News
Climate More than Land Misuse Spreading Deserts - UN
Climate change has become the prime cause of an accelerating spread of deserts which threatens the world's drylands, the United Nations' top climate official said on Wednesday.
African Union Says Mugabe to Attend EU-Africa Summit
All African heads of state, including Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, will attend a long-delayed EU-Africa summit in Portugal later this year, African Union president Ghana said on Wednesday.
World Crops Could Decline 16 pct Due to Warming
Global warming could send world agriculture into serious decline by 2080 with productivity collapsing in some developing countries while it improves in a few rich nations, a study reported on Wednesday.
Sudan Floods Death Toll Hits 131, More Rain Expected
The death toll from floods in Sudan has risen to 131, from 122 a week ago, as more information comes in from the regions of Africa's largest country, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
EU Vets to Review British Meat Export Ban Next Week
European Union veterinary experts will review an EU ban on British exports of fresh meat, live animals and milk products imposed on Wednesday at a meeting next week, a European Commission official said.
Worst Polluted Sites in Russia, China, India - Study
Four of the world's 10 most polluted places are in Russia and two former Soviet republics, an independent environmental group said in a report released on Wednesday.
Somali Opposition Threatens War on Ethiopians
Somali opposition figures formed a "liberation" movement on Wednesday threatening war on Ethiopian troops in their homeland in a move bound to polarise positions in the Horn of Africa even further.
Ancient Shells Tell Tale of Climate Change - Study
By studying the chemical composition of ancient marine fossils, researchers have found new evidence that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide have a big impact on climate, they said on Wednesday.
Indian Bishop Defends Mother Teresa's Spirituality
A media frenzy based on the supposed spiritual emptiness in the life of Mother Teresa, made public in some of her recently published letters, derives from a lack of spirituality, says Roman Catholic Archbishop Lucas Sirkar of Calcutta.
Pillboxes Help HIV-Positive Stick to Drug Regimens
HIV-positive patients who use pillbox organizers to help keep track of their medications can reduce their risk of progressing to AIDS, a new study shows.
U.S. May Give $25 Million in Fuel to North Korea
The United States has made enough headway in talks on ending North Korea's atomic programs to prepare for the possibility of rewarding Pyongyang with $25 million in fuel, according to a U.S. document obtained by Reuters on Wednesday.
Bethlehem Pastor Seeks Awareness for Palestinian Human Rights Violations
A Palestinian pastor is planning to raise awareness of the plight of Palestinians among US evangelical Baptists. He says the people of Palestine have endured "massive" human rights violations.
E.ON UK Plans Giant Battery to Store Wind Power
The British arm of German utility E.ON said on Thursday it was developing a giant battery to store wind and solar power for times of high demand.
Indonesia's Sumatra Pounded by Quake, Aftershocks
Indonesia's Sumatra island was pounded by aftershocks on Thursday after a massive earthquake killed at least eight people and buried many others under collapsed buildings.
Aid, Cash Pledged for Indonesia Quake Victims
Aid agencies have pledged cash and rushed teams to assess damage and help the injured after a major earthquake and a series of powerful aftershocks shook Indonesia's Sumatra island.
US 9/11 Observances Reveal Unity, Faith Over Tragedy
Ceremonies and gatherings to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the infamous 9/11 attacks brought out a spirit of unity among those gathered to honor the fallen victims alongside civic servants including police officers, firefighters, and military officers.