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Two trains collide in Slovakia, injuring many passengers
Police and Slovakia's Interior Minister said that two trains collided in Slovakia Sunday night after one train ran into the rear of the other. Dozens of passengers were injured, they added. Matus Sutaj Estok, the Interior Minister who spoke at the accident site, said in a televised press briefing that 11 people were hospitalized and dozens of others were only lightly injured. He said that there were no fatalities in the accident. The accident occurred on the corridor connecting Bratislava, the capital city, with Pezinok (about 20 km) to the northeast. According to preliminary information there was neither a head-on collision nor a derailment of trains," the police posted on Facebook. The news website Aktuality.sk quoted a passenger who described the crash as a "bang". This is the second accident in Slovakia within the last month. Two trains collided Eastern Slovakia on October 13, injuring 91 people.
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Transportation secretary: US air travel is expected to drop to a trickle as a result of the shutdown
Due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, U.S. flights are expected to be "a trickle" as the shutdown continues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy made the announcement in comments that were broadcast on Sunday. After a Saturday plagued by thousands of cancellations and delays, major airlines faced a third consecutive day of flight restrictions. The government shutdown has now lasted a record-breaking 40 days. This has caused a shortage of air traffic control officers who, along with other federal employees, are not paid for several weeks. Duffy, on CNN's State of the Union program, said: "It will only get worse... the next two weeks you'll see air travel reduced to a trickle." Travel is a common activity in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Day, the biggest holiday in the United States, which falls this year on November 27. Duffy stated that "many of them will not be able get on an aircraft, as there won't be many flights if the thing doesn't reopen." DAILY FLIGHTS CUT In order to ensure air traffic safety, the Federal Aviation Administration has instructed airlines to reduce 4% of flights daily at 40 major airports starting Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated that flight reductions reach 6% by Tuesday, and then 10% by November 14th. The FAA said on Saturday that a shortage of air traffic control personnel was affecting 42 airport towers, other centers, and delaying flights at least in 12 major U.S. Cities, including Atlanta Newark San Francisco Chicago and New York. Duffy stated that a growing number of air traffic controllers have retired after the shutdown began on October 1. CNN reported that the FAA was 1,000 to 2,000 air traffic controllers short. Duffy stated that he had paid experienced controllers not to retire and stay on the job. "I used have four controllers leave a day prior to the shutdown. Now up to fifteen to twenty a day retire." On Saturday, 1,550 flights were cancelled and 6,700 flights were delayed. This is up from the 1,025 cancellations on Friday and the 7,000 flights that were delayed. Officials from airlines privately stated that the sheer number of delays programs makes it almost impossible to plan and schedule many flights. They also expressed concern about the future performance of the system if the staffing problems worsen. About 700 flights were cut by the four biggest carriers, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, starting on Friday. On Sunday, the airlines will cancel about 700 flights. During the shutdown of the federal government, 13,000 air-traffic controllers and 50,000 screeners were forced to work for free. Duffy said earlier that he would require a 20% reduction in air traffic, if more controllers stopped showing up to work. Republican U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, of Texas, said that the FAA told him that more than 500 reports of safety incidents involving air traffic controllers due to fatigue have been filed by pilots since the shutdown began. (Reporting from David Shepardson, Washington; additional reporting from David Ljunggren, Ottawa; editing by Christopher Cushing and Sergio Non)
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US airlines prepare for third day of flight restrictions
After a weekend of flight delays caused by a shortage of air traffic controllers, major airlines are preparing for the third day of mandatory government-mandated flight reductions. Federal Aviation Administration has instructed airlines to reduce 4% of flights daily starting Friday in 40 major airports due to safety concerns regarding air traffic control. The record-breaking shutdown has left air traffic controllers, and other federal employees who haven't been paid in weeks, short. The reduction in flight numbers is to be 6% by Tuesday, and 10% by November 14th. The FAA announced on Saturday that there are air traffic control staffing shortfalls in 42 airport towers, other centers, and at least 12 major U.S. Cities including Atlanta, Newark San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. On Saturday, 1,550 flights were cancelled and 6,700 were delayed compared to Friday's 1,025 cancellations and 7,500 delays. Officials from airlines privately stated that the sheer number of delays programs makes it almost impossible to plan and schedule many flights. They also expressed concern about the future performance of the system if the staffing problems worsen. About 700 flights were cut by the four biggest carriers, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, starting on Friday. About the same number flights are expected to be cancelled on Sunday. During the shutdown of the federal government, 13,000 air-traffic controllers and 50,000 screeners were forced to work for free. Sean Duffy, the U.S. Transportation secretary, said he might require a 20% reduction in air traffic if fewer controllers show up to work. Duffy said, "I evaluate the data." We're going make decisions based upon what we see on the airspace. Ted Cruz, a Republican senator, said that the FAA told him that more than 500 pilots had filed safety reports since the shutdown began about errors made by air traffic control because of fatigue. (Reporting and editing by Christopher Cushing; David Shepardson)
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UK provides Belgium with defence equipment to combat drones
The British military chief announced on Sunday that Britain will send experts and equipment to Belgium in order to combat drone sightings which have caused airports to temporarily close. In the past week, drones were spotted flying over Belgian airports and military base. Drones had caused significant disruptions across Europe during recent months. Richard Knighton (head of Britain's Armed Forces) told BBC that the Belgian counterpart asked for help and that equipment was on its way. He said that he and the defence secretary had agreed, at the end last week, to send our personnel and equipment to Belgium in order to assist them. However, he did not specify what equipment or how many people would be sent. Knighton said that it is not yet known who is behind the drone sightings. However, he noted that Russia has engaged in "hybrid war" over the past few years. Russia denies any involvement in the incident. Drones seen flying over airports in Belgium's capital and Liege, the east of the country, forced many planes to be diverted and some of those due to depart Tuesday were grounded. On Thursday, drone sightings forced airports to temporarily close in Sweden and other countries. On Friday, the German Defence Minister suggested that recent drone incidents in Belgium were linked to discussions about using frozen Russian assets held by Belgian financial institutions Euroclear to fund an enormous loan to Ukraine. (Reporting and editing by David Holmes; Andrew MacAskill)
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Philippines evacuates 100,000 as Fung-wong intensifies to super typhoon
Over 100,000 people were evacuated from the Philippines' eastern and northern regions on Sunday as Fung-wong intensified into a super typhoon, ahead of its arrival expected later that day. It is threatening to unleash torrential rainfall, destructive winds and storm surges. The Philippines has been flooded with storm alert signals. Signal No. The highest alert, Signal No. 5, was raised in southeastern Luzon including Catanduanes, coastal areas of Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur. Metro Manila and its surrounding areas were under Signal No. 3. Super Typhoon Uwan (185 kph) is expected to land in Aurora Province in central Luzon on Sunday evening at the latest. Already, parts of Eastern Visayas are experiencing power outages. Images shared by the Philippine Coast Guard showed evacuees transferring from narrow, long passenger boats to trucks waiting for them during preemptive rescue operations. 300 Flights Canceled According to the Civil Aviation Regulator, more than 300 domestic flights and international flights were cancelled. The video, shared by ABS-CBN News X, showed a stormy Catanduanes Province, with an overcast skies, violent tree branches swaying in the wind and heavy rain falling visibly and pounding on the area. Its intensity was audible. Fung-wong arrived in the Philippines only days after Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated the country, killing 204 and leaving a trail destruction. It then slammed into Vietnam where it killed five more people and destroyed coastal communities. On Saturday, in the central Vietnamese fishing village of Vung Cheo, hundreds of lobster farms were washed or damaged. Fishing vessels were piled in wrecks on the main road. Reporting by Karen Lema, Additional reporting by Minh Nguyen, Thinh Nguyen (both in Vietnam) Editing by Rod Nickel
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FAA bans MD-11 flights after UPS jet crash
After a deadly crash of a UPS MD-11 freighter in Louisville, Kentucky, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued an order on Saturday prohibiting MD-11 aircraft from flying until further inspection. At least 14 people were killed. UPS and FedEx have grounded their combined fleets of more than fifty McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighters following a Boeing recommendation. The FAA stated that its emergency airworthiness instruction was prompted after the Tuesday crash in which the left motor and pylon separated from the aircraft during takeoff. The cause of detachment will be investigated. The U.S. regulator stated that "this condition could result in a loss of safe flight and landing". UPS stated that it was complying with the directive as it had grounded 26 MD-11 aircraft, which represents about 9% its fleet. Boeing announced on Saturday its support for the FAA's order. FAA Likely to Require Comprehensive Inspections Boeing acquired the MD-11 Program through its 1997 merger McDonnell Douglas. The FAA will likely require thorough engine and pylon checks before allowing planes to return to service. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board leads the investigation into the crash at the airport of a 34-year old MD-11 freighter. The plane soared to about 100 feet (30 meters) before bursting into flames and destroying nearby businesses. As the plane rolled down the Louisville Airport runway, one of its three engines separated from the left wing. Safety investigators in the United States said on Friday that three UPS pilots tried to take control of the aircraft just before the crash. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington DC; Allison Lampert, Montreal; Editing Sergio Non and Rod Nickel
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US airlines cancel 1,330 flights due to shutdown
U.S. Airlines canceled 1,330 flights in the United States on Saturday as part of the government-mandated flight cutbacks. The industry is bracing for further cancellations if the shutdown continues. Federal Aviation Administration has instructed airlines to reduce 4% of their daily flights at 40 major airports starting Friday due to safety concerns regarding air traffic control. Air traffic controllers are in short supply because they haven't been paid for several weeks. On Tuesday, the reductions will reach 6% before reaching 10% on November 14. Flights Delayd in at Least 12 Major Cities The FAA reported on Saturday that there were staffing problems at 25 airports, and other centers. This caused delays in flights at least in 12 major U.S. Cities, including Atlanta, Newark and Chicago. The FAA implemented ground delay programs on Saturday at several airports, with average delays of 337 minutes at Atlanta, the busiest U.S. Airport. On Saturday, 5,450 flights were cancelled and 7,000 delayed after Friday's 7,000 delays. Friday morning, at 6 a.m. ET (1100 GMT), the cuts began. About 700 flights were affected by the cuts on Friday morning (1100 GMT). These include flights operated by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines (Southwest Airlines), United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. On Saturday, these airlines cancelled roughly the same number flights. In an interview earlier this week, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that 20% to 40% controllers had not shown up for work in the last few days. During a U.S. Senate discussion on Friday, Ted Cruz blamed air traffic control issues on the shutdown. Cruz, a Texas Republican and chair of the Senate Commerce Committee said that since the start of the shutdown, more than 500 pilots had filed voluntary safety reports regarding mistakes made by air-traffic controllers due to fatigue. The record-breaking 39-day shutdown of the government has forced 13,000 air traffic control operators and 50,000 security screening workers to work without pay. This has led to an increase in absenteeism. On Thursday, many air traffic controllers learned that they wouldn't be paid for the second consecutive pay period in the coming week. Sean Duffy, the U.S. Transportation secretary, said he might require a 20% reduction in air traffic if controllers don't show up to work. Duffy said, "I evaluate the data." We're going make decisions based upon what we see on the airspace. Trump's administration has cited problems with air traffic control as Republicans attempt to pressure Senate Democrats into supporting what they refer to as a "clean" funding bill for the government without any strings attached. Democrats blame Republicans for refusing to negotiate on health insurance subsidies which will expire by the end of the year. (Reporting and editing by Thomas Derpinghaus, Rod Nickel, and David Shepardson)
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Minister: Hungary's exemption from US sanctions against Russia energy is permanent
Hungary claimed on Saturday that it had received an indefinite waiver of U.S. sanctions for the use of Russian oil and natural gas. However, a White House representative reaffirmed that this exemption was only valid for one year. Last month, U.S. president Donald Trump imposed sanctions related to Ukraine on Russian oil firms Lukoil & Rosneft. These sanctions carried the threat of additional sanctions against entities who buy oil from these firms. Viktor Orban met Trump, a Trump ally for many years, at the White House last Friday in order to push for a reprieve. Hungary heavily relies on Russian energy, and Orban faces an election in close proximity next year. The prime minister was very clear. Peter Szijjarto, Hungarian foreign minister, said on Facebook that he had agreed with President Obama to obtain an exemption from sanctions for all time. There are no sanctions indefinitely on the oil and gas exports to Hungary. In an email sent on Saturday, a White House official reiterated that the exemption was for a year. HUNGARY IS EXPECTED BUY U.S. LNG Officials added that Hungary will also diversify their energy purchases, and have committed to buy U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas with contracts worth around $600 million. Hungary's continued reliance on Russian Energy since the start of the conflict with Ukraine in 2022 has prompted criticism from several European Union allies and NATO members. Orban said that Hungary has received a permanent exemption from energy imports through the TurkStream pipeline and Druzhba pipeline. Orban said that there are no sanctions in place to restrict or increase the cost of supply for Hungary through these routes. Orban stated that this exemption was general and had no time limit. According to figures from the International Monetary Fund, Hungary purchased 74% of gas and 86% oil in 2024 from Russia. The IMF warns that a cutoff of Russian gas across all of Europe could cost Hungary over 4% of GDP. Orban stated that without the agreement energy costs would have soared, hitting the economy as a whole, increasing unemployment, and causing "unbearable price increases" for both households and businesses.
Ten charts showing global trends in energy and emissions since the Paris Treaty: Maguire
The energy sector and its emissions have changed a great deal and a little in the decade following the historic COP21 Paris Agreement, which aimed to reduce global warming.
The explosion of renewable energy and the surge in sales of electric vehicles have upset the global car and power markets, and led to a "electrify all" campaign across the globe.
The global production and use of crude oil, natural gas and coal have also continued to rise to new records. This has led to an increase in energy consumption emissions that will be nearly 10% higher in 2024 than in 2015.
Here are 10 charts that show the trends in global energy consumption and power pollution to help you get a better idea of the situation as the COP30 Climate Meetings begin in Brazil.
FOSSIL FUELS STILL ROUND THE ROAST
Even after the most rapid rollout of renewable energy in a decade, global energy supply remains overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels.
The Energy Institute reports that fossil fuels still account for 87% of the world's energy supply, due to historically high usage of crude oil and coal, as well as natural gas.
Good news for those who support clean energy: fossil fuels are down from 89% of the total in 2015 and will continue to fall.
The bad news is that global fossil fuel consumption continues to rise despite the reduction of coal burning in many countries and the acceleration of the shift towards electric transport and industrial processes.
EVER CLEANER ELECTRICITY
Solar panels, wind turbines and battery systems have seen record growth, which is boosting the percentage of clean energy in electricity generation.
Ember data shows that global clean electricity supply has increased by 22% between 2015 and 2024. Meanwhile, fossil fuel generation has decreased by 11%.
In Europe and Latin America, the utility systems generate more than 60% of their electricity from renewable sources. The global average hovers around 40%.
RENEWABLES RISE
Renewable energy has been the main story in the world's energy systems for the past decade.
In the period between 2015 and 2024, there has been a surge of 68% in electricity consumption from renewable sources. This includes electricity networks as well as industrial power systems.
Solar power production has risen by nearly 700% since 2015. Wind power has risen by 200%.
In the last decade, Asia has been the leader in the deployment of solar and wind technology. By 2024, Asia will account for 45% all renewable energy production.
Europe has the second largest renewables deployment, with roughly 20% of the market, followed by North America with 18%.
Asia is the largest solar market in the world, with a share of around 60%. Europe and North America follow closely behind.
Asia is also the leader in wind energy deployment.
Emissions Impact
Since 2015, energy emissions have decreased in North America and Europe due to the rapid increase in renewables worldwide, along with the reduction of coal-fired electricity production in many countries.
The Energy Institute reports that energy emissions in Asia accounted for 52 percent of total energy emissions last fiscal year.
Since 2015, the United States, Japan, and Germany have all reduced their energy emissions more than any other country.
However, the U.S. and other major economies, including Japan, Germany, and Germany, have taken steps in order to reduce pollution, but their collective reductions have been more or less offset by rising pollution elsewhere.
Data from the Energy Institute shows that China has increased its energy pollution more than 20 of the largest economies have reduced their emissions collectively since 2015.
When you consider the rising pollution levels in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, the global trend of energy pollution is still on the rise.
BATTERY BOOM
Battery energy storage systems are growing rapidly. This could slow down the future growth of energy emissions, particularly in countries with a large footprint of solar production.
Asia is the leader in the deployment of utility scale battery systems. This is largely due to China's position as the world's top battery manufacturer.
The United States and Australia have also a large BESS capacity. This should allow utilities to make better use of their solar assets, by charging the batteries during periods when solar production is at its peak and then dispatching them as demand increases.
BESS deployment is the next step in the energy transition and will help major power systems meet more of their commitments from the Paris COP gathering 10 years ago.
These are the opinions of a columnist who writes for.
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(source: Reuters)