South Africa

IEA: Access to energy improving worldwide, driven by renewables

IEA Energy Snapshot December 19, 2024

Having a reliable electricity supply is something many of us take for granted – including for sending and reading emails like this one. But hundreds of millions of people around the world today don’t have access to electricity.

The world has passed peak per capital CO₂ emissions, but overall emissions are still rising

Hannah Ritchie for Our World in Data December 3, 2024

The world has passed peak per capital CO₂ emissions, Our World in Data reported on December 3. However, emissions overall continue to rise.

Trump threatens BRICS with tariffs if they dump the dollar

bne IntelliNews December 2, 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump has warned the BRICS countries they will be hit with 100% tariffs if they attempt to set up an alternative currency to the dollar to settle trade deals.

The hurricane season in 2024 was weird

bne IntelliNews December 2, 2024

The Atlantic hurricane season of 2024 was a weird one. It both produced more, and more destructive, hurricanes than usual, but at the same time it had a calm hole in the middle where there should have been at least four hurricanes.

Global mean sea levels have increased by around 25cm since 1880

Our World in Data November 26, 2024

There are two key drivers of sea level rise. First, water expands as it gets warmer. Second, ice on land – in the form of ice sheets and glaciers – melts and adds water to ocean basins, Our World in Data reports.

Lax rules agreed at COP29 for global carbon trading market

bne IntelliNews November 26, 2024

After failed talks in Azerbaijan at COP29, members did agree, however, to a carbon credit trading market. But it has such broad rules, the system may mean little improvement in emissions – or even higher emissions by buyers.

Carbon Brief releases sixth version of extreme weather event interactive map

bne IntelliNews November 19, 2024

As the planet warms and the Climate Crisis accelerates faster than scientists predicted, extreme weather events from floods to fires have turned into an annual disaster season that is only going to get worse.

G20 summit wraps up with a joint statement strong on sentiment, but short on specifics

bne IntelliNews November 19, 2024

The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro wrapped up with a joint declaration condemning war and calling for climate change action, but short on specifics.

Malaysia seeks BRICS membership

bno - Surabaya Office October 22, 2024

Malaysia is aiming to become the latest member of the BRICS bloc, which was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa

OPINION: BRICS’ path to expansion

Seymur Mammadov in Baku October 20, 2024

34 countries have already submitted their applications to join BRICS, as recent geopolitical shifts have led to a realignment in global politics.

Can the BRICS beat the G7?

Ben Aris in Berlin October 19, 2024

Leaders of the Global South will flock to Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, on October 22 for this year’s BRICS summit hosted by Russia, where they hope to thrash out some more details of the new non-aligned global order.

Half the world’s food production at risk due to mounting water crisis

bne IntelliNews October 18, 2024

More than half of the world’s food production is at risk of failure within the next 25 years as a rapidly worsening water crisis threatens global agricultural systems, according to a new report.

BRICS members hoping to develop a digital "BRICS Pay" cryptocurrency international trade system

Ben Aris in Berlin October 18, 2024

One of the biggest questions that the BRICS members will discuss at the summit will be setting up an inter=BRICS payment system to by-pass the dollar. The US decision to weaponise the dollar has unsettled Central Bankers around the world.

Kazakhstan has no plans to join BRICS, says Astana

bne IntelliNews October 17, 2024

Position not likely to change in foreseeable future, president’s spokesman makes clear ahead of 16th summit of Putin-backed group in Russia.

Russia’s Rosatom to support nuclear projects across Africa at AEW2024

Elena Kachkova in Johannesburg October 16, 2024

Rosatom, now building Egypt's first nuclear power plant, has announced a strong pipeline of projects across Africa, having signed agreements with Burkina Faso, Congo and Guinea while making inroads in Kenya and beyond.

Sri Lanka to apply for BRICS membership

bno - Mumbai Office October 16, 2024

Sri Lanka has decided to apply for the membership of the BRICS and the New Development Bank, the country’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said on October 14

Global warming will increase crop yields in Global North, but reduce them in Global South

bne IntelliNews October 14, 2024

Global warming will increase crop yields in the Global North, largely thanks to increased “carbon fertilisation” and temperature increases towards the optimal for growing crops, but will decrease it in the Global South.

South African importers welcome India's decision to ease rice exports

bno - Mumbai Office October 8, 2024

South African importers have expressed approval of India's decision to relax restrictions on rice exports

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