Brazil appoints business leader Dan Ioschpe as COP30 climate champion
Brazil has named automotive industry executive Dan Ioschpe as its official “climate champion” for the COP30 summit, to be held in Belém this November.
A bridge collapse in northeastern Brazil on December 22 has left residents stranded, forcing them to cross the Tocantins River by boat, while rescue efforts continue for the missing. The disaster has disrupted transport and raised environmental concerns.
A major bridge collapse in northeastern Brazil has left residents of Estreito and Aguiarnopolis stranded, forcing them to rely on boats to cross the Tocantins River. The central span of the 533-meter bridge, which connects Maranhao and Tocantins states, collapsed on Sunday, December 22, as vehicles were crossing, resulting in at least four fatalities and more than 10 people still missing. Rescue operations are underway, with divers ready to search for the victims' bodies once the area is deemed safe.
Locals expressed concerns about the disruption to daily life, as the bridge was a vital link for transporting essential goods, including food, and for workers commuting between the two cities. "It was hard for people to transit. Due to the lack of food, I’ve been crossing goods I bought to distribute with people and their towns. Things have been hard,” said Matheus, a local boat owner and driver.
Taxi services have also been severely affected. "There was a large flow of vehicles before the collapse. Sadly, it collapsed and now there’s none (no clients hiring my taxi services). Things will definitely be more expensive. For now, we only have transport by boat,” said Marcelo, a local taxi driver.
In addition to the rescue efforts, authorities are concerned about potential water contamination after trucks carrying hazardous materials such as sulfuric acid and agricultural pesticides fell into the river during the collapse. Efforts to locate the bodies of victims continue, while officials prioritize public health and safety in the aftermath of the disaster.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Seven migrants, including a child, died when their boat sank off Lesbos. 23 survivors were rescued, but the search continues. Greece remains a crucial entry point for migrants, underscoring the perilous sea journey many undertake in search of safety and a new life.
The Hungarian government has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a significant shift in the country's international stance.
Belgium has warned that newly announced U.S. import tariffs could weaken its economic growth, even as Washington presses allies to ramp up defence spending.
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