Serbia: rescue efforts to save livestock trapped on island
An operation is under way to evacuate livestock trapped for days on an island in the River Danube. Last week up to 200 cattle, calves and horses were stranded on Krcedin island, northwest of the capital Belgrade, after water levels swelled, blocking their passage back to shore. Rescuers are now under pressure to save the rest as freezing temperatures and fears of starvation set in. Unseasonably mild weather in the Balkan region in late 2023 led to melting snow that caused water levels to rise sharply. But this week, the balmy weather gave way to snow and freezing temperatures, raising fears for the animals' survival. Evacuation efforts began on 9 January, when some sixty animals were saved. An environmental group said that the cattle were exhausted; some had lost as much as 50 kg of their weight. There would be extra difficulties in rescuing dozens of wild horses, which are not used to human contact except for people bringing them food. Speed has now become of utmost importance, because of the freezing conditions and increasing hunger.
Global: average temperatures hottest ever
2023 has been declared the hottest year on record by European agency Copernicus, which monitors climate data. The average temperature increase was almost 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a significant jump. Several factors contributed to this record-breaking heat. Elevated greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, played a major role, trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Additionally, natural climate patterns like El Niño and La Niña influenced regional temperatures and weather events. The consequences of this extreme heat are far-reaching. It leads to more frequent and severe weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and intense rainfall - posing serious threats to ecosystems, agriculture, and human populations. International agreements, like the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving these goals requires a collective commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices across various sectors. The report underscores the importance of addressing climate change promptly to mitigate its impacts and protect the planet's future.
Nigeria: charismatic church leader accused of multiple cases of abuse
The BBC has exposed evidence of widespread abuse and torture by TB Joshua, the founder of one of the world's largest Christian evangelical churches, the Synagogue Church of All Nations. The two-year investigation revealed multiple eyewitness accounts of physical violence, torture, child abuse, and individuals being whipped and chained by him. Many women reported sexual assault, with some claiming repeated rape over the years within the compound. Forced abortions allegedly followed the rapes, with one woman claiming five terminations. Additionally, there were accounts of Joshua staging fake ‘miracle healings’ in broadcasts to millions worldwide. One British victim, Rae, shared her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted, enduring solitary confinement for two years, and attempting suicide multiple times. The church did not respond to these allegations but has previously denied similar claims. Joshua died in 2021: his church, now led by his wife, still attracts pilgrims from around the world.
South Africa complains of Israeli ‘genocide’
South Africa has appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to force Israel to ‘immediately suspend’ its military operations in Gaza. While acknowledging the ‘particular weight of responsibility’ of accusing Israel of genocide, Pretoria has also ‘unequivocally’ condemned the Hamas attacks in October which touched off the war. President Isaac Herzog has called this complaint ‘atrocious and preposterous’: Israel will present its case to the court on 12 January. As it is an urgent procedure, the ICJ could rule in a matter of weeks: although its rulings cannot be appealed, its decisions are not binding. However, a ruling against Israel would certainly increase political pressure on the country and might serve as a pretext for sanctions. Meanwhile, the UN has passed a resolution demanding ‘immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip’: see
