Brazil
Global warming may create a "permanent El Nino", changing the world's weather patterns
Scientists are warning that global warming is disrupting the natural rhythm of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), potentially creating the conditions for a “permanent El Niño”-like climate state, with significant weather consequences.
Climate change devastates global cocoa supplies as prices remain high
Cocoa prices have surged to unprecedented levels as climate change wreaks havoc on West African crops.
Renewable energy surge puts Latin America on track for climate leadership
Latin America stands at a critical juncture in its energy evolution, with its largest economies showing both remarkable progress in renewable adoption and persistent challenges in weaning themselves off fossil fuels.
US imposes 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, copper from August 1
The United States will introduce 50% tariffs on all goods imported from Brazil starting on August 1, President Donald Trump announced on July 10 on his Truth Social platform. The new measures also include a 50% duty on all copper imports to the US.
Rio unveils $65bn AI hub as Brazil courts global data centre investment
Brazil is vying to capture a substantial share of the global data centre market, as Rio de Janeiro launches an ambitious $65bn artificial intelligence hub and the federal government prepares significant tax relief measures for the sector.
Global sea temperatures reach 21°C to set new all-time record high in June
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the global average sea surface temperature reached 20.96°C in June, the highest for the month since records began.
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Trump's defence of Bolsonaro sparks diplomatic row with Brazil
Diplomatic tensions between Washington and Brasília escalated sharply on July 7 after US President Donald Trump publicly defended former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing criminal charges for allegedly plotting a coup in 2022.
Lavrov hits back at Nato’s Rutte, denies Russian plans to invade Europe or attack Nato
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hit back at Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte's claims that Chinese President Xi Jinping could ask Russia to attack Nato to clear a path for China’s occupation of Taiwan, or that it plans to invade Estonia.
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Brazil opens door to Chinese AI investment while avoiding Belt and Road
Brazil and China have unveiled plans for a joint artificial intelligence research facility targeting agricultural development, in a significant expansion of technological cooperation between the two emerging powers.
Global South unity on display at BRICS summit, leaders avoid criticising Russia
The BRICS leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6 for the annual meeting, where they condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, the US airstrikes on Iran and Ukraine’s drone strikes on trains, but not Russia's war in Ukraine.
Experts warn of “cascading” climate tipping points that will kill the climate without immediate global action
World leaders must act with “immediate, unprecedented” urgency to prevent cascading climate tipping points that could have catastrophic consequences for billions of people, according to the Global Tipping Points Conferenrence delegates.
BRICS leaders gather in Rio to challenge Western dominance
Leaders from the BRICS group have convened in Rio de Janeiro for their 17th annual summit, casting the expanded bloc as a counterweight to Western institutions whilst grappling with internal divisions over key geopolitical flashpoints.
Southern Ocean current reverses for first time, signalling risk of climate system collapse
A major ocean current in the Southern Hemisphere has reversed direction for the first time in recorded history, in what climatologists are calling a “catastrophic” tipping point in the global climate system.
Brazil president visits former Argentine president under house arrest
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner at her Buenos Aires apartment on June 3.
Death on a volcano and a day of reckoning for Indonesia’s mountain rescue teams
Juliana Marins, 26, fell into a 600-metre ravine near the summit of Mount Rinjani during a guided hike with five other tourists. The volcano, rising 3,726 metres above sea level is one of Indonesia’s most popular but perilous trekking destinations.
Short-term forecast for global offshore wind downgraded, says industry report
The Global Wind Energy Council has downgraded its short-term forecast by 24% for 2025-2029 compared with its prediction last year.
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SAS orders 45 Embraer jets worth $4bn in largest fleet deal since 1996
Scandinavian airline SAS plans to buy up to 55 E195-E2 aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer in a deal worth approximately $4bn.
Argentina prepares to host Mercosur summit
Argentine President Javier Milei gears up to host Mercosur heads of state in Buenos Aires this week as he continues his campaign to liberalise what he considers the regional trade bloc's restrictive regulations
COMMENT: Critical minerals pose new test for global energy security
As the world’s energy system transforms at unprecedented speed, so too must our understanding of energy security. While governments continue to focus on securing supplies of traditional fuels, new critical mineral vulnerabilities are emerging.
Brazil's Lula takes Congress to Supreme Court over tax revolt
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has resolved to launch legal action at the Supreme Federal Court (STF) following Congress's decision to overturn his administration's increase to the Tax on Financial Operations.