Latest news with #UnitedNationsClimateChangeConference
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Greta Thunberg to visit Gaza with activists
The trip is organised by the Freedom Flotilla, a coalition of groups opposed to the blockade on humanitarian aid for Gaza that Israel imposed on March 2 and has only recently begun lifting. 30 May 2025 10:28am Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg stages a pro-democracy rally to denounce "authoritarianism" in Georgia and neighbouring Azerbaijan, where the United Nations Climate Change Conference is taking place, in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi on Nov 11, 2024. - (Photo by GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE / AFP) PARIS - Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and other activists will set sail Sunday for Gaza on a humanitarian ship aimed at protesting Israel's war on the territory, a French-Palestinian lawmaker said. The trip is organised by the Freedom Flotilla, a coalition of groups opposed to the blockade on humanitarian aid for Gaza that Israel imposed on March 2 and has only recently begun lifting. Rima Hassan, a European Parliament member also taking part in the trip, said the operation had "several aims: to condemn the humanitarian blockade and ongoing genocide, the impunity granted to the state of Israel and raise international awareness." Humanitarian aid wait destined to Gaza wait at the Kerem Shalom crossing between southern Israel and the Gaza Strip, on May 29, 2025. - (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) Hassan, an outspoken figure for French left-wing party LFI, has caused controversy in the past with her statements on the Middle East. She was due to visit the occupied Palestinian territories in February with a European Parliament delegation, but said she was refused entry to Israel. Thunberg, who rose to fame organising teen climate protests in her native Sweden, was due to travel to Gaza on a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship earlier this month, but it was damaged en route. Activists said they suspected an Israeli drone strike was responsible. Displaced Palestinians carrying relief supplies return from an aid distribution centre in the central Gaza Strip on May 29, 2025. - (Photo by EYAD BABA / AFP) "To guarantee our security, and also the success of our mission, we need maximum mobilisation by the public for this initiative," Hassan said on social media. Aid has begun trickling back into Gaza in recent days, but humanitarian groups warn the war-ravaged territory is facing mass starvation. The White House said Thursday Israel had "signed off" on a new Gaza ceasefire proposal by US President Donald Trump, but Palestinian militant group Hamas said it could not accept the deal. - AFP More Like This
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why net zero is a battle for political middle ground
The Liberal and Nationals parties have launched a review of their commitments to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, which shapes as a defining moment for the Coalition and the nation's long-running climate wars. Both Coalition partners announced, after Labor's thumping federal election win earlier this month, they would throw open debate in their party rooms before finalising their policy offerings. Net zero is among the most pressing issues, given Coalition leader Sussan Ley has committed to end the nation's climate wars and take the Liberal party back to the 'sensible centre' of the political spectrum in a bid to win back the more than 30 seats it would need to form government again. Most of Australia's biggest polluters, including the mining, energy and agriculture sectors, are committed to reaching net zero by 2050, in line with Australia's commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. Loading But four prominent Coalition MPs have called the commitment into question. Nationals Barnaby Joyce, Matt Canavan and Colin Boyce are campaigning for the Coalition to ditch net zero and to instead pursue greater use of fossil fuels in a bid to lower the cost of energy. Liberal Andrew Hastie has called for a debate on net zero. Why is net zero important? The goal is a centrepiece of the Paris Agreement, agreed to by 195 countries. It aims to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees over pre-industrial levels and limit the worst impacts of climate change. It was enshrined as a legally binding treaty at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. It has been official Australian government policy ever since, through Coalition and Labor governments.
The Age
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
Why net zero is a battle for political middle ground
The Liberal and Nationals parties have launched a review of their commitments to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, which shapes as a defining moment for the Coalition and the nation's long-running climate wars. Both Coalition partners announced, after Labor's thumping federal election win earlier this month, they would throw open debate in their party rooms before finalising their policy offerings. Net zero is among the most pressing issues, given Coalition leader Sussan Ley has committed to end the nation's climate wars and take the Liberal party back to the 'sensible centre' of the political spectrum in a bid to win back the more than 30 seats it would need to form government again. Most of Australia's biggest polluters, including the mining, energy and agriculture sectors, are committed to reaching net zero by 2050, in line with Australia's commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. Loading But four prominent Coalition MPs have called the commitment into question. Nationals Barnaby Joyce, Matt Canavan and Colin Boyce are campaigning for the Coalition to ditch net zero and to instead pursue greater use of fossil fuels in a bid to lower the cost of energy. Liberal Andrew Hastie has called for a debate on net zero. Why is net zero important? The goal is a centrepiece of the Paris Agreement, agreed to by 195 countries. It aims to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees over pre-industrial levels and limit the worst impacts of climate change. It was enshrined as a legally binding treaty at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. It has been official Australian government policy ever since, through Coalition and Labor governments.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Alberta government travel spending increased by nearly $1 million in 2024
Alberta's cabinet ministers and political staff spent significantly more on airfare, hotels and other travel costs last year compared to 2023, according to an analysis of government expense disclosures. The IJF analyzed over 60,000 expense claims from the previous two fiscal years. In 2024-25, Alberta government ministries spent $4.41 million on travel and hospitality, a 28 per cent increase over the $3.45 million expensed in 2023-24. Nearly 40 per cent of this increase comes from trips taken by cabinet ministers, top ministerial bureaucrats and their office staff. Ministerial office expenses related to travel totalled $1.84 million last year, up about $362,000 from 2023-24. Cabinet ministers alone racked up over $500,000 in travel expenses in 2024-25, 1.5 times more than the previous year. The highest spending members of cabinet include former minister of jobs, economy and trade Matt Jones, his successor Joseph Schow, Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf and Premier Danielle Smith. The Alberta government's delegation to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, was the single costliest international trip last year. Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz and five staff spent over $90,000 to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November 2024, including $58,535 for hotel accommodations. Other big-ticket items billed to taxpayers include $12,924 in airfare for Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean's trip to the Japan Energy Summit and Exhibition and $10,925 for the premier's chief of staff Rob Anderson's flights to the United Arab Emirates. Smith's press secretary Sam Blackett told the IJF that travel is important for promoting Alberta's interests and building relationships. 'It also allows our government to engage with business leaders, investors and organizations, showcasing the province as an attractive place for investment, trade, and economic development,' Blackett said. 'On top of the ongoing trade dispute with the United States, we have a hostile federal government that does not align or support our provincial priorities. That's why it is more important now than ever that we are directly advocating for Alberta's interests.' University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young said that with 2023 being an election year, 'politicians were very much staying close to home. They probably didn't want to be seen to be swanning around on the public dollar to the same extent. 'In 2024, we're far away from an election. And on top of that, you've got some fairly exceptional things going on internationally that might have driven at least some of the travel.' In the context of tariff threats and changing international trade relationships, the jump in travel spending by the premier's office and executive council or the trade ministry 'makes perfect sense,' Young said. Smith's brief visit to Mar-a-Lago in January to meet with then president-elect Donald Trump reportedly cost taxpayers more than $10,000 . The premier's mission to Washington, D.C., for Trump's inauguration eight days later, which included Smith and three other staff, came with a price tag of at least $15,800, according to public expense disclosures. There were 17 government ministries with travel expenditure increases of 25 per cent or more in 2024-25 compared to the previous year. While the increase in travel spending from the premier's office and the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade were higher than most other departments, the largest year-over-year increase by dollar value, about $120,000, was reported by the Ministry of Health. 'The health spending actually is a bit of a head scratcher for me. I can't think of a particular reason why they would need to spend more money on travel in the health portfolio,' Young said. 'It's a very domestic kind of portfolio, and there's certainly lots going on here that you would think the minister and the minister's staff would be focused on.'
Sharjah 24
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SGCA calls on global innovators in 'Soft Power'
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the award reaffirms its focus on the 'Soft Power' category to recognise innovative communication strategies that use culture, arts, sports, technology, music, and drama to strengthen communication between governments and societies, while shaping global perceptions. This category reflects a modern yet comprehensive approach to human interaction and engagement. The 'Soft Power' category aims to redefine communication by embracing the latest technological advances and creative methods. The award is currently accepting nominations until July 24, 2025. It features 23 categories across five main sectors: Government and international organisations, private sector, individual awards, partner awards, and jury awards. Those interested in participating in the 2025 edition, with winners set to be honoured this September. His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, noted that the award highlights the UAE's and Sharjah's efforts to establish an international presence. 'Incorporating soft power into communication helps build global partnerships, attract investment, and encourage cultural and scientific exchange, all of which contribute to long-term social and economic stability,' Allay emphasised. The SGCA promotes the use of tools such as music, film, arts, drama, and sports as effective mediums for public communication. These forms of expression play an important role in overcoming language and cultural barriers, raising public awareness, reinforcing national identity, and promoting shared human values. This year's judging panel, made up of communication and media experts, will evaluate entries in the 'Best Investment in Soft Power to Support Communication Programs' category based on objective criteria. Evaluation will include the originality and clarity of the message, its alignment with a soft power medium, and its global reach. Judges will also assess the message's ability to challenge stereotypes or convey universal human values, along with measuring public engagement. Special emphasis is placed on innovation in communicating the message and its potential to make a lasting impact. Last year, the 'Soft Power' category was awarded to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), hosted by the UAE. The event earned recognition for its use of creative communication and cultural diplomacy to raise awareness about climate change, while showcasing opportunities for sustainable investment. It was widely considered a standout example of how storytelling can turn a policy message into a global call to action.
