The huge gap between the sums needed for developing countries to transition to renewable energy sources and adapt to climate change — estimated at $1 trillion in external funding per year — and current funding levels (half that, at most) has been a central focus of the COP27 climate conference.
Why it matters: Experts, activists and leaders from vulnerable countries have been warning of dire consequences if much more money doesn't flow much more quickly. But with countries and companies staring down a potential global recession, investment levels could actually decrease.
The Taliban this week introduced a new ban prohibiting women from using parks and gyms, Mohammed Akef Mohajer, a Taliban-appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of Vice and Virtue, confirmed to AP on Thursday.
Why it matters: The move illustrates yet another step the Taliban has taken to restrict women's freedoms, which have been steadily eroded since the group's return to power.
Singer Luis Fonsi is urging Latinos to joinhim in breaking down the community's stigmaaround Alzheimer’s, a disease that has hit close to home since his abuelita’s diagnosis.
Why it matters: Latinos are projected to have the steepest increase inAlzheimer’s diagnoses over the next 40 years, but shame can keep many from seeking care, said Yarissa Reyes, who heads Latino outreach for the Alzheimer’s Association.
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" is the first Marvel movie with several top billed Latino characters, prompting excitement in Latin America and beyond.
Why it matters: Until Black Panther, every movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was led by a white man, according to an Axios analysis.
Congress is on track for its largest class of Latino and Hispanic members in history, with at least 42 wins by Democrats and Republicans combined.
Driving the news: With many races still too close to be called as of Thursday morning, several Democratic candidates appeared to be outperforming GOP opponents.
Kentucky Fried Chicken in Germany apologized after sending an app alert tied to the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Nazi-led attack that many consider the start of the Holocaust.
Driving the news: The BBC reported that the alert sent on Wednesday said: "It's memorial day for Kristallnacht! Treat yourself with more tender cheese on your crispy chicken. Now at KFCheese!"
President Biden will hold his first in-person meeting as president with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
Why it matters: Both leaders will be heading to Bali after clearing major political hurdles: the U.S. midterm elections, which went better than expected for Biden; and the Chinese Communist Party Congress, at which Xi secured a third term.
The U.K. has frozen more than £18 billion of Russian assets since the start of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, according to a new annual report published Thursday by the U.K.'s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).
Why it matters: The U.K.'s sanctions regime against Russia is currently the "most extensive" regime it has established against any country, according to the report.
Paul Allen's art collection fetched more than $1.5 billion at Christie's New York on Wednesday evening — part one of a two-day auction of works owned by the late Microsoft co-founder.
Why it matters: The $1,506,386,000 reached for the 60 works owned by Allen obliterates the previous record for the most valuable private collection ever auctioned, set when divorcing spouses Harry and Linda Macklowe sold their artworks for $922 million last year.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin won't go to Bali for the G20 leaders' summit next week, Russian and Indonesian officials said on Thursday morning local time.
Why it matters: Officials in Moscow and Jakarta had said earlier this year Putin intended to travel to the Indonesian island for the meeting despite his military's war on Ukraine and strong objections from the U.S. and other nations.
