News
End of deforestation: World leaders make big 2030 promise
Over 100 world leaders are set to commit to end and reverse deforestation by 2030, in the COP26 climate summit’s first major deal
Brazil, where large parts of the Amazon rainforest have been cut down, will be among the signatories collected on Tuesday, supporting the end of deforestation.
The pledge includes almost $19.2bn USD of public and private funds.
Experts have welcomed the move but many have warned a previous deal in 2014 had “failed to slow deforestation at all” and commitments needed to be delivered on, as promised this time.
Felling trees contributes to climate change because it depletes forests that absorb vast amounts of CO2 emissions.
The two-week long UN summit held in Glasgow is seen as critical – as world leaders unite to reveal their respected nation’s plans to act on climate action.
Who exactly will commit to deforestation?
Among the 100 countries who say they will sign the pledge include Brazil, Canada, Russia and Indonesia – each in which cover around 85% of the world’s forests.
Parts of the provided funding will go to developing countries to restore damaged land, tackle wildfires and support indigenous communities.
Governments of 28 countries will also commit to remove deforestation from the global trade of food and other agricultural products such as palm oil, soya and cocoa.
These industries drive forest loss by cutting down trees to make space for animals to graze or crops to grow.
More than 30 of the world’s biggest companies will commit to end investment programmes linked to deforestation.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is hosting the global meeting in Glasgow, has labeled the commitment as a “landmark agreement to protect and restore the earth’s forests”.
Todays actions building on tomorrows future:
US President Joe Biden addressed the summit on Monday, stating that the United States will “lead by example” when it comes to implementing actions, targets and measures that address climate action.
The President called on world leaders to unite on the agenda, warning no country can escape what is to come if policymakers fail to seize the opportunity of making a change to global emissions.
“Right now, we’re still falling short. There’s no more time to hang back or sit on the fence or argue amongst ourselves,”
Biden said.
Underwhelming G-20 summit
Biden’s arrival in Scotland’s largest city comes shortly after leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies appeared to fall short of meaningful climate pledges in Rome, Italy, over the weekend.
Rome’s G20 summit resulted in countries agreeing to pursue “meaningful and effective” action to cap global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius – that’s a threshold that is seen as critically important to avoid disaster.
However, the group offered few concrete actions to target climate change, with no explicit commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
News
NSW Premier condemns anti-Semitic attack in Sydney
NSW Premier Chris Minns condemns anti-Semitic attacks in Woollahra, cars torched, properties vandalised; investigation underway.
News
Suspect fights extradition in UnitedHealth executive murder case
Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealth CEO, contests extradition to NY. Denied bail; linked to shooting with ghost gun.
A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, is fighting extradition to New York to face murder charges for the shooting of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson.
Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt and denied bail for the second time.
During a court appearance, he made a statement directed at reporters, though its meaning was unclear.
Legal experts believe Mangione’s fight against extradition could prolong the process, but success is unlikely.
Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or had assistance leading up to the shooting.
Mangione was recognized at a McDonald’s by an employee and was found with a firearm, clothing, and fake IDs matching the shooter’s description.
Weapon possession
He has been charged with gun and forgery offenses in Pennsylvania, in addition to murder and weapon possession charges in New York.
Investigators are still determining the motive behind Thompson’s targeted killing. It was revealed that Mangione had chronic back pain and previously worked as a data engineer.
His family expressed shock and devastation over his arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family.
Thompson, a father of two, had been the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit since 2021 and was in New York for a company event. The incident has heightened frustrations concerning healthcare access and insurance issues in the U.S.
News
Murdoch loses trust control bid for son Lachlan
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to alter family trust for Lachlan’s control denied by Nevada commissioner, citing bad faith.
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change the family trust to consolidate control under his son Lachlan has been rejected by a Nevada commissioner.
The ruling, made by Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr., stated that Murdoch and Lachlan acted in “bad faith” while trying to amend the irrevocable trust, which divides control equally among Murdoch’s four oldest children.
The 96-page opinion characterised the plan as a “carefully crafted charade” intended to secure Lachlan’s executive roles unconditionally.
Murdoch’s lawyer expressed disappointment and plans to appeal the ruling.
FILE PHOTO: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch poses for a photograph with his sons Lachlan and James in London.
Media empire
This dispute is critical as it affects the future control of Murdoch’s media empire, which includes Fox News and other major outlets.
While the intention was not to diminish financial stakes, the ruling reflects deep family tensions, especially given differing political views among the siblings.
The commissioner noted Lachlan initiated the proposed changes, created a plan dubbed “Project Family Harmony,” and labeled James as a “troublesome beneficiary.”
Despite Lachlan and Rupert’s efforts, the attempt to marginalise James was deemed insufficiently justified by the court.
Murdoch’s family trust, established in 2006, retains his control until his death, and includes provisions allowing amendments.
However, the commissioner found that Murdoch and Lachlan’s actions were not supporting their siblings’ best interests.
The ruling is not final and may be contested further in court.
-
Money5 days agoTrump appoints David Sacks as AI and crypto czar
-
Money5 days ago
Bitcoin exceeds $100,000 amid Trump’s regulatory promise
-
News5 days ago
Arson attack on Melbourne synagogue sparks antisemitism concerns
-
News4 days ago
Netanyahu blames Albanese government for synagogue attack
-
News3 days ago
Young men profit from risky crypto and political betting
-
Money3 days ago
Stocks on the way to achieve three consecutive years of gains
-
News3 days ago
Syrian rebels declare end of Assad’s authoritarian rule
-
Money2 days ago
Inflation report tests stock rally before Fed meeting
