Japan: plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions drastically
Japan’s government has approved new targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 60% cut from 2013 levels by 2035 and a 73% reduction by 2040. The revised policy seeks to increase renewables to 50% of the electricity mix by 2040 while expanding nuclear power to 20%. Although 80% of 3,000 public comments supported a more ambitious target, the government finalised its targets without increases. Japanese utilities have struggled to restart nuclear reactors after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, prompting a shift towards next-generation reactors. The government also wishes to align decarbonisation with economic growth, promoting clean energy hubs. However, challenges include rising costs in the offshore wind market and global uncertainties, particularly due to shifts in US climate policies.
Gaza latest: Hamas releases bodies of four Israeli hostages
Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages under the Gaza ceasefire deal: Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months), along with peace activist Oded Lifshitz (83). The IDF transported the bodies to Israel for identification, while mourning swept across the nation. President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow and asked for forgiveness for failing to bring all hostages home alive. Negotiations on a second ceasefire phase are set to resume this week, aiming for the release of all remaining hostages. However, Israel insists it will not withdraw forces until Hamas is eliminated, while Hamas demands an end to the war before releasing further captives. Meanwhile, Hamas used the hostage handover for propaganda, displaying missiles alongside the coffins and blaming Benjamin Netanyahu for their deaths. The Hamas group stated they would have preferred them to return alive, but accused Israel of choosing war over negotiations.
Argentina: Milei under threat of impeachment for possible cryptocurrency scam
Opposition politicians are calling for president Javier Milei's impeachment following his endorsement of the $Libra cryptocurrency on social media. He claimed it would boost Argentina’s economy by supporting small businesses. The coin immediately soared in value but later plummeted, prompting accusations of a ‘rug pull’ or fraud. Milei later deleted his post, claiming he was unaware of the project's details, but many have called for his removal from office, accusing him of being involved in the development of the scam. Legal action is being pursued, and federal prosecutors are investigating whether Milei committed fraud or criminal association. Cryptocurrency has exploded in Argentina in recent years, amid a decades-long economic crisis and soaring inflation rates. Analysts have warned that the crisis could damage Milei’s reputation as a custodian of economic recovery – and an anti-corruption president – ahead of mid-term elections later this year.
South Africa: court battle over African penguin’s future
A pivotal high court hearing in March could determine the fate of the critically endangered African penguin. Conservationists have filed a legal challenge against the South African government and the commercial pelagic fishing industry over former environment minister Barbara Creecy’s decision to extend island fishing closures for ten years. The case, set for 18-20 March, will address constitutional rights, scientific research, and international conservation law. The dispute centers on whether competition for fish stocks, particularly sardines and anchovies, is a key factor in the penguin's decline. A panel of international experts suggested using a scientific method for determining island closures which would be of maximum conservation benefit to the penguins and the smallest cost to commercial fisheries. Instead, Creecy extended existing closures without adopting new recommendations. With the African penguin’s status recently changed from ‘endangered’ to ‘critically endangered’, the court's ruling carries profound implications for its survival.
