South Africa
Global energy demand doubled in 2024 driven by extreme temperatures, but renewables covered 80% of the increase, says IEA
Global energy demand growth surged in 2024 to almost twice its recent average, driven by rapidly rising electricity use, the International Energy Agency said in its global energy review 2025 report on March 23.
Welcome to the new transactional world order
Welcome to the new world order. Values and liberal democracy is giving way to a world run on the basis of deals.
Global cereal production grows faster than populations, says OWID
The world's population has more than doubled over the last 60 years, but global food production has managed to keep up, Our World in Data (OWID) reports.
US-South Africa relations sink to new low with ambassador who “hates America” expelled amid racism allegations
US-South Africa relations have tanked since Donald Trump took office. In the latest salvo, Washington has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, whom Marco Rubio called a “race-baiting politician” who “hates America” and Trump.
Brazil hosts first BRICS Sherpas meeting with expanded membership
Brasilia hosted the first BRICS Sherpas meeting under the Brazilian Presidency on February 24-25, bringing together representatives from all 11 member countries at the Itamaraty Palace.
Foreign agricultural workers flock to South Africa as sector expands
Foreign farmers and agricultural workers are increasingly migrating to South Africa from neighbouring countries, attracted by higher wages and better opportunities.
Brazil to host expanded BRICS summit in July amid US dollar tensions
Brazil will host leaders from the BRICS nations and their new members in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, as the burgeoning bloc faces growing pressure from the US over plans to reduce dollar dependence in trade.
Brazil drops BRICS currency plan in favour of local payment push
Brazil will not pursue a common BRICS currency during its presidency of the bloc this year, focusing instead on facilitating trade in local currencies despite warnings from US President Donald Trump about challenging dollar dominance.
Global coal trade approaches its peak
Preliminary data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that global coal imports rose by 2.4% in 2024, reaching 1.5bn tonnes for the year.