Belgian climate scientists grow the pears of the future

In Limburg, Belgium, researchers are using transparent domes to simulate the effects of climate change on pear cultivation by 2040. Initial findings suggest that while Belgian pears may not suffer severe quality impacts, climate change could alter ecosystem functions and increase CO2 absorption. The study, conducted by the University of Hasselt and the Flanders Centre of Postharvest Technology, aims to understand the implications of higher temperatures and variable precipitation on pear quality, which could affect storage and sales. The World Apple and Pear Association predicts a 27% drop in Belgium's pear production this year due to climate-related factors.

Ukraine joins NATO drill to test anti-drone systems

NATO concluded a significant anti-drone exercise in the Netherlands, with Ukraine participating for the first time. The drills involved over 20 countries and 50 companies, focusing on detecting and countering drones. The exercise highlighted the critical role of drones in the Ukraine war, with Russia increasing its drone production. NATO is urged to enhance its drone warfare capabilities, as experts warn of the evolving threat. The exercise demonstrated advanced electronic warfare techniques, though challenges remain against long-range reconnaissance drones. Ukraine is developing cost-effective kamikaze drones to counter these threats.

Belgium's traditional horseback fishers see climate change in their nets

In Oostduinkerke, Belgium, the last practitioners of horseback shrimp fishing, a UNESCO-recognized tradition, are witnessing firsthand the impacts of climate change on the North Sea ecosystem. Fishermen report reduced shrimp catches and the appearance of new species like venomous weevers, attributed to rising sea temperatures. NASA data indicates that oceans have absorbed 90% of global warming, with the North Sea's surface temperature increasing by 0.3 degrees Celsius per decade since 1991, disrupting traditional fishing seasons.

Exiled Catalan leader sets tough terms for talks on Spain's new PM

Carles Puigdemont, the exiled former leader of Catalonia, has set stringent conditions for his party Junts per Catalunya to support Socialist acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Spain's parliament. These conditions include an amnesty for separatists, which the Socialists find unacceptable. Puigdemont, who resides in Belgium after the failed 2017 Catalan independence bid, emphasized the need for Spain to recognize the legitimacy of the independence movement and to cease judicial actions against it. The conservative People's Party, led by Alberto Nunez Feijoo, is expected to attempt forming a government but is unlikely to succeed without making concessions to separatists, which they oppose. The possibility of an agreement between the Socialists and Puigdemont's party appears unlikely.

Gaza population lacks food, faces malnutrition, UN food programme official says

Gaza's 2.3 million residents face severe food insecurity and malnutrition due to Israel's ongoing siege, with humanitarian aid insufficient to meet needs. The World Food Programme requires $112 million and safe access to deliver aid effectively. The Rafah crossing's limited reopening has not significantly improved the situation, with only a fraction of necessary supplies entering Gaza. WFP staff and local bakeries are also struggling, highlighting the dire conditions.

Gaza population lacks food, faces malnutrition, UN food programme official says

Gaza's entire population of 2.3 million is facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition due to Israel's ongoing siege, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Humanitarian aid has been insufficient, with only a fraction of the necessary supplies reaching the enclave. The WFP requires $112 million to assist 1.1 million people over the next 90 days and needs safe access to deliver aid. The reopening of the Rafah crossing has not significantly improved the situation, with current aid deliveries far below pre-conflict levels. The WFP's operations are severely hampered, with only one bakery functioning in Gaza due to a lack of resources.

Gaza population lacks food, faces malnutrition, UN food programme official says

Gaza's 2.3 million residents face severe food insecurity and malnutrition due to Israel's ongoing siege, with humanitarian aid insufficient to meet needs. The World Food Programme requires $112 million and safe access to deliver aid effectively. The Rafah crossing's limited reopening has not significantly improved the situation, with only a fraction of the necessary aid entering Gaza. WFP staff and local bakeries are also struggling, highlighting the dire conditions.

Gaza population lacks food, faces malnutrition, UN food programme official says

All 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza face severe food insecurity and malnutrition due to Israel's siege following Hamas' raid. Humanitarian aid is insufficient, with the World Food Programme needing $112 million to assist 1.1 million people over the next 90 days. The Rafah crossing's limited reopening has not met the population's needs, with WFP requiring 100 trucks daily for meaningful food assistance. WFP staff in Gaza also face food shortages, with only one bakery operational due to fuel and supply shortages.

Gaza population lacks food, faces malnutrition, UN food programme official says

All 2.3 million residents of Gaza are facing food insecurity and malnutrition due to Israel's siege, which began after a Hamas raid killed 1,400 people on October 7. Humanitarian aid is insufficient, with the World Food Programme's Kyung-nan Park stating that $112 million is needed to reach 1.1 million people over the next 90 days. The WFP requires 100 trucks a day for meaningful food assistance but is currently only able to enter 40 to 50 trucks. Only one of the over 23 bakeries in Gaza is operational, leading to severe shortages.

Gaza population lacks food, faces malnutrition, UN food programme official says

All 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza face severe food insecurity and malnutrition due to Israel's ongoing siege, according to the World Food Programme. Humanitarian aid has been insufficient, with only a fraction of the needed supplies entering Gaza. The WFP requires $112 million and safe access to provide adequate food assistance. The situation is dire, with only one bakery functioning and people waiting in line for days without receiving food.