Germany's military ramps up presence in Indo-Pacific
Germany's Bundeswehr is increasing its military presence in the Indo-Pacific — at a time when war rages closer to home, in Ukraine. But Berlin is seeking to demonstrate cooperation with its "value partners" in Australia. A war is raging in Europe. This has put a spotlight on Germany's Bundeswehr and its shortcomings, with leading officers deploring a dramatic shortage of functional equipment. And yet, Germany's air force is currently participating in a military exercise on the other side of the globe, in Australia, where it has sent six Eurofighter jets. It's an ambitious undertaking. Some 250 German soldiers are involved; in addition to the fighter jets, four transport aircraft and three newly acquired air-to-air refueling tankers have been sent to Darwin in northern Australia, with some 100 tons of material. Among other things, the air force delivery operation was intended to prove that Germany's air force is operational and can be deployed quickly — even to the Indo-Pacific region. The transfer of fighter jets and supply planes to the stopover in Singapore in mid-August, which went by the name Rapid Pacific 2022, was accomplished within 24 hours. In military jargon, this is called "strategic deployment capability." The so-called Pitch Black military exercise, from August 19 to September 8, is bringing together some 2,500 personnel and 100 aircraft from around the world in Australia's Northern Territory. Germany is already planning to participate in a series of exercises next year in Australia, this time with its army, according to a Reuters interview with Germany's top military official in late August.
India targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, says Modi
India’s economy will become carbon neutral by the year 2070, the country’s prime minster has announced at the COP26 climate crisis summit in Glasgow. The target date is two decades beyond what scientists say is needed to avert catastrophic climate impacts. India is the last of the world’s major carbon polluters to announce a net-zero target, with China saying it would reach that goal in 2060, and the United States and the European Union aiming for 2050.
COP26: What climate summit means for one woman in Bangladesh
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Why China's climate policy matters to us all
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Deliver on promises, developing world tells rich at climate talks
A crucial U.N. conference heard calls on its first day for the world's major economies to keep their promises of financial help to address the climate crisis, while big polluters India and Brazil made new commitments to cut emissions. World leaders, environmental experts and activists all pleaded for decisive action to halt the global warming which threatens the future of the planet at the start of the two-week COP26 summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow on Monday. The task facing negotiators was made even more daunting by the failure of the Group of 20 major industrial nations to agree ambitious new commitments at the weekend.