environment 5 - The Latremie Post

Pakistan PM Sharif to meet US President Trump with select Muslim leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump alongside a select group of Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, it was announced on Sunday.

The Prime Minister will visit the United States from September 22 to 26, leading a delegation to attend the 80th Session of the UNGA in New York. He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, other ministers, and senior officials.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO), “The Prime Minister will also participate in a meeting of select Islamic leaders with US President Trump to exchange views on issues pertaining to regional and international peace and security.”

During his address to the General Assembly, Prime Minister Sharif will urge the international community to resolve prolonged global issues. He will particularly draw attention to the grave crisis in Gaza and call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Palestinians.

The Prime Minister will also highlight Pakistan’s perspective on the regional security situation, as well as other key issues of international concern, including climate change, terrorism, Islamophobia, and sustainable development.

In addition to his speech, the Prime Minister will attend several high-level events on the sidelines of the UNGA Session. These include important meetings of the UN Security Council, the High-Level Meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and a Special High-Level Event on Climate Action, among others.

Prime Minister Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders and senior UN officials to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. He will emphasize Pakistan’s commitment to working with all UN Member States to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, foster peace, and promote global prosperity during Pakistan’s current tenure as a member of the Security Council.

“The Prime Minister’s participation in this largest annual gathering of global leaders will showcase Pakistan’s strong commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations, highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding contribution towards the shared objectives of peace and development,” the FO added.

*Note:* This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at their absolute discretion without prior notice.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-to-meet-us-president-trump-with-select-muslim-leaders-on-unga-sidelines-23595118

Gatwick second runway plan approved by transport secretary

**Gatwick Second Runway Plan Approved by Transport Secretary**

*By Katy Austin, Transport Correspondent and Jamie Whitehead, BBC News*

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport, marking a significant step as the government seeks new opportunities for economic growth.

The £2.2 billion privately-financed project essentially involves moving the current Northern Runway 12 metres to bring it into regular use, alongside other developments including terminal expansions. The airport says the plans will create jobs and boost the local economy.

Gatwick currently handles around 280,000 flights annually. The new plan would increase this number to approximately 389,000 flights by the late 2030s. A government source described the plan as a “no-brainer for growth,” adding that it is possible planes could be utilising a new full runway at Gatwick before the next general election.

Located in West Sussex, London Gatwick is currently Europe’s busiest single-runway airport, serving over 40 million passengers a year. The approved plans would add 40,000 more flights before the second runway opens, rising to 70,000 additional flights—nearly 190 per day—once the runway is fully operational. This expansion could see passenger numbers rise to as many as 80 million.

Currently, the Northern Runway is used only for taxiing or as a backup. The new second runway will primarily serve short-haul flights, while freeing up capacity on the main runway for more long-haul services.

The decision to approve the expansion was anticipated in February, when the transport secretary expressed that she was “minded to grant consent” for the Northern Runway planning application. Planning inspectors had raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposals on the surrounding area, including traffic congestion and noise pollution.

In response, in April Gatwick Airport agreed to implement stricter noise controls, an enhanced insulation scheme for nearby residents, and a target of having 54% of air passengers use public transport before the Northern Runway opens. To achieve this, the airport acknowledged that third parties, including the Department for Transport, would need to support the delivery of necessary infrastructure improvements—such as reinstating the full Gatwick Express rail service.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Gatwick Express offered four non-stop trains per hour between the airport and London Victoria. This was reduced to two trains per hour in 2022.

To address road congestion concerns, Gatwick Airport has also proposed a cap on cars on the road if the 54% public transport target is not met prior to the runway’s first use. If neither the target nor the road traffic limit can be achieved, the runway plans would be delayed until £350 million in road improvements are completed. The airport stated this would ensure additional traffic flows can be accommodated without causing congestion.

A government source said, “This government has taken unprecedented steps to get this done, navigating a needlessly complex planning system, which our reforms will simplify in future.” They added, “Any airport expansion must be delivered in line with our legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements.”

However, there is strong opposition to the expansion, particularly from climate campaigners. Following the approval announcement, new Green Party leader Zack Polanski called it a “disaster for the climate crisis.”

In February, Greenpeace UK policy director Douglas Parr argued the extension would not drive economic growth. “The only thing it’s set to boost is air pollution, noise, and climate emissions,” he said.

Alex Chapman, senior economist at the left-leaning think tank New Economics Foundation, also contended the expansion would not create new jobs but rather shift them from other parts of the country. “People are already perfectly able to catch cheap flights on holiday or travel for business,” he added.

Unite the Union general secretary Sharon Graham voiced support for Gatwick having a second runway but cautioned it must come with “guarantees of well-paid, unionised jobs and proper facilities for workers.”

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*This article will be updated as further developments occur.*
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9v7rz24z23o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

Bear Attacks Surge as Fatality Rate Reaches 24%

Autumn is the most dangerous season in Japan as bears become highly active in search of food before winter hibernation. The country is home to two bear species: the brown bear, or higuma, found in Hokkaido, and the Asiatic black bear, or tsukinowaguma, which lives in Honshu and Shikoku.

A large brown bear can stand nearly three meters tall and possesses enough strength to break a horse’s neck with a single blow. Remarkably, they can sprint 100 meters in as little as six seconds, while black bears cover the same distance in about eight seconds. The fatality rate for victims attacked by brown bears is 24 percent, compared to just 2.3 percent for black bears.

Between April and August 2025, 69 people were injured or killed by bears—matching the pace from two years earlier, when an acorn shortage triggered the worst year on record for bear-related incidents.

Surveys conducted since 2018 by the Environment Ministry have confirmed new areas of bear habitation, with populations expanding across Japan except in Shikoku. Hokkaido’s brown bear population has more than doubled over the past 30 years, while black bears have expanded their range by 1.4 times. Today, Chiba Prefecture remains the only part of Honshu without wild bears, and the species is extinct in Kyushu.

The surge in bear numbers is linked to shifts in human society. During the early 20th century, widespread hunting for pelts and gallbladders—used in traditional medicine—threatened bear populations with extinction in some regions. However, following the introduction of a new protection framework in 1999, combined with population decline and abandoned farmland providing more food, bear populations rebounded rapidly.

As their habitats have extended closer to towns and villages, many bears have lost their natural fear of humans. This has led to more frequent appearances in residential areas, increasingly referred to as “urban bears.”

Experts emphasize that both population management and deterrence measures are essential. Mayumi Yokoyama, a professor at the University of Hyogo, highlights the need to capture not only bears that enter towns but also those living near homes to reduce overall numbers. At the same time, food sources such as persimmons and garbage should be controlled, and electric fences installed around farmland to deter bears.

In 2024, the government removed bears from its list of protected species and reclassified them as managed wildlife, alongside deer and wild boar. This change permits more aggressive population control through concentrated hunting. Since September, municipalities have also been authorized to permit the use of hunting rifles in urban areas.

Bears have long been familiar figures in Japanese folklore—from legends of Kintaro wrestling a bear to tales of coexistence with nature. Yet, the growing frequency of bear encounters underscores the need for modern solutions.

As experts warn, only by combining careful population management with preventive measures can people and bears continue to coexist in today’s Japan.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146950.php

Over 7,000 Farmers Hit As August Rains Ravage 4,000 Hectares In Nashik

**Nashik: Heavy Rains Bring Mixed Blessings to Farmers and Dams**

The continuous rains in Nashik district since May have filled the dams to the brim, bringing a sense of satisfaction to many. However, for farmers, the story is quite different. The relentless downpour, especially in August, has caused extensive damage to standing crops, resulting in significant financial losses for middle-class farmers.

According to administrative statistics, August’s heavy rains have severely impacted agriculture. In 40 villages across the district, a total of 4,014.32 hectares of crops have been damaged, affecting 7,108 farmers. Seasonal crops such as onion, soybean, and maize, along with grape and pomegranate orchards, have suffered substantial losses.

### Financial Assistance and Government Response

In response to the damage, the district administration has submitted a proposal requesting financial assistance amounting to Rs 3.81 crore from the state government. The affected farmers are eagerly awaiting government aid, with hopes pinned on a positive and swift response.

The administration, in collaboration with the agriculture department, has completed panchnamas (official damage assessments) in the impacted areas. These reports, detailing the extent of crop loss and farmer distress, have been forwarded to the state authorities for further action.

### Overflowing Dams and Abundant Rainfall

While the rains have caused crop damage, they have also led to overflowing dams across the district. The Gangapur Dam, a primary water source for Nashik city, currently has a water storage level of 98.56%, prompting continuous discharge to manage the excess.

Overall, dam water storage this year is 9% higher than the previous year. Rainfall data reveals that Dindori taluka has recorded the highest precipitation at 152% of its average. Other talukas such as Deola, Baglan, Nandgaon, Chandwad, Niphad, and Yeola have also experienced over 100% of their normal rainfall.

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As Nashik grapples with the dual realities of overflowing dams and damaged crops, farmers await timely government intervention to help recover their losses and rebuild their livelihoods.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/over-7000-farmers-hit-as-august-rains-ravage-4000-hectares-in-nashik

Mumbai News: BMC To Revamp 10 Dry Waste Centers Across City To Reduce Burden On Dumping Grounds

BMC to Revamp 10 Dry Waste Centers in Mumbai with Advanced Technology

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to modernise 10 of its existing 41 dry waste centers across the city. Tenders for the revamp, covering the first two phases of the project, will be invited in October. This move aims to ease the burden on Mumbai’s two major dumping grounds at Kanjurmarg and Deonar.

Current System Unorganised; New Technology to Be Introduced

At present, dry waste segregation at these centers is largely unorganised and predominantly managed by informal groups, with minimal mechanisation involved. To bring in efficiency and streamline waste processing, the BMC will introduce conveyor belts and advanced waste segregation units.

The sites identified for Phase 1 include Wadala, Marol-Andheri, Dahisar East, and Borivali West. Phase 2 will cover facilities located in Colaba, Agripada (Byculla), and Andheri West.

Focus on Larger Sites and Improved Worker Conditions

Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Solid Waste Management), emphasized, “Priority is being given to sites with an area of at least 2,000 sq ft. The central ministry is encouraging such initiatives, with partial funding support available. Our goal is also to divert more waste away from the dumping grounds.”

The revamp will not only enhance working conditions for waste workers but also promote better utilisation of recyclable materials, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Mumbai.

Long-Term Vision: Mechanise All 41 Dry Waste Centers

The BMC’s long-term plan includes mechanising all 41 dry waste centers to more effectively manage Mumbai’s growing daily waste and reduce the pressure on existing dumping sites.

As a step forward, a dry waste segregation and processing center was inaugurated in Andheri six months ago. Operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, this facility processes 10 metric tons of waste every day using scientific methods. According to officials, “The center is running successfully.”

Special Disposal System for Sanitary and Biomedical Waste

In compliance with Central Pollution Control Board guidelines, sanitary pads, diapers, and similar waste are disposed of through eco-friendly incinerators and designated biomedical waste centers.

In the last two months, over 4,000 institutions have registered with the BMC using a QR code system, generating approximately 2.5 tons of such waste daily.

Each administrative ward currently has dedicated vehicles with a capacity of 0.6 tons for waste collection. “Moving forward, the system will be upgraded with yellow bags, bins, and additional transport equipment to ensure more efficient handling,” added Dr. Joshi.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-to-revamp-10-dry-waste-centers-across-city-to-reduce-burden-on-dumping-grounds

Bob Dylan set to perform at annual Farm Aid festival

**Bob Dylan Set to Perform at Annual Farm Aid Festival**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 18, 2025, 2:06 PM*

Legendary musician Bob Dylan is set to perform at this year’s annual Farm Aid festival, the organization announced recently. The event, dedicated to raising funds for farmers in need, will also feature an impressive lineup including Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews. Dylan last took the stage at Farm Aid in 2023, continuing his long-standing support of the cause.

**The Mission Behind Farm Aid**

Since its inception in 1985, Farm Aid has played a crucial role in supporting family farmers across the United States. According to its website, the organization provides “year-round work with and for family farmers.” Over the years, Farm Aid has raised more than $85 million to fund programs that assist farmers facing financial challenges.

Bob Dylan, known for his socially conscious music addressing inequality and war, has been an integral part of Farm Aid from the beginning. His commitment to social issues aligns closely with the festival’s mission to support struggling agricultural communities.

**The Origins of Farm Aid**

The festival’s origins trace back to a time when Ethiopia was suffering from severe drought. While global campaigns were mobilizing funds for relief efforts abroad, Dylan used his platform to draw attention to a domestic crisis affecting American farmers.

He once stated, “I hope that some of the money that’s raised for the people in Africa… maybe they can just take a little bit of it to pay the mortgages on some of the farms that the farmers here owe to the banks.”

That statement resonated deeply with country music star and former cotton picker Willie Nelson. A conversation between Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp soon followed, sparking the creation of Farm Aid. Since then, the festival has been held annually—apart from a few exceptions—as a rallying call to support family farmers.

**A Timely Commitment Amid Ongoing Challenges**

Today, the politics surrounding farming are more contentious than ever. Farmers continue to grapple with long-standing issues while facing new obstacles such as climate change and market instability brought on by trade wars and tariffs. Farm Aid remains a vital platform to address these challenges and rally public support.

**Farm Aid 40: Event and Coverage Details**

This year’s Farm Aid festival will take place on Saturday, September 20, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

CNN has been named the exclusive television broadcast partner for Farm Aid 40. Coverage will include live reporting from CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir, with anchoring by John Berman and Laura Coates.

Farm Aid 40 promises to be an inspiring event, blending music and activism to support America’s family farmers.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bob-dylan-set-to-perform-at-farm-aid-festival/story