A decade ago, the COP21 summit in Paris symbolized a united global front against climate change, with leaders like David Cameron, Xi Jinping, and Barack Obama standing shoulder to shoulder. Fast forward to COP30 in Brazil, and the scene is starkly different. Key figures such as Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and US President Donald Trump were notably absent, reflecting a broader disengagement from multilateral climate efforts. Trump’s administration has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, rolled back clean energy initiatives, and prioritized fossil fuel dominance, positioning the US as a global energy superpower. This shift has created a rift with China, which is aggressively advancing its clean energy agenda, now accounting for 40% of its economic growth. The EU, caught in the middle, faces the dilemma of balancing economic security with climate goals. As global emissions continue to rise, the efficacy of annual COP summits is being questioned, with calls for more focused, smaller-scale discussions. Despite these challenges, COP30 aims to secure funding for rainforest preservation, underscoring the ongoing importance of international climate cooperation.
分类： world
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Lives at risk: UAE Filipinos watch in fear as typhoon Fung-wong batters the Philippines
Filipino expatriates in the UAE are gripped with anxiety as Super Typhoon Fung-wong, locally known as Uwan, wreaks havoc across the Philippines. The storm, which intensified rapidly, has already claimed at least two lives and left vast areas of the Bicol region without power. Authorities are racing to evacuate over a million residents from vulnerable areas as the typhoon is expected to make landfall in Aurora province on November 9, 2025. The storm’s ferocity has raised fears of widespread destruction, particularly in regions still recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi just days earlier, which killed 188 people and left hundreds missing. For Filipinos abroad, the situation is deeply personal. Fatima S., a 47-year-old nanny in Sharjah, expressed her fears for her family in Isabela province, where light-material homes are highly susceptible to flooding. ‘Every time I hear about the rising waters, I panic. I can’t be there to help. I can only pray and hope they make it through this storm,’ she said. Meanwhile, J.P., a 26-year-old administrative staff member in Dubai, is stranded in Cebu, where power outages have left her reliant on a nearly drained power bank to stay connected with her family. A.T., a 50-year-old writer based in Dubai, is in Metro Manila but remains worried about his family in the Bicol region, where the typhoon continues to unleash its fury. The storm has also disrupted air travel, with AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Malaysia cancelling over 400 flights to and from Manila on November 9 and 10. Passengers have been advised to monitor flight status updates and rebook their travel within 30 days at no additional cost.
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At least 2 killed as Super Typhoon Fung-wong nears landfall in Philippines
Super Typhoon Fung-wong has unleashed devastation across the Philippines, claiming at least two lives and prompting the evacuation of over a million residents from vulnerable areas. The typhoon, with sustained winds of 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (140 mph), is expected to make landfall in Aurora province as early as Sunday night. Authorities have issued the highest storm warnings for Luzon, the country’s most populous island, while Metro Manila and surrounding provinces remain under level 3 alerts. The storm has already caused widespread power outages in the Bicol region and forced the closure of several airports, including Bicol International Airport and Sangley in Metro Manila. Tragically, one person drowned in Catanduanes, and a woman was found dead under the debris of a collapsed home in Catbalogan City. Fung-wong, locally named Uwan, is the 21st storm to hit the Philippines this year, exacerbating the strain on disaster response efforts still recovering from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed 224 lives in the Philippines and five in Vietnam. The typhoon is projected to move northwest by Monday, maintaining its intensity before weakening as it approaches the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has urged residents to comply with evacuation orders, emphasizing the dangers of non-compliance. The military has redirected 2,000 troops to focus on humanitarian aid and disaster response. In Isabela, northern Luzon, families have sought refuge in evacuation centers, with many expressing fear of the storm’s destructive potential. Christopher Sanchez, a 50-year-old evacuee, shared his concerns, recalling past storms that brought floodwaters above human height. Authorities remain hopeful that proactive measures will minimize casualties.
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Holiday announced for public, private sectors for National Day in Oman
The Sultanate of Oman has officially declared a two-day holiday for both public and private sector employees in celebration of its 55th National Day. The holiday, announced on Sunday, November 9, 2025, will be observed on Wednesday, November 26, and Thursday, November 27. This decision was communicated by Oman’s official news agency, citing a directive from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The National Day itself is celebrated on November 20 and 21, with various events and festivities, including the illumination of landmarks with the Omani flag, particularly in the UAE. Under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s leadership, Oman has been advancing its ‘Oman Vision 2040’, a strategic roadmap aimed at modernization, economic diversification, and sustainable growth. The holiday serves as a moment for citizens and residents alike to reflect on the nation’s progress and achievements.
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British man dies after being shot during robbery in Ghana
A tragic incident unfolded in the industrial city of Tema, near Accra, Ghana, where a British national lost his life during a robbery. Ashraf Qarmar Parvez, 68, was fatally shot on Friday after attempting to thwart the theft of his phone at a local drinking spot. According to police reports, Parvez succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Authorities are actively pursuing the shooter, who is among a group of six suspects believed to have fled the scene on motorbikes. A 9mm bullet shell was recovered from the site, and witnesses have been interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. The incident has sparked security concerns in Tema, although local police have described it as an isolated event. Efforts are underway to notify the British Embassy of Parvez’s death. The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for further comments.
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India mega-zoo in spotlight again over animal acquisitions
The Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, a sprawling facility in Gujarat, India, has once again come under intense scrutiny. Operated by the son of Asia’s wealthiest individual, the zoo has been accused of importing endangered species in potential violation of international conservation laws. The facility, which claims to house 150,000 animals, was recently cleared of wrongdoing by India’s Supreme Court. However, a report from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has raised alarms about its practices. The report, published ahead of CITES discussions this month, highlights inconsistencies in the zoo’s import records, particularly concerning Appendix I species—the most critically endangered animals globally. Experts warn that Vantara, as the zoo is informally known, may be inadvertently driving illegal wildlife trade. The report calls for significant reforms to ensure compliance with international regulations. Among the allegations is the acquisition of a Tapanuli orangutan, the world’s most endangered great ape, from the United Arab Emirates. Despite CITES’ prohibition on trading such species, Vantara classified the orangutan as ‘captive-bred,’ a claim disputed by Indonesian experts who assert no such breeding programs exist. Similar concerns have been raised regarding cheetahs from Syria, a gorilla from Haiti, and bonobos from Iraq. Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the Orangutan Information Centre, has been advocating for the return of several orangutans to Indonesia, including one intercepted in India and handed to Vantara. The CITES report underscores the need for India to overhaul its import procedures and enhance oversight. Independent wildlife trade expert Daniel Stiles described the report as a ‘true examination’ of Vantara’s operations. The findings have sparked concerns about India’s conservation credibility, with experts urging immediate action to address the irregularities.
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UAE offers condolences to Brazil after hurricane kills dozens
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed profound condolences to Brazil in the wake of a catastrophic hurricane that ravaged the state of Paraná, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and extensive material destruction. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, the Brazilian government, and its citizens, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured. In a gesture of solidarity, UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent formal messages of condolence to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The UAE’s response underscores its commitment to fostering international goodwill and supporting nations during times of crisis. This tragic event highlights the increasing severity of natural disasters, prompting global calls for enhanced climate action and disaster preparedness.
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US grounds MD-11 cargo planes for inspections after deadly crash
In the wake of a catastrophic crash involving a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane in Kentucky, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency directive grounding all MD-11 and MD-11F models for immediate inspections. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals and narrowly avoided a major Ford vehicle assembly plant employing approximately 3,000 workers. The plane, operated by UPS and laden with 144,000 liters of fuel, exploded upon impact, leaving a trail of debris and billowing smoke. The FAA’s directive, announced on Saturday, mandates that all MD-11 aircraft remain grounded until thorough inspections and necessary corrective actions are completed. The agency cited the detachment of the left-hand engine and pylon during takeoff as the primary concern, indicating that similar issues could arise in other aircraft of the same design. UPS and FedEx, both major operators of the MD-11, have voluntarily grounded their fleets, with UPS stating that the model constitutes about nine percent of its total fleet. Boeing, the current owner of McDonnell Douglas, has recommended suspending all MD-11 operations pending further engineering analysis. The crash, described as the deadliest in UPS history, has prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders for analysis. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has called for prayers for the victims’ families and the Louisville community, emphasizing the tragic impact of the event. The incident has also raised concerns about air safety amidst the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, though the NTSB has confirmed no staff shortages at Louisville’s airport at the time of the crash.
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Iraqi forces, displaced people vote early ahead of election
Iraqi security forces and internally displaced persons (IDPs) cast their ballots on Sunday in early voting ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11. The polls opened at 0400 GMT, allowing over 1.3 million members of the armed forces and more than 26,500 IDPs to participate. This election marks the sixth parliamentary vote since the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein. A total of 7,740 candidates, including nearly a third women, are vying for the 329 seats in parliament. The elections will be governed by an old electoral law reinstated in 2023, which critics argue favors larger political parties. In the 2021 elections, around 70 independents secured seats, but only 75 are contesting this time. Concerns loom over voter turnout, which hit a record low of 41% in 2021, reflecting widespread voter apathy and disillusionment amid entrenched leadership, mismanagement, and corruption. Influential Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr has called for a boycott, labeling the election as ‘flawed.’ Since the US-led invasion, Iraq’s Shia majority has dominated politics, with key figures like former Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki and cleric Ammar Al Hakim expected to play pivotal roles. Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, backed by pro-Iranian parties, is seeking a second term and is anticipated to secure a significant bloc. By tradition, the prime minister’s post is held by a Shia, the parliament speaker by a Sunni, and the largely ceremonial presidency by a Kurd. The next prime minister will be chosen by the coalition that forms the largest parliamentary bloc through negotiations.
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Palestinians recount ‘black hole’ of Israeli detention
Shady Abu Sedo, a 35-year-old Palestinian photojournalist, recently shared his harrowing experience of being detained in Israeli prisons during the Gaza war. Arrested in March 2024 while working at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Abu Sedo was held under Israel’s ‘unlawful combatants’ law, which allows indefinite detention without charge. He described his time in Sde Teiman and Ofer military prisons as a ‘black hole,’ where he endured prolonged periods of isolation, physical torture, and psychological trauma. Denied access to his lawyer for months, Abu Sedo lost all sense of time and was unable to communicate with the outside world. His release on October 13, 2025, came as part of a US-brokered ceasefire that exchanged 20 Israeli hostages for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned Israel’s use of the ‘unlawful combatants’ law, which they argue facilitates arbitrary detentions and violates international humanitarian standards. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also been barred from visiting detainees, further isolating prisoners and hindering their legal defense. Despite calls for reform, Israel continues to hold around 1,000 ‘unlawful combatants’ in military and civilian prisons, with many detainees, including healthcare workers, languishing without charge.