Datasets:

AriyanH22

/

data_5

like 0

In his concluding statements 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 mentioned issues such as arms sales, environmental pollution, and cooperation with corrupt regimes as examples of areas where improvement is needed. 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 challenging topics related to "Media. Freedom. Values." Journalists in various countries encounter tough situations, prompting discussions on the role of media, freedom of expression, and the importance of protecting values. German President Joachim Gauck delivered an inspiring message to conference participants, emphasizing the shared responsibility of journalists worldwide. He highlighted the abundance of information available today, but also warned of the increasing risks of manipulation and disinformation. Gauck stressed the importance of upholding reliable journalism that can be trusted. A highlight of the Global Media Forum was when Sedat Ergin, editor-in-chief of Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, was honored with the Deutsche Welle Freedom of Speech Award. Upon receiving the award, Ergin expressed his concerns about the increasing issues related to freedom of expression in various countries, including democracies. Kai Diekmann, a fellow journalist and publisher, emphasized the importance of press freedom and the worrying state of it in Turkey. Reaction from Turkish media close to the ruling party was extreme, highlighting the pressures faced by journalists in the country. The role of bloggers and activists in societies with limited freedom of speech was once again a topic of discussion at the GMF. Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef attended the award ceremony in Bonn for The Bobs, which recognize the best international online activists. The German Commissioner for Human Rights Policy, Bärbel Kofler, participated in a panel discussion with bloggers from Bangladesh who are currently seeking asylum in Germany and other European countries. The forum focused on journalists who are in danger in their home countries due to attacks by Islamist extremists and lack of government protection, aiming to raise awareness for the importance of asylum. Journalist and author Martin Walker provided a pessimistic outlook on the future of media during the event. International speakers emphasized that the media is facing a crucial turning point. The increasing emphasis on direct communication with individuals worldwide through social media presents new possibilities for journalism. Limbourg, the Director General of DW, stated that media must take advantage of this opportunity in order to have a significant impact.

Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of industrialized nations providing climate adaptation funds to developing countries, who are the most affected by climate change, without imposing any conditions. At the first 'SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change' in Dhaka, he also urged wealthier nations to transfer advanced technology to help developing countries improve their climate resilience. Fakhruddin stated that developed economies must offer adaptation funds and assist with technology transfer unconditionally. He also highlighted the responsibility of developed nations, as the main polluters, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within specified time frames. The SAARC climate conference was organized following a proposal by Dhaka, as there are concerns about the potential inundation of a significant portion of Bangladesh's land due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The meeting is anticipated to come to a consensus on a joint declaration regarding actions to address climate change, which will impact the SAARC region including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Maldives, in particular, is at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels. Fakhruddin emphasized the importance of SAARC countries uniting to urge developed nations to provide additional resources for adaptation efforts. Bangladesh is working towards establishing an international center for climate adaptation to share knowledge and best practices. It is crucial for developed countries to make a firm commitment to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions unilaterally and unconditionally. He stated that it is essential to protect ourselves from the dangers of climate change. Fakhruddin emphasized that climate change will have severe consequences for millions of impoverished individuals, leading to increased instances of floods, droughts, and salinity. He warned that it could result in the worst tragedy in human history, surpassing events like the 'Black Death' and World War II. He expressed the urgency of taking action to prevent this catastrophe from occurring. SAARC Secretary-General Sheel Kant Sharma also stressed the importance of developed countries committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within specific timeframes as part of the path forward. 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, stated that despite a 5-0 loss to Paraguay in the Copa America, Colombia will not be defeated. He emphasized that this setback is not a catastrophe, as they are still in control of their circumstances. Pinto assured that Colombia has not been completely defeated in terms of footballing abilities, tactics, or morale, and that this loss is not the end of the world. "We haven't given up yet, we're going to respond." Despite Colombia's strong start in their opening Group C game, they struggled after missing a penalty and allowing Paraguay to take the lead. This was surprising given Colombia's strong defense in previous games. Their next match will be against Argentina, who won their first game against the United States. Pinto stated that they would make adjustments, potentially altering the style of play and the players. He also drew a comparison to Colombia's 5-0 victory over Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in 1993, noting that both teams were not at their best during that match. Pinto remarked that the current game against Paraguay reminded him of that particular match.

A major global report launched on Tuesday emphasizes that wealthy nations must lead the way in reducing carbon emissions to avoid significant setbacks 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," urges 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 that there is a critical ten-year window of opportunity to take action. The report warned that if action is not taken soon, the Himalayan glaciers that provide water and food for over two billion people could disappear if global temperatures rise above two degrees Celsius. 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, posing a threat to the most vulnerable populations. The report calls on the world's richest countries to cut emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050 and support a new $86 billion global annual investment in international adaptation efforts to protect the world's poor. The report suggests that developed countries should implement a new system for transferring clean energy technology to developing countries. It mentions the positive impact of investing in adaptation initiatives, such as protecting assets during flooding. The report also calls for developing Asian countries, particularly China and India, to reduce emissions by at least 20 percent by 2050. UNDP administrator Kemal Derviş emphasizes the importance of expanding access to affordable energy while transitioning to a more sustainable growth path. The report proposes the establishment of a Climate Change Mitigation Facility funded by developed countries to incentivize developing countries to adopt cleaner technologies. "According to Watkins, adequately funded technology transfer from wealthier nations to poorer nations must be the cost of entry for developed countries to address their carbon footprint. The pathway outlined in 'Fighting climate change' for the Bali meeting in December provides a clear checklist for political leaders, emphasizing the need for a binding post-2012 multilateral agreement to combat climate change and protect vulnerable populations. Key points include reducing 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, the creation of a Climate Change Mitigation Facility is proposed to finance low-carbon energy investments in developing countries, encouraging them to transition to cleaner energy sources and commit to international emission reductions." This would require an annual investment of $25-50 billion. Implement a fair price for carbon by using a combination of carbon taxation and expanding cap-and-trade schemes globally. Enhance regulatory standards by enforcing stricter efficiency requirements for vehicle, building, and electrical appliance emissions. Support the advancement of low carbon energy sources, acknowledging the untapped potential for a higher utilization of renewable energy and the necessity for immediate investment in innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS). Allocate $86 billion, which is equivalent to 0.2 percent of the combined GDP of northern nations, towards adapting climate-resistant infrastructure and enhancing the resilience of impoverished communities to climate change impacts. Ensure that adaptation is integrated into all strategies aimed at reducing poverty and extreme inequality, including poverty reduction strategy papers. Acknowledge the importance of carbon sequestration in forests and land in any future global agreement, and support international financial transfer plans for deforestation, as proposed by Brazil and other countries.

South Korea, the fourth largest economy in Asia, has committed to selecting one of three targets for carbon emissions by 2020, aligning itself with Kyoto signatories in the global effort to combat climate change. The government announced that it will decide on a 2020 gas emission target this year, with options including an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels, maintaining 2005 levels, or reducing emissions by 4 percent below 2005 levels. Despite being one of Asia's wealthiest nations and a major industrial player, South Korea experienced a doubling of emissions between 1990 and 2005. Per-capita emissions of carbon dioxide based on 2005 levels were 11.1 tonnes, comparable to some European countries and ranking 17th among OECD members. Sang-hyup Kim, Secretary to the President for National Future and Vision at the Presidential Office, acknowledged that the targets may seem modest compared to those of developed countries. These efforts are the highest and most sincere, showcasing Korea's capabilities. The government has estimated that each goal will require between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP and will involve the increased use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy, energy efficiency with LED lights, and smart grids to reduce emissions. Developed countries that are obligated by the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are facing pressure from developing nations to increase their targets for emission reduction as part of a larger climate agreement being negotiated. These negotiations will conclude at the end of the year at a major UN conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Wealthy developing countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico are also being urged to announce plans for reducing emissions. South Korea's goals for reducing emissions are not as ambitious as those of developed countries like the United States and the European Union. Japan and the United States are targeting reductions of 15 and 17 percent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels, while the European Union and Britain are aiming for reductions of 20 and 34 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Developing nations, including China, are calling for wealthy countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020 in order to mitigate the severe impacts of global warming such as droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.

A senior negotiator informed Reuters that China is open to incorporating its voluntary carbon emissions target into a mandatory UN resolution, a move that could put pressure on developed countries to prolong the Kyoto Protocol. The success of the UN climate talks in Cancun depends on reaching an agreement to solidify 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 binds the emissions of nearly 40 developed countries, excluding the United States. Developing countries are in favor of continuing the protocol, while industrialized supporters like Japan, Russia, and Canada prefer a separate agreement that applies to all nations. China has previously been resistant to making its domestic emissions targets mandatory, unlike industrialized nations. Huang Huikang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's representative for climate change negotiations, stated that a resolution can be developed that would be binding on China. He also mentioned the possibility of a legally binding decision under the UN Climate Convention and expressed willingness to discuss the details. He emphasized the importance of integrating China's efforts into the global response to climate change, and argued against the idea of scrapping the Kyoto Protocol and beginning anew in addressing these issues. Jennifer Morgan from the World Resources Institute in Washington described the proposal as a significant change, while Alden Meyer from the Union of Concerned Scientists in the US called it a promising development. China's chief negotiator Xie Zhenhua later stated that China's targets could be aligned 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 will not change its stance on including new emissions targets in an extended Kyoto agreement. China has always maintained that its efforts are only binding domestically and cannot be included in any international agreement. Huang explained that while China previously insisted on acting voluntarily without conditions, they now recognize the importance of international collaboration. Huang described this shift as a compromise, demonstrating China's willingness to be constructive and positive. However, Huang emphasized that there is no room for compromise on the issue of Kyoto. Last year at a summit in Copenhagen, developing countries, including China, the world's largest carbon emitter, agreed to voluntarily take action to limit the growth of their emissions. China pledged to reduce its "carbon intensity," which is the amount of carbon dioxide emitted for each 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 by leaders were inadequate. He emphasized the urgency of taking stronger action to combat climate change for the sake of humanity and the planet. Despite the G8 agreeing to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, Ban Ki-moon stressed the need for more immediate and substantial reductions. President Barack Obama also acknowledged the need for greater efforts to bridge the gap with developing nations on climate change. During the first day of a meeting of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations in L'Aquila, Italy, the G8 was unsuccessful in persuading China and India to commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2050. Despite this setback, Obama remained optimistic and believed that progress could still be achieved before the UN climate change treaty talks in Copenhagen in December. Obama, who aimed to lead a meeting on the environment during his first G8 summit, expressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that there was still time to resolve the disagreement before the crucial meeting. Obama was set to chair the Major Economies Forum (MEF), which was expected to aim for limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, although agreement on emission cuts was not reached. The absence of Chinese President Hu Jintao, who had left the summit to address ethnic conflicts in China, hindered progress. Temperatures have increased by approximately 0.7 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution due to the widespread use of fossil fuels. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed hope that all countries present, including the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada, Russia, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and Mexico, would agree on a temperature target. However, a source from the G8 stated that reaching a deal on emissions was not realistic. India emphasized that developing countries wanted to see plans from wealthy nations to provide financing to help them deal with the consequences of climate change, such as floods, heatwaves, storms, and rising sea levels. Additionally, they called for richer nations to make more significant emissions cuts by 2020. The G8 countries have agreed to reduce global emissions by 50 percent by 2050, with the United States agreeing to this for the first time. They have also set a target of an 80 percent reduction in emissions for developed countries. However, Russia stated that it could not meet this target by 2050, and Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice referred to the 80 percent reduction goal as an "aspirational goal." The first day of the summit was dominated by discussions about the fragile state of the world economy, with rich nations acknowledging significant risks to financial stability. On the second day, China, along with Russia, India, and Brazil, argued for the long-term diversification of the global reserve currency system away from reliance on the dollar, a sensitive issue in currency markets. State Councilor Dai Bingguo suggested that there should be an improved system for the issuance and regulation of reserve currencies in order to maintain stability in their exchange rates and promote a diverse international reserve currency regime. The G8 and G5 were optimistic about progress in the stalled Doha trade talks, aiming to conclude them by 2010. The Doha round, initiated in 2001 to assist developing nations, has faced obstacles regarding proposed tariff and subsidy reductions. The G5 expressed their commitment to resolving issues related to Doha, which they believe will boost confidence in global markets. They also called on wealthy nations to eliminate trade barriers and provide financial support to poorer countries.

When 96 individuals from China arrived at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei to participate in a music contest with promised cash prizes, they realized they had been deceived by a scam artist. The con artist had forged invitations from the city of Taipei, collected the entry fees, and abandoned the participants at the airport in mid-February. Some of the musicians were so upset that they decided not to return home. Experts on crime predict that such fraudulent schemes will become more common in Asia, particularly in greater China, as the economic downturn encourages swindlers to target vulnerable individuals seeking a change in their circumstances. 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, making them susceptible to financial traps. Additionally, they place importance on seizing lucky opportunities, particularly during challenging circumstances. The economies of trade-dependent Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan are struggling due to a worldwide economic downturn. As a result, many companies in the region are reducing production, halting hiring, and implementing layoffs in order to cut costs. Experts in crime suggest that scammers tend to flourish in these dire economic conditions. One type of scam that is becoming more common involves scammers pretending to be recruiters in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, tricking job seekers into investing in the companies they are applying to. These scams are on the rise, along with other deceptive practices such as fraudulent money lending and soliciting hefty fees for fake lottery winnings or business opportunities. Many job seekers are wary of falling victim to these scams, with one individual from Shenzhen, Zhou Yang, expressing caution about dealing with roadside job agencies. 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 were already in debt fell for the scheme, believing they were being pressured for repayment. These scams worsen the financial struggles of those affected. Chang Chin-lan, a prevention officer with Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau, warned that such fraudulent activities 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 recorded an increase in deception crimes from 1,071 to 1,414 cases. In Singapore, there has been a rise in "cheating and related offences" by about 10 percent from 2,917 in 2006 to 3,254 last year. The Singapore Police Force has warned of an expected increase in phone scams and other impersonation frauds due to the struggling economy. The use of more advanced technology has also contributed to the growth of scams, allowing scammers to target a larger audience and deceive people across borders. Since 2001, costly hoaxes have become more prevalent in Asia with the advent of the Internet and mobile phones, providing anonymity and making it easier for criminals to avoid legal consequences. Tsai Tien-mu, a criminology professor at Taipei Police College, noted the impact of technology in facilitating these fraudulent activities. Tsai stated that it is now simple for individuals to contact one another, whereas previously only the aggressor needed to initiate contact with the victim. Police face difficulties in solving fraud cases due to con artists being able to easily conceal themselves. In Taiwan, only 10 percent of cases are successfully solved by police officers. In contrast, in Hong Kong, law enforcement prioritizes public education over pursuing individual con artists, according to Chu from Hong Kong University. Frequently, the scammers can be found in China, where they are beyond the jurisdiction of law enforcement in Hong Kong. According to Zhou, who is looking for work in Shenzhen, the police in mainland China are not very helpful to victims of fraud. Zhou stated that even if you are deceived, contacting the police is pointless because they rarely respond and offer assistance.

The UN's top climate change official urged the European Union to quickly come up with solutions to assist developing nations in combating global warming in order to prevent a potential impasse 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 their greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement reached in Bali in December highlighted the need for a global plan to address climate change by the end of 2009, building on the Kyoto Protocol's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases among 37 industrialized nations. 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 wealthy nations, such as the United States, who are concerned about job losses, to reduce emissions. The United States is the only wealthy nation that is not part of the Kyoto Protocol. According to de Boer, head of the U.N., it is becoming a challenging situation where the lack of resources to engage developing countries makes it hard for the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, and potentially the EU to progress, leading to difficulties in moving forward. The EU claims to be a frontrunner in combating climate change, as warned by the U.N. Climate Panel, which predicts an increase in heatwaves, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. De Boer suggested new funding ideas such as auctioning carbon dioxide emission rights in the EU and using the profits to assist developing countries. Another option is to raise the levy on a Kyoto project that enables wealthy nations to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. De Boer emphasized the importance of EU budgets for research and development in combatting climate change. He stressed the need for generating resources for developing countries to encourage their engagement in climate initiatives. De Boer also called on French President Nicolas Sarkozy to finalize an EU package of climate measures during the French EU presidency in the second half of 2008. The EU Commission had previously proposed cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, increasing the use of renewable energy in power production to 20 percent, and incorporating 10 percent of biofuels in transport by 2020. De Boer highlighted the significance of completing the climate package under the French presidency so that it can be forwarded 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 EU sharing the burden and delivering on their commitments. He also noted that clear signals about how the target will be achieved are crucial for the EU's international credibility. Visit Reuters for the latest environment blogs.

Speakers at a conference at the London School of Economics warned that India's planned construction of the Tipaimukh Dam could have significant negative impacts on the environment, ecology, society, and economy of both Bangladesh and northeastern India. The Voice for Justice World Forum called on the governments of both countries to conduct a joint feasibility study before proceeding with the dam to find a fair and equitable solution to the potential environmental disaster. It was emphasized that India, as the upper riparian country, has a moral and legal obligation to consult with Bangladesh before building any dam. Dr. Hasanat Hussain MBE, Convenor of the Voice For Justice World Forum, chaired the conference, which was also attended by British treasury minister Stephen Timms who commended the organisers for holding the world forum in London. He stated at the conference that the British government will always support the oppressed worldwide and collaborate with organizations like VFJ to advocate for human rights and justice for the underprivileged. The first world forum of VFJ took place at the London School of Economics and was organized by a coalition of its European, US, Canadian, and Asian chapters. The event was attended by expatriate Bangladeshi 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 in the discussion. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on millions of people who rely on the rivers Surma and Kushiara if any barriers are constructed on those rivers. Dr K M A Malik of University of Cardiff presented a paper on Climate Change in South Asia, specifically focusing on Bangladesh, at the conference. Additionally, Dr Mahbub Khan of California State University presented a paper on 'Rights of Migrant Workers in Gulf States' and Hasan Mahmud, director of Sharia Law of Muslim Canadian Congress, presented a paper on 'Women's rights in Islam'. The speakers emphasized the importance of formal bilateral agreements between migrant-sending states like Bangladesh and migrant-receiving states in the Gulf to address human rights violations against migrant workers. The conference urged Gulf governments to prioritize the human rights of migrant workers who contribute significantly to their economies and send remittances back to their home countries, yet often receive low wages, poor working conditions, and job insecurity. Hasan Mahmud's paper reaffirmed that Islam and Sharia law promote and protect women's rights in a fair and just manner. He expressed remorse that societal 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, Kent, 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 multiple cities in the UK participated in the question and answer sessions at the end.

Sayed Talat Kamal from Durban, South Africa, reported that developing countries are expressing concerns that they are prioritizing climate change as a more critical global crisis compared to wealthy nations. Specifically, the US is being criticized for its slow progress on important climate change issues. Delegates at the UN Climate Summit in Durban, as well as European representatives and the leader of the African bloc, have condemned the US's stance. Mali delegate Seyni Nafo stated that developed countries, including the US, are not treating climate change with the seriousness it deserves on a global scale. Nafo called for the US to demonstrate the same level of leadership in addressing climate change as it does in promoting democracy, human rights, and market access. The EU's chief negotiator, Arthur Runge-Metzger, expressed concerns about the US delegation being hindered by domestic opposition to climate change. He acknowledged that the Obama administration faces challenges moving forward on climate change due to the situation in Congress. The US is seen as delaying negotiations by pushing for conditions that would legally require all countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions, which has slowed progress on raising funds for developing low-carbon economies and addressing the impacts of global warming in poorer countries. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat in the earth's atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures and resulting in more extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts. It is widely agreed that a temperature increase of over 2 degrees Celsius would cause 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 crucial that emissions do not peak after 2015. Rather than implementing a binding target, the United States prefers voluntary pledges from countries to control emissions to the best of their ability. The US has committed to reducing its emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, a promise that Jonathan Pershing, the US delegation chief, believes will not change in the near future. Runge-Metzger, however, argues that even if these voluntary pledges are combined, they would only amount to about half of what scientists recommend to prevent a potential climate crisis. In his nation's first statement, Rene Orellana, leader of the Bolivian delegation, strongly rejected the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (Redd) initiative, which aims to use financial incentives to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Orellana emphasized that Bolivia does not support Redd, stating that forests serve purposes beyond just storing carbon, such as providing food security, water resources, and biodiversity for indigenous communities who rely on them. Redd stated that the forest's function is often reduced to just carbon stocks. Orellana criticized certain aspects of the Green Climate Fund, specifically payments tied to the outcomes of green initiatives. Despite recent political instability in Bolivia, the country has remained steadfast in its environmental stance at the 17th conference of parties to the UN climate change convention. This year, Bolivia passed groundbreaking legislation granting nature the same rights as humans. Scientists project that heat waves, which currently occur every 20 years, will become an annual occurrence due to rising greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Furthermore, coastal regions and islands are at risk of being flooded due to the effects of global warming. Additionally, within the next ten years, approximately 250 million individuals could potentially encounter water shortages. Advocates for climate action suggest that maintaining stable carbon levels in the atmosphere would only slightly hinder economic growth by 0.12 percent annually. They emphasize that any associated costs would be counterbalanced by enhanced health, increased energy security, and more reliable food sources.

The Environment State Minister has criticized developed countries for their deceptive behavior regarding climate funds. Hasan Mahmud spoke at a discussion on the upcoming climate summit and accused rich countries of using trickery when promising funds to help poor countries combat climate change. Additionally, he mentioned that these countries have also failed to fulfill their promise to reduce carbon emissions. At the Copenhagen conference in December 2009, developed countries pledged $30 billion in Fast Start Funding for countries vulnerable to climate change impacts. However, as of November 2011, only eight percent of the promised funds had been paid out, falling far short of the original commitment. He mentioned that there is a deception in the situation, as they claim to have already provided the money. However, upon closer examination, it is evident that the funds given in 2008 are categorized as Fast Start Funding. The roundtable discussion took place before an upcoming climate change conference in Durban, South Africa starting on Nov 28. The state minister revealed that Bangladesh had suggested the establishment of a central authority to allocate the funds during the conference. He also mentioned that priority should be given to countries in need when distributing funds, rather than countries with better relations with donors receiving more money. Hasan expressed disappointment in developed countries for not making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, holding them responsible for global warming. He noted that a person in Bangladesh emits 0.3 tonnes of carbon per year. In developing countries, the number is 1.6 tonnes while in the developed world, it ranges from 15-20 tonnes. He is optimistic about the Climate Vulnerable Forum happening on Sunday, which will be attended by United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The roundtable was chaired by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation chairman Qazi Kholiquzzaman.

In Copenhagen, Bangladesh's state minister for environment expressed dissatisfaction with the EU's climate fund commitment, stating that it is insufficient. The EU recently committed 10 billion euro over three years to the climate adaptation fund, but it is unclear if this is in addition to Official Development Assistance. Hasan Mahmud emphasized the importance of Annex 1 countries contributing around 1.5 percent of their GDP to the adaptation fund, which could create a fund of $400 to $600 billion. The state minister emphasized that the proposal from the EU is insufficient to raise the necessary funds for adaptation, totaling $400-600. He reiterated the demand for a separate climate fund for poor and vulnerable nations, in addition to existing ODA, that is not overseen by financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. He suggested the creation of a separate, easily accessible, and transparent institution to manage the fund. Hasan suggested that 70% of funds should go to the least developed or most vulnerable countries, with 15% allocated specifically to Bangladesh. He stated that over one billion people globally are at risk from climate change. Hasan also mentioned Bangladesh's efforts to establish a new group for the most vulnerable countries, with communication already underway with potential members. He anticipates that around 20 countries could be included in this new group. He mentioned that the UN recognizes G-77 or LDCs in terms of economic development. He stated that similar recognition is needed for climate change and emphasized the need to form a new group of vulnerable countries for improved negotiation. Hasan highlighted Bangladesh as the most vulnerable country, leading the Global Climate Risk Index and having 15% of the 1 billion most vulnerable people. Fifteen percent of the adaptation fund is required to be allocated to Bangladesh, as it is being heavily impacted by various negative effects of climate change such as sea level rise and extreme weather. The total number of people affected in Bangladesh is expected to be much higher than in small island countries. A delegation from Dhaka held a discussion during the conference titled "Bangladesh: Victim of Climate Change." Climate specialist Dr. Ainun Nishat discussed the effects of climate change on food and agricultural production, water management, health, and infrastructure.

Reinhart, who was promoted to senior management in an effort to restore the bank's credibility following ethics concerns, stated that some key ideas for the new product were already established. These included a push for more transparency in methodology, an increased reliance on survey data from companies, and a decreased emphasis on ranking countries. Reinhart emphasized the importance of public disclosure in rebuilding credibility, stating that the details of the product would be publicly available. The bank would also focus on using survey data to minimize subjective judgment and eliminate the competitive aspect of rankings that encouraged countries to manipulate the system. The bank's board decided to stop releasing the annual "Doing Business" rankings in September due to data irregularities in the 2018 and 2020 versions. Senior bank officials, including Kristalina Georgieva, who now leads the IMF, were accused of pressuring staff to alter the data. The law firm WilmerHale is currently investigating possible staff misconduct related to the changes, which benefited China, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. The IMF's board supported Georgieva after looking into the allegations, but she may still be involved in the ongoing investigation. The World Bank's credibility has been damaged by this situation, and it will require time and effort to regain trust. It is important for credibility to be based on systems rather than personalities, and the bank has implemented numerous safeguards following external reviews in the past year. She stated that while nothing in life is completely foolproof, there are measures in place to reduce the potential for misuse and abuse. She hopes that credibility will be gained over time, as it is hard to establish and easy to lose. Reinhart initiated a thorough review of the Doing Business methodology by an external advisory panel following internal concerns about data manipulation in the reports. The scathing 84-page review that followed called for various corrective measures and changes, pointing out a consistent pattern of government interference with the scoring process. The review criticized the bank for not being transparent about the data used and recommended that it cease offering consulting services to governments in order to improve their scores, a practice that had already been stopped in 2020 and 2021. Reinhart mentioned that the bank would assess the broader implications of the scandal and determine any additional steps needed after the completion of the second WilmerHale report. "We will need to address that issue once we have the full report," she stated.

Two British ministers, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday, stated that the UK will assist Bangladesh in safeguarding the interests of the least developed countries (LDCs) during the important Copenhagen climate negotiations in December. Douglas Alexander, UK minister for international development, and Ed Milliband, responsible for energy and climate change, made this pledge a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina traveled to Geneva for the World Climate Conference-3. Alexander informed reporters upon their arrival in Dhaka that they would discuss how the UK could help Bangladesh in playing a crucial role in representing the interests of the LDCs at the upcoming Copenhagen summit. In addition, 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, comprised of countries that are most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, largely due to emissions from developed nations. Wealthy nations, such as Britain, are looking to form a partnership with Less Developed Countries (LDCs) in order to urge economic powerhouses like China and India to commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations member countries will gather in Copenhagen to create a new international legal agreement for lowering carbon emissions, replacing the current Kyoto Protocol which only had emission reduction requirements for developed nations. The climate talks in Bali in 2007 acknowledged that major developing economies must also work towards reducing emissions. By joining forces with developed countries, the LDCs aim to put pressure on China and India, who are now considered significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Bangladesh is considered one of the nations most at risk from the effects of climate change. Its initiatives in adapting to and reducing risks serve as a model for other countries. "The obstacles are significant," stated Ed Milliband in a press conference. "The UK is dedicated to aiding Bangladesh in overcoming these obstacles." On Monday evening, visiting ministers dined with foreign minister Dipu Moni at the Padma state guest house. The UK government's International Climate Champions Initiative in Bangladesh was launched by Alexander and Milliband at the British High Commission Club. Through this initiative, the UK government will select 15 Bangladeshi youths aged between 18 and 35 to attend the Copenhagen summit. The main goal of this project is to educate the younger generation about climate change and how to adapt to it. Interested candidates must submit proposals on climate change, and a panel led by Dr Atiq Rahman of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies will select the 15 participants.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who is leading the U.N. conference, stated that he intends to release a nearly final draft on Thursday afternoon to minimize disagreements and pave the way for a final round of revisions. He expressed his determination to reach a final agreement during a meeting with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Fabius has emphasized the importance of completing an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the official closing date of Friday, rather than allowing the conference to run overtime as in the past. However, ministers and negotiators from 195 countries are still divided on key issues, such as which countries should provide the necessary funding to assist developing countries in transitioning to lower-carbon energy sources. The current issue has worsened disagreements behind closed doors between the United States and China regarding the financial contributions of certain countries, as mentioned by US Secretary of State John Kerry. While the Chinese did not delve into specifics, they expressed willingness to find a middle ground. The debate over whether the global temperature should be limited to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius continues. Chinese negotiator Gao Feng stated that more discussions with colleagues are needed before a revised draft is released, with hopes of reaching an agreement by Friday or Saturday. The discussions have reignited debates on the level of ambition the deal should have in addressing the increase in global temperatures. Developing nations are pushing for a long-term goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, despite the current carbon emission cuts falling short of that target. Many are still mindful of the failed negotiations in Copenhagen in 2009. There is a strong desire to reach an agreement this time, but the outcome remains uncertain. Former East Timor president Jose Ramos-Horta emphasized that compromise will be necessary for all nations involved. He told Reuters that a treaty is not set in stone like the Bible and can be reviewed and strengthened in the future, implying that the agreements made in Paris are subject to modification.

The initial UN special session on climate change emphasized the responsibility of wealthy nations in reducing greenhouse gases, with policymakers urging long-standing polluters to take on a significant portion of the burden. Economist Nicholas Stern emphasized the need for both rich and developing countries to be involved in a global agreement to address human-induced emissions. Stern suggested a global target of a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, with wealthy countries expected to aim for even larger cuts, around 75 percent, due to their historical emissions 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 for financing cuts in emissions in other countries may be necessary. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also expressed similar sentiments at the United Nations, emphasizing the need for industrialized countries to take action on climate change. Sunita Narain, director of India's Center for Science and Environment, criticized the lack of real action by political leaders in reducing emissions and called for more drastic measures to address climate change. John Holdren, an environmental scientist at Harvard University, stated that global climate change is responsible for droughts, floods, rising seas, and more intense storms, which cannot be attributed to natural climate variability. The United States, a major emitter of greenhouse gases, did not make a statement at the recent sessions and has consistently rejected strict targets for reducing emissions, citing potential negative impacts on the economy. Instead, the US has advocated for voluntary emissions cuts. President George W. Bush, along with other leaders of the Group of Eight industrialized nations, agreed in June to make significant but unspecified reductions in emissions and to negotiate a new global climate agreement beyond the Kyoto Protocol. The two-day climate meeting at the United Nations is the first of its kind in terms of substance and approach. The event is environmentally friendly, as any emissions produced by air travel and the UN Headquarters building in New York are balanced out by supporting a biomass fuel project in Kenya.

The hearing follows a series of sexual assault scandals and recent Pentagon data revealing a significant increase in unwanted sexual contact within the military. Top military officers from various branches, along with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee to address the issue and assure Congress of their commitment to addressing the problem. While some lawmakers, like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, are pushing for changes that would remove prosecution of sex crimes from the victim's chain of command, others, like General Raymond Odierno, argue that maintaining the power of commanders is crucial for unit cohesion and swift justice. Critics of the military's handling of sexual assault cases believe that radical change is necessary, especially in light of the significant increase in reported cases. Despite concerns raised by Congress, some lawmakers, like Senator Carl Levin, are sympathetic to the military's stance on maintaining the power of the chain of command in addressing these issues. Levin stated that the only group with the power to implement a zero-tolerance policy for sexual offenses is the chain of command. Additionally, only the chain of command possesses the necessary authority to address any issues within the command climate that may promote or condone sexual assaults.

A climate tribunal organized by Oxfam in Dhaka has placed blame on developed countries, particularly those in Annex-1 of the Kyoto Protocol, for the destruction of fisherfolk communities in coastal Bangladesh due to climate change. The tribunal, held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre and coordinated by the Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood, aimed to explore legal avenues to protect victims of climate change. Testimonies from climate victims, including housewives in cyclone-affected areas and fishermen imprisoned in India, were heard by a five-member jury panel led by Mizanur Rahman of the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission. In an attempt to connect the science of climate change with its legal implications at both national and international levels, the organization consulted two experts in the fields of climate change and international law. Despite ongoing multilateral negotiations, there remains a lack of a binding international agreement that would ensure compensation for countries affected by climate change caused by carbon emissions. According to legal expert Ahmed Ziauddin, Bangladesh could potentially bring its grievances to international courts such as the Hague-based UN court, the WTO, and UNESCO, but there are no provisions for individual claims for damages. Ziauddin suggested that Bangladesh should incorporate laws and articles related to climate change into its constitution, as there is currently no legal definition of climate change in the country. Climate change expert Ahsan Uddin Ahmed explained to the tribunal that developed nations are demanding specific evidence of damage caused by climate change in an apparent attempt to avoid their responsibilities. He stated that while it is scientifically proven that climate change is responsible for these damages, it is difficult to establish a separate account for them. Following the testimonies, the jury recommended the creation of a separate law and the inclusion of an article in the constitution addressing climate change. The jury concluded that as developed nations were primarily responsible for the impact of climate change, they should bear the costs of mitigating it. It also noted that the human rights of coastal communities had been violated by the effects of climate change. The panel of jurors included 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 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Patricia Espinosa urged countries to set aside their differences and collaborate in the months leading up to the crucial COP26 negotiations in Glasgow. Despite the challenges of virtual communication, she stated that governments had effectively participated and made advancements in various areas, such as establishing common timeframes for emissions reduction goals and enhancing transparency in reporting climate action. However, disagreements still exist regarding the regulations governing global carbon markets, requiring higher-level political guidance according to the UN climate body. Espinosa emphasized the ongoing efforts to make significant progress before COP26, highlighting the importance of the situation. "I am encouraging all of us to rise up to the challenges of our time, to complete the tasks at hand, to overcome our differences, and to keep our promises." The talks in June marked the first official UN climate negotiations since the end of 2019, as the pandemic had caused delays. The COP26 summit's main objective is to finalize the rules for the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change in order to fully implement the pact, according to UN officials. Espinosa emphasized the importance of achieving success at COP26, stating that it is a crucial test of credibility in our fight against the climate crisis, essential for a green recovery, and a demonstration of the importance of multilateralism during these challenging times. Many countries have not yet submitted stronger climate action plans as required by the Paris agreement last year, due to the pandemic. The emissions reductions promised by governments are still far from what is necessary to meet the Paris goals of limiting global warming. Wealthy nations failing to fulfill climate finance pledges to help vulnerable countries is hindering progress. The pandemic has further complicated matters, with developing nations facing challenges in accessing vaccines and uncertainty about attending the COP26 summit in person. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as the host of the conference, stated this month that his government is discussing with the United Nations how to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to accredited delegations who may not be able to access them otherwise. Diann Black-Layne of Antigua and Barbuda, representing the Alliance of Small Island States, expressed concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on the upcoming COP26 conference. She also highlighted the need for significant progress on climate finance, calling for a new financial goal for climate-vulnerable nations at COP26. Sonam P Wangdi of Bhutan, who leads the group of least developed countries at the UN talks, emphasized the importance of delivering on climate finance for the success of the conference. Wealthier nations have faced criticism for not meeting their commitment to raise $100 billion annually from 2020 to assist poorer countries in addressing climate change. Criticism was directed at G7 leaders for not providing a clear plan on how they would fulfill their pledge at a recent summit, despite Germany and Canada committing additional funding. The UN climate talks held this month were unable to make official decisions due to being conducted virtually, which caused technical difficulties for some delegates. In an effort 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 need for more clarity on issues such as vaccinations and logistics for COP26. Sharma stated that London is collaborating with partners to develop a plan to offer vaccines to all accredited COP26 delegates, including government officials, representatives of environmental organizations, and media personnel, with more details expected to be released soon.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC was slow to respond due to its usual pace, resulting in a lag in testing and surveillance as the agency struggled with outdated methods and infrastructure. Delayed recommendations on masking were partly due to federal scientists taking too long to acknowledge the airborne nature of the virus. The CDC is now facing new challenges with the omicron variant, making rapid decisions and issuing recommendations based on limited evidence, causing concern about the impact on the economy and education. The director of the agency, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, has at times bypassed the traditional scientific review process, most notably by reducing the isolation period for infected Americans. Following the Trump administration's interference, President Joe Biden took office pledging to restore the CDC's reputation for independence and rigorous science. Walensky's current challenge is how to communicate to the public that the science is still evolving and the current guidelines are the best advice available. The shift has been difficult for a bureaucracy primarily composed of medical professionals. Some CDC officials have privately expressed concerns about the demoralizing decisions and Walensky's increasing reliance on a small group of advisers, as well as the perceived political influence from the White House. Others outside the agency praised Walensky for her efficient handling of a national emergency, even when the data was unclear and agency researchers had doubts. Dr. Richard Besser, who led the agency during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, emphasized that policy decisions during a pandemic are not solely the CDC's responsibility. He also stressed the need for clarity when policy and economics influence agency recommendations. The New York Times reported that over 800,000 Americans are being infected daily, leading to challenges for schools, businesses, and hospitals in many states. At the end of December, Walensky announced that infected Americans would only need to isolate for five days instead of 10 if they were no longer experiencing symptoms, and a negative test result was not necessary to end the isolation period. Critics raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus as contagious individuals were allowed to return to workplaces and schools. Many noted the limited research supporting the shortened isolation period for omicron infections. However, the recommendation had a key advantage in helping to maintain the functioning of hospitals, businesses, and schools during the omicron surge. Dr. Thomas Frieden, who previously led the agency under President Barack Obama, stated that the recommendations for isolation were "essentially accurate." Walensky and the CDC have not provided explanations for new tensions in the agency's decision-making. The director has often used rapidly changing science as a reason for recommendations that may be confusing or unpopular. Walensky recently stated to the Senate that the CDC's new guidelines for shorter isolation periods are based on quick, science-driven actions to prevent staffing shortages. This approach has been a recurring theme for Walensky. In March, the CDC advised that students could safely be seated 3 feet apart in classrooms instead of 6 feet, even though there was little research to support this suggestion. However, this change did make it easier for schools to consider reopening. In May, Walensky used scientific data to advise vaccinated individuals that they could remove their masks and socialize freely, despite concerns from experts about the risk of breakthrough infections, particularly from the delta variant. In August, she joined Biden in recommending booster shots for all Americans before the data had been thoroughly reviewed by the FDA or her own agency. The recent guidance on isolation caused turmoil within the agency due to the way it was introduced and communicated. Walensky called an emergency meeting of the agency's COVID response leaders on the Sunday night after Christmas. She informed them that the agency would reduce the recommended isolation period and eliminate the need for a negative test result before ending isolation. This information was shared during a video call by an official who requested anonymity. The new guidelines would be announced the following day by Walensky, and no discussion was to take place until then. Scientists were taken aback by this news and rushed to gather data to support the revised recommendations and update the agency's website materials on quarantine and isolation. Typically, federal researchers thoroughly review data, draft recommendations, and refine them based on feedback before publication. However, in this case, there was limited evidence supporting the shortened isolation period, mainly related to the delta variant. As a result, the accompanying "science brief" was changed to a "rationale" document. Some researchers were upset about being excluded from the decision-making process and were angered by the agency's claim that the change was based on science. Even though some thought the new five-day cutoff was arbitrary, they were aware of data suggesting rapid tests might not detect all omicron infections, and thus mostly supported Walensky's decision not to require a negative test before ending isolation. However, when Walensky announced the new recommendations at an emergency meeting on Dec 26, staff were not prepared. CDC scientists then spent a week updating hundreds of guidance documents on the website. Around 2,000 health officials, public health lab directors, and researchers participate in a weekly call with CDC officials. During the call on Dec 27, just before the CDC's statement was released, state and local officials asked numerous questions about the isolation guidance for the general public. CDC staff members were ordered not to discuss the new recommendations, leading to silence among the staff. Scott Becker, CEO of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, expressed a desire for more input and advance notice. Supporters of Walensky, the CDC director, believed that the agency's shift in direction was necessary and that she had made the correct decisions. The CDC is a large organization with researchers used to working methodically, but the urgent nature of the pandemic required quicker action. Former CDC director Frieden noted that there were individuals within the agency who did not fully understand the situation. He mentioned that during his time in office, he often encountered CDC staff who were both charming and clueless about the potential impact of their recommendations and statements. Many experts believe that Walensky has unfairly been made the scapegoat for the frustrations caused by the unpredictable nature of the virus. Leading the CDC is always challenging, but Walensky took on this role during a pandemic, in a politically charged environment, and at a time when the agency's credibility and staff morale were low. Additionally, agency researchers are still working remotely, which is a significant obstacle. Besser expressed his concerns about the CDC. Besser expressed his concerns about the public's trust in public health, stating that it is unfair to blame Dr. Walensky for it. Walensky has been explaining her decisions at news briefings, but in response to criticism about unclear messaging, she and other CDC scientists held their own briefing. This was seen as a positive step towards rebuilding trust in the CDC and clarifying its decisions. Separating public health considerations from political ones is crucial, according to Besser. By receiving briefings from the CDC, she will be able to highlight the expertise of CDC scientists and experts. The tension between the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (represented by Dr. Anthony Fauci) has been ongoing and existed before the pandemic. During a recent public health crisis, Fauci and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy made public assurances about the CDC revisiting its recommendations for isolation, even though the agency had no such plans, which upset 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 these conflicts. Becerra recently defended CDC Director Walensky in a CNN interview, pointing out her medical license and degree in public health. She is not in possession of a marketing degree.

A UN summit in Copenhagen is discussing the idea of limiting global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius. This proposal is supported by a new fund of $100 billion per year to assist developing nations. A draft text, which was put together just hours before world leaders met, emphasizes the need for significant reductions in global emissions. The draft also calls for commitments from wealthy nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Despite being a new draft, it closely resembles a previous version from the night before. The text stresses the importance of immediate and enhanced national action, as well as strengthened international cooperation, to address the issue of global warming. Many major economies have already committed to limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in order to prevent dangerous consequences such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, and rising sea levels. They have also agreed to mobilize $100 billion by 2020 to address the climate change needs of developing countries, with funding coming from various sources. This commitment mirrors U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remarks at the Copenhagen meeting. Additionally, there is a goal to provide $10 billion per year in immediate funding to developing nations from 2010-2012, with the amount increasing each year until reaching the $100 billion target in 2020. The text stated that developing countries would agree to some monitoring of their pledged emissions reductions, including reporting 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 texts of one or more new climate treaties would need to be concluded by the end of 2010, according to the draft. The text emphasized that the agreement would not be legally binding. It also mentioned that nations would continue discussions in order to adopt one or more legal instruments before COP 16, the next UN meeting scheduled for November 2010 in Mexico. Numerous developing countries are in favor of having two agreements - one extending the Kyoto Protocol, which currently requires wealthy nations to reduce emissions until 2012, and another outlining actions for poorer nations. On the other hand, developed countries prefer a single treaty. The proposed agreement, known as "Copenhagen X," sparked debate over its name, with some considering it too weak and labeling it a "Copenhagen catastrophe."

An agreement in Copenhagen next month on a new pact to combat climate change is expected to attract long-term investors to invest in companies that are better prepared to handle an anticipated increase in carbon emissions costs. Asset managers believe that a strong political deal at the Dec 7-18 summit, which includes emission reduction targets, could spur investors like pension funds and sovereign wealth funds to adjust their portfolios to account for the long-term risks associated with climate change. This could also potentially benefit firms involved in renewable energy sources like wind or solar, while putting pressure on industries with high emissions such as utilities, aluminum, and car manufacturers. A more specific agreement, such as a legally binding target for emission reductions, may prompt funds to start adjusting their asset allocations sooner to protect against the impact on companies facing higher costs due to emissions. Essentially, this agreement would act as a global treaty aimed at controlling pollutants. Bruce Jenkyn-Jones, managing director of listed equities at Impax Asset Management, stated that by intervening in the economy to regulate and include the cost of carbon, there will be an impact on products and services as people will be required to pay for carbon throughout the economy. This will particularly affect big energy producers, utilities, and industrials. Impax manages 50 million pounds in global equities for the UK Environmental Agency's Active Pension Fund. The outcome of a Copenhagen deal remains uncertain. During a preliminary UN meeting in Barcelona, developed countries downplayed the likelihood of reaching an agreement on a legally binding text, suggesting that it could take an extra 6-12 months. However, developing countries are wary of rich nations reneging on their commitments to combat climate change. They are advocating for a legally binding agreement in December, despite the lowered expectations set by politicians, seeing an 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 like power generation, utilities, and transport will be immediately affected by a concrete deal. Webber mentioned that companies like Germany's RWE could potentially face higher carbon costs, which could account for almost a third of their operating profits in the coming years. He also referenced Warren Buffett's $26 billion deal to buy railway firm Burlington Northern Santa Fe in November as an example of the long-term viability of rails. Webber predicts that an aggressive deal will lead to increased growth rates in nuclear power and solar industries, as well as a major shift from combustion engine cars to electric vehicles. Malcolm Gray, a portfolio manager at Investec Asset Management, believes that industries like sugar, which are energy self-sufficient, will be better equipped to handle emission reductions and will attract investments. However, utilities in the thermal sector and non-diversified aluminum producers will be at risk. As the cost of production increases due to high carbon prices, consumers with limited disposable income and low-margin retail businesses may suffer. Gray also warns that there is more embedded inflation in the world than people are aware of. He stated that there is a possibility of experiencing a slightly more aggressive inflation cycle globally in contrast to the current deflating world. The outcome of the Copenhagen talks could help investors in mitigating portfolio risks by predicting the rise in the cost of carbon emissions and investing in industries that benefit from alternative energy. Sovereign funds and long-term investors are increasingly involved in environmental investing, while private sector participation has been slow. Norway's $400 billion oil fund is investing over $3 billion in firms involved in environmental technologies and encouraging companies to address climate change more effectively. "We are best served by promoting good standards of corporate behavior, which aligns well with our long-term investment objectives," stated Martin Skancke, director general of Norway's Ministry of Finance Asset Management Department, in an interview with Reuters last month. Rabobank believes that the outcome of the Copenhagen summit will provide clarity on the framework for the unlisted Dutch bank, which is already factoring in the cost of carbon emissions as a risk factor when granting credit facilities. Ruud Nijs, head of corporate social responsibility at Rabobank, emphasized the importance of risk mitigation and expressed confidence that business opportunities would arise in due time. He also highlighted that if the costs of climate change were taxed, it would prompt a reevaluation of the credit portfolio. If a customer is now responsible for covering the costs associated with climate impacts, their risk level will significantly increase. The bank has dedicated over 4 billion euros to investments in renewable energy, focusing on clean technology in its credit investment portfolio over the past year and a half. It has provided sole debt financing for the Belfuture solar project, valued at hundreds of millions of euros, and has also contributed 620 million euros in project financing for the Belwind offshore wind farm project. The bank believes that Copenhagen offers a more favorable business environment for conducting transactions. Nijs stated that significant cleantech deals, as well as investments in solar, wind, and biomass technologies, will be automatically produced by the positive outcome. He also mentioned that the pipeline will experience growth.

Heckling has always been a challenge for Trudeau, but this time the criticism has become more intense. After being in office for six years, the prime minister, who initially presented himself as a fresh face with a positive outlook, is now seen as part of the political establishment, with a record of actions and mistakes for opponents to point out. Despite predictions that the Liberal Party will maintain its control of Parliament, this tough election campaign has not helped Trudeau. Ben Chin, a senior adviser to the prime minister, acknowledged that no politician could have maintained the level of popularity Trudeau had when he first took office. According to Chin, being in power for several years inevitably leads to accumulating more criticism and controversy. During his time in office, Trudeau has faced criticism from opposition party leaders for making decisions that are not universally supported. This includes accusations of prioritizing his personal and political interests over the nation's welfare, as evidenced by the upcoming snap election. Critics have also pointed to controversies such as a charity contract involving his family and ethical breaches related to pressuring a minister to assist a Quebec company. Despite Trudeau's cited accomplishments, his opponents highlight unfulfilled promises. Anti-vax protesters, some affiliated with the far-right People's Party of Canada, have disrupted Trudeau's events, leading to increased security measures. Safety concerns have even led to the shutdown of rallies in Ontario, where the prime minister was also targeted with gravel. An official from the People's Party was later charged with assault using a weapon in that incident. Since 2015, Trudeau has achieved several milestones, including implementing carbon pricing and other climate initiatives, legalizing cannabis, increasing funding for Indigenous issues, and banning 1,500 models of military-style rifles. A new initiative will offer daycare for $10 per day per child in Canada. Despite a decrease in popularity, Trudeau still maintains his star power. When Trudeau visited a cafe in Port Coquitlam to greet voters and take photos, a crowd quickly gathered. Despite expressions of love from supporters like Joy Silver, many Canadians are questioning why Trudeau called an election now, amidst rising COVID-19 cases and other pressing issues such as the crisis in Afghanistan. Trudeau's decision to hold the vote during such a tumultuous time has been a point of contention throughout the campaign. Trudeau is struggling to effectively communicate his message, with the Liberal Party aiming to secure a majority in the House of Commons to address the ongoing pandemic and subsequent recovery. Despite not explicitly mentioning a majority, Trudeau emphasizes the party's experience and commitment to ending the pandemic at campaign rallies. The Liberals are currently in a close race with the Conservative Party, with the New Democrats trailing behind. Some experts believe Trudeau's personality and fame may be hindering his campaign efforts. “The NDP and Conservatives, in particular, have been emphasizing that this is a power grab and all about him,” she explained. “This message has really resonated with voters.” Some scandals that occurred during Trudeau’s time in office have also benefited the opposition. For example, in 2019, Trudeau’s veterans affairs minister, an Indigenous woman, resigned after allegations that he and his staff had pressured her improperly to make a deal that would have allowed a large Canadian corporation to avoid a criminal conviction on corruption charges. Despite his promotion of diversity, it was revealed during the 2019 election that Trudeau had worn blackface or brownface on three occasions in the past. Additionally, last year a charity with strong ties to his family was given a no-bid contract to oversee a COVID-19 financial assistance program for students. The group retreated, the program was called off, and Trudeau was deemed innocent by the federal ethics and conflict of interest commissioner. His critics have also pointed out areas where they believe he has not delivered on his promises, such as implementing a national prescription drug plan, reforming Canada's electoral system, reducing the national debt, and addressing issues of 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 completely fulfilled approximately 45% of his promises, with another 27% partially fulfilled. Singh has been highlighting Trudeau's pledge to provide clean drinking water to all Indigenous communities, noting that there were 105 boil-water advisories in place in First Nations communities when Trudeau came into office, with more added later. The government has provided clean water to 109 communities that were previously without it, however, there are still 52 boil-water orders in effect. Singh criticized Trudeau for not always following through on his actions, while O'Toole accused Trudeau of being self-centered and only looking out for himself. "He prioritized his own interests when he decided to hold an expensive and unnecessary election during a pandemic." Security and privacy measures have been increased at Trudeau's campaign events following disruptions by protesters upset about COVID-19 vaccination requirements. At a rally in Surrey, Trudeau gave a lively speech to a mostly South Asian crowd, which was invited rather than publicly announced to control the size due to pandemic restrictions. Police snipers on the roof monitored the event. Trudeau was questioned about whether US politics had influenced the recent unruly protests following the cancellation of a rally in Ontario. His response was indirect, emphasizing the need for reflection on the dangers of anger, division, and intolerance. Trudeau noted that he had never witnessed such intense anger during a campaign 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 evident that Trudeau may have lost support from many Canadians due to his decision to call an early election and faced abuse while campaigning without gaining any political advantage. The Liberals are expected to maintain power, but may not secure the majority they were hoping for. If this happens, Butts noted, it would be ironic as the situation would be similar to before.

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

The gathering in downtown Omaha, Nebraska marked Berkshire's first shareholder meeting since 2019, prior to the impact of COVID-19 on corporate events. Shareholders had the opportunity to ask Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Greg Abel, and Ajit Jain questions for five hours. Buffett announced that Berkshire had significantly increased its investments in Chevron Corp and Activision Blizzard Inc, now totaling over $31 billion. Despite facing challenges from supply chain disruptions, COVID-19 variants, the Ukraine invasion, and inflation, Berkshire's first-quarter operating profit remained steady at $7.04 billion. Buffett, 91, expressed satisfaction in being able to speak directly to shareholders in person again after two years of virtual meetings. 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 changed, Buffett explained that he decided to invest in Occidental after reading an analyst report and in Alleghany after receiving a letter from its former CEO, who had previously worked at Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett emphasized that markets can be unpredictable, providing occasional opportunities for Berkshire Hathaway to make investments. "It's not due to our intelligence.... I believe we are rational." Berkshire invested $51 billion in stocks during the quarter, causing its cash reserves to decrease by over $40 billion to $106 billion. Despite this, the company has various sources of income, such as its insurance business, and Buffett confirmed that they will not run out of reserves. "We will always have a significant amount of cash," he stated. "It's similar to oxygen, always present but if it goes away even for a short time, it could be catastrophic." When questioned about the possibility of the Ukraine conflict escalating into nuclear war, Buffett and Jain were uncertain. Jain, who has been praised by Buffett for many years, admitted to having difficulty estimating Berkshire's insurance risk. Buffett stated that the chances of a nuclear attack were extremely low, despite the close call during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Buffett likened the current state of the world to flipping a coin every day. "Berkshire cannot provide a solution." Buffett also criticized stock markets for resembling a casino or gambling partner at times, particularly in the past few years with encouragement from Wall Street. Munger, aged 98, shared similar sentiments by comparing bitcoin to Nancy Reagan's "just say no" campaign and also spoke out against trading firm Robinhood Markets Inc. He and Buffett enjoyed their usual candies from See's, which is owned by Berkshire, and drank Coca-Cola at the meeting. Abel defended Berkshire's BNSF railroad, stating that there is room for improvement in operations and customer service to compete with Union Pacific Corp. Buffett reassured shareholders that Berkshire's business culture will outlast his and Munger's leadership. Shareholders rejected proposals for more transparency on diversity and climate risks, as well as having an independent chairman replace Buffett. Buffett has led Berkshire since 1965, and prominent investor Mario Gabelli opposed removing him as chairman. "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 does not seem necessary as the current leader has been very successful for the past 50 years. While we support the concept in general, it is not needed here." Prior to the doors opening at 7 am, thousands of people gathered outside the downtown arena where the meeting was held. Despite projections for lower attendance compared to 2019, there were still about 10% to 15% of empty seats in the usually full arena. At other events sponsored by Berkshire this weekend, almost all attendees did not wear masks, but they all had to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The meeting was broadcast on CNBC.com. Tom Spain, founder of Henry Spain Investment Services in Market Harborough, England, arrived at 3:15 a.m. for his third meeting and brought a chair from Walmart so he could sit down. He mentioned that everyone has been using the chair and joked about bringing a large container of coffee to give out next year. Lauritz Fenselau, a 23-year-old software startup owner from Frankfurt, Germany, arrived at his first meeting at 4 a.m. stating that it felt like a pilgrimage. Andres Avila, who had traveled from Boston to Omaha and had only five hours of sleep before lining up at 4:45 a.m., mentioned that he carried an umbrella to protect himself from the rain and expressed his excitement about meeting his idols.

In general, the promises made by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not sufficient to prevent a temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), which is considered a critical point for severe heat waves, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels. A report from organizations such as Christian Aid, Oxfam, the International Trade Union Confederation, and WWF International stated that the efforts of major developed countries are inadequate compared to what is considered their fair share. This report comes as nearly 200 nations gather in Bonn, Germany for talks from Oct 19-23 to finalize a global agreement on climate change, with a summit scheduled for December in Paris. While around 150 nations have submitted plans to combat climate change, there is currently no standardized way to assess and compare the level of ambition of each nation. The report from Monday suggested that wealthy individuals could transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, assist others, and take 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 about 10%. In contrast, emerging economies were found to either exceed or broadly meet their fair share commitments. China was highlighted for doing more than its fair share by considering its emissions since 1950, while Brazil was contributing significantly as well. Brandon Wu of ActionAid stated that rich countries were falling short in providing emission reductions and financial support at the negotiating table. Tasneem Essop of WWF International suggested that Paris should establish mechanisms for actions to become stronger over time through regular science and equity reviews. Both top emitters, Beijing and Washington, claim their plans are ambitious. China aims to peak greenhouse gas emissions around 2030, while the United States plans to reduce greenhouse emissions by 26-28 percent by 2025, compared to 2005 levels. According to a 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.

According to a top carbon expert, the world still has the resources and capability to combat climate change, and countries should not use the financial crisis as an excuse to postpone actions to address global warming. James Cameron, vice-chairman of Climate Change Capital in London, stated that the recent mobilization of trillions of dollars highlights the strength and scale of international cooperation in addressing a global crisis. He warned that governments may prioritize short-term crises over long-term climate change issues, but emphasized the importance of learning from the quick mobilization of resources during the financial crisis to support market systems and address environmental challenges. Cameron delivered these remarks at a major carbon conference in Australia. He suggested that if governments worked together with the same level of cooperation and urgency to address climate change as they did with the financial crisis, it would be possible to tackle both issues simultaneously. Concerns exist that the financial crisis has already drained public capital reserves, making countries hesitant to commit to near-term climate change actions that could impact their economies and jobs. However, Cameron, a senior figure in clean-energy investments, argued against this short-term focus, stating that investments in addressing climate change should be seen as essential for the public good, despite the potential costs in the long term. He emphasized that there is still capital available to invest in solutions for the climate crisis, even after recent stock market declines. Climate Change Capital manages over $1.6 billion in funds and specializes in assisting companies and institutions impacted by policy and capital market reactions to climate change, according to the information provided on its website.

The sixth yearly report on the Low Carbon Economy Index by PwC examined the advancements made by major developed and emerging economies in decreasing their carbon intensity, or emissions per unit of gross domestic product. Jonathan Grant of PwC stated that the gap between current achievements and necessary actions is increasing each year. He noted that governments are becoming more disconnected from reality in striving towards the 2 degree goal, as current commitments are only leading us towards a 3 degree increase in temperature. This is far from what governments are aiming for. Almost 200 countries reached an agreement at the United Nations climate talks to restrict the increase in global temperatures to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in order to prevent the harmful effects of climate change such as heat waves, floods, storms, and rising sea levels. Currently, temperatures have already risen by 0.85 degrees Celsius. To achieve this goal, carbon intensity will need to be reduced by 6.2 percent annually, which is a significant increase from the 1.2 percent reduction rate seen from 2012 to 2013. According to the study, achieving this annual reduction would require changes on a larger scale than what has been seen in recent shifts in energy production in some countries. France switched to nuclear power in the 1980s which resulted in a 4 percent decrease in emissions, while Britain's shift to gas in the 1990s led to a 3 percent cut. The United States experienced a 3.5 percent cut in emissions due to the shale gas boom in 2012. PwC noted that emerging economies like China, India, and Mexico have been reducing their carbon intensity at a faster rate 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 the biggest developed economies, and it is crucial for them to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions. Australia has had the highest rate of decarbonization for two consecutive years, with a 7.2 percent decrease in carbon intensity in 2013. Despite being a major coal producer with high emissions per capita, Australia's efforts to reduce emissions have slowed down since the repeal of a carbon tax in July. Britain, Italy, and China all saw a decarbonisation rate of 4-5 percent, whereas France, the United States, India, Germany, and Brazil experienced an increase in their carbon intensity.

World leaders have been addressing the UN climate conference in Copenhagen as it approaches its conclusion. The Danish organizers have downplayed expectations of a full 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 general political framework. We are running out of time, so let's stop pretending. If Copenhagen fails, it will be a disaster for all of us. We need to accelerate our efforts in this conference or we will be facing a disaster. We have less than 24 hours. If we continue in this manner, it will result in failure. Our purpose here is not to hold a conference on global warming, but rather to make decisions. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown emphasized the importance of taking action in Copenhagen, warning against allowing self-interest to hinder policies for human survival. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton raised concerns about the lack of transparency from China, the second biggest emitter. There needs to be a readiness to embrace openness in any setting that we ultimately decide is suitable. If there is not a dedication to promoting transparency, it is a major issue for us. Israeli President Shimon Peres urges our neighboring countries, even those with whom we do not have formal diplomatic ties, to work together to protect our region. Political differences should not prevent collaboration on environmental issues. Carbon molecules do not belong to any specific country. Rivers do not need visas, but they can carry pollution. People of different faiths hope for the Jordan River to remain clean and sacred. I believe in the Biblical call to care for and protect the environment. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad shares our views on the causes of environmental destruction and has solutions to address it. I am hopeful that those responsible for the destruction of the environment will agree to international commitments and work with us to establish a fair framework that minimizes this destruction and supports programs to mitigate its effects. It is important for all countries to have access to new technologies that allow them to diversify their energy sources and utilize clean and renewable energy options like wind, solar, tidal, geothermal, and nuclear power. Chinese Climate Change Ambassador Yu Qingtai emphasizes the importance of success in Copenhagen and rejects efforts to shift blame onto other countries for any potential failures. He believes that some parties are simply trying to justify their obstructive and unproductive behavior during the process. The biggest obstacle, according to Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, is some parties' desire to unilaterally abandon agreements, leading to a lack of trust and blame game. Micronesian President Emanuel Mori seeks help to save his people and others in small island countries, urging cooperation 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 an agreement. The current main issue lies within these nations. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has observed slogans in the streets, including one that suggests focusing on changing the system rather than the climate. He believes it is important for us to adopt this mindset and prioritize system change over climate change. As a result, we will start to protect the planet. Capitalism is a harmful system that is causing harm to life. Another memorable saying is, "if the climate were a bank, it would have already been saved", and I believe that to be true. If the climate were a large capitalist bank, you rich governments would have already saved it. Marcus Stephen, President of Nuaru (South Pacific), The Republic of Nauru is a small island, only 21 sq km (8 sq miles) in size. How much of our island should we be willing to sacrifice? We are isolated by the Pacific Ocean on all sides and facing rising sea levels with no alternative options. Let us stop blaming others and take responsibility. We must not disappoint the world or our future generations. We are present and accountable for the future of the world. Our voices today must turn this dream into a tangible reality. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expresses concern about prioritizing style 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 during this conference, we are close to failing the children of the world. Each of us will be held accountable for our actions or inactions. South African President Jacob Zuma believes this is a critical situation that could have life-threatening consequences for the global population. It is crucial that we work together and make serious decisions as we are facing a threat to the survival of humanity. The most important thing is to prioritize taking action, rather than focusing on personal gain while others are suffering. South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak stresses the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as the decisions made today will impact not only ourselves but also our children and the future of the planet. In order to make a significant difference, collective action is necessary. Instead of waiting for others to take the lead, we should be willing to take the first step ourselves. The main challenge, according to Ugandan Environment Minister Maria Mutagamba, is that we are deviating from the usual procedure and neglecting certain aspects. However, she remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached. Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes the critical nature of the current stage of the conference and urges all to take responsibility in reaching an agreement the following day. This agreement should involve ambitious emissions targets and should be based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, with the wealthiest nations bearing the most responsibility. All nations must make a contribution, and Norway is committed to taking responsibility. We aim to decrease our greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020, and if a strong global climate agreement is reached, we will strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Edward Natapei, mentioned the recent devastation in Fiji caused by a category two cyclone, with thousands of people displaced and seeking shelter due to flooding. This is just a preview of what could potentially worsen if a bold climate agreement is not in place.

The head of the UN climate panel is optimistic that the climate talks in Bali will conclude on Friday with a clear schedule for implementing greenhouse gas emission reductions to combat the threat of dangerous global warming. The discussions among 190 nations, which are intended to kick off two years of negotiations for a global agreement to address global warming, have hit a standstill over emissions targets, particularly with opposition from the United States, Japan, and Canada against setting specific numerical goals for emissions. Rajendra Pachauri, who recently accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of his UN panel in Oslo, stated that if there is a robust declaration on reducing emissions by 2020 and a clear timeline for determining the numbers, he would view that as progress. He also mentioned that reaching an agreement on a timeline could lead to establishing concrete targets for emissions goals by wealthy nations, perhaps not at the current talks but potentially six months later. Pachauri emphasized the importance of specifying targets by 2020. This year, the UN panel attributed global warming to human activity and warned of more extreme weather events in the future. They emphasized the need for strong action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, suggesting that specific targets should be set within the next six months. The Bali talks from December 3-14 are focused on establishing guidelines for formal negotiations on a new agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which currently regulates emissions for industrialized nations. The EU is pushing for a non-binding agreement at Bali to aim for a 25 to 40 percent reduction in emissions from burning fossil fuels by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. The United States, Japan, and Canada are in disagreement, stating that any specific figures would predetermine the result. Pachauri, the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, declined to address the U.S. opposition, expressing hope that the negotiations would address all differences. Pachauri stated, "I hope we can resolve this difference of opinion. The fact that they are considering fairly strict targets of 25 to 40 percent is a positive sign that they acknowledge the science we presented and understand the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Otherwise, we will face serious impacts of climate change."

In a speech to the Republican-led Congress in Washington, the 78-year-old pontiff urged America to use its power and wealth to benefit humanity, emphasizing the importance of not turning away from those in need. Born in Argentina to an Italian immigrant family, Pope Francis addressed a wide range of issues, including liberal concerns, conservative values, and Catholic teachings on the family. He called for an end to the death penalty, a more fair economy to help those in poverty, and greater action against climate change. Later, he was warmly welcomed in New York as he traveled to St. Patrick's Cathedral. With the sound of organ music and a choir singing, the pope was greeted by a crowd of 3,000 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 well-received, with applause coming from both Democrats and Republicans in attendance, including lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, and other dignitaries at the first ever address by a pope to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress. The issue of illegal immigration has been a focal point in the Republican race for the 2016 presidential nomination, with front-runner Donald Trump vowing to deport all 11 million illegal 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. In addressing an issue that has caused Republicans to lose support among Hispanic voters, Francis stated that America should not be alarmed 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 situation with compassion, fairness, and brotherhood. Speaking softly in accented English, Francis was accompanied by two prominent American Catholics, Republican House Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Vice President Joe Biden. Boehner, known for getting emotional, openly wept during the speech. The United States has been struggling for a long time on how to handle illegal immigrants. Last year, Republicans in Congress stopped a bipartisan attempt to reform immigration laws that would have given illegal immigrants an opportunity to become US citizens. In a recent Pew Research Center poll of 2,002 U.S. adults in May, 51% believed that immigrants enhance the country with their hard work and skills, while 41% saw immigrants as a burden because they take jobs, housing, and healthcare. It remains uncertain if the pope's speech will influence opinions on immigration. "It doesn't change my views," said Michael Tipsword, a student at George Washington University and a Catholic. He mentioned that Francis' stance on immigration is more focused on humanitarian concerns rather than political motives. Tipsword, who identified as a strong conservative, made this statement while standing in front of the US Capitol building where a large crowd watched the speech on a screen. Quoting historical figures Abraham Lincoln and Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Francis urged lawmakers to prioritize unity over partisan conflicts, emphasizing that politics should serve the greater good of society. Both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates interpreted the pope's remarks as confirmation that he supports their respective views. In his speech, the pope touched on issues such as abortion and euthanasia, stressing the importance of protecting human life at all stages of development. He quickly shifted his focus to advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, emphasizing the value of every life and the potential benefits of rehabilitating criminals. Francis also condemned the global arms trade, fueled by money tainted with innocent blood, and criticized the silence surrounding this issue. In a stance that pleased conservatives, he expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage, stating that fundamental relationships and the institution of marriage are being challenged. To further emphasize his message of aiding the less fortunate, Francis left the US Capitol in his small black Fiat to have lunch with homeless individuals, asserting that there is no excuse for homelessness.

The World Bank emphasized that cities have a crucial role to play in the fight against global warming, as they can act more quickly and effectively than governments struggling to reach a consensus on a UN climate agreement. Andrew Steer, the World Bank's special envoy for climate change, pointed out that the top 10 biggest cities in the world collectively emit more greenhouse gases than Japan. He recommended reforms, such as changes to carbon markets, to help cities become more environmentally friendly. According to a World Bank study, urban areas, which are home to just over half of the global population and account for two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions, could contribute to combating climate change by adopting greener transportation, clean energy, and improved waste recycling practices. Steer emphasized that cities are both a major contributor to climate change and a key potential solution to addressing it. They possess significant economic influence, with the report indicating that the world's 50 largest cities collectively have a gross domestic product second only to the United States, surpassing China. Tokyo and New York were highlighted as having economies larger than that of Canada or Turkey. Achieving consensus among 194 countries can be challenging, as seen in the UN climate talks aiming to reach agreements on measures to address global warming. In 2008, over 1,000 US mayors committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the UN's Kyoto Protocol, which binds nearly 40 nations to emission reductions until 2012 but was never approved by the US government. Sea levels are a growing concern for many major cities around the world, including Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, and Buenos Aires, which are located near coasts or rivers. The World Bank is in favor of revamping the UN market mechanism that currently promotes investments in individual projects in developing nations, such as solar panels in Morocco or hydropower in Honduras, to a broader, city-wide scale. This reform of the UN's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) would enable mayors to receive funding for a range of projects, from flood barriers to hydrogen-powered buses, without needing approval for each individual project. The CDM allows companies to invest in green projects in developing nations and receive credits for reducing emissions in their home countries. Steer also mentioned that city residents' opinions on the ideal living location were changing. In the past, when industrial pollution was a major issue, poorer individuals tended to live in areas like the east side of London that were affected by the pollution. However, in the future, it is predicted that the poor will reside in low-lying areas that are vulnerable to river flooding or sea level rise.

The UN climate agency has suggested a special summit to address climate change, but may consider 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 is looking into the possibility of a high-level meeting to address global warming, with envoys set to gauge government interest. The meeting could take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, and would not necessarily involve heads of state. "It might involve a different level, like foreign affairs or energy ministers." Ban stated on March 1 that global warming was as serious a threat as war and called on the United States to take the lead in addressing climate change. Despite requests from UN environmental agencies, Ban's spokeswoman mentioned that there were no immediate plans for a summit. De Boer explained, "I don't believe it's a change in attitude. What we are considering is a high-level meeting to involve a wider range of stakeholders, including foreign affairs, energy, trade, economy, and transportation." "It requires a more extensive effort and broader backing," he stated, regardless of whether leaders come together. Global discussions on expanding efforts to combat global warming, largely attributed to the burning of fossil fuels, have come to a standstill. UN scientific reports released this year indicate that human emissions of greenhouse gases are very likely the cause of global warming, which could lead to increased hunger, droughts, floods, heatwaves, glacier melting, and rising sea levels. De Boer emphasizes the need for accelerated negotiations to expand the UN Kyoto Protocol, which mandates emissions cuts for 35 industrialized nations until 2012. The United States and Australia withdrew from the agreement in 2001, citing the high cost of compliance. The Kyoto nations account for just one-third of global carbon dioxide emissions, with Russia being the only one bound by a Kyoto target among the top four emitters - the United States, China, Russia, and India. De Boer suggested that a new meeting could complement, rather than repeat, the Group of Eight summit in June, where German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to address climate change. The G8 summit will include leaders from China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, who, along with the G8, account for the majority of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions. De Boer stated that the G8 summit does not include important groups such as small island states facing the threat of rising sea levels, the poorest nations in sub-Saharan Africa, and Australia. Environment ministers will convene for the next round of formal UN climate discussions in Bali, Indonesia, in December.

Ugandan police have discovered an unexploded suicide vest and have apprehended six individuals suspected of planning the bombings that killed 76 soccer fans. The attacks were carried out by Somali al Shabaab Islamists, who claimed responsibility for the bombings. A senior U.S. official confirmed the authenticity of al Shabaab's claim, marking the group's first attack outside of Somalia. U.S. President Barack Obama expressed sadness over the timing of the explosions during the World Cup final 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 US government is working with Uganda and other regional governments to prevent future attacks by sharing intelligence and taking necessary measures. Despite receiving a tip-off about a possible attack, the US was not aware of any advance warning. According to a source in Uganda, an informant from the Kisenyi suburb of Kampala reported that there were plans for an attack during the World Cup by some Somalis. The source stated that more than 20 individuals, including Somalis and Ugandans, were involved in the planning of the attacks. As of now, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the plot. Al Shabaab has issued threats of further attacks unless Uganda and Burundi withdraw their peacekeepers from the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, where the militants are engaged in fighting the government and controlling significant portions of the country. Police discovered a suicide vest at a third location on Monday, which was designed to be planted rather than worn. A man claiming to be Yonis, 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 bombing. Al Shabaab, in addition to banning alcohol, has also forbidden watching soccer matches in areas under its control. Coordinated attacks are a common tactic 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. During an African Summit, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano expressed concern about the group's increasing reach, stating that they are now in a new phase of expansion. She emphasized the importance of enhancing preparedness, prevention, and interception measures to thwart potential terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. According to a U.S. official, al Shabaab has been closely monitored due to its connections with al Qaeda in East Africa and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The official stated that the attack in Kampala was consistent with threats to expand their targets, but did not directly address whether the group posed a specific danger to the United States. Obama mentioned in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corp that terrorist organizations do not value African life and see it as a place for ideological battles with no concern for the consequences. The African Union confirmed that Uganda would still host a summit of African leaders despite the attack, and the regional bloc IGAD vowed to continue supporting Somalia's government. IGAD also mentioned plans to increase peacekeepers in Somalia 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 urged President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw his peacekeepers and stated that they planned to do so 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 interest in the country. He said that Uganda is sacrificing its children without reason. Analysts believe that a sustained bombing campaign could harm Uganda's investment climate, but a single attack would likely not deter major companies like Tullow Oil from investing in the country. Foreign investment in the third largest economy in East Africa has increased significantly due to oil exploration along the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. One American citizen was killed in the incident, and five others were wounded and evacuated to Johannesburg and Nairobi. The U.S. State Department 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 input from smaller nations in order to combat global warming. The gathering was seen as an alternative to the unsuccessful Copenhagen summit, where countries and environmental groups felt excluded from decision-making. The activists criticized the industrial powers for not agreeing to significant cuts in emissions at Copenhagen and called for a more ambitious goal of a 50 percent reduction in emissions by leading nations. Bolivian President Evo Morales emphasized the need for developed countries to listen to the voices of the people and make decisions that benefit everyone at the upcoming climate change meeting in Mexico. Earlier at the summit, Morales sparked controversy by claiming that consuming chicken fed with hormones can lead to "sexual deviation" in men, and suggesting that European men experience hair loss due to consuming 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, targeted capitalism, genetically modified food, and global warming. Indigenous groups from around the world participated in the event in Tiquipaya, which featured various activities such as concerts, theater, a handicrafts market, and artists painting murals. Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, all part of a leftist group of Latin American countries, have been vocal critics of the Copenhagen accord, with Morales stating that the crisis of climate change was created in the north and its effects are predominantly felt in the south. Canadian author Naomi Klein stated that if the simple fact of justice and decency is acknowledged, it means that southern countries are no longer asking for aid. Klein, who is known for her activism against global warming, believes that the meeting in Cochabamba could help build a stronger alliance among nations already experiencing the impacts of climate change. She emphasized the importance of unity between developing countries and noted that this empowered position calls for more cooperation. The meeting in Cochabamba resulted in a resolution to establish an international tribunal to hold those responsible for global warming accountable. Additionally, it called for a global referendum on climate change and the creation of a fund to support nations affected by global warming. The resolutions from the summit are not mandatory, but countries and social organizations who participated have committed to garnering 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 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, as she believes Cancun will not be able to address the issues adequately.

The European Union executive stressed the importance of EU states fulfilling their commitments to increase aid to impoverished nations, emphasizing that failing to meet U.N. goals would have dire consequences for developing countries and global stability. Despite some progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, millions of children still die from preventable diseases, many lack access to clean water, and millions of women are illiterate. The Commission warned that not achieving these goals would be catastrophic for developing countries, Europe, and global security. With seven years left to achieve these goals, the Commission urged increased political and public support. It called on EU states to uphold their promises to increase development aid to 0.56 percent of GNI by 2010 and 0.7 percent by 2015, citing this as crucial in addressing issues such as migration, security, and climate change. The European Union has asked all 27 member states to create financial plans that show yearly increases in order to meet aid goals. In 2007, the EU was the largest aid donor in the world, with over 46 billion euros committed, but this amount decreased by about 1.7 billion euros from the previous year. This decrease could have funded thousands of schools and hospitals. Aid and development Commissioner Louis Michel described this as a "serious failure". The Commission suggested more efficient aid practices, such as avoiding duplication of efforts, supporting developing countries in using biofuels to combat poverty, and taking steps to prevent brain drains in crucial sectors like health and education. The Commission stated that fundamental principles of aid effectiveness are not being followed, and proposed to introduce improvements on a state-by-state basis. It was proposed that 2 billion euros ($3.15 billion) be allocated by 2010 to the Aid for Trade programme in order to assist developing countries in taking advantage of export opportunities, particularly focusing on African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the need for action in 2008 rather than mere words, stressing 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 eliminate poverty, promote human and social development, and protect the environment. In 2005, EU leaders set goals for 2015 including reducing extreme poverty by half, ensuring primary education for all children, and enhancing health standards. Aid to developing countries reached 0.38 percent of the EU's Gross National Income, slightly below the 0.39 percent target for 2006 which was met that year. The European Commission calculated Official Development Assistance at 93 euros per EU citizen, higher than the amounts in the United States and Japan.

However, the unfortunate news is that some Oscar voters are questioning whether there are even 10 exceptional films to consider this year. While greatness is subjective, this year's group of Oscar contenders is diverse, including big-budget blockbusters, intimate foreign dramas, and a comedy about the end of the world with Meryl Streep as the president. If voters believe there are not enough worthy films to fill all 10 slots, it may be because they have not explored thoroughly enough. I have watched all of the major Oscar contenders for this year, except for Guillermo del Toro's "Nightmare Alley," and while there is some consensus forming about the top contenders, there is still a wide range of films that could make up the rest of the lineup. I have identified six movies with the strongest chances for best picture, as well as several other deserving films that voters will have plenty to choose from. One question on many minds is whether Steven Spielberg's new musical, "West Side Story," could replicate the success of the 1961 film and take home the best picture award at the Oscars. After receiving a positive reception with standing ovations this week, the film "West Side Story" has now been positioned as a frontrunner. Steven Spielberg's modern take on the classic story combines traditional grandeur with current issues, making it a favorite among Oscar voters. With last year's scaled-down Academy Awards, a large-scale musical from Spielberg released exclusively in theaters is likely to garner support from the movie industry and the Oscars. On the other hand, "Belfast" is a more modest film at 97 minutes long, never reaching too far and ending at the right moment. However, this same modesty may prevent it from securing the top spot at the Oscars. Kenneth Branagh's "Belfast" has received praise in the academy, but "West Side Story" is more grandiose. Despite its limited gross of about $5 million, "Belfast" has yet to attract the older art-house crowd that could make it a sleeper hit. Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" has generated buzz for performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, with potential for Campion to contend for a major Oscar. However, the film may have a better chance at winning the director race rather than best picture. The movie 'King Richard' tells the story of Richard Williams, father to tennis stars Venus and Serena, and is expected to be a strong contender for best picture at the Oscars due to Will Smith's performance. The film's weak opening weekend box office has caused some concern, but historically, best actor winners have come from movies nominated for best picture. In contrast, only six of the last 10 best actress winners have come from films in the top category, indicating a need for the voting body to take female-led films more seriously. Another film, 'Being the Ricardos', has faced criticism for its trailer's handling of Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Lucille Ball, with some suggesting the film may be in trouble. However, once the film began to be shown to enthusiastic guild audiences, Kidman's unexpected transformation into a smoky-voiced character brought her closer to a potential second Oscar win. With a strong supporting cast that includes Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, as well as J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda, "Being the Ricardos" (set to open later this month) is poised to make a significant impact during award season. Additionally, "Don't Look Up" by Adam McKay, known for his successful issue-based comedies "The Big Short" and "Vice," features an ensemble cast of Oscar favorites such as Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance, and Jonah Hill. The film, which addresses the threat of a comet and serves as a metaphor for the climate crisis, has gained even more relevance in the face of the ongoing pandemic. In the midst of many period-piece contenders, "Don't Look Up" stands out with its dark portrayal of a bleak future, making it a timely and impactful film. Which other movies are still in the running for the final four spots? It is advantageous to have a strong best-actor contender leading your film. “Cyrano” starring Peter Dinklage, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Tick, Tick ... Boom!” with Andrew Garfield, and Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” with Denzel Washington are expected to receive a significant push. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix’s “C’mon C’mon” should not be overlooked, despite being a small drama about child-rearing. Hopefully, voters will recognize the outstanding films contending in the best-actress category and consider them for best picture as well. The group of award 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,” which is deserving of more awards attention. At the Gotham Awards, “The Lost Daughter” directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal won several trophies, including one for Olivia Colman’s lead performance. Kristen Stewart is a strong contender for an Oscar for her role as Princess Diana in “Spencer,” directed by Pablo Larraín. The academy has added more international members to diversify its voting base, which could benefit Asghar Farhadi, whose film “A Hero” may secure a best-picture nomination. Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Hand of God,” a coming-of-age film, could also put him in the running for a best-director nomination. I am interested in the movie "CODA," which is a dramedy about a hearing daughter in a deaf family. Despite a successful start at Sundance in 2021, it received less attention when it was released on Apple TV+ in the summer. The film is a traditional crowd-pleaser but has not gained a large audience, though winning two awards at the Gotham Awards 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 reduce the pressure to include "Dune" in the best picture category just to have a blockbuster film in the final 10, but I believe it still has a good chance due to its quality and the director's reputation for standing up against corporate decisions. And it must be admitted that the best-picture montage for this year will be much more impressive if it includes large sandworms.

A draft report for European Union finance ministers suggests that poor countries will require around 100 billion euros by 2020 to assist them in reducing emissions in the battle against climate change. The report, obtained by Reuters, outlines the EU's plans to hold competitive tenders for funding from wealthier countries, where poorer nations can present their most cost-effective projects for reducing carbon emissions. These documents highlight the EU's developing vision leading up to global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. Finance ministers will discuss and refine the bloc's position at a meeting next Tuesday. The main focus in Copenhagen will be securing the necessary funding to encourage developing nations to decrease emissions, as well as additional funding to help them adapt to a problem they believe has been caused by wealthy, industrialized nations. Between 50% and 66% of the most cost-effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 or 2030 are located in developing countries, according to a document on funding requirements by the EU's Economic Policy Committee and the Economic and Financial Committee. Environmentalists view this as evidence that Europe's economic experts acknowledge the importance of providing support to poorer nations in the battle against climate change. Greenpeace campaigner Joris den Blanken expressed hope that finance ministers would heed this recognition of developing countries' needs. Emissions reductions in these nations would be beneficial as they would lead to savings in fossil fuel consumption, but an additional 100 billion euros per year in investments is still needed by 2020. This would include 71 billion euros for industry and energy sector improvements, 18 billion euros for rainforest preservation, and 5 billion euros for agricultural emissions reduction. The numbers may seem large, but they are put into perspective when compared to the significant subsidies for fossil fuels and agricultural subsidies in various countries, as stated in the report. In addition to reducing their own emissions, developing nations will also require assistance with the costs of adjusting to climate change, such as developing resilient crops and preparing for rising sea levels. The exact cost of adaptation in developing countries is challenging to determine due to uncertainties about the impact of global warming, but the report roughly estimates these costs could reach 23-54 billion euros annually by 2030.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina plans 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. Foreign secretary Mohamed Mizarul Quayes stated that Hasina will address climate change issues, engage in discussions with leaders of countries that contribute UN peacekeeping troops, and participate in other topics during her week-long visit to the US, starting on Sep 21. Hasina will attend a meeting on climate change on Sep 22, hosted by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon, where she will aim to unite countries most affected by climate change and address compensation claims. Bangladesh, as the chair of the LDC Group, will seek compensation for the least developed countries. Quayes stated that the outcome relies heavily on the positions of other nations grappling with the effects of global warming. Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of global warming, attributed to human-caused carbon emissions, and is requesting financial and technological aid for adaptation. Less affluent countries argue that they will bear the brunt of climate change impacts despite having the least responsibility, emphasizing the need for wealthy nations to fulfill their financial obligations. The UN and World Bank have called on wealthy nations to acknowledge their moral duty. US President Barack Obama and Sheikh Hasina are expected to participate in a side meeting involving nine countries that contribute significantly to UN peacekeeping efforts worldwide. Bangladesh is a major contributor to peacekeeping missions, with approximately 10,000 personnel participating in various missions globally. The United Nations has a total of nearly 115,000 troops, police, and civilians involved in 16 peacekeeping missions across Africa, the Middle East, Cyprus, Kosovo, Western Sahara, and Haiti. These missions face challenges such as insufficient personnel and equipment, as well as shortages of helicopters and other essential assets. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, currently in the US, will attend a ministerial meeting before the general assembly. She recently met with World Bank vice president for the South Asia Region, Isabel Guerrero, in Washington DC to discuss regional plans of the bank. Previously, 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 in the country by two percent over the next five years. She called on developed countries to fulfill their commitments in addressing climate change and emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in securing the world. The summit, attended by various leaders and finance experts, aimed to strengthen global efforts to combat climate change. Despite being a developing nation, Bangladesh allocates more than one percent of its GDP towards fighting climate change, as it is one of the most vulnerable countries to its impacts 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. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Elysse Place in Paris during the One Planet Summit. During her speech, Sheikh Hasina highlighted the significant challenge Bangladesh faces due to the influx of over a million Rohingya people from Myanmar. The crisis has had a severe impact on the environment and forests in Cox's Bazar, where the refugees have been given shelter on 1,783 hectares of forest land. In this scenario, addressing 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. The prime minister also highlighted efforts 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 earmarked for afforestation in these areas. Bangladesh is working to enhance the resilience of its agriculture to climate change and reduce reliance on groundwater for urban water supply. She praised Macron's leadership on climate issues and reaffirmed her commitment to upholding the 2015 Paris climate agreement. The prime minister remembered the initiation of the Global Pact for the Environment at the United Nations in September of this year. She expressed her firm belief that working together for resilience and adaptation would help promote peace, stability, prosperity, and reduce inequalities within societies.

The major influential group G77 and China left the negotiation at 3am BdST on Wednesday due to developed countries refusing to allocate funds separately for loss and damage. The US, Australia, and Canada were advocating for a separate mechanism on the issue. Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, a key negotiator from a developing country, stated that G77 walked out because some parties were trying to simplify the issue as disaster risk reduction. Dr. Ainun Nishat revealed that there were significant differences among parties on the institutional mechanism, with G77 and China wanting it to be independent and some developed countries wanting it under the adaptation commitment. Developed countries were opposed to providing financial support for the mechanism. The Bangladesh delegation emphasized the need for a clear global understanding on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, technology development, and capacity building for a legally binding agreement in Paris in 2015. They expressed disappointment that a consensus could not be reached on an institutional mechanism for loss and damage during COP 19. Secretary Shafiqur Rahman read out a statement at a press conference, with Dr. Asaduzzaman and Md Quamrul Islam Chowdhury also speaking.

Cameron is eager to launch strikes against Islamic State in Syria as soon as possible, believing that Britain can no longer rely on other countries for its security. However, his efforts to gain approval for the action in the House of Commons have caused further divisions within the Labour Party. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticized Cameron for rushing into war and urged Labour lawmakers to reconsider their support for the government's military efforts in Syria. Despite this opposition, Cameron's cabinet has agreed on a motion to extend air strikes to Syria, in addition to targeting Iraq. He emphasized that the debate in parliament will be thorough and last 10-1/2 hours. When asked about the likelihood of securing a majority, he responded with "Let's wait and see." Cameron is almost certain to gain parliamentary approval as Corbyn has allowed his MPs to vote based on their own beliefs, breaking from the usual practice of leaders instructing their MPs on important votes. Reports suggest that approximately 50 Labour MPs will support the government, although Corbyn, a long-time anti-war activist, is hopeful that he can convince them to change their stance. Corbyn believes that Cameron's argument does not align with the demands of his party and is urging each MP to make their own decision on whether to involve British troops in another Middle East conflict without a clear plan. Many Britons are hesitant to engage in more expensive military operations in the Middle East following failed Western interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan which did not bring stability and may have contributed to the emergence of militant groups like Islamic State. Despite concerns about the cost, British finance minister George Osborne estimated that extending air strikes into Syria would cost "low tens of millions of pounds". However, in the wake of Islamic State's involvement in the Paris attacks that killed 130 people, some members of parliament who were previously opposed to the air strikes now see them as necessary to protect Britain from similar attacks. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon emphasized the "urgent need" for Britain to conduct air strikes against Islamic State in Syria for the sake of national security during a parliamentary session on Tuesday.

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 law firm WilmerHale on behalf of the World Bank's board. The report suggested that during Kristalina Georgieva's tenure as World Bank CEO in 2017, she exerted undue influence on staff to manipulate data that improved China's ranking in the "Doing Business" report. Georgieva has refuted these claims. Breuer, a former US Justice Department official and special counsel to Bill Clinton, brought forward these new allegations as Georgieva seeks the support of the IMF board. Both Georgieva and WilmerHale were interviewed by the board this week, and further deliberations are scheduled for Friday. France is planning to support Georgieva at the board meeting, according to a source from the French Finance Ministry. Georgieva denied accusations of pressuring staff to alter data, calling them "outrageous and untrue." She stated that her statements were taken out of context by WilmerHale and released a detailed statement to the board. Her attorney, Breuer, mentioned that Georgieva has not been notified that she is under investigation or given a chance to review and respond to the report's findings, as outlined in Staff Rule 3.00 which governs the World Bank Office of Ethics and Business Conduct procedures. The initial phase of the investigation by WilmerHale 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 stated that they followed all World Bank rules during their investigation and informed Dr. Georgieva that their report would be presented to the World Bank Board. A partner at WilmerHale mentioned in a July email to Georgieva that the review into irregularities in Doing Business data and staff misconduct was conducted under World Bank Staff Rule 3.00, as Georgieva, as the World Bank CEO in 2017, was considered a staff member, not a board official. The email to Georgieva requested her to speak with investigators because they believed she may have information that could assist their review, stating that she was not a subject of the 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 rules.

The presidents of France and Brazil emphasized the need for wealthy nations to increase aid to developing countries in order to combat global warming and secure a climate agreement in Copenhagen. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following a climate summit in Manaus, stated that while progress has been made with commitments from China and the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, more assistance is required for poorer nations to address climate change and meet their goals. Lula stressed the importance of supporting developing countries without compromising their sovereignty, highlighting Brazil's creation of an investment fund for Amazon rainforest conservation that will not be influenced by donor countries. Norway has been the most generous donor so far in the effort to address global warming. Climate negotiators have not made much progress in determining how wealthy nations can assist poorer nations in combating this issue. French President Nicolas Sarkozy emphasized the importance of providing financial support from developed countries to developing countries at the Copenhagen conference. Sarkozy stressed that action needs to be taken immediately. Sarkozy expressed his approval of the emissions reduction target set by Washington for 2020. The European Union estimates that aiding developing nations in fighting global warming will cost around $100 billion per year. 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 pushing for a stronger presence in climate discussions, particularly in forming a united front with other Amazon countries for the upcoming Copenhagen summit. However, only one other South American president, Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana, attended the recent Manaus summit.

European Union leaders have reached an agreement on an offer to present at the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December, following a resolution of disagreements on how to divide the costs. According to leaders at an EU summit in Brussels, developing countries will require 100 billion euros ($148 billion) annually by 2020 to combat climate change. A portion of this amount, estimated to be between 22-50 billion euros, will be funded by public funds in wealthy countries worldwide, with the EU contributing a share. It is anticipated that the EU's contribution will fall within the range of 20 to 30 percent. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed optimism that this development will be viewed as a significant step forward in reaching a Copenhagen agreement. East European nations stated that the summit resolved a disagreement on how to divide the EU's bill in a manner that would not harm their economies as they rebound from crisis. The Polish minister for Europe, Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, regarded this as a triumph for Poland, expressing a desire for rapid development and not wanting to be seen as a mere relic of Eastern European folklore. While leaders did not reach a specific agreement on how to split the bill, they assigned this task to a new working group. "Ideally, I would like for this burden-sharing mechanism to be prepared now, but unfortunately, it proved to be too challenging," stated Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The two-day summit successfully obtained a complex negotiating mandate for the Copenhagen talks, which aim to find a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, a United Nations initiative to combat climate change that will expire in 2012. The success of these talks is likely to depend on financial support. Developing countries insist that they will not commit to addressing climate change without sufficient funding from wealthier nations, which have primarily contributed to environmental damage by relying on oil and coal for their industries over the years. Such funding could be used by developing countries to improve their agriculture or access new water sources in areas affected by drought. The European leaders have delayed previous plans to provide "fast start" funding for developing countries in the three years leading up to a new climate agreement. Oxfam, an anti-poverty organization, criticized Europe's proposal as inadequate and lacking assurances that the money would not be taken from existing aid commitments. Oxfam's Elise Ford warned that if wealthy countries divert funds from aid budgets to pay for climate issues, it will have a negative impact on efforts to combat poverty. The opposition to a deal from eastern European countries decreased following Sweden's intervention in the issue of "hot air," which refers to the surplus carbon permits held by eastern European countries. These countries, along with Russia and Ukraine, have spare permits for around 9 billion tonnes of carbon emissions due to economic collapse after the end of communist rule. The additional permits, referred to as AAUs, can be traded to major polluters like Japan for approximately 10 euros per ton. Eastern European nations are in favor of continuing to sell AAUs in the new agreement replacing Kyoto. However, countries like Germany argue that this practice undermines the agreement's integrity and are pushing to eliminate them as they reduce the incentive to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Sweden secured support from eastern Europe for the overall agreement by delaying 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 follow suit.

In Haikou, China, known as "China's Hawaii", Hainan has the potential to become a top tourist destination with its tropical climate and pristine beaches. After a period of economic struggle, the island is now on track to fulfill this ambition. The construction of the Haikou Master hotel and serviced apartments, the tallest building in Hainan province, is almost complete and represents the island's recovery efforts. Real estate agent Hong Weibin mentioned that sales are doing well, showcasing the island's progress. Almost all of the 16 million square meters (172.2 million square feet) of unfinished construction from the crash has either been 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 that can compete with Thailand's beach resorts. Numerous top resorts are being opened, with plans to enhance the visa exemption scheme, establish duty-free shops, upgrade infrastructure, construct airports, increase air connections, and encourage foreign language education. Vice governor Chen Cheng stated last month that tourism is the industry in Hainan with the most distinctive characteristics, potential, and competitiveness, while unveiling a strategic plan for development. Ian Zheng, Managing Director of the Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, expressed that he finds the investment in Hainan's main airports and a Beijing property firm to be very attractive and does not anticipate any significant risks. He believes that even if international tourists are not immediately drawn to the island's beautiful coast, the growing number of domestic tourists will support the industry. The resorts in Hainan are banking on the vast Chinese market, as millions of people in China have experienced economic growth and are adopting Western lifestyles. Peter Pedersen, general manager of the Banyan Tree Sanya, mentioned estimates suggesting that there will be 450 million middle class Chinese in the next 10 years. "I believe that Sanya has great potential." The recent opening of luxury resorts by renowned hotel operators like Ritz-Carlton and Banyan Tree in Sanya, where the island's top beach resort is located, indicates a significant shift for Hainan. Previously known in China mainly for budget package tours, Sanya is now being recognized as a new tropical destination in Asia, with Pedersen stating that it is the only tropical island in China. "It is increasingly sought after by both the local market and international tourists. It is an ideal location," he remarked 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 free province in 1988, became a testing ground for development. Its economy boomed to the extent that officials even attempted to sell the city's main park to developers in a hasty manner. Despite the growth of other coastal provinces, Hainan struggled. Now, Hainan appears to be on the path to recovery, but analysts and investors caution that imbalances and conflicts could hinder the island's resurgence. In Haikou, the capital city, around 60 percent of new apartments are being purchased as second homes by non-residents of Hainan, a situation that Mayor Xu Tangxian recognizes as a problem. 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 tourists to Hainan are Chinese nationals from the mainland, with 18 million visitors 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 provincial tourism bureau chief, 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, international-standard resorts to 60 or more. In the midst of developers eagerly anticipating the tourism boom, reports of typical misconduct are beginning to surface. In the rural township of Longqiao, located around a 40-minute drive from Haikou, the reddish-brown soil is being plowed in large, wide sections on the gentle hills, resembling fairways for a golf course. Residents claim that government officials persuaded them to sell their land for the development of a golf course. In early April, anger erupted among the locals when a rumor spread that the government had sold the land to the golf course developer for a significantly higher price than what they were paid. This led to a violent outburst, with an enraged mob overturning a police car. Subsequently, when a group gathered in a nearby schoolyard, witnesses reported that police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. In Sanya, a town in the south, some people believe that bottlenecks and corruption are beginning to have a negative impact. A Western investor mentioned that he was facing difficulties in starting a project because of extreme corruption. He explained that the process of obtaining permits was taking much longer than anticipated. However, despite these challenges, there is still strong optimism about the potential of Hainan's natural beauty for tourism. The belief is that the issues in Sanya are just the beginning of larger problems. The island of Hainan remains quite large, with beaches stretching almost all the way to the capital Haikou. Banyan Tree Sanya's Pedersen mentioned that the island has a diameter of 350 km, emphasizing the limitless possibilities.

According to an esteemed report on global warming, India is expected to face severe consequences of climate change, including poor agricultural output, increased natural disasters, and higher mortality rates due to a rise in diseases. Nicholas Stern, former World Bank chief economist, warned that if greenhouse gas emissions are not controlled, global temperatures could increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius within the next 50 years. Stern emphasized the impact of climate change on India's economy, particularly the reliance on the monsoon rains for crop production, which could become more variable in terms of timing, intensity, and duration. He stated that there is a high probability of disruption. India is expected to experience similar, if not greater, consequences compared to the rest of the world. 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 total agricultural revenue. 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 typically mosquito-free. The head of Britain's Economic Service warned that the melting of Himalayan glaciers could lead to a higher likelihood of deaths and lower productivity. This would result in serious floods in neighbouring Bangladesh due to rising sea levels, causing mass migration into India. The reduced flow of water from the glaciers during India's dry season would have significant consequences. Experts predict that the melting glaciers will impact one-sixth of the global population living in the Indian subcontinent, with India's Ganga river receiving 70 percent of its summer water flow from the Himalayan glaciers and supporting over 500 million people. Stern noted that India is moving forward in addressing the challenges of reducing emissions and promoting clean development mechanisms. He emphasized that climate change is an unfair process, with wealthy nations bearing the responsibility for a majority of greenhouse gas emissions. He stated that it is unjust that poorer countries will be impacted the most, despite contributing less to the problem. Stern stressed the importance of all countries being part of the solution, but insisted that developed nations should bear the brunt of the financial burden.

British NGO Oxfam has emphasized the need for prompt action at the upcoming UN climate talks in Cancún, México. In a statement released before the talks, Oxfam highlighted the increase in weather-related disasters, record temperatures, flooding, and rising sea levels in 2010 as indicators for negotiators to come to a resolution. The statement referenced an Oxfam report that revealed around 21,000 people died in the first nine months of 2010 due to weather-related disasters, which is more than double the casualties in 2009. The report's author, Tim Gore, stressed the urgency of making progress in Cancun given the devastating human impacts of climate change in 2010. The statement emphasized Oxfam's call for a fair Climate Fund to ensure that those most in need receive financial support. The organization stressed the importance of women in helping communities adapt to climate change and recommended prioritizing them in fund distribution. Oxfam urged countries to explore new ways of raising funds, including taxing unregulated international aviation and shipping emissions and implementing a tax on financial transactions at banks. Additionally, the organization noted that quicker action would reduce the cost of addressing climate change and cited estimates showing that investing in adaptation could prevent $60 worth of destruction for every dollar spent. Gore acknowledged that the outcomes of the Cancun summit may fall short of a comprehensive global response to climate change. It has the potential to produce results that will be advantageous for impoverished individuals. A significant accomplishment would be the establishment of an equitable climate fund, as this would also assist in restoring 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 they are not willing to give in to our demands and are trying to obstruct progress. Despite this, the scientist remains determined to continue pushing for commitments from them until the end. Huq, the director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Dhaka, has attended all 26 COP meetings since the first in Berlin in 1995. The emissions reductions pledged by the major climate polluters so far are projected to lead to a dangerous 2.7-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures, exceeding the more ambitious 1.5C goal set in the Paris agreement. Wealthy nations had pledged to provide $100 billion annually starting in 2020 to assist developing countries in transitioning to cleaner growth and adapting to climate change impacts. However, they now acknowledge that they will not be able to meet this target until 2023. A new draft agreement released during the final hours of the Glasgow talks called for increased funding to support developing nations in dealing with climate change, as well as for countries to enhance their emissions reduction goals by the following year. Despite efforts to reach a consensus that all nations can agree upon, contentious issues persist regarding funding, the pace of emissions reductions, and whether the agreement should address "fossil fuels" - a major contributor to climate change. These disagreements, following nearly two weeks of negotiations, suggest that reaching a comprehensive agreement will be challenging, as activists and scientists had hoped for prior to the UN talks. The scientific consensus is that in order to prevent the worst 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. Prof Huq remains optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement on these issues, stating that efforts will continue until the end and that the fight is not over. 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. The joint declaration between China and the US on climate change represents a significant political reset reminiscent of the collaboration that led to the 2015 Paris Agreement. However, more action is needed from both countries to effectively address the deepening climate crisis. Prof Huq expressed appreciation for the agreement but noted that there are still unanswered questions, emphasizing the importance of concrete actions to reduce fossil fuel emissions and encourage other countries to follow suit at the COP26 talks in Glasgow. The announcement lacks specifics and it is unclear what actually occurred. Delegates and negotiators from Bangladesh, a country highly susceptible to climate impacts, expressed their opinions during private and public discussions at the talks. The main focus is on negotiation and determining what can be achieved from various governments. It is challenging to make progress as wealthy nations are reluctant to provide concessions easily, leading to a difficult battle in negotiations.

Australia's heavy reliance on coal-fired power has made it one of the top carbon emitters per capita in the world. Despite this, the conservative government has continued to support the fossil fuel industry, with the new deputy PM casting doubt on Australia's ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The government argues that taking tougher action on emissions would result in job losses, emphasizing the importance of coal and other fossil fuels to the economy. However, there is a growing call for a more open and rational discussion about Australia's best interests, particularly in light of the UN's recommendation to phase out coal by 2030 in OECD countries. In July, the G20 energy and environment ministers were unable to reach an agreement to phase 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. While Australia has not yet signed up to the target of net-zero emissions by 2050 like other developed countries, Morrison has indicated that the country will update its emissions projections for 2030 prior to the Glasgow talks. Hart suggested that the Australian government should take advantage of the opportunity to transition to renewable energy sources. He stated that if the world does not quickly stop using coal, climate change will cause extensive damage to the Australian economy, affecting industries such as agriculture, tourism, and services.

The election was invalidated by the Constitutional Court on Friday, and the chairman of the Election Commission stated that it would take several months before a new vote could take place. This has left 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 military in 2006, now lives in Dubai to avoid serving a prison sentence for abuse of power. Despite being relatively calm for months, Thaksin's "red shirts" supporters are now becoming more vocal under new aggressive leaders, calling for a major gathering on April 5. Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, informed supporters that the destination for their upcoming event, which may be Bangkok or elsewhere, will be disclosed at a later time. Jatuporn was involved in organizing a "red-shirts" uprising against a previous government in 2010, which resulted in a violent military crackdown and the deaths of over 90 people. He still faces terrorism charges related to the 2010 violence. In the current political crisis, 23 individuals have died and over 700 have been injured since November. Addressing a crowd of around 10,000 individuals in Pattaya, located to the southeast of Bangkok, Nisit Sintuprai issued a caution to Suthep Thaugsuban, the former opposition figure leading protests against Yingluck since November. Nisit emphasized that the primary motivation for their actions is to convey to Suthep the desire of the majority in the country for democracy and government via elections. He expressed opposition to a prime minister appointed by Suthep's supporters. Suthep's People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) is advocating for unspecified changes to the electoral system before any election, with the aim of reducing Thaksin's influence and his significant support among the rural population in the northern and northeastern regions. Political parties associated with or led by Thaksin have emerged victorious in every election since 2001, and it is widely anticipated that Yingluck's Puea Thai Party would win any election conducted under the existing framework. There is a looming threat of impeachment for Prime Minister Yingluck as Suthep's supporters disrupted the February 2 election, leading to voting being prevented in 28 constituencies. The Constitutional Court deemed the election illegal due to voting not being held nationwide on the same day. The Election Commission will meet on Monday to decide on the next steps, with reluctance to hold a new election due to the political climate. Yingluck's caretaker government may not be able to continue much longer, with the immediate risk being impeachment over the failed rice-buying scheme. 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 due to not being paid for their rice. Yingluck is facing accusations of corruption and may face impeachment soon. If she is removed from office, the Senate, which is expected to have an anti-Thaksin majority after an upcoming election, may appoint a more neutral prime minister. Some experts believe that certain agencies are working to remove Yingluck and her cabinet in order to create a power vacuum and install a preferred prime minister. He mentioned that if the government goes ahead with their plan, their supporters will retaliate and the second half of the year will be worse than the first half. The economy is being damaged by violence, as shown by recent incidents such as grenade explosions and car bombings in Bangkok and Chiang Mai province. One of the targets was Boon Rawd Brewery, known for producing Singha beer. A family member who is part of the ownership group has been actively participating in PDRC rallies. Due to consumer confidence being at a 12-year low, the central bank has lowered its economic growth forecast for 2014 from 3 percent to 2.7 percent. In October of last year, before the protests escalated, the forecast was 4.8 percent. The stock market showed minimal movement following Friday's court ruling. Some stock analysts view the cancellation of the election as a potentially beneficial development, as they believe it could encourage negotiations between political rivals. The rating agency Standard and Poor's had a contrasting opinion. According to Agost Benard, the associate director of sovereign ratings, the Thai court's decision is likely to prolong and potentially escalate political risks, further diminishing the chances of a prompt resolution to Thailand's political divide.

Farhad Saffi is saddened as he looks at his Milli Boot Factory in Kabul, where expensive machinery used to produce boots for the police and army, but now sits idle and covered in plastic. Saffi fears that his once successful business, which provided jobs and hope for many in Afghanistan, is coming to an end. Despite promises of long-term contracts from the US government, the Afghan government's decision to buy cheaper boots from China and Pakistan has caused Saffi to lose his contracts and be left with millions of dollars worth of unused materials. When the plant opened, Afghan and US generals were eager to have their photos taken with a local success story. US Navy Rear Admiral Kathleen Dussault visited in 2010 to present Saffi, a 23-year-old, with a quality certificate for the plant. They were set to supply the Afghan National Security Forces with high-quality boots under contracts worth up to $40 million a year. Saffi's leather boots, which went through a strict quality testing process 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 a year. Saffi explained that the Afghan government was only concerned with getting the lowest price, despite his costs being much higher. Chinese boots made of fake leather are inexpensive but not durable. From 2002 to the end of 2011, the US government spent $85.5 billion on reconstruction in Afghanistan, with $57 billion in international aid also coming into the country. NATO-led forces, responsible for purchasing for Afghan security forces during the war, have been following "Afghan First" rules since 2010, prioritizing purchases from local companies to stimulate the economy and create jobs. This has resulted in contracts for Afghan businesses, including uniforms, boots, textiles, furniture, tents, software, and transformers, creating 15,000 jobs and saving $650 million on combat-related imports. However, this is only a small portion of the estimated $200 million spent on the war each day. The Afghan First Policy aims to prevent locals from joining the Taliban by providing better job opportunities and higher incomes. The policy, known as the '$10-a-day Talib', 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 employment options as Western nations and NGOs prepare to leave the country with the withdrawal of most NATO combat troops in 2014. "If the factory doesn't reopen, we will have no choice but to join the Taliban for employment," said one worker. Ares Khan, 23, expressed concern about how he and his family will survive without the income from the last boots produced by Milli if the government does not change its decision. Workers at the factory earned between $400 and $900 a month, which is well above the average wage in a country where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line. Many people in Afghanistan are worried that job opportunities and investment will decrease if Western businesses leave the country, as the moneyed elite have already been doing for years. Khan's friend, Khair Mohammad, who supports a large family, also fears for the future if the Afghan government does not provide jobs. Mohammad stated that when he returns to Ghazni, he will need to join the Taliban due to the high cost of living in Afghanistan, which has been driven up by the more than $12 billion spent annually on the war. US military officials have decided to delegate a significant portion of procurement responsibilities to Afghan authorities as part of the transition to Afghan security and control. Afghan businesses, according to Kakiel, have provided a wide range of goods and services to the country's security forces, including boots, uniforms, sleeping bags, construction, and IT services. The security forces are expected to grow to around 352,000 personnel. Milli is not the only company facing challenges due to the shift towards local procurement, with other suppliers of uniforms and equipment also feeling uncertain about the future of their contracts. Another company executive, who chose to remain anonymous due to concerns about backlash from Afghan military buyers, revealed that their contracts have expired in some areas and it is unclear if they will be renewed or if the government will seek new suppliers from other countries. This has left their business investments in a state of uncertainty. "My company has brought in materials from the US for products that are being manufactured in Kabul. It will be a problem if we do not receive contracts in return, as we will have to let go of employees," explained Lieutenant-General Abdul Basir Asafzari, who is in charge of logistics and procurement at the Ministry of Defence. Currently, only 30 percent of supplies are being sourced from Afghan companies, and President Hamid Karzai has directed the military to prioritize local firms whenever possible. The reason why Milli lost its contracts was due to their practice of importing substandard boots from countries like China and then rebranding them. As a result, the company failed to meet 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, stated that Milli's boots were genuine and passed US quality tests. Other business experts, who chose to remain anonymous, suggested that Milli and other companies may have struggled due to Afghanistan's system of bribery and patronage, with more well-connected competitors trying to eliminate them. NATO's Kakiel added that Milli and others may have also misunderstood the contract provisions, 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 purchasing products 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 found that the Afghan First Initiative (AFI) had issues with inadequate contract solicitation and vetting, as well as limited data on claimed employment benefits. Saffi, who returned to Afghanistan in 2002 after fleeing during Taliban rule, expressed disappointment in both the US government and the future promised by Karzai due to his negative experiences. He mentioned that despite efforts to do well in his factory, recent events have made him believe that his company and the country are headed in the same direction. He mentioned that many individuals in Kabul's business community were feeling anxious due to the uncertain investment environment and worsening security situation. This feeling was intensified by a bold Taliban attack on the city center and nearby regions in mid-April. Saffi explained that he had to hire 30 personal bodyguards to ensure his children's safety while attending school, as well as having police snipers stationed on the roof of his home. He drew a parallel between the struggles of his company and the state of the country, likening himself as the president of his company and President Karzai as the president of the country. As his company was facing closure and declining, he noticed his employees were leaving as well. Similar events will occur in the country. It is important for the president to effectively lead and govern the nation.

The United States is being urged to join other wealthy countries in setting a 2020 goal for reducing greenhouse gases in order to improve the chances of a climate agreement in Copenhagen next month. Pressure was increased on the US by the Danish hosts during a final preparatory meeting in Barcelona, stating that they needed to bring something to the table. Some African nations threatened to leave the Barcelona talks unless rich countries committed to deeper emissions cuts. The head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat emphasized the importance of the US setting a clear target for emissions reductions in Copenhagen. President Barack Obama, addressing reporters at the White House, highlighted the significance of a particular element in the puzzle. He expressed optimism for a significant agreement in Copenhagen, while cautioning that it may not address all issues but would be a crucial step forward and provide a foundation for future progress. The United States has not established a concrete target for emission reduction by 2020, unlike the European Union and other developed countries. Democrats in the US Senate are moving forward with legislation to reduce US carbon dioxide emissions despite a planned boycott by minority Republicans. The proposed bill aims to achieve a 20 percent reduction in emissions from industry compared to 2005 levels. While the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee may approve the bill in the near future, there is uncertainty regarding its approval by the full Senate this year. Delegates at the Barcelona talks are facing challenges in reaching an agreement on how to distribute emissions reductions between wealthy and developing nations, as well as in securing funding to support climate change efforts in developing countries. The inclusion of forest preservation in the discussions is further complicating the already struggling negotiations. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow will emphasize the importance of considering Russia's forests' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. This was mentioned after discussions with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Moscow. Rasmussen expressed his hope to have enough progress to invite world leaders to the December conference in a few weeks. Australia reported a decrease in emissions last year, excluding the impact of forest fires. Both Denmark and the European Union urged Obama to take further action to facilitate an agreement at the upcoming talks from December 7-18. Danish Climate and Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard expressed doubt that Obama could receive the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10 in Oslo, near Copenhagen, while sending a delegation without concrete proposals. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren, who is currently holding the rotating presidency of the European Union, stated that there has been a significant and genuine change in the American stance on environmental issues. However, he also expressed the expectation for more progress. The United States delegation in Barcelona, led by Jonathan Pershing, emphasized their commitment to a UN agreement and highlighted the efforts made under President Obama to support clean energy and reduce emissions. Pershing stressed the importance of the United States being a part of the Copenhagen deal, as the country is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China. Antonio Hill of Oxfam reported that African countries are demanding stricter emissions regulations from developed nations, with Gambia, Ethiopia, and Algeria even considering leaving the UN talks. Protesters gathered outside the conference center with hundreds of ringing alarm clocks to emphasize the urgency of reaching an agreement to address the increasing threats of climate change.

US prosecutors are seeking the extradition of Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou to face allegations of deceiving multinational banks regarding Huawei's ties to a company in Iran, potentially causing the banks to violate US sanctions. Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested in Vancouver on Dec 1 and has stated she is innocent and will defend herself if sent to the US. The judge presiding over her bail hearing has postponed the decision to Tuesday in order to learn more about who will take responsibility for Meng if she is released. Meng's lawyer has proposed a C$15 million bail guarantee and offered her husband as surety to prevent her from fleeing. However, the judge and the public prosecutor raised concerns about Meng's husband's ability to fulfill this duty as he is not a resident of British Columbia, where Vancouver is located, and would not be affected if she were to violate her bail conditions. Meng's arrest has caused turmoil in the markets due to fears that it could further escalate tensions between the United States and China, which are already strained over tariffs. Both countries have agreed to trade negotiations that must be completed by March 1. Beijing has demanded Meng's immediate release and warned of possible repercussions for Canada. However, officials from both China and the US seem to be avoiding connecting her arrest to the trade dispute. Meng's attorney proposed offering C$14 million in property equity and C$1 million in cash as security, while the public prosecutor insisted on a 50/50 split between cash and 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 attitude towards Huawei in the US, prompting 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 break the rules in any way, it would not be an exaggeration to say that it would bring shame to China. Meng seemed self-assured in court at the beginning of the day, smiling and holding onto her lawyer's arm. However, as the day progressed, she appeared more anxious, making quick gestures as she discussed with her legal team. She has claimed that she should be let go because she has serious hypertension and is worried about her health. Huawei is the leading provider of telecommunications network equipment globally and the second largest producer of smartphones, generating roughly $92 billion in revenue last year. While many major Chinese technology companies primarily operate within China, Huawei conducts a significant portion of its business internationally. US authorities have accused Huawei of attempting to utilize banks to transfer funds out of Iran, a violation of regulations that prohibit companies from using the US financial system to support sanctioned entities. Huawei and its legal representatives maintain that the company adheres strictly to all relevant laws, regulations, and sanctions imposed by the United States and other governing bodies. The company stated on Monday that they will keep monitoring the bail hearing the next day. They 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 sunsets. The area has become popular among wealthy investors seeking tax advantages. Despite his one-story home not being for sale, numerous offers have been made without asking for a price. Investors are drawn to picturesque towns in Puerto Rico due to tax incentives aimed at bringing new residents and outside capital to the financially struggling island as it emerges from bankruptcy. The popularity of tax breaks increased following the coronavirus pandemic, as many companies transitioned to remote work and Americans on the mainland moved to warmer locations. 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 rising home prices and the displacement of longtime residents. Hurricane Maria in 2017 had already caused many people to leave the island. The real estate boom, which started in San Juan and spread to smaller towns like Rincón, has attracted investors and new residents beyond those interested in tax incentives, resulting in increased rents and home prices. However, the finance and tech investors who have submitted formal applications for tax-break status have garnered the most attention. A significant number of these investors are cryptocurrency traders, who now gather for weekly happy hours at a bar in Rincón. A newly opened barbecue food truck, which started operating in August, accepts various cryptocurrencies for its mainland-style chicken. The growing gentrification concerns many Puerto Ricans, who are increasingly questioning how an economy that heavily relies on tax breaks for the wealthy can benefit local residents struggling to afford property. Gloria Cuevas Viera, a Rincón resident, expressed her concerns by stating, "It feels like Hurricane Maria put a 'For Sale' sign on the island." She is actively involved in fighting against gentrification. A lot 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 properties for local residents. Forty-three percent of Puerto Ricans live below the federal poverty threshold. Israel Matos, aged 45, is being forced to relocate from his Rincón residence by March as the owner of the property sold it in the previous year. Matos had the opportunity to buy 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 is unable to find affordable housing listings in Rincón, Puerto Rico, where they currently reside. Many Puerto Ricans are grappling with the rising cost of living as outside investors purchase properties and drive up prices. Matos expressed his frustration, stating that as a father, it is incredibly challenging to find suitable housing for his family. Many Puerto Ricans are struggling to afford to stay in their homes due to outside investors buying up properties and driving up prices, leading to protests in Old San Juan against tax breaks for wealthy individuals like Bitcoin billionaire Brock Pierce. The tax breaks are part of Act 60, a law that was initially enacted in 2012 as the island faced economic collapse and gained more attention after Hurricane Maria in 2017. In 2019, the tax incentives were rebranded in order to attract investors in the finance and technology sectors, among others. Those who relocate to Puerto Rico can enjoy reduced income taxes on various financial gains and services revenues. A billboard in Silicon Valley promotes Puerto Rico as a technology hub 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 approvals. 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, individuals can receive tax breaks as investors if they have not resided in Puerto Rico for at least 10 years. In order to take advantage of a 4% corporate tax rate and zero capital gains tax, investors must also purchase a home. However, the over 3 million current residents of Puerto Rico are not eligible for these tax breaks. Heriberto Martínez Otero, the executive director of the Ways and Means Committee in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, stated that this situation is leading to inequality in terms of taxpayer responsibility. Rising housing prices along the coast are forcing renters to move to more affordable neighboring towns, which could result in increased expenses for gas and tolls for commuting, explained Martínez Otero, who also teaches economics at the University of Puerto Rico. People who are selling their homes are benefiting from the increase in property prices, according to Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi, who has expressed support for investors purchasing luxury homes. The passing of a tax law was motivated by a decline in the luxury real estate market, with the intention of attracting individuals with capital to stimulate the real estate market. Policymakers were also worried about the large number of people leaving the island due to the economic crisis and Hurricane Maria, which caused the population of the island to decrease by 11.8% from 2010 to 2020, as reported by the census. Martínez Otero stated that the issue of people purchasing residential properties that do not align with consumption patterns in Puerto Rico is just one of the many problems on the island that is impeding the availability of affordable housing. In Rincón, Puerto Rico, outside investors are buying up properties and increasing prices, making it difficult for many locals to afford to stay in their homes. Sánchez, a homeowner in Rincón, helps manage the town's Section 8 program which offers affordable housing to low-income families. Despite the program providing $450 monthly vouchers for housing, he is struggling to find homes at that price. An oceanside meeting place in Rincón, Puerto Rico, on January 13, 2022. Many Puerto Ricans are expressing concerns about their ability to afford staying in their homes due to outside investors purchasing properties and increasing prices. "I'm concerned that local Puerto Ricans will not be able to reside or invest here and will ultimately be displaced," one person stated. "I initially thought that property prices were only rising in the downtown area, but now even properties in more rural mountainous regions are becoming costly." 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 an average price of $290,000. Currently, the unit could now be priced at approximately $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 she 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 searching for an alternative to going to the office every day and began exploring cryptocurrency investments as a means of generating income. Stevenson, a beneficiary of Act 60, is currently working as a consultant for a California movie producer who is now located in Puerto Rico, while also engaging in buying and selling cryptocurrency. Stevenson expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn and make money in the cryptocurrency market. She has signed a one-year lease for an apartment near the beach and is involved in several crypto groups for former mainlanders that regularly hold events in Rincón. Daniel Torgerson, a crypto investor who relocated to Puerto Rico in June, organizes a weekly happy hour at the Aqua Marina Beach Club in Rincón. Around the bar and pool in early January, a group of about 20 people gathered, conversing under string lights and trying to be heard over the sounds of nocturnal coquí frogs. Torgerson asked the crowd how they were feeling in the market that week and if there were any new projects they were excited about. One person mentioned solar bitcoin mining. The new residents are also bringing their children, prompting Myriam Pérez Cruz, the principal at Manuel González Melo K-8 School in Rincón, to add more coursework for students learning Spanish as their second language. In the 2016-17 academic year, a survey of students identified 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 is required to vacate his home by March, recently drove around in search of suitable rental properties. Following this, he visited the beach, sat down on the sand with his legs crossed, and attempted to unwind. However, shortly after parking his car, he began to feel anxious. Matos mentioned that out of the approximately 50 people on the beach, he only noticed about five Puerto Ricans. He also commented on how much Rincón has changed.

According to finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam, the achievement of millennium development goals is at risk if donor countries do not fulfill their ODA commitments. Without proper funding from official development assistance, many countries will not be able to realize these goals.

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 London Pensions Fund Authority, are calling for countries to commit to cutting emissions by 50 to 80 percent by 2050, a goal in line with the climate policy endorsed by US President-elect Barack Obama. These investors are also advocating for long and medium term emission reduction targets for developed nations and the expansion of a global carbon market. US investors like the California Public Employees' Retirement System have already been pushing for legislation to encourage clean technology. The US Securities and Exchange Commission has been urged by a group of global investors to require publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related risks, as well as other factors impacting their business. Mike Taylor, CEO of London Pensions Fund Authority, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change risks to the global economy and investment portfolios. The investors are calling on world leaders to implement strong policies to support low carbon investments, and are advocating for a new binding agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol climate pact. The European Union has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and increase the use of renewable energy sources by the same date. The United States is the only major industrialized country that has not accepted the Kyoto Protocol, but is currently engaged in talks to develop a new global agreement. Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, a coalition of investors and environmental organizations focused on climate change, believes it is necessary for the US to be part of this new agreement. The group of global investors is aiming to have their opinions considered before the upcoming climate change convention in Poland in December.

In an election centered on wage growth and cost-of-living pressures, opposition leader Anthony Albanese failed to respond to questions about unemployment numbers and interest rates as the campaign for the upcoming election on May 21 began. Prime Minister Morrison criticized the Labour Party's ability to manage money and lack of economic plan, emphasizing the economic opportunities post-coronavirus. Polls released on Monday showed Labour ahead of Morrison's coalition, despite Morrison maintaining his lead as the preferred leader. Albanese, addressing his economic data mistake, issued an apology and entered damage control mode. He quoted Taylor Swift's hit song to say he will "Shake it off" after being bombarded with questions about whether a mistake would cost Labor the election. Albanese emphasized that he takes responsibility for his actions and will own up to any mistakes. Morrison highlighted his government's achievements in reducing the unemployment rate despite various challenges. Initially, Albanese had stated that he believed the current rate was around 5.4%. Morrison referenced cricket when he mentioned having a strong position and plans to boost job creation for a stronger economy. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg stated that new jobs would be created across various sectors of the economy. Australia's unemployment rate is expected to drop below 3% sooner than predicted by the central bank, with some economists even forecasting it to go below the budget forecast of 3.75%. Although wage growth is expected to increase, it may not be enough to keep up with inflation, resulting in a decrease in real incomes for the 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.

A draft communique obtained by Reuters from the G8 summit in Toyako, Japan, shows that the rich countries are aiming to collaborate with nearly 200 states involved in UN climate change talks to establish a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050. The communique emphasizes the necessity of mid-term goals in order to achieve the long-term target. The focus is on the UN-led talks to develop a new framework for addressing global warming after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, with the goal of reaching an agreement at the Copenhagen conference in December 2009. Despite efforts to bridge differences within the G8, the statement is likely to fall short of satisfying those who are advocating for more specific targets. Last year, the G8 group of wealthy countries - Japan, Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and the United States - agreed to "seriously consider" the goal of cutting global emissions in half by mid-century. The European Union and Japan have been pushing for this year's summit to go further, with clear interim targets. However, US President George W Bush has stated that the US cannot commit to binding targets unless major polluters like China and India also reduce their emissions. The European Union's leadership praised the climate change agreement, calling it a "new, shared vision" that keeps negotiations on track for a global deal in 2009. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso stated that this achievement met the EU's expectations for success at the G8 summit in northern Japan. Global warming is connected to other major issues like rising food and fuel prices, which are being discussed at a three-day meeting 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 also hinted at the need for China to let its tightly controlled currency appreciate to help address global financial imbalances. Additionally, the G8 leaders agreed to convene a world energy forum to bring together major oil producers and consumers to discuss output and prices. The rising prices of food and oil, with oil reaching a record high of $145.85 a barrel last week, are having a significant impact on the world's impoverished population. According to a recent World Bank study, up to 105 million more people could fall below the poverty line due to the spike in food prices, including 30 million in Africa. World Bank President Robert Zoellick stated that how we address this crisis will demonstrate the global system's dedication to helping those most in need. To alleviate the effects of these price increases, the G8 plans to introduce a series of initiatives to assist Africa, particularly its farmers, and has committed to doubling aid to provide an extra $50 billion in aid by 2010, with half of that going to the poorest continent in the world. The summit concludes on Wednesday with a Major Economies Meeting involving the G8 and eight other significant countries that emit high levels of greenhouse gases, such as India, China, and Australia.

During the OPEC heads of state meeting, the organization expressed support for the fight against global warming and maintaining stable oil prices. However, only Saudi Arabia has promised to contribute $300 million for climate change research. Other leaders have not made any similar commitments, with Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil stating that they are not committing anything until they have more information about the proposal. 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 over the telephone mentioned the group's concern about climate change as a long-term challenge and their goal of maintaining stability in global energy markets, but did not reference an environmental fund. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expressed his expectation that the summit would confirm a commitment to stable and competitive oil prices. He also cautioned that if the United States were to attack Iran or Venezuela, crude oil prices, currently around $100 per barrel, could potentially double on the global market. Chavez made these remarks to heads of state, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Concerns that the United States or its ally Israel may launch an attack on Iran, which is accused by Washington of secretly trying to build nuclear weapons, have contributed to the surge in global oil prices. Despite calls from consumer nations for OPEC to increase crude supply, a decision on this matter will not be made until a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 5. Iran and Venezuela are viewed as supporters of high oil prices, while Saudi Arabia has typically been more willing to listen to Western requests to lower prices. Ecuador's President Rafael Correa suggested at the 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 diminished the purchasing power of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). During the summit, Saudi Arabia led the group in rejecting a proposal by Iran and Venezuela to address concerns about the weakening dollar in the official statement. Analysts believe that Saudi King Abdullah, a key U.S. ally and influential figure within OPEC, is determined to prevent Chavez and Ahmadinejad from overshadowing the summit with anti-U.S. rhetoric. Despite sitting through Chavez's lengthy speech on Saturday, the elderly leader later joked with the Venezuelan president about the length of his speech. In a lavish setting, Chavez called on OPEC to take a leading role in fighting global poverty. Ahmadinejad stated that OPEC should play a more active role in geopolitics and demand respect for its member countries, while also calling on powerful nations to cease threatening the organization. He mentioned that he would share his views 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 Iran and the US. Despite this offer, Iran has stated that it will continue its own enrichment program. Concerned about Iran's potential nuclear capabilities, Gulf Arab countries, including OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have announced plans to begin their own nuclear energy programs.

The finance minister, AMA Muhith, attributed the country's struggles with poverty and other issues to the failure of donors to fulfill their aid pledges. He expressed this sentiment at the release of a report on Bangladesh's progress towards achieving Millennium Development Goals at Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday. Muhith emphasized that achieving MDGs would not be difficult if donor agencies honored their commitments. Bangladesh, like other nations, has committed to eradicating extreme poverty by cutting the proportion of people living on less than $1 a day in half by 2015. Despite some progress on certain issues, the minister noted various challenges in meeting MDG targets. He stated that child malnutrition continues to be a significant issue and noted that while progress has been made in addressing sanitation problems, the arsenic issue still remains unresolved. He also mentioned that the country's economic growth rate is good but lags behind that of neighboring countries. Planning minister AK Khandker and foreign minister Dipu Moni, along with others, also spoke at the event. Khandker emphasized the need for increased international assistance to tackle the impacts of climate change in Bangladesh. Moni stated that natural disasters caused by climate change are hindering the country's development. She emphasized the advancements made in poverty reduction, women's empowerment, primary education, and reducing child mortality. The 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 reflect on and uphold these values, acknowledging that there are instances where they fall short, such as in the sale of arms, environmental pollution, and cooperation with corrupt regimes. Limbourg stressed the importance of practicing what we preach before lecturing others on these values. Over 2,000 participants from 110 countries gathered in the former West German capital for the three-day event. The conference focused on discussing challenging topics related to "Media. Freedom. Values." Journalists in various countries often encounter tough circumstances. The conference delved into the role of media, freedom of speech, and the importance of safeguarding values. German President Joachim Gauck delivered an inspiring message to conference participants, emphasizing the shared responsibility of journalists worldwide. He highlighted the abundance of information available today, but also warned of the increasing potential for manipulation and disinformation. Gauck stressed the importance of upholding reliable journalism that can be trusted. A notable moment at this year's Global Media Forum was when Sedat Ergin, editor-in-chief of Hürriyet, received the Deutsche Welle Freedom of Speech Award. Upon receiving the award, Ergin expressed concerns about the growing threats to freedom of expression not only in non-democratic countries, but also in supposedly democratic nations. Diekmann emphasized the importance of press freedom and criticized the state of media freedom in Turkey. Turkish media aligned with the ruling party reacted strongly to the award, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in Turkey. The role of bloggers and activists in societies with limited freedom of speech was also discussed at the GMF. Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef attended an award ceremony in Bonn for The Bobs, which recognize the top international online activists. German Commissioner for Human Rights Policy Bärbel Kofler participated in a panel with bloggers from Bangladesh who have sought asylum in Europe due to threats from Islamist extremists. The forum focused on the lack of protection for journalists in danger in their home countries and aimed to raise awareness about the need for asylum. Journalist and author Martin Walker provided a pessimistic outlook on the future of media. Speakers at the conference emphasized that the media is at a critical juncture. The increasing importance of direct communication with people globally through social media is creating new possibilities for journalism. DW's Director General Limbourg emphasized the need for media to take advantage of this opportunity in order to have a meaningful impact.

Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of industrialized countries providing climate adaptation funds to developing nations, who are the most affected by climate change, with no strings attached. He also urged wealthier nations to transfer advanced technology to help developing countries improve their resilience to climate change. Fakhruddin stated that developed countries, as the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, have a significant responsibility to reduce emissions within specified time frames. The SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change in Dhaka was initiated at the suggestion of Bangladesh, as there is concern about the potential inundation of a significant portion of the country's landmass due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The meeting is expected to agree on a joint declaration regarding addressing climate change, which will impact the entire SAARC region including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Maldives is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Fakhruddin emphasized the importance of SAARC countries uniting to urge developed nations to provide additional resources for adaptation efforts. Bangladesh is working on establishing an international climate adaption center to exchange knowledge and best practices. Developed countries are urged to make a firm commitment to reduce their emissions without conditions. He emphasized the importance of taking action to prevent the dangers of climate change. Fakhruddin warned that climate change could result in the loss of livelihoods for millions of poor people and worsen the impact of floods, droughts, and salinity. He compared the potential consequences to the gravest tragedies in human history, such as the 'Black Death' and World War II. Fakhruddin urged against remaining passive and allowing these events to unfold. SAARC Secretary-General Sheel Kant Sharma echoed this sentiment, stating that the way forward should involve developed countries making binding commitments to reduce 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.

Coach Jorge Luis Pinto reassured that despite Colombia's 5-0 loss to Paraguay in the Copa America, the team will not be completely defeated. He emphasized that the situation is not a catastrophe and that they have not been completely destroyed in terms of football, tactics, or morale. Pinto stated that while they did lose, it is not the end of the world. "We haven't given up, we will respond." Colombia controlled the beginning of their first Group C match on Thursday, with Alvaro Dominguez failing to convert a penalty in the 28th minute. However, Paraguay scored two minutes later and Colombia struggled in the second half. It is interesting to note that Colombia's defense had been solid before the tournament, only allowing two goals in six games. Their upcoming game is against Argentina on Monday, who started the tournament with a 4-1 victory over the United States. Pinto stated that there will be changes, including variations in playing style and players. He also drew a comparison between the match and Colombia's 5-0 victory over Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in 1993, noting that both games had similarities in terms of performance.

A major global report launched on Tuesday emphasized the importance of rich nations taking the lead in reducing carbon emissions to prevent negative impacts on 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," called on developed countries to offer incentives to developing nations to address the challenges of climate change. The report, prepared by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Synthesis Report, outlined a plan for climate change negotiations in Bali, Indonesia, stressing the urgency of taking action within the next ten years. The report warned that if the opportunity to prevent temperature rises of over two degrees Celsius is missed, the Himalayan glaciers that supply water and food to over two billion people could disappear. The lead author of the report, Kevin Watkins, stated that the carbon budget of the 21st century is being overspent and could be depleted by 2032, leading to devastating consequences for the poor who are the most vulnerable. The report emphasizes the need for the world's wealthiest countries to take responsibility and lead the way in reducing emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050. Additionally, the report calls for a new $86 billion global annual investment in international adaptation efforts to protect the world's impoverished populations. The report suggests that developed countries should implement a new system for transferring clean energy technology to developing countries. The report highlights the positive impact of investing in adaptation efforts, such as protecting assets during flooding. It also calls for developing Asian countries, such as China and India, to reduce emissions by at least 20 percent by 2050. UNDP administrator Kemal Derviş emphasizes the importance of expanding access to affordable energy while reducing carbon emissions. The report proposes establishing a Climate Change Mitigation Facility funded by developed countries to incentivize developing countries towards a more sustainable development approach. Watkins argues that rich countries must provide funding for technology transfer to poorer countries as a way for developed countries to address their carbon footprint. The pathway outlined in "Fighting climate change" is a detailed checklist for political leaders attending the Bali conference in December. It emphasizes the need for a binding and enforceable post-2012 multilateral agreement to combat climate change and protect the planet and its most vulnerable populations. Key points include reducing emissions from developing countries by 20% by 2050 and from developed countries by 30% by 2020 and at least 80% by 2050, as well as creating a Climate Change Mitigation Facility to finance low-carbon energy investments in developing countries. This would require an annual investment of $25-50 billion. Implement a fair price for carbon by utilizing both carbon taxation and expanding cap-and-trade schemes globally. Enhance regulatory standards by implementing and enforcing stricter efficiency standards for vehicle, building, and electrical appliance emissions. Encourage the growth of low carbon energy sources, acknowledging the opportunity for expanding the use of renewable energy and the importance of investing in innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS). Allocate $86 billion or 0.2 percent of the combined GDP of northern countries to improving climate-resilient infrastructure and enhancing the ability of the less fortunate to withstand the impacts of climate change. Include adaptation in all strategies aimed at reducing 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 transfer plans for deforestation, as proposed by Brazil and other countries.

South Korea, Asia's fourth largest economy, has committed to selecting one of three targets for carbon emissions by 2020, aligning itself with Kyoto signatories in the fight against climate change. The government announced on Tuesday that it will decide on a 2020 gas emission goal this year, with options including an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels, remaining unchanged from 2005, or decreasing by 4 percent from 2005 levels. Despite being one of Asia's wealthiest nations and a major industrial player, South Korea saw a significant increase in emissions between 1990 and 2005. Per-capita emissions of carbon dioxide in 2005 were 11.1 tonnes, ranking the country 17th among OECD members. Sang-hyup Kim, Secretary to the President for National Future and Vision at the Presidential Office, acknowledged that the targets may appear modest compared to those of developed countries. The efforts made by Korea are sincere and at their maximum, showcasing the country's capabilities. The government has estimated that each target will cost between 0.3 and 0.5 percent of GDP and will involve the use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy, energy efficiency with light-emitting diodes, and smart grids to reduce emissions. Developed nations, obligated by the Kyoto Protocol to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, are facing pressure from developing countries to increase their emission reduction targets as part of a larger climate agreement being negotiated. These discussions will conclude at a major UN conference in Copenhagen at the end of the year. Wealthy developing countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico are also being pushed to announce their plans to reduce emissions. South Korea's goals are relatively small when compared to those of developed nations like the United States and the European Union. Japan and the United States are targeting reductions of 15 and 17 percent by 2020, respectively, from 2005 levels. The European Union and Britain are aiming for reductions of 20 and 34 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. China and other developing countries are calling for developed nations 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.

A senior negotiator informed Reuters that China is open to including its voluntary carbon emissions target in a mandatory UN resolution. This move could potentially push developed countries to prolong the Kyoto Protocol. The success of UN climate talks in Cancun depends on reaching an agreement on solidifying national emissions targets post-2012. China's willingness to compromise is contingent on the United States committing to mandatory emissions reductions and extending the Kyoto Protocol. Developing countries are in favor of continuing the protocol, while industrialized supporters like Japan, Russia, and Canada prefer a separate agreement that encompasses all nations. China had previously resisted the idea of making its domestic emissions targets mandatory, as is currently the case for industrialized nations. Huang Huikang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's representative for climate change negotiations, stated that a resolution can be established that would be enforceable on China. He also mentioned the possibility of a legally binding decision under the UN Climate Convention and expressed willingness to discuss the details. Huang Huikang emphasized the importance of China's efforts aligning with international actions and argued against the idea of abandoning the Kyoto Protocol to address climate change concerns. Jennifer Morgan from the Washington-based World Resources Institute described the proposal as a "gamechanger," noting that it was a positive step towards reaching an agreement in Cancun. Alden Meyer from the US-based Union of Concerned Scientists also viewed the proposal as a promising development, while acknowledging that the details would be crucial. China's chief negotiator Xie Zhenhua later stated that China's targets could be aligned with the Convention, allowing developing countries to voluntarily make emissions commitments using their own resources. Huang stated that China would not change its stance on insisting that new emissions targets be included in an extended Kyoto agreement. China has always maintained that its efforts to reduce emissions are binding domestically and not subject to international agreements. Huang acknowledged that China is now open to linking its efforts internationally as part of a compromise. China is willing to play a positive role in the international effort, but remains firm that there is no room for compromise on the issue of Kyoto. Developing countries, such as China, the largest carbon emitter in the world, made a commitment at a summit in Copenhagen the previous year to voluntarily take measures to limit the increase of their emissions. China specifically promised to decrease its "carbon intensity," the quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted for every dollar of economic growth. The goal is to lower this by 40-45 percent by 2020 compared to levels in 2005. Huang suggested that this intensity target could be included in a resolution.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed disappointment at the progress made on climate change at the G8 summit in Italy, stating that the commitments made so far were insufficient. He emphasized the urgent need for more significant efforts to combat climate change, calling it a crucial responsibility for the future of humanity and the planet. Despite the G8's agreement to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050, Ban stressed the necessity for immediate and substantial action. President Barack Obama also acknowledged the need to bridge the gap with developing nations on climate change, following Ban's criticism of the G8's inadequate response. During the first day of a meeting of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations in L'Aquila, Italy, the G8 was unable to persuade China and India to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2050. Despite this setback, President Obama, aiming to have an impact on his first G8 summit, led a meeting of wealthy and emerging countries to discuss environmental issues and expressed optimism that progress could still be made before the UN climate change treaty talks in Copenhagen in December. The White House confirmed that Obama had discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva about bridging the gap on this disagreement before the crucial meeting. Obama was scheduled to lead the 17-member Major Economies Forum (MEF), which was expected to agree to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, but not on specific emission reduction targets. The absence of Chinese President Hu Jintao, who had to leave the summit to deal with violent clashes in China, was a hindrance to the progress of the discussions. The rise in temperatures of about 0.7 Celsius since the Industrial Revolution, due to the widespread use of fossil fuels, is a concern that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown hopes will be addressed by all countries present at the meeting, including the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada, Russia, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and Mexico. However, there are doubts about reaching an agreement on emissions. Developing countries like India are waiting to see plans from wealthy nations to provide financing to help them deal with the effects of climate change before committing to deeper emission 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 target for the first time. They have also set a reduction goal of 80 percent for developed countries as a whole. However, Russia has immediately stated that it cannot meet this target by 2050, and Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice has described the 80 percent goal as "aspirational." The first day of the summit was dominated by discussions about the fragile state of the world economy, with rich nations acknowledging significant risks to financial stability. China, along with Russia, India, and Brazil, used the second day of the summit to argue for the long-term diversification of the global reserve currency system away from reliance on the dollar, a sensitive issue in currency markets. State Councilor Dai Bingguo stated that there is a need for a more efficient system for issuing and regulating reserve currencies in order to ensure stability in exchange rates and promote a diversified international reserve currency regime. The G8 and G5 expressed hope for progress in the Doha trade talks, aiming to conclude them by 2010. The Doha round, initiated in 2001 to aid developing countries, has faced obstacles related to proposed tariff and subsidy reductions. The G5 emphasized their commitment to addressing these issues to boost confidence in global markets, urging wealthy nations to eliminate trade barriers and provide financial support to poorer countries.

When 96 individuals from China arrived at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, they realized they had been deceived after paying a large sum of money to participate in a music competition with lucrative cash prizes. The scam involved fraudulent invitations from the city of Taipei, with the con artist absconding with the entry fees and leaving the "contestants" stranded at the airport in mid-February. Some of the musicians were so outraged that they refused to return home. According to crime experts, such fraudulent activities are anticipated to rise in Asia, particularly in greater China, as the economic downturn prompts scammers to target vulnerable individuals seeking a change in fortune. "We are witnessing an increase in the number of victims due to the economic crisis," stated Chu Yiu-kong, a criminologist at Hong Kong University. Chinese individuals have a strong desire for wealth, making them susceptible to being deceived. They also have a belief in luck and opportunities, particularly during challenging times. The current economic downturn in trade-dependent Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan has resulted in recessions and cost-cutting measures by businesses, including layoffs. Experts warn that scam artists tend to take advantage of these difficult economic situations. Scams that are expected to rise include job search fraud, fake money lending, and convincing people to pay large fees for fake lottery winnings or business opportunities. One common scam targets job seekers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China by pretending to be recruiters and asking for investments in the companies they are applying to. These fraudulent companies disappear when job seekers follow up on their applications. Zhou Yang, a 26-year-old from Shenzhen, China, stated that they do not trust roadside job agencies due to frequent deception. According to local media reports, a scam artist in south China was able 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. The victims, who already owed money to different individuals, believed they were being pressured for repayment. This type of scam only adds to the financial difficulties of those already struggling to make ends meet. Chang Chin-lan, a prevention officer with Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau, warned that as deception crimes continue to rise, people may become desperate and morality could decline. Police statistics in Taiwan show that deception crimes increased by a third from about 31,000 in 2007 to 41,000 in 2008. In the fourth quarter of 2008, Hong Kong police saw a significant increase in deception crimes, with cases rising from 1,071 to 1,414. In Singapore, authorities are expecting a rise in phone scams and other forms of fraud due to the struggling economy, with "cheating and related offences" increasing by about 10 percent from 2,917 in 2006 to 3,254 in the previous year. The Singapore Police Force has warned that phone scams are likely to continue in tough economic times, with scammers developing new methods to deceive victims. Besides economic factors, advancements in technology have also contributed to the growth in scams, enabling fraudsters to target victims across borders. The emergence of costly hoaxes in Asia around 2001 was linked to the proliferation of the Internet and mobile phones, which provide anonymity and protection from law enforcement in multiple countries, explained Tsai Tien-mu, a criminology professor at Taipei Police College. Tsai mentioned that it is now simple for individuals to contact each other, whereas previously, the perpetrator had to physically meet the victim. Due to the ease with which con artists can conceal themselves, law enforcement faces challenges in solving fraud cases. In Taiwan, police officers only solve 10 percent of their cases. Conversely, in Hong Kong, police prioritize public education over pursuing individual con artists, according to Chu from Hong Kong University. Frequently, the scammers can be found in China, well out of the jurisdiction of law enforcement in Hong Kong. According to Zhou, a job seeker from Shenzhen, the police in mainland China are not very helpful for victims of fraud. Zhou stated that even if you are cheated, contacting the police is pointless as they rarely respond and offer assistance.

The top climate change official of the United Nations urged the European Union to quickly come up with strategies to assist developing countries in combating global warming. He warned that a delay could result in a deadlock that hinders progress worldwide. Yvo de Boer emphasized the urgency for all industrialized nations to take action promptly. He also highlighted the need for increased financial support from wealthy countries to help poorer nations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, as agreed upon in Bali in December. This would, in turn, motivate developing countries to shift their focus from fossil fuels to cleaner energies in order to diversify their economies. The commitment of developing nations, particularly China and India, is a prerequisite for many wealthy nations, led by the United States, who are concerned about job loss, to reduce emissions. The United States is the only wealthy nation not part of the Kyoto Protocol. This situation has created a dilemma where it is challenging for countries like the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, and possibly the EU to make progress if they cannot secure the resources to engage with developing countries. This, according to de Boer, the head of the U.N., makes things complicated. The Climate Secretariat in Bonn is addressing the issue of climate change, with the EU claiming to be a leader in combating it. The U.N. Climate Panel warns of more extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels in the coming century. One proposed solution is to auction off carbon dioxide emission rights in the EU and use the proceeds to support developing countries. Another option is to increase the levy on a Kyoto project that enables wealthy nations to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. De Boer mentioned that EU budgets for research and development could play a vital role in combatting climate change. He emphasized the need for generating resources for developing countries in order to encourage their participation in climate efforts. De Boer also called on French President Nicolas Sarkozy to finalize an EU package of climate measures during the French EU presidency in the latter part of 2008. The EU Commission proposed 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 incorporating 10 percent of biofuels in transport by 2020. De Boer stressed the importance of completing the package 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 that the European Union must now follow through on sharing the burden of the plan. He also stressed that clear signals on how the target will be reached are crucial for the EU's credibility on the international stage. To read more of Reuters' latest environment blogs, click on the link provided.

Speakers at a conference at the London School of Economics warned about the serious environmental, ecological, social, and economic impacts that the planned Tipaimukh Dam construction by India will have on the people of Bangladesh and northeastern India. The Voice for Justice World Forum called for a joint feasibility study between Bangladesh and India before any dam construction to find a fair solution to the environmental issues. India, as an upper riparian country, was reminded of its moral and legal obligation to consult with Bangladesh before proceeding with the dam. Dr. Hasanat Hussain MBE, Convenor of the World Forum of the Voice For Justice, chaired the conference while British treasury minister Stephen Timms praised the organizers for holding the forum in London. He stated at the conference that the British government will always support the oppressed worldwide and collaborate with organizations like VFJ to advocate for human rights and justice for the disadvantaged. The event, the first of its kind for VFJ, was held at the London School of Economics by a coalition of its European, US, Canadian, and Asian branches. It was attended by Bangladeshi academics, experts, VFJ members, and a diverse group of individuals from the British-Bangladeshi community in the UK. Former minister Abdul Moyeen Khan and former Bangladesh high commissioner to the UK, Sabih Uddin, participated in the discussion via the internet. Concerns were raised about the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise if any obstacles were constructed on the Surma and Kushiara rivers, affecting millions of people who rely on them. Dr. K M A Malik from the University of Cardiff presented a paper on Climate Change in South Asia, particularly focusing on Bangladesh, at the conference. Two other papers were also discussed, one on the 'Rights of Migrant Workers in Gulf States' by Dr. Mahbub Khan from California State University, and the other on 'Women's rights in Islam' by Hasan Mahmud, the director of Sharia Law at the Muslim Canadian Congress. The speakers emphasized the importance of formal bilateral agreements between migrant-sending states like Bangladesh and migrant-receiving states in the Gulf to address the widespread violations of human rights and dignity of migrant workers. The conference urged Gulf governments to prioritize the human rights of migrant workers who contribute significantly to their economies and send remittances back to their home countries, while receiving low wages, poor working conditions, and job insecurity. Hasan Mahmud, in his paper on women's rights and Sharia, highlighted that Islam and authentic Sharia laws protect and promote women's rights fairly and justly. Professor Anthony Booth of Christchurch University in Kent, UK, along with other scholars and activists, expressed regret over the misinterpretation and distortion of laws that has resulted in discriminatory treatment of women in various societies due to social and cultural biases. Dr. Abdur Rahman, Dr. Zakia Rahman, Dr. Stephanie Eaton, and Luthfur Rahman Choudhury, along with 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 from Durban, South Africa, reported that developing countries are expressing concerns that they are taking climate change more seriously than rich countries. The US, in particular, is being criticized for not making progress on important issues related to climate change. Delegates from Europe and the head of the African bloc at the UN Climate Summit in Durban have both criticized the US stance. Mali delegate Seyni Nafo stated that developed countries are not treating climate change as a serious global issue. Nafo highlighted the US's leadership in areas such as democracy, human rights, and market access, and called for similar leadership in addressing climate change. Arthur Runge-Metzger, the EU's chief negotiator, expressed concerns about the US delegation being hindered by the current domestic climate where climate change is not a popular issue. He noted that the Obama administration faces challenges in moving forward with climate change due to the situation in Congress. The US is perceived as delaying negotiations by seeking conditions that would legally require all countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions, causing delays in discussions on funding for developing low-carbon economies and addressing the impacts of global warming. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases trapping the sun's heat in the earth's atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures and resulting in extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, rising sea levels, drought, 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 by 2050. It is crucial that emissions do not peak after 2015. The United States has expressed a preference for voluntary commitments by countries to reduce emissions instead of binding targets. The US has committed to reducing emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, with no plans to change this pledge in the near future according to US delegation chief Jonathan Pershing. Despite these voluntary pledges, Runge-Metzger argues that they only amount to about half of what is necessary to prevent a potential climate catastrophe. In the first statement from the Bolivian delegation, Rene Orellana strongly rejected the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (Redd) initiative, stating that forests should not be viewed as carbon stocks but rather as essential providers of food security, water resources, and biodiversity for indigenous populations. Orellana emphasized that Bolivia, with almost half of its land covered by forests, does not support the emissions offsetting scheme of Redd. Redd stated that the forest's function is often simplified to just carbon stocks. Orellana criticized certain aspects of the Green Climate Fund, specifically payments tied to the outcomes of green initiatives. Despite recent political turmoil in Bolivia, the country has remained steadfast in its environmental stance at the 17th meeting of the UN climate change convention. Bolivia has even enacted groundbreaking legislation granting nature the same rights as humans. Scientists warn that heat waves, previously occurring every 20 years, will become an annual occurrence due to rising greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Additionally, coastal regions and islands are at risk of being flooded due to the effects of global warming, and it is predicted that within the next ten years, an additional 250 million people will experience water shortages. Advocates for climate action believe that stabilizing carbon levels in the atmosphere would only slightly impact economic growth, with a decrease of 0.12 percent per year. They argue that any associated costs would be balanced out by improved health, increased energy security, and more reliable food sources.

The minister of environment criticized developed countries for their deceptive behavior regarding climate funds during a discussion about the upcoming climate summit. Hasan Mahmud stated that rich countries have not kept their promises to provide funds to combat climate change in poorer nations and have also failed to reduce carbon emissions as pledged. He mentioned that only eight percent of the $30 billion promised as Fast Start Funding in 2009 had been paid by November 2011, despite the deadline for clearance being 2012. He mentioned that there is a deception involved in the situation, where they claim to have already provided the funds, but upon closer inspection, it is clear that the money given in 2008 is labeled as Fast Start Funding. The roundtable discussion took place before an upcoming climate change conference in Durban, South Africa starting on Nov 28. The minister from Bangladesh suggested the creation of a central organization to allocate the funds during the conference. He also mentioned that priority should be given to "need" when distributing funds, rather than favoring countries with better relationships with donors. He criticized developed countries for not making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, stating that they are responsible for global warming. Hasan pointed out that a person in Bangladesh emits 0.3 tonnes of carbon per year. The amount is 1.6 tonnes in developing nations and 15-20 tonnes in developed countries. He also mentioned his optimism for a positive result from the Climate Vulnerable Forum on Sunday, which will be attended by United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The roundtable was chaired by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation chairman Qazi Kholiquzzaman.

In Copenhagen, Bangladesh's state minister for environment, Hasan Mahmud, expressed concern that the European Union's commitment of 10 billion euro over three years to the climate adaptation fund may not be sufficient. Mahmud emphasized the need for clarity on whether this commitment is in addition to Official Development Assistance (ODA), as vulnerable countries are seeking a contribution of 1.5 percent of GDP from industrialised nations. Mahmud stated that this could potentially create a $400 to $600 billion fund to assist poor and vulnerable countries. The state minister emphasized that the proposal from the EU to raise funds for adaptation is insufficient to reach the total $400-600 needed. He reiterated the demand from poor and vulnerable nations for a separate climate fund, in addition to existing ODA, that is not controlled by financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. He suggested the creation of a separate institution that is easily accessible and more transparent. Hasan stated that MVC GROUP believes 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 are at risk of climate change globally. Hasan mentioned that Bangladesh has initiated the formation of a new group called MVCs, with plans to include 20 countries in total. He mentioned that the UN recognizes G-77 or LDCs for economic development, and he is striving for similar recognition for climate change. He emphasized the need to create a new group of vulnerable countries for improved negotiation. Hasan highlighted Bangladesh as the most vulnerable country, leading 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. This is because they are experiencing various negative impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and extreme weather. The number of people affected in Bangladesh is expected to be higher than in all the small island countries. Earlier in the day, a delegation from Dhaka held an open discussion at the conference, focusing on Bangladesh's status as a 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.

In an effort to regain credibility after ethical concerns, Reinhart, who was promoted to senior management, highlighted some key aspects of the new product. These included the need for transparency in methodology, more reliance on survey data, and less emphasis on ranking countries. Reinhart emphasized the importance of public disclosure in restoring credibility and stated that the details of the product would be made public. The bank would also prioritize survey data to minimize subjective judgment and eliminate the competitive aspect of rankings that encouraged countries to manipulate the system. The bank's annual "Doing Business" rankings were canceled in September by the board due to data irregularities in the 2018 and 2020 versions. Senior bank officials, including former chief executive Kristalina Georgieva, now head of the IMF, were accused of pressuring staff to make changes. A law firm is investigating possible staff misconduct related to data changes benefiting China, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. The IMF's board supported Georgieva after reviewing the allegations, but she may still be implicated in the ongoing investigation. Reinhart noted that the World Bank's credibility has been damaged and rebuilding trust will require time and effort. She emphasized the importance of credibility being based on systems rather than personalities and mentioned that the bank has implemented numerous safeguards following external reports. She stated that while nothing in life is guaranteed to be foolproof, implementing measures can help reduce the potential for misuse and abuse. She expressed hope that credibility will be gained over time, as establishing credibility can be challenging and easily lost. Reinhart initiated a thorough examination 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 evaluation that followed called for a series of corrective measures and changes, pointing out a trend of government attempts to manipulate the scoring. It criticized the bank for not being transparent about the data used and suggested it discontinue selling consulting services to governments that aim to improve their scores, a practice that Reinhart mentioned had already been stopped in 2020 and 2021. Reinhart mentioned that the bank would assess the repercussions of the scandal more broadly and determine any additional actions needed after the completion of the second WilmerHale report. She stated, "We will address that issue once we have the complete report."

Two British ministers, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday, stated that the UK will assist Bangladesh in protecting the interests of the least developed countries (LDCs) during the important Copenhagen climate negotiations in December. Douglas Alexander, UK minister for international development, and Ed Milliband, responsible for energy and climate change, made this pledge a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina traveled to Geneva to participate in the World Climate Conference-3. Alexander told reporters upon arrival in Dhaka that they would discuss how the UK could help Bangladesh in representing the LDCs at the crucial Copenhagen summit. The ministers later met with Hasina to discuss climate change and development cooperation between the two countries. Bangladesh holds the chair of the 50-member LDC Group, which consists of nations most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, largely due to emissions from developed countries. 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. The United Nations member countries will gather in Copenhagen to establish a new international legal agreement aimed at lowering carbon emissions, replacing the current Kyoto Protocol which only imposed emission reduction targets on developed nations. The Bali climate talks in 2007 acknowledged that emerging economies must also decrease their emissions. The alliance between LDCs and developed countries will put pressure on China and India, now recognized as significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. "Bangladesh is among the nations most at risk from the impacts of climate change. The country's initiatives in adjusting and minimizing risks serve as a valuable example to the global community. Ed Milliband stated, "The obstacles are significant," and added, "The UK is dedicated to supporting Bangladesh in overcoming these hurdles." The foreign ministers visiting had dinner with Dipu Moni, the foreign minister, at the state guest house Padma on Monday night." Alexander and Milliband inaugurated the UK government's International Climate Champions Initiative in Bangladesh, which will send 15 Bangladeshi youths to the Copenhagen summit. The initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change and its effects on the younger generation. Interested candidates must submit proposals on climate change, and a panel led by Dr. Atiq Rahman will select the final 15 participants.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, leading the U.N. conference, stated his intention to release a nearly final draft on Thursday afternoon, aiming to minimize disagreements and unresolved issues in order to facilitate a final round of revisions. In a meeting with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Fabius expressed his determination to work towards reaching a conclusive agreement. He emphasized the importance of concluding an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by Friday, the official end date of the conference, rather than extending the negotiations as in past conferences. However, there is still discord among ministers and negotiators from 195 countries on key issues, such as determining which countries should contribute the necessary funds to assist developing nations in transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. The sticking point has intensified tensions behind closed doors between the US and China regarding the "minimalist" approach mentioned by US Secretary of State John Kerry. The Chinese did not delve into specifics but mentioned a potential for compromise. The decision between 1.5 degrees or 2 degrees will be addressed in the next draft, with more consultations needed with colleagues according to Chinese negotiator Gao Feng. They hope to reach a resolution by Friday or Saturday. The discussions have reignited debates about the level of ambition the deal should have in addressing the increase in global temperatures. Developing nations are pushing for the agreement to include the long-term goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, even though current carbon emission cuts are insufficient. Many participants are still affected by the failure to reach a deal in Copenhagen in 2009. There is a strong desire to reach an agreement this time, but the question remains whether it will be robust or weak. Jose Ramos-Horta, a former president of East Timor, emphasized that no country should expect to achieve all their objectives in the accord. He informed Reuters that a treaty is not permanent like the Bible and can be reviewed and potentially strengthened in the future.

The initial UN special session on climate change, which took place on Tuesday, primarily focused on urging wealthy nations to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gases. British economist Nicholas Stern emphasized the importance of both rich and developing countries participating in a global agreement to address human-induced emissions. Stern suggested that the global target for reducing greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, should be a 50 percent reduction by 2050. He also argued that wealthier nations, due to their historical contributions to pollution and greater access to resources, should aim for even larger reductions, around 75 percent. Stern, a former head of the British government's economic service and current professor at the London School of Economics, suggests that responsibility for reducing emissions may also include financing cuts in other countries. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown echoed similar sentiments at the United Nations, emphasizing that the impacts of climate change will disproportionately affect the poorest nations despite them contributing the least to the problem. Sunita Narain, director of India's Center for Science and Environment, criticizes the lack of significant emissions reductions by industrialized countries and calls for more concrete action on climate change rather than just rhetoric from political leaders. At a climate meeting at the United Nations, environmental scientist John Holdren from Harvard University stated that global climate change is responsible for extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and more intense storms, which cannot be attributed to natural climate variability. The United States, a major emitter of greenhouse gases, did not make a statement during the meeting and has been resistant to setting firm targets for reducing emissions, citing concerns about the impact on the economy. Instead, the US has advocated for voluntary rather than mandatory emissions cuts. President George W. Bush, along with other leaders of the Group of Eight, agreed in June to make significant reductions in emissions and to negotiate a new global climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol after 2012. The two-day climate meeting, the first of its kind in terms of content and format, will conclude on Wednesday. The event is carbon-neutral, as any emissions produced by air travel and the UN Headquarters building in New York are balanced out by supporting a biomass fuel project in Kenya.

The hearing follows a series of sexual assault scandals and recent data from the Pentagon indicating a significant increase in unwanted sexual contact within the military. The top military officials, including the heads of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard, as well as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee to address the issue. They emphasized their commitment to addressing the problem and General Martin Dempsey stated that they are taking swift action to change a complacent culture. While some lawmakers, like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, advocate for removing prosecution of sex crimes from the victim's chain of command, others, like General Raymond Odierno, argue that maintaining the power of commanders is crucial for unit cohesion. Despite criticism of the military's handling of past cases, including instances where commanders showed leniency to offenders, there is still debate over the need for radical change in the system. Senator John McCain expressed his frustration over the continued reports of sexual misconduct in the military, emphasizing that action is needed rather than just talk. Senator Carl Levin, however, showed understanding of military concerns about preserving the authority of the chain of command. Levin stated that only the chain of command has the power to implement a zero-tolerance policy for sexual offenses and address any issues within the command climate that may contribute to or allow sexual assaults to occur.

A climate tribunal organized by UK-based international NGO Oxfam, with coordination from Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood (CSRL), was held in Dhaka to address the impact of climate change on fisherfolk communities in coastal Bangladesh. The tribunal, which took place at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, placed blame on developed countries, particularly Annex-1 countries, for the destruction of livelihoods in these communities. The jury panel, led by Bangladesh Human Rights Commission's chief Mizanur Rahman, listened to testimonies from climate victims, including housewives in cyclone-affected areas and fishermen who ended up in Indian jails. The organization also consulted with two experts in climate change and international law to explore the connections between the science of climate change, its legal implications at both national and international levels, and the ongoing negotiations between multiple parties. Unfortunately, there is still no universally binding international agreement that would ensure compensation for countries affected by climate change due to emissions from developed nations, according to legal expert Ahmed Ziauddin. Ziauddin suggested that Bangladesh could potentially present its case to international courts such as the UN, WTO, and UNESCO, but there is currently no avenue for individual countries to seek damages. He recommended that Bangladesh include provisions related to climate change in its constitution. Ziauddin also noted that Bangladesh does not have a specific legal definition of climate change. Climate change expert Ahsan Uddin Ahmed explained to the tribunal that developed nations frequently demand detailed accounts of damage caused by climate change in an attempt to avoid their responsibilities. He emphasized that while the scientific evidence clearly shows that climate change is real and harmful, it is challenging to establish a separate account specifically for this purpose. Following testimonies, the jury recommended the creation of a new law and the inclusion of an article in the constitution addressing climate change. The jury concluded that since developed nations are primarily responsible for the negative impacts of climate change, they should bear the costs of mitigation efforts. Additionally, the jury noted that the human rights of coastal communities have been violated by the consequences of climate change. The group of individuals serving on the jury included politicians Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Tarana Halim, Hasanul Huq Inu, and economist Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed.

After three weeks of mid-year climate talks conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Patricia Espinosa urged countries to set aside their differences and collaborate in the months leading up to the crucial COP26 negotiations in Glasgow. Despite the challenges of virtual work, governments were praised for effective engagement and progress in areas such as aligning emissions-cutting goals and enhancing transparency in reporting climate action. However, disagreements persist on the rules for global carbon markets, requiring higher-level political guidance, according to the UN climate body. Espinosa emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to achieve significant progress before COP26, stressing the high stakes involved. "I am encouraging all of us to meet the challenges of our time, to complete the necessary tasks, to bridge our differences, and to keep our promises." The June discussions marked the first official UN climate talks since the end of 2019, as the pandemic caused delays. The COP26 summit has the responsibility of finalizing regulations for the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change to ensure its full implementation, according to UN officials. "Success at COP26 is crucial," Espinosa stated to reporters on Thursday. "It is a crucial test of our efforts against the climate crisis, it is vital for a sustainable recovery, and it demonstrates the importance of multilateralism during these critical times." Many countries have not yet submitted more ambitious climate action plans that were expected last year under the Paris agreement, as the pandemic disrupted the process. Governments have not made enough progress in reducing emissions to meet the goals of the Paris agreement, according to the United Nations. Wealthy nations failing to fulfill their promises of climate finance to help poorer countries transition to renewable energy and adapt to climate change is also hindering progress. The pandemic has further complicated matters, with developing nations struggling to secure access to vaccines, potentially affecting their ability to attend the upcoming COP26 summit. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as the conference host, stated that his government was in discussions with the United Nations on how to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to accredited delegations who may not have access otherwise. Diann Black-Layne of Antigua and Barbuda, representing the Alliance of Small Island States, expressed concerns about the uncertainty of the road to COP 26 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She also emphasized the need for progress on climate finance, calling for a new financial goal at COP26 for nations vulnerable to climate change. Sonam P Wangdi of Bhutan, chair of the group of least developed countries at the UN talks, echoed the importance of delivering on climate finance for the success of the conference. Rich nations have faced criticism for failing to meet their promise to raise $100 billion annually from 2020 to assist developing countries in addressing climate change. Critics of the G7 leaders at a recent summit were disappointed by the lack of a clear plan to meet their climate pledge, despite fresh commitments from Germany and Canada. The virtual nature of this month's UN climate talks also hindered progress, with technical difficulties causing delays in formal decisions. To expedite the process, Alok Sharma, the UK official leading COP26, plans to bring together ministers from over 40 countries in London in late July. Britain's lead climate negotiator, Archie Young, acknowledged the need for more clarity on issues such as vaccinations and logistics for COP26. Sharma disclosed that London is collaborating with partners on a plan to provide vaccines to all accredited COP26 delegates, including government officials, green group representatives, and media personnel, with more details to be announced soon.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC was slow to respond due to its usual pace of operation. This led to delays in testing and surveillance as the agency struggled with outdated methods and infrastructure. The agency also hesitated to recommend masking because it took too long for federal scientists to acknowledge that the virus could spread through the air. Now, the highly contagious omicron variant is forcing the CDC to make rapid decisions based on limited evidence, causing public concern about the impact of these guidelines on the economy and education. Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the agency, has at times bypassed much of the usual scientific review process, most recently by reducing the isolation period for infected Americans. Following the Trump administration's history of interference, President Joe Biden took office with a promise to restore the CDC's reputation for independence and rigorous science. Walensky's current challenge is how to communicate to the public that the science is not yet complete, but this is the best advice available. This shift has been difficult for a bureaucracy mostly made up of medical professionals. In recent interviews, some CDC officials privately expressed feeling demoralized by the decisions and concerned about Walensky's increasing reliance on a small group of advisers and what they perceived as heavy political influence from the White House. Others outside of the agency praised Walensky for her efficient handling of a national emergency, even when faced with unclear data and uncertainty among agency researchers. Dr. Richard Besser, who led the agency during the H1N1 outbreak, acknowledged that policy decisions during a pandemic are not solely the CDC's responsibility. However, he emphasized the need for more clarity when policy and economics influence agency recommendations. The New York Times reports that over 800,000 Americans are infected daily, leading to challenges for schools, businesses, and hospitals across the country. At the end of December, Walensky announced that infected Americans would only need to isolate for five days instead of 10 if they no longer had symptoms, and a negative test result would not be necessary to end isolation. Critics were concerned about the potential spread of the virus as contagious individuals were allowed to return to work and school. Despite limited research supporting the shortened isolation period for omicron infections, the recommendation was seen as beneficial in keeping hospitals, businesses, and schools operational during the omicron surge. Dr. Thomas Frieden, who previously led the agency under President Barack Obama, stated that the recommendations for isolation were essentially accurate. Walensky and the CDC have not commented on recent tensions within the agency's decision-making process, with Walensky often attributing recommendations to rapidly changing science. During a Senate testimony, Walensky defended the agency's new guidelines for shorter isolation periods as a response to potential staffing shortages. This approach has been a recurring theme for Walensky, as seen in the CDC's previous recommendation for students to sit 3 feet apart in classrooms instead of 6 feet, even without substantial research supporting the change. Nonetheless, this adjustment did facilitate the reopening of schools. In May, Walensky used scientific data to inform vaccinated individuals that they could remove their masks and socialize without restrictions, despite criticism from experts who believed this decision did not consider the risk of breakthrough infections, particularly with the delta variant. In August, Walensky supported booster shots for all Americans alongside Biden, before the FDA or her own agency had reviewed the data on their necessity. The recent instance of providing isolation advice caused turmoil within the agency due to the way it was decided and communicated. Following Christmas, Walensky convened an emergency meeting with 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 before leaving isolation. The new guidance would be announced the next day, and officials were instructed not to discuss it until then. The scientists were surprised and rushed to gather data to support the recommendations and revise the information on the agency's website related to quarantine and isolation. Normally, federal researchers thoroughly review data, draft recommendations, and make adjustments based on feedback before publishing new guidance. However, due to limited evidence for shortened isolation, primarily based on the delta variant, the accompanying "science brief" was reduced to a "rationale" document. Some researchers were upset about not being involved in the decision-making process and were angered by the agency's statement that the change was based on science. Although some thought the new five-day cutoff was arbitrary, they were aware of data suggesting that rapid tests may not detect all omicron infections, so they mostly agreed with Walensky's decision not to require a negative test before ending isolation. However, when Walensky announced the new recommendations at an emergency meeting on Dec 26, staff members were not prepared. In the following week, CDC scientists struggled to update numerous guidance documents on the agency's website. Approximately 2,000 health officials, public health lab directors, and researchers at the state and city levels participate in a weekly call with CDC officials. During the call on Dec 27, just before the CDC's statement was released, state and local officials had many questions for agency scientists about the isolation guidance for the general public. CDC staff members were quiet due to strict orders not to discuss the new recommendations. Scott Becker, CEO 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, as the agency's researchers typically work at a slower pace, while the pandemic required immediate action. Frieden noted that some individuals at the CDC were not understanding the urgency of the situation. He mentioned that during his time in office, he often encountered CDC staff who were unaware of the potential impact of their recommendations and statements. Many experts believe that Walensky has unfairly been blamed for the challenges faced during the ongoing pandemic, as leading the CDC is difficult even in normal circumstances. Taking over during a pandemic, in a politically charged environment, and at a time when the agency's credibility and staff morale were low has made her job even more challenging. Additionally, the fact that agency researchers are still working remotely is seen as a significant obstacle to overcome. Besser expressed concerns about the future of the CDC. Besser expressed his concerns about the public's trust in public health, stating that it is unfair to blame Dr. Walensky for this issue. 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. This move was seen as a positive step towards rebuilding trust in the CDC and ensuring that public health considerations are separate from political considerations. "Through receiving briefings from the CDC, she will have the opportunity to highlight the expertise of CDC scientists and experts. The ongoing conflict within the CDC predates the pandemic and the leadership of Walensky. Tensions between the CDC and the National Institutes of Health, led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, have existed during previous public health crises. In a recent incident, Fauci and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy made public statements about the CDC revisiting its isolation recommendations, causing irritation among 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 intervene to resolve the situation. Becerra recently defended Walensky in a CNN interview, highlighting her medical and public health qualifications." She lacks a marketing degree.

A UN summit is currently discussing a proposal to limit global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius, supported by a new fund of $100 billion annually to assist developing countries. The draft text, put together on Friday morning just before world leaders gathered, emphasizes the need for significant reductions in global emissions. The text also highlights the importance of commitments from wealthy nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The latest draft has not changed much from the previous version created overnight. It stresses the scientific consensus that global temperatures should not rise more than 2 degrees and calls for immediate and enhanced national actions with strengthened international cooperation. Numerous major economies have already committed to a target of capping warming at 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which is considered a critical threshold to prevent "dangerous" consequences like increased floods, heatwaves, droughts, and sea level rise. The parties have expressed their support for the aim of raising $100 billion collectively by 2020 to address the climate change needs of developing countries, with funding coming from various sources. This statement is similar to remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Copenhagen meeting. Additionally, the text specifies a goal of providing $10 billion per year in immediate assistance to developing nations from 2010-2012, with the funding increasing towards the $100 billion target by 2020. The text stated that developing nations would agree to some monitoring of their promised emissions reductions, which would involve 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 complete legal texts of one or more new climate treaties would need to be concluded by the end of 2010. The text clarified that it would not have legal binding power. It also mentioned that nations would continue discussions with the goal of adopting one or more legal instruments as soon as possible, and no later than COP 16, the next UN meeting scheduled for November 2010 in Mexico. Numerous developing countries are seeking two agreements - an extension of the Kyoto Protocol that requires wealthy nations to reduce emissions until 2012, and a new pact outlining commitments by poorer nations. Developed countries, on the other hand, prefer a consolidated treaty. The proposed agreement was tentatively named the "Copenhagen X," although there was disagreement over its title. Some critics, such as one environmental activist, argued that the agreement was too weak and labeled it the "Copenhagen catastrophe."

An agreement in Copenhagen next month on a new pact to combat climate change is expected to attract long-term investors to companies that are better equipped to handle a potential increase in the cost of carbon emissions. A strong political deal with emission reduction targets at the upcoming summit could prompt investors like pension funds and sovereign wealth funds to adjust their portfolios to reflect the long-term risks associated with climate change, according to asset managers. This could lead to increased growth for companies that are energy self-sufficient or involved in alternative energy sources like wind or solar, while putting pressure on industries with high emissions such as utilities, aluminum, or automobile manufacturers. A more concrete agreement, such as a legally binding target for emission reduction, may encourage funds to adjust their asset allocation now to protect their portfolios from the impact of rising emission costs. In essence, 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 regulate and incorporate the cost of carbon, there will be widespread impacts on products and services as people will be required to pay for carbon. This will particularly affect big energy producers, utilities, and industrials. Impax manages 50 million pounds in global equities for the UK Environmental Agency's Active Pension Fund. The strength of a potential deal in Copenhagen remains uncertain. During a preparatory UN meeting in Barcelona, developed nations tempered hopes for reaching an agreement on a legally binding text, suggesting it may take an extra 6-12 months. Developing countries are wary of rich nations reneging on commitments to combat climate change and are pushing for a legally binding deal in December. Despite politicians lowering expectations, there is still a significant 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 could potentially face higher carbon costs, equivalent to almost a third of their operating profits in the coming years. Webber also pointed out Warren Buffett's $26 billion deal to acquire railway firm Burlington Northern Santa Fe in November as evidence of the long-term viability of railroads. He predicts that an aggressive deal will lead to increased growth rates in nuclear power and solar industries, as well as a major shift from combustion engine cars to electric vehicles. Malcolm Gray, a portfolio manager at Investec Asset Management, stated that meeting challenging initial targets is unavoidable. He mentioned that industries like sugar, which are energy self-sufficient, are better equipped to handle emission reductions and will attract investments. However, utilities in the traditional thermal sector and non-diversified aluminium producers will be at risk. The increased cost of production due to high carbon prices will result in higher prices for goods, impacting consumers with limited disposable income and high-volume low-margin retail businesses negatively. Gray highlighted that the world is currently experiencing more embedded inflation than is commonly understood. He mentioned that there is a possibility of experiencing a more aggressive inflation cycle globally compared to the current deflationary trend. The outcome of the Copenhagen talks could help investors mitigate portfolio risks by predicting the increase in carbon emissions costs, and investing in industries that benefit from alternative energy. Sovereign funds are increasingly involved in environmental investing, while private sector involvement has been slow. Norway's $400 billion oil fund, a major owner of European stocks, is investing over $3 billion in firms working on environmental technologies and urging companies to take stronger action on climate change. "We believe it is beneficial to promote good corporate behavior, which aligns well with our long-term investment goals," stated Martin Skancke, the director general of Norway's Ministry of Finance Asset Management Department, in an interview with Reuters last month. Rabobank also emphasized the importance of considering the cost of carbon emissions as a risk factor in providing credit facilities, noting that addressing this risk will lead to both risk mitigation and new business opportunities over time. Ruud Nijs, head of corporate social responsibility at Rabobank, mentioned that if the costs of climate change were factored into taxation, their approach to assessing credit portfolios would need to be reevaluated. If any of our clients are now required to bear the cost of climate change, their risk exposure will undergo a significant transformation. The bank has allocated over 4 billion euros towards investments in renewable energy, with all recent investments in clean technology within the credit investment portfolio. It is the exclusive debt provider for the Belfuture solar project, valued in the hundreds of millions of euros. Additionally, the bank has provided project financing for senior debt and equity amounting to 620 million euros for the Belwind offshore wind farm project. "Copenhagen provides a more favorable environment for conducting business." Nijs stated that significant cleantech deals and investments in solar, wind, and biomass technologies will be generated as a result of the positive outcome. Additionally, the pipeline will see an increase.

Heckling has always been a challenge for Trudeau, but this time the criticism has become more severe. Despite his initial image as a fresh face and advocate of "sunny ways," after six years in office he is now seen as part of the political establishment with a record of mistakes for opponents to attack. Even if the Liberal Party maintains its control of Parliament, this tough election campaign has not been beneficial for him. Ben Chin, the prime minister's senior adviser, acknowledged that no politician could have maintained Trudeau's initial popularity after being in power for several years and accumulating baggage. During his time in office, Trudeau has faced criticism from opposition leaders for making decisions that not everyone agrees with, including the controversial snap election. His opponents have attacked him for various issues, such as a charity contract involving his family and breaking ethics laws. Despite Trudeau citing accomplishments, his opponents highlight unfulfilled promises. Anti-vax protesters, some supporting the far-right People's Party of Canada, have disrupted his events, leading to increased security measures. Safety concerns have led to the shutdown of rallies and incidents of violence, such as being pelted with gravel. A member of the People's Party was charged with assault using a weapon in a local incident. Since 2015, Trudeau has accomplished various feats such as implementing carbon pricing, legalizing cannabis, addressing Indigenous issues, and banning military-style rifles. Additionally, a new plan is in place to offer daycare for $10 per day per child. Despite a decrease in popularity, Trudeau still holds significant influence. 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 admiration for Trudeau by saying, "We love you, we love you." However, as Election Day approaches, many Canadians are questioning why Trudeau is calling for a vote now, two years earlier than scheduled, as COVID-19 cases rise due to the delta variant, straining hospitals and leading to renewed pandemic restrictions in some provinces or delays in lifting them in others. Criticism has also been directed at the timing of the vote, which coincided with the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban and the struggles of Canadian troops to evacuate citizens and Afghan allies. Gerald Butts, a close friend of Trudeau's and former top political adviser, noted that the campaign has been facing challenges in addressing this issue. Trudeau has acknowledged that the difficulty in effectively communicating their message is one reason they are struggling. He has expressed the need to secure a majority in the House of Commons in order to address the ongoing pandemic and subsequent recovery, without explicitly stating "majority." The Liberal Party's strategy was to capitalize on Canadians' positive perceptions of Trudeau's handling of pandemic issues, such as income support and vaccine procurement, by calling for an election while these views were still favorable. Trudeau emphasized the party's experience, team, and plan to continue delivering results for Canadians at a campaign rally in Surrey. Throughout the 36-day campaign, the Liberals have been neck and neck with the Conservative Party, each holding around 30% of the popular vote, while the New Democrats trail behind at about 20%. Political scientist Kimberly Speers suggests that Trudeau's personal popularity and fame may be working against him in the election. She stated that the NDP and Conservatives have been emphasizing that Trudeau's actions are a power grab and are centered around him, and this message has resonated with voters. Some scandals during Trudeau's time in office have also helped the opposition, such as his veterans affairs minister resigning due to allegations of improper pressure, Trudeau's past instances of wearing blackface or brownface, and a charity connected to his family being awarded a no-bid contract for a COVID-19 financial assistance plan for students. The group pulled out, 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 program, reforming Canada's electoral system, reducing debt in relation to the economy, and addressing issues of 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 fulfilled approximately 45% of his promises, with another 27% being partially completed. Singh has been emphasizing Trudeau's pledge to provide clean drinking water to all Indigenous communities, noting that there were 105 boil-water advisories in effect in First Nations communities when Trudeau first came into office, with more being added later. The government has provided clean water to 109 communities, but there are still 52 boil-water orders in place. Singh suggested that while Mr. Trudeau may care, his actions often lack real substance. O’Toole, on the other hand, has tried to characterize the election as a move for personal gain, describing Trudeau as privileged and self-serving. "He prioritized his own interests when he decided to call for this costly and unnecessary election during a pandemic." Security has been increased at Trudeau's campaign events after disruptions by protesters against COVID-19 vaccination rules. At a rally in Surrey, Trudeau gave an enthusiastic speech to an invited crowd, with no public announcement to control the size due to pandemic restrictions. Police snipers monitored the event from the hall's roof. Trudeau was asked if the unruly protests were inspired by US politics after a rally in Ontario was canceled. His response was indirect, suggesting that everyone should consider whether they want to follow a path of anger, division, and intolerance. He mentioned never seeing such intensity of anger in Canada before. While it is difficult to predict exact seat numbers in the next House of Commons from wider poll results, current polling indicates that Trudeau may have alienated many Canadians with an early election call and faced abuse during campaigning for no political benefit. The Liberals are expected to maintain power but may not achieve the majority they were hoping for, according to Butts. If this scenario unfolds, 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. They argue that industrialized nations bear the most responsibility for the rapid climate change that harms these countries.

The gathering in downtown Omaha, Nebraska marked Berkshire's first shareholder meeting since 2019, prior to the impact of COVID-19. Shareholders had the opportunity to ask questions directly to Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Greg Abel, and Ajit Jain for five hours. In a significant move, Berkshire increased its investments in Chevron Corp and Activision Blizzard Inc 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. Warren Buffett expressed satisfaction at being able to speak to shareholders in person, as the previous two meetings had been 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 disappointment in 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 noted that sometimes markets present unexpected opportunities for Berkshire to make investments. "It's not due to our intelligence.... I believe we are rational." Berkshire invested $51 billion in stocks during the quarter, causing its cash reserves to decrease by over $40 billion to $106 billion. However, the company has various sources of generating cash, such as its insurance business, and Buffett guaranteed that reserves will not be depleted. "We will consistently maintain a significant amount of cash," he stated. "It's similar to oxygen, always present but if it suddenly disappears, it's game over." During a discussion on the potential for the Ukraine conflict to escalate into nuclear war, Buffett and Jain struggled to provide a clear answer. Jain, who has been praised by Buffett for many years, admitted to having difficulty estimating Berkshire's insurance risk. Buffett mentioned that the risk of a nuclear attack is very low, although the world came close during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Buffett described the world as constantly taking a chance with each passing day. Berkshire Hathaway does not have a solution to the issue mentioned. Buffett expressed his disapproval of stock markets being compared to gambling, stating that this comparison was particularly prevalent in recent years due to encouragement from Wall Street. Similarly, Munger, aged 98, shared his negative opinion of bitcoin, advising against investing retirement funds in it. Additionally, Munger 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 soda during the meeting. Abel defended Berkshire's BNSF railroad, stating that there is room for improvement in operations and customer service to compete with Union Pacific Corp. Buffett reassured shareholders that Berkshire is built to last beyond his and Munger's leadership. Shareholders rejected proposals for more disclosure on diversity and climate risks, as well as replacing Buffett as chairman with an independent chairman. Buffett has led Berkshire since 1965, and Mario Gabelli, a significant investor in Berkshire, opposed ending his chairmanship. "It is not considered inappropriate for companies to consider splitting the roles of chair and CEO," he stated. "However, in the case of Berkshire Hathaway, it doesn't seem necessary as the current CEO has been very successful for the past 50 years. While we support the concept in general, it is not needed in this particular situation." Prior to the 7 am opening of the doors, a large crowd gathered outside the downtown arena where the meeting was held. Despite lower projected attendance compared to 2019, about 10% to 15% of seats in the typically full arena remained empty. Just like at other events sponsored by Berkshire this weekend, almost all of the attendees did not wear masks, but they were required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The meeting was webcast by CNBC.com. Tom Spain, founder of Henry Spain Investment Services in Market Harborough, England, arrived at 3:15 a.m. for his third meeting and brought a chair from Walmart to sit down. He mentioned that everyone has been using the chair and joked about bringing a large container of coffee to share next year. Lauritz Fenselau, a 23-year-old entrepreneur 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, also joined the meeting after only five hours of sleep, arriving at 4:45 a.m. He carried an umbrella to protect himself from the rain and expressed excitement about meeting 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 threshold for severe heat waves, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels. Various organizations, including Christian Aid, Oxfam, the International Trade Union Confederation, and WWF International, stated that the emission reduction goals of major developed countries do not meet their fair responsibilities. This report comes as almost 200 nations gather in Bonn, Germany for talks from Oct 19-23, leading up to a crucial summit in Paris in December to address climate change post-2020. Approximately 150 countries have already submitted their national plans for combating climate change, but there is currently no standardized method for comparing the ambition levels of each nation. The report released on Monday suggested that wealthy individuals should transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources and take on more responsibility due to benefiting from coal, oil, and natural gas use since the Industrial Revolution. The report estimated that the United States and the European Union had committed to about a fifth of their equitable share, Japan about a tenth, while emerging economies were exceeding or meeting their fair share. China was noted for doing more than its fair share by considering emissions since 1950, and Brazil was contributing significantly. Brandon Wu of ActionAid stated that rich countries are failing to bring necessary elements to the negotiation table, including emission reductions and financial contributions. Tasneem Essop of WWF International suggested that Paris should establish mechanisms for enhancing actions through regular science and equity reviews. China and the United States, top emitters, have both expressed ambitious plans, with China aiming to peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and the US seeking to reduce emissions by 26-28 percent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels. If current trends continue, temperatures are projected to increase by 3 degrees C or more above pre-industrial levels by 2100, exceeding the agreed maximum of 2C.

The world still has the resources and capability to combat climate change, and countries should not use the financial crisis as an excuse to postpone actions to address global warming, according to a leading expert on carbon. James Cameron, vice-chairman of Climate Change Capital in London, stated at a conference in Australia that recent efforts to mobilize trillions of dollars have shown the strength and magnitude of international cooperation in addressing a global crisis. He warned that governments may prioritize short-term issues over long-term climate change, but emphasized that the ability to collaborate across borders and mobilize capital quickly in times of crisis demonstrates the potential to support market systems while tackling environmental challenges. He suggested that if governments worked together 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. There are concerns that the financial crisis has already depleted public funds, making countries hesitant to make immediate commitments to address climate change that may impact their economies and jobs. However, Cameron, a prominent investor in clean-energy projects, argued that focusing solely on short-term costs is unwise. He emphasized that investing in solutions to address climate change, despite the economic challenges, is essential in the long run. 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 professional services firm PwC's sixth annual Low Carbon Economy Index report examined how major developed and emerging economies are progressing in reducing their carbon intensity, or emissions per unit of gross domestic product. Jonathan Grant from PwC noted that there is a widening gap between current achievements and necessary actions, with governments falling short of addressing the 2-degree goal and instead putting us on track for 3 degrees of warming. This discrepancy highlights a disconnect between government pledges and actual progress towards climate change mitigation. Nearly 200 countries have agreed at United Nations climate talks to limit the increase in global temperatures to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in order to mitigate the effects of climate change such as heat waves, floods, storms, and rising seas. Current temperatures have already risen by approximately 0.85 degrees Celsius. According to a study, in order to achieve this goal, carbon intensity will need to be reduced by 6.2 percent annually, a significant increase from the 1.2 percent reduction seen from 2012 to 2013. The study also indicates that reaching the 6.2 percent annual reduction target will require changes on a larger scale than recent shifts in energy production in some countries. France transitioned to nuclear power in the 1980s, resulting in a 4 percent decrease in emissions. In the 1990s, Britain's focus on gas led to a 3 percent reduction, while the United States experienced a 3.5 percent decrease due to the shale gas boom in 2012. PwC noted a positive development in emerging economies like China, India, and Mexico, which have been cutting their carbon intensity at a faster rate than industrialized countries. These nations, which are major manufacturing hubs, have emissions 1.5 times higher than developed economies. Australia saw the highest rate of decarbonization for the second consecutive year, with a 7.2 percent reduction in carbon intensity in 2013. Despite being a major coal producer with high emissions per capita, Australia's efforts to reduce emissions have slowed since the government repealed a tax on emissions in July. Britain, Italy, and China all saw a decarbonisation rate of 4-5 percent, whereas five countries - France, the United States, India, Germany, and Brazil - experienced an increase in their carbon intensity.

At the UN climate conference in Copenhagen, world leaders have been addressing the attendees as the event approaches its conclusion. The Danish hosts of the summit have tried to manage expectations by downplaying the likelihood of a comprehensive agreement, but some leaders remain hopeful. French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that people are in favor of maintaining the Kyoto protocol, suggesting that it should be retained. 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. A breakdown in Copenhagen would be disastrous for all of us. We need to accelerate our efforts in this conference or we will be facing a disaster. We have less than 24 hours left. If we continue in this manner, it will result in failure. Our goal here is not to simply hold a conference on global warming, but to actually make decisions. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown emphasized the importance of taking action in Copenhagen, as the decisions made there will have long-lasting effects. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concern about the lack of transparency from China, which is the second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. There needs to be a readiness to embrace transparency in any chosen platform. Without a dedication to pursuing transparency, it is a dealbreaker for us. Israeli President Shimon Peres urges neighboring countries, even those without existing diplomatic relations, to come together to protect the region. Political differences should not impede environmental collaboration, as carbon molecules do not have a nationality. Rivers do not need a visa to cross borders, but they can carry pollution with them. People of different religions, including Jews, Muslims, and Christians, hope that the Jordan River remains clean and sacred. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad believes in the importance of taking care of the environment, following the example set in the Bible of Adam tending to the Garden of Eden. Ahmadinejad has strong opinions on what is causing environmental destruction and has proposed solutions to combat this issue. I am hopeful that those who are causing the most harm to the environment will agree to international commitments and help us establish a fair framework by reducing destruction and supporting programs to mitigate its consequences. It is crucial for all countries to have access to new technologies in order to diversify their energy sources and utilize clean and renewable energy options like wind, solar, sea tide, geothermal, and nuclear power. According to Chinese Climate Change Ambassador Yu Qingtai, the success of Copenhagen is vital and China is not interested in participating in the blame game. Instead, he believes that some countries are trying to shift blame onto others to cover up their obstructive and unconstructive behavior during the negotiations. INDIAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER JAIRAM RAMESH believes that the main obstacle to progress is some parties' desire to unilaterally abandon agreements, which has led to a lack of trust and a blame game. MICRONESIA PRESIDENT EMANUEL MORI appeals for assistance in saving his people and other small island nations, in order to protect the planet for future generations. JAPANESE ENVIRONMENT MINISTER SAKIHITO OZAWA questions whether developing nations will accept an agreement without the participation of the US, China, and other countries. Currently, the main issue lies within these nations. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has noticed various slogans in the streets, one of which stated "don't change the climate, change the system." He believes that we should adopt this mindset and focus on transforming the system rather than altering the climate. As a result, we will start protecting 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 to be true. If the climate were a large capitalist bank, the wealthy governments would have already taken action to save it. - Marcus Stephen, President of Nuaru (South Pacific). Nuaru is a small island nation, covering just 21 sq km (8 sq miles). We are faced with the dilemma of how much of our island we should be willing to sacrifice, as we are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and have no other options due to rising sea levels. Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou urges us to stop playing the blame game and emphasizes that we must not disappoint the world or our children. We are present and accountable for the future of our world. Our voices need to turn this dream into a tangible reality. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expresses concern about prioritizing style over substance and inaction over action. He emphasizes the importance of collective action to ensure sustainable development as the planet's capacity is at risk. I am concerned that at this conference, we are on the brink of failing all the children of the world. Each person here will be held accountable for their actions or inaction. South African President Jacob Zuma believes that the decisions we make are crucial for the survival of the global population. We must work together and make serious choices as we are facing a threat to humanity's existence. The most important thing is to prioritize taking action, rather than focusing on personal gain while others suffer. South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as the decisions made today will impact not only us but also future generations. To truly make a difference, we must work together and take action collectively, rather than waiting for others to take the first step. UGANDAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER MARIA MUTAGAMBA expressed concern about the inability to follow normal procedures and the sidelining of certain parties in the negotiation process. She remains hopeful for reaching an agreement. NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JENS STOLTENBERG emphasized the critical stage of the conference and called for all parties to take responsibility for reaching an agreement the following day. He stressed the importance of ambitious emissions targets and the principle of common but different responsibilities, with wealthier nations bearing the main responsibilities. All nations must make a contribution, and Norway is committed to taking responsibility. We aim to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020, and if a strong global climate agreement is reached, we will strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Prime Minister Edward Natapei of Vanuatu expresses concern for the recent devastation caused by a cyclone in Fiji, which has displaced thousands of people and caused extensive flooding. 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 clear schedule for implementing cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to combat dangerous global warming. The talks, involving 190 nations, are focused on starting discussions on a global agreement to address global warming. However, negotiations have stalled over emissions targets, with the United States, Japan, and Canada opposing specific numerical goals. Rajendra Pachauri, who recently accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of his UN panel, emphasized the importance of establishing a strong commitment to reducing emissions by 2020 and setting a clear timeline for determining the numbers. He suggested that reaching an agreement on a timetable could lead to the adoption of concrete targets for emissions reductions by wealthy nations, possibly within six months. Pachauri also noted the value of explicitly mentioning targets for emissions reductions by 2020. The UN panel this year attributed global warming to human activity and warned of increased heatwaves, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. The panel emphasized the need for strict mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, suggesting that specific reduction targets should be determined within the next six months. The Bali talks, taking place from Dec. 3-14, are focused on establishing guidelines for formal negotiations on a new agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which currently regulates greenhouse gas emissions for industrialized nations (excluding the US) until 2012. The EU is advocating for a non-binding target for industrialized economies to reduce emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. The United States, Japan, and Canada are against providing any figures as they believe it would be prejudging the outcome. Pachauri, the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, did not address the U.S. opposition directly but expressed hope that the negotiations would resolve all differences. He stated that he hopes the disagreement can be resolved and mentioned that discussing strict targets of 25 to 40 percent is a positive sign that they acknowledge the scientific evidence and the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Pachauri also warned of the serious impacts of climate change if action is not taken.

The 78-year-old pontiff delivered a message that America's power and wealth should be used to serve humanity, stating that the United States must not ignore "the stranger in our midst." Francis addressed the Republican-led Congress in Washington, emphasizing the importance of building a nation through positive relations with others and rejecting hostility. Born in Argentina to an Italian immigrant family, Francis spoke on issues important to liberals in the US while also highlighting conservative values and Catholic teachings on family. 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. The pope was later cheered by crowds in New York as he traveled to St. Patrick's Cathedral in his "popemobile." With the accompaniment of organ music and a choir, the pope was warmly received by a crowd of 3,000 in the cathedral for an evening prayer service. Following this, Francis is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday and hold an open-air Mass in Philadelphia on Sunday. His message on immigration was met with applause, primarily from Democrats but also from Republicans, during his historic address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress. The issue of illegal immigration has been a prominent topic in the race for the Republican nomination for the 2016 presidential election, with front-runner 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, discussing a problem that has caused the Republicans to lose support among Hispanic voters, stated that America should not be alarmed by the influx of immigrants from south of the border seeking a better life. He emphasized the importance of seeing immigrants as individuals with their own stories and responding to their needs with empathy and fairness. He spoke in a gentle tone with a strong accent, and was accompanied by House Speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden, both prominent Catholics in America. Boehner was visibly emotional during the speech, often shedding tears. The United States has struggled for a long time with the issue of illegal immigrants. Last year, Republicans in Congress blocked a bipartisan effort to change immigration laws that could have given illegal immigrants a chance to become US citizens. According to a Pew Research Center poll in May, 51 percent of 2,002 U.S. adults believe immigrants strengthen the country with their hard work and talents, while 41 percent see them as a burden because they take jobs, housing, and healthcare. It is uncertain whether the pope's speech will change people's opinions on immigration. "It doesn't impact my views," said Michael Tipsword, a student at George Washington University and a Catholic. Tipsword, a self-proclaimed conservative, stated that Francis' stance on immigration is more driven by humanitarian concerns rather than political motivations. Standing in front of the US Capitol, he listened to the pope's speech alongside thousands of others. Francis referenced American icons Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing the importance of unity in politics for the greater good. Presidential candidates on both sides of the spectrum interpreted the pope's words as aligning with their own beliefs. In his speech, Francis also touched on the issues of abortion and euthanasia, stressing the need to protect and defend human life at all stages of development. He quickly shifted his focus to advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, emphasizing the value of every life and the potential benefits of rehabilitating those convicted of crimes. He also condemned the global arms trade driven by money tainted with innocent blood, urging an end to the silence surrounding this issue. Additionally, Francis expressed his disapproval of same-sex marriage and highlighted the importance of supporting the poor by visiting a group of homeless individuals immediately after his speech at the US Capitol.

The World Bank stated that cities should have a larger role in fighting global warming compared to governments that are struggling to reach a UN climate agreement. According to Andrew Steer, the World Bank's special envoy for climate change, the top 10 cities in the world emit more greenhouse gases than Japan. He suggested that reforms, such as changes to carbon markets, could help cities become more environmentally friendly. A World Bank report highlighted that urban areas, which house over half of the world's population and produce two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions, could contribute to combating climate change by adopting greener transportation, clean energy, and improved waste recycling. Steer emphasized that cities are both the main cause and potential solution to climate change. The report stated that the world's largest 50 cities have significant economic influence, with a combined gross domestic product ranking second only to the United States and surpassing China. The report highlighted that cities like Tokyo and New York have economies larger than countries like Canada or Turkey. The UN climate talks, aiming to reach an agreement on measures to address global warming, face challenges due to the diverse opinions of the 194 countries involved. In 2008, over 1,000 US mayors committed to reducing greenhouse gases in line with the UN's Kyoto Protocol, despite the fact that the US government never ratified the accord. Many major cities around the world, like Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, and Buenos Aires, are located near bodies of water and therefore have a strong incentive to take action to reduce the risks of flooding and rising sea levels. The World Bank is in favor of restructuring the UN market mechanism that currently promotes investments in specific projects in developing countries, such as installing solar panels in Morocco or developing hydropower in Honduras, in order to allow for a more comprehensive, city-wide approach. This proposed reform of the UN's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) would enable city mayors to secure funding for a range of initiatives, from flood defenses to eco-friendly transportation, without needing approval for each individual project. The CDM currently allows companies to invest in environmentally friendly projects in developing nations and receive credits for reducing emissions in their home countries. Steer also mentioned that city residents' opinions on the best places to live were changing. In the past, areas with high industrial pollution, like the east side of London, were inhabited by the poor. However, in the future, low-lying areas prone to river floods or rising sea levels will be the new homes for the less fortunate.

The UN climate agency has called for a special summit to address climate change, but may consider 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 on global warming. Ban's envoys will explore the possibility of a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, which may not necessarily involve heads of state. "It might be on a different scale, like foreign affairs or energy ministers." Ban stated on March 1 that global warming was as serious a threat as war and called on the US to take the lead in addressing climate change. Despite pleas from UN environment agencies, Ban's spokeswoman said there were no immediate plans for a summit. De Boer clarified that the idea was not a change of heart but rather an exploration of a high-level meeting involving various sectors such as foreign affairs, energy, trade, economy, and transport. "It requires a more extensive effort and broader backing," he stated, regardless of whether leaders convene. International discussions on ramping up efforts to combat climate change, largely attributed to the burning of fossil fuels, have come to a standstill. Reports from the UN this year indicate that human activities are highly likely to be causing global warming, which could lead to increased hunger, droughts, floods, heatwaves, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. De Boer emphasizes the need for hastening discussions on expanding the UN Kyoto Protocol, which mandates emission reductions for 35 industrialized nations until 2012. The United States and Australia withdrew from the agreement in 2001, citing concerns about the cost of compliance. The Kyoto nations account for only around one-third of global carbon dioxide emissions, which is the main greenhouse gas. Among the top four emitters, only Russia is obligated to a Kyoto target. De Boer suggested that a new meeting could complement, rather than replicate, a Group of Eight summit in June where German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to prioritize climate change. The G8 summit will include leaders from China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, who combined represent the majority of global carbon dioxide emissions. De Boer mentioned that the G8 summit does not include certain groups like small island states, the poorest nations in sub-Saharan Africa, and Australia, which are all affected by rising sea levels. The next round of formal UN climate negotiations will take place in Bali, Indonesia in December, where environment ministers will meet.

Ugandan authorities have discovered an unexploded suicide vest and have detained six individuals suspected of planning the bombings that killed 76 soccer fans. The attacks, carried out by Somali al Shabaab Islamists with links to al Qaeda, targeted a restaurant and a rugby club in Uganda's capital during the World Cup final. A U.S. official stated that there are indications the group's claim of responsibility is credible, marking the first time al Shabaab has attacked outside of Somalia. President Obama described the timing of the explosions during the World Cup as "tragic and ironic." Obama stated that there are 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 assess the threat of further attacks and share intelligence for appropriate actions. Despite a warning received by Ugandan intelligence officials, the U.S. government claims to have had no prior knowledge of the attack. According to a source in Uganda, an informant from the Kisenyi suburb of Kampala reported on June 17 that there were plans for an attack during the World Cup by some Somalis. The official mentioned that more than 20 individuals, including Somalis and Ugandans, were involved in planning the attacks. Six people have been arrested so far. Al Shabaab has threatened more attacks unless Uganda and Burundi withdraw their peacekeepers from the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, where the militants are in conflict with the government and control significant portions of the country. Police stated that the suicide vest discovered at a third location on Monday was intended to be planted rather than worn. A man named Yonis, who claimed to be the 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 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, and noted that coordinated attacks are a common tactic 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 expanding their efforts for power beyond national borders. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano expressed concern about this new development, stating that there is a growing awareness of al Shabaab's increased reach. She emphasized the importance of enhancing preparedness, prevention, and interception measures to prevent any potential terrorist attacks. A U.S. official in Washington noted that al Shabaab, which has connections to al Qaeda in East Africa and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, has been under surveillance by the U.S. authorities. The official stated that the attack in Kampala was consistent with threats to expand targets, but did not directly address whether the group posed a specific threat to the United States. President 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 regardless of the consequences. The African Union confirmed that Uganda would still host a summit of African leaders and remain committed to peacekeeping efforts. IGAD declared 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, stated their desire for 20,000 troops from the AU and United Nations to be deployed in Somalia. Uganda's opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change, called on President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw his peacekeepers and indicated that they would do the same if they won the 2011 elections. The party spokesperson, Wafula Oguttu, expressed that there is no peace to maintain in Somalia and that Uganda has no strategic interests in the region. He criticized the sacrifice of Ugandan soldiers in Somalia as being without purpose. Some analysts believe that a sustained bombing campaign could harm Uganda's investment climate, but a single attack was unlikely to deter major companies like Tullow Oil from investing in the country. Foreign investment in the third largest economy in East Africa has increased significantly due to oil exploration along the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the casualties, one American was killed and five others were injured and taken to Johannesburg and Nairobi for treatment. The U.S. State Department reported that an FBI team is currently in Kampala.

Activists and left-wing leaders emphasized the importance of big polluting countries aggressively reducing greenhouse gases and considering input from smaller nations in order to combat global warming. They gathered in Bolivia's Cochabamba region as an alternative to the unsuccessful Copenhagen summit, which they felt excluded many countries and environmental groups. The activists argue that industrial powers undermined the Copenhagen summit by failing to commit to significant emissions cuts, and they are calling for a more ambitious target of a 50 percent reduction in emissions from leading industrial nations. Bolivian President Evo Morales urged developed countries to listen to the voices of the people and make decisions that benefit everyone at the upcoming climate change meeting in Mexico. Earlier at the summit, Morales sparked controversy by suggesting that consuming chicken fed 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, attended by approximately 20,000 environmentalists and representatives from 90 governments, targeted capitalism, genetically modified food, and global warming. Indigenous groups from around the world participated in the event in Tiquipaya, which featured various activities such as concerts, theater performances, a handicrafts market, and artists creating murals. Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, all part of a leftist coalition of Latin American countries, have strongly opposed the Copenhagen accord, arguing that climate change disproportionately impacts the Global South, despite being primarily caused by the Global North. Canadian author Naomi Klein stated that if the simple fact of justice and decency is acknowledged, it means that southern countries are no longer begging for aid. Klein, who is known for her activism against global warming, believes that the Cochabamba meeting could help establish an alliance among nations already experiencing the effects of climate change. She emphasized the importance of unity among developing countries and the need for a more empowered position. The meeting in Cochabamba resulted in the resolution to create an international tribunal to hold those responsible for global warming accountable. Additionally, it called for a global referendum on climate change and the establishment of a fund to assist nations in dealing with the effects of global warming. The resolutions made at the summit are not mandatory, but countries and social organizations that participated have promised to promote them leading up to 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 upcoming Cancun summit. She suggested that the Rio+20 Earth Summit on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 should be the focus, as she believes Cancun may not be able to address the issues adequately.

The EU executive has urged European Union states to fulfill their promises to increase aid to poor countries, cautioning that failing to meet U.N. goals would have dire consequences for developing nations and global stability. Despite progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, millions of children still die from preventable diseases each year, many lack access to clean water, millions of children are without primary education, and hundreds of millions of women are illiterate. The Commission emphasized the importance of achieving the Millennium Development Goals, calling for increased political and public support in order to meet the targets by 2015. EU states were urged to honor commitments to increase development aid to 0.56 percent of GNI by 2010 and 0.7 percent by 2015, as this is crucial in addressing issues such as migration, security, and climate change. It urged all 27 EU states to create financial plans demonstrating yearly increases to achieve the goals. Despite being the largest aid donor globally, the EU provided over 46 billion euros in 2007, which was a decrease of about 1.7 billion euros from the previous year. This reduction in funds could have funded 4,500 schools or 1,200 hospitals. Aid and development Commissioner Louis Michel criticized this as a "serious failure". The Commission highlighted the need for more effective aid by preventing redundant efforts, assisting developing countries in utilizing biofuels to combat poverty, and taking measures to reduce brain drain, especially in health, education, and research sectors. The Commission stated that essential aid effectiveness principles are still not being followed and announced plans to propose improvements on a country-by-country basis. The text called for 2 billion euros ($3.15 billion) to be allocated by 2010 to the Aid for Trade programme, which aims to help poorer countries take advantage of export opportunities, with a special focus on African, Caribbean, and Pacific states. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the need for action in 2008, stating that delivering on promises is essential for credibility. A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development revealed a decrease in development aid from major donors last year, mainly due to the conclusion 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, ensuring primary education for all children, and enhancing health standards. Aid levels in the EU were slightly below the target of 0.39 percent of GNI in 2006 but were met in that year. The European Commission reports that Official Development Assistance was 93 euros per EU citizen, higher than the amounts in the United States (53 euros) and Japan (44 euros) per person.

However, some Oscar voters are expressing concerns about whether there are enough great films to choose from this year. Despite this, the selection of Oscar contenders is diverse, ranging from big-studio blockbusters to intimate international dramas. If voters feel there are not enough options to fill out their ballots, it may be because they have not explored all the available choices. While some front-runners have emerged, there are still many exciting films that could make it into this year’s lineup. Six movies are currently seen as having the best chances for a best-picture nomination, with additional films also deserving consideration. One film in particular, "West Side Story," directed by Steven Spielberg, has generated speculation about its potential to win best picture at the Oscars, much like the original 1961 version did. After receiving standing ovations this week, the film "West Side Story" has been placed in the top position by me. Spielberg's clever reinterpretation of the original material combines classic grandeur with modern concerns, making the movie a favorite among Oscar voters. Following last year's smaller Academy Awards, a large-scale Steven Spielberg musical premiering exclusively in theaters is just the type of project that the film industry — and the Oscars themselves — will likely support. On the other hand, "Belfast" is a movie that exudes modesty: it is only 97 minutes long, it never tries too hard, and it concludes at the perfect moment. However, could this same modesty prevent it from achieving the top spot at the Oscars? Kenneth Branagh's film "Belfast" has been well received by many in the academy, but "West Side Story" is noted for its grandeur. While "Belfast" has earned a respectable $5 million at the box office, it has not yet attracted the older art-house crowd needed for sleeper hit status. Meanwhile, Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" has generated buzz for the performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, with potential for Oscars. Campion, who made history in 1994 as the second woman nominated for best director, may have a better chance at winning in that category than for best picture. The movie 'King Richard' tells the story of Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena, and is expected to be a strong contender for best actor at this year's Oscars with Will Smith in the lead role. The success of best actor winners in recent years has been linked to films also nominated for best picture. However, the film received negative attention for its weak opening weekend at the box office. In contrast, the trailer for 'Being the Ricardos,' directed by Aaron Sorkin, created controversy by downplaying Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Lucille Ball as potentially disastrous. However, once the film started screening for enthusiastic guild audiences, Kidman's unexpected transformation into a smoky-throated character brought her closer to a potential second Oscar. With a talented supporting cast that includes Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, as well as J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda, "Being the Ricardos" (set to open later this month) is poised to make a strong showing during awards season. Adam McKay's latest satire, "Don't Look Up" (also set to release later this month), has garnered attention from the Academy due to the success of his previous issue-based comedies like "The Big Short" and "Vice." This star-studded ensemble comedy, featuring Oscar favorites like Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mark Rylance, and Jonah Hill, centers around a comet threatening the end of the world, serving as a metaphor for the climate crisis with added resonance during the current worldwide pandemic. In a crowded field of period-piece contenders, "Don't Look Up" stands out with its bleak vision of a future in crisis, making it a timely and impactful film. These are six films to keep an eye on during awards season. So, which other films are still in the running for the last four spots in contention? It is important to have a strong best-actor candidate leading your movie. Anticipate 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. Additionally, Joaquin Phoenix's "C'mon C'mon" should not be overlooked, despite being a tender drama about child-raising. It is hoped that when voters choose their best-actress selections, they will recognize that some exceptional films of the year are competing in that category and deserve consideration for a best-picture nomination as well. The group of potential Oscar contenders includes "Licorice Pizza" by Paul Thomas Anderson, featuring musician Alana Haim in her acting debut, and "Parallel Mothers" by Pedro Almodóvar, which earned Penélope Cruz the Volpi Cup for best actress at the Venice Film Festival. Renate Reinsve won best actress at Cannes for "The Worst Person in the World," a romantic dramedy deserving of more awards attention. "The Lost Daughter" by Maggie Gyllenhaal, won big at the Gotham Awards, including a trophy for Olivia Colman's lead performance. Kristen Stewart is a strong contender for an Oscar for her role as Princess Diana in "Spencer," but the film's chances for a best picture nomination remain uncertain. The academy's recent efforts to diversify its voting base could benefit Asghar Farhadi, whose new film "A Hero" may earn a best picture nomination. Paolo Sorrentino's "The Hand of God" is another potential contender for best director. I am interested in the movie "CODA," which follows the story of a hearing daughter in a deaf family. Despite a successful Sundance sale at the beginning of 2021, the film did not receive much attention when it premiered on Apple TV+ in the summer. However, winning two awards at the Gotham Awards may help boost its popularity. On the other hand, the science fiction film "Dune" is expected to be a strong contender in technical categories. Despite "West Side Story" potentially relieving the pressure to nominate "Dune" for best picture, the film is still a strong contender due to its high quality and the director Denis Villeneuve's efforts to fight against corporate decisions. Let's be honest: The best-picture montage for this year will be more visually appealing with the inclusion of huge sandworms.