Cop30 live: first draft text revives shift away from fossil fuels

Analysis presented at the Cop30 summit indicates that adhering to commitments regarding renewable energy, energy efficiency, and methane emissions could prevent nearly 1C of global heating. Governments have pledged to triple renewable energy production and double energy efficiency by 2030 while significantly reducing methane emissions. This analysis offers a hopeful perspective on avoiding severe climate breakdown.

A critical report has highlighted that the UK lacks adequate resources to address complex military threats. Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised concerns over the country's preparedness for potential invasions, indicating a significant gap in defense planning. The report suggests that without proper strategies and resources, the UK may be vulnerable to various military challenges. This situation raises alarms about national security and the effectiveness of current defense policies.

Arsenal's defender Gabriel Magalhães is likely to be sidelined for at least a month due to a thigh injury sustained while playing for Brazil against Senegal. The injury occurred during a friendly match at the Emirates Stadium, where Brazil won 2-0. Following the match, Gabriel returned to Arsenal for further medical assessments, confirming a muscle injury in his right thigh. This setback comes at a critical time for Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is under pressure to clarify her recent statement regarding asylum admissions, which indicated that only a 'few hundred' asylum seekers would be allowed to enter the UK under new refugee schemes. Mahmood has defended her hardline policies, including family deportations and asset confiscation from claimants, by asserting her commitment to work with the UNHCR to establish 'safe and legal' routes for 'genuine' asylum seekers.

The EU has confirmed that the UK must contribute financially to its budget to maintain access to the European single market, particularly in electricity. This decision, articulated by Ireland's Europe minister Thomas Byrne, reflects a consensus among EU member states. Byrne emphasized that Ireland supports the UK's closer engagement with the EU, indicating a potential shift in post-Brexit relations. This requirement may pose significant implications for the UK's future economic interactions with Europe.

Brazil is considering raising trade restrictions to protect the endangered brazilwood tree, which is crucial for the production of musical instruments. This initiative has raised concerns among musicians who rely on brazilwood for their instruments, fearing that increased restrictions could limit access to this essential material, potentially impacting their craft and the quality of their music.

The UK has introduced a voluntary health assessment for flat-faced dog breeds, a move welcomed by breeders but met with skepticism regarding its effectiveness. Flat-faced dogs, such as the English bulldog, French bulldog, and pug, have gained popularity due to their perceived cuteness, but their extreme physical traits often lead to serious health issues. Animal welfare advocates have criticized the breeding practices that prioritize appearance over health, highlighting the need for better standards in the industry.

Potential bidders for Thames Water have expressed frustration over being excluded from discussions regarding the future of the UK's largest water utility. This exclusion has raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the bidding process, as these bidders believe their input could be valuable in shaping the utility's recovery plan.