Author: HeraldStar

Baku, Azerbaijan, November 15, 2024 – The United Nations COP29 featured a high-profile press conference on “AI Empowerment and Digital Innovation in Renewable Energy”. Held at the COP29 Blue Zone, the event brought together global leaders to discuss the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing renewable energy solutions. Prominent speakers included Zhengyu Chu, CEO of Circue Energy; Yubo Zhai, General Manager of Sustainability at NaaS Technology; Dr. Wang Xue, Co-founder of Botree Recycling Technologies; Selina Wang of Alibaba Cloud International; Sarah Alharthey, Executive Business Development Manager at ACWA Power; and Qaiser Nawab, President of the Belt and Road…

By Hadia Safeer Choudhry As climate change increasingly affects economies worldwide, the urgency for a united, green economic transition has never been greater. However, experts – at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Hongqiao International Economic Forum sub-forum “Sustainable Trade amid Climate Change” held on November 6 – warned that political agendas and trade tensions may be hindering this effort, creating obstacles that undermine a globally coordinated response. Erik Solheim, Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Centre, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, has been vocal about the critical role of China and…

By Hadia Safeer Choudhry The European Union’s recent imposition of tariffs on China’s EVs presents itself as a measure against China’s alleged state-backed advantages. However, a closer examination suggests that this move not only unfairly targets Chinese manufacturers but also contradicts the EU’s own heavy subsidy practices. While Europe claims to be defending free markets, its own funding strategies for the green transition point toward an uneven playing field that ultimately threatens the spirit of fair trade and cooperation in global sustainability efforts. Under its Green Deal and related initiatives, the EU has provided extensive support to domestic industries, particularly…

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev used his keynote speech at the COP29 climate summit to criticize Western nations for their stance on fossil fuels, accusing them of running a “well-orchestrated campaign of slander and blackmail” against Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry. As nearly 200 nations gathered to discuss how to reduce fossil fuel emissions, Aliyev defended his country’s oil and gas resources, calling them a “gift from God,” while urging countries to be realistic about their energy needs. He pointed out the hypocrisy of Western nations, particularly the U.S. and the European Union, which, despite setting ambitious carbon-cutting targets, continue to…

China has ramped up its pressure on the Philippines, demanding the country concede its sovereign rights in the South China Sea, according to Manila’s Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. This escalation comes as the Philippines continues to face China’s assertive actions in the disputed waters, particularly in areas claimed by both nations as well as other Southeast Asian countries. The growing tensions were highlighted following a meeting between Teodoro and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, in Canberra. The two nations are strengthening their defense ties, with Australia becoming a key partner in countering Chinese activities in the region. Teodoro described the…

President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to take swift and decisive actions on his first day in office, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. According to sources familiar with the transition, Trump will sign a series of executive orders aimed at ramping up immigration enforcement, rolling back key programs initiated under President Joe Biden, and accelerating the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. One of Trump’s key actions will grant federal immigration officers broader authority to arrest individuals without criminal records, giving them the green light to pursue non-criminal undocumented immigrants for deportation. This order will reverse Biden’s focus…

On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched one of its heaviest daytime attacks on Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs, signaling a significant intensification in the ongoing conflict. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, ruled out any ceasefire until key Israeli objectives are met, including Hezbollah’s disarmament and withdrawal beyond the Litani River. Plumes of smoke rose over Beirut as a series of at least 10 airstrikes hit the city, targeting 12 sites identified as Hezbollah facilities. The advance warning from the Israeli army urged residents to avoid these areas. Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment two missiles struck…

The Israeli military has ramped up efforts to provide humanitarian aid to northern Gaza as the crisis there reaches critical levels, with mounting international pressure for immediate relief for civilians caught in the crossfire. On Tuesday, Israel reported the delivery of hundreds of food packets and thousands of liters of water to areas heavily impacted by the ongoing military operation. These actions come as Israel faces a looming deadline from the United States, which has stipulated that more aid must reach the Palestinian enclave or risk cuts to American military assistance. Despite these steps, Gaza remains gripped by an escalating…

11 November, 2024, Baku: Today, Parties assembled for the first day of the UN Climate Change Conference achieved a critical early success by reaching consensus on standards for the creation of carbon credits under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. This will enable climate action by increasing demand for carbon credits and ensure that the international carbon market operates with integrity under the supervision of the United Nations. Commenting on the outcome, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev said, “This will be a game-changing tool to direct resources to the developing world. Following years of stalemate, the breakthroughs in Baku have now begun. But…

By Wang Kai Five days after the European Union Commission announced a tiered anti-subsidy tariffs ranging between 17% and 35.3% on electric vehicles imported from China, China’s Ministry of Commerce filed lawsuit with WTO on Monday, calling EU’s decision “unacceptable and a serious violation of WTO rules.” Bilateral talks are still going on after Brussels dispatched a technical team to Beijing for a new phase of talks on price commitment. Italian President Sergio Mattarella is visiting China from Thursday on the heels of French Minister Delegate Sophie Primas, which are considered as moves to avoid further escalation. Still room for…