US Withholds Support for UN Resolution on Ukraine, Heightening Tensions

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.

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.