The Australian government has officially extended the operational lifespan of the North West Shelf, one of the nation’s largest fossil fuel projects, by four decades to 2070. This decision comes just days before the federal government is set to announce its 2035 emissions reduction targets. Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita polluters, has committed to reducing emissions by 43% by 2030 but faces criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels. Critics argue that the extension undermines global climate goals, while Environment Minister Murray Watt defended the decision, citing 48 new strict conditions imposed on oil and gas giant Woodside Energy. These conditions mandate the reduction of specific gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. Additionally, safeguards have been introduced to protect the ancient Indigenous rock art in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Woodside Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Liz Westcott, welcomed the extension, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing reliable energy. The North West Shelf project, which includes a processing and export plant in Karratha, is located near the 60,000-year-old World Heritage-listed Murujuga rock art. Watt highlighted that the new conditions would prevent unacceptable impacts on the heritage site, including restrictions on air emissions that could accelerate damage. The decision also includes legal requirements for industry consultation with Indigenous communities and a robust monitoring system to ensure compliance with emissions limits. Further protections for the heritage site were announced under a ‘partial declaration.’ Peter Hicks, chair of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, praised the additional protections for an area of great cultural significance. However, climate groups, including the Australian Conservation Foundation, condemned the extension, labeling the project a ‘carbon bomb’ that jeopardizes global efforts to combat rising temperatures. Australian Greens leader Larissa Waters described the decision as a ‘betrayal and disastrous for the planet’s future.’ Australia has faced successive natural disasters in recent years, with climate experts warning of more crises unless significant emissions reductions are achieved. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who came to power in 2022 promising stronger climate action, has been criticized for his government’s continued support of coal and gas projects.
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How AI is helping some small-scale farmers weather a changing climate
In the wake of Cyclone Freddy’s devastation in 2023, Alex Maere, a 59-year-old farmer from Malawi, faced the loss of his farm and livelihood. The catastrophic floods stripped his land of fertile soil, leaving behind a barren wasteland of sand and rocks. Once producing 850 kilograms of corn annually to support his family, Maere salvaged a mere 8 kilograms from the wreckage. Determined to adapt, he turned to an AI chatbot developed by Opportunity International, a non-profit organization, for farming advice. Supported by the Malawi government, the AI tool suggested Maere diversify his crops by growing potatoes alongside corn and cassava. Following the guidance, Maere cultivated half a soccer field’s worth of potatoes, earning over $800 in sales and securing his children’s education. This success story highlights the transformative potential of AI in sub-Saharan Africa, where smallholder farms account for 70-80% of the food supply. Despite challenges like language diversity, low literacy, and poor digital infrastructure, AI is empowering farmers with critical insights on crop diseases, drought forecasting, and yield optimization. The Ulangizi app, accessible via WhatsApp and available in Chichewa and English, bridges the gap for farmers without smartphones through on-the-ground support agents. However, scaling up remains a hurdle due to limited internet access and affordability. Trust in AI is fragile, as inaccurate advice could devastate already vulnerable farmers. Yet, by combining AI with traditional community collaboration, Malawi is fostering resilience and productivity in its agriculture sector.
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Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting Brazil coup
In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through Brazil and beyond, former President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating a military coup to retain power after his 2022 election defeat. The verdict, delivered by a panel of five Supreme Court justices, marks a pivotal moment in Brazil’s democratic history. Four justices found Bolsonaro guilty of leading a conspiracy to undermine the electoral process, while one dissented, calling the charges unfounded. Bolsonaro’s legal team has denounced the sentence as “absurdly excessive” and vowed to appeal, though legal experts suggest the odds are slim. The court also barred Bolsonaro from holding public office until 2060, effectively ending his political career. Bolsonaro, who was placed under house arrest prior to the trial, did not attend the proceedings but has repeatedly dismissed the case as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” His claims have found resonance with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who likened the trial to his own legal battles, calling the verdict “very surprising.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the ruling as unjust, prompting a swift rebuke from Brazil’s foreign ministry, which defended the independence of its judiciary. The trial revealed chilling details of Bolsonaro’s alleged plot, including attempts to assassinate his political rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and a Supreme Court justice. While the coup attempt ultimately failed, it culminated in the storming of government buildings by Bolsonaro’s supporters in January 2023, a stark reminder of the fragility of Brazil’s democracy. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over the trial, warned that Brazil had narrowly avoided a return to authoritarianism, drawing parallels to the country’s 20-year military dictatorship. The case has reignited debates about the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of rising authoritarianism, with Justice Cármen Lúcia likening the coup plot to a “virus” that threatens societal stability. As Bolsonaro faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison, the ruling underscores the enduring struggle to safeguard democracy in Brazil and beyond.
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What the NHS can learn from the European country that helped more people survive cancer
Denmark’s remarkable transformation in cancer care over the past 25 years has become a beacon of hope for healthcare systems worldwide, particularly for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). In the late 1990s, Denmark’s cancer survival rates were alarmingly low, with patients often seeking treatment abroad due to inadequate domestic services. However, a bold and comprehensive strategy has since propelled Denmark to the forefront of cancer care, offering valuable insights for the NHS.
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Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years in jail – what you need to know
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after being found guilty of orchestrating a coup attempt to overturn his 2022 election loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The verdict, delivered by Brazil’s Supreme Court, concluded that Bolsonaro led a conspiracy involving plans to assassinate Lula and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, as well as to arrest and execute Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw the trial. The plot failed due to lack of support from military leaders, allowing Lula to be inaugurated on January 1, 2023. However, a week later, Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, leading to over 1,500 arrests. The court found that Bolsonaro incited the rioters, hoping the military would intervene and restore him to power. Bolsonaro, who denies all charges, claims the trial is a politically motivated ‘witch hunt’ aimed at preventing his 2026 presidential run. He is currently under house arrest, pending appeals, and barred from public office until 2030. The case has drawn international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump comparing Bolsonaro’s legal battles to his own and criticizing the verdict. Seven of Bolsonaro’s allies were also convicted for their roles in the conspiracy. Bolsonaro’s presidency, marked by controversy over his handling of COVID-19 and environmental policies, continues to polarize Brazil.
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Bolsonaro’s coup trial gripped Brazil – and his conviction will divide the country
In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves across Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro has been found guilty of orchestrating a coup attempt and leading an armed criminal group following his defeat in the last election. The verdict, delivered by four out of five Supreme Court justices, sentences Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Brazil’s political history, as it addresses the violent aftermath of the 2022 election, which saw Bolsonaro’s supporters storm government buildings in a manner reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. The trial, which captivated the nation through live broadcasts, revealed chilling details, including a plan drafted by Bolsonaro’s allies to assassinate President-elect Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva and Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes. Despite Bolsonaro’s absence from the courtroom, citing health issues, his lawyer vehemently denied his involvement in the plot and the riots. The ruling has further polarized the country, with Bolsonaro’s supporters decrying it as political persecution and his critics hailing it as a necessary step to safeguard democracy. As Bolsonaro contemplates an appeal and potential house arrest, the future of his punishment remains uncertain, with his party in Congress pushing for amnesty legislation.
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Charlie Kirk killing no cause for a US civil war
Charlie Kirk, the prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated during a live debate in Utah. The shocking incident has sent ripples across the political landscape, with the perpetrator still at large. FBI Director Kash Patel initially announced the suspect’s apprehension but later retracted the statement, confirming that the investigation remains ongoing. The motive behind the assassination remains unclear, fueling widespread speculation and division. Potential motives range from political extremism to personal vendettas, with Kirk having faced criticism from both the far-left and far-right factions. His conservative stance had drawn ire from progressive groups, while white supremacist factions, known as ‘groypers,’ had also targeted him for not being sufficiently aligned with their ideologies. The lack of clarity has not stopped political figures from attributing the act to their ideological opponents, with some right-wing influencers calling for extreme measures, including a violent purge of the Democratic Party. This rhetoric has drawn comparisons to historical events like the Reichstag fire, which Hitler used to justify fascism in Germany. Social media has amplified the chaos, with anonymous users on both sides of the political spectrum celebrating or condemning the assassination. Platforms like X and Bluesky have become breeding grounds for divisive content, with bots and foreign actors exacerbating tensions. Despite calls for unity from prominent politicians, the online discourse remains toxic, with many fearing that the incident could escalate into broader political violence. The assassination has highlighted the dangers of unchecked extremism and the role of social media in polarizing society. As the investigation continues, the nation grapples with the implications of this tragic event and the potential for further unrest.
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Revealed: More people charged since Palestine Action ban than during entire ‘war on terror’
The United Kingdom has witnessed an unprecedented surge in counter-terrorism arrests since the proscription of direct-action network Palestine Action in July 2025, with official statistics revealing a 400% increase in charges under Section 13 terrorism powers compared to the entire period since 9/11.
According to Home Office data analyzed by Middle East Eye, authorities have charged 138 individuals under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in the weeks following the ban—quadruple the 34 charges brought between 2001 and June 2025. The legislation, which prohibits displaying symbols supporting proscribed organizations, has become the primary tool used by London’s Metropolitan Police against protesters demonstrating outside Parliament.
The dramatic escalation follows weeks of sustained protests across British cities, where police have made over 1,500 arrests related to opposition to the ban. Those detained have included religious leaders, elderly citizens, and disabled individuals holding signs stating: ‘I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.’
Human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Liberty have condemned the government’s approach as disproportionate, warning that terrorism charges—even without conviction—carry severe lifelong consequences including employment restrictions, travel limitations, and social stigma. United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk characterized the ban as ‘disproportionate and unnecessary’ and potentially violating international human rights law.
The government maintains that the proscription remains ‘necessary and proportionate,’ with Security Minister Dan Jarvis asserting that similar measures would be applied to organizations motivated by Islamist extremism or right-wing ideology. New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has publicly endorsed police handling of the protests.
Meanwhile, the legal battle continues as Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori pursues a judicial review of the ban, while six organizers from campaign group Defend Our Juries face more serious Section 12 charges carrying potential nine-year sentences for organizing Zoom briefings about protests.
The developments have sparked unusual parliamentary dissent, with MPs across party lines—including some government supporters—questioning the enforcement approach against peaceful protesters expressing concerns about Palestinian rights and free speech.
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Party like it’s 2018 – Ethiopians celebrate their new year
Ethiopia has ushered in its new year, 2018, according to its unique calendar, which is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar. This discrepancy stems from a different calculation of the birth year of Jesus Christ, as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church did not adopt the Catholic Church’s revised calculation in 500 AD. The celebrations, known as Enkutatash, are a time of joy and renewal for all Ethiopians, transcending religious boundaries. The capital, Addis Ababa, is adorned with yellow ‘adey ababa’ flowers, which grow wild this time of year and are sold in small bunches for around 50 Ethiopian birr ($0.35). These flowers, along with freshly cut grass, play a central role in traditional coffee ceremonies, a nod to Ethiopia’s status as the birthplace of coffee. The festivities also include bustling markets, where vendors sell chickens, mutton, and even oxen for New Year’s feasts. Chickens, priced between 2,000 and 3,000 birr, are popular for making ‘doro wat,’ a spicy stew served with injera, while mutton and oxen cater to those with larger budgets. Families gather to share meals and invite friends, and the celebrations culminate in concerts and live music on New Year’s Eve. The following morning, the traditional song ‘Abebayehosh’ fills the air, performed by young girls who go door-to-door in some neighborhoods. Orthodox Christians attend church services, and vendors sell ceremonial umbrellas near churches. The Ethiopian calendar, with its 13 months, marks the end of the rainy season and the start of spring, symbolizing renewal and optimism. This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, as they coincide with the formal launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd), a source of national pride and unity.
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The Africans to watch at the World Athletics Championships
The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are set to be a spectacular showcase of talent, with over 2,200 athletes from across the globe competing for glory. Among them, a host of African stars are poised to make their mark on the world stage. The event, scheduled from September 13 to 21, will feature some of the most celebrated names in track and field, including Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, and South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso.
Faith Kipyegon, the reigning world champion in the 1500m and 5000m, is one of the most decorated athletes in Kenyan history. With three Olympic gold medals and four world titles to her name, Kipyegon is aiming to defend her titles and make history by becoming the first athlete to win gold in both distance events at more than one World Championships. Despite a recent setback in her attempt to break the four-minute mile barrier, Kipyegon shattered her own 1500m world record earlier this year, proving her dominance in the sport.
Prudence Sekgodiso, the 23-year-old South African middle-distance runner, is on a mission to break one of the oldest world records in athletics. After becoming the World Indoor champion in Nanjing earlier this year, Sekgodiso has set her sights on surpassing Caster Semenya’s national record of 1:54.25 and Czech runner Jarmila Kratochvilova’s long-standing world record of 1:53.28. ‘I just have to believe and know what I want and train hard for it,’ Sekgodiso told the BBC World Service. ‘It’s doable, but it’s a long-term goal for me.’
Letsile Tebogo, the 22-year-old Botswanan sprinter, made history at the Paris Olympics by winning the 200m gold medal. Despite a mixed season marred by a recurring hamstring injury, Tebogo remains optimistic about his chances in Tokyo. ‘I feel there is still a lot more in the tank that people need to see,’ he said. Tebogo, who claimed silver in the 200m and bronze in the 100m at the last World Championships in Budapest, will compete in both events again, aiming to showcase his true potential.
Other notable African athletes include Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet, who completed the Olympic double in the 5000m and 10,000m in Paris last year, and Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele, who clocked the fastest marathon time this year in Tokyo. With such a stellar lineup, the 2025 World Athletics Championships promise to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the best of African talent on the global stage.