In a groundbreaking decision, a London judge has ruled that BHP Group, the global mining giant, is legally responsible for Brazil’s most catastrophic environmental disaster. The tragedy occurred a decade ago when a tailings dam collapsed, releasing millions of tons of toxic waste into the Doce River, claiming 19 lives and causing widespread devastation to downstream communities. Justice Finola O’Farrell of the High Court determined that BHP’s negligence played a pivotal role in the disaster, despite the company not owning the dam at the time. BHP, an Anglo-Australian corporation, holds a 50% stake in Samarco, the Brazilian firm operating the iron ore mine where the dam ruptured on November 5, 2015. The collapse unleashed enough waste to fill 13,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, obliterating the village of Bento Rodrigues and severely impacting other towns. The disaster also decimated 14 tons of freshwater fish and inflicted irreversible damage to 600 kilometers of the Doce River, a sacred site for the Krenak Indigenous people. Victims of the catastrophe hailed the ruling as a historic victory. Mônica dos Santos of the Commission for Those Affected by the Fundão Dam expressed relief, stating, ‘We had to cross the Atlantic Ocean to finally see accountability.’ Gelvana Rodrigues, who lost her 7-year-old son in the disaster, vowed to continue fighting for justice. The judge’s 222-page decision emphasized that the collapse was foreseeable and preventable, criticizing BHP for prioritizing production over safety. The claimants are seeking £36 billion ($47 billion) in compensation, with a second trial phase to determine damages. The case was filed in the UK due to BHP’s London-based legal entity. The ruling comes shortly after Brazil’s federal government reached a $23 billion settlement with Samarco and Vale, BHP’s joint venture partner, to address the disaster’s human, environmental, and infrastructural impacts. BHP had argued that the UK lawsuit was redundant, as it overlapped with ongoing legal proceedings in Brazil.
作者： admin
-
Researchers reveal how global dust regulates carbon cycle, climate change
A groundbreaking study has revealed the pivotal role of global dust in regulating the Earth’s carbon cycle and influencing climate change. Conducted by a collaborative team from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), alongside British and Swedish researchers, the findings were published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment. The research analyzed 22 global dust records from sediment cores, uncovering that dust deposition in major ocean basins has increased significantly since the Cenozoic era, particularly during periods of Northern Hemisphere ice sheet expansion and aridification in regions like Asia, North America, and Africa. Each year, over 4 billion tonnes of dust are released from global land surfaces, carrying essential nutrients such as iron and phosphorus into the oceans through atmospheric circulation. This process fertilizes marine phytoplankton, enhancing ocean productivity and strengthening the ‘biological pump,’ which transfers substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the deep ocean. The study also highlighted varying fertilization effects based on dust origin, with Asian glacial dust showing a stronger impact in the North Pacific compared to North African dust. The research underscores the need for future studies to focus on the nutrient composition of global dust sources and integrate these insights into Earth system models to improve projections of global climate change.
-
China’s 3D-printed miniature turbojet engine completes flight test
China has marked a significant advancement in aerospace technology with the successful flight test of its first domestically developed, ultra-lightweight miniature turbojet engine, primarily manufactured using 3D printing. The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced the milestone on Thursday, revealing that the engine powered a target drone for a 30-minute flight, reaching an altitude of 6,000 meters and a speed of Mach 0.75. The engine demonstrated stable and reliable performance throughout the test. This achievement follows an earlier captive-carry flight test conducted in July 2025, further validating the engine’s capabilities in higher altitudes and complex environments. The engine, which falls within the 160-kilogram thrust class, utilizes multi-disciplinary topology optimization and 3D printing technologies to achieve its lightweight and high-performance design. Over 75% of the engine’s weight consists of 3D-printed rotating parts, significantly reducing the number of components, lowering weight, and simplifying maintenance. This breakthrough paves the way for future developments targeting higher altitudes and greater speeds, while also accelerating China’s progress in independent research and manufacturing of aviation propulsion systems.
-
Smaller, grander: Rocco Forte plans Middle East debut with 60-room hotel in Red Sea
Rocco Forte Hotels, the renowned luxury hospitality brand, is poised to make its Middle Eastern debut with a meticulously curated 60-room hotel in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region. Sir Rocco Forte, the brand’s CEO and chairman, revealed that the project is in advanced discussions and is expected to materialize within the next two to three years. This move marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The hotel will feature serviced villas and apartments, embodying the brand’s philosophy of delivering personalized luxury on a smaller scale. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which accounts for 8-10% of Rocco Forte’s clientele, is a key market for the brand, trailing only the United States and the United Kingdom. The company’s recent partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has bolstered its financial strength and accelerated its growth trajectory. Forte emphasized the importance of establishing a regional hub in the Middle East, with potential expansions into Egypt, North Africa, and the Maldives. While discussions for properties in the UAE are ongoing, the brand’s model relies heavily on developer partnerships, particularly in high-cost locations like Dubai. Rocco Forte Hotels, currently operating 14 properties across Europe, aims to double its portfolio over the next five years while maintaining its family-led, personalized approach. The brand’s commitment to curated luxury, attention to detail, and intimate guest experiences sets it apart in the competitive luxury hospitality landscape. As the Middle East continues to experience robust economic growth, Rocco Forte’s entry into the region promises to elevate the standard of luxury hospitality, offering a unique blend of elegance and exclusivity.
-
Hurdles remain over next phase of Gaza truce
One month into the Gaza ceasefire, a fragile calm has settled over the region, but experts warn that significant obstacles threaten to derail the next phase of negotiations. The initial phase of the truce, which began on October 10 after over two years of conflict, has seen tangible progress, including the release of 20 Israeli hostages by Hamas and the return of 24 remains, alongside Israel’s handover of approximately 300 Palestinian bodies. Humanitarian aid has also surged, with over 37,000 metric tons of supplies delivered to Gaza by the UN and its partners since the ceasefire began. However, sporadic skirmishes and mutual accusations of violations have kept tensions simmering, with at least 245 Palestinian casualties reported since the truce took effect. The second phase of negotiations, as outlined in a US-proposed 20-point plan, focuses on critical issues such as Hamas’ disarmament and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. Yet, experts highlight deep-seated challenges, including a lack of trust, internal divisions, and irreconcilable demands. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to disarm Hamas, while Hamas views concessions as an existential threat. Analysts argue that the US plan’s failure to address the two-state solution and Hamas’ governance rights further complicates progress. Without resolution, the ceasefire risks collapsing, potentially reigniting a cycle of violence.
-
UN human rights body holds special session on Sudan after hundreds killed in Darfur’s el-Fasher
The United Nations Human Rights Council convened a special one-day session in Geneva on Friday to address the escalating human rights violations in Sudan’s Darfur region. The session focused on the recent massacre at a hospital in el-Fasher, where over 450 people were killed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army. The RSF’s brutal campaign included house-to-house killings, sexual violence, and attacks on healthcare facilities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the atrocities as “the gravest of crimes,” emphasizing that the violence was both foreseeable and preventable. He highlighted reports of mass civilian killings, ethnically targeted executions, sexual assaults, abductions, and widespread detentions since the RSF seized control of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
The council debated a draft resolution, led by several European nations, calling for an urgent investigation by an existing team of independent experts. The resolution aims to identify those responsible for the crimes and hold them accountable. Mona Rishmawi, a member of the investigative team, described el-Fasher as a “crime scene,” detailing evidence of torture, rape, abductions, and enforced disappearances on a massive scale.
While the Human Rights Council lacks enforcement power, it plays a critical role in documenting violations and raising international awareness, potentially aiding future prosecutions at institutions like the International Criminal Court. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and the RSF, which began in 2023, has resulted in at least 40,000 deaths and displaced 12 million people, with aid groups warning the actual toll could be far higher.
-
German government to subsidize industry’s energy prices in bid to revitalize economy
In a decisive move to rejuvenate its sluggish economy, Germany’s governing coalition has agreed to subsidize energy prices for heavy industry over the next three years. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Thursday evening that starting January 1, 2024, companies facing intense international competition will benefit from a reduced electricity price of approximately 5 euro cents (6 U.S. cents) per kilowatt hour, extending through 2028. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on energy-intensive industries and enhance their global competitiveness. Talks with the European Union’s executive commission are nearing completion, with Merz expressing confidence in securing approval for the plan. Germany’s economy, the largest in Europe, has struggled with stagnation for the past two years, with minimal growth recorded. The coalition government, comprising the conservative Merz and the center-left Social Democrats, has prioritized economic revitalization since assuming office in May. Despite these efforts, recent data shows the gross domestic product (GDP) remained stagnant in the third quarter of 2023. Independent economic advisers predict a modest growth of 0.9% in 2024, following a slight 0.2% increase this year. High energy costs, competition from Chinese manufacturers, a shortage of skilled labor, and bureaucratic inefficiencies have further hindered economic progress. To address these challenges, the government has launched a comprehensive investment program, allocating 500 billion euros ($581.4 billion) over the next 12 years to modernize infrastructure, reduce red tape, and accelerate digitization. Economists like Carsten Brzeski of ING have praised the subsidy plan, noting its potential to provide both immediate relief and long-term stability for industries. Holger Lösch, deputy managing director of the Federation of German Industries, emphasized the importance of the subsidized price in maintaining the international competitiveness of energy-intensive companies. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil estimated the cost of the measure at between 3 and 5 billion euros ($3.4 billion and $5.8 billion). Additionally, the coalition has agreed to reduce a tax on airline tickets starting in July, a long-standing demand of the air transport industry. Both measures will require parliamentary approval.
-
Eco-friendly reforms shape Wuzhong’s future
Wuzhong, a city in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is spearheading a transformative modernization drive focused on ecological conservation and high-quality development along the Yellow River basin. According to Wuzhong Party Secretary Wang Xuejun, the city is embracing its role as a pioneer in green development and efficient energy use, with these principles driving its future growth. Key projects include natural gas development, pumped storage hydropower, and new energy bases, alongside thriving industries such as dairy production and morning tea culture. The city’s industrial parks have achieved a total output value exceeding 100 billion yuan ($14 billion), with new energy installations leading the region. Wuzhong’s GDP is projected to reach 99 billion yuan by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), marking a nearly 50% increase from 2020. The city has implemented 356 key reforms, with 37 practices, including innovative water management and agricultural loan systems, gaining national recognition. Wuzhong has also enhanced its business environment, enabling over 90% of high-frequency government services to be handled online. A road-rail-sea intermodal transportation network has boosted logistics, contributing to an average annual growth of over 10% in import and export value. Innovation remains a cornerstone of Wuzhong’s strategy, with R&D intensity growing at an annual rate of 16.6%. The city is home to over 500 national high-tech and sci-tech enterprises, with breakthroughs in sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors and somatic cell cloning of Tan sheep. Environmental protection is central to Wuzhong’s development, with air quality meeting national secondary standards and water quality in the Yellow River consistently stable at Grade II. The city has been honored as a national ecological civilization demonstration city and a low-carbon pilot city. Wuzhong, home to 36 ethnic groups, has also pioneered ethnic unity initiatives, hosting the Ethnic Unity Progress Month for 42 consecutive years. Community events like the Neighbors’ Festival and Thousand-Family Banquet have fostered integration for over two decades. Looking ahead, Wuzhong aims to expand oil and gas capacity, develop new energy, and create a ‘green hydrogen valley’ during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30). Major ecological projects, including the Luoshan Mountain protection initiative and river basin management, will further solidify the city’s commitment to a comprehensive green transformation.
-
Pakistan wins toss, elects to field in 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka
In a crucial decision at the toss, Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha chose to field in the second one-day international (ODI) against Sri Lanka on Friday. The match, held in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, comes amidst heightened security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad earlier this week, which killed 12 people outside a court. The incident had initially cast doubt over the continuation of the series, as Sri Lanka’s players expressed a desire to leave the country. However, after receiving reassurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding safety measures, Sri Lanka Cricket instructed the team to complete the series. The remaining two ODIs were rescheduled for Friday and Sunday. Agha, leading the team in place of regular ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was sidelined due to a fever, made strategic changes to the lineup. Abrar Ahmed, who missed the first game due to illness, replaced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. On the Sri Lankan side, spinner Maheesh Theekshana was left out, with left-arm fast bowler Pramod Madushan taking his place. The match promises to be a test of resilience for both teams, as they navigate the challenges on and off the field.
-
Shenzhou XX crew set to return after space debris delay
The Shenzhou XX mission crew, whose return to Earth was delayed due to safety concerns over space debris, is now set to make their journey back today. According to the China Manned Space Agency, the three astronauts—mission commander Senior Colonel Chen Dong, Colonel Chen Zhongrui, and Colonel Wang Jie—will board the Shenzhou XXI spaceship to re-enter the atmosphere and land at the Dongfeng Landing Site in Inner Mongolia. The agency confirmed that the astronauts are in excellent health, and ground teams are finalizing preparations for their safe landing. The Shenzhou XXII spaceship is also scheduled for launch soon to dock with the Tiangong space station, currently occupied by the Shenzhou XXI crew. Originally planned for November 5, the return was postponed after potential impacts from space debris were detected. This mission marks China’s 15th manned spaceflight and the ninth crew to reside on the Tiangong space station.