Latest news with #assemble
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
COP30: ‘Focus on healing, building credibility of climate talks,' says Brazil
Brazil, the host of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), has asked all countries who are party to the Paris Agreement to consider the future of climate negotiations when they assemble for the key event later this year. It has made it clear that there are three interconnected priorities during the June climate meetings in Bonn (SB62) and COP30 in November, which include reinforcing multilateralism, connecting the climate talks to people and focusing on implementation of the Paris Agreement. In a letter on Friday, Brazil urged the parties to reorient the climate talks ahead of the Bonn climate meetings, scheduled to take place from June 16-26. The Bonn talks are seen as a halfway point to the annual climate summit to be held in Brazil this year. 'Against a background in which climate urgency interacts with compounding geopolitical and socioeconomic challenges, the incoming COP30 Presidency hopes all delegations are guided by three interconnected priorities for SB62 and COP30: (1) to reinforce multilateralism and the climate change regime under the UNFCCC, (2) to connect the climate regime to people's real lives, and (3) to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement by stimulating action and structural adjustments across all institutions that can contribute to it,' the letter signed off by COP30 president designate André Aranha Correa do Lago said. 'This is the time we focus negotiations on healing and upgrading our process, rebuilding a global infrastructure of trust for accelerated and scaled outcomes. The credibility of our multilateral process is in the hands of negotiators in Bonn,' he wrote. The incoming COP30 Presidency is working to ensure that negotiations, the global mobilisation, the Action Agenda and the Leaders' Summit where world leaders announce their plans and views, each contribute to 'inaugurating a new era of putting into practice what we have agreed', Lago wrote in his third letter to parties. During a briefing on Thursday, HT asked COP30 President, ambassador Lago, asked what Brazil expected from COP30, especially against the backdrop of major geopolitical disruptions globally. 'Well, we don't have that answer yet, because we are listening to countries and this is the process in which we have to make sure that the international community is supportive of the results of COP30. And that is the success, the essential success of COP30, is the strengthening of multilateralism and everybody getting together convinced that it must be the solutions to fight climate change have to come from this dialogue and from this work together. So, we are still building that,' Lago told HT. He also said he doesn't want to create specific expectations immediately. 'We don't want to create, you know, like expectations and we want to do that and this. We really want to listen to the countries and understand their priorities. But I believe that we have received positive inputs regarding the priorities we have been showing in the letters and also in the effort of having a COP that convinces everybody that we have enough things negotiated for us to act more.' Erosion of trust among developed and developing nations has cast a shadow on the climate negotiations in recent years. Several developing countries are disappointed with the outcome of COP29, also because the agreement on New Collective Quantified Goal was seen to be in favour of developed countries. India led a fierce pushback at COP29 against what it called a 'stage-managed' climate finance deal, moments after the Azerbaijan presidency hastily gavelled through a contentious proposal. The hastily adopted text set a climate finance goal of 'at least $300 billion per year by 2035' and launched the 'Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T'. However, India and other developing countries identified specific problems that could fundamentally alter climate finance obligations. These include the sum being too small and to be delivered only 11 years later. There was more uncertainty after US, the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, under President Donald Trump this January, announced its withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. Developing countries saw this as the largest historical emitter evading its responsibility. 'Acknowledging ongoing calls for COPs' reform, the incoming Presidency invites all Parties to consider the future of the process itself. As we move from a negotiation-centred to an implementation-centred era, Parties can intensify at SB62 the consideration of approaches and initiatives to increase the efficiency of the process towards enhancing ambition and implementation,' Lago said in his letter. He further wrote that the Bonn climate meeting could address longstanding challenges, including the excessive number of provisional agenda items for COPs and SBs, overlapping themes, scheduling constraints, and barriers that prevent the effective participation of smaller delegations. 'While these issues remain under consideration, it is advisable to avoid introducing potentially contentious new agenda items that could further burden the process or detract from agreed priorities. Looking ahead, future COPs can represent a new generation of climate conferences: not as isolated diplomatic events, but as systemic platforms to accelerate delivery, measure progress, and engage a broader ecosystem of actors,' the Brazil Presidency has emphasised. The first Global Stocktake (GST) which took place in Dubai at COP28, stands as a guide to Mission 1.5 and to our collective project around the vision of the UN Climate Convention, Lago said. All public and private stakeholders should work together towards the full implementation of the Paris Agreement by considering the findings of the GST. This includes the global calls for efforts towards halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and for accelerating the global energy transition, Lago wrote, adding that parties should support one another to advance collectively on tripling renewable energy capacity globally, doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements, and transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.
Hamilton Spectator
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP calls for ‘Foodbelt' to protect Ontario's farmland
Dave Kranenburg got up early Tuesday to plant trees on his 28-hectare farm in the Oak Ridges Moraine. Then the director with the National Farmers Union drove to Queen's Park in Toronto to show his support for a private member's bill designed to protect farmland like his. At a news conference, Kranenburg said the Protect Our Food Act is 'vitally needed' as Ontario's arable land falls victim to encroaching development. 'We're investing a lot of our time, our energy, our resources in protecting this soil, the water around us, and to grow food for our neighbours,' he said. 'And I want to know that it's going to be there in 20 years.' The bill, co-sponsored by Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, would see the province create a 'Foodbelt' — like the Greenbelt, but for farmland. The proposed legislation would assemble a task force of farmers, agricultural experts and land-use planners to craft a 'Foodbelt protection plan,' Schreiner explained. Farmland inside the Foodbelt would be permanently protected from development. The plan would include strategies to reduce land speculation, improve soil health, and 'enhance farmland,' all with an aim to 'grow more food right here in Ontario,' Schreiner said. 'Because food security is national security, and without farmland, there are no farms, no food, no future.' With the province losing nearly 130 hectares of farmland every day to urban sprawl, aggregate mining and highway construction, swift action is needed, Brady added. 'So that we can feed ourselves, we must cease the constant subtraction of arable land,' she told reporters. 'This legislation will help prevent further land degradation and protect farmland and arable land for future Ontarians and Canadians, all while respecting farmers who want to create succession plans and reinvest in their farms.' Brady said the farmland lost every day in Ontario could be used to grow 23.5 million apples, 37 million strawberries or enough grapes to fill 1.2 million bottles of wine. 'If we don't protect our food-producing land, we will send shock waves across our economy,' Brady said, noting the agriculture and food processing sector employs nearly one million Ontarians and adds $50 billion to the economy every year. Schreiner and Brady's bill is supported by Ontario Farmland Trust, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. At Tuesday's news conference — held a few hours before the bill was tabled in the legislature — OFA director Mark Reusser called farmland 'a strategic resource that can't be made (after) you destroy it.' 'We need to save this precious resource,' Reusser said. Safeguarding Ontario's food sovereignty trumps partisan politics, Schreiner said, adding MPPs should 'put people before party (and) work together to tariff-proof our economy and protect the places we love in Ontario, especially the farmland that feeds us.' Brady said conserving farmland 'is a passion near and dear to my heart,' as she comes from one of Ontario's most productive agricultural regions. This is the independent MPP's second try at getting farmland protection into law. A similar private member's bill she tabled in 2023 was voted down by the government. This time, with formal support from the Greens and a proposed task force to be led by farmers themselves, Brady is more optimistic. She said she plans to consult with rural stakeholders to 'really drill down and get the best piece of legislation that this government can't say no to this time.'
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Donald staying out of Ryder Cup eligibility issue for LIV Golf players
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald would love for Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to be available later this year but is not getting involved in their appeal of sanctions to maintain eligibility for the team event. Spaniard Rahm and England's Hatton were part of the last three European Ryder Cup teams but their eventual move to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf circuit has complicated matters. Both players appealed sanctions imposed by the Europe-based DP World Tour for playing LIV Golf events, which allowed them to reach the minimum four starts on that circuit to be considered for the Ryder Cup. But if the case is heard before the September 26-28 at Bethpage Black in New York, Rahm's and Hatton's hopes of being on the 12-player European team could evaporate if the ruling does not go their way. Donald, speaking to reporters ahead of his start in this week's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, said he has not talked to DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings about the eligibility issue surrounding LIV Golf players for the 2025 Ryder Cup. "I do not get involved with the politics of that," said Donald. "So my concentration is to get the best 12 players to New York, and hopefully everyone is eligible." When asked why he would not advocate for Rahm and Hatton if he considers his role as captain is to assemble the best possible team, Donald was blunt. "Well, I think Guy knows that I want my best 12; let's put it that way," said Donald. "But I haven't talked to him about that." Hatton is currently occupying one of the six automatic qualification places for the Ryder Cup while Rahm, who is known for his passion in the team event, is 29th on the European Ryder Cup standings. But Donald said he expects two-times major winner Rahm, who has a 6-3-3 record in Ryder Cup play, to be on his team at Bethpage Black so long as he is deemed eligible. "In terms of Jon, he's one of the best players in the world, and I would expect him to be on that team, but I certainly haven't given him those assurances," said Donald. "He still needs to keep going and playing just like everyone else." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB's Major Paul Skenes Announcement is Turning Heads
After falling to Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Team USA is aiming to assemble a roster that can avenge the loss when the 2026 tournament arrives. There is still some time before the roster needs to be finalized, as of Tuesday, only New York Yankees slugger and two-time MVP Aaron Judge had announced his participation. Advertisement However, the team already got a significant boost in talent on the bump, as it was revealed that 22-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates pitching phenom, Paul Skenes, would be joining the squad. Despite this being just his second MLB season, Skenes already has an All-Star selection, in addition to being the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024, on his resume. With pitchers being scarce for this tournament due to concerns about injury, fans on social media were thrilled by Skenes' decision. "team USA basically hittin the 'we're not losing' button already… skenes gonna throw 102 just to warm up and ask for the championship trophy in the 3rd inning," wrote one fan. Advertisement "LETS GOO TEAM USA NUMBER 1," exclaimed a second. "Let's gooooo," added another. "CAPTAIN AMERICA," coined another. "Oh we're winning this next WBC. The dream team is being built," predicted one user. "Team USA is getting the Avengers together," joked another. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul LeClaire As a rookie last season, Skenes accumulated an 11-3 record, and posted a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. His success led to him starting the All-Star Game for the National League, and he also came in third in NL Cy Young Award voting. Although this will be his first WBC, it will not be Skenes' first time representing the stars and stripes. Prior to transferring to LSU in college, Skenes was a two-way star at the Air Force Academy. Advertisement For Skenes, the WBC gives him something to look for as he has posted a 3-4 record with a 2.63 ERA in 54 2/3 innings for a Pirates team that has the third-worst record (14-28) in baseball. His joining the team may also convince fellow star pitchers to follow, which could be huge for Team USA, who last won the tournament in 2017. Related: Rafael Devers Red Sox Drama Gets Interesting Mookie Betts Twist
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trump softens tariffs on auto parts for US-assembled cars
This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. The U.S. will reimburse domestic car manufacturers for a portion of the costs related to 25% tariffs on auto parts set to begin May 3, according to an amended executive order President Donald Trump signed Tuesday. The updated order stipulates that automakers that assemble their vehicles in the U.S. can apply to offset up to 3.75% of their tariff costs related to auto imports for one year, retroactive to April 3. The available offset rate will drop to 2.5% for the next 12-month period and then be removed. The 3.75% rate was calculated based on the application of the soon-to-be implemented 25% auto parts tariff to vehicles made with 85% U.S. or United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement content, per the amended order. In such an example, the automaker would not pay any tariffs on auto part imports for the next year. As part of the amended order, the Commerce Department has 30 days to establish a process for automakers to provide the necessary documentation to receive the cost offset. Such information includes domestic production plans, projected tariff costs and importers of record. The new order does not alter previous 25% auto tariffs enacted by the Trump administration, nor does it impact those on steel and aluminum imports and other sectors. However, in a separate proclamation signed Tuesday, the Trump administration further clarified that current tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum, cars and non-USMCA-compliant goods will not stack on top of duties on auto parts. Additionally, cars and auto parts compliant with the USMCA are still not subject to 25% tariffs, as the U.S. is establishing a process to tax only non-U.S. content of those parts. The White House said it would have such a process in place no later than May 3 in a previous proclamation, but the administration has yet to provide an update. Meanwhile, Canada began allowing domestic manufacturers to import a limited number of passenger vehicles and light trucks assembled in the U.S. duty free earlier this month. Automakers and industry groups have called for leniency from Trump's barrage of tariffs over the last few months, specifically those targeting cars and parts. "Automakers would welcome any exemption, but the volatility continues with the trade policy uncertainty,' said Lenny LaRocca, U.S. auto industry leader at KPMG, in an email to Supply Chain Dive. 'As we have seen, tariffs can be proposed and revised on short notice. That also doesn't change the broader business strategy questions facing automakers.' A report from the Center for Automotive Research published prior to Tuesday's order said tariffs targeting the auto industry would increase costs for all domestic automakers by $107.7 billion in 2025. The report, commissioned by the American Automotive Policy Council, a trade association representing companies like General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Stellantis, said those three automakers alone would take a combined $41.9 billion hit. The report also warned its projections could be conservative, given the unknown impacts on cross-border trade and the global nature of the automotive supply chain. Recommended Reading US auto tariffs begin, part tariffs to start May 3 Sign in to access your portfolio
