Good morning,
Global Warming
A new UN report warns we are seriously running short on time to save the planet. The warning comes just days before the COP26 Major Climate Summit is to take place in Glasgow next week, and paints a picture of dangerous climate changes looming as nations fall short of their pledges to reduce planet warming emissions.
Even with new pledges to reduce green house gas emissions the UN says the World will warm roughly 2.7 degrees by 2100 triggering heat waves, droughts, flooding and wildfires across the Globe in the years to come.
Global climate pledges are off target, and could lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions of nearly a fifth by 2030. A fact which casts a huge shadow over the climate conference next week and the chances it will be successful.
Russia Covid
Russia is in the middle of a deadly Covid wave, leading the numbers of deaths in the World. Russia has repeatedly set new all-time highs for Covid-19 deaths over the past month with more than 1,106 deaths in a 24 hour period Tuesday.
All of Russia's 85 regions across 11 time zones have now mandated vaccines for certain categories of workers as vaccine rates are very low in a country that has unsuccessfully promoted it’s own vaccine known as Sputnik vaccine.
As of tomorrow Moscow goes into lockdown closing most businesses and restaurants for a 10 day period.
The Queen Cancels
Queen Elizabeth, now 95 yrs old has announced through Buckingham Palace she will not now be able to attend the climate summit next week, raising concerns about the health of the 95 yr old monarch.
The Queen had medical checks and spent a night in hospital last week. And while she has resumed some duties, it has been mostly by video conference. Officially she is said to be in need of some extra rest, but no one here is prepared to say what her health problems may be.
Brazil and Bolsonaro
A Senate Committee in Brazil has recommended criminal charges against President Jair Bolsonaro for his handling of the covid crisis. Bolsanaro has falsely used social media accounts to say Covid-19 vaccines were linked to AIDS.
The report finds Bolsonaro "deliberately exposed" Brazilians to "mass infection" in a disastrous attempt to reach herd immunity from the coronavirus.
The committee does not have the power to bring charges itself, and it is unlikely the attorney general or lower-house speaker will open criminal or impeachment proceedings.
Brazil has the highest death toll from Covid second only to the U.S. with 606,000 people having died from Covid.
The dangers of disinformation are fatal in a pandemic.
Sudan Military Coup
Sudan’s Military is trying to extinguish unrest after the Prime Minister disappeared, and was then said to be staying as a guest at the home of General Abdel-Fattah Burhan.
Now Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdock is said to be at his home, although he has not appeared or been allowed to appear to speak publicly.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Hamdok. He welcomed the prime minister's release, but reiterated calls for the release of all detained civilian leaders, the State Department said.
That’s a quick take on your Wednesday News! Have a good day everyone. More to come in the coming days on climate.
Dana
https://www.ft.com/content/c16999e6-8827-47d2-9860-fa61f925dba0
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59056725
https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20211027-brazil-senate-committee-backs-criminal-charges-against-bolsonaro
https://www.dw.com/en/sudan-coup-ousted-pm-hamdok-returns-home-officials-say/a-59629007
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/10/26/russias-covid-deaths-hit-new-record-high-ahead-of-nationwide-restrictions-a75411