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Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 3,145 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has claimed at least 3,145 lives, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges.  Humanitarian aid groups are working tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care and shelter, as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million people have been affected by the disaster, with more than 9 million severely impacted.  In response to the crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, ongoing challenges, including communication blackouts and difficult-to-reach areas, have hindered the full assessment of the disaster's impact.  The coming days will be critical in d...

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COP28 reaches landmark agreement to transition from fossil fuels

 



In a historic breakthrough, the COP28 climate summit in Dubai concluded on Wednesday with a deal that commits nearly 200 countries to start reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy sources.

The agreement, which was reached after two weeks of intense negotiations and a day of overtime, marks the first time that the world has explicitly recognized the need to transition away from oil, gas and coal, the main drivers of global warming.

The deal also sets ambitious targets for increasing renewable energy capacity, cutting coal use, and deploying technologies that can capture and store carbon emissions. It aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the latest scientific findings.

The deal was hailed as a historic moment by many countries, especially the small island states that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They had pushed hard for strong language on phasing out fossil fuels, despite facing resistance from the OPEC group of oil producers, led by Saudi Arabia.

The COP28 president, Sultan Al Jaber, who is also the UAE minister of industry and advanced technology, said the deal was a “clear signal” to investors and policy-makers that the world is united in its desire to break with fossil fuels and embrace a clean-energy future.

However, he also stressed that the success of the agreement would depend on its implementation, and urged countries to take concrete actions to fulfill their commitments.

The deal was welcomed by environmental groups, who praised it as a significant step forward in the global fight against climate change. However, they also warned that more work is needed to ensure that the transition is fair and equitable, and that the most vulnerable communities are supported and protected.

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