Cheese, spirits, wine, cars and steel facing U.S. tariffs
European wine and dairy producers are facing growing uncertainty as new U.S. tariffs threaten to disrupt exports to one of their most lucrative market...
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urges negotiators in Cali, Colombia, to create an “ambitious, credible, and just” treaty to combat plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for urgent action and recognition of waste-pickers' vital role in recycling efforts.
In a compelling address delivered in Cali, Colombia, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for an “ambitious, credible, and just” treaty to tackle the escalating crisis of plastic pollution.
Speaking at an intergovernmental panel focused on developing a legally binding international instrument, Guterres underscored the importance of addressing the needs of communities worldwide, including the estimated 20 million waste-pickers who play a crucial role in managing plastic waste.
“We are choking on plastic,” Guterres stated, highlighting the alarming statistic that humanity produces over 460 million metric tons of plastic annually, with half of it designed for single-use. He warned that by 2050, the amount of plastic in the oceans could exceed the number of fish, calling this potential reality a grave threat to both human health and the environment.
The Secretary-General called on negotiators to finalize an agreement by the end of 2024, as reaffirmed by Member States in a recent commitment known as the Pact for the Future.
This gathering in Colombia follows a series of multilateral discussions initiated after the UN Environment Assembly’s landmark decision in 2022 to seek global solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. A fifth and potentially final meeting is scheduled for Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1.
“There is a pressing need for action,” he insisted, noting that people worldwide are demanding effective solutions to the crisis. He framed the ongoing negotiations as an opportunity to showcase that multilateralism, despite its challenges, can yield positive outcomes for people and the planet.
Recognizing the crucial role of waste-pickers in managing plastic waste, Guterres highlighted their contribution to collecting approximately 60% of all plastic designated for recycling globally.
The call for a just global treaty reflects the need to consider the needs of waste-pickers and others reliant on plastic collection for their livelihoods. The landmark UN Environment Assembly resolution UNEA-5/14 acknowledges their significant contributions to collecting, sorting, and recycling plastics in numerous countries.
As countries gather in Colombia to devise a plan to combat plastic pollution, the world watches closely, hoping for meaningful and transformative agreements that prioritize both environmental sustainability and social equity.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was successfully held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, highlighting the region’s revival and the deepening economic cooperation among member states.
French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
EBRD stated that Ukraine urgently needs new generation capacity after Russian attacks severely damaged its power sector, creating a significant shortfall in electricity generation. In response, the bank announced the launch of the Ukraine Renewable Energy Risk Mitigation Mechanism.
Azerbaijan intends to bring ten wind and solar plants online by 2027 and channel about $2.7 billion into clean-energy projects, lifting renewables to one-third of its generating capacity and positioning the Caspian state as a new supplier of green electricity to Europe.
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s state-owned renewable energy company, and Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest energy firms, have signed two major agreements as part of their €15 billion (almost $17.6 bn) alliance to expand offshore wind and green hydrogen projects in the UK, Germany, and the United States.
A searing heat wave sweeping in from Western Europe has gripped Greece, prompting emergency measures as temperatures soar across the country.
At the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit on 4 July in Khankendi in Azerbaijan, expressed support to the bid by the Republic of Türkiye to host COP31 in 2026. Antalya has been proposed as host city for COP31.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment