🌎 section
Environment
Climate, energy and the living world.
- 1Island nations refuse to give up on climate fight●'We're Not Giving Up': Beset by Climate Change, Island Nations Act as Conscience of a Warming World
Small island nations, facing rising seas and intensifying storms driven by climate change, are pressing ahead with advocacy on the world stage despite their limited size and power. In an AP News report widely syndicated across US outlets, leaders of these countries describe their role as the conscience of a warming world, insisting they will not give up the fight for stronger global climate action.
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A wave of cooling is moving into Siberia, with forecasters warning that the last weekend of September will bring temperatures of up to +7°C and rain to Krasnoyarsk. The abrupt end to the mild weather is drawing attention as residents prepare for autumn's first real chill and discuss the sharp temperature drop.
- 3The truth behind Trump's 'biggest oil deal in world history'●The truth behind Donald Trump’s ‘biggest oil deal in world history’
Donald Trump has touted an oil deal with Venezuela as the biggest in world history, but reporting points to major obstacles. The arrangement faces legal challenges and logistical problems, with questions over whether it can actually be implemented. Observers are questioning the scale of the claims and the feasibility of the agreement between Washington and Caracas.
- 4Documentary follows teenager writing to jailed climate activists●Prison Letters: the teenager writing letters to jailed climate activists – documentary
A new Guardian documentary, 'Prison Letters', follows Max, a 14-year-old struggling with climate anxiety, as he writes letters to climate activists who have been imprisoned for direct action. The film traces his search for hope and his quest to understand the human stories behind protest movements and why so many climate demonstrators have served time in prison.
- 5Governments 'captured' by fossil fuel industry, critics say●"Too many governments in the world have been captured by the fossil fuel industry and the petrostates. Taxpayers around
Commenters are arguing that many governments have been captured by the fossil fuel industry and petrostates, pointing to taxpayer-funded fossil fuel subsidies they put at roughly $4.5 trillion per year. The claim, shared with a Scientific American article, has drawn agreement from users who say public money is effectively financing the burning of coal, oil and gas worldwide.
- 6Trump administration to announce fuel economy standards raising gas prices●Gas prices are too low for Trump. "The Department of Transportation says it’s ready to announce fuel economy standards t
The US Department of Transportation is preparing to announce new fuel economy standards that, according to critics, would raise gas prices by about 76 cents a gallon and increase fuel use by 45%. Commenters are framing the move as contradictory for an administration that has pushed for cheaper gasoline, arguing it comes at a time when energy prices are already elevated.
- 7Indonesian haze threatens Singapore Formula One Grand Prix●Forest fires in Indonesia are sending smoke and haze toward Singapore as the city prepares for its Formula One Grand Pri
Forest fires in Indonesia are sending smoke and haze toward Singapore just as the city prepares to host its Formula One Grand Prix. Race organisers are drawing up contingency plans in case air quality deteriorates further, with the regional haze posing a threat to one of the country's biggest sporting events, according to Al Jazeera reporting from the region.
- 8PUB warns public to avoid flash flood risk areas in Singapore●PUB urges public to avoid several areas in Singapore due to flash flood risks
Singapore's national water agency PUB has urged the public to avoid several areas in the city-state due to flash flood risks. The advisory follows heavy rainfall affecting parts of the island, with the agency warning people to stay clear of flood-prone locations for their safety. Updates on affected areas are being circulated widely as residents check conditions during the wet weather.
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A powerful nor'easter is battering the US East Coast, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to communities from the mid-Atlantic through New England. Residents are reporting power outages, travel disruptions and flooded streets as the storm intensifies, with many sharing updates and warnings about worsening conditions along the shoreline.
- 10Researchers urge 2034 Olympics to fix Utah's air quality●Researchers press 2034 Olympics to transform Utah's air quality
Researchers are calling on organisers of the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, to use the Games as a catalyst for improving the region's air quality. Utah's valleys regularly suffer from pollution-trapping inversions, and scientists argue the Olympic spotlight should be leveraged to push for lasting clean-air policies rather than short-term measures.
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Roland Garros Airport on the French island of Réunion is drawing attention for staying cool without air conditioning, relying instead on natural ventilation designed into its terminal architecture. Engineers and sustainability commentators are highlighting the project as proof that large public buildings in tropical climates can cut energy use significantly, sparking wider debate about passive cooling in airport design.