New Study Proposes Storing Carbon in Building Materials to Combat Climate Change

The United States has reportedly refused to co-sponsor a UN resolution affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic stance. According to diplomatic sources cited by Reuters, Washington's decision comes amidst escalating tensions between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and former President Donald Trump, who is advocating for a rapid end to the ongoing war. The resolution is set to be voted on by the UN General Assembly, which includes 193 member countries, and is sponsored by over 50 nations. It urges an immediate cessation of hostilities and calls for Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Previously, the United States has consistently co-sponsored similar resolutions since the onset of the conflict in 2022. In addition to the UN draft, the US is also objecting to language in a Group of Seven (G7) statement condemning Russian aggression. As diplomatic discussions continue, sources suggest that the US may seek alternative support, particularly from nations in the Global South, ahead of the UN vote scheduled for Monday.

The Trump administration has officially halted the participation of U.S. scientists in significant U.N. climate change assessments, according to sources familiar with the situation. This withdrawal is part of the administration's broader move away from climate change mitigation efforts and multilateral cooperation. The stop-work order affects personnel from the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) involved with a critical working group of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Notably, this absence will prevent U.S. representatives from attending an upcoming IPCC plenary meeting scheduled in Hangzhou, China, where pivotal decisions will be made regarding the seventh global climate assessment. Delta Merner of the Union of Concerned Scientists expressed concerns about the implications of U.S. removal from the process, highlighting the importance of coordinated action among governments and global institutions. Kathryn Bowen, a climate expert, noted that this development aligns with Trump's previous decisions to exit the Paris climate agreement and diminish federal support for climate research.

The Trump Administration is reportedly considering a ban on junk food purchases for millions of users of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This proposal has received support from newly appointed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who emphasized the need for policy changes in the SNAP program, stating, "we shouldn’t be subsidizing people to eat poison," according to a Fox News interview. SNAP, which provided assistance to 41 million Americans last year, predominantly supports low-income families, with 62% of recipients having children. In 2024, the average benefit amounted to approximately $192 per household member per month, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The potential ban has incited a heated debate online, with arguments ranging from concern over government overreach to calls for healthier food to be made more affordable. Critics have highlighted the emotional implications of restricting food choices, particularly for low-income individuals, and noted that the restrictions might disproportionately affect families celebrating special occasions. Conversely, some argue that taxpayer funds should not be used to support the purchase of unhealthy foods.