How China and the Gulf states are shaping Central Asia’s energy transition
By Roman Vakulchuk & Kamila Beishembaeva Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, China has become one of the largest overseas energy investors. While much of its engagement has traditionally focused on fossil fuels, the post-pandemic years have marked a shift towards renewable energy investment, particularly in developing countries. During
‘Carrots and sticks’ could cut carbon emissions 80% by 2050, UCSD study finds
By Staff and Wire Reports A study involving UC San Diego researchers suggests that financial incentives such as clean energy subsidies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but without penalties for polluters, climate efforts will be in vain. The research, published in Nature Climate Change, found that combining clean energy subsidies with pollution taxes can substantially reduce the emissions
Grassroots forest protection succeeds where planting drives fail in Nepal
By Mukesh Pokhrel NAWALPUR, Nepal — At 75, Hasta Bahadur Sathighare Magar says he still remembers the time when the slopes above his village in the rural municipality of Rupsekot, in central Nepal, looked dead. Dust blew freely as cattle marauded the barren land. That view has since changed. The barren slopes have given way
Joint Statement by EFSCRJ, GALA, and TGSB on the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2025/2026 Groundnut Trade Season Announcement
We, the undersigned civil society organizations, express our deep concern and strong objection to the Government’s announcement setting the 2025/2026 groundnut farm-gate price at D38,000 per metric ton and granting the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC) exclusive rights as the sole buyer and exporter for the first three months of the season.
Presidential Media Dinner: Why?
What exactly is the purpose of a presidential media dinner in a context where fundamental media freedoms remain under siege? In principle, there is nothing inherently wrong with a president engaging with the media, whether socially or professionally. In a genuinely democratic setting where political will exists, media freedom is protected, journalists are safe, and
