Day: April 30, 2024

The ministers will soon issue a final communique detailing the G7 commitments to decarbonise their economies.

Energy ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies reached a deal to shut down their coal-fired power plants in the first half of the 2030s, in a significant step towards the transition away from fossil fuels.

“There is a technical agreement, we will seal the final political deal on Tuesday,” said Italian energy minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, who is chairing the G7 ministerial meeting in Turin.

On Tuesday, the ministers will issue a final communique detailing the G7 commitments to decarbonise their economies.

Pichetto said the ministers were also pondering potential restrictions to Russian imports of liquefied natural gas to Europe which the European Commission is due to propose in the short-term.

The issue is on the technical and political agenda (of the G7). We are working on it, I cannot go any further… if there is a final decision I will communicate it,” the minister said in a briefing with journalists.

The agreement on coal marks a significant step in the direction indicated last year by the COP28 United Nations climate summit to phase out fossil fuels, of which coal is the most polluting.

Italy last year produced 4.7% of its total electricity through a handful of coal-fired stations. Rome currently plans to turn off its plants by 2025, except on the island of Sardinia where the deadline is 2028.

In Germany and Japan coal has a bigger role, with the share of electricity produced by the fuel higher than 25% of total last year.Last year under Japan’s presidency, the G7 pledged to prioritise concrete steps towards phasing out coal power generation, falling short of indicating a specific deadline.

“The United States, along with other nations, has leveled allegations against North Korea, claiming it transferred weapons to Russia, potentially for use against Ukraine, following the latter’s invasion in February 2022. Despite fervent denials from both Moscow and Pyongyang, tensions persist as the two nations pledged to strengthen military ties in the preceding year.”

“In a report disclosed to a Security Council committee, United Nations sanctions monitors revealed that debris recovered from a missile incident in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on January 2 originated from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile. The findings, shared with Reuters on Monday, underscore the international community’s ongoing scrutiny of arms proliferation amidst escalating tensions.”

“The comprehensive 32-page report from U.N. sanctions monitors unequivocally stated that the debris retrieved from the missile incident in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on January 2, 2024, unequivocally traces back to a North Korean Hwasong-11 series missile. This definitive conclusion not only highlights the violation of the arms embargo imposed on North Korea but also underscores the gravity of international concerns regarding illicit arms proliferation.”

Formally known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions for its ballistic missile and nuclear programs since 2006, and those measures have been strengthened over the years.

Three sanctions monitors traveled to Ukraine earlier this month to inspect the debris and found no evidence that the missile was made by Russia. They “could not independently identify from where the missile was launched, nor by whom.”

Information on the trajectory provided by Ukrainian authorities indicates it was launched within the territory of the Russian Federation,” they wrote in an April 25 report to the Security Council’s North Korea sanctions committee.“Such a location, if the missile was under control of Russian forces, would probably indicate procurement by nationals of the Russian Federation,” they said, adding that this would be a violation of the arms embargo imposed on North Korea in 2006.

The Russian and North Korean missions to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report by the sanctions monitors.

“The volcano, standing at a towering height of 725 meters (2,378 feet), is located in North Sulawesi province, approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles) northeast of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, the bustling provincial capital known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.”

“Indonesia’s Mount Ruang volcano unleashed its second eruption in a fortnight on Tuesday, propelling ash clouds nearly 2 kilometers (over a mile) into the heavens. The volcanic activity prompted the closure of a nearby airport and resulted in a shower of debris blanketing villages in the vicinity, exacerbating concerns for the safety and well-being of local residents.”

The alert level of the volcano on Sulawesi Island was again raised to the highest level by the Indonesian geological service, after sensors picked up increasing volcanic activity. The agency urged residents and climbers to stay at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the volcano’s crater.

“The towering volcano, standing at 725 meters (2,378 feet) above sea level, dominates the landscape of North Sulawesi province. Located approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles) northeast of Manado, the provincial capital boasting the bustling Sam Ratulangi International Airport, the volcano’s imposing presence looms over the surrounding area, shaping both the geography and the lives of the local inhabitants.”

The airport was closed on Tuesday morning due to reduced visibility and the dangers posed to aircraft engines by ash, said Ambar Suryoko, head of the regional airport authority.

Ash, grit and rock fell from the sky in towns and cities across the region, including Manado, a city with more than 430,000 people where motorists had to switch on their headlights during daytime.

It was dark with rocks raining at the post from the eruption,” said Yulius Ramopolii, the head of Mount Ruang monitoring post. “The vibrations were intense and knocked out power, and volcanic earthquakes shook the glass windows and everything around us.” He said the eruption blocked out the sun and peppered several villages with falling debris. No casualties have been reported, Ramopolii said.

“King Charles and Queen Camilla embarked on a poignant visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London, underscoring their support for those battling cancer. The esteemed facility is renowned for its comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating various types of cancers, offering hope and solace to patients and their families.”

“London: Throngs of well-wishers lined the streets on Tuesday, offering heartfelt greetings to King Charles III as he bravely stepped out for his inaugural public appearance since receiving his cancer diagnosis. Following updates from medical professionals expressing optimism about his treatment progress, the monarch’s presence amidst the crowd symbolized resilience and hope in the face of adversity.”

The British head of state and his wife, Queen Camilla, toured the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London, which diagnoses and treats a wide range of cancers.King Charles, 75, is patron of Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, while Camilla, 76, is president of Maggie’s, another cancer support charity.

Outside the centre, the couple smiled and waved to crowds and waiting media before heading inside to meet medical specialists, patients and their families.King Charles suspended public-facing duties in February after cancer was found while he was being treated for an enlarged prostate the previous month.

The exact nature of his cancer has not been disclosed.His daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, underwent abdominal surgery in January and said in March that she was receiving chemotherapy.

King Charles, who succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, was officially crowned king on May 6 last year.He has been seen attending church services since his diagnosis and at selected audiences. He has also continued his official state business.