Latest news with #Haiyan
Memri
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Chinese Influencer Haiyan: China Has Lodged Protest against Israeli MK Visit to Taiwan; Israel Has Never Been Our Friend, It Repeatedly Stabs Us in the Back; The Jews Have Been Wandering for 2000 Year
On July 11, 2025, Chinese social media influencer Haiyan posted on her Xiaohongshu account a video titled 'China Made a Serious Diplomatic Protest to Israel.' In the video, Haiyan spoke about Israeli MK Boaz Toporovsky's April 2025 visit to Taiwan, during which he met with Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. She said that the Chinese Embassy in Israel has expressed firm opposition and strong condemnation of the visit, demanding that Israel immediately 'correct its erroneous behavior.' She said that 'this is Israel's true face' and that Israel still owes China a 'blood debt' over the 2006 death of Chinese Defense Ministry officer and UN observer Du Zhaoyu. She said: 'Whatever you do to me, I'll remember it for thousands of years to come.' Haiyan also said that Israel 'excels at propaganda' and that there are lies circulating on the Chinese internet about Israel providing disaster relief, military technology, and agricultural technology to China, that these are all false information, and that Israel 'has never been a true friend of the Chinese people.' She elaborated that during the Opium Wars, the first people who sold opium to China had been Jewish merchants, and that most of the opium destroyed in the Humen opium destruction had belonged to the Jewish Sassoon family. In addition, she said that Jewish refugees who fled to Shanghai during WWII had resumed trading in opium and in loan-sharking. She concluded: 'China has never wronged Israel, but Israel repeatedly stabs China in the back. Some people [i.e. the Jews] have been wandering for 2000 years, and it's not without reason.'
The Star
22-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Philippines braces for more heavy rain after six people killed
People wading through a flooded street in Manila on July 22, 2025, after heavy rains caused floodings enhanced by the monsoon. - AFP MANILA: Philippine authorities on Tuesday (July 22) warned of continued strong rains this week that have killed six people, cut power in some areas and forced thousands to evacuate in the capital and nearby provinces. Monsoon rains and a tropical storm have combined to pour the equivalent of a month's worth of rain in just four days, Manila's weather bureau said, submerging many cities and displacing more than 17,000 individuals. The southwest monsoon "will bring moderate to intense rains' in the next few days in northern and central Philippines, the interior ministry said in a statement. "Flooding is expected in areas that are urbanised, low-lying and near rivers. Landslides may also occur in moderate to highly susceptible areas,' it said, adding that forced evacuation has started in some areas. The weather bureau said it expects "widespread incidents of severe flooding' with landslides through Friday, with three low pressure areas east of the country likely to become tropical cyclones this week. The adverse weather had caused about 1.2 billion pesos (US$21 million) in damage to both agriculture and infrastructure, according to the government. Government offices and schools were shut for a second day on Tuesday amid the heavy downpour. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who's in Washington to meet with US President Donald Trump, ordered government agencies to focus on flood response and relief operations, his office said in a statement. Some 118,000 households were without power, Joe Zaldarriaga, head of corporate communications at Manila Electric Co., told DZMM radio. Over a dozen flights were cancelled, affecting 2,160 passengers, authorities said. The South-East Asian nation is one of the most natural disaster-prone countries in the world, where about 20 cyclones pass through each year. In 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan killed more than 6,000 in the Philippines. - Bloomberg
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning over increasing threat to millions of vulnerable people: 'A fight for global justice'
Climate-related poverty is a silent but devastating consequence of rising global temperatures. According to a report by the Daily Observer, some of the poorest communities, often the least responsible for carbon pollution, are facing harsher living conditions, economic instability, and even displacement. Climate-related poverty happens when major environmental changes make it harder for people to meet their basic needs. Rising sea levels and disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can significantly impact resources, disrupt livelihoods, and result in economic hardships. And when flash floods wash away entire villages or droughts cripple food production, it's the poorest communities — the ones that don't have enough to recover on their own — that struggle the hardest. An example of climate-induced hardship is 2013's Typhoon Haiyan, which displaced millions of Filipinos and destroyed homes and livelihoods. In another part of the world, long droughts and desertification in Africa's Sahel wiped out farms, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition. The growing crisis strains healthcare, infrastructure, and government resources — problems already visible in areas battling severe drought and water shortages. Even regions once safe from extreme weather are now seeing displacement risks as the climate changes. While investing in solutions requires significant resources, ignoring the problem costs far more. Rising hunger, mass migration, and global conflicts are already warning signs. Tackling climate-induced poverty today is not only smart but also necessary. Fighting it is also "a fight for global justice," as the Daily Observer noted. At-risk nations can invest in drought-tolerant crops and solar-powered irrigation to safeguard food supplies. They can also build flood defenses, permeable pavement, and early warning systems to help protect their communities from future disasters. Switching to renewable energy can reduce dependence on dirty energy sources, which account for the bulk of the human-caused pollution warming our climate, as NASA notes. Meanwhile, programs aimed at bolstering local resilience are essential to make climate change solutions more accessible for all. By investing in sustainable strategies now, we can protect vulnerable communities and help foster a safer future for everyone. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
In a bastion of Catholicism, Filipinos mourn Pope Francis and wonder who comes next
At Quiapo church in central Manila, the pews are filled with worshippers. Latecomers gather near the entrance, clutching fans to ease the stifling heat. A prayer is read out in memory of Pope Francis, known affectionately as Lolo Kiko, or Grandpa Francis, whose image stands framed on the altar. It's one of many tributes and services held across the Philippines over recent days, as one of the world's biggest Catholic populations marks the pope's death. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a period of national mourning, lasting until the pope's burial on Saturday. Buildings – from universities to a shopping mall – have held light displays in the papal colours of yellow and white, and in violet, which is often symbolic of penance. At a major thoroughfare in Manila, a billboard declares: 'Pope Francis, thank you very much! We love you.' Quiapo, like many other churches across the country, rang out its bells to mark his death on Easter Monday. 'Pope Francis is the pope we grew up knowing,' says Mario Amor, 35, a member of Quiapo's congregation. 'For me, he is a very kind pope.' Related: Pope Francis – a life in pictures On the bustling boulevard outside the church, stalls are stacked with rosary beads, T-shirts emblazoned with Jesus' image, and figurines of Catholic saints. Veronica Reponte, who has had a stall outside the church for two decades, vividly remembers when the pope visited the Philippines in 2015. She took her son, then aged eight, along with her to watch the procession at Manila's Rizal park. 'I didn't have a raincoat and my umbrella couldn't withstand the rain,' she recalls. Miserable weather didn't stop the public from turning out. A record crowd of up to 7 million watched his procession. There had been a frenzy of excitement in the run-up to his arrival. Sales of anything pope-related on Reponte's stall soared – calendars, posters and even handkerchiefs decorated with Francis's face. 'I'd wished I'd be able to see him again,' she says. In the Philippines, where 80% of the population is Catholic, popes are always revered. Francis, however, was especially well loved. Many fondly remember his 2015 visit, which came just over a year after the country had experienced the devastating Typhoon Haiyan that killed more than 6,000 people. Francis was reportedly advised to postpone his trip to Tacloban, the area worst affected, because of the risk of a tropical storm, but he was determined to go ahead. In a yellow poncho, battered by wind and rain, he stood before thousands of typhoon survivors, telling them: 'I am here to be with you.' Men and women wept as he spoke. Francis was a pastor who 'understood what suffering meant for Filipinos', and who visited 'at such an important period in our history', says Jayeel Cornelio, a sociologist who specialises in the role of Catholicism in contemporary Philippines. He also opened up the church to groups who had been otherwise excluded, including the LGBTQ+ community. 'A lot of Filipinos [have described] … on social media how this was a man, in spite of representing a conservative institution, who gave hope, about how faith might be evolving,' Cornelio says. Catholicism, brought to the Philippines by Spanish colonisers in the 16th century, is deeply interwoven with the country's culture and has shaped its laws. Abortion is banned, and adultery and 'concubinage' carry jail sentences of at least six months. It is also the only place in the world, other than the Vatican, that does not have a divorce law – though there are efforts to change this – and public opinion has become far more sympathetic to divorce over recent years, reflecting the changing role or understanding of Catholicism in the country. The church was once so politically influential that it was at the forefront of movements to oust two presidents, including the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Its power has waned, however. The presidency of former leader Rodrigo Duterte, who presided over a deadly 'war on drugs' that activists believe killed as many as 30,000 people, was a particularly difficult time. Priests were conflicted: some risked retaliation by criticising the killings, others did not. Related: 'I'm a Muslim and he was my inspiration' – world pays tribute to Pope Francis Duterte remained highly popular throughout his presidency, despite international condemnation. Francis worked 'under the radar' to offer support to those who spoke out, says Cornelio. Leila de Lima, a former senator and human rights activist who was a fierce critic of Duterte, wrote in a statement this week: 'During one of the darkest times in my life, I received a rosary from Pope Francis. It came quietly, without fanfare, but its meaning was profound. In that moment, I felt seen. I felt remembered.' Other rights groups also paid tribute. The Filipino LGBTQ+ group Bahaghari noted his 'progressive yet controversial stance'. The group was, it says, hopeful that Francis's papacy 'becomes the spark' for a more inclusive church. Now Filipinos are bracing for the next pope, wondering whether he will continue Francis's inclusive legacy or revert back to a more conservative approach. The next pope will be selected by the College of Cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Francis and reflect a more diverse church. Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, from the Philippines, is among those in the running. He has a similarly progressive outlook, having suggested that the Catholic church's stance on gay and divorced couples is too harsh. He has, however, opposed abortion rights in the Philippines. If chosen, Tagle would be the first pontiff from Asia, the region with the fastest-growing Catholic population. 'The Italians might still want to be in power, but the signs of the times have changed,' Cornelio says. If he were appointed, the country would be overjoyed, he says. 'The Philippines is all about national pride, from Miss Universe to boxing.' But back at Quiapo church, Mario Amor thinks there are forces greater than the conclave at play in the selection of the new pope. 'I'm OK whoever will replace him,' he says. 'The lord will appoint whoever is deserving.'
Indian Express
29-04-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Opinion Climate change in the Asia-Pacific: Empty classrooms, stalled dreams, a generation falling behind
On the banks of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, children in school uniforms wait patiently for a boat that may never come. Their parents have taken the family's only means of transport — the rowboat — to fish for their livelihoods. Only when they return, often late in the day, can the children hope to go to school. Lately, though, that plan has begun to fall apart. Climate change is transforming Cambodia's floating villages. Over the past decade, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures have dwindled fish populations. This spells both an economic and educational crisis for a country where 12 per cent of the GDP depends on fish exports. For many children, the climate crisis begins not in the headlines but in the silence of an empty classroom. With fishing now taking longer and yielding less, children are often left stranded, missing up to 10–12 school days each month. It comes as no surprise that many eventually drop out. This is the human face of climate change — beyond the parched lands or rising seas, there are empty classrooms, stalled dreams, and a generation falling behind. Across the Asia-Pacific, home to more than half the world's youth, climate change is disrupting education at scale, especially for children in poverty, remote areas, or crisis-affected zones — those already least likely to access quality education. From floods in Bangladesh to typhoons in Vietnam, and heatwaves in India to landslides in the Philippines, extreme weather is upending education. UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index estimates that over 1 billion children are at 'extremely high risk' from the impacts of climate change — education among them. Yet responses often fall short. Too many focus on short-term recovery rather than addressing deeper issues: Poverty, inequality, and fragile infrastructure. But around the world, communities are pioneering simple, scalable solutions. In the Philippines, after Typhoon Haiyan devastated Tacloban in 2013, local authorities rebuilt schools with elevated foundations and typhoon-resistant roofs. These climate-resilient structures allowed students to return to classrooms faster — and in some cases, provided shelter during future storms. In Cambodia, too, low-tech solutions such as providing dedicated school boats have reduced dropout rates and helped children transition to secondary education, proving that even modest investments can make a difference when rooted in local needs. But adaptation isn't enough. Education must also become a tool to fight climate change. In Vietnam, youth climate clubs supported by local and international partners are teaching nearly 20,000 students about renewable energy, climate science, and green entrepreneurship. These are not abstract lessons — they are practical tools to help youth lead sustainable initiatives in their own communities. Across Indonesia, a national green schools programme has been rolled out, integrating environmental education with hands-on activities such as composting, urban gardening, and waste management. Early data shows students not only retain this knowledge but also influence household behaviour, making schools catalysts for broader change. Between January 2022 and June 2024, climate-related disasters closed schools in 81 countries, affecting over 400 million students. In 2024 alone, extreme weather disrupted the education of at least 242 million children. But education is not only a casualty — it's a crucial part of the solution. Educated communities are more resilient, better prepared to adapt, and more likely to advocate for sustainable policies. Schools, therefore, must be reimagined as hubs of learning and resilience. That means integrating climate action into every curriculum and transforming school infrastructure — elevated buildings, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy systems. Young people need more than awareness. They need agency. When children and youth understand how climate change affects their communities — and are empowered to act — they begin to see themselves not as victims, but as leaders. Asia-Pacific, with its vast youth population and acute climate risk, has a chance to lead. But it will require collective effort: Regional policy coordination, investments in climate-smart education, and platforms that elevate the voices of rural youth, indigenous groups, and girls — too often excluded from the conversation. The cost of inaction is staggering. Without meaningful intervention, climate change could keep an additional 12.5 million girls out of school each year. But we also know what works. A schoolboat. A typhoon-proof classroom. A youth-led campaign for solar energy. This month, as we celebrate Earth Day, let's affirm the right of every child not just to survive climate change — but to learn, adapt, and lead through it. Because education and climate action are not two separate challenges. They are one and the same.
