Urges | Common News Update

Jul82018 by adminNo Comments

UN report urges nations to take better care of world's forests

July 6 (UPI) -- A United Nations agricultural report Friday urges world governments to better manage shrinking forests, end deforestation and restore those that have been degraded. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization's State of the World's Forests report said in addition to shade, absorption of carbon dioxide, animal habitation and lumber, forests provide about 20 percent of rural household income in developing countries. It said forests are also responsible for providing fuel, to heat and cook, for one-third of the global population. "Deforestation, chiefly caused by the conversion of forest land to agriculture and livestock areas, threatens not only the livelihoods of foresters, forest communities and indigenous peoples, but also the variety of life on our planet," the report sa...

Jun122018 by adminNo Comments

Climate change: Pope urges action on clean energy

Science

Pope Francis has said climate change is a challenge of "epochal proportions" and that the world must convert to clean fuel. "Civilisation requires energy, but energy use must not destroy civilisation," he said.He was speaking to a group of oil company executives at the end of a two-day conference in the Vatican.Firms present included ExxonMobil, BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Norway's Equinor and Pemex of Mexico. Modern society with its "massive movement of information, persons and things requires an immense supply of energy", he told the gathering."But that energy should also be clean, by a reduction in the systematic use of fossil fuels," he said. "Our desire to ensure energy for all must not lead to the undesired effect of a spiral of...

Mar272018 by adminNo Comments

'Give us some love,' Sterling urges England fans

Sports

England forward Raheem Sterling has urged fans to "give love" to the team going into this summer's World Cup in Russia.They have three more warm-up games before the tournament, starting with Italy at Wembley on Tuesday, having beaten the Netherlands 1-0 on Friday.Sterling told BBC Radio 5 live: "I feel sometimes there is too much negativity."I would love to hear some positive notes coming in, just to let the boys know everyone is behind them."Football Daily podcast: 'Lack of world-class creative midfielder will hold England back'Euro Leagues Show: How are World Cup favourites looking?England were unbeaten as they topped their World Cup qualifying group, winning eight out of 10 matches, but their recent performances have not always impressed the supporters.Gareth Southgate's team, who face ...

Mar132018 by adminNo Comments

Sacked Tillerson urges staff to stay in posts

World

Outgoing US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said he will remain at the White House until the end of the month to ensure a "smooth and orderly transition".In a statement to reporters hours after Donald Trump sacked him in a tweet to the public, Mr Tillerson paid tribute to those who work in the department.And he urged those who have been working for him to "remain at their post and continue our mission"."We all took the same oath of office," he said, adding: "We are all bound by that common commitment - to support and defend the constitution... to bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and to faithfully discharge the duties of our office."Mr Tillerson was dismissed following months of speculation over the former ExxonMobil CEO's position.Image:Mr Pompeo has been nominated as Secre...

Feb272018 by adminNo Comments

US urges Russia to push for Syria ceasefire

World

The United States has piled pressure on Russia to use its "influence" to secure a fully-fledged ceasefire in Syria's rebel-held enclave of eastern Ghouta.US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert called for an "immediate end to offensive operations" in the region to allow aid workers to treat the wounded."The regime claims it is fighting terrorists, but is instead terrorising hundreds of thousands of civilians with airstrikes, artillery, rockets, and a looming ground attack. The regime's use of chlorine gas as a weapon only intensifies the misery of the civilian population," she tweeted."#Russia has the influence to stop these operations if it chooses to live up to its obligations under the #UNSC ceasefire."Video:Children 'waiting to die' in GhoutaThe comments follow Vladimir Putin or...