World News in Brief: Dignity and justice key to end evil of racial discrimination, methane emissions update, Mpox latest, peacebuilding boost

adminMarch 20, 2024September 19, 2024010 mins

The international day on Thursday highlights that theme, as well as the importance of recognition, justice and development opportunities for those of African descent, said Secretary-General António Guterres. He said the results of entrenched racism continue to be devasting: “opportunities stolen; dignity denied; rights violated; lives taken and lives destroyed.” The African diaspora faces a…

Reducing carbon emissions could reduce birth defects in children, research

adminMarch 14, 2024September 19, 202403 mins

New York: A new study conducted in the United States has shown that a 25 percent reduction in carbon emissions could reduce birth defects, autism diagnoses and annual child deaths in 60,000 children. In a study, researchers at Columbia University simulated the scenario of air pollution changes from 2022 to 2032, trying to find out…

COP28 in Dubai enters final week, negotiations ramp up on emissions cuts, fossil fuels

adminDecember 7, 2023September 17, 202404 mins

On Wednesday, UN climate chief Simon Stiell told a press conference that the text is “a grab bag of wish lists and heavy on posturing.” He added: “All governments must give their negotiators clear marching orders. We need highest ambition, not point scoring or lowest common denominator politics.” UN chief António Guterres has said the…

COP28: Over 60 countries pledge to slash cooling emissions amid rising temperatures

adminDecember 5, 2023September 17, 202404 mins

Over 60 countries signed up to a so called ‘cooling pledge’ with commitments to reduce the climate impact of the cooling sector, that could also provide “universal access to life-saving cooling, take the pressure off energy grids and save trillions of dollars by 2050.” The cost of keeping cool The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates…

‘No end in sight’ to rising greenhouse gas emissions: World Meteorological Organization

adminNovember 15, 2023September 17, 202404 mins

The Greenhouse Gas Bulletin comes ahead of the UN climate change conference COP28 which opens in Dubai in two weeks. Fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – account for most greenhouse gas emissions, which trap the sun’s heat, leading to global warming and climate change. Last year, global averaged concentrations of the most important greenhouse gas – carbon dioxide…

Building Paris every week: Urgent need to cut emissions in construction sector

adminSeptember 12, 2023September 16, 202405 mins

With a new area the size of Paris under development around the globe every week, the construction industry contributes heavily to climate change. However, the sector has received only a fraction of environmentalists’ attention and of the funds allocated to combat emissions compared with other industries. Until now, most of the focus has been made on…