Paris (AFP) Nov 11, 2023 Offering visas to citizens of islands sinking into rising seas caused by climate change could be a way for countries to score diplomatic points, Francois Gemenne, a specialist in environmental geopolitics told AFP. Gemenne, a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), was speaking after Australia announced it would offer refuge to the 11,000 residents of the Pacific … Continue reading Climate migration new diplomatic ‘bargaining chip’: expert

Nairobi (AFP) Nov 11, 2023 Hundreds of environmental campaigners marched in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Saturday demanding drastic curbs on plastic production, ahead of a meeting to negotiate a global plastics treaty. Representatives from more than 170 nations will meet in Nairobi from Monday to negotiate what concrete measures should be included in a binding worldwide treaty to end plastic pollution. Marchershttp://dlvr.it/SyjYvz Continue reading Hundreds of activists demand plastic action in Kenya

Reykjavik (AFP) Nov 11, 2023 An Icelandic town near the capital Reykjavik and home to some 4,000 people was evacuated overnight after hundreds of tremors caused fears of a volcanic eruption, authorities said Saturday. Iceland declared a state of emergency on Friday after a series of powerful earthquakes rocked the country’s southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, in what could be a precursor to a volcanic eruption near … Continue reading Icelandic town evacuated over volcano fears

Washington DC (UPI) Nov 7, 2023 G7 foreign ministers meeting in Japan issued a statement Wednesday calling for “humanitarian pauses” in Israel’s military offensive against Gaza to allow aid in, civilians to get out of harm’s way and the freeing of hostages. The communique stressed that urgent action was necessary to address what the leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign … Continue reading G7 foreign ministers call for ‘urgent’ humanitarian pause in Gaza

Avarua, Cook Islands (AFP) Nov 9, 2023 Australia’s prime minister insisted Thursday his country was “committed to climate action”, as Pacific Island leaders meeting in the Cook Islands accused their larger neighbour of foot-dragging. Anthony Albanese is under pressure at this week’s Pacific Islands Forum, where he will come face-to-face with leaders from some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Australia is onhttp://dlvr.it/SydkkW Continue reading Australia fends climate criticism at Pacific Islands summit

Washington (AFP) Nov 8, 2023 All three giant pandas in the Washington zoo began a one-way trip back to China on Wednesday, leaving only a few of the cuddly creatures in the United States at a time of tense diplomatic relations with Beijing. Now in their mid-20s, pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived at the Smithsonian National Zoo in 2000 and quickly became a … Continue reading Diplomatic snub? Washington’s pandas head home to China

Paris (ESA) Nov 09, 2023 ESA and the European Commission are joining forces to accelerate the use of Earth-observing satellites and the information they provide to address the pressing challenge of climate change. This landmark initiative signifies a firm commitment to advancing our understanding of Earth’s climate system and enhancing our ability to take timely and informed actions to mitigate and adapt to the imhttp://dlvr.it/SydkkP Continue reading ESA and European Commission to unite on climate action from space

San Francisco (AFP) Nov 8, 2023 Meta on Wednesday said that advertisers will soon have to disclose when artificial intelligence (AI) or other software is used to create or alter imagery or audio in political ads. The requirement will take effect globally at Facebook and Instagram at the start of next year, parent-company Meta said. “Advertisers who run ads about social issues, elections and politics … Continue reading Meta to require political ads reveal AI altered images

Sydney (AFP) Oct 23, 2023 Aboriginal Australian leaders ended their vow of silence on Monday to denounce millions of their compatriots for rejecting a landmark push for Indigenous rights, saying that the referendum result would be “etched into Australia’s history forever”. Simmering racial divisions were exposed earlier this month when just over 60 percent of Australians voted against a referendum to acknowledge Abohttp://dlvr.it/SxsW2R Continue reading Indigenous Australians denounce ‘shameful’ referendum result

Buras, United States (AFP) Oct 24, 2023 In southern Louisiana, where most things are surrounded by water, residents are being forced to buy bottled water to drink, bathe and even give to their pets. Salt water is creeping up the drought-hit Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico, and residents of the delta basin are feeling forgotten. “Our water started having a very funny taste” … Continue reading In Louisiana, salt water in the Mississippi… and faucets