, and called for increased political and public support to make it happen. The EU executive urged EU states to follow through on their promises to increase development aid as a percentage of Gross National Income, highlighting the importance of this in addressing issues like migration, security, and climate change. Each of the 27 EU states was urged to create financial plans that demonstrate year by year increases to meet the goals. In 2007, the European Union, which is the world's largest aid donor, pledged over 46 billion euros in aid. However, this amount decreased by about 1.7 billion euros from the previous year, which could have funded 4,500 schools or 1,200 hospitals. Aid and development Commissioner Louis Michel described this decrease as a "serious failure." The Commission stressed the importance of more effective aid by preventing duplication of efforts, assisting developing countries in utilizing biofuels to combat poverty, and taking action to reduce brain drains, especially in the fields of health, education, and research. The Commission also noted that fundamental principles of aid effectiveness are not being followed and announced plans to propose improvements on a state-by-state basis. The text called for the allocation of 2 billion euros ($3.15 billion) by 2010 to the Aid for Trade program, which aims to assist poorer countries in taking advantage of export opportunities, particularly focusing on African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso stressed the need for action in 2008 rather than just words, emphasizing the importance of delivering on promises to maintain credibility. A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development revealed a decrease in development aid from major donors, largely due to the conclusion of significant debt relief packages. In 2000, 189 U.N. members established goals to eradicate poverty, promote human and social development, and protect the environment. In 2005, leaders of the European Union set goals for 2015 to reduce extreme poverty by half, provide primary education to all children, and enhance health standards. Aid from the EU reached 0.38 percent of the Gross National Income (GNI) in the previous year, slightly below the target of 0.39 percent for 2006, which was successfully achieved. The European Commission calculated that Official Development Assistance equated to 93 euros per EU citizen, surpassing the figures of 53 euros per person in the United States and 44 euros per person in Japan.

However, there is some discouraging news: In conversations with Oscar voters, many have expressed concern over whether there are even 10 exceptional films to consider for voting this year. While greatness is subjective, this year's pool of Oscar contenders is notably diverse, including mainstream blockbusters, foreign dramas, and a comedy with Meryl Streep as the president. If voters feel that there are not enough deserving films to fill out their 10 slots, it may be because they have not explored all the options thoroughly. I have viewed all the major Oscar contenders for this year, except for Guillermo del Toro's "Nightmare Alley," and while there is some consensus forming around the top contenders, there are still several exciting films that could make the final lineup. I have identified six movies with the strongest chances for best picture, as well as a selection of other worthy films that voters can consider. One question on many minds is whether Steven Spielberg's new musical, "West Side Story," could replicate the success of the original 1961 version and win best picture at the Oscars. After receiving standing ovations this week, the film "West Side Story" has been moved to the top position. Steven Spielberg's clever reimagining of the original material combines classic grandeur with modern concerns, making it a favorite among Oscar voters. Following last year's more intimate Academy Awards ceremony, a large-scale Steven Spielberg musical premiering exclusively in theaters is just the type of project that the film industry and the Oscars will likely support. In comparison, "Belfast" is a modest film that runs for only 97 minutes, never exceeding its boundaries and concluding at the perfect moment. However, its modesty may prevent it from nabbing the top spot at the Oscars. Kenneth Branagh's "Belfast" has been well-received in the academy, but "West Side Story" has more glamour and has earned around $5 million at the box office. The film is waiting for the return of the older art-house crowd to potentially become a sleeper hit. Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" has generated buzz for the performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, and could put Campion in the running for a major Oscar. However, winning the best director award may be more likely than taking home the best picture prize. The movie "King Richard," which tells the story of Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena Williams, is considered a strong contender for best actor due to Will Smith's performance. This increases its chances of being nominated for best picture, as the last 10 best actor winners all came from movies nominated in the top Oscar category. In contrast, only six of the last 10 best actress winners were from films nominated in the top category, indicating a need for more recognition of female-led films. Despite this, "King Richard" faced criticism for its weak opening weekend box office performance. In comparison, the trailer for "Being the Ricardos," directed by Aaron Sorkin, received backlash for downplaying Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Lucille Ball as potentially disastrous. However, once the film started being shown to enthusiastic guild audiences, Kidman's unexpected transformation with her smoky voice brought her closer to a potential second Oscar win. With a strong supporting cast that includes Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, J.K. Simmons, and Nina Arianda, "Being the Ricardos" is expected to be a major contender in the upcoming awards season. Another film to watch out for is "Don't Look Up" by Adam McKay, known for his previous hits "The Big Short" and "Vice." This star-studded satire about a comet threatening the end of the world features Oscar favorites Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance, and Jonah Hill. Set against the backdrop of a potential apocalypse, "Don't Look Up" provides a timely commentary on the climate crisis and current global events, making it a standout among other period-piece films. These two movies are sure to be strong contenders in the upcoming awards season. Which other movies are still competing for the final four spots? It is beneficial to have a strong best-actor candidate leading your film. Expect a strong push for the musical "Cyrano," starring Peter Dinklage, Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Tick, Tick... Boom!," with Andrew Garfield, and Joel Coen's "The Tragedy of Macbeth," featuring Denzel Washington. Also, Joaquin Phoenix's "C'mon C'mon" should not be underestimated, despite being a tender drama about child-raising. Hopefully, voters will recognize the wonderful films contending in the best-actress category and give them a chance for a best-picture nomination. The group of potential Oscar contenders includes Paul Thomas Anderson’s "Licorice Pizza," which marks the film acting debut of musician Alana Haim. Pedro Almodóvar’s "Parallel Mothers," which earned Penélope Cruz the Volpi Cup for best actress at the Venice Film Festival, is also in the mix. Renate Reinsve won best actress at Cannes for her role in the romantic dramedy "The Worst Person in the World," which has been gaining awards attention. At the Gotham Awards, Maggie Gyllenhaal's "The Lost Daughter" received several awards, including one for Olivia Colman's lead performance. Kristen Stewart is a strong contender for the Oscar for her portrayal of Princess Diana in "Spencer," directed by Pablo Larraín. With the recent influx of international members in the academy, Asghar Farhadi's "A Hero" and Paolo Sorrentino's "The Hand of God" could potentially secure nominations for best picture and best director, respectively. I am interested in "CODA," a dramedy centered on the hearing daughter of a deaf family. Despite starting 2021 with a successful Sundance sale, the film received less attention when it arrived on Apple TV+ during the summer. Although it has not been widely discovered by audiences, two wins at the recent Gotham Awards may boost its popularity. Additionally, the sci-fi epic "Dune" is expected to be a strong contender in various technical categories. The positive reception of "West Side Story" may alleviate the pressure to include "Dune" in the best-picture category solely for its blockbuster status, but I believe it still has a good chance due to its quality and the director Denis Villeneuve's efforts against a sudden shift to HBO Max. This year's best-picture montage will be much more visually appealing with the inclusion of large sandworms.

A draft report for European Union finance ministers suggests that by 2020, poor countries will require around 100 billion euros ($142 billion) annually to assist them in reducing emissions as part of the fight against climate change. The report, obtained by Reuters, outlines plans for competitive tenders to be held by the EU to secure funding from wealthier nations, with developing countries presenting their most cost-effective projects for emissions reduction. These documents highlight the EU's developing strategy leading up to the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. Finance ministers will discuss and refine the bloc's position at a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. The primary concern at the Copenhagen talks will be securing the necessary funding to encourage developing nations to reduce emissions, as well as additional support to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change that they argue have been exacerbated by wealthy, industrialized nations. Between 50% and 66% of the most cost-effective options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 or 2030 are located in developing countries, according to a document on funding requirements from the EU's Economic Policy Committee and the Economic and Financial Committee. Environmentalists view this document as evidence that Europe's economic experts acknowledge the importance of supporting developing nations in the fight against climate change. Greenpeace campaigner Joris den Blanken questions whether finance ministers will overlook the advice of their experts or endorse the recognition of the needs in developing countries. Poor countries could partly offset the costs of reducing emissions through deforestation by cleaning up power generation and industry, which would lead to reduced reliance on expensive fossil fuels. However, an additional 100 billion euros per year in investments will still be necessary by 2020, including 71 billion euros for industry and energy sector improvements, 18 billion euros for forest conservation, and 5 billion euros for agriculture emissions reductions. The numbers may seem large, but they are more manageable when compared to the significant subsidies for fossil fuels in developing countries and agricultural subsidies among OECD states, according to the report. In addition to reducing their own emissions, developing nations will also need assistance in adapting to climate change, such as developing drought-resistant crops and building levees against rising sea levels. The exact cost of adaptation in these countries is difficult to determine due to uncertainties about the specific impacts of global warming, but the report estimated it could be 23-54 billion euros per year by 2030.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to gather countries most severely impacted by climate change to advocate for climate funds during the upcoming 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Summit, as stated by an official on Saturday. Hasina will address climate change issues, engage in discussions with leaders of nations that contribute UN peacekeeping troops, and cover various other topics, according to Foreign Secretary Mohamed Mizarul Quayes. She is scheduled to depart on September 21, arrive in the US on September 22, and remain there for a week before returning on September 29. Quayes, who will accompany the prime minister's delegation to the UN assembly, revealed that Hasina will participate in a meeting of 25 heads of state and government on climate change organized by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on September 22. At this gathering, she will aim to unite the most severely affected nations and address compensation claims for climate change, specifically advocating for compensation for least developed countries as the chair of the LDC Group. Quayes stated that the outcome depends on how other countries, affected by global warming, respond. Bangladesh is at the forefront of nations dealing with the consequences of global warming, caused by human activities, and is seeking support for adaptation. Developing nations argue that they will bear the brunt of climate change despite having the least impact, calling on wealthy nations to acknowledge their financial obligations. The UN and World Bank have both called on wealthy nations to take on their moral responsibility. US President Barack Obama and Sheikh Hasina are set to participate in a meeting with nine countries that contribute significantly to UN peacekeeping efforts globally. Bangladesh plays a significant role in peacekeeping missions, with approximately 10,000 personnel participating in various missions globally. The United Nations has approximately 115,000 troops, police, and civilians involved in 16 peacekeeping missions across regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Cyprus, Kosovo, Western Sahara, and Haiti. These missions face challenges including a lack of personnel, equipment, helicopters, and other essential resources. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, currently in the US, will be attending a ministerial meeting before the general assembly. Moni recently met with Isabel Guerrero, the World Bank vice president for the South Asia Region, in Washington DC to discuss the bank's regional plans. Earlier, on September 17th, Dipu Moni had a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Dipu Moni is expected to go back to Bangladesh in the beginning of October.

Speaking at the One Planet Summit in Paris, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh announced plans to increase tree coverage by two percent in her country over the next five years. She called on developed nations to uphold their commitments to climate justice and emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in securing the world's future. The summit, held at the Elysee Palace and attended by leaders from various levels of government and finance sectors, aimed to enhance global efforts in combating climate change. Despite being a developing nation, Bangladesh currently allocates over one percent of its GDP towards addressing climate change, as it is one of the most vulnerable countries to its effects despite not being a major contributor to the issue. With our limited resources, we are addressing the consequences of climate change through mitigation and adaptation. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Elysse Place in Paris for the One Planet Summit, where she discussed the challenges Bangladesh faces due to the influx of over a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Despite providing shelter to them on forest land in Cox's Bazar, the crisis has had a significant impact on the environment in that area. In this scenario, climate adaptation has become a significant challenge. Stressing the importance of afforestation in addressing environmental degradation, she mentioned a $50.76 million project aimed at conserving the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. In the coastal areas, efforts have been made to create green belts to protect against cyclones, tidal surges, coastal erosion, and saline water intrusion. Approximately 67,000 hectares of land have been earmarked for afforestation in this region, stated the prime minister. Bangladesh is working to enhance the resilience of its agriculture to climate change impacts. Measures are also being taken to reduce reliance on groundwater for urban water supply. Prime Minister Hasina expressed appreciation for Macron's leadership on this issue and reaffirmed her commitment to implementing the 2015 Paris climate accord. The prime minister remembered the introduction of the Global Pact for the Environment at the UN in September of this year. She expressed her strong belief that collaborative actions for resilience and adaptation would help promote peace, stability, prosperity, and address inequalities within societies.

The G77 and China, a major influential group, left the negotiation at 3am BdST on Wednesday due to developed countries refusing to allocate funds separately for loss and damage. Some countries, including the US, Australia, and Canada, were pushing for a separate mechanism on the issue of loss and damage. Developing country negotiator Quamrul Islam Chowdhury stated that the walkout occurred because some parties were trying to simplify the issue into disaster risk reduction. Differences among parties were highlighted by Dr Ainun Nishat, who stated that the G77 and China wanted an independent work stream reporting to COP, while some developed countries wanted it under the adaptation commitment. Developed countries were not in favor of providing financial support to the loss and damage mechanism. The Bangladesh delegation emphasized the need for a clear global understanding on mitigation and adaptation, along with addressing loss and damage with commensurate financing, technology development, and capacity building for a legally binding agreement in Paris in 2015. The delegation expressed disappointment that an institutional mechanism on loss and damage could not be agreed upon during COP 19. The press conference also included statements from Secretary Shafiqur Rahman, Ainun Nushat, Dr Asaduzzaman, and Md Quamrul Islam Chowdhury.

Cameron is eager to launch strikes against Islamic State in Syria soon, believing that Britain cannot rely on other countries for security after the Paris attacks. He is seeking approval from the House of Commons to avoid a repeat of a previous defeat in 2013, but this has caused further divisions within the Labour Party. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has criticized Cameron for rushing into war and urged Labour lawmakers to reconsider their support for military action in Syria. Cameron's cabinet has approved the motion to extend air strikes to Syria, as well as Iraq, where British warplanes have been targeting since last year. He emphasized that the debate in parliament would be thorough and last 10-1/2 hours. When asked about the likelihood of securing a majority, he responded by saying "Let's wait and see." Cameron is almost guaranteed to receive parliamentary approval after Corbyn announced that his members of parliament would be allowed to vote based on their conscience, a departure from the usual practice of leaders instructing MPs how to vote on important matters. Reports suggest that around 50 Labour MPs will support the government, despite their leader, an experienced anti-war activist, hoping to convince them otherwise. Corbyn stated that Cameron's argument did not meet the demands of his party, and urged every MP to make their own decision on whether British troops should be deployed in another Middle East conflict without a clear end goal. A lot of British people are cautious about getting involved in more expensive military operations in the Middle East, given that previous interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan did not bring stability and may have contributed to the emergence of groups like Islamic State. Despite the British finance minister estimating the cost of extending air strikes into Syria to be in the "low tens of millions of pounds," some members of parliament who were initially against the idea now believe it is necessary to protect the country from attacks like the one in Paris. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon emphasized the need for Britain to launch air strikes against Islamic State in Syria during a meeting with MPs.

In a letter to the International Monetary Fund Executive Board that was released on Thursday, attorney Lanny Breuer from Covington & Burling raised concerns about potential errors in the investigation report conducted by WilmerHale. This law firm was hired by the World Bank's board to look into data irregularities in the "Doing Business" rankings. The report suggested that while Georgieva was CEO of the World Bank in 2017, she exerted pressure on staff to manipulate data in favor of China during a time when the bank was seeking support from Beijing. Georgieva has refuted these allegations. Breuer, a former US Justice Department official who served as special counsel to former President Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial in 1999, has made these claims as Georgieva seeks support from the IMF board. The board recently interviewed both Georgieva and WilmerHale and will discuss the matter further on Friday. France has announced its plan to support Georgieva at the upcoming board meeting, according to a source from the French Finance Ministry. Georgieva has denied the accusations of pressuring staff to manipulate data, calling them "outrageous and untrue," and stating that her statements were taken out of context by WilmerHale. She released a detailed statement to the board on Thursday. Her attorney, Breuer, emphasized that Georgieva has not been informed that she is under investigation or given the opportunity to review and respond to the report's findings, as outlined in Staff Rule 3.00 covering World Bank Office of Ethics and Business Conduct procedures. The WilmerHale report stated that their investigation initially focused on board officials in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Board Officials, which is different from the staff rule mentioned by Breuer. The firm confirmed that they followed all relevant World Bank rules and informed Dr. Georgieva that their report would be presented to the World Bank Board, with the possibility of disclosing any information she provided. According to an email sent in July from WilmerHale to Georgieva, the firm was conducting a review into irregularities in Doing Business data and staff misconduct as authorized by World Bank Staff Rule 3.00. In 2017, when Georgieva was the World Bank CEO, she was considered a member of staff, not a board official. The email to Georgieva requested her to speak with investigators because they believe she may have information that could assist with their review, emphasizing that she is not the subject of their investigation. The World Bank's General Counsel's office stated that the investigation into the Doing Business 2018 and 2020 reports was carried out in accordance with World Bank regulations.

The presidents of France and Brazil emphasized the importance of rich countries providing increased aid to developing nations in order to effectively combat global warming and reach a climate agreement in Copenhagen. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, speaking at a climate summit in Manaus, acknowledged progress made by China and the United States in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but stressed the need for more assistance for developing countries to address climate change and achieve their goals. Lula highlighted the importance of supporting the poor nations without compromising their sovereignty, pointing to Brazil's investment fund for conservation in the Amazon rainforest as an example of this approach. Norway has so far contributed the most in donations. Climate negotiators have not made much progress in addressing how wealthy countries can assist poorer nations in combating global warming. French President Nicolas Sarkozy emphasized the importance of providing financial assistance from developed countries to developing ones at the Copenhagen summit, stating that action needs to be taken immediately. Sarkozy expressed support for Washington's target to reduce emissions by 17 percent by 2020. The European Union estimates the cost to help developing nations combat global warming at around $100 billion annually. Developing countries believe that wealthy nations should contribute between 0.5 percent and 1 percent of their GDP. Brazil has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 36.1 to 38.9 percent by 2020 and is seeking a larger role in climate negotiations. However, only one other South American leader, Guyana's Bharrat Jagdeo, attended the Manaus summit to discuss a united stance on climate issues for the upcoming Copenhagen conference.

European Union leaders have reached an agreement on a proposal to present at the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. Developing countries will require 100 billion euros by 2020 to address climate change, with a portion coming from the public funds of wealthy nations, including the EU. This development was hailed as a significant breakthrough by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. East European countries stated that the summit resolved a disagreement on how to divide the EU's share of the bill in a manner that would not negatively impact their economies as they bounce back from crisis. The Polish minister for Europe, Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, described this as a success for Poland, emphasizing the desire for rapid development and not being relegated to a museum of eastern European folklore. However, leaders did not reach a specific agreement on how to divide the bill and delegated this task to a new working party. "I would have preferred for this burden-sharing mechanism to be ready now, but unfortunately, it proved to be too challenging," stated Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The two-day summit successfully obtained a complicated negotiating mandate for the Copenhagen discussions in order to find a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol, the United Nations initiative to combat climate change that will expire in 2012. The success of these discussions is likely to depend on financial resources. Developing nations are insisting on adequate funds from wealthier countries in order to commit to addressing climate change, as the latter are primarily responsible for environmental damage due to their use of oil and coal in their industries over many years. Developing countries may use these funds to adjust their agricultural practices or seek new water sources in areas suffering from drought. The European leaders have decided to delay their previous plans for providing "fast start" financing to developing nations in the three years leading up to a new climate deal. Oxfam, an anti-poverty group, criticized Europe's proposal for lacking sufficient funds and guarantees that the money would not be taken from existing aid commitments. Oxfam's Elise Ford warned that if rich countries divert aid money to pay for climate issues, it could harm efforts to fight poverty. The opposition from east European countries eased after Sweden, which led the talks, addressed the issue of "hot air" - the excess carbon permits held by eastern European states, Russia, and Ukraine. These countries have about 9 billion tonnes of spare permits from when their economies collapsed after the end of communist rule. The additional permits, referred to as AAUs, can be traded to major polluters like Japan for around 10 euros per tonne. Eastern European nations are in favor of continuing to sell AAUs in the new agreement that replaces Kyoto. However, countries like Germany argue that this practice weakens the agreement's integrity and advocate for eliminating them as they reduce the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to an EU diplomat, Sweden secured support from eastern Europe for the overall agreement by delaying significant action on AAUs. The agreement also includes commitments to reduce domestic emissions, with a promise to deepen cuts to 30 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 if other countries follow suit.

Hainan, known as "China's Hawaii," is on track to become a top tourist destination in Asia with its tropical climate and pristine beaches. The construction of the Haikou Master hotel and serviced apartments, previously stalled due to economic struggles, is now nearing completion and reflects the island's efforts to recover from a property bubble in the early 1990s. Agent Hong Weibin reported strong sales of luxury flats in the complex. Nearly all of the 16 million square meters of construction left unfinished after the economic crash has been either completed or demolished, leading to a resurgence of investors in Hainan. The previous unrestricted development approach has been replaced with a concentrated effort to transform the tropical island into a tourist destination comparable to Thailand's beach resorts. Numerous high-end resorts are now opening up, and plans are in place to expand the visa exemption program, establish duty-free shops, enhance infrastructure, construct airports, increase air connections, and promote foreign language education. Vice governor Chen Cheng emphasized tourism as the most distinctive, promising, and competitive industry in Hainan during the unveiling of a development strategy last month. "It is quite appealing," stated Ian Zheng, who is the Managing Director of the Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund. The fund holds a $150 million stake in the company that owns Hainan's main airports and also has investments in a Beijing property firm operating in Hainan. Zheng expressed confidence in the investment, stating, "I do not anticipate any significant risks." The potential for growth in the tourism industry on the island is high, with a growing number of domestic tourists and the vast Chinese market presenting opportunities for resorts. Peter Pedersen, general manager of Banyan Tree Sanya, mentioned the estimated 450 million middle-class Chinese expected in the next decade, highlighting the potential for growth in the industry. "I believe that Sanya has great potential." In the past month, both the Ritz-Carlton and the Banyan Tree, luxury branches of major hotel companies, have opened resorts in Sanya, home to the island's top beach resort. The Mandarin Oriental is also set to open later this year. This development signifies a significant transformation for Hainan, previously recognized in China primarily for inexpensive package tours. "Sanya is emerging as a new tropical destination in Asia, and it is the only tropical island in China," Pedersen stated to Reuters. "It is increasingly sought after by both the local and international tourist markets. It is a perfect location," he stated while standing on top of one of the resort's private pool villas, which are priced at around 5,000 yuan per night. Hainan, after becoming the country's youngest and most economically liberal province in 1988, experienced rapid development. However, officials went as far as attempting to sell the city's main park to developers in their excitement. While other coastal provinces prospered, Hainan struggled. Now, Hainan appears to be on the road to recovery, but analysts and investors caution that there may be imbalances and conflicts that could disrupt the island's resurgence. In Haikou, the capital city, about 60 percent of new apartments are being purchased as second homes by individuals not from Hainan, a situation that Mayor Xu Tangxian has acknowledged. Xu mentioned in an interview that there are areas where all the homes have been sold, but remain unoccupied at night. Although the majority of tourists in Hainan are Chinese mainlanders, with 18 million visitors last year compared to just 750,000 international tourists, the government is making efforts to attract wealthy foreigners to help enhance the island's reputation and economy. The provincial tourism bureau head, Zhang Qi, stated last month that the objective is to attract 20 renowned international hotel management companies within five years and increase the number of five-star, internationally recognized resorts to 60 or more. With developers eagerly eyeing the tourism growth, reports of typical misconduct are starting to surface. In Longqiao, a rural township located approximately a 40-minute drive from Haikou, the red earth is being plowed in large swaths to create golfing fairways on the low hills. Local residents claim that government officials persuaded them to sell their land for the construction of a golf course. In early April, rumors spread that the government had sold the land to the developer for a significantly higher price than what the locals received, causing outrage among the community. This led to an angry mob overturning a police car. Subsequently, when a group gathered at a nearby schoolyard, witnesses reported that police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Some individuals in the southern town of Sanya believe that bottlenecks and corruption issues are beginning to have negative effects. A Western investor mentioned that he was facing difficulties in starting a project due to excessive corruption. The permit approval process has been significantly delayed, causing frustration. However, despite these challenges, optimism about Hainan's potential for tourism remains strong. There is a belief that the issues seen in Sanya are just the beginning of larger problems. "The island of Hainan remains quite large. There are beaches stretching almost all the way to the capital Haikou. The island has a diameter of 350 km," stated Pedersen from Banyan Tree Sanya. "There are endless possibilities here."

According to an influential report on global warming by former World Bank chief economist Nicholas Stern, India is likely to face severe consequences of climate change, including reduced agricultural output, more frequent natural disasters, and an increase in deaths due to higher rates of diseases. Stern warned that if greenhouse gas emissions are not controlled, global temperatures could rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius in the next 50 years. Speaking to Indian business leaders, Stern highlighted the potential impact on India's economy, particularly on the crucial June-September monsoon rains that are essential for crop production. He mentioned the possibility of changes in the monsoon patterns, such as varying starting dates, increased intensity, and prolonged periods of drought. "He stated that there is a high probability of disruption. India is expected to face similar challenges as the rest of the world, and possibly even more severe ones. Experts predict that a temperature increase of 2 to 3.5 degrees Celsius could result in a loss of agricultural revenue ranging from nine to 25 percent for India. Agriculture accounts for approximately 22 percent of India's GDP. Additionally, rising temperatures could lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever to higher altitude areas that are currently mosquito-free." The head of Britain's Economic Service stated that if the Himalayan glaciers continue to melt, there is a high possibility of increased deaths leading to decreased productivity. He also mentioned that this melting could cause severe floods in Bangladesh due to rising sea levels, prompting mass migration into India. Additionally, he warned that the reduced water flow from the glaciers during India's dry season would have significant repercussions. Experts predict that the melting glaciers will impact a large portion of the global population, particularly those in the Indian subcontinent, with India's Ganga river supporting over 500 million people by receiving 70 percent of its summer water flow from the Himalayan glaciers. Stern noted that India was making strides in addressing emissions challenges and investing in clean development methods. However, he emphasized that climate change disproportionately affects poorer nations, even though wealthier countries are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of all countries participating in solutions, but also argued that rich nations should bear the majority of the financial burden.

British NGO Oxfam emphasized the need for quick outcomes at the UN climate talks starting in Cancún, México on Monday. In a statement before the talks on Sunday, Oxfam highlighted the increase in weather-related disasters, extreme temperatures, flooding, and rising sea levels in 2010 as indications for negotiators to find a resolution. Quoting from an Oxfam report on the importance of reaching a resolution at the climate talks, the statement mentioned that around 21,000 people lost their lives due to weather-related disasters in the first nine months of 2010, which was more than double the casualties in 2009. The report's author, Tim Gore, warned that the situation is likely to worsen as climate change continues to escalate. The human toll of climate change in 2010 serves as a stark reminder of the urgency for progress in Cancun, according to the report. The statement also mentioned that Oxfam is advocating for a fair Climate Fund to ensure that the most vulnerable parties receive the necessary funds. The organization is emphasizing the important role of women in helping communities adapt to climate change and is calling for them to be a priority in fund distribution. It is urging countries to explore new fundraising methods, such as taxing unregulated international aviation and shipping emissions and implementing a tax on financial transactions at banks. Oxfam also noted that quicker action will reduce the costs of addressing climate change, with estimates showing that every dollar spent on adaptation could prevent $60 worth of destruction. Gore pointed out that Cancun will not meet all the requirements of a comprehensive global response to climate change. It has the potential to produce results that will positively impact disadvantaged individuals. A crucial accomplishment would be the establishment of a just climate fund, as this could also contribute to rebuilding confidence and getting the negotiations back on course.

In an interview with bdnews24.com from Glasgow during the final hours of negotiations at the COP26 summit on Friday, the Bangladeshi scientist stated that the other parties do not want to give in to any of our demands and are trying to block everything. Despite this, he mentioned that they will persist in their efforts to persuade them to make commitments until the end. Huq, who is the director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Dhaka, has been present at all 26 COP meetings since the first one in Berlin in 1995. The emissions cuts that have been promised by the major climate polluters globally are projected to result in a concerning 2.7-degree Celsius increase in average global temperatures, which is significantly higher than the more ambitious goal of 1.5C outlined in the Paris agreement and supported by scientists. Affluent nations, which had pledged to provide $100 billion annually starting in 2020 to assist developing countries in transitioning to cleaner growth and adapting to climate risks, have now delayed meeting that target until 2023. A recent draft agreement at the Glasgow talks called for a doubling of funds for developing nations to address climate impacts, and urged all countries to enhance their emissions reduction goals by the following year. However, contentious issues such as funding, emission reduction timelines, and the inclusion of "fossil fuels" in the agreement continue to divide nations. These disagreements suggest that reaching a comprehensive agreement at the United Nations talks may prove challenging despite efforts from activists and scientists. Scientific consensus indicates that in order to prevent the most disastrous effects of global warming, the world must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost half by 2030. However, current targets set by countries would result in emissions continuing to increase. Professor Huq expressed determination to continue working towards reaching an agreement on these issues, stating "We will try until the end. The war has not ended. We won't give up now." On Wednesday, the United States and China announced a deal to increase collaboration in addressing climate change, which includes reducing methane emissions, decreasing coal consumption, and preserving forests. A joint declaration on climate change between China and the US marks a return to a time when the two largest carbon emitters came together to support the 2015 Paris Agreement. However, more action is needed from both countries to truly address the climate crisis. Professor Huq praised the agreement but noted that there are still unanswered questions. He emphasized the importance of China and the US taking concrete steps to reduce fossil fuel emissions and encouraging other countries to do the same at the upcoming COP26 talks in Glasgow. However, the announcement lacks specific details, leaving uncertainty about what has truly occurred. Delegates and negotiators from Bangladesh, a nation highly susceptible to climate change impacts, expressed their perspectives at various levels of the talks, both privately and publicly. The primary focus is on negotiations and what can be attained from different governments, as it is challenging to obtain concessions from wealthier nations. This situation is likened to a war.

Australia is one of the world's top carbon emitters per capita due to its heavy reliance on coal-fired power. The conservative government, led by the new deputy PM, has hindered the country's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by supporting the fossil fuel industries. The government argues that taking tougher action on emissions would lead to job losses, despite the fact that mining only accounts for around 2 percent of overall jobs in Australia. However, there is a need for a more honest and rational conversation about what is truly in Australia's best interests. The UN has called for phasing out coal by 2030 in OECD countries, including Australia, but a deal to phase out coal by 2025 was not reached in July by the G20 energy and environment ministers. However, certain analysts suggested that there is potential for advancements at the UN climate conference in Glasgow in November. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated that Australia is moving towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, though he has not specified a timeline for this goal. He has mentioned that Australia will revise its 2030 emissions projections ahead of the Glasgow talks. In contrast, many other industrialized nations have committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Hart recommended that the Australian government take advantage of this opportunity and transition to renewable energy sources. He stated that if coal is not quickly eliminated worldwide, climate change will cause widespread damage to the Australian economy, affecting industries such as agriculture, tourism, and services.

The election was canceled by the Constitutional Court on Friday, and the head of the Election Commission stated that it would take months before a new vote could be organized. This leaves Yingluck in charge of a weakened caretaker government with limited authority. The ongoing crisis is the most recent development in an eight-year conflict between Bangkok's middle class and royalist establishment on one side, and supporters of Yingluck and her brother Thaksin Shinawatra on the other. Thaksin, who was removed as prime minister by the army in 2006, currently resides in Dubai to avoid imprisonment for abuse of power. Despite showing restraint for several months, Thaksin's supporters, known as the "red shirts," are now becoming more aggressive under new hardline leadership. A call has been made for a major gathering on April 5. Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the "red-shirts" United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, informed supporters late on Saturday that the destination, whether it be Bangkok or elsewhere, will be revealed at a later time. Jatuporn was involved in organizing the "red-shirts" uprising against a previous government, which resulted in a violent military crackdown in May 2010, causing over 90 deaths. Jatuporn is still facing terrorism charges from the events of 2010. In the current political turmoil, 23 people have died and over 700 have been injured since November. Addressing approximately 10,000 individuals in Pattaya, located to the southeast of Bangkok, Nisit Sintuprai issued a caution to Suthep Thaugsuban, the former opposition figure who has been leading demonstrations against Yingluck since November. Sintuprai emphasized the desire of the majority in the country for democracy and governance through elections, stating that they cannot accept a prime minister appointed by Suthep's supporters. The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) led by Suthep is advocating for electoral changes that would decrease the influence of Thaksin and his strong backing from the rural population in the north and northeast. Parties affiliated with Thaksin have emerged victorious in every election since 2001, and it is widely predicted that Yingluck's Puea Thai Party would win any upcoming election under the current system. IMPEACHMENT IS POSSIBLE FOR PM YINGLUCK AS SUPPORTERS DISRUPT ELECTION Suthep's supporters caused disruptions during the February 2 election, leading to voting being prevented in 28 constituencies. The Constitutional Court recently declared the ballot illegal due to the requirement for voting to take place nationwide on the same day. The Election Commission will convene on Monday to determine the next steps, though there had been reluctance to hold the February election amidst the political turmoil. Talks between opposing factions may be sought before setting a new polling date. The future of Yingluck's caretaker government is uncertain, with the immediate threat being impeachment over alleged negligence regarding a failed rice-buying scheme that has resulted in significant financial losses. This plan boosted Yingluck's popularity in the 2011 election, but this year, thousands of farmers, who are typically strong supporters of Thaksin, have protested in Bangkok because they have not received payment for their rice. Yingluck is facing scrutiny from an anti-corruption commission and could potentially be impeached soon after. If she is impeached, the Senate, which is expected to have an anti-Thaksin majority after an election on March 30, could remove her from office. Some experts believe that the Senate may then appoint a "neutral" prime minister, likely a figure favored by the anti-government demonstrators. Analysts suggest that independent agencies are pushing for Yingluck's removal and the dissolution of her entire cabinet in order to create a power vacuum and install a prime minister of their choosing. Kan Yuenyong, an analyst at the Siam Intelligence Unit, highlighted the courts and the anti-corruption commission as the key players in this process. He warned that if the government proceeds with their plan, their supporters will retaliate, leading to a more turbulent second half of the year. The economy is at risk due to the violence, with recent incidents including grenades near a judge's home, a car bomb near a protest camp in Bangkok, and explosive devices in Chiang Mai province. One of the targets was the Boon Rawd Brewery, known for producing Singha beer. One of the family members who owns it has been actively participating in PDRC rallies. Consumer confidence is currently very low, with the central bank recently lowering its economic growth forecast for 2014 to 2.7 percent from 3 percent. This is a significant decrease from the 4.8 percent forecast made in October last year, before the protests began. The stock market showed little reaction to Friday's court decision. Some stock analysts view the cancellation of the election as a positive development, as they believe it will encourage negotiations between political adversaries. Standard and Poor's rating agency expressed a contrasting opinion, stating that the Thai court's decision will likely prolong and potentially escalate the country's political divide, aligning with their anticipation of long-lasting political risks. Agost Benard, the associate director of sovereign ratings, made this statement.

Farhad Saffi, looking sadly at his idle Milli Boot Factory in Kabul, is concerned that he is witnessing the failure of a dream for Afghanistan. The factory was once a symbol of local manufacturing and employment opportunities, but a decision by the US government to shift procurement to Afghanistan has resulted in local officials choosing cheaper boots from China and Pakistan. This unexpected change has left Saffi with a surplus of raw materials and no contracts, despite promises of stability from the US government. When the facility first opened, Afghan and US generals were excited to have their photos taken with the local success story. Inside the large white sheds, which used to house PVC piping machinery but now contain high-tech German injection molding and boot-making equipment, US Navy Rear Admiral Kathleen Dussault visited in 2010 to award 23-year-old Saffi with a quality certificate. This allowed the plant to supply the Afghan National Security Forces with top-quality boots under contracts valued at up to $40 million annually. Saffi's leather boots, which had undergone extensive quality testing in the United States, were sold for $62 per pair. In comparison, Chinese-made boots with imitation leather cost the Afghan government $22 per pair in a contract for up to 700,000 pairs per year. Despite the Afghan government's insistence on lower prices, Saffi explained that he could not sell his boots for less than $40, as the cost of the leather alone was $40 per pair. The inexpensive Chinese boots, made of fake leather, tend to fall apart easily. However, from 2002 to the end of 2011, a total of $85.5 billion was allocated for reconstruction in Afghanistan, with an additional $57 billion in international aid. NATO-led forces, responsible for procurement for Afghan security forces during the decade-long conflict, have been following "Afghan First" rules since 2010, prioritizing purchases from local companies to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and support anti-insurgent efforts. Afghan businesses were awarded contracts for items such as uniforms, boots, textiles, furniture, tents, software, and transformers, resulting in the creation of 15,000 jobs and saving $650 million on combat-related imports. Despite these savings, the daily cost of the war is estimated to be around $200 million. The Afghan First Policy aims to prevent locals from joining the Afghan Taliban fighters by providing better jobs and incomes. The $10-a-day Talib nickname refers to the payment offered to potential fighters. Some of the 700 workers laid off from Saffi's factory are considering joining the Taliban due to lack of other job opportunities as Western nations and NGOs plan to leave the country with the withdrawal of NATO combat troops in 2014. The workers believe that reopening the factory is crucial to avoid joining the Taliban for employment. "We need to support our families," explained Ares Khan, 23, while packing some of the final boots being produced by Milli before the government makes a decision. Employees at the factory were making between $400 and $900 per month, which is higher than the average salary in a country where nearly a third of the 30 million citizens live below the poverty line. However, many business owners and workers are concerned that security will deteriorate once Western businesses leave, taking job opportunities and investments with them to safer locations, as the wealthy elite in Afghanistan have been doing for years. Khan's friend, Khair Mohammad, who came to Kabul from Ghazni province, where NATO forces are currently involved in one of the last major offensives of the war, also believes that there is no future outside of the insurgency if the Afghan government cuts off job opportunities. "I am the only breadwinner for my family of sixteen people." Mohammad stated that when he returns to Ghazni, he will need to join the Taliban due to the high living costs in Afghanistan caused by the more than $12 billion spent on the war annually. US military officials have decided to entrust a significant portion of procurement to the Afghan government as part of the transition to Afghan security and control, with responsibility now resting with the Defence and Interior Ministries. Afghan companies, according to Kakiel, have provided a wide range of supplies for the country's security forces, including boots, uniforms, sleeping bags, construction, and IT services. The security forces are expected to total around 352,000. Milli is not the only company facing challenges due to the switch to local procurement. Other uniform and equipment suppliers are also concerned about expiring contracts or losing orders to competitors from other countries. Another company executive, who chose to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution, stated that his company had invested millions of dollars into the business, but their supply contracts are now uncertain. "The government has not confirmed if they will renew our contracts or choose to work with companies from other countries," the executive explained. Lieutenant-General Abdul Basir Asafzari, in charge of logistics and procurement at the Ministry of Defence, expressed concern about the company's reliance on imported materials from the US for manufacturing in Kabul, emphasizing the importance of securing contracts to avoid laying off employees. He noted that only 30 percent of the current supply was sourced from Afghan companies, with President Hamid Karzai urging the military to prioritize local firms. Asafzari explained that Milli's contracts were terminated due to importing substandard boots from China and other countries and misrepresenting them. He stated that Milli failed to meet its obligations. Asafzari stated that there were some complaints from soldiers regarding the quality of the boots. However, Mohammad Akbar Ahmadzai from the NGO Building Markets, which supports entrepreneurs in developing countries to create jobs and investment, confirmed that Milli's boots were genuine and passed US quality tests. Some business experts, who requested to remain anonymous, suggested that Milli and other companies may have faced challenges in Afghanistan's system of bribes and patronage, with more well-connected competitors trying to eliminate them. NATO's Kakiel mentioned that misunderstanding complex contract terms, such as only one year of guaranteed sales, may have also contributed to the challenges faced by Milli and others. In 2011, US agencies contracted over $4 billion to Afghan companies out of a total of $17.3 billion by the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. More than 90 percent of the spending in Afghanistan was on products from Afghan sellers, construction, support services, and transportation. However, an audit by the US government's Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction found that the Afghan First Initiative had issues with contract solicitation and vetting, as well as limited data on claimed employment benefits. Saffi, who returned to Afghanistan after his family fled during Taliban rule, expressed disappointment in both the US government and the future promised by Karzai. His faith in the country and his company has been shaken. He mentioned that many people in Kabul's business community were feeling anxious due to the unpredictable investment environment and worsening security situation. This feeling was heightened by a bold Taliban attack in mid-April. Saffi explained that he had to hire 30 personal bodyguards to ensure his children's safety while attending school, and police snipers were stationed on the roof of his home. He compared the struggles of his failing company to the challenges faced by the country, with himself as the president of his company and Karzai as the president of the country. As his company was declining and employees were leaving, he felt a parallel to the state of the nation. The country will experience the same fate. It is essential for the president to effectively govern his nation.

Pressure is being put on the United States to set a 2020 goal for reducing greenhouse gases in order to improve the chances of reaching a climate deal in Copenhagen. The hosts of the preparatory meeting in Barcelona increased pressure on the United States, stating that they must not arrive in Copenhagen without a plan. African countries also demanded that rich countries, including the US, increase their emissions-cutting targets. The head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat emphasized the importance of the United States setting a clear target for reducing emissions at the Copenhagen conference. President Barack Obama, while addressing reporters at the White House, emphasized the significance of a particular element in the puzzle. He expressed optimism for a potentially crucial agreement in Copenhagen, but also acknowledged that it may not address all issues related to the matter. Obama highlighted the importance of taking a step forward and establishing a foundation for future advancements. The United States has not committed to a specific target for emission reduction by 2020, unlike the European Union and other developed nations that have set goals. Democrats in the US Senate plan to move forward with legislation in a key committee on Tuesday, despite a boycott by minority Republicans. The legislation aims to reduce US carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent from 2005 levels. However, even if the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approves the bill in the coming weeks, there is uncertainty about whether it will be approved by the full Senate this year. Delegates at the Barcelona talks emphasized the urgency of reaching a consensus on how to distribute emission reductions between wealthy and developing nations, as well as how to raise funds to support developing countries in addressing climate change. The issue of forests could further complicate the already challenging negotiations. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow will insist on considering Russia's forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This announcement came after talks with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who expressed hope of having enough progress to invite world leaders to the December conference soon. Australia reported a decrease in emissions last year, excluding the impact of forest fires. Both Denmark and the European Union urged Obama to take more action to reach a deal at the upcoming talks. Danish Climate and Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard expressed skepticism about Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo while sending a delegation to Copenhagen without tangible results. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren, who holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, noted that there has been a significant and real change in the American position, but they are still expecting more. The United States has stated its commitment to a UN deal, with head of the US delegation Jonathan Pershing in Barcelona emphasizing that the notion that the US is not making enough effort is incorrect. He pointed to various measures under Obama aimed at promoting clean energy and reducing emissions. Pershing stressed the importance of being a part of the Copenhagen deal, especially considering that the US is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China. African countries demanded stricter emissions reductions from developed nations, with Gambia, Ethiopia, and Algeria expressing support for leaving the UN talks, according to Antonio Hill from Oxfam. Protesters outside the conference center placed hundreds of ringing alarm clocks to emphasize the urgency of reaching an agreement to combat increasing temperatures, floods, heatwaves, wildfires, and rising sea levels.

US prosecutors are seeking the extradition of Meng Wanzhou, the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, on allegations that she misled banks about the company's operations in Iran, potentially putting the banks at risk of violating US sanctions. Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested in Vancouver on Dec 1. She maintains her innocence and plans to contest the allegations at trial if she is sent to the US. The judge in a bail hearing on Monday postponed the proceedings to Tuesday to further discuss who will be responsible for Meng if she is released. Meng's lawyer proposed a C$15 million bail guarantee and offered her husband as surety to ensure she does not flee. However, the judge and prosecutor raised doubts about Meng's husband's ability to fulfill his duty as he does not reside in British Columbia, where Vancouver is situated, and would not face consequences if she were to violate her bail terms. The arrest of Meng has caused turmoil in the markets amid concerns that it could escalate tensions between the United States and China, which are already high due to tariffs. Both countries have agreed to trade talks that need to be finalized by March 1. Beijing has demanded the immediate release of Meng and warned of potential repercussions for Canada. Despite this, officials from China and the US seem to be avoiding connecting her arrest with the trade dispute. Meng's attorney proposed putting up C$14 million worth of property and C$1 million in cash as security. The prosecutor requested that half of the guarantee be in cash and the other half in property. The judge questioned Meng's avoidance of travel to the United States since 2017, suggesting it may have been to evade arrest. Martin argued that Meng stayed away due to the negative perception of Huawei in the US, and questioned what reason she would have to flee. Martin claimed that the evidence against her was not strong enough. He stated that if she were to escape or violate any orders, it would be a huge embarrassment for China. Meng seemed calm and composed in court at the beginning of the day, but later appeared more anxious as she spoke quickly with her legal team. She is arguing that she should be released due to her severe hypertension and concerns for her health. Huawei is the top provider of telecommunications network equipment globally and the second largest producer of smartphones. It generated approximately $92 billion in revenue last year, and unlike many other major Chinese technology companies, conducts a significant portion of its business internationally. US authorities claim that Huawei attempted to utilize banks to transfer funds out of Iran, a violation of regulations prohibiting companies from utilizing the US financial system to provide goods and services to sanctioned entities. Huawei and its legal representatives maintain that the company adheres strictly to the laws, regulations, and sanctions of the United States and other relevant parties. The company stated on Monday that they will continue to monitor the bail hearing tomorrow and believe that both the Canadian and US legal systems will come to a fair decision.

Sánchez resides in Rincón, a coastal town in northwestern Puerto Rico known for surfing and beautiful sunsets. The town has become popular among wealthy investors seeking tax breaks. Despite his one-story home being only a short walk from the beach, Sánchez has received unsolicited offers from interested buyers. These investors are taking advantage of tax incentives aimed at bringing new residents and outside funds to Puerto Rico as the island works to recover from bankruptcy. The appeal of tax breaks has increased due to the coronavirus pandemic causing many companies to transition to remote work, prompting Americans living on the mainland to move to warmer areas. However, the arrival of wealthy new residents who must establish residency and purchase property in Puerto Rico within two years to maintain the tax breaks has led to higher home prices and the displacement of long-time residents who can no longer afford to stay. Hurricane Maria, which devastated thousands of homes in 2017, had already caused many residents to leave the island. The real estate boom, initially in San Juan, has now spread throughout the island with investors moving from the metropolitan area to smaller towns like Rincón. Apart from those seeking tax breaks, there are also new residents purchasing properties and driving up rents and home prices. However, it is the finance and tech investors seeking tax-break status that have garnered the most attention. Among them are cryptocurrency traders, who now frequent a seaside bar in Rincón for weekly happy hours. A new barbecue food truck that started operating in August accepts various cryptocurrencies as payment for its mainland-style chicken. The growing gentrification concerns many Puerto Ricans, leading them to question how an economy dependent on tax breaks for the wealthy can benefit local residents struggling to afford property. Gloria Cuevas Viera, a Rincón resident, expressed her sentiment by likening the impact of Hurricane Maria to putting a 'For Sale' sign on the island. A large number of investors purchase residential properties and later sell them at increased prices or convert them into short-term vacation rentals, transforming whole neighborhoods into Airbnb hubs and causing a lack of available housing for local residents. Forty-three percent of Puerto Ricans reside below the federal poverty line. Israel Matos, aged 45, must vacate his home in Rincón by March as the property was sold by the owner last year. Matos had the opportunity to purchase the house, but the option expired. The owner, hailing from Hermosa Beach, California, chose to sell to another buyer. Matos, a sound engineer for a television station, has been living in his home with his wife and two daughters for two years. He expressed frustration at being unable to find a suitable housing option in Rincón that fits his budget. Many Puerto Ricans are facing similar challenges due to rising property prices driven by outside investors. Matos described the situation as a father as incredibly difficult and unexpected. Many Puerto Ricans are unable to afford to stay in their homes due to outside investors purchasing properties and increasing prices. Demonstrators recently gathered in Old San Juan to protest tax breaks, particularly in front of a former children's museum now owned by Bitcoin billionaire Brock Pierce. The tax breaks fall under Act 60, which was initially enacted by the Puerto Rico government in 2012 as the island faced economic challenges, with increased interest following Hurricane Maria in 2017. In 2019, changes were made to the tax breaks in order to attract investors in finance, technology, and other industries. Moving to Puerto Rico can result in a reduction of income taxes on various sources of income for individuals. A billboard in Silicon Valley promotes Puerto Rico as a technology hub that aligns with the vision of potential investors. By October 2021, Puerto Rico had received a record-breaking 1,349 applications from individuals seeking to become resident investors, with 982 of them approved. Since 2012, over 4,286 applications have been approved, with more than 35% of them approved in the last three years. According to the law, an individual can be eligible for tax breaks if they have not resided in Puerto Rico for at least 10 years. To benefit from a 4% corporate tax rate and zero capital gains tax, the investor must also purchase a home. Unfortunately, the over 3 million Puerto Ricans already living on the island do not qualify for these tax breaks, leading to inequality in taxpayer responsibility. Heriberto Martínez Otero, the executive director of the Ways and Means Committee in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, expressed concern over this issue. He mentioned that renters who are forced to leave due to high housing prices may move to more affordable neighboring towns but may end up spending more on gas and tolls for commuting. Homeowners who have sold their properties have profited from the increase in property values, which Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi has praised. He mentioned that the passing of the tax law was motivated by a decline in the luxury real estate market, with the intention of attracting investors with capital to stimulate the real estate market. Policymakers were also worried about the significant decrease in the island's population due to economic challenges and natural disasters like Hurricane Maria. According to the census, the population of the island decreased by 11.8% from 2010 to 2020. Martínez Otero expressed concern that the purchase of residential properties by individuals who are not familiar with the consumption patterns in Puerto Rico is exacerbating the affordable housing crisis on the island. The increasing presence of outside investors buying properties is making it difficult for many Puerto Ricans to afford to remain in their homes. Sánchez, a homeowner in Rincón who also works as a landscaper, is involved in coordinating the town's federal Section 8 program, which offers affordable housing to low-income families through monthly $450 vouchers. However, he is facing challenges in finding homes at that price point. An oceanside meeting place in Rincón, Puerto Rico on January 13, 2022. Many residents of Puerto Rico are expressing concerns about being priced out of their homes due to outside investors purchasing properties and increasing costs. "I am concerned that local Puerto Ricans will not be able to afford to live or invest here and will be forced out," he explained. "I initially thought that property prices were only rising in the downtown area, but now even properties in the more remote mountain regions are becoming expensive." In Rincón, real estate broker Ingrid Badillo Carrero noted a significant increase in home prices over the past four years. In 2017, a two-bedroom condo would typically be listed at $290,000. Currently, the unit could now be priced at around $420,000, while the average annual income in Rincón is approximately $19,900. Badillo, who often works with investor clients looking for tax breaks, has been told by locals that he is selling out their country. Many investors are able to pay in cash, which is more appealing to sellers compared to selling to Puerto Ricans who may only be able to pay through a mortgage. In May, Elizabeth Stevenson and her husband, Tyler McNatt, relocated to Puerto Rico from Austin, Texas. They were seeking a way to avoid going to the office every day and began exploring investments in cryptocurrency as a means of generating income. Stevenson, who is a beneficiary of Act 60, is currently working as a consultant for a California movie producer who has relocated to Puerto Rico, in addition to trading cryptocurrency. Stevenson expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn and earn money in the cryptocurrency market. She recently signed a one-year lease for an apartment located a short walk from the beach. She is a member of multiple cryptocurrency groups for former mainland residents that frequently organize events in Rincón. Daniel Torgerson, a crypto investor who moved to Puerto Rico in June, organizes a weekly happy hour at the Aqua Marina Beach Club in Rincón. In early January, approximately 20 individuals gathered near the bar and pool, conversing under string lights and amidst the sounds of nocturnal coquí frogs. Torgerson inquired about everyone's feelings regarding the market that week and asked if there were any new projects they were enthusiastic about. One person mentioned solar bitcoin mining. Additionally, new residents have brought their children with them. Myriam Pérez Cruz, the principal at Manuel González Melo K-8 School in Rincón, mentioned that the school has had to incorporate additional coursework for students who are learning Spanish as a second language. In the 2016-17 academic year, a student survey found three native English speakers who required help with the Spanish language, according to Pérez. By the 2021-22 school year, this number had increased to 17 students. Matos, a resident of Rincón who needs to relocate by March, drove around searching for suitable rental signs. Following this, he visited the beach, sat on the sand, and attempted to unwind. However, shortly after parking his car, he began to feel uneasy. Matos mentioned that there were around 50 individuals at the beach, but he only noticed approximately five Puerto Ricans. He also remarked that Rincón has undergone significant changes.

The finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam has stated that the millennium development goals may not be achieved if donor countries do not fulfill their ODA commitments. Without proper official development assistance, many countries will continue to fall short of reaching these goals.

Global institutional investors with over $6 trillion in assets have urged policymakers to quickly come to an agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean technology. Over 130 major investors, including the London Pensions Fund Authority, are calling for countries to commit to cutting emissions by 50 percent to 80 percent by 2050, aligning with the climate policy favored by US President-elect Barack Obama. Additionally, investors are urging policymakers to establish long and medium term emission reduction targets for developed countries and to expand the global carbon market. US investors, such as the California Public Employees' Retirement System, have also been advocating for legislation to support clean technologies. They have also urged the US Securities and Exchange Commission to require publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related risks in addition to other factors impacting their business. Mike Taylor, CEO of London Pensions Fund Authority, emphasized the concern of institutional investors regarding the risks posed by climate change to the global economy and their portfolios. The group of global investors is calling for strong policies to support capital allocation towards low carbon investments. They are advocating for countries to commit to a new binding agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which established targets for industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and increase the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, wave power, and biofuels by the same deadline. The United States is the only major industrialized nation that has not accepted the Kyoto Protocol, but is actively engaged in talks to create a new global agreement. Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, a group of investors and environmental organizations focused on climate change, believes it is crucial for the United States to be part of this agreement. The global coalition of investors is aiming to make their concerns known before the upcoming climate change convention in Poland in December.

During the election campaign that began on Monday, opposition leader Anthony Albanese failed to address questions about unemployment and interest rates. Prime Minister Morrison criticized Albanese and the Labour Party for their economic management skills, highlighting the economic opportunities post-pandemic. Despite polls showing Labour ahead, Morrison was still favored as the country's leader. Albanese apologized for his mistakes in handling economic data. He quoted Taylor Swift's hit song by saying he will "Shake it off" in response to reporters questioning whether the slip would impact the election. Albanese expressed his approach of owning up to mistakes and taking responsibility when necessary. Morrison highlighted his government's success in reducing the unemployment rate despite facing various challenges. Initially, Albanese stated he believed the current rate was around 5.4%. Morrison mentioned that they have a strong position in cricket, a popular sport in Australia, and have plans to increase job creation to pre-pandemic levels. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg stated that new jobs would be spread throughout the economy. Australia's unemployment rate is expected to drop below 3% earlier than predicted, with some economists even suggesting it could go below the budgeted forecast of 3.75%. Wage growth is projected to increase, but not enough to keep up with inflation, resulting in a decrease in real incomes this year. In order to appease upset voters, the budget in March raised a tax break for 10 million low- and middle-income earners and provided one-time cash payments for pensioners as well as a temporary reduction in fuel taxes.

The G8 wealthy countries are interested in collaborating with the nearly 200 states participating in UN climate change discussions to establish a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050, according to a draft communique. The document, obtained by Reuters prior to its official approval by Group of Eight leaders at a summit in northern Japan, also stated that intermediate objectives would be necessary to meet the 2050 target. This declaration shifts the emphasis on combating global warming to UN-led discussions aimed at developing a new framework for after the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012, and addresses internal disagreements within the G8. The UN negotiations are scheduled to conclude in Copenhagen in December 2009. The cautious wording of the climate statement, typically the most contentious aspect of summit deliberations, is also unlikely to appease those advocating for more specific objectives. Last year, the G8 group of wealthy nations, including Japan, Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and the United States, agreed to consider the goal of cutting global emissions in half by mid-century. The European Union and Japan have pushed for this year's summit to set more ambitious targets and establish clear interim goals. However, US President George W Bush has maintained that the US cannot commit to binding targets unless other major polluters like China and India also limit their emissions. The European Union's leadership praised the climate change agreement as a step towards a new shared vision and progress towards a global deal in 2009. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called it a strong signal to people worldwide and stated that the EU's objectives for the G8 summit had been met. Global warming is connected to other important topics like rising food and fuel prices, which are being discussed at a three-day meeting at a luxurious mountain-top hotel on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The leaders at the summit also acknowledged the uncertainty and risks facing the world economy, including the impact of increasing oil prices. Additionally, they hinted at the need for China to allow its tightly controlled currency to appreciate in order to address global financial imbalances. The G8 leaders also agreed to convene a world energy forum to bring major oil producers and consumers together to discuss output and prices. The escalating prices of food and oil, which reached a new high of $145.85 per barrel last week, are having a severe impact on the impoverished populations worldwide. A recent study by the World Bank warned that as many as 105 million more individuals could fall below the poverty line due to the surge in food prices, including 30 million in Africa. World Bank President Robert Zoellick emphasized the importance of the global community's response to this crisis, stating that it is crucial to support those most in need. In an effort to alleviate the situation, the G8 is set to introduce a series of measures to assist Africa, particularly its farmers, and has pledged to double aid to provide an extra $50 billion in assistance by 2010, with half allocated to the poorest continent in the world. The summit concludes on Wednesday with a Major Economies Meeting, which includes the G8 as well as eight other prominent countries that emit large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as India, China, and Australia.

OPEC will support efforts to combat global warming and uphold stable oil prices after its heads of state meeting concludes on Sunday. However, only Saudi Arabia has promised financial support for research on climate change. Saudi King Abdullah announced a contribution of $300 million for environmental research, but other leaders have not made any commitments yet. Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil stated that they are not committing to anything as they are unsure of the proposal, and as far as he knows, no other country has made any pledges either. OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri stated that OPEC is willing to contribute to the development of carbon capture and storage technology to help reduce emissions. A draft final communique read by an OPEC delegate mentioned the group's recognition of climate change as a long-term challenge and its desire for stability in global energy markets, but did not include any mention of an environmental fund. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expressed his expectation that the summit would reaffirm a commitment to stable and competitive oil prices. He cautioned that if the United States were to attack Iran over its nuclear program, crude oil prices, already around $100 per barrel, could potentially double on global markets. Chavez issued this warning to heads of state, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Concerns about a potential attack by the United States or Israel on Iran, due to accusations of Iran seeking nuclear weapons, have contributed to the rise in global oil prices. Iran denies these allegations. Despite calls from consumer nations for OPEC to increase oil supply, a decision on this matter has been postponed until a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 5. Iran and Venezuela are considered to be in favor of higher oil prices, while Saudi Arabia has typically supported efforts to lower prices. Ecuador's President, Rafael Correa, suggested at a conference that oil should be priced in a currency other than the dollar. The decline in the value of the U.S. currency compared to other major currencies has contributed to the rise in oil prices to $98.62 last week, but has also weakened the purchasing power of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally and influential member of OPEC, led the group in rejecting a proposal by Iran and Venezuela to address concerns over the weakening dollar in the summit statement. Analysts believe that Saudi King Abdullah, as OPEC's "swing producer" and long-time supplier of crude oil to the United States, is determined to prevent leaders like Chavez and Ahmadinejad from overshadowing the summit with anti-U.S. rhetoric. During the summit, Chavez delivered a 25-minute speech calling on OPEC to combat global poverty, while King Abdullah humorously remarked to the Venezuelan president afterwards that he spoke for too long. The summit took place in a lavish hall adorned with crystal chandeliers and gold leaf toilet accessories. Ahmadinejad stated that OPEC should take a more active role in geopolitics and demand greater respect for member countries, while also urging powerful nations to cease threats against OPEC. He mentioned that he would share his thoughts on the matter at the end of the summit. Saudi Arabia recently suggested creating a consortium to supply Iran with enriched uranium for peaceful purposes in an attempt to ease tensions between the US and Iran. Despite this, Iran has no plans to stop its own enrichment activities. Concerned about Iran's nuclear capabilities, Gulf Arab countries, including OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have announced plans to develop their own nuclear energy programs.

The finance minister, AMA Muhith, criticized donors for not fulfilling their aid pledges, which he believes has hindered Bangladesh's ability to overcome poverty and other challenges. He expressed these views at the launch of a report on Bangladesh's progress towards Millennium Development Goals at Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka. He emphasized the importance of donor agencies fulfilling their commitments in order to achieve MDGs, which include eradicating extreme poverty by 2015. Despite some progress, he acknowledged that there are still challenges in achieving these goals. He mentioned that the issue of child malnutrition continues to be a significant challenge. Muhith also stated that while progress has been made in solving sanitation problems, the arsenic issue still needs to be fully resolved. In terms of economic growth, he noted that the country's rate is satisfactory but lags behind neighboring countries. Other speakers at the event included Planning Minister AK Khandker and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, who emphasized the need for additional international support to address the impacts of climate change in Bangladesh. Moni stated that natural disasters caused by climate change are hindering the country's development. She mentioned advancements in poverty reduction, women's empowerment, primary education, and child mortality. Progress report was presented by Planning Commission member Shamsul Alam.

During his closing speech at the ninth consecutive Global Media Forum, DW Director General Peter Limbourg emphasized the importance of European values. He highlighted the need for Germany and Europe to uphold and share these values, acknowledging that there are instances where they fall short. Limbourg specifically mentioned issues such as arms sales, environmental pollution, and collaboration with corrupt regimes as areas where improvement is necessary. The event brought together over 2,000 participants from 110 countries in the former West German capital for a three-day annual Global Media Forum. The conference focused on addressing difficult topics related to "Media. Freedom. Values." Journalists in various countries face challenging circumstances, and the discussions centered around the role of media, freedom of expression, and the importance of protecting values. German President Joachim Gauck delivered an uplifting message to conference participants, emphasizing the shared responsibility of journalists worldwide. He highlighted the abundance of information available today, while also warning of the increasing potential for manipulation and disinformation. Gauck stressed the importance of upholding reliable journalism that can be trusted. A highlight of the Global Media Forum was the presentation of the Deutsche Welle Freedom of Speech Award to Sedat Ergin, editor-in-chief of Hürriyet newspaper in Turkey. Upon receiving the award, Ergin expressed concerns about the increasing issues related to freedom of expression not only in third world countries, dictatorships, and monarchies, but also in countries that claim to be democracies. He emphasized that even the European continent is not immune to this authoritarian trend. Kai Diekmann, a fellow journalist and publisher of the German newspaper "BILD", spoke highly of the Turkish editor, stressing the importance of press freedom and the need to address the dire situation of press freedom in Turkey. Some reactions from Turkish media aligned with the ruling party were extreme, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in the country. The GMF once again discussed the vital role of bloggers and activists in societies lacking genuine freedom of speech. Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef attended an award ceremony in Bonn for The Bobs, awards presented by Deutsche Welle to recognize outstanding international online activists. The German Commissioner for Human Rights Policy, Bärbel Kofler, participated in a panel discussion with bloggers from Bangladesh who are currently living in asylum in Germany and other European countries. The panel addressed the lack of protection for journalists facing threats from Islamist extremists in their home countries. Journalist and author Martin Walker also provided a somber outlook on the future of media during the Forum. Speakers from various countries emphasized that the media is currently undergoing a significant transformation. The increasing significance of direct communication with individuals worldwide via social media presents journalism with new possibilities. DW's Director General Limbourg emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity in order to have a real impact.

Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of industrialized nations providing climate adaptation funds for developing countries, who are the most affected by climate change, without imposing any conditions. During the inauguration of the first 'SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change' in Dhaka, he also urged wealthier nations to share advanced technology to help developing countries improve their climate resilience. Fakhruddin stated that industrialized economies should offer adaptation funds and assist with technology transfer without any prerequisites. He also mentioned that developed nations, as the main polluters, have a crucial responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the main cause of global warming, within specified timeframes. This SAARC climate conference was organized in response to a proposal from Dhaka, as there are concerns that a significant portion of Bangladesh's land will be submerged due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The meeting is anticipated to approve a joint declaration on taking action to address climate change, which will impact the SAARC region, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The entire Maldives island chain is at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels. Fakhruddin stated that SAARC countries should unite to ensure that developed nations provide new and additional resources to support their adaptation efforts. He also mentioned that Bangladesh is working towards establishing an international climate adaptation center to exchange knowledge and best practices. It is essential for developed countries to commit unilaterally and unconditionally to reducing their emission levels. He emphasized the importance of taking action to protect us from the dangers of climate change. Fakhruddin warned that climate change will have devastating effects on millions of impoverished people by worsening floods, droughts, and salinity levels. He stated that this crisis could be the worst tragedy in human history, surpassing even the 'Black Death' and World War II. It is crucial that we do not remain passive and allow this to happen. SAARC Secretary-General Sheel Kant Sharma echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for developed countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within specific timeframes. The inauguration was led by Devasish Roy, the special assistant for environment to the chief adviser, and also featured remarks from Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, the foreign adviser.

Colombia's coach Jorge Luis Pinto reassured that the team will not be defeated despite their 5-0 loss to Paraguay in the Copa America. Pinto emphasized that the loss is not a catastrophe and that the team has not been destroyed in terms of footballing ability, tactics, or morale. He stated that the world has not ended and the team will continue to move forward. "We haven't given up yet, we're going to respond." Colombia started strong in their first Group C game on Thursday, but missed a penalty in the 28th minute. Paraguay scored two minutes later and Colombia struggled in the second half. Surprisingly, Colombia's defense had been solid leading up to the tournament, only allowing two goals in six games. Their next game is on Monday against Argentina, who had a 4-1 win over the United States in their first match. Pinto stated that changes will be made, including variations in playing style and players. He also drew a comparison between the current match and Colombia's 5-0 victory over Argentina in a 1993 World Cup qualifier, noting that both situations were similar in terms of performance.

A major global report released on Tuesday emphasizes the importance of wealthy nations leading the way in reducing carbon emissions to protect the progress made in health, education, and poverty reduction for the world's poor. The UN Human Development Report (HDR) 2007-08, titled "Fighting climate change: Human solidarity in a divided world", calls on developed countries to offer incentives to developing nations to address the challenge of climate change. The report, prepared by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Synthesis Report, outlines a plan for climate change negotiations in Bali, Indonesia, stressing the urgency of taking action within the next ten years. The report warns that if action is not taken soon, temperatures could rise by more than two degrees Celsius, leading to the disappearance of the Himalayan glaciers which provide water and food for over two billion people. Kevin Watkins, lead author of the HDR 2007-08, stated that the carbon budget of the 21st century is being overspent and could run out by 2032, putting the most vulnerable populations at risk. The report calls on the world's richest countries to take responsibility by cutting emissions by 80 percent by 2050 and investing $86 billion annually in international adaptation efforts to protect the world's poor. The report suggests that developed countries should implement a new method for transferring clean energy technology to developing countries. It mentions the success of this approach in Bangladesh, where every $1 invested in adaptation initiatives can protect $2 to 3 in assets from flood damage. The report emphasizes the need for developing Asian countries, such as China and India, to reduce emissions by at least 20 percent by 2050. UNDP administrator Kemal Derviş stresses the importance of expanding access to affordable energy while also reducing carbon emissions. The report proposes the establishment of a Climate Change Mitigation Facility, funded by developed countries, to incentivize developing countries to pursue a more environmentally friendly development path. "According to Watkins, proper funding for technology transfer from wealthy nations to poorer nations must be a requirement for developed countries in order to address their carbon footprint. The pathway outlined in 'Fighting climate change' for the Bali meeting in December provides a definitive checklist for political leaders. This pathway calls for a binding and enforceable post-2012 multilateral agreement that is crucial in protecting the planet and its most vulnerable populations from the severe impacts of climate change. The checklist includes cutting emissions from developing countries by 20 percent by 2050, and from developed countries by 30 percent by 2020 and at least 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. Additionally, it proposes the creation of a Climate Change Mitigation Facility to finance low-carbon energy investments in developing countries, providing them with the means to transition to low emission pathways and the motivation to commit to international emission reductions." This would require an annual investment of $25-50 billion. 3. Establish a fair cost for carbon by implementing both carbon taxes and expanding cap-and-trade programs globally. 4. Improve regulatory guidelines by implementing and enforcing stricter efficiency standards for vehicle, building, and electrical appliance emissions. Encourage the growth of low carbon energy sources, acknowledging the untapped potential for expanding the use of renewable energy and the necessity for immediate investment in innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS). Dedicate $86 billion or 0.2 percent of the combined GDP of northern countries to the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and enhancing the ability of vulnerable populations to withstand the impacts of climate change. Incorporate adaptation into all strategies aimed at decreasing poverty and extreme inequality, such as poverty reduction strategy papers. Acknowledge the importance of carbon sequestration in forests and land in future global agreements, and support international financial transfers for deforestation, as proposed by Brazil and other countries.

South Korea, the fourth largest economy in Asia, has committed to choosing one of three targets for carbon emissions by 2020, aligning itself with the Kyoto signatories in the fight against climate change. The government announced it would select a 2020 gas emission target this year from three options: an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels, remaining unchanged from 2005, or 4 percent below 2005 levels. Despite being one of Asia's wealthiest nations and a major industrial player, South Korea saw its emissions double between 1990 and 2005. Per-capita emissions of carbon dioxide based on 2005 levels were 11.1 tonnes, on par with some European countries and ranking as the 17th largest among OECD members. Sang-hyup Kim, Secretary to the President for National Future and Vision at the Presidential Office, noted that compared to developed countries, the targets may seem moderate. The efforts being made are sincere and reflect Korea's capabilities to curb emissions. The government has estimated that each target will cost between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP. They plan to achieve this by increasing the use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy consumption, energy efficiency with light-emitting diodes, and smart grids. Developed countries that are part of the Kyoto Protocol are facing pressure from developing nations to increase their emissions reduction targets as part of a broader climate agreement being negotiated. These discussions will conclude at the end of the year at a major UN conference in Copenhagen. Wealthy developing countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico are also being pushed to announce emissions reductions. South Korea's goals are relatively small when compared to those of more advanced countries like the United States and the European Union. Japan and the US are targeting emission reductions of 15 and 17 percent by 2020 from 2005 levels, while the EU and Britain are aiming for cuts of 20 and 34 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. China and other developing nations are calling for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020 in order to prevent severe consequences of global warming such as droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.

According to a senior negotiator speaking to Reuters, China is open to incorporating its voluntary carbon emissions target into a mandatory UN resolution. This move could put pressure on developed countries to prolong the Kyoto Protocol. The outcome of the UN climate talks in Mexico's Cancun is dependent on reaching an agreement on solidifying national emissions targets post-2012, when the current round of Kyoto carbon caps expires. China's willingness to compromise is contingent on the United States committing to mandatory emissions reductions and an extension of the Kyoto Protocol, which currently includes nearly 40 developed countries but not the United States. Developing nations are in favor of continuing the protocol, while industrialized countries such as Japan, Russia, and Canada are pushing for a separate agreement that would regulate emissions for all nations. Previously, China had resisted the idea of making its domestic emissions targets mandatory, a requirement that currently applies to industrialized nations. "We have the ability to establish a resolution that China must adhere to," stated Huang Huikang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's representative for climate change negotiations. "According to the (UN Climate) Convention, we could even implement a decision that is legally binding. The exact format can be discussed. Our contributions can be integrated into global initiatives." "We believe that addressing these issues does not require scrapping the Kyoto Protocol and beginning anew." Jennifer Morgan from the World Resources Institute in Washington described the proposal as a "gamechanger," highlighting its constructive nature and potential to pave the way for an agreement in Cancun. Alden Meyer from the Union of Concerned Scientists also viewed the proposal as a promising development, acknowledging that the specifics would be crucial. China's chief negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, later mentioned that China's targets could align with the Convention, allowing developing countries to use their own resources to make voluntary emissions commitments within the framework of the Convention. Huang stated that China would maintain its stance on including new emissions targets in an extended Kyoto agreement. Previously, China had insisted that its efforts were only binding domestically and could not be included in any international agreements. However, Huang now acknowledges that international cooperation is necessary and China is willing to compromise by fully participating in global efforts. Despite this willingness to compromise, China remains firm on not compromising on the issue of Kyoto. Last year at a summit in Copenhagen, developing nations, including China, the top carbon emitter, agreed to voluntarily take steps to reduce their emissions. China's commitment was to decrease its "carbon intensity" - the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per dollar of economic growth - by 40-45 percent by 2020 compared to 2005. Huang suggested that this intensity target could be included in a resolution.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed disappointment with the progress on climate change at the G8 summit in Italy, stating that the commitments made so far were insufficient. He emphasized the urgent need for stronger action to address the issue, calling it a critical responsibility for the future of humanity and the planet. Despite the G8 leaders agreeing to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, Ban Ki-moon insisted that more significant reductions are necessary sooner rather than later. President Barack Obama also acknowledged the need for greater efforts to bridge the gap with developing countries on climate change, following criticism from the UN chief. At the first day of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations meeting in L'Aquila, Italy, the G8 was not successful in convincing China and India to commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050. President Obama, who wanted to have an impact on his first G8 summit by leading a meeting on the environment with wealthy and emerging nations, mentioned that there was still potential for progress before the UN climate change treaty talks in Copenhagen in December. White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs stated that Obama told Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that there was still time to resolve the disagreement before the important meeting. Obama was set to lead the 17-member Major Economies Forum (MEF) in an effort to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, although agreement on emission cuts was not reached. Chinese President Hu Jintao's absence due to dealing with ethnic conflicts in China's northwest, where 156 people have died, hindered progress. Sharing the burden of addressing climate change is a pressing issue as temperatures have increased by 0.7 Celsius since the Industrial Revolution. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed hope that all countries, including major powers like the United States, Japan, and China, would agree on temperature targets. However, a G8 source doubted the feasibility of reaching a deal on emissions. India emphasized that developing countries need financial assistance from wealthy nations to address the impacts of climate change, such as floods and rising sea levels. Developing nations also expect wealthier countries to make more significant emissions cuts by 2020. The G8 countries have agreed to a goal of reducing global emissions by 50 percent by 2050, with the United States agreeing to this for the first time. Additionally, they have set a goal of an 80 percent reduction in emissions for developed countries. However, Russia stated that it may not be able to meet this target by 2050, and Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice described the 80 percent goal as an "aspirational goal." The first day of the summit was dominated by discussions on the world economy, with rich nations acknowledging the significant risks to financial stability. China, along with Russia, India, and Brazil, used the second day to argue for diversification of the global reserve currency system away from reliance on the dollar, which is a sensitive issue in currency markets. State Councilor Dai Bingguo stated that there is a need for a more effective system for issuing and regulating reserve currencies in order to maintain stability in exchange rates and promote a diverse international reserve currency regime. The G8 and G5 expressed hope for progress in the stalled Doha trade talks, aiming to conclude them by 2010. The Doha round, initiated in 2001 to assist developing countries, has faced challenges due to proposed tariff and subsidy reductions. The G5 emphasized the importance of addressing issues related to Doha to boost confidence in global markets, urging wealthy nations to eliminate trade barriers and provide financial support to poorer countries.

When 96 Chinese individuals arrived at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei to participate in a music contest with cash prizes, they discovered they had been deceived by a con artist who had fabricated invitations from the city of Taipei. The scammer took their entry fees and left them stranded at the airport in mid-February. Some of the musicians were so upset that they refused to go back home. Experts on crime predict that such fraudulent activities will rise in Asia, particularly in greater China, due to the economic downturn, which drives swindlers to target vulnerable individuals seeking a change in their fortunes. Chu Yiu-kong, a criminologist at Hong Kong University, stated, "We see more and more victims now because of the economic crisis." Chinese individuals have a strong affinity for money and can easily become ensnared by it. They also have a belief in fortunate chances, particularly during challenging periods. The trade-dependent economies of Asia are currently suffering from a worldwide downturn. Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan are experiencing a recession, leading to companies in the area reducing production, halting job hiring, and laying off employees to conserve funds. Experts in crime believe that scammers tend to flourish in these types of dire economic situations. Scams that are expected to increase include job search deception, fraudulent money lending, and persuading individuals to pay high fees for fake lottery winnings or business opportunities. A recent popular scam involves con artists posing as recruiters in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, tricking job seekers into investing in companies that do not exist. Job seekers like Zhou Yang from Shenzhen, China, are now wary of roadside job agencies due to the prevalence of scams targeting desperate individuals. According to local media reports, a scam artist in south China managed to earn 800,000 yuan ($117,000) last year by sending text messages from a mobile phone using a common Chinese name to demand repayment of a debt. Many victims who fell for this scheme were already in debt to various individuals and believed they were being pressured to pay back what they owed. This type of scam only adds to the suffering of those who are already struggling financially. Chang Chin-lan, a prevention officer with Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau, expressed concern that such scams could lead to desperation and a decline in morals. Police statistics in Taiwan show that deception crimes increased by a third from around 31,000 in 2007 to 41,000 in 2008. In the fourth quarter of 2008, Hong Kong police reported a significant increase in deception crimes, from 1,071 to 1,414 cases. In Singapore, where authorities are expecting a rise in phone scams and impersonation fraud due to the weakening economy, "cheating and related offences" have risen by about 10 percent from 2,917 in 2006 to 3,254 last year. The Singapore Police Force has warned that phone scams are likely to continue in difficult economic times, with criminals coming up with new tactics to deceive victims into giving up their money. Advancements in technology have also contributed to the growth of scams, making it easier for con artists to target victims across borders. The increase in costly hoaxes in Asia since 2001 can be attributed to the proliferation of the Internet and mobile phones, which provide anonymity and protection from legal consequences in multiple countries, according to Tsai Tien-mu, a criminology professor at Taipei Police College. Tsai mentioned that it is now simple for anyone to contact anyone else, whereas in the past, the aggressor had to physically meet the victim. Due to the ability of con artists to easily conceal themselves, law enforcement faces challenges in solving fraud cases. In Taiwan, police officers are only able to resolve 10 percent of their cases. On the other hand, in Hong Kong, authorities prioritize public education over tracking down individual con artists, according to Chu from Hong Kong University. Many times, scammers are located in China, making it difficult for law enforcement in Hong Kong to apprehend them. According to Zhou, a job seeker in Shenzhen, the police in mainland China are not very helpful to victims of fraud. Zhou stated that even if you are scammed, contacting the police is pointless as they rarely respond and provide assistance.

The top climate change official at the UN has urged the European Union to quickly develop strategies to assist developing nations in combating global warming, in order to prevent a potential deadlock that could hinder global action. Yvo de Boer emphasized the importance of industrialized countries prioritizing this issue and providing additional resources to help poorer nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In Bali, 190 nations agreed to establish a global plan to address climate change by the end of 2009, building upon the Kyoto Protocol which currently binds 37 industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions until 2012. This would then motivate developing countries to shift their economies from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. The commitment of developing nations, particularly China and India, is crucial for many developed countries, including the United States, to reduce emissions. The United States is the only wealthy nation not part of the Kyoto agreement. The lack of resources to engage developing countries is creating a dilemma for the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, and possibly the EU in moving forward with emission reductions, according to de Boer, head of the U.N. The Climate Secretariat in Bonn is discussing the EU's role in combatting climate change, as predicted by the U.N. Climate Panel to result in more heatwaves, floods, droughts, and rising seas. One proposed idea for new funding includes auctioning carbon dioxide emission rights in the EU and using the proceeds to assist developing nations. Another option is to raise a levy on a Kyoto project that enables wealthy nations to invest in reducing greenhouse gases in developing countries. De Boer emphasized that EU budgets allocated for research and development could play a significant role in mitigating climate change. He stressed the importance of generating resources for developing countries in order to encourage their participation in climate change efforts. De Boer urged French President Nicolas Sarkozy to finalize an EU package of climate measures during the French EU presidency in the latter half of 2008. The EU Commission had proposed measures in January, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, increasing the use of renewable energy in power production to 20 percent, and implementing 10 percent of biofuels in transport by 2020. De Boer emphasized the need for the package to be completed under the French presidency so that it could be presented to the European Parliament. France and Germany expressed concerns last week that the plan could put European jobs at risk. De Boer emphasized the importance of the European Union following through on its commitments and sharing the burden of achieving the target. It is crucial for the EU's credibility on the international stage to provide clear signals on how the target will be met. To read more environment blogs from Reuters, click on the link provided.

Speakers at a conference at the London School of Economics warned of the serious environmental, ecological, social, and economic impacts that the planned unilateral construction of the Tipaimukh Dam by India will have on the millions of people of Bangladesh and northeastern India. They called for a joint feasibility study between Bangladesh and India before any dam construction to find a fair and equitable solution to the potential environmental disaster. It was emphasized that as an upper riparian country, India has a moral and legal obligation to consult with Bangladesh before proceeding with any dam projects. Dr. Hasanat Hussain MBE, the convenor of the World Forum of the Voice For Justice, chaired the conference, which was attended by British treasury minister Stephen Timms who commended the organizers for hosting the forum in London. He informed the conference that the British government will always support the oppressed globally and collaborate with organizations like VFJ to advocate for human rights and justice for the underprivileged. The event marked the inaugural world forum of VFJ, organized at the London School of Economics by a coalition of its European, US, Canadian, and Asian sectors. Attendees included Bangladeshi expatriate academics, experts, VFJ members, and various individuals from the British-Bangladeshi community in the UK. Abdul Moyeen Khan, former planning and science minister, and Sabih Uddin, former Bangladesh high commissioner to the UK, participated remotely. Concerns were expressed at the conference regarding the potential impact of constructing barriers on common rivers, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis for the millions who rely on the Surma and Kushiara rivers. Dr K M A Malik from the University of Cardiff presented a paper on Climate Change in South Asia, focusing particularly on Bangladesh, at the conference. Additionally, Dr Mahbub Khan from California State University and Hasan Mahmud, the director of Sharia Law at the Muslim Canadian Congress, presented papers on 'Rights of Migrant Workers in Gulf States' and 'Women's rights in Islam', respectively. The speakers emphasized the importance of formal bilateral agreements between migrant-sending countries like Bangladesh and the Gulf states where migrant workers face widespread allegations of human rights violations. The conference urged the Gulf states to prioritize the human rights of migrant workers who play a significant role in their economies and contribute to remittances for their home countries. Hasan Mahmud's paper highlighted that Islam and authentic Sharia law protect and promote women's rights in a fair and just manner. He expressed remorse for the fact that social and cultural biases have caused the misinterpretation and distortion of laws, leading to discriminatory treatment of women in various societies. Professor Anthony Booth from Christchurch University, UK, Prof. Shamsul Islam Choudhury from Roosevelt University, US, Dr. Abdur Rahman and Dr. Zakia Rahman from Limmeric University, Ireland, Dr. Stephanie Eaton from Kingston University, UK, Luthfur Rahman Choudhury, and the joint convenors of the World Forum of Voice For Justice from various cities in the UK participated in the question and answer sessions at the end.

Sayed Talat Kamal reported from Durban, South Africa that developing countries are expressing concerns about the lack of seriousness shown by rich countries in addressing climate change. Specifically, the US has been criticized for being slow to act on important climate change issues. Delegates from Europe and the African bloc at the UN Climate Summit in Durban have spoken out against the US stance. Mali delegate Seyni Nafo stated that developed countries do not seem to be taking climate change seriously as a global issue, and called for the US to show leadership in tackling the crisis. The EU's chief negotiator, Arthur Runge-Metzger, expressed concerns about the US delegation being hindered by the current US political climate, where climate change is seen as a controversial issue. He mentioned that the Obama administration faces challenges in advancing climate change initiatives due to resistance in Congress. The US is seen as delaying progress in negotiations by pushing for conditions in the agreement that would legally require all countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions. This has also stalled discussions on how to allocate US$100 billion to help developing countries transition to low-carbon economies and address the impacts of global warming. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere, resulting in rising global temperatures and extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, sea level rise, droughts, erosion, and increased salinity. It is widely agreed that a temperature increase of over 2 degrees Celsius would lead to irreversible climate change. Global studies supported by the United Nations and the scientific community suggest that in order to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees, global emissions need to be reduced to 40 percent of 1990 levels by 2020 and to 95 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. It is also crucial that emissions do not peak after 2015. The United States has expressed a preference for voluntary pledges by countries to control emissions, rather than binding targets. The US has committed to reducing its emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, a pledge that is unlikely to change in the near future according to US delegation chief Jonathan Pershing. However, Runge-Metzger argues that even if all countries fulfill their voluntary pledges, it would only amount to about half of what is necessary to prevent a potential climate crisis. Rene Orellana, the leader of the Bolivian delegation, strongly rejected the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (Redd) initiative in Bolivia's first official statement. Orellana emphasized that forests play a crucial role in providing food security, water resources, and biodiversity for indigenous populations, rather than just serving as carbon stocks for emissions offsetting schemes. Redd stated that the forest's function has been reduced to just carbon stocks. Orellana criticized certain aspects of the Green Climate Fund, specifically the payments based on results of green initiatives. Despite recent political instability, Bolivia has remained steadfast in its environmental stance at the 17th conference of parties to the UN climate change convention. This year, the country passed groundbreaking laws giving nature equal rights to humans. Scientists predict that heat waves, which currently occur once every 20 years, will start happening annually due to rising greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Coastal regions and islands are at risk of being flooded due to global warming, and within ten years, an additional 250 million people could be affected by water shortages. Advocates for climate action believe that stabilizing carbon concentrations in the atmosphere would only slightly slow economic growth, but the benefits of improved health, increased energy security, and more reliable food sources would outweigh the costs.

The state minister for the environment criticized developed countries for their deceptive behavior regarding climate funds. Hasan Mahmud, speaking at a discussion on the upcoming climate summit, accused rich countries of making false promises and using trickery when it comes to providing funds to address climate change in poorer nations. He also pointed out that these countries have not kept their promise to reduce carbon emissions. Hasan mentioned that at the Copenhagen conference in December 2009, developed countries had pledged $30 billion for Fast Start Funding to help countries vulnerable to climate change impacts, but only eight percent of the funds had been paid by November 2011, despite the commitment to clear the funds by 2012. He mentioned that there is a deception involved, as they claim to have already provided the money. However, upon closer examination, it is evident that the funds given in 2008 are labeled as Fast Start Funding. This discussion took place before an upcoming climate change conference in Durban, South Africa starting on Nov 28. The minister from Bangladesh suggested establishing a central entity to allocate the funds at the conference. He also mentioned that it is important for "need" to be the main factor in determining which countries receive funds, rather than favoring those with better relations with donors. He expressed concern that developed countries have not made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions and are contributing to global warming. Hasan noted that the average person in Bangladesh emits 0.3 tonnes of carbon per year. The amount is 1.6 tonne in developing nations and 15-20 tonne in developed countries. He also voiced optimism that the Climate Vulnerable Forum on Sunday, featuring United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and prime minister Sheikh Hasina, will yield favorable results. Qazi Kholiquzzaman, chairman of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, led the roundtable discussion.

In Copenhagen, the EU's pledge of 10 billion euro over three years to the climate adaptation fund was deemed insufficient by Bangladesh's state minister for environment. Hasan Mahmud expressed concern that the EU did not specify if this commitment was separate from Official Development Assistance (ODA). He emphasized the need for Annex 1 countries to contribute around 1.5 percent of GDP to the adaptation fund, which could potentially create a fund of $400 to $600 billion. The state minister believes that the EU's proposal to raise funds for adaptation is insufficient, as it falls short of the $400-600 goal. He emphasized the need for a separate climate fund specifically for poor and vulnerable nations, separate from existing ODA and not under the control of financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. He insisted on the creation of a new institution that is easily accessible and transparent. Hasan stated that 70% of funds should go to the least developed or most vulnerable countries, with 15% specifically allocated to Bangladesh. He highlighted that over one billion people worldwide are at risk from climate change. Hasan mentioned that Bangladesh is leading the formation of a new group called the Most Vulnerable Countries (MVCs) and has already reached out to potential member countries. He suggested that around 20 countries could be included in this new group. He explained that the UN recognizes the G-77 or LDCs for economic development, and he is working towards gaining UN recognition for a similar group focused on climate change. He believes it is important to create a new group of vulnerable countries to improve negotiation efforts. Hasan emphasized that Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country according to the Global Climate Risk Index, with 15% of the 1 billion most vulnerable people residing there. So, Bangladesh is requesting that 15 percent of the adaptation fund be allocated to them because they are heavily impacted by climate change, experiencing issues like sea level rise and extreme weather. The delegation from Dhaka held a discussion at the conference titled "Bangladesh: Victim of Climate Change." Dr. Ainun Nishat, a climate expert, discussed the effects of climate change on food and agricultural production, water management, health, and infrastructure.

Reinhart, who was promoted to a senior management position as part of the bank's efforts to regain trust after ethical concerns, stated that key ideas for the new product were already established. These included a requirement for more transparency regarding the methodology, a heavier reliance on survey data from companies, and less emphasis on ranking countries. Reinhart emphasized that all details would be made public in order to restore credibility. The bank would also prioritize survey data to minimize subjective judgment, and eliminate the competitive aspect of the rankings that encouraged countries to manipulate the system. In September, the bank's board decided to stop releasing the annual "Doing Business" rankings due to data irregularities in the 2018 and 2020 versions. Senior bank officials, including former chief executive Kristalina Georgieva, were accused of pressuring staff to alter the data. A law firm, WilmerHale, is currently investigating possible staff misconduct related to the data changes that favored certain countries like China and Saudi Arabia. The International Monetary Fund's board supported Georgieva after examining the allegations, but she may still be implicated in the ongoing investigation. Reinhart mentioned that the situation has damaged the World Bank's credibility and rebuilding trust will require time and effort. She emphasized the importance of credibility being based on systems rather than personalities, and noted that the bank had implemented numerous safeguards in response to external reports over the past year. She stated that while nothing in life is completely guaranteed, taking measures can help reduce the potential for misuse and abuse. She hopes that credibility will eventually be established, but acknowledges that it can be difficult to gain and easy to lose. Reinhart initiated a thorough review of the Doing Business methodology by an external advisory panel in response to internal concerns about potential data manipulation in the reports. The critical 84-page review that followed called for various corrective measures and changes, pointing out a consistent government interference in the scoring process. It criticized the bank for not being transparent about the data used and recommended that it cease offering consulting services to governments to boost their scores, a practice that had already been stopped in 2020 and 2021. Reinhart mentioned that the bank would further analyze the impact of the scandal and determine additional necessary actions after the completion of the second WilmerHale report. "We will address that issue once we have the complete report," she stated.

Two British ministers arrived in Dhaka on Monday, stating that the UK will assist Bangladesh in advocating for the interests of the least developed countries (LDCs) at the important Copenhagen climate negotiations in December. The assurance was given by Douglas Alexander, UK minister for international development, and Ed Milliband, responsible for energy and climate change. This commitment was made a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's trip to Geneva to attend the World Climate Conference-3. Alexander mentioned that discussions would focus on how the UK can help Bangladesh in representing the LDCs at the Copenhagen summit. Following their arrival, the British ministers met with Hasina to discuss climate change and development cooperation between the two countries. Bangladesh currently chairs the 50-member LDC Group, comprising countries most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, largely due to emissions from developed nations. Wealthy nations, including Britain, are seeking to form a partnership with Less Developed Countries (LDCs) in order to urge economic powerhouses China and India to commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. At an upcoming meeting in Copenhagen, UN member countries will work to create a new international legal agreement aimed at reducing carbon emissions, replacing the current Kyoto Protocol which only had emission reduction requirements for developed nations. The Bali climate talks in 2007 acknowledged the need for major emerging economies to also reduce emissions. By joining forces with developed nations, LDCs can increase pressure on China and India, who are now recognized as significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Bangladesh is considered one of the countries most at risk from the impacts of climate change. Its actions in adapting to and reducing risks provide valuable lessons and motivation for other nations. Ed Milliband acknowledged the significant challenges faced by Bangladesh and affirmed the UK's commitment to supporting the country in overcoming them. The visiting ministers enjoyed dinner with foreign minister Dipu Moni at the state guest house Padma on Monday evening. The UK government's International Climate Champions Initiative in Bangladesh was launched by Alexander and Milliband at the British High Commission Club. As part of this initiative by the British Council, 15 Bangladeshi youths aged between 18 and 35 will be selected to attend the Copenhagen summit. The main aim of the project is to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on the younger generation. Interested individuals must submit proposals on climate change, and a panel led by Dr Atiq Rahman of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies will choose the final 15 candidates.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who is leading the U.N. conference, stated his intention to release a nearly final draft on Thursday afternoon in order to minimize disagreements and prepare for a final round of revisions. He expressed his goal of reaching a final agreement during a meeting with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon before the talks resumed. Fabius emphasized the need for an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming to be completed by Friday, the official closing date of the meeting, without extending into additional days like previous conferences. However, ministers and negotiators from 195 countries are still divided on key issues, including which countries should provide the hundreds of billions of dollars necessary to assist developing nations in transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. The current issue has worsened tensions behind the scenes between the United States and China regarding the differing financial contributions of countries, as pointed out by US Secretary of State John Kerry. While the Chinese did not delve into specifics, they mentioned a possibility for compromise. The debate over whether to aim for a limit of 1.5 degrees or 2 degrees will continue in the upcoming draft, with further discussions needed before a resolution is reached, according to Chinese negotiator Gao Feng. The goal is to reach an agreement by Friday or Saturday. The discussions have reignited disagreements over the level of ambition the agreement should have in addressing the increase in global temperatures. Developing countries are pushing for a long-term goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, even though current carbon emission cuts fall short of that target. Many are still wary of the failed negotiations in Copenhagen in 2009. There is a strong desire to reach an agreement this time, but the question remains whether it will be strong or weak. Ramos-Horta emphasized that no country should expect to have all their demands met in the accord. He informed Reuters that a treaty is not set in stone like the Bible and can be reviewed, implying that the agreements made in Paris could potentially be altered and strengthened in the future.

The focus of the first UN special session on climate change was on wealthy countries, with policymakers urging long-standing polluters to take on a significant portion of the responsibility for reducing greenhouse gases. British economist Nicholas Stern emphasized the need for both rich and developing nations to be involved in a global agreement to address human-made emissions. Stern proposed a global target of a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, with wealthier countries taking on even larger objectives, aiming for around 75 percent cuts due to their past responsibility and greater access to resources. Stern, a former head of the British government's economic service and now at the London School of Economics, suggested that responsibility may involve funding emissions cuts in other countries. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also emphasized the need for industrialized countries to take greater action on climate change, acknowledging that the poorest nations will be most affected. Sunita Narain, director of India's Center for Science and Environment, criticized the lack of substantial action by wealthy nations in reducing emissions, despite their rhetoric on the issue. At a recent gathering, environmental scientist John Holdren from Harvard University attributed droughts, floods, rising seas, and more intense storms to global climate change, rather than natural climate variability. Despite being one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the United States did not make a statement at the meeting and has resisted setting firm targets for reducing emissions, citing concerns about the impact on the economy. Instead, the US has advocated for voluntary emissions cuts. President George W. Bush, along with other leaders from the Group of Eight nations, agreed to make substantial reductions in climate-warming emissions and negotiate a new global climate agreement that would extend and broaden the Kyoto Protocol. The two-day climate meeting at the United Nations, which ends on Wednesday, is unique in both its content and approach. The event is environmentally friendly, as any carbon emissions produced from air travel and the UN Headquarters in New York are balanced out by funding a biomass fuel project in Kenya.

The hearing follows a series of sexual assault scandals and recent Pentagon statistics indicating a significant increase in unwanted sexual contact within the military. Top military officials, along with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee to address the issue and assure Congress of their commitment to addressing it. While some lawmakers are pushing for a change in the way sex crimes are prosecuted, others argue that maintaining the authority of commanders is essential for maintaining unit cohesion and administering justice. Despite ongoing criticisms of the military's handling of sexual assault cases, some believe that radical changes are necessary to address the problem. The Defense Department's report estimated a 37% increase in cases of unwanted sexual contact in the military in 2012, sparking further concern and outrage among lawmakers. Senator McCain expressed his frustration over the continued reports of sexual misconduct in the military, emphasizing the need for action rather than just talk. Senator Levin, however, showed understanding towards the military's perspective on the importance of the chain of command in addressing these issues. Levin stated that only the chain of command has the power to implement a zero-tolerance policy for sexual offenses and address any issues with command climate that allow sexual assaults to occur.

A climate tribunal organized by Oxfam in Dhaka has blamed developed countries, particularly Annex-1 countries, for the destruction of fisherfolk communities in coastal Bangladesh due to climate change. The tribunal, held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, aimed to find legal ways to protect victims of climate change. The jury panel, led by Mizanur Rahman of the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission, heard testimonies from various climate victims, including housewives in cyclone-affected areas and fishermen who ended up in Indian jails. It also received input from two experts on climate change and international law in an attempt to establish a connection between the science of climate change, its national and international legal aspects, and the ongoing multilateral negotiations. Unfortunately, there is still no globally binding legal instrument that could facilitate compensation to countries affected by climate change from the developed world, the major carbon emitters, as stated by legal expert Ahmed Ziauddin. While Bangladesh can bring complaints to international courts such as the UN, WTO, and UNESCO, there is no way to seek individual damages. Ziauddin suggested that an act for climate change and relevant article should be included in Bangladesh's constitution. He also mentioned that Bangladesh lacks a legal definition of climate change. Climate change expert Ahsan Uddin Ahmed stated to the tribunal that developed nations are avoiding their responsibilities by requesting specific accounts of damage caused by climate change, despite the scientific evidence proving its existence. The jury, after listening to testimonies, suggested creating a separate law and incorporating an article in the constitution regarding climate change. They determined that developed nations, being primarily responsible for climate change, should bear the costs of mitigation efforts. The jury also noted that the human rights of coastal area residents had been violated by the impacts of climate change. The jury panel was made up of legislators Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Tarana Halim, Hasanul Huq Inu, and economist Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed.

At the conclusion of three weeks of mid-year climate talks conducted online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patricia Espinosa urged nations to set aside their differences and collaborate in the months leading up to the crucial COP26 negotiations in Glasgow. She acknowledged that governments had effectively participated in the virtual meetings and had made strides in various areas, such as establishing common time-frames for emission reduction goals and improving transparency in reporting climate actions. However, disagreements persist regarding the regulations governing global carbon markets, requiring additional political guidance, according to the UN climate body. Espinosa emphasized the importance of continued efforts to make significant progress before COP26, as there is much at stake, as stated by the top UN official. I am encouraging all of us to meet the challenges of our time, to complete the necessary tasks, to resolve our differences, and to keep our promises. The June discussions were the initial official UN climate talks since the end of 2019, delayed by the pandemic. The COP26 summit's goal is to finalize regulations for the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change to ensure full implementation, according to UN officials. "Success at COP26 is crucial," Espinosa stated to reporters on Thursday, emphasizing its importance in the fight against the climate crisis, in promoting green recovery, and in supporting multilateralism during a critical period. Stumbling blocks remain as many countries have not yet submitted stronger climate action plans that were required last year under the Paris agreement but were delayed due to the pandemic. The promised emissions reductions by governments are far from what is necessary to meet the Paris goals of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, according to the United Nations. The failure of wealthy nations to fulfill climate finance commitments to aid poorer countries in transitioning to renewable energy and adapting to climate change impacts is also causing concerns. Additionally, the pandemic has created further complications as many developing nations are struggling to access vaccines, potentially affecting their ability to attend the COP26 summit in person. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as the host of the conference, announced this month that his government is in discussions with the United Nations regarding the provision of COVID-19 vaccinations to accredited delegations who may otherwise not have access to them. Diann Black-Layne of Antigua and Barbuda, speaking on behalf of the 44-member Alliance of Small Island States, expressed concerns about the uncertain path to COP26 and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. She also emphasized the need for significant progress on climate finance, calling for a new financial goal at COP26 to support climate-vulnerable nations. Sonam P Wangdi of Bhutan, chair of the 46-member group of least developed countries at the UN talks, echoed the importance of meeting climate finance commitments to ensure success. Wealthy nations have faced criticism for failing to meet their pledge to raise $100 billion annually from 2020 to assist developing countries in addressing climate change. Criticism was directed at G7 leaders for not providing a clear plan on how their pledge would be fulfilled at a recent summit, despite Germany and Canada committing new funds. The virtual nature of this month's UN climate talks led to a lack of formal decisions, with technical difficulties hindering some delegates. To accelerate progress, Alok Sharma, the UK official overseeing COP26, intends to convene ministers from over 40 countries in London in late July. Britain's lead climate negotiator, Archie Young, acknowledged the call for more clarity on vaccination and logistical arrangements for COP26. Sharma announced plans to work with partners on offering vaccines to all accredited COP26 attendees, including government officials, green group representatives, and media personnel, with details to be revealed soon.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC was slow to respond due to its usual pace, resulting in a delay in testing and surveillance. The agency struggled with outdated methods and infrastructure, leading to a delay in recommending mask-wearing as they were slow to acknowledge the airborne nature of the virus. The emergence of the omicron variant has forced the CDC to make quick decisions with limited evidence, sparking concerns about the impact of their guidelines on the economy and education. Dr Rochelle Walensky, the agency's director, has at times bypassed the usual scientific review process, most recently by shortening the isolation period for infected Americans. President Joe Biden took office vowing to restore the CDC's reputation for independence and rigorous science after the Trump administration's interference. Walensky now faces the challenge of effectively communicating to the public that the science is still developing and their recommendations are based on the best available information. This shift has been difficult for the primarily medical staff of the CDC, with some officials privately expressing demoralization in recent interviews. Concerns have also been raised about Walensky's increasing reliance on a select group of advisers and the perceived political influence from the White House on her decisions. Others from outside the agency praised Walensky for bypassing a lengthy process and taking a practical approach to managing a national emergency, even when the data was uncertain and agency researchers were unsure. Dr. Richard Besser, who led the agency during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, noted that there are policy considerations during a pandemic that go beyond the CDC's jurisdiction. However, he emphasized the need for more clarity when policy and economics influence agency recommendations. The New York Times reported that over 800,000 Americans are being infected daily, leading to struggles for schools, businesses, and hospitals in nearly two dozen states. At the end of December, Walensky announced that Americans infected with COVID-19 would only need to isolate for five days instead of 10 if they were no longer symptomatic, and a negative test was not necessary to end isolation. Critics were concerned that allowing contagious individuals back into workplaces and schools could lead to the spread of the virus. Despite limited research supporting a shorter isolation period for omicron infections, the recommendation was seen as beneficial for hospitals, businesses, and schools during the omicron surge. Dr. Thomas Frieden, who previously led the agency under President Barack Obama, believed the isolation recommendations were mostly accurate. Walensky and the CDC have not provided explanations for new tensions in the agency's decision-making. Walensky has frequently justified recommendations that were confusing or unpopular by citing rapidly evolving science. She recently testified before the Senate that the agency's new recommendations for shortened isolation periods were based on swift science to address potential staffing shortages. This approach has been a consistent theme for Walensky, as seen in the CDC's recommendation in March that schoolchildren could safely sit 3 feet apart in classrooms instead of 6 feet, despite limited research supporting the change. However, this decision did make it easier for school administrators to consider reopening schools. In May, Walensky used scientific data to inform vaccinated individuals that they could remove their masks and interact freely, which caused concern among experts who believed this decision overlooked the risk of breakthrough infections, particularly from the delta variant. In August, Walensky supported booster shots for all Americans alongside Biden, even before the FDA or her own agency had reviewed the necessary data. The latest incident, providing guidance on isolation, created internal turmoil within the agency due to the way it was decided and communicated. Following an emergency meeting on a Sunday night after Christmas, Walensky gathered the agency's COVID response leaders. She informed them that the agency would reduce the recommended isolation period and eliminate the need for a negative test result to leave isolation. The information was shared during a video call by an official who preferred to remain anonymous. The new guidelines would be announced the next day by Walensky, and it was advised not to discuss it until then. The scientists were caught off guard and rushed to gather supporting data and revise the website content about quarantine and isolation. Normally, federal researchers thoroughly analyze data, draft recommendations, and seek feedback before publishing new guidelines. However, due to the lack of evidence for shortened isolation, particularly related to the delta variant, the accompanying "science brief" was downgraded to a "rationale" document. Some researchers were upset about not being included in the decision-making process and were angered by the agency's claim that the change was based on science. While some thought the new five-day cutoff was arbitrary, they were aware of data indicating that rapid tests might not always detect omicron infections, so they mostly supported Walensky's choice not to mandate a negative test before ending isolation. However, when Walensky announced the new recommendations to staff in a meeting on December 26, they were unprepared. CDC scientists then spent the next week updating numerous guidance documents on the website. Approximately 2,000 health officials, public health lab directors, and researchers from state and city levels participate in a weekly call with CDC officials. During the call on December 27, just before the CDC's statement was released, state and local officials questioned agency scientists about the isolation guidance for the general public. CDC staff members were quiet due to orders not to discuss the new recommendations. Scott Becker of the Association of Public Health Laboratories expressed a desire for more input and advance notice. Supporters of Walensky believed the CDC's change in direction was necessary and that she had made the correct decisions. The CDC is a large organization with researchers used to working slowly, but the pandemic required faster action. According to Frieden, there are individuals within the CDC who do not fully understand the urgency of the situation. He mentioned that during his time in office, he often encountered CDC staff who were sometimes charming but also clueless about the potential impact of their recommendations and statements. Many experts believe that Walensky has unfairly taken the blame for the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. Leading the CDC is always difficult, but even more so during a pandemic, in a politically tense environment, and at a time when the agency's credibility and staff morale are low. Additionally, the fact that agency researchers are still working remotely is seen as a significant obstacle to overcome. "I am worried about the CDC," Besser said. Besser expressed his concern about the public's trust in public health and believes it is unfair to blame Dr. Walensky for this. Despite explaining her decisions at White House briefings, Walensky and other agency scientists recently held their own briefing to address criticism and clarify the CDC's decisions, which some experts view as a positive step towards rebuilding trust in the agency. Besser emphasized the importance of separating public health considerations from political considerations. "And through conducting briefings from CDC, she will have the opportunity to elevate CDC scientists and experts." Some of the current tension at the CDC existed before the pandemic and Walensky's leadership. Conflict between the agency and the National Institutes of Health, represented by Dr. Anthony Fauci, has been ongoing even during previous public health crises, according to some health officials. In a recent incident, Fauci and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy made statements on television assuring that the CDC would reconsider its recommendations for isolation, despite the agency having no plans to do so, which frustrated senior CDC scientists. Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, suggested that Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra should help resolve the conflict. In a rare appearance, Becerra recently defended Walensky in a CNN interview, stating that she possesses "a medical license and a degree in public health." She lacks a marketing degree according to © 2022 The New York Times Company.

A UN summit is discussing a proposal to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, along with a new $100 billion fund to help developing nations. The draft text, obtained by Reuters, emphasizes the need for significant reductions in global emissions and calls for commitments from rich nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The draft also stresses the importance of immediate and enhanced national action and strengthened international cooperation to address climate change. Many major economies have already committed to limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which is considered a critical threshold to avoid dangerous consequences such as increased floods, heatwaves, droughts, and rising sea levels. The parties have agreed to work towards mobilizing $100 billion by 2020 to address the climate change needs of developing countries, with funding coming from a variety of sources. This commitment mirrors the sentiments expressed by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Copenhagen meeting. Additionally, there is a goal to provide $10 billion annually in quick start funds for developing nations from 2010-2012, with the amount increasing to reach the $100 billion target by 2020. The text stated that developing countries would accept some level of monitoring for their promised reductions in emissions, which would include reporting back to the UN Climate Change Secretariat every two years. The United States is pushing for international verification to be included in any agreement. Negotiations on the full legal documents for one or more new climate treaties would need to be completed by the end of 2010, according to the draft. The text emphasized that the agreements would not be legally binding. It also mentioned that countries would continue discussions in order to adopt one or more legal instruments as soon as possible, with a deadline of COP 16, the next UN meeting scheduled for November 2010 in Mexico. Numerous developing countries are in favor of having two agreements - an extension of the Kyoto Protocol which currently requires wealthy nations to reduce emissions until 2012, and a new deal outlining actions for poorer nations. On the other hand, developed countries prefer a single treaty. The overall text was referred to as "Copenhagen X," but there was disagreement about what to name it. One environmental activist criticized it, calling it the "Copenhagen catastrophe" due to its perceived weakness.

An agreement in Copenhagen next month on a new pact to combat climate change will encourage long-term investors to invest in companies that are better equipped to handle potential increases in the cost of carbon emissions. A strong political deal with emission cut targets at the upcoming summit could speed up actions by investors like pension funds and sovereign wealth funds to adjust their portfolios to reflect the long-term risks of climate change. This could lead to increased growth for energy self-sufficient companies or those involved in alternative energy sources like wind or solar, while putting pressure on industries with high emissions such as utilities, aluminum, and car manufacturers. A more concrete agreement, such as a legally binding target for emission reduction, could prompt funds to start adjusting their asset allocation now to protect their portfolios from the impact of companies affected by rising emission costs. Essentially, it would be a global treaty to regulate pollutants. Bruce Jenkyn-Jones, managing director of listed equities at Impax Asset Management, stated that by intervening in the economy to control and internalize the cost of carbon, there will be an impact on products and services as people across the economy will have to pay for carbon. This will particularly affect big energy producers, utilities, and industrials. Impax manages a total of 50 million pounds in global equities for the UK Environmental Agency's Active Pension Fund. The strength of a Copenhagen deal is still very uncertain. During a preliminary UN meeting in Barcelona last week, developed nations expressed caution about reaching a consensus on a legally binding document, suggesting it could take another 6-12 months. However, developing countries remain wary of rich nations reneging on their commitments to take the lead in combating climate change. They are adamant about securing a legally binding agreement by December, despite efforts by politicians to temper expectations. This situation presents a genuine opportunity for progress. Simon Webber, a fund manager at Schroders, stated that decisions made in Copenhagen will have a significant impact on the growth rates of companies in which you are investing. He believes that industries such as power generation, utilities, and transport will be immediately affected by a concrete deal. For example, companies like Germany's RWE may face higher carbon costs, which could amount to nearly a third of their operating profits in the coming years. Webber also pointed out Warren Buffett's $26 billion purchase of railway firm Burlington Northern Santa Fe in November as evidence of the long-term viability of rails. He predicts that aggressive deals will lead to increased growth rates for nuclear power and solar industries, as well as a shift from combustion engine cars to electric vehicles in the future. Malcolm Gray, a portfolio manager at Investec Asset Management, stated that meeting challenging initial targets is essential. He believes that industries that are self-sufficient in energy, like sugar, will be better equipped to handle emission reductions and will attract investment. However, utilities in the traditional thermal sector and non-diversified aluminum producers will be at risk. As carbon prices rise, the cost of goods will increase, impacting consumers with limited disposable income and certain retail businesses. Gray warns that there is more embedded inflation in the world than is commonly perceived. He mentioned that there is a possibility of facing a more aggressive inflation cycle globally compared to the current deflating world. The Copenhagen talks could help investors reduce portfolio risks by predicting the increase in the cost of carbon emissions and investing in industries that benefit from alternative energy. Sovereign funds and other long-term investors are becoming more involved in environmental investing, while private sector participation has been slow. For example, Norway's $400 billion oil fund is investing over $3 billion in firms involved in environmental technologies and encouraging companies in its portfolio to address climate change more effectively. "We benefit the most from promoting strong corporate ethics. This aligns well with our focus on long-term investment goals," stated Martin Skancke, director general of Norway's Ministry of Finance Asset Management Department, in a recent statement to Reuters. Rabobank believes that the Copenhagen meeting will provide clarity on the guidelines for the Dutch bank, which is already factoring in the expenses related to carbon emissions when assessing credit risks. Ruud Nijs, head of corporate social responsibility at Rabobank, stated, "We will address risk management, and new business opportunities will arise over time. If a tax was imposed on the costs of climate change, it would prompt us to reassess our credit portfolio." If a customer is now responsible for covering the cost of climate change, their level of risk will significantly increase. The bank has invested over 4 billion euros in renewable energy, with all investments in clean technology in the past 18 months. It is the sole debt provider for the Belfuture solar project, valued at hundreds of millions of euros, and has provided project financing for the Belwind offshore wind farm project totaling 620 million euros. "Copenhagen provides a more favorable environment for conducting business with." Nijs stated that significant clean technology deals and investments in solar, wind, and biomass technologies will be automatically generated as a result of the positive outcome. Additionally, the pipeline will see an increase.

Heckling is a challenge that Trudeau has always dealt with, but this time the criticisms are more severe. After being in office for six years, the prime minister who once promised "sunny ways" and portrayed himself as a fresh face is now seen as part of the political establishment, with a record of accomplishments and mistakes for his opponents to criticize. Despite expectations that the Liberal Party will maintain control of Parliament, this tough election campaign has not been beneficial for Trudeau. According to Ben Chin, the prime minister's senior adviser, no politician could have maintained Trudeau's initial popularity after being in power for five or six years, as they would inevitably accumulate more baggage. "You must make difficult decisions that not everyone will agree with." Throughout his time in office, Trudeau has faced criticism from opposition party leaders who accuse him of prioritizing his own personal and political interests over the well-being of the nation. This criticism has been fueled by controversies such as a contract involving a charity close to his family and a violation of ethics laws for pressuring a minister to help a Quebec company avoid legal consequences. Critics also highlight unfulfilled promises among Trudeau's accomplishments. Trudeau has faced challenges from anti-vax protesters, including some affiliated with the far-right People's Party of Canada, leading to increased security measures at his events. Safety concerns have resulted in the shutdown of a rally in Ontario, where protesters outnumbered police, and Trudeau was even hit with gravel at another event in the same province. An official from the People's Party was charged with assault using a weapon in a local incident. Since 2015, Trudeau has accomplished many things such as implementing carbon pricing, legalizing cannabis, increasing funding for Indigenous matters, and banning 1,500 types of military-style rifles. A new initiative will offer daycare for $10 a day per child. Despite a decrease in popularity, Trudeau's charisma still shines. When he visited the outdoor terrace of a cafe in Port Coquitlam, an eastern suburb of Vancouver, for elbow bumps, quick chats, and selfies with voters, a crowd quickly gathered. Joy Silver, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher from nearby Coquitlam, expressed her love for Trudeau. However, as Election Day approaches, many Canadians are questioning why Trudeau is calling for a vote now, two years ahead of schedule, especially with COVID-19 infections increasing due to the delta variant. Critics also pointed out that the election was called on the same weekend that Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, while Canadian troops were still trying to evacuate Canadians and Afghans who had assisted them. Gerald Butts, a longtime friend of Trudeau's and former top political adviser, noted that the campaign has struggled to address this issue. Trudeau is struggling to convey his message effectively, as he believes he needs a majority in the House of Commons to address the ongoing pandemic and subsequent recovery. The Liberal Party decided to capitalize on Canadians' positive views of Trudeau's handling of pandemic issues by calling for an election. Despite being in a close race with the Conservative Party, Trudeau remains confident in his team's ability to deliver results and end the pandemic. However, some experts, such as political scientist Kimberly Speers, believe Trudeau's personal popularity may actually be hindering his campaign efforts. She stated that the main message coming from the NDP and Conservatives is that Trudeau's actions are seen as a power grab and all about him, which has resonated with voters. Various scandals during Trudeau's time in office have also benefited the opposition, such as the resignation of his veterans affairs minister in 2019 over allegations of improper pressure to strike a deal for a corporation, Trudeau's past incidents of wearing blackface or brownface, and a charity with ties to his family being awarded a no-bid contract for a COVID-19 financial assistance plan for students. The group retreated, the program was called off, and Trudeau was given the all-clear by the federal ethics and conflict of interest commissioner. His critics have also pointed out areas where they believe he has not delivered on promises, such as implementing a national prescription drug plan, reforming Canada's electoral system, reducing debt as a proportion of the economy, and putting an end to sexual harassment in the military and solitary confinement in federal prisons. A study by the Centre for Public Policy Analysis at Laval University in Quebec City revealed that Trudeau has fully delivered on approximately 45% of his pledges, while 27% were only partially fulfilled. Singh has been highlighting Trudeau's commitment to providing clean drinking water to all Indigenous communities, noting that there were 105 boil-water advisories in effect in First Nations territories when Trudeau first came into office, with more added later. The government has provided clean water to 109 communities, but there are still 52 boil-water advisories in place. Singh believes that while Mr. Trudeau may appear to care, he has often prioritized appearances over taking real action. O'Toole, on the other hand, has tried to present the election as a way for Trudeau to boost his own ego. He described Trudeau as someone who is privileged, entitled, and always puts himself first. "He prioritized his own interests when he decided to call for this costly and unnecessary election during a pandemic." Security and secrecy measures have been heightened at Trudeau's campaign events following disruptions by protesters upset about COVID-19 vaccination requirements and vaccine passport policies. At a rally in Surrey, Trudeau delivered a passionate speech to a predominantly South Asian crowd, with attendees invited rather than publicly announced to control crowd size. Police snipers in camouflage were stationed on the roof of the venue to monitor the event. Trudeau was questioned about whether the protests in Ontario were inspired by US politics after a previous rally was canceled. He responded indirectly by urging everyone to consider the dangers of anger, division, and intolerance. He also mentioned that he had never experienced such intense anger in Canada before. While it is difficult to accurately predict the number of seats each party will hold in the next House of Commons based on wider poll results, it is clear that Trudeau may have lost support due to calling an early election and facing abuse during his campaign without gaining any political advantage. The Liberals are expected to retain power but fall short of a majority, according to Butts. If this happens, it will be ironic as it will be similar to the previous situation.

Speakers at a seminar have stated that climate change, caused by global corruption, disproportionately affects the least developed countries such as Bangladesh. The industrialized nations bear a significant responsibility for the rapid climate change that is harming these nations the most.

The gathering in downtown Omaha, Nebraska marked Berkshire's first shareholder meeting since 2019, prior to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Shareholders had the opportunity to ask questions to Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Greg Abel, and Ajit Jain for five hours. Berkshire revealed that they had increased their stakes in Chevron Corp and Activision Blizzard Inc to over $31 billion, addressing criticisms of holding too much cash. Despite facing challenges such as supply chain disruptions, the Ukraine invasion, and inflation, Berkshire reported a first-quarter operating profit of $7.04 billion. Buffett, 91, expressed satisfaction with being able to meet with shareholders in person after conducting the past two meetings virtually. Attendees at the event included JPMorgan Chase & Co Chief Executive Jamie Dimon and actor Bill Murray. In his annual shareholder letter in February, Warren Buffett expressed frustration over the lack of investment opportunities. However, in March, Berkshire Hathaway purchased 14.6% of Occidental Petroleum Corp and agreed to acquire insurer Alleghany Corp for $11.6 billion. When asked what prompted the change, Buffett explained that he decided to invest in Occidental after reading an analyst report and in Alleghany after receiving a letter from its CEO, who had previously worked for Berkshire's General Re business. Buffett attributed the investment decisions to the unpredictable nature of markets, stating that occasionally Berkshire Hathaway seizes unique opportunities. "It's not our intelligence that sets us apart... I believe we are rational." In the last quarter, Berkshire invested $51 billion in stocks, causing its cash reserves to decrease by over $40 billion to $106 billion. Despite this, the company has various sources of cash flow, such as its insurance business, and Buffett reassured that they will never be short on cash. "We will always have a significant amount of cash," he stated. "It's similar to oxygen, it's always present but if it suddenly disappears, it's game over." During a discussion on the potential of the Ukraine conflict leading to nuclear war, Buffett and Jain struggled to provide a clear answer. Jain, who has been praised by Buffett for many years, admitted to lacking the ability to estimate Berkshire's insurance exposure. Buffett mentioned that the risk of a nuclear attack was very low, despite the world coming close during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He stated that "The world is taking a chance every day." Berkshire Hathaway does not have a solution to the current situation. Warren Buffett commented on the similarities between stock markets and gambling, noting that this behavior was heightened in recent years due to encouragement from Wall Street. Charlie Munger, at 98 years old, expressed disapproval of bitcoin and advised against putting retirement funds into it. He also criticized trading company Robinhood Markets Inc. He and Buffett enjoyed their usual candies from See's, a company owned by Berkshire, and drank Coca-Cola, a major investment of Berkshire, at the meeting. Abel defended Berkshire's BNSF railroad, emphasizing the need for continued improvement in operations and customer service to compete with Union Pacific Corp. Buffett reassured shareholders that Berkshire is built to outlast his and Munger's leadership. Shareholders rejected proposals for more disclosure on diversity and climate risks, as well as for an independent chairman to replace Buffett. Buffett has been in charge of Berkshire since 1965, and prominent investor Mario Gabelli opposed ending his chairmanship. "It is not considered inappropriate for companies to consider separating the roles of chair and CEO," he stated. "However, in the case of Berkshire Hathaway, it doesn't seem necessary as the current person in that role has been very successful for the past 50 years. While we support the idea of separating the roles, it is not needed here." Prior to the opening of the doors at 7 am, a large crowd of people gathered outside the downtown arena where the meeting was held. Despite projections of lower attendance compared to 2019, about 10% to 15% of seats in the usually full arena remained empty. Just like at other events sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway this weekend, most attendees at the meeting did not wear masks, but they all had to show proof of being vaccinated against COVID-19. The meeting was webcast by CNBC.com. Tom Spain, the founder of Henry Spain Investment Services in Market Harborough, England, arrived early at 3:15 a.m. for his third meeting and brought a chair from Walmart to sit on. He mentioned that everyone has been using his chair and joked about possibly bringing a large container of coffee to share next year. Lauritz Fenselau, a 23-year-old software startup owner from Frankfurt, Germany, arrived at his first meeting at 4 a.m. describing it as a pilgrimage. Andres Avila, who had traveled from Boston to Omaha just five hours earlier, joined him at 4:45 a.m. with an umbrella to shield from the rain, excited to see his idols.

The commitments made by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to prevent a temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius, which is considered a critical threshold for extreme weather events and rising sea levels. A report by various organizations, including Christian Aid, Oxfam, and WWF International, highlights that major developed countries are not doing enough to meet their fair share of emissions reductions. This report coincides with international talks in Bonn, Germany, where almost 200 nations are discussing a global deal to address climate change. While approximately 150 nations have submitted plans to combat climate change, there is no standardized way to compare the level of ambition of each nation's commitments. Monday's report suggested that wealthy nations, who have benefitted from using fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution, have the means to transition to cleaner energy sources and should take more responsibility in doing so. The report found that the United States and the European Union had committed to about a fifth of their "fair shares" in this regard, while Japan had committed to about a tenth. On the other hand, emerging economies were found to be exceeding or meeting their fair share, with China and Brazil notably doing more than their fair share. Brandon Wu of ActionAid criticized rich countries for failing to bring emission cuts and financial contributions to the negotiating table. Tasneem Essop from WWF International proposed that Paris should establish systems that allow for actions to become more impactful over time through regular evaluations of science and fairness. Both major emitters, Beijing and Washington, have ambitious plans to address climate change. China aims to reach peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, while the United States plans to reduce emissions by 26-28 percent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels. However, according to the report released on Monday, if current trends continue, temperatures are projected to increase by 3 degrees C (5.4F) or more above pre-industrial levels by 2100, far exceeding the agreed maximum of 2C.

According to James Cameron, a top carbon expert from Climate Change Capital in London, the world still has the resources and capability to address climate change, despite the financial crisis. He emphasized the importance of not using the current economic situation as an excuse to postpone policies aimed at combating global warming. Cameron pointed out that the recent mobilization of significant funds demonstrated the ability of nations to work together on a large scale to tackle urgent global issues. He warned that there is a risk of governments prioritizing short-term crises over long-term environmental concerns, but stressed that the same level of cooperation seen in addressing the financial crisis could be utilized to mobilize resources quickly and support market systems in the fight against climate change. He suggested that if governments collaborated with the same level of cooperation and urgency to address climate change as they did with the financial crisis, both issues could be tackled simultaneously. Concerns have been raised that the financial crisis has already utilized a significant amount of public capital, leading countries to hesitate in making commitments to combat climate change that could impact their economies and jobs. However, Cameron, a senior member of a leading investor in clean-energy projects, argued that focusing solely on short-term gains was unwise. He emphasized that investing in solutions for climate change, despite the economic costs, was crucial in the long run. Despite recent stock market declines, Cameron believed that there was still enough capital available to invest in addressing this issue. Climate Change Capital manages over $1.6 billion in funds and specializes in supporting companies and institutions impacted by policy and market reactions to climate change, as stated on the firm's website.

The sixth annual report from PwC, a professional services firm, examined the efforts of major developed and emerging economies to decrease their carbon intensity, or emissions per unit of GDP. According to Jonathan Grant of PwC, there is a growing disparity between current achievements and necessary actions, with governments falling short of the 2 degree goal and instead on track for 3 degrees of warming. Nearly 200 countries reached an agreement at the United Nations climate talks to restrict the increase in global temperatures to under 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in order to prevent extreme weather events caused by climate change. Currently, temperatures have already risen by approximately 0.85 degrees Celsius. To meet this goal, carbon intensity will need to be reduced by 6.2 percent annually, a substantial increase from the 1.2 percent rate seen from 2012 to 2013. Achieving this reduction would require significant changes in energy production on a scale even larger than recent shifts in some countries. France's transition to nuclear power in the 1980s resulted in a 4 percent reduction in emissions, while Britain's shift to gas in the 1990s led to a 3 percent cut. In 2012, the United States saw a 3.5 percent decrease in emissions due to the shale gas boom. PwC noted a glimmer of hope in the fact that emerging economies like China, India, and Mexico have been reducing their carbon intensity at a faster pace than industrialized countries such as the US, Japan, and the EU. These emerging nations, which are major manufacturing centers, have emissions 1.5 times larger than those of developed economies, and it is crucial for them to separate economic growth from carbon emissions. Australia had the highest rate of decarbonization for the second consecutive year, reducing its carbon intensity by 7.2 percent in 2013. Despite being a major coal producer with high emissions per capita, Australia's efforts to reduce emissions have slowed since the repeal of an emissions tax in July. Britain, Italy, and China all managed to reduce their carbon emissions by 4-5 percent, whereas France, the United States, India, Germany, and Brazil saw an increase in their carbon intensity.

World leaders are addressing the UN climate conference in Copenhagen as it approaches its conclusion. The Danish hosts are trying to lower expectations for a comprehensive agreement, but some leaders remain hopeful. French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated, "People want to keep [the Kyoto protocol], okay, let's keep Kyoto." Let's come to a consensus on a broad political framework. We are running out of time, so let's put an end to empty talk. Failing in Copenhagen would have disastrous consequences for all of us. We need to step up our efforts in this conference or we will be on a path to disaster. We have less than 24 hours left. If we continue in this manner, it will result in failure. Our purpose here is not to hold a conference on global warming, but to make decisive choices. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated that during these crucial days in Copenhagen, where our actions will have lasting consequences, we must not let narrow self-interest hinder efforts for human survival. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concern about the lack of transparency from China, the second largest emitter of carbon emissions. We need to be willing to be open and transparent in whatever setting we decide is best. If there is no commitment to transparency, it is a dealbreaker for us. Israeli President Shimon Peres is asking neighboring countries, even those without diplomatic relations, to work together to save the region. Political differences should not prevent environmental cooperation because carbon molecules do not have a nationality. Rivers do not need visas, but they can carry pollution. People of various faiths, including Jews, Muslims, and Christians, hope for the Jordan River to remain pure and sacred. I, like the Bible's call to Adam, urge for the preservation and cultivation of our natural world. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad expresses strong views on the reasons behind environmental destruction and has proposed solutions to address this issue. I am hopeful that those who are most responsible for damaging the environment will agree to international obligations and work with us to establish a fair framework. This involves reducing environmental destruction and supporting programs to mitigate its effects. It is important for all countries to have access to new technologies for clean and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, sea tide, geothermal, and nuclear power. The Chinese Climate Change Ambassador, Yu Qingtai, emphasizes the significance of the Copenhagen conference and stresses that China is not interested in being part of blaming other countries for any failures. He believes that some countries are trying to shift blame for their own obstructive and uncooperative behavior during the process. INDIAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER JAIRAM RAMESH believes that the main obstacle is some parties' desire to unilaterally abandon agreements, leading to a lack of trust and the start of a blame game. MICRONESIA PRESIDENT EMANUEL MORI appeals for help in saving his people and other small island nations, emphasizing the need to protect the planet for future generations. JAPANESE ENVIRONMENT MINISTER SAKIHITO OZAWA questions whether developing nations will accept a climate agreement without the participation of the US, China, and other countries. The current main issue lies within these nations. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has noticed slogans in the streets advocating for a change in the system rather than the climate, and he believes this sentiment should be adopted. Instead of altering the climate, the focus should be on transforming the system. As a result, we will start to protect the planet. Capitalism is a harmful system that is leading to the destruction of life. Another well-known saying is, "if the climate was a bank, you would have already saved it", and I believe this is accurate. If the climate were a large capitalist bank, the wealthy governments would have already intervened to save it. - MARCUS STEPHEN, PRESIDENT OF NUARU (SOUTH PACIFIC) Nuaru is a small island nation, covering just 21 sq km (8 sq miles). How much of our island should we sacrifice given that we are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean with rising sea levels and nowhere else to go? We must stop playing the blame game and take responsibility for the world and our children. - GEORGE PAPANDREOU, GREEK PRIME MINISTER We are present and accountable for the future of the world. Our voices today must turn this dream into a tangible reality, warned Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He expressed concern about prioritizing appearances over actual progress and inaction over taking proactive steps. Rudd emphasized the importance of collective action, stating that without cooperation, there is little hope for sustainable development as the planet may no longer be able to support it. I am concerned that at this conference, we are on the brink of failing all the children in the world. Each of us will be held accountable for our actions or inaction. South African President Jacob Zuma believes that the fate of the global population is at stake and urges us to come together to make critical decisions. We are facing a crisis that jeopardizes the survival of humanity. The most important thing is to prioritize the issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, rather than focusing on personal gain while others suffer. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak emphasizes the importance of making decisions that will impact not only ourselves but also future generations and the planet. In order to make a meaningful impact, we must take collective action instead of waiting for others to take the lead. It is important to shift our mindset from "you first" to "me first" in order to make progress. UGANDAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER MARIA MUTAGAMBA expressed concern over the inability to follow normal procedures and the sidelining of certain parties in the negotiation process. Despite this, she remains hopeful for an agreement to be reached. NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JENS STOLTENBERG emphasized the critical stage of the conference and called for all parties to take responsibility in reaching an agreement the following day. He stressed the importance of ambitious emissions targets and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, with wealthier nations bearing the main burden. All nations must play a part in addressing climate change. Norway is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 and aims to become carbon neutral by 2030 if a strong global climate agreement is reached. VANUATU PRIME MINISTER EDWARD NATAPEI expresses concern for the recent impact of a category two cyclone in Fiji, which has caused significant damage and forced thousands into emergency shelters. This is just a preview of what could escalate into a more severe situation if there is no ambitious climate agreement in place.

The head of the UN climate panel is hopeful that the climate talks in Bali will conclude on Friday with a specific schedule for implementing cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to combat the threat of dangerous global warming. The ongoing talks involving 190 nations are focused on initiating discussions for a global agreement to address global warming, but have faced obstacles due to opposition from the United States, Japan, and Canada regarding setting numerical targets for emissions reductions. Rajendra Pachauri, who recently accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of his UN panel, emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on emission reduction targets by 2020 and establishing a clear timeline for deciding on specific numbers. He suggested that reaching a consensus on a timetable could lead to the adoption of concrete targets for emissions reductions by wealthy nations, possibly within six months. Pachauri believes that explicitly mentioning emission reduction targets for 2020 would be a step in the right direction. The UN panel attributed global warming to human activity and warned of increased heatwaves, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. They emphasized the need for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and suggested that specific targets should be established within the next six months. The Bali talks, taking place from Dec. 3-14, are focused on setting guidelines for formal negotiations on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. The EU is pushing for a non-binding agreement at Bali to cut emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 for industrialized nations. The United States, Japan, and Canada are against providing any figures, as they believe it would influence the final decision. Pachauri, the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, declined to comment on the U.S.' opposition, expressing hope that the negotiations will resolve all disagreements. He stated that discussing targets of 25 to 40 percent reduction in emissions is a positive sign that they acknowledge the scientific evidence and the necessity of reducing greenhouse gases to prevent serious consequences of climate change.

The 78-year-old pontiff delivered a message that America's power and wealth should be used to serve humanity during his speech to the Republican-led Congress in Washington. He emphasized the importance of not turning away from "the stranger in our midst" and called for a more equitable economy to help those trapped in poverty. Additionally, he advocated for an end to the death penalty worldwide and a greater effort against climate change. The pope, who was born in Argentina to an Italian immigrant family, also addressed conservative values and Catholic teachings on the family during his wide-ranging speech. With the accompaniment of organ music and a choir, the pope was warmly received by a crowd of 3,000 people at a cathedral for an evening prayer service. Francis is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday and to lead an open-air Mass in Philadelphia on Sunday. During his address to the U.S. Congress, the pope's call for more compassionate immigration policies was met with applause from both Democrats and Republicans. The issue of immigration, particularly regarding illegal immigrants, has been a key focus in the upcoming presidential election, with Republican candidate Donald Trump proposing the deportation of all 11 million illegal immigrants, many of whom are from Latin America like the pope. Trump has also made controversial statements accusing Mexico of sending criminals across the border. Francis, addressing a problem that has caused the Republicans to lose support among Hispanic voters, emphasized that America should not be bothered by the influx of foreigners from south of the border who are seeking a better life. He encouraged people to see them as individuals, listen to their stories, and respond compassionately, justly, and fraternally to their situation. During his speech, Francis was accompanied by two prominent American Catholics: Republican House Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Vice President Joe Biden. Boehner, known to get emotional, openly wept during the speech while Francis spoke softly with a heavy accent. The United States has struggled with how to handle illegal immigrants for many years. Last year, Republicans in Congress stopped a bipartisan attempt to change immigration laws that would have given illegal immigrants a chance to become US citizens. In a Pew Research Center survey in May, 51 percent of 2,002 American adults believed that immigrants strengthen the country with their hard work and talents, while 41 percent thought they are a burden because they take jobs, housing, and healthcare. It remains uncertain whether the pope's speech will alter people's views on immigration. "It doesn't change my opinion," stated Michael Tipsword, a student at George Washington University and a Catholic. Tipsword stated that Francis' views on immigration are more about humanitarian concerns rather than political motivations. He described himself as a staunch conservative while watching the speech on a large screen in front of the US Capitol building, where many others were also gathered. Francis referenced historical American figures like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., urging lawmakers to prioritize unity and the common good over bitter partisan disputes. Presidential candidates on both sides of the spectrum used the pope's words to support their own agendas, with Francis also highlighting the importance of protecting human life at all stages of development, including issues like abortion and euthanasia. He quickly shifted his focus to opposing the death penalty, emphasizing the value of every life and the potential for rehabilitation of criminals. He also condemned the global arms trade, fueled by blood money, and criticized the silence surrounding it. Addressing conservatives, he expressed disapproval of same-sex marriage and highlighted the importance of traditional family values. To demonstrate his commitment to helping the poor, Francis left the US Capitol in a humble black Fiat to have lunch with homeless individuals, stressing that there is no excuse for homelessness.

According to the World Bank, cities have the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against global warming, as they can act more quickly and effectively than governments struggling to reach a UN climate agreement. Andrew Steer, the World Bank's special envoy for climate change, highlighted that the 10 largest cities in the world emit more greenhouse gases than Japan. He emphasized the need for reforms, such as changes to carbon markets, to help cities become more environmentally friendly. A World Bank study indicated that urban areas, which are home to just over half of the world's population and account for two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions, could contribute to combating climate change by transitioning to greener transportation, clean energy, and improved waste recycling. Steer stated that cities are both a major contributor to climate change and a key potential solution to it. The text highlights the significant economic power of the world's 50 biggest cities, which have a combined gross domestic product second only to the United States and ahead of China. It also mentions Tokyo and New York as having economies larger than those of Canada or Turkey. The UN climate talks, which aim to reach consensus on measures to slow global warming, are facing challenges due to the diverse opinions of the 194 countries involved. For example, over 1,000 US mayors agreed in 2008 to cut greenhouse gases in line with the UN's Kyoto Protocol, despite the fact that the US government never ratified the accord. Many of the world's major cities, such as Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, and Buenos Aires, are located near bodies of water, making them vulnerable to floods and rising sea levels. The World Bank is pushing for changes to the UN market mechanism that currently supports individual projects in developing countries, like solar panels in Morocco or hydropower in Honduras. They argue that a broader, city-wide approach is needed to address infrastructure needs like flood barriers and hydrogen-powered buses. This proposed reform of the UN's Clean Development Mechanism would streamline the process for cities to receive funding for multiple projects, rather than having to seek approval for each individual initiative. The CDM currently allows companies to invest in green projects in developing nations and receive credits for reducing emissions. Steer also mentioned that the opinions of city residents regarding the best places to live were changing. In previous years, areas like the east side of London, which suffered from high levels of industrial air pollution, were inhabited by low-income individuals. However, in the future, it is predicted that low-lying regions prone to river floods or rising sea levels will become the new homes of the less fortunate.

The UN climate agency is calling for a special summit to address climate change, but may opt for high-level ministerial talks if world leaders are not on board. Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, stated that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has agreed to send envoys to assess government willingness for a potential high-level meeting on global warming. De Boer mentioned that the Secretary-General is exploring options to support global efforts in combatting climate change, and envoys will investigate the possibility of a high-level meeting, possibly during the UN General Assembly in September. De Boer also noted that the meeting does not necessarily have to involve heads of state. "It might be at a different level, like involving foreign affairs or energy ministers," Ban said on March 1, warning that global warming is as serious a threat as war and calling on the United States to take a leading role in fighting climate change. Despite requests from UN environment agencies, Ban's spokeswoman stated that there were no immediate plans for a summit. De Boer clarified that this did not indicate a change in stance, but rather a consideration of a high-level meeting involving a wider range of stakeholders, including those in foreign affairs, energy, trade, economy, and transport. He stated that there is a need for a broader effort and more widespread support, regardless of whether leaders come together. Discussions on a global scale to combat climate change, which is largely attributed to the burning of fossil fuels, have come to a standstill. Reports from the UN this year indicate that human activities are very likely responsible for greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global warming, leading to potential consequences such as increased hunger, droughts, floods, heatwaves, glacier melting, and rising sea levels. De Boer emphasized the necessity of accelerating negotiations to expand the UN Kyoto Protocol, which currently mandates emissions reductions for 35 industrialized nations until 2012. The United States and Australia withdrew from the agreement in 2001 due to concerns about the high costs associated with compliance. Kyoto nations account for only around one-third of global carbon dioxide emissions, the primary greenhouse gas. Among the top four emitters, only Russia is obligated to a Kyoto target. De Boer suggested that a forthcoming meeting could complement, rather than replicate, a Group of Eight summit in June, where German Chancellor Angela Merkel aims to prioritize climate change. The G8 summit will include leaders from China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, collectively representing the majority of global carbon dioxide emissions. De Boer pointed out that the G8 summit does not include certain groups, such as small island states at risk from sea level rise, the poorest nations in sub-Saharan Africa, and Australia. The next formal UN climate negotiations will take place in Bali, Indonesia, in December, where environment ministers will gather.

An intelligence source reported that Ugandan police discovered an unexploded suicide vest and apprehended six individuals suspected of planning the bombings that killed 76 soccer fans. The attacks were carried out by Somali al Shabaab Islamists affiliated with al Qaeda at a restaurant and rugby club in Uganda's capital during the World Cup final. A senior U.S. official indicated that there were signs confirming al Shabaab's claim of responsibility, marking the first time the group had launched an attack outside of Somalia. President Barack Obama described the explosions as "tragic and ironic" due to their occurrence during the World Cup in South Africa. "In one scenario, there is a positive image of Africa progressing, unifying, modernizing, and creating opportunities," Obama stated in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corp. "On the other hand, there is the disturbing vision of groups like al Qaeda and Al Shabaab focused on causing destruction and death." The U.S. government has been working closely with Uganda and other regional governments to assess whether Al Shabaab is planning further attacks, share intelligence, and determine appropriate actions, according to a senior official. Despite claims by an Al Shabaab official that there were no suicide bombers involved in the recent attack in Uganda, a Ugandan military intelligence source revealed that a warning had been received about a possible attack. However, the U.S. official stated that Washington had not been informed of any preemptive intelligence. An informant from the Kisenyi suburb of Kampala informed intelligence officials on June 17 that there were plans for an attack during the World Cup involving Somalis. The source mentioned that over 20 individuals, including Somalis and Ugandans, were involved in planning the attacks. The official stated that six people from the group have already been arrested. Al Shabaab has threatened further attacks unless Uganda and Burundi remove their peacekeepers from the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, where the militants are in conflict with the government and have control over significant portions of the country. Police reported that the suicide vest discovered at a third location on Monday was designed to be planted rather than worn. A man named Yonis, who is an assistant to al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage, told Reuters that those who carried out the attack were blessed with rage and were expected to have a long life, indicating that it was not a suicide bombing. He also mentioned that al Shabaab has banned alcohol and watching soccer matches in areas under its control. Coordinated attacks are a common tactic used by al Qaeda and groups associated with Osama bin Laden's militant network. However, if Al Shabaab were to take their pursuit of power to an international level, it would be a first for the militants. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stated that there is a growing concern about Al Shabaab expanding their influence across borders. The U.S. is focused on enhancing preparedness, prevention, and interception measures to thwart any potential terrorist attacks. Al Shabaab has been closely monitored by U.S. officials due to their connections with Al Qaeda in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The official stated that the Kampala attack was consistent with threats to expand its targets, but did not directly address whether the group posed a specific threat to the United States. In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corp, Obama mentioned that terrorist organizations do not value African life and use the continent as a battleground for their ideological conflicts, disregarding the consequences. The African Union confirmed that Uganda will still host a summit of African leaders despite the attack, and IGAD stated that they will continue to support the government in Somalia and increase peacekeepers in the country. Executive secretary Mahboud Maalim announced plans to bring additional troops to Somalia by the second week of August. Last week, members of IGAD including Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti expressed their desire for 20,000 troops from the AU and United Nations to be deployed in Somalia. Uganda's opposition Forum for Democratic Change party called on President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw his peacekeepers and stated that they would do the same if they won the 2011 elections. The party's spokesman, Wafula Oguttu, told Reuters that there is no peace to maintain in Somalia and that Uganda does not have any strategic interest in the country. Despite concerns that a sustained bombing campaign could harm Uganda's investment climate, analysts believe that a one-time attack would not dissuade major companies like Tullow Oil from investing in the region. Foreign investment in the third largest economy in East Africa has significantly increased due to oil exploration along the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. One American citizen was killed in the incident, while five others who were injured were evacuated to Johannesburg and Nairobi by the U.S. embassy in South Africa. The U.S. State Department has confirmed that an FBI team is currently in Kampala.

Activists and left-wing leaders at a meeting in Bolivia's Cochabamba region concluded that big polluting countries need to aggressively reduce greenhouse gases and consider suggestions from smaller nations in order to combat global warming. They criticized the failed Copenhagen summit for excluding certain countries and environmental groups from active participation, and called for a more inclusive approach at the upcoming climate change meeting in Mexico. The Cochabamba summit proposed a more ambitious goal of cutting emissions by 50 percent, compared to the Copenhagen Accord's pledges of 7 to 16 percent reductions. Bolivian President Evo Morales emphasized the importance of listening to the people and making decisions that benefit everyone at the Mexico summit. Earlier in the summit, Morales caused controversy by stating that consuming chicken treated with hormones can lead to "sexual deviation" in men, and that European men experience hair loss due to their consumption of genetically modified food. The World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, which attracted around 20,000 environmentalists and representatives from 90 governments, took aim at capitalism, genetically modified food, and global warming. The event in the village of Tiquipaya featured participation from indigenous groups worldwide and included various activities such as concerts, theater performances, a handicrafts market, and artists creating murals. Countries such as Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, all part of a leftist group of Latin American nations, have strongly opposed the Copenhagen accord, with Morales stating that climate change disproportionately affects the southern hemisphere despite being created by the north. Canadian author Naomi Klein stated that if the simple fact of justice and decency is acknowledged, it would mean that southern countries are no longer dependent on aid. Klein, who is known for her activism against global warming, believes that the meeting in Cochabamba could strengthen alliances among nations already experiencing the impacts of climate change. She emphasized the importance of unity among developing countries and proposed the creation of an international tribunal to hold responsible parties for global warming, as well as a global referendum on climate change and a fund to assist nations affected by global warming. The resolutions are not mandatory, but participants at the summit have committed to rallying support for them before the United Nations summit on climate change in Cancun, Mexico in December. Alicia Barcena, the top UN representative at the meeting, acknowledged that grassroots groups were excluded from the Copenhagen summit and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the Cancun summit. She suggested that the Rio+20 Earth Summit on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 should be the ultimate goal.

The European Commission urged European Union states to fulfill their promises to increase aid to poor countries, emphasizing that failing to meet U.N. goals would have disastrous consequences for developing nations and global stability. While progress has been made towards the Millennium Development Goals, there are still significant challenges such as high child mortality rates, lack of access to clean water, limited education opportunities, and high levels of illiteracy among women. The Commission stressed the importance of increasing political and public support in order to achieve these goals by 2015. Meeting the targets for development aid is crucial in addressing issues like migration, security, and climate change. The European Union has asked each of its 27 member states to create financial plans that demonstrate yearly increases to meet their aid goals. In 2007, the EU was the largest aid donor globally, contributing over 46 billion euros, but this amount was down by about 1.7 billion euros from the previous year, which could have funded thousands of schools or hospitals. Aid and development Commissioner Louis Michel described this decrease as a "serious failure." The Commission emphasized the need for more effective aid by preventing duplication of efforts, supporting the use of biofuels in developing countries to combat poverty, and taking steps to address brain drain, particularly in the fields of health, education, and research. The Commission also noted that fundamental principles of aid effectiveness are not being followed, and they plan to propose improvements on a state-by-state basis. The Aid for Trade programme is requesting 2 billion euros ($3.15 billion) to be allocated by 2010 to help poorer countries take advantage of export opportunities, with a focus on African, Caribbean, and Pacific states. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the need for action over words in 2008, stating that credibility relies on delivering promises. A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development noted a decrease in development aid from major donors, largely due to the completion of large debt relief packages. In 2000, 189 U.N. members agreed on goals to eradicate poverty, promote human and social development, and protect the environment. In 2005, EU leaders set goals for 2015 including reducing extreme poverty by half, providing primary education to all children, and enhancing health standards. Aid amounted to 0.38 percent of the EU's GNI in the previous year, slightly lower than the interim goal of 0.39 percent in 2006, which was met. The European Commission calculated that Official Development Assistance equated to 93 euros per EU resident, higher than the amounts in the United States (53 euros) and Japan (44 euros) per capita.

However, the downside is that some Oscar voters have been expressing concerns about the lack of great films to choose from this year. Despite this, the variety of Oscar contenders this year is satisfyingly diverse, including big-budget blockbusters, small international dramas, and a comedy with Meryl Streep as the president. If voters are struggling to come up with 10 worthy films to nominate, it may be because they haven't explored all the options. While there are some clear front-runners for best picture, there are still a number of exciting films that could round out the list. In addition to predicting the top six best-picture contenders, there are also several other deserving films that should give voters plenty of choices. The question remains whether Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" can replicate the success of the original and take home the best picture award at the Oscars. After receiving standing ovations this week, the film "West Side Story" has been moved to the top spot. Steven Spielberg's modern take on the classic story combines traditional grandeur with current themes, making it a strong contender for the Oscars. Following last year's smaller Academy Awards, a large-scale musical from Spielberg shown exclusively in theaters is exactly what the movie industry and the Oscars will support. On the other hand, "Belfast" is a modest film that runs for only 97 minutes and never tries too hard, which could potentially hinder its chances of winning the top spot at the Oscars. Kenneth Branagh's "Belfast" has received praise in the academy for its portrayal of an Irish family during the Troubles, but "West Side Story" has garnered more attention and recognition. While "Belfast" has achieved a respectable limited gross of $5 million, it has yet to attract the older art-house crowd that could turn it into a sleeper hit. Meanwhile, Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" has been well-received for its standout performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, positioning Campion as a potential Oscar contender for best director. However, the film may have a better chance at winning in the director category rather than for best picture. The film 'King Richard' tells the story of Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams, with Will Smith expected to be a top contender for best actor. This usually leads to a best picture nomination, as seen in the past 10 years where the best actor winners came from films also nominated for best picture. However, only six of the last 10 best actress winners came from films nominated for best picture, indicating a need for more recognition of female-led films. Despite a weak opening weekend at the box office, 'King Richard' still has potential. On the other hand, 'Being the Ricardos', directed by Aaron Sorkin, received criticism for downplaying Nicole Kidman's performance as Lucille Ball in the trailer. However, once the film started screening for enthusiastic guild audiences, Kidman's unexpected transformation with her smoky voice brought her closer to a potential second Oscar win. The movie also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, as well as J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda. With its release coming later this month, "Being the Ricardos" is expected to make a significant impact during awards season. On the other hand, the Academy has shown great appreciation for Adam McKay's previous issue-based comedies, "The Big Short" and "Vice." His upcoming satire, "Don't Look Up," features an even more star-studded cast, including Oscar favorites Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance, and Jonah Hill. The film revolves around a comet threatening the end of the world, serving as a metaphor for the climate crisis, which has gained additional relevance during the current worldwide pandemic. In a crowded field of period-piece contenders, "Don't Look Up" and its bleak outlook on the future feels especially timely. These six actors are considered to be sure bets for awards recognition. What other films are still competing for the last four spots? It is beneficial to have a strong best-actor candidate leading your movie. "Cyrano" with Peter Dinklage, "Tick, Tick ... Boom!" with Andrew Garfield, and "The Tragedy of Macbeth" with Denzel Washington are expected to receive a major push. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix's film "C'mon C'mon" should not be overlooked, despite being a tender drama about child-raising. It is hoped that voters will recognize the wonderful films contending for best actress and consider them for a best-picture nomination as well. The group of potential Oscar contenders includes Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza,” featuring musician Alana Haim in her film acting debut, and Pedro Almodóvar’s “Parallel Mothers,” which earned Penélope Cruz the Volpi Cup for best actress at the Venice Film Festival. Renate Reinsve won best actress at Cannes for her role in “The Worst Person in the World,” while “The Lost Daughter,” directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, received multiple awards at the Gotham Awards, including one for Olivia Colman’s lead performance. Kristen Stewart is a favorite for an Oscar win for her portrayal of Princess Diana in “Spencer,” but the film’s chances for best picture remain uncertain. The academy has added many international members in an effort to diversify its voting base, potentially benefiting Asghar Farhadi, whose new film “A Hero” could earn a best picture nomination. Paolo Sorrentino, an Oscar-vetted Italian director, may also be a contender in the best-director race with his coming-of-age film “The Hand of God.” I am interested in "CODA," the dramedy that follows the story of a hearing daughter in a deaf family. Despite being a hit at Sundance and later released on Apple TV+, it did not receive as much attention as expected. However, the film recently won two awards at the Gotham Awards, which may help boost its popularity. On the other hand, "Dune" is expected to be a strong contender in technical categories. The success of "West Side Story" may lessen the pressure to nominate "Dune" for best picture, but I still believe it has a good chance due to its quality and director Denis Villeneuve's efforts to fight against corporate decisions. And to be honest, the best-picture montage for this year will be much more visually appealing with the inclusion of giant sandworms.

A draft report for European Union finance ministers suggests that poor countries will require around 100 billion euros ($142 billion) annually by 2020 to assist them in reducing emissions to combat climate change. The report, obtained by Reuters, outlines the EU's plans to have competitive tenders for funding from wealthier nations, where developing countries will present their most cost-effective projects for reducing carbon emissions. These documents highlight the EU's developing strategy leading up to the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. Finance ministers will further refine the bloc's stance at a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. The main focus in Copenhagen will be securing the necessary finances to encourage developing nations to lower emissions and provide additional support to help them adapt to a problem they attribute to wealthy, industrialized nations. Between half and two-thirds of the most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 or 2030 are located in developing countries, according to a report by the EU's Economic Policy Committee and the Economic and Financial Committee on funding needs. Environmentalists view this report as evidence that Europe's economic experts acknowledge the importance of assisting poorer nations in combating climate change. Greenpeace campaigner Joris den Blanken questions whether finance ministers will heed the advice of their own experts or dismiss the urgent needs of developing countries. Poor nations could partly cover the costs of reducing emissions through cuts in deforestation, as transitioning to cleaner energy sources would reduce their reliance on expensive fossil fuels. However, an additional 100 billion euros per year in investments will still be necessary by 2020, with the majority going towards cleaning up industry and energy sectors, halting deforestation, and reducing emissions from agriculture. The numbers may seem overwhelming at first glance, but when compared to the substantial subsidies for fossil fuels and agriculture in the developing and OECD countries, the figures appear more manageable. In addition to reducing their own emissions, poorer nations will require assistance in adapting to climate change, such as developing resilient crops, constructing levees, and finding alternative water sources. The report acknowledges the challenges in estimating the exact cost of adaptation due to uncertainties surrounding global warming's impact, but it suggests that developing countries may need 23-54 billion euros annually by 2030 for adaptation measures.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will aim to bring together countries most impacted by climate change to advocate for climate funds during the upcoming 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Summit, according to an official. Foreign Secretary Mohamed Mizarul Quayes stated that Hasina will address climate change issues, engage in discussions with leaders of countries providing UN peacekeeping troops, and participate in other topics during her stay in the US from Sept 21 to Sep 29. Quayes, who will accompany the prime minister's delegation, mentioned that Hasina will attend a meeting on climate change on Sept 22, organized by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon, where she will work towards uniting the most severely affected countries and resolving compensation claims for climate change, particularly seeking compensation for least developed countries as the chair of the LDC Group. Quayes stated that the outcome is reliant on the positions of other nations impacted by global warming. Bangladesh is at the forefront of countries feeling the effects of global warming due to human-generated carbon emissions and is requesting financial and technological aid for adaptation. Developing nations argue that they will be disproportionately affected by climate change despite having minimal responsibility, and wealthy nations must acknowledge their financial obligations. The UN and World Bank have called on affluent nations to assume their moral duties. US President Barack Obama and Sheikh Hasina are expected to participate in a side meeting with nine countries that contribute significantly to UN peacekeeping efforts globally. Bangladesh plays a significant role in peacekeeping missions, with approximately 10,000 personnel from the country involved in various missions worldwide. The United Nations has close to 115,000 troops, police, and civilians deployed in 16 peacekeeping missions across Africa, the Middle East, Cyprus, Kosovo, Western Sahara, and Haiti. However, these missions face challenges such as a lack of personnel and equipment, as well as shortages of helicopters and other essential assets. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, who is currently in the US, will participate in a ministerial meeting before the general assembly. Moni recently met with World Bank vice president for the South Asia Region, Isabel Guerrero, in Washington DC to discuss the bank's regional plans. On September 17, Dipu Moni had a meeting with US secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Dipu Moni is planning to go back to Bangladesh in early October.

Speaking at the One Planet Summit in Paris, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh announced plans to increase tree coverage in the country by two percent over the next five years. She urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments to climate justice and historical responsibility, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in securing the world's future. The summit, which took place at the Elysee Palace and included leaders from various levels of government and finance sectors, aimed to enhance global efforts in combating climate change. Despite being a developing nation, Bangladesh already invests over one percent of its GDP in climate change mitigation, as it is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite not being a major contributor to the issue. Despite our limited resources, we are taking action to address the impacts of climate change through both mitigation and adaptation efforts." French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Elysse Place in Paris for the One Planet Summit. During her speech, the Bangladesh leader highlighted the challenges faced due to the Rohingya refugee influx from Myanmar, noting the impact on the environment and forests in Cox's Bazar where they have been given shelter. In this instance, dealing with climate adaptation has become a significant challenge. Stressing the importance of afforestation in combating environmental degradation, she mentioned a $50.76 million project aimed at preserving the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. Additionally, efforts are being made to create green belts in coastal regions to protect against cyclones, tidal surges, erosion, and saline water intrusion. Approximately 67,000 hectares of land have been designated for afforestation in the area. Bangladesh is working to enhance the resilience of its agriculture to climate change, as well as reducing reliance on groundwater for urban water supply. Commending Macron's leadership on the issue, Hasina reaffirmed her commitment to upholding the 2015 Paris climate agreement. The prime minister remembered the introduction of the Global Pact for the Environment at the UN in September of this year. She expressed her belief that collaborative actions to improve resilience and adaptation would lead to peace, stability, prosperity, and the reduction of inequalities within societies.

The G77 and China, a major influential group, left the negotiation at 3am BdST on Wednesday because developed countries refused to allocate funds separately for loss and damage. The US, Australia, and Canada were in favor of a separate mechanism for the issue. Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, a key negotiator from a developing country, explained that the G77 walked out because some parties were trying to simplify the issue into disaster risk reduction. Dr Ainun Nishat provided an update on the negotiation, stating that there were serious differences among the parties regarding the institutional mechanism. The G77 and China wanted it to be an independent work stream reporting to COP, while some developed countries preferred it to be under the adaptation commitment. Developed countries were also opposed to providing financial support for the loss and damage mechanism. The Bangladesh delegation expressed their belief that the ultimate goal of the negotiation was to reach a clear global understanding on actions for mitigation and adaptation, along with loss and damage, technology development, transfer, and capacity building for a legally binding agreement in Paris in 2015. They had hoped to agree on an institutional mechanism for loss and damage during COP 19, but some parties wanted to integrate it into the adaptation mechanism. The statement was read by Secretary for the ministry of environment and forests Shafiqur Rahman in a press conference, where Ainun Nushat, Dr Asaduzzaman, and Md Quamrul Islam Chowdhury also spoke.

Cameron is eager to launch strikes against Islamic State in Syria as soon as possible because he believes Britain cannot rely on other countries for security. However, his efforts to gain approval in the House of Commons have caused further division within the Labour Party. Corbyn accused Cameron of rushing into war and urged Labour lawmakers to reconsider their support for the government's military efforts in Syria. Despite the opposition, Cameron's cabinet has agreed on a motion to extend air strikes to Syria, in addition to Iraq, where British warplanes have been targeting since last year. The debate in parliament is expected to be thorough and last 10-1/2 hours. When asked about the likelihood of obtaining a majority, he responded, "Let's wait and see." Cameron is almost certain to secure parliamentary approval following Corbyn's decision to allow his members of parliament to vote based on their own beliefs, rather than being directed by party leaders. Reports suggest that approximately 50 Labour MPs will support the government, despite their leader's efforts to change their minds. Corbyn believes that Cameron's argument does not align with his party's principles, and he is urging MPs to independently consider the decision to involve British troops in another Middle East conflict without a clear end goal. Many Britons are hesitant to engage in expensive military operations in the Middle East due to previous failures in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. The British finance minister estimated that extending air strikes into Syria would cost "low tens of millions of pounds". However, following the Paris attacks attributed to Islamic State, some members of parliament who were previously against the air strikes now see them as necessary for protecting Britain from similar attacks. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon emphasized the "urgent need" for Britain to launch air strikes against Islamic State in Syria for the country's security.

In a letter to the International Monetary Fund Executive Board that was made public on Thursday, attorney Lanny Breuer from Covington & Burling raised concerns about potential errors in the investigation report conducted by WilmerHale. WilmerHale was hired by the World Bank's board to look into data irregularities in the "Doing Business" rankings of country business climates. The report accused Georgieva, who was World Bank CEO in 2017, of exerting undue pressure on staff to manipulate data to benefit China's ranking while the bank was seeking support from Beijing for a capital increase. Georgieva has denied these claims. Breuer, who previously worked for the US Justice Department and was a special counsel to former President Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial in 1999, has made these new allegations as Georgieva seeks support from the IMF board. The board has interviewed both Georgieva and WilmerHale and will continue deliberations on the matter on Friday. France has announced its intention to support Georgieva at the board meeting, according to a source from the French Finance Ministry. Georgieva denied the accusations of pressuring staff to manipulate data and stated that her statements were taken out of context by WilmerHale. She released a detailed statement to the board on Thursday. Georgieva's attorney, Breuer, mentioned that she has not been notified of being under investigation or given a chance to review and respond to the findings, as outlined in Staff Rule 3.00 which governs the World Bank Office of Ethics and Business Conduct procedures. The WilmerHale report stated that their investigation initially focused on board officials in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Board Officials, which is different from the staff rule mentioned by Breuer. The firm emphasized that they followed all World Bank rules during the investigation and informed Dr. Georgieva that the report would be presented to the World Bank Board, with the possibility of disclosure of any information she provided. According to an email from WilmerHale to Georgieva in July, the firm was conducting a review into irregularities in Doing Business data and staff misconduct under World Bank Staff Rule 3.00. As the World Bank CEO in 2017, Georgieva was considered a member of staff rather than a board official. The email sent to Georgieva requested her to speak with investigators because they believed she may have helpful information for their review, stating that she was not a subject of their investigation. The World Bank's General Counsel's office confirmed that the investigation into the Doing Business 2018 and 2020 reports followed all World Bank rules.

The presidents of France and Brazil called for increased aid from wealthier countries to help developing nations combat global warming, in order to achieve a climate agreement in Copenhagen. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized the need for support for poor countries to address climate change and meet their targets, while also maintaining their sovereignty. Brazil has established an investment fund for conservation in the Amazon rainforest, with no influence from donor countries. Norway has given the most donations up to now. Progress in resolving how wealthy nations can assist poorer nations in combating global warming has been minimal. French President Nicolas Sarkozy emphasized the importance of financial assistance from developed countries to developing countries at the Copenhagen conference. He stressed the urgency of this support. Sarkozy expressed approval of the emissions reduction target set by Washington for 2020. The European Union estimates it will cost around $100 billion annually to assist developing nations in combatting global warming. Developing countries argue that wealthy nations should contribute between 0.5 percent and 1 percent of their GDP. Brazil has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 38.9 percent by 2020 and is seeking a larger role in climate negotiations. However, only one other South American president, Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana, participated in the Manaus summit alongside Brazil.

European Union leaders have reached an agreement on a proposal to present at the upcoming global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. They have resolved a disagreement on how to divide the costs, with developing countries requiring 100 billion euros by 2020 to combat climate change. A portion of this amount, estimated to be between 22-50 billion euros, will come from the public funds of wealthy nations, including the EU. The EU is expected to contribute between 20-30 percent of this amount, a development hailed as a major breakthrough by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. East European countries expressed that the summit successfully resolved a disagreement on how to divide the EU's bill in a manner that would not negatively impact their economies as they strive to recover from crisis. The Polish minister for Europe, Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, viewed this as a victory for Poland and emphasized the desire for rapid development, rather than remaining stagnant as a cultural relic of eastern Europe. Despite this progress, leaders did not reach a definitive agreement on how to allocate the bill and delegated this task to a new working group. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his preference for the burden-sharing mechanism to be ready now, but acknowledged that it was too challenging. The two-day summit secured a negotiating mandate for the Copenhagen talks to find a successor to the expiring Kyoto Protocol, with success likely dependent on financial support. Developing countries insist on adequate funds from wealthy nations, who bear most responsibility for environmental damage, to address climate change. These funds could be used for agricultural adaptation or water source diversification in drought-prone areas. The plans for "fast start" financing for developing nations in the three years before a new climate deal takes effect were put on hold by European leaders. Oxfam criticized Europe's proposal as insufficient and lacking guarantees that the money would not be taken from existing aid commitments. Elise Ford from Oxfam warned that if rich countries use aid budgets to pay their climate debt, it could set back the fight against poverty. The opposition from east European countries decreased after Sweden, which led the talks, brought up the issue of "hot air" - the 17 billion euros worth of carbon permits held by eastern Europe. These countries, along with Russia and Ukraine, have spare permits for about 9 billion tonnes of carbon emissions due to their economies collapsing after the end of communist rule. The extra permits, called AAUs, can be sold to major polluters like Japan for around 10 euros per ton. Eastern European nations are in favor of continuing to sell AAUs in the new agreement that will replace Kyoto. However, some countries like Germany believe that this undermines the agreement's integrity and want to eliminate them because they reduce the urgency to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sweden secured support from eastern Europe for the overall agreement by agreeing to postpone any significant action on AAUs, according to an EU diplomat. The agreement also includes commitments to reduce domestic emissions, with a promise to increase cuts to 30 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 if other countries do the same.

Hainan, known as "China's Hawaii", is on track to become a top tourist destination in Asia after recovering from an economic downturn. The construction of the Haikou Master hotel and serviced apartments, the tallest building in the province, is a sign of the island's efforts to bounce back from a property bubble in the early 1990s. Sales of luxury flats in the complex are doing well, signaling a promising future for the island. Almost all of the 16 million square meters (172.2 million square feet) of unfinished construction from the economic crash has been either completed or demolished, and investors are now returning to Hainan. The previous unrestricted development approach has been replaced with a strong focus on transforming the tropical island in southwest China into a tourist destination comparable to Thailand's beach resorts. Numerous top resorts are opening, and plans are underway to expand visa exemptions, establish duty-free shops, enhance infrastructure, construct airports, increase air connections, and promote foreign language education. Vice governor Chen Cheng stated that tourism is the most distinctive, promising, and competitive industry in Hainan, unveiling a strategic development plan last month. Ian Zheng, Managing Director of the Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, expressed that he finds the investment in the group that owns Hainan's main airports and a Beijing property firm working in Hainan very appealing. He believes there are minimal risks involved. The potential for growth in the Chinese market is a major attraction for resorts on the island, as the increasing number of domestic tourists could help support the industry. Peter Pedersen, the general manager of Banyan Tree Sanya, mentioned estimates suggesting that there could be 450 million middle class Chinese in the next 10 years, which further highlights the appeal of investing in Hainan's tourism industry. "I believe that Sanya has a lot of potential." Recently, the Ritz-Carlton and Banyan Tree opened resorts in Sanya, where the island's top beach resort is located. The Mandarin Oriental is also set to open later this year, signifying a significant transformation for Hainan. Previously known in China for budget package tours, Sanya is now becoming recognized as a premier tropical destination in Asia and the only tropical island in China. Pedersen shared this perspective with Reuters. "It is increasingly in demand by both the local market and international tourists. It is considered a perfect location," he said while standing on top of one of the resort's private pool villas, which are priced at around 5,000 yuan per night. Hainan, which became the country's youngest and most economically free province in 1988, has been a test tube for development. Its economy boomed to the point where officials even attempted to sell the city's main park to developers. While other coastal provinces flourished, Hainan struggled. Now, Hainan appears to be on the path to success, but analysts and investors warn that imbalances and conflicts could disrupt the island's recovery. In Haikou, the capital city, around 60 percent of new apartments are being purchased as second homes by individuals who are not from Hainan, a situation that Mayor Xu Tangxian acknowledges. Xu mentioned in an interview that there are areas where all the homes have been sold, but remain unoccupied at night. Despite the fact that most visitors to Hainan are from mainland China, with 18 million tourists last year compared to just 750,000 from overseas, the government is making efforts to attract wealthy foreigners in order to enhance the island's reputation and economy. The objective, as stated by Zhang Qi, the head of the provincial tourism bureau, is to attract 20 renowned international hotel management groups within five years and increase the number of five-star, internationally recognized resorts to 60 or more. As developers eagerly anticipate the tourism growth, stories of typical misconduct are starting to surface. In the rural township of Longqiao, located about a 40-minute drive from Haikou, the red earth is being plowed in large sections on the low hills, resembling fairways for a golf course. Residents claim that government officials persuaded them to sell their land for the construction of a golf course. In early April, anger erupted among the locals when rumors spread that the government had sold the land to the golf course developer for a much higher price than what they were compensated. This led to a violent outburst where an enraged crowd overturned a police car. Subsequently, police reportedly used tear gas to disperse a gathering at a nearby schoolyard. In the southern town of Sanya, some people believe that bottlenecks and corruption are beginning to have a negative impact. A Western investor mentioned difficulties in starting a project due to excessive corruption. Despite these challenges, there is still strong optimism about the potential of Hainan's natural tourism industry. It is believed that the issues in Sanya are just the beginning. Banyan Tree Sanya's Pedersen mentioned that Hainan Island is quite large, with beaches extending almost all the way to the capital city of Haikou. The island has a diameter of 350 km, and there are endless possibilities for exploration.

According to a report by former World Bank chief economist Nicholas Stern, India is predicted to be severely affected by climate change, leading to poor agricultural output, more natural disasters, and increased fatalities from diseases. Stern warned that unchecked greenhouse gas emissions could result in a global temperature increase of 2-3 degrees centrigrade within the next 50 years. He also highlighted the potential impact on India's economy due to changes in the annual monsoon rains, which are crucial for crop production in the country. Stern mentioned the possibility of varying starting dates for the monsoon, more intense rainfall, and prolonged periods of drought. "It is probable that there will be disruptions," he stated. "It is evident that India will experience similar impacts as the rest of the world, possibly even more severe." Experts predict that a temperature increase of 2 to 3.5 degrees Celsius could result in India losing between nine to 25 percent of its agricultural revenue. Agriculture accounts for approximately 22 percent of India's GDP. Stern also mentioned that rising temperatures could lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever to higher altitude areas that were previously mosquito-free. The head of Britain's Economic Service stated that the melting of Himalayan glaciers could lead to an increase in deaths, lower productivity, and serious floods in neighbouring Bangladesh due to rising sea levels. This could result in mass migration across the border into India, with the flow of water from the glaciers being reduced during India's dry season and causing significant consequences. Experts warn that the melting glaciers will impact one-sixth of the world's population in the Indian subcontinent, as the Ganga river relies on the Himalayan glaciers for 70 percent of its summer water flow and supports over 500 million people. Stern stated that India was making advancements in addressing emissions and investing in clean development mechanisms. He emphasized that climate change is unfair, with wealthy nations bearing the responsibility for 75 percent of greenhouse gases while poorer nations will suffer the most. He stressed that all countries should be involved in addressing climate change, but it is only fair for rich nations to bear the majority of the costs.

British charity Oxfam has emphasized the need for quick action at the upcoming UN climate talks in Cancún, México. Oxfam highlighted the increase in weather-related disasters, record temperatures, flooding, and rising sea levels in 2010 as reasons for negotiators to come to a resolution. According to Oxfam's report, around 21,000 people died from weather-related disasters in the first nine months of 2010, more than double the casualties in 2009. The report's author, Tim Gore, stated that the human impacts of climate change in 2010 underscore the urgency for progress at the talks in Cancun. The statement from Oxfam also called for a fair Climate Fund to ensure that the most vulnerable parties receive the necessary funding. The organization emphasized the important role of women in helping communities adapt to climate change and suggested prioritizing them in fund distribution. Oxfam recommended that countries find new ways to raise funds, such as taxing unregulated international aviation and shipping emissions and implementing a tax on financial transactions at banks. The organization noted that quicker action would reduce the cost of addressing climate change and cited estimates suggesting that every dollar spent on adaptation could prevent $60 worth of destruction. Gore acknowledged that the outcomes of the Cancun conference may not fully meet the requirements of a comprehensive global response to climate change. It is capable of producing results that will positively impact individuals living in poverty. One significant accomplishment would be the establishment of a just climate fund, as this would also contribute to rebuilding trust and getting the negotiations back on course.

"We are not getting any of our demands met. They are trying to obstruct everything. However, we will persist in pushing them to commit until the very end," stated the Bangladeshi scientist during an interview with bdnews24.com from Glasgow as the COP26 summit negotiations were coming to a close. Huq, who is the director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Dhaka, has been present at all 26 COP meetings since the first one in Berlin in 1995. The promised emissions reductions by the major climate polluters would result in a concerning 2.7-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures, significantly surpassing the more ambitious 1.5C target of the Paris agreement as supported by scientists. Wealthy nations had pledged to provide $100 billion annually from 2020 to support poorer countries in clean growth and climate adaptation, but now they are delaying this commitment until 2023. Despite efforts to increase funding and strengthen emission reduction targets in a new draft agreement released in Glasgow, many contentious issues remain unresolved, including disagreements over funding, emission reduction timelines, and the inclusion of "fossil fuels" in the agreement. These differences highlight the challenges in reaching a comprehensive agreement at the United Nations climate talks. According to scientific consensus, it is necessary for the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost half by 2030 to prevent the worst effects of global warming. However, current targets set by countries would result in an increase in emissions. Professor Huq expressed determination to continue working towards an agreement on these issues, stating that the fight is not over and they will not give up. The United States and China announced a partnership to increase collaboration in addressing climate change, which includes reducing methane emissions, ending coal consumption, and preserving forests. A recent agreement between China and the US on climate change marks a return to a previous era when the two largest carbon emitters came together to shape the 2015 Paris Agreement. However, simply reaching this agreement will not be sufficient to address the worsening climate crisis. Both countries must now follow through with concrete actions to reduce fossil fuel emissions and encourage other nations to do the same at the COP26 talks in Glasgow. Professor Huq expressed appreciation for the agreement but noted that there are still unanswered questions. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between China and the US, as both are major contributors to pollution. The announcement lacks specific information, leaving uncertainty about what actually occurred. Delegates and negotiators from Bangladesh, a country highly susceptible to climate impacts, shared their perspectives privately and publicly during the talks. The main focus is on negotiation and determining what can be accomplished from various governments. Obtaining concessions from wealthy nations is challenging, as they are reluctant to give easily. The situation is likened to a war.

Australia's heavy dependence on coal-fired power has led to it being one of the world's top carbon emitters per capita. Despite this, the conservative government continues to support the fossil fuel industry, with the new deputy PM casting doubt on the country's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The government argues that taking stronger action on emissions would result in job losses, emphasizing the importance of coal and other fossil fuels to the economy. However, there are calls for a more open and rational discussion about what is truly in Australia's best interests. The UN has urged OECD countries, including Australia, to phase out coal by 2030, but a recent meeting of G20 energy and environment ministers failed to reach an agreement on phasing out coal by 2025. Some experts believe that progress could be made at the UN climate talks in Glasgow in November, despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison's reluctance to commit to a timeline for achieving net-zero carbon emissions in Australia. While most developed countries have pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, Morrison has indicated that Australia will update its 2030 emissions projections ahead of the Glasgow talks. Hart suggested that the Australian government should take advantage of this opportunity to transition to renewable energy sources. He stated that if coal is not quickly eliminated from the world, the Australian economy will suffer greatly due to climate change, affecting industries such as agriculture, tourism, and the services sector.

The Constitutional Court voided the election last Friday, and the chairman of the Election Commission stated that it would take months before a new vote could be organized. This leaves Yingluck leading a weakened caretaker government with limited authority. The ongoing crisis is part of a long-standing conflict between Bangkok's middle class and royalist establishment against Yingluck and her brother Thaksin Shinawatra, who was removed from power by the army in 2006 and now lives in Dubai to avoid imprisonment. Despite initially showing restraint, Thaksin's supporters known as the "red shirts" are becoming more vocal under new aggressive leaders, with plans for a major gathering on April 5. Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the "red-shirts" United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, informed supporters that the destination for their upcoming activities, whether it be Bangkok or elsewhere, will be revealed at a later time. Jatuporn, who played a key role in organizing a "red-shirts" uprising against a previous government that resulted in a violent military crackdown in May 2010, is still facing terrorism charges from that time. The recent political crisis has led to 23 deaths and over 700 injuries since November. Speaking to a crowd of around 10,000 individuals in Pattaya, located to the southeast of Bangkok, Nisit Sintuprai issued a warning to Suthep Thaugsuban, the former opposition leader behind the protests against Yingluck that began in November. Sintuprai emphasized that the majority of the country is in favor of democracy and elections, rejecting the idea of a prime minister appointed by Suthep's supporters. The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) led by Suthep is pushing for electoral reforms to reduce the influence of Thaksin and his strong support base among rural residents in the northern and northeastern regions. Political parties associated with Thaksin have consistently won elections since 2001, and it is widely believed that Yingluck's Puea Thai Party would come out victorious in any election conducted under the current system. There is a possibility of impeachment looming for Prime Minister Yingluck as Suthep's supporters disrupted the election on February 2, leading to voting being prevented in 28 constituencies. The Constitutional Court has ruled that the ballot was illegal due to voting being required to be held on the same day across the country. The Election Commission will convene on Monday to determine the next steps, with reluctance to hold the February election due to political tensions. There may be a push for dialogue between opposing sides before setting a new polling date. Yingluck's caretaker government faces challenges, with the immediate threat being impeachment over alleged negligence in a failed rice-buying scheme. This plan helped increase Yingluck's popularity in the 2011 election, but this year, many farmers, who are typically strong supporters of Thaksin, have protested in Bangkok because they have not received payment for their rice. Yingluck is facing a defense before an anti-corruption commission by March 31, and a decision on her impeachment could follow shortly after. If impeached, she may be removed from office by the Senate, which is expected to have an anti-Thaksin majority following an election for half of its members on March 30. Some experts believe the Senate may then appoint a "neutral" prime minister, likely an establishment figure as requested by anti-government protesters. Kan Yuenyong, an analyst at the Siam Intelligence Unit, stated that independent agencies seem determined to remove Yingluck and her cabinet to create a power vacuum, delay elections, and appoint a prime minister of their choosing. He warned that if the government goes ahead with their plan, their supporters will retaliate, leading to a much worse second half of the year compared to the first half. Violence can have a negative impact on the economy. Despite a decrease in the number of protesters and relative calm on the streets, the government lifted a state of emergency on March 19. However, there were still incidents of violence, such as grenades exploding near a judge's home and a car bomb near a protest camp in Bangkok. In Chiang Mai province, explosive devices went off in three incidents, causing serious injuries. One of the targets was Boon Rawd Brewery, known for making Singha beer. A family member who is involved in PDRC rallies owns it. Consumer confidence is currently very low, leading the central bank to reduce its economic growth forecast for 2014 from 3 percent to 2.7 percent. Before the protests began in October last year, the forecast was 4.8 percent. The stock market did not react significantly to Friday's court decision. Some stock analysts view the cancellation of the election as a positive development, as they believe it will encourage political opponents to engage in negotiations. Standard and Poor's, a rating agency, had a contrasting opinion. Agost Benard, the associate director of sovereign ratings, stated that the Thai court's decision is likely to prolong and potentially heighten political risks in Thailand, hindering any immediate resolution to the country's political divide.

Farhad Saffi is feeling dismayed as he looks out over his Milli Boot Factory in Kabul, where machinery that once produced thousands of boots for police and army personnel now sits idle and covered in plastic. Saffi is worried that this marks the end of a dream for Afghanistan. The factory, which was a symbol of local manufacturing and provided jobs for many, is now facing closure due to a decision by the US to shift procurement to the Afghan government, who opted for cheaper boots from China and Pakistan. This sudden change has left Saffi with a significant amount of unused raw materials and a sense of betrayal by the government. When the plant opened, Afghan and US generals were eager to take photos alongside a local success story in huge white sheds that were once used for PVC piping machinery but now house advanced German injection molding and boot-making equipment. In 2010, US Navy Rear Admiral Kathleen Dussault visited to present Saffi, a 23-year-old, with a quality certificate allowing the plant to supply high-quality boots to the Afghan National Security Forces under contracts valued at up to $40 million annually. Saffi's leather boots, which underwent rigorous quality testing in the United States, were sold for $62 a pair, compared to Chinese-made boots with imitation leather costing the Afghan government $22 per pair in a contract for up to 700,000 pairs per year. Despite being asked by the Afghan government to sell his boots for $15 a pair, Saffi explained that the cost of the leather alone was $40, emphasizing that the government prioritized low prices over quality. The inexpensive Chinese boots, made of fake leather, tend to fall apart quickly. From 2002 until the end of 2011, the US government spent $85.5 billion on reconstruction in Afghanistan, with an additional $57 billion in international aid flowing into the country. NATO-led forces, responsible for purchasing for the Afghan security forces during the decade-long war, have followed "Afghan First" rules since 2010, prioritizing purchases from local companies to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and support anti-insurgent efforts. These contracts, which included items such as uniforms, boots, textiles, furniture, tents, software, and transformers, resulted in the creation of 15,000 jobs and saved $650 million on combat-related imports. Despite these savings, this amount is still a small fraction of the $200 million spent on the war each day. The Afghan First Policy aims to prevent individuals from joining the Afghan Taliban by providing them with better job opportunities and incomes. This is particularly important as the withdrawal of most NATO combat troops in 2014 has left many unemployed workers considering joining the Taliban for the $10-a-day payment. Some of the 700 workers laid off from Saffi's factory are now contemplating this option as they see no other future without the factory reopening. "We have families to support," stated Ares Khan, age 23, as he packed some of the final boots being produced by Milli unless there is a change of heart from the government. Workers at the factory were earning between $400 and $900 per month, which was significantly higher than the average wage in a country where nearly a third of the 30 million population live below the poverty line. However, many business owners and workers are concerned that security will deteriorate as Western countries leave, taking job opportunities and investment funds with them to safer locations, as Afghanistan's wealthy elite have been doing for years. Khan's friend, Khair Mohammad, who moved to Kabul from Ghazni province where NATO forces are currently involved in one of the last major offensives of the war, also believes there is no future outside of the insurgency if the Afghan government stops providing job opportunities. "There are sixteen people in my family and I am the only breadwinner." Mohammad stated that when he returns to Ghazni, he will need to join the Taliban due to the high cost of living in Afghanistan. The decision to allocate a significant portion of procurement to Afghan authorities was made in March as part of the transition to Afghan security and control, according to US Navy Lieutenant Aaron Kakiel. Kakiel mentioned that Afghan companies have provided a variety of products and services for the country's security forces, including boots, uniforms, sleeping bags, construction, and IT services, as the forces are expected to reach 352,000 in number. Milli is not the only company facing challenges with the shift to local procurement, as other suppliers of uniforms and equipment are also concerned about their contracts ending or losing business to foreign competitors. Another company executive, who preferred to remain anonymous due to fears of backlash from Afghan military buyers, revealed that his company has invested millions but now faces uncertainty as their contracts are up for renewal. The executive expressed uncertainty about whether the government will continue to contract with them or choose other companies from different countries. Lieutenant-General Abdul Basir Asafzari, in charge of logistics and procurement at the Ministry of Defence, stated that his company had imported materials from the US for products manufactured in Kabul, which would be rendered useless without contract agreements. He expressed the need to lay off employees if contracts were not secured. Currently, only 30 percent of the supplies are sourced from Afghan companies, as President Hamid Karzai has directed the military to prioritize local firms. Asafzari explained that Milli had its contracts terminated due to importing substandard boots from China and other countries, then rebranding them. He emphasized that the Milli boot company failed to fulfill its obligations. Asafzari mentioned that some soldiers had complaints about the quality of the boots. However, Mohammad Akbar Ahmadzai from the NGO Building Markets, which supports entrepreneurs in developing countries to create jobs and investments, stated that Milli's boots were genuine and passed US quality tests. Other business experts, who preferred to remain anonymous, suggested that Milli and other companies may have faced challenges due to bribery and favoritism in Afghanistan, with more well-connected competitors trying to eliminate them. Kakiel from NATO added that Milli and others might have also misunderstood the contract terms, which only guaranteed one year of sales. In 2011, US agencies contracted over $4 billion to Afghan companies out of a total of $17.3 billion through the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. More than 90 percent of the money was spent on products purchased from Afghan sellers (49 percent), construction (28 percent), support services (11 percent), and transportation (6 percent). However, an audit conducted by the US government's Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in January revealed that the Afghan First Initiative (AFI) had faced challenges such as insufficient contract solicitation and vetting, as well as limited data on claimed employment benefits. Saffi, who fled Afghanistan during Taliban rule and returned in 2002 to find everything destroyed, expressed doubt in both the US government and the future promised by Karzai due to his experiences. He stated, "We tried to do a good job here in this factory, but right now this has happened. The only judgment we can make is that my company and the country are going the same way." He stated that many individuals in Kabul's business community were feeling anxious due to the uncertain investment environment and worsening security situation. This feeling was further intensified by a bold Taliban attack on the city center and neighboring provinces in mid-April. Saffi mentioned that he had to hire 30 personal bodyguards to ensure the safety of his children while they attend school, as well as having police snipers stationed on the roof of his home. He compared the situation of his struggling company to the state of the country, with himself as the president of his company and Karzai as the president of the country. As he struggles to manage his company and sees his employees leaving, he sees parallels with the challenges faced by the country. The country will experience the same fate. The president needs to effectively govern his nation.

Pressure is mounting on the United States to join other wealthy nations in setting a 2020 goal for reducing greenhouse gases in order to salvage the upcoming climate deal in Copenhagen. Danish officials emphasized the importance of the United States not arriving at the negotiations empty-handed. African countries are also demanding that rich nations increase their emissions-cutting targets. The head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat stressed the necessity of a clear target from the United States for the Copenhagen summit. President Barack Obama, while addressing reporters at the White House, emphasized the importance of a particular element in the puzzle. He expressed optimism for a significant agreement to be reached in Copenhagen, but also acknowledged that it may not address all issues related to the matter. Obama highlighted the need for progress and the foundation it would lay for future advancements. Currently, the United States has not provided a specific target for reducing emissions by 2020, in contrast to the European Union and other developed nations who have set goals for emission reduction. Democrats in the US Senate plan to move forward with legislation in a key committee, despite a boycott by minority Republicans. The proposed legislation aims to reduce US carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent from 2005 levels. However, even if the bill is approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, it is uncertain whether it will be passed by the full Senate this year. Delegates at the Barcelona climate talks expressed concern about the urgency of reaching an agreement on emissions reductions between wealthy and developing nations, as well as finding funding to support developing countries in addressing climate change. The issue of forests also poses a challenge to the ongoing negotiations. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow will demand that the capacity of Russia's forests to absorb carbon dioxide is considered during discussions, following a meeting in Moscow with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. Rasmussen expressed his hope to have enough progress to invite global leaders to the December conference in the coming weeks. Australia reported a decrease in emissions last year, excluding the impact of forest fires. Denmark and the European Union called on Obama to take further action to reach an agreement at the upcoming talks from Dec. 7-18. Danish Climate and Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard expressed skepticism about Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Dec. 10 while sending a delegation with no substantial progress to Copenhagen, just a few hundred kilometers away. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren, who is representing the European Union, stated that while there has been a significant change in the American position, they are still expecting more. The United States delegation in Barcelona, led by Jonathan Pershing, emphasized their commitment to a UN deal and highlighted the efforts made under Obama to promote clean energy and reduce emissions. Pershing stressed the importance of the United States being a part of the Copenhagen deal, especially considering that the US is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China. African countries urged developed nations to implement stricter emissions regulations, with Gambia, Ethiopia, and Algeria considering leaving the UN talks, according to Antonio Hill of Oxfam. Protesters outside the conference displayed hundreds of alarm clocks to emphasize the urgency of reaching an agreement to combat the increasing threats of rising temperatures, floods, heatwaves, wildfires, and sea levels.

US prosecutors are seeking the extradition of Meng Wanzhou, Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, for allegedly deceiving multinational banks about the company's control of an Iranian company, potentially causing the banks to violate US sanctions. Meng, daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested in Vancouver and maintains her innocence, vowing to fight the accusations. The judge in a bail hearing postponed proceedings to the next day to further discuss who would take responsibility for Meng if she is released. Meng's lawyer proposed her husband as surety and offered a bail guarantee of C$15 million. The judge and the public prosecutor questioned whether Meng's husband, who is not a resident of British Columbia where Vancouver is located, could fulfill his duty if she were to breach her bail conditions. Meng's arrest has caused turmoil in markets, raising concerns that it could worsen tensions between the United States and China, which are already high due to tariffs. Both countries have agreed to trade negotiations that need to be completed by March 1. Beijing has demanded Meng's immediate release and warned of potential repercussions for Canada. However, officials from both China and the US seem to be avoiding connecting her arrest to the trade dispute. Meng's lawyer proposed offering C$14 million in property equity and C$1 million in cash as security, while the public prosecutor countered by suggesting half of the guarantee be in cash and half in property. The judge questioned Meng's avoidance of travel to the United States since 2017, insinuating it was to evade arrest. Martin explained that Meng stayed away due to the "hostile" attitude toward Huawei in the United States, and asked the court to consider what reason she would have to flee. Martin stated that the evidence against her was not extremely strong. He mentioned that if she were to escape or violate any orders, it would not be an exaggeration to say that it would bring shame to China. Meng seemed calm and confident in court at the beginning of Monday, smiling and leaning on her lawyer. However, later in the day, she appeared more anxious, making quick gestures while discussing with her legal team. She has requested to be released due to her severe hypertension and concerns about her health. Huawei, the world's leading supplier of telecommunications network equipment and the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones, generated approximately $92 billion in revenue last year. Despite being a major Chinese technology company, Huawei conducts a significant portion of its business internationally. US authorities claim that Huawei attempted to utilize banks to transfer funds out of Iran, which is prohibited as companies are not allowed to use the US financial system to provide goods and services to sanctioned entities. Huawei and its legal team maintain that the company strictly adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and sanctions imposed by the United States and other entities. The company stated on Monday that they will keep monitoring the bail hearing scheduled for tomorrow. They are confident that both the Canadian and US legal systems will come to a fair decision.

Sánchez resides in Rincón, a coastal town in northwestern Puerto Rico known for its surfing and sunsets, which has become popular among wealthy investors seeking tax benefits. Despite his one-story home near the beach not being for sale, he has received unsolicited offers from interested buyers who simply hand him a check and ask him to fill in the amount. This is a prosperous period for investors investing in picturesque Puerto Rican towns, with some drawn by tax incentives aimed at bringing new residents and capital to the financially struggling island as it emerges from bankruptcy. The appeal of tax breaks has increased due to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to many companies transitioning to remote work and prompting Americans on the mainland to move to warmer locations. However, the arrival of wealthy new residents who need to establish residency and purchase property in Puerto Rico within two years to maintain the tax breaks has resulted in higher home prices and the displacement of long-time residents. Hurricane Maria in 2017 had already caused many residents to leave the island, and now a real estate boom, starting in San Juan, has spread across the island with investors moving into smaller towns like Rincón. There are newcomers beyond those interested in tax breaks who are also buying up properties and causing rent and home prices to rise. However, it is the finance and technology investors who have officially applied for tax-break status that are attracting the most attention. Many of these investors are cryptocurrency traders, who now gather for weekly happy hours at a seaside bar in Rincón. A newly opened barbecue food truck in August is now accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Shiba Inu, Solana, and Litecoin for its mainland-style chicken. The gradual gentrification is causing concern among many Puerto Ricans, who are becoming more vocal in questioning how an economy that relies on tax breaks for the wealthy can benefit local residents who are struggling to afford property. Gloria Cuevas Viera, a resident of Rincón, expressed her concerns by stating, "It feels like Hurricane Maria put a 'For Sale' sign on the island." Many investors purchase residential properties and later sell them at increased prices or convert them into short-term vacation rentals, transforming entire neighborhoods into Airbnb hubs and causing a lack of available housing for local residents. Forty-three percent of Puerto Ricans live below the federal poverty line. Israel Matos, aged 45, is being forced to relocate from his home in Rincón by March as the owner sold the property last year. Matos had the opportunity to purchase the house, but the option has now expired. The owner, who hails from Hermosa Beach, California, chose to sell to another buyer. Matos, a sound engineer for a television station, has been living in his home with his wife and two daughters for two years. He mentioned that he is unable to find any listings in Rincón that fit his budget, as outside investors are purchasing properties and increasing prices, making it unaffordable for many Puerto Ricans to stay in their homes. Matos expressed the challenges he faces as a father in finding a suitable place to live with his daughters. Many Puerto Ricans are unable to afford to stay in their homes due to outside investors purchasing properties and raising prices, as seen in Rincón, Puerto Rico on Jan. 12, 2022. Demonstrators recently gathered in Old San Juan to protest tax breaks, particularly in front of a former children's museum now owned by Bitcoin billionaire Brock Pierce. The tax breaks are part of Act 60, originally enacted in 2012 to help the island recover from economic struggles exacerbated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. In 2019, the tax incentives were restructured in order to attract investors from the finance and technology industries, as well as other sectors. Those who relocate to Puerto Rico can enjoy reduced income taxes on various types of earnings. A billboard in Silicon Valley promotes Puerto Rico as a technology center that aligns with their goals. By October 2021, Puerto Rico had received a record-breaking 1,349 applications from individuals seeking to become resident investors, with 982 of them already approved. Since 2012, over 4,286 applications have been approved, with more than a third of them being approved in the last three years. According to the law, an individual can be eligible for tax breaks if they have not resided in Puerto Rico for a minimum of 10 years. In order to benefit from a 4% corporate tax rate and zero capital gains tax, the investor must also purchase a home. Unfortunately, the over 3 million current residents of Puerto Rico are not eligible for these tax breaks, leading to concerns about inequality in terms of tax responsibilities. Heriberto Martínez Otero, the executive director of the Ways and Means Committee in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, expressed these concerns. He noted that renters who are being priced out of coastal areas may have to relocate to more affordable neighboring towns, but could end up spending more on transportation costs. Additionally, Martínez Otero, who also teaches economics at the University of Puerto Rico, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals in this situation. Owners who have sold their homes have profited from the increase in property prices, and Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi has expressed support for the trend of investors purchasing luxury homes. He stated that the tax law was passed with the goal of attracting more people with capital to stimulate the real estate market. Policymakers were also worried about the significant population decline on the island, which was caused by the economic crisis and Hurricane Maria. According to the census, the island's population decreased by 11.8% from 2010 to 2020. Martínez Otero stated that the issue of people purchasing residential properties that do not align with consumption patterns in Puerto Rico is contributing to the lack of affordable housing on the island. This problem adds to other challenges faced by residents, such as rising property prices due to outside investors. In Rincón, Puerto Rico, many locals are struggling to afford their homes as a result of this trend. Sánchez, a homeowner in Rincón who also works as a landscaper, is involved in the town's federal Section 8 program, which aims to provide affordable housing for low-income families. However, he is finding it difficult to locate homes that fit within the program's budget of $450 per month. An oceanside meeting place in Rincón, Puerto Rico, on January 13, 2022. Many residents of Puerto Rico are expressing concern about being priced out of their homes due to outside investors purchasing properties and increasing prices. "I'm afraid that the local Puerto Ricans won't be able to afford to live or invest here and will be forced out," he stated. "I initially thought that only the prices in the city center were rising, but even properties in rural mountain areas are becoming expensive." In Rincón, real estate broker Ingrid Badillo Carrero noted a significant increase in home prices over the past four years. In 2017, a two-bedroom condo would typically be listed at $290,000. Currently, the unit could be priced at around $420,000, while the average annual income in Rincón is about $19,900. Badillo, who often works with investor clients looking for tax breaks, has been told by locals that he is selling their country. Many investors can pay in cash, making them more appealing to sellers than Puerto Ricans who may only be able to pay through a mortgage. In May, Elizabeth Stevenson and her husband, Tyler McNatt, relocated to Puerto Rico from Austin, Texas. They wanted to find a way to avoid going to the office every day, so they started exploring cryptocurrency investments as a means of generating income. Stevenson, who is benefiting from Act 60, is currently working as a consultant for a California movie producer who has relocated to Puerto Rico, in addition to trading cryptocurrency. Stevenson, who signed a one-year lease for an apartment near the beach, finds it thrilling to learn more about cryptocurrency and the potential for making money. She is involved in various crypto groups for former mainlanders that regularly hold events in Rincón. Daniel Torgerson, a crypto investor who moved to Puerto Rico in June, organizes a weekly happy hour at the Aqua Marina Beach Club in Rincón. In early January, approximately 20 individuals gathered near the bar and pool, conversing under string lights while being serenaded by the nocturnal coquí frogs. Torgerson inquired about everyone's market outlook for the week and if there were any exciting new projects. A person mentioned "Solar bitcoin mining!" as a response. The newcomers are also bringing their children along, leading to the Manuel González Melo K-8 School in Rincón having to incorporate additional coursework for students who are learning Spanish as a second language, according to principal Myriam Pérez Cruz. In the 2016-17 school year, a student survey found three native English speakers who required help with the Spanish language, according to Pérez. By the 2021-22 school year, that figure had increased to 17 students. Matos, a resident of Rincón who must vacate his home by March, drove around searching for potential rental signs. Later, he visited the beach, sat on the sand with his legs crossed, and attempted to unwind. However, shortly after parking his car, he began to feel uneasy. Matos mentioned that there were around 50 individuals on the beach, but he only noticed approximately five Puerto Ricans among them. He stated that Rincón has undergone significant changes.

Finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam emphasized that the achievement of millennium development goals is at risk if donor countries do not fulfill their ODA commitments. In many countries, these goals are likely to remain unmet without sufficient official development assistance.

Global institutional investors with over $6 trillion in assets are urging policymakers to quickly come to a binding agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support clean technology. Over 130 major investors, including the London Pensions Fund Authority, are calling for a 50 to 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2050, which aligns with the climate policy favored by US President-elect Barack Obama. These investors also want policymakers to establish long and medium term emission reduction goals for developed countries and to create a more robust global carbon market. US investors, like the California Public Employees' Retirement System, are also advocating for legislation to incentivize the development and use of clean technologies. They have also urged the US Securities and Exchange Commission to require publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related risks, among other factors impacting their business. Mike Taylor, CEO of London Pensions Fund Authority, emphasized the concern of institutional investors regarding climate change risks to the global economy and their investment portfolios. The group of global investors is calling on world leaders to adopt strong policies to facilitate investment in low carbon projects. They are advocating for a new binding agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which established emission reduction targets for industrialized nations. The European Union aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and increase the use of renewable energy sources by 2020. The United States stands out from other major industrialized nations by not accepting the Kyoto Protocol, but is currently engaged in talks to develop a new worldwide agreement. Mindy Lubber, the president of Ceres, a coalition of investors and environmental organizations focused on climate change, emphasized the importance of involving the United States in such agreements. A global group of investors is working to ensure their concerns are addressed before the upcoming climate change convention in Poland in December.

During the election campaign that began on Monday, opposition leader Anthony Albanese faced scrutiny for not addressing questions from reporters about unemployment numbers and interest rates. Prime Minister Morrison criticized Labour's economic management skills and lack of a clear plan for the country's economic recovery from the pandemic. Despite polls indicating that Albanese's Labour party was leading, Morrison remained the preferred leader according to the surveys. Albanese later apologized for the mistakes made during the economic discussion. Quoting one of Taylor Swift's popular songs, he mentioned that he will "Shake it off" in response to reporters asking about the potential impact of a mistake on Labor's election chances. Albanese stated that he believes in taking responsibility for his actions and owning up to any mistakes he may make. Morrison highlighted his government's achievements in reducing the unemployment rate to 4% despite facing numerous challenges such as fires, floods, a pandemic, a global recession, and economic pressure from China. Initially, Albanese stated that he believed the current unemployment rate was around 5.4%. Morrison referred to cricket when saying "We have the runs on the board" and emphasized their plans to boost job creation in order to strengthen the economy. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg stated that the new jobs would be spread throughout the economy. Economists predict that Australia's unemployment rate will drop to the 3% range ahead of central bank forecasts, with some expecting it to go below the budget forecast of 3.75%. Wage growth is expected to increase, but not enough to keep up with inflation, resulting in a decrease in real incomes this year. To calm upset voters, the budget in March raised a tax break for 10 million low- and middle-income earners and provided one-time cash payments for pensioners along with a temporary reduction in fuel taxes.

The G8 wealthy nations are looking to collaborate with nearly 200 countries involved in UN climate change discussions to establish a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050, according to a draft communique. The document, obtained by Reuters prior to its official approval at a summit in Toyako, Japan, also emphasized the need for interim goals to achieve the long-term target. This statement highlights the importance of the UN-led negotiations to develop a new framework after the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012 and attempts to address differences among G8 members. The UN talks are scheduled to conclude in Copenhagen in December 2009. Despite efforts to carefully word the climate statement, which is typically a contentious issue in summit discussions, it may not satisfy those advocating for more specific targets. Last year, the G8 group of wealthy countries, including Japan, Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and the United States, agreed to consider halving global emissions by mid-century. The European Union and Japan have been pushing for this year's summit to set more ambitious goals and establish clear interim targets. However, President George W. Bush of the United States has stated that they cannot commit to binding targets unless major polluters like China and India also reduce their emissions. The European Union has welcomed the agreement on climate change, calling it a "new, shared vision" that keeps negotiations on track for a global deal in 2009. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso described it as a strong signal to people worldwide and stated that the EU's objectives for the G8 summit in northern Japan had been met. Global warming is connected to other important topics like rising food and fuel prices, which are being discussed at a three-day meeting in a luxurious mountain-top hotel on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The leaders at the summit also acknowledged the uncertainty and risks facing the world economy, including the impact of high oil prices. They called for China to allow its tightly controlled exchange rate for the yuan to appreciate in order to help reduce global financial imbalances. Additionally, the G8 leaders agreed to convene a world energy forum to bring major oil producers and consumers together to discuss output and prices. The increased cost of food and oil, with oil reaching a record high of $145.85 a barrel last week, is having a significant impact on the world's poor. According to a recent World Bank study, the spike in food prices could push up to 105 million more people below the poverty line, including 30 million in Africa. World Bank President Robert Zoellick emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating that it is a crucial test of the global system's dedication to helping the most vulnerable. To mitigate the effects, the G8 is planning to announce a set of measures to support Africa, particularly its farmers, and has pledged to double aid to provide an additional $50 billion in aid by 2010, with half of it allocated to the world's poorest continent. The summit concludes on Wednesday with a Major Economies Meeting that includes the G8 as well as eight other significant greenhouse gas-emitting countries such as India, China, and Australia.

At the conclusion of the OPEC heads of state meeting, it was announced that Saudi Arabia was the only country to pledge money for climate change research, with King Abdullah promising $300 million. Other leaders have not made any similar commitments, with Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil stating that they are unsure of the proposal and no other country has offered funding either. OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri announced this week that OPEC is willing to contribute to the development of carbon capture and storage technology to help reduce emissions. A draft final communique from OPEC mentioned their shared concern with the international community about climate change being a long-term challenge and their goal for stability in global energy markets, but did not include any mention of an environmental fund. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expressed his expectation for the summit to affirm a commitment to stable and competitive oil prices. He also warned that if the United States were to attack Iran or Venezuela, crude oil prices could potentially double from $100 to $200 per barrel on global markets. Chavez delivered this message to heads of state, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Concerns about potential attacks by the United States or its ally Israel on Iran, accused by Washington of pursuing nuclear weapons, have contributed to the increase in global oil prices. Despite calls for OPEC to increase crude supply, the decision will be made at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 5. Iran and Venezuela are resistant to raising output, while Riyadh has historically been more willing to accommodate Western demands. Ecuador's President has suggested pricing oil in a currency other than the dollar. The decrease in the value of the U.S. currency in comparison to other major currencies has contributed to the rise in oil prices to $98.62 last week. However, it has also weakened the purchasing power of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). During a summit, Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally and influential member of OPEC, guided the group in rejecting an attempt by Iran and Venezuela to address concerns about the weakening dollar in the summit's statement. Saudi King Abdullah, as OPEC's "swing producer" and a long-standing supplier of crude oil to the United States, is focused on preventing Chavez and Ahmadinejad from dominating the summit with anti-U.S. rhetoric. Despite sitting through Chavez's speech without showing much emotion, King Abdullah later joked with the Venezuelan president about the length of his speech. Chavez, known for his socialist beliefs, emphasized the importance of OPEC taking a stand against poverty on a global scale during the summit held in a lavishly decorated hall. Ahmadinejad stated that OPEC should take a more active role in geopolitics and demand respect for member countries, urging powerful nations to stop threatening the organization. He mentioned that he would share his views on this matter at the end of the summit. Saudi Arabia recently proposed a consortium to provide Iran with enriched uranium for peaceful purposes in an attempt to ease tensions between Iran and the United States. Despite this offer, Iran has stated that it will continue its own uranium enrichment program. Gulf Arab countries, including OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, are concerned about Iran's nuclear capabilities and have announced plans to start their own nuclear energy programs.

The finance minister, AMA Muhith, attributed the country's struggle to overcome poverty and other challenges to the failure of donors to fulfill their aid pledges. He expressed this view at the launch of a report on Bangladesh's progress towards Millennium Development Goals at Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday. According to Muhith, achieving MDGs would not be a difficult task if donor agencies honored their commitments. Bangladesh, like other nations, is committed to reducing extreme poverty by half by 2015 as part of the MDGs. Despite some progress on certain issues, the minister acknowledged that there are several obstacles to reaching these goals. He stated that the issue of children's malnutrition continues to be a significant problem. Muhith also mentioned that while progress has been made in addressing sanitation issues, the problem of arsenic contamination still needs to be fully resolved. In terms of economic growth, he noted that the rate is positive but lags behind that of neighboring countries. Various officials, including Planning Minister AK Khandker and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, also spoke at the event. Khandker emphasized the need for increased international assistance to tackle the effects of climate change in Bangladesh. Moni stated that the country's development is being hindered by natural disasters caused by climate change. She mentioned advancements in poverty reduction, women's empowerment, primary education, and child mortality. Shamsul Alam, a member of the Planning Commission, shared the progress report.