Fossil Fuels Still Pack a Punch, Even on the Way Out
Fossil fuels still pack a punch. So, there’s this deal happening between Glencore and Teck Resources that’s making a big statement about fossil fuels. They’re buying and selling coal stuff, showing how even though we’re moving towards cleaner energy, fossil fuels still have some serious […]
News
Surge in Antisemitic Hate Crimes in London
A significant surge in antisemitic hate crimes has been reported in London, with a staggering 1,350% increase during the Middle East crisis. The Metropolitan Police disclosed that between October 1st and October 18th this year, 218 antisemitic incidents were recorded, compared to 15 in the […]
Society
U.S. Collaboration with Egypt on Gaza Evacuation Plans
After the Hamas attacks, tensions rise in Gaza Recent attacks by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas on Israel have made things worse. Now that this has happened, Egypt has stepped in. Egypt is next to both Israel and Gaza. Cairo has said that it will […]
Politics
Fossil Fuels Still Pack a Punch, Even on the Way Out
Fossil fuels still pack a punch. So, there’s this deal happening between Glencore and Teck Resources that’s making a big statement about fossil fuels. They’re buying and selling coal stuff, showing how even though we’re moving towards cleaner energy, fossil fuels still have some serious […]
NewsFossil fuels still pack a punch. So, there’s this deal happening between Glencore and Teck Resources that’s making a big statement about fossil fuels. They’re buying and selling coal stuff, showing how even though we’re moving towards cleaner energy, fossil fuels still have some serious value.
Coal’s Surprising Appeal
Even though lots of companies in the West aren’t super into hunting for new coal or building new mines, investors think coal still has some game left. Why? ‘Cause it’s got a role to play in the shift towards cleaner energy. Especially in places like Asia, where they’re really into coal for their energy needs.
The Steel Connection
Here’s the thing about coal—there’s this kind called coking coal, and it’s a big deal for making steel. Steel is huge for big projects like building infrastructure and going green with renewables. So, coking coal is becoming a hot choice for companies wanting in on this action.
Big Players in the Game
Check this out: BHP, the world’s biggest miner, decided to keep its fancy coking coal stuff this year. They looked at all their coal stuff in 2020 and sold some, but coking coal? They’re keeping it.
Now, Glencore is snagging Teck’s coking coal business. Analysts are saying this move could rake in loads of cash—like $5 billion to $6 billion every year. Glencore’s already a big player in the coal world, making tons of thermal coal (used for making electricity) and now diving into coking coal too.
The Not-So-Great Stuff
Listen, though—thermal coal isn’t winning any popularity contests. It’s super polluting and is on its way out as we shift to cleaner energy sources.
Glencore’s Take on Things
The head honcho at Glencore, Gary Nagle, says they’re all about slowly backing away from thermal coal. But guess what? He’s pretty confident that both thermal and coking coal will stay in demand for quite a while.
So, even though we’re waving goodbye to fossil fuels, they’re still showing they’ve got some tricks up their sleeves—especially when it comes to coking coal and its ties to the shiny world of steel and big projects.
Surge in Antisemitic Hate Crimes in London
A significant surge in antisemitic hate crimes has been reported in London, with a staggering 1,350% increase during the Middle East crisis. The Metropolitan Police disclosed that between October 1st and October 18th this year, 218 antisemitic incidents were recorded, compared to 15 in the […]
Society U.S. Collaboration with Egypt on Gaza Evacuation Plans
After the Hamas attacks, tensions rise in Gaza Recent attacks by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas on Israel have made things worse. Now that this has happened, Egypt has stepped in. Egypt is next to both Israel and Gaza. Cairo has said that it will […]
Politics
Japan Holds Informal Meeting with North Korea to Discuss Past Abductions
Japan holds informal meeting with North Korea in an attempt to break the long-standing deadlock regarding the abduction of Japanese citizens in the past, according to sources familiar with the matter. Efforts to Rekindle Diplomacy While Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida initially intended to arrange […]
News
Macron Announces Withdrawal of French Ambassador and Troops from Niger
President Emmanuel Macron of France has announce the recall of the French ambassador from Niger, along with the withdrawal of French military troops in the coming months. This decision positively receive by Niger’s military leaders, who view it as a significant step toward achieving sovereignty. […]
News Society
Floods in Eastern Libya Cause Tragedy
Destruction Flooding Event in Eastern Libya Emergency personnel in eastern Libya are recovering nearly 1,500 dead from Derna, a city that was hit hard by the water. However, flooding destroyed dams and washed away neighbourhoods, raising concerns that the death toll may reach 5,000. This […]
SocietyDestruction Flooding Event in Eastern Libya
Emergency personnel in eastern Libya are recovering nearly 1,500 dead from Derna, a city that was hit hard by the water. However, flooding destroyed dams and washed away neighbourhoods, raising concerns that the death toll may reach 5,000.
This unimaginable wreckage, caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel, highlights the storm’s severity and the nation’s vulnerability. Due to war between opposing administrations in the east and west, Libya has neglected key infrastructure in several places for over a decade.
More than 36 hours after the accident, outside help has started reaching Derna. The coastal city’s 89,000 inhabitants’ access roadways have been damaged by severe rains.
Upsetting Scenes and Rising Death Toll
Images and videos from the scene show blanketed remains in hospital complexes and vast graves full of dead. According to the eastern Libyan health minister, approximately 1,500 remains have been rescued and half were buried by Tuesday evening, but the dismal reality reveals a greater death toll. Mohammed Abu-Lamousha, a spokesman for the east Libya interior ministry, claims over 5,300 people died in Derna, while the ambulance authority recorded 2,300.
At least 10,000 people are still missing, and over 40,000 have been forced to flee their homes, according to Tamer Ramadan, the ambassador for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Libya.
Moroccan Earthquake Echoes
Tamer Ramadan has compared Libya’s predicament to Morocco’s earthquake, emphasising the necessity for quick humanitarian relief.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN is working with local, national, and international partners to quickly provide humanitarian relief to Libya.
The Disastrous Progression in Eastern Libya
Derna and other towns in eastern Libya wiped out by a severe storm. Wadi Derna, a river that runs from the highlands to the Mediterranean, saw flash floods. It happen when the dams outside the city broken by the relentless bombardment.
Local resident Ahmed Abdalla said that the water wall “erased everything in its way.” Whole communities on both sides of the river swept away in the mud and debris, as shown in YouTube videos posted by local residents. Backing up to the river, multi-story apartment buildings had their facades blown off and their concrete floors fractured. After the flood, cars began piling up.
Ahead of Time Warning and Bodies Trapped
The Libyan National Meteorological Centre said that 72 hours of prior notice given for the upcoming “extreme weather event” of Storm Daniel. Officials in the government were notified by email and the media to take safety measures. Bayda had a whopping 414.1 mm (16.3 inches) of rain on Sunday and Monday.
Volunteers, government employees, and civilians joined the local military in combing the rubble for bodies. The bodies dragged out of the sea by an inflatable boat. Othman Abduljaleel, the health minister for eastern Libya, says he fears many people swept away in the debris or drowned in the Mediterranean.
Factionalism and Neglect
After years of neglect, Derna’s enormous damage raises concerns about how the rains broke two dams outside the city. Some analysts believe the dam collapsed due to poor maintenance and heavy rain.
London-based Libya expert Jalel Harchaoui said that Derna neglected for years due to postponed maintenance. He also note factionalism, since Derna was formerly control by Islamic terrorist groups and transferred to the eastern government in 2019 after lengthy urban battles.
The Unity of Rivalry
Despite the continuing competition between the eastern administration in Benghazi and the western government in Tripoli, the immediate catastrophe response showed collaboration. The western Libyan government sent an aircraft with medical supplies and healthcare professionals to Benghazi and allocated funding for Derna and other eastern cities’ restoration. Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE sent rescue teams, while Germany, France, and Italy pledged help.
Challenges Ahead
Ground conditions may hinder assistance and equipment movement to Derna. There are calls for a marine passage to distribute assistance.
International Reaction
After the accident, President Joe Biden said the US will send emergency cash to relief organisations and work with Libyan authorities and the U.N.
Eastern Libya Situation and Impact Beyond Derna
Storm Daniel also devastated eastern Libya, killing 50 in Bayda. Bayda’s major hospital, the Medical Centre, flooded, forcing patient evacuations. Susa, Marj, and Shahatt also hit, with hundreds of families fleeing to Benghazi and other eastern Libyan schools and government facilities. According to the World Bank, northeast Libya, particularly Jabal al-Akhdar, where numerous impacted communities situated, has one of the highest annual rainfall averages.
United State Announces $1 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine to Resist Russia
In a significant move, United State Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ukraine and declared a substantial aid package of $1 billion to strengthen the country’s capabilities in resisting Russia. A Billion-Dollar Commitment During a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken […]
UncategorizedIn a significant move, United State Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ukraine and declared a substantial aid package of $1 billion to strengthen the country’s capabilities in resisting Russia.
A Billion-Dollar Commitment
During a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken unveiled a commitment of over $1 billion in aid. He emphasized that this assistance includes both military and civilian security aid, amounting to $665.5 million.
This significant aid package arrives at a time when Ukraine faces criticism for what observers perceive as a slow response in countering Russia.
On the other hand, Ukraine has consistently sought assistance from Western nations, acknowledging that it would be overwhelmed confronting Russian forces without military equipment support.
The United States, along with several Western nations, has been increasing its support. This recent aid is not the first; the U.S. has already provided more than $40 billion in security assistance since Russia initiated its invasion last year.
As the U.S. once again extends its support, Ukraine emphasizes that it does not take this aid lightly.
“U.S. assistance is not charity. Thanks to our partners, Ukraine is deterring Russian aggression, and we are not endangering the lives of American citizens,” Kuleba expressed to Blinken.
Blinken, in turn, stated that this latest aid would assist Ukraine in devising a counteroffensive strategy and help “build the right momentum.”
Acknowledgment and Gratitude for F-16 Fighter Jets
Additionally, Kuleba expressed gratitude towards the United States for granting approval to other countries interested in providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.
Under the agreement, countries purchasing F-16 jets from the United States are required to seek prior approval if they intend to transfer the aircraft to another party.
Several countries had been hesitant to provide these jets for various reasons, including the need to obtain clearance from the U.S. government before transferring the fleet.
The assurance from the U.S. that it would allow the transfer of these fighter jets to Ukraine has been well-received, as it further strengthens Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Conclusion
The United States’ commitment of $1 billion in aid, encompassing military and civilian security support, underscores its continued commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Ukraine’s acknowledgment of the assistance’s significance and the approval for F-16 fighter jets further solidify the collaborative efforts of Western nations in supporting Ukraine’s resilience against the ongoing conflict with Russia.
