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New IMO chief urges action to reduce shipping emissions

Business /

For years, the international shipping industry has faced criticism for its slow progress in reducing the significant carbon emissions produced by vessels transporting everyday goods like food, cars, and clothing. Now, the new head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, is subtly urging companies to take action. “There is more that can be done,” he stated during an interview at Germany’s Hamburg Sustainability Conference. “The low-hanging fruit is there.” Dominguez, who became secretary general at the start of the year, highlighted strategies like using satellites for optimal routing based on weather, cleaning ship hulls to reduce water friction, and “slow steaming”—operating vessels below their maximum speed to cut fuel use and emissions. While acknowledging that many companies are making efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he stressed that achieving the IMO’s target of a 30% emissions reduction by 2030 requires immediate implementation of all available measures. A significant overhaul of shipping fuel is essential for decarbonization, as the industry predominantly uses heavy fuel oil, which emits carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Cleaner alternatives like hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels are in development but face challenges of cost, scalability, and sustainable production. The shipping sector currently accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and these figures are projected to rise sharply without significant changes. Unlike other sectors like power and ground transportation, which have made strides in decarbonization through electrification, shipping has lagged behind. Last year, the IMO set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by around 2050, highlighting the considerable work ahead. The organization is also being urged to implement a carbon tax, similar to initiatives in the European Union, where large ships are already taxed on their carbon dioxide emissions. Dominguez clarified that he doesn’t prefer to call it a tax, given the sensitivity surrounding the issue. He mentioned that several scenarios are being considered, including carbon efficiency ratings for ships and setting fuel standards. The IMO committee will meet in April to discuss these measures, with formal adoption expected in the fall, and any decisions would take effect in 2027, allowing time for adjustments. In the meantime, Dominguez emphasized that shipping companies should maximize emission reductions, including the use of liquid natural gas (LNG) as a fuel. While LNG can improve engine efficiency and lower emissions, concerns remain about methane leaks, which can undermine any benefits gained. Environmentalists argue that relying on LNG allows fossil fuel producers to maintain the status quo, delaying a necessary transition to renewable energy sources.

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UNRWA chief warns of humanitarian crisis in Gaza

World /

The Gaza Strip has been “unrecognizable” and there is no end in sight to the violence engulfing the Middle East, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Wednesday. “One year after the abhorrent attacks against Israel, and the catastrophic war on Gaza, no end is in sight to the brutal violence engulfing the region,” Philippe Lazzarini said at a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Palestinian enclave. “It has been a year of profound loss and suffering,” he said. Gaza has become a sea of rubble and a graveyard for tens of thousands of people including far too many children, he said, noting that almost the entire population is displaced. Turning to the situation in the occupied West Bank, he warned of escalating violence where nearly 700 people have been killed in the past year, more than 160 of them being children. “Civilian life is increasingly militarized, and settlement activity is expanding aggressively,” he said. He said Lebanon is the latest casualty of the widening conflict. “Civilians are paying a heavy price. Airstrikes by Israeli forces are killing and enduring thousands and displeasing hundreds of thousands,” said Lazzarini. He highlighted the importance of the UNRWA in Gaza, cautioning that the agency’s operational space is shrinking amid Israeli attacks. The commissioner said senior Israeli officials are describing destroying UNRWA as their “war goal” and Israel wants to ban the agency’s presence and operation. “Failing to push back against attempts to intimidate and undermine the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territory will eventually compromise humanitarian and human rights war worldwide,” he said, as he urged the Security Council to decide to which extent it will tolerate acts that compromise international peace and security. “The climate of impunity that prevails will not dissipate without decisive action,” he added. Lisa Doughten, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)’s director of the financing and partnerships division, began by slamming Israeli evacuation orders for civilians in northern Gaza. “Once again, utter chaos ensues as the world watches on,” said Doughten. She denounced Israeli legislation seeking to ban UNWRA’s activities. “This would be disastrous for the provision of aid and essential services to millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank,” she said. Doughten said women and children are hard-hit by the trauma of the war and each day, according to UNRWA,10 children are losing one or both of their legs. “Gaza is home to the largest cohort of child amputees in modern history. Women are three times more likely to miscarry, and three times more likely to die from childbirth,” she said. “We cannot claim ignorance to what is happening — nor can we afford to look away. That is why we repeat our calls for the Security Council, and member states, to take action.” Flouting a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza following an attack by the Palestinian group, Hamas, a little more than a year ago, which killed nearly 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. Since then, more than 42,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 97,700 injured, according to local health authorities. The Israeli onslaught has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

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Egypt denies being involved in Sudan conflict

Africa, Egypt /

 Egypt on Wednesday denied claims by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), of its involvement in his country’s ongoing conflict. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the accusations come at a time when Egypt is making considerable efforts to stop the war, protect civilians and strengthen international response efforts for humanitarian relief to those affected by the conflict. The ministry called on the international community to examine the evidence which would verify the validity of the claims made by Dagalo. Egypt also reaffirmed its commitment to the security, stability and unity of Sudan. The statement added that Egypt will continue to spare no effort in providing all forms of support to its Sudanese “brothers” as they face the severe consequences of the ongoing war. Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have been engaged in a conflict that has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced nearly 10 million people, according to the United Nations. There has been a growing call from the UN and international bodies to end the conflict, as the war has pushed millions of Sudanese to the brink of famine and death due to food shortages, with the fighting spreading to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.

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Panel on historical studies of Islam in Africa held at ISAM

Discover /

A panel titled “Historical Studies of Islam in Africa” was held at the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs (TDV) Islamic Research Center (ISAM) Conference Hall. The 19th panel of ISAM’s scholarly meetings was moderated by Kübra Nugay, featuring speakers Prof. Dr. Anne K. Bang and Prof. Dr. Knut S. Vikor from the University of Bergen. Prof. Dr. Bang expressed her honor and pride in being at ISAM. In her speech, she discussed topics such as Islam in East Africa during the 19th and 20th centuries, contemporary readings of the period’s written works, and the impact of Muslims who migrated from Oman and Yemen to Africa in the post-Islamic period. Using maps and visuals, Bang stated, “For those unfamiliar with Africa and the Swahili coast, I can briefly say that the East African coastal region was Islamized very early, particularly through migration patterns from Southern Arabia and the Shiraz region of Iran to various parts of East Africa.” Prof. Dr. Vikor, in his presentation on “The Continuity of Islamic Law in Muslim Africa,” noted that discussions continue in the region about what happens when Islamic law must adapt to modern legal systems. He highlighted that Islamic law exists within the modern state system in Africa, shaping today’s legal framework, and commented, “I believe the most significant change that occurred during the colonial period is not the form of the law but having reference sources.” After the talks, ISAM Vice President Assoc. Prof. Yaşar Çolak presented the speakers with books and took a commemorative photo.

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Global business travel set to reach record $1.5T in 2024

Business /

After a prolonged period of decline, global business travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 6.2%, hitting a historic $1.5 trillion in 2024, a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) showed Thursday.  The resurgence, which outpaces previous predictions, reflected the renewed importance of face-to-face interactions in global commerce after years of remote working and virtual meetings, according to the WTTC’s 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report.  Last year, leisure travel was 2.9% below the 2019 peak, while business travel continued to struggle, remaining 5.4% behind, it said.  The world’s two largest business travel markets, the US and China, led the hike. Business travel spending in the US, which made up nearly 30% of the global total in 2019, is projected to reach $472 billion this year, marking a 13.4% rise above 2019 levels. China, the second-largest market, is set to follow closely, with business travel spending forecast to grow by 13.1% to $211 billion. European markets also saw significant growth, with Germany, the third-largest market, projected to see business travel expenditures hit $87.5 billion. The UK and France are expected to see record-breaking levels of $84.1 billion and $42.1 billion, respectively. “After a challenging few years, business travel is not only back on track, but it is recovering much faster than expected, highlighting the importance of international travel for businesses around the world,” Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, said at the global tourism body’s 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia.  “Many business powerhouses such as the US, China and Germany are expected to reach record numbers this year. While virtual meetings played a crucial role during the pandemic, keeping people and businesses connected, today’s report shows that business is better face to face,” she added.  Speaking at the summit, Paul Abbott, CEO of American Express Global Business Travel, said the travel restrictions due to the pandemic highlighted the unique value of travel and in-person connections. “We always said travel was a force for good, driving economic and societal progress. When travel stopped, GDP plummeted, unemployment soared, and mental health issues escalated. The benefits of travel are now no longer in doubt,” he said. Abbott underlined the growing trend of companies investing in managed business travel as part of their strategies to foster growth and culture in the post-pandemic era. Other factors have also fueled the resurgence of business travel, such as the rise of “blended travel,” where professionals mix business trips with leisure vacations. Moreover, the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry has seen a strong recovery, resuming in-person events after long periods of cancellations.

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Hurricane Milton slams into Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm

World /

 Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida’s Gulf Coast Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm packing 145 mile (233 kilometer) per hour winds, instantly destroying homes and buildings upon making landfall near Sarasota, according to media outlets. More than 20 million people in Florida and Georgia are under hurricane or tropical storm warnings, with much of north central Florida under tornado and flood warnings. The storm surge from Milton is expected to engulf the same area that was ravaged by Hurricane Helene just two weeks ago, which killed more than 230 people across the southeast United States. While it is too early to accumulate casualty data, emergency officials have already confirmed several fatalities just moments after Milton made landfall. “We have lost some life,” St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson told the WPBF television station. Pearson did not reveal how many people died but said that search and rescue teams have already been called into duty. Nearly 1.7 million people are without electricity, according to PowerOutage.us, and that number is expected to increase dramatically as Milton carves its destructive path across the state, downing power lines. Residents living along Florida’s Gulf Coast were told to evacuate as the storm approached, and for those who did not leave, they were urged to shelter in place. “With night falling and power outages climbing, high winds are only getting worse across western FL,” the National Weather Service (NWS) posted on X. “While sheltering from #Milton, stay in interior rooms away from places with overhanging trees or branches,” the NWS continued, as people have died from falling trees and branches during previous hurricanes. Emergency officials on Florida’s east coast are responding to tornadoes which have reportedly touched down in several Atlantic Coast communities. Nearly 12 million residents are under tornado warnings. President Joe Biden referred to Hurricane Milton as “the storm of the century” at a White House emergency briefing and told residents to take all necessary safety precautions. “It’s a matter, literally, of life and death,” said Biden. In addition to the damaging winds and tornadoes, Milton is expected to cause catastrophic flooding across much of the state. The National Weather Service is expecting rainfall totals between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) in some areas. The National Hurricane Center is expecting widespread damage from Milton, forecasting tropical-storm-force winds extending out 255 miles (410 kilometers) from the center of the storm. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that hundreds of search and rescue personnel and 180 high-water vehicles are on alert to begin emergency operations. More than 6,000 state National Guard members and 3,000 more from other states are also on standby, in addition to 50,000 linemen who will work on restoring electricity after the storm.

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Egypt: New customs duty for corn imports to secure food supply

Business /

The customs duty applicable to corn imports, which is one of the main production inputs in the feed and starch sectors, has been redefined to be in effect until the end of the year. A presidential decree on the matter was published in the Official Gazette. In a statement from the Ministry of Trade, information regarding the implementation was provided. The ministry emphasized that it is taking necessary measures in coordination with relevant institutions and organizations by using all trade policy tools to prevent speculative pricing and ensure supply security for essential food products, while considering the welfare of both producers and consumers. It noted that corn is a significant production input in the food industry, particularly due to its use in poultry feed and the starch sector. The statement included the following remarks: “In the 2024 harvest, a significant decline is expected in both our country and globally due to adverse climate conditions, as well as regional and global developments. This matter is being closely monitored by our Ministry of Trade in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Therefore, in order to prevent the potential impact of supply issues for this product on food prices, a new regulation has been established by our Ministry of Trade, in agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, for the part of our country’s needs that cannot be met by domestic production until the end of the year. With this regulation, a 5% customs duty tariff quota has been opened for only 1 million tons of corn, ensuring that our corn-producing farmers are not harmed, balancing supply and demand, and protecting consumers from potential speculative price movements in the food sector. For imports exceeding 1 million tons during this period, a customs duty of 130% will continue to be applied.” The statement also emphasized that the Ministry of Trade will continue to closely monitor the supply, demand, and price levels in the market, in consultation with other institutions and organizations, and will implement necessary regulations in a timely manner. A communiqué on the matter has also been published in the Official Gazette.

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Turkish Airlines pilot dies mid-flight, forcing emergency landing

Turkey, World /

A Turkish Airlines flight traveling from Seattle to Istanbul had to make an emergency landing in New York after one of the pilots collapsed during the flight, the airline confirmed on Wednesday. The incident took place shortly after takeoff from Seattle on Tuesday evening. Despite swift attempts at first aid, the 59-year-old pilot sadly passed away before the plane could reach its destination, as reported by Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun on social media. The Airbus A350, operating as flight TK204, was diverted to New York by the co-pilot and remaining flight crew. The pilot, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, had recently passed a routine medical examination in March with no reported health issues.

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The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded

Discover /

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded Wednesday to American biochemist David Baker and British scientists Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, recognizing their pioneering work in protein design and AI-based protein structure prediction, according to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Baker was awarded half of the prize for his achievements in “computational protein design.” His research, which began in 2003, achieved the previously unattainable: creating entirely new proteins. Baker’s work has since led to the production of numerous innovative proteins, opening up potential applications for pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nanomaterials, and precise molecular sensors. “David Baker has succeeded with the almost impossible feat of building entirely new kinds of proteins,” the Academy stated. His initial designs have spurred a wave of imaginative research, producing unique proteins that could transform various fields in health and technology.  The other half of the prize went jointly to Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, and John M. Jumper, also from DeepMind, for solving a 50-year-old scientific challenge: predicting complex protein structures. In 2020, Hassabis and Jumper introduced AlphaFold2, a revolutionary AI model capable of predicting the structures of nearly all 200 million known proteins, according to the Academy. Since its release, AlphaFold2 has been accessed by over two million researchers across 190 countries, proving indispensable to scientists seeking to understand the biological roles and applications of various proteins. The Nobel Committee emphasized the global impact of AlphaFold2, describing it as an invaluable resource for advancing biological research on an unprecedented scale.

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Nigeria receives 600,000 doses of cholera vaccine

Africa /

Nigeria received 600,000 additional doses of cholera vaccine Tuesday to contain an outbreak of the infectious disease in northeastern Borno State caused by devasting floods. UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria Rownak Khan said the vaccine and other medical items were part of a global response to halt the spread of cholera, a waterborne disease which hit the state weeks after massive flooding damaged sanitary facilities and water supply. “This oral cholera vaccine was a joint effort between the government and the partners. UNICEF is one of the partners. We also have other partners who also put a lot of effort to bring the cholera vaccine to Nigeria,” Khan told Anadolu in the state capital Maiduguri after handing over the items to the government. The donation also included acute water diarrhea kits and hospital beds worth $69,000, she added. Last month, UNICEF delivered the first 300,000 doses of cholera vaccine to the state, starting massive vaccination in the area. Abubakar Hassan, special adviser to the Borno State governor on Health, said the state is yet to record any cholera-related deaths days after the outbreak of the disease was reported. Authorities said 451 suspected cases of cholera were recorded in Borno on Oct. 4, with 128 cases testing positive after a rapid diagnostic process.

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