Latest Stories from Anyaa
Biden administration plans to accelerate landfill methane cuts
Given the major concern of methane emissions from landfills, the Biden administration has proposed updates to reduce the nation’s high and often underestimated emissions from these sites. Methane emissions from landfills significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), municipal solid waste landfills are the nation's third-largest source of human-related methane emissions. In late March, a published study revealed that US...
The global crisis of illegal turtle trade
Recent arrests in Malaysia have drawn attention to the illegal turtle trade – a thriving black market industry worth billions that’s decimating vulnerable turtle populations to meet demand. Earlier this month, Malaysian authorities apprehended six members of an international wildlife smuggling syndicate known as the ‘Ninja Turtle Gang.’ During the raid, they rescued approximately 200 turtles and tortoises, their total value exceeding $52,000. This was the second of two...
What France’s hung parliament means for climate policy
A now hung parliament in France is likely to complicate the country's efforts to address climate change and its path to net zero. French elections have had Europe on the edge of its seat. President Emmanuel Macron called upon the snap elections after the centrist alliance suffered a heavy defeat to the far-right party National Rally (RN) in the European Parliament elections, hoping such a move would catch RN off...
US government can seemingly censor any social media content it wants
The Supreme Court's recent dismissal of a high-profile free speech case against the Biden administration has reignited concerns about the government's influence over social media content moderation and the broader state of free expression in the US. Late last month, the Supreme Court dismissed claims that the federal government violated the First Amendment by pressuring social media companies to censor certain content. The case – Murthy vs Missouri – was...
The rapid development of ‘affordable’ weight loss drugs
India and China are poised to play a significant role in making weight-loss drugs more affordable and accessible, as pharmaceutical companies race to develop cheaper alternatives to Ozempic and Wegovy. The use of weight-loss drugs otherwise known as GLP-1 drugs has seen an upward trend in recent years as obesity rates rise worldwide. Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have increased in popularity, with Ozempic being the most commonly...
The ICC’s problem with convicting war criminals
The ICC’s top prosecutor recently stated his intention to seek arrest warrants for Israel and Hamas leaders associated with the war in Gaza. Yet, the court's history of challenges raises doubts about its effectiveness in convicting war criminals. The International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002, is a judicial institution dedicated to investigating, prosecuting, and trying individuals charged with genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. With over 120 member countries,...
How Putin’s recent visit to Beijing fortifies the Sino-Russian relationship
In Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their complex partnership and promoted a multipolar world order in opposition to US leadership. In mid-May, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing for a bilateral discussion on their comprehensive strategic partnership. The two-day ordeal placed significant emphasis on the growing bond between both nations, bolstered by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and a shared ambition of countering the US-led...
Will the growth of offshore oil scupper COP28 pledges?
The recent surge in offshore oil projects raises concerns about the possibility of achieving numerous COP28 pledges. Let's look at the stats. ‘Deepwater is back in vogue’. Those remarks by Pablo Medina, Head of New Ventures at Welligence, highlight the oil and gas industry's narrow focus. It is no secret that companies in the industry view potential new oil supplies purely in terms of profit, disregarding the environment. The pandemic and...
Explaining nuclear treaties amid Russia’s concerning drills
Russia's recent tactical nuclear weapons drills, in response to perceived Western threats, have raised concerns about treaty violations and global nuclear security destabilization. Nuclear deterrent policies have played a crucial role in preventing a nuclear war since the catastrophic events of World War 2. Following this, nations globally recognized the urgent need to prevent the use of nuclear weapons through nuclear deterrence strategies and non-proliferation efforts. However, Vladimir Putin's recent...
Breaking down Biden’s $95 billion aid package for US allies
The legislation signed by President Joe Biden allocates $95 billion in emergency spending for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. However, critics argue that the aid package reflects US efforts to maintain global leadership amid a potential power grab by China. In late April, President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion bipartisan emergency spending law to provide aid for US allies Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. An estimated $26 billion is...