Negotiators at this year’s U.N. climate summit, known as COP29, reached an agreement early yesterday aimed at supporting developing countries in transitioning to cleaner energy and addressing climate change impacts. The deal includes a commitment from wealthy nations to provide $300 billion annually by 2035, a significant increase from the current target of $100 billion.
However, the agreement faced immediate criticism from several delegates, with independent experts estimating that developing countries require $1.3 trillion annually, far exceeding the funds proposed in the deal.
Countries are expected to present updated emissions-reduction pledges in the coming months, with a February deadline approaching. Following the contentious climate talks, negotiators are heading to Busan, South Korea, for another U.N.-led initiative focused on addressing plastic pollution.
The main objective of this year’s conference was to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually to help developing nations adapt to climate change and move away from fossil fuels. Despite the agreement, vulnerable nations continue to express the need for substantial financial support, while wealthy nations have been slow in providing necessary funds.
The recent U.S. election results were a significant topic at COP29, as President-elect Trump has previously labeled climate change a “hoax” and indicated intentions to withdraw from the Paris climate accord. Consequently, many countries do not anticipate the U.S. playing a pivotal role in climate diplomacy or funding initiatives in the near future.
In a separate development, Hezbollah launched approximately 250 projectiles into Israel, prompting widespread air-raid sirens across the country, including in the Tel Aviv area, as reported by the Israeli military. This incident followed an Israeli airstrike in Beirut that reportedly killed at least 29 individuals and injured over 65, which Israeli officials claimed was an attempt to assassinate a top Hezbollah military commander.
Intense Israeli airstrikes on the southern outskirts of Beirut continued, with authorities issuing evacuation warnings for residents in the area.
In the West Bank, reports indicate that Israeli forces are employing tactics similar to those used in Gaza, including airstrikes and the controversial use of Palestinian civilians as human shields.
Additionally, an Israeli rabbi reported missing in the United Arab Emirates was found murdered, an act described by Israeli officials as terrorism, although further details have not been disclosed.
As President-elect Trump prepares for his second term, he is maintaining confidentiality regarding the identities of donors financing his transition. By not signing a legally mandated ethics pledge tied to federal funding, Trump is able to raise unlimited funds from undisclosed sources to support his transition efforts ahead of taking office on January 20, 2025.
In other news, photographer George Steinmetz has documented the interconnected nature of the global food supply in his new book, “Feed the Planet,” showcasing over 300 aerial photographs from his decade-long project.
Alice Brock, known for her eatery featured in Arlo Guthrie’s 1967 antiwar song “Alice’s Restaurant,” passed away last week at the age of 83.
In lifestyle news, recommendations for improving holiday dinner conversations suggest engaging guests with thought-provoking questions to create a more enjoyable atmosphere.
For those looking for cooking inspiration, a cozy taco soup recipe is highlighted, along with suggestions for mental training like that of a Formula 1 driver, and a documentary titled “Sabbath Queen” has been recognized as a Critic’s Pick.
Finally, readers are encouraged to engage with various puzzles, including the Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, and Wordle.