Trump Administration Withdraws U.S. from Key Climate Change Assessments

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.

A groundbreaking study, published in the journal Science, suggests that carbon can be effectively stored in building materials, potentially addressing global environmental challenges. Researchers from UC Davis led by Elisabeth Van Roijen estimate that utilizing materials such as asphalt, concrete, and plastic could sequester over 30 billion tons of carbon annually. The technique, known as carbon sequestration, hinges on the incorporation of biochar—a carbon-rich material derived from organic waste—into construction materials. Sabbie Miller, another researcher on the team, noted, "If 10% of the world's concrete aggregate production were carbonatable, it could absorb a gigaton of carbon dioxide." This method not only aims to reduce atmospheric carbon but could also foster a circular economy by repurposing waste. Some eco-friendly construction initiatives are already underway, including a project by Canadian company Light House, which focuses on recycling plastic waste for new building materials. The potential impact of these innovations offers optimism in the ongoing fight against climate change.

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.