China, India, other big coal users missing from COP26 phase-out deal
GLASGOW — Indonesia, Poland, Vietnam and other nations pledged on Thursday to phase out use of coal-fired power and stop building plants, but their...
US Republicans want billions for Taiwan military aid to counter China
WASHINGTON — US Republican lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday seeking to provide $2 billion per year and other assistance to bolster Taiwan’s defenses as...
New funding for developing nations’ coal exit needs better planning for workers
GLASGOW/TORONTO — South Asian nations need to create more effective plans to be able to utilize new funding to help developing countries speed up...
Britain approves Merck’s COVID-19 pill in world first
Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve a potentially game-changing COVID-19 antiviral pill jointly developed by US-based Merck &...
Pentagon increases its estimate of Chinese nuclear warheads
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Wednesday sharply increased its estimate of China’s projected nuclear weapons arsenal over the coming years, saying Beijing could have 700 warheads by 2027 and possibly 1,000 by 2030.
‘You are not alone’: EU Parliament makes 1st official visit to Taiwan
TAIPEI — The European Parliament’s first official delegation to Taiwan said on Thursday the diplomatically isolated island is not alone and called for bolder actions to strengthen EU-Taiwan ties as Taipei faces rising pressure from Beijing.
WHO approves Indian-made COVID vaccine for emergency use
THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) granted emergency authorization to a COVID-19 vaccine co-developed by India’s medical-research agency and local manufacturer Bharat Biotech International Ltd., ending a months-long wait that added to controversy around the homegrown shot.
COP26 coal deals take aim at dirtiest fossil fuel
GLASGOW — Poland, Vietnam, Chile and other countries will pledge on Thursday to phase out coal-fueled power generation and stop building new plants, in a deal the COP26 summit’s British hosts said would commit 190 nations and organizations to quit the fuel.
Global carbon emissions rebound to near pre-pandemic levels
Carbon emissions have rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels, according to a study released on Thursday, with coal and natural gas emissions surging in the power and industry sectors even as transportation emissions remain low.
Asia tourism reopens with big-spending Chinese stuck at home
Asia’s gradual easing of international travel curbs is proving a welcome relief for the region’s hard-hit tourism operators slowly opening up to visitors from around the world — with one giant exception.
Climate change extremes spur UN plan to fund weather forecasting
GLASGOW — As climate change triggers deadly heat waves, droughts and floods, three UN agencies on Wednesday rolled out funding plans to improve weather forecasting in vulnerable countries.
COP26 coalition worth $130 trillion vows to put climate at heart of finance
GLASGOW — Banks, insurers, and investors with $130 trillion at their disposal pledged on Wednesday to put combating climate change at the center of their...