Senate to Vote on Aid Package to Ukraine, Israel, and Other U.S. Allies
The U.S. Senate is set to vote on a foreign aid bill to Ukraine as Russia’s war on the country, which began with the invasion two years ago, continues. Aid would also go to Israel and U.S. allies in Asia, and some funds would be invested in domestic defense manufacturing, according to the Associated Press. This comes after the House of Representatives rejected a bipartisan bill that would have increased funding for stricter border security alongside the aid measures. The proposed aid for Ukraine comes amid decreased focus on aiding the country in its war against Russia’s invasion, particularly from many Republicans in Congress. The proposed aid also comes amidst an increased focus on the Israel–Palestine war and uncertain security situation in the Middle East.
U.S. and U.K. Launch Strikes on Yemen
On Sunday, the United States continued attacks on the Iran-backed Houthi militant organization in Yemen. These strikes come immediately after joint U.S. and U.K. attacks against the organization, according to BBC. As of January 2024, Houthi is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department. According to the Biden Administration, targets have included “command and control, weapons storage, training, logistics support, and other purposes.” The U.S. warned of further action against the organization in Iraq and Syria. National security advisor Jake Sullivan also said in a statement to the media that there would be “more steps” to deter the militants. Houthi recently attacked several ships in the Red Sea, including those carrying aid to Israel and the Levant. The strikes and threats of future military action have drawn condemnation from the Syrian and Iraqi governments, particularly due to the lack of advanced warning.
Record Drought in Amazon Rainforest
Recent months have seen the worst drought experienced in the Amazon rainforest in 50 years, according to the BBC. The water level of the Rio Negro reached record lows as the drought disrupted ecosystems and livelihoods of people who live in the region. While droughts are not unusual in the area, this drought is particularly severe, with its effects drastically increased by climate change As the largest rainforest on earth, the Amazon has often been described as “the lungs of the planet” due to its significant absorptive capacity as a carbon sink. It is also one of the richest sources of biodiversity, with 10% of the world’s species being native to the rainforest.
EU Scraps Plans to Decrease Pesticide Use After Farmer Protests
After protests from farmers in Europe, the European Union has voted to eliminate plans to reduce the use of pesticides by 50 percent. The effort was intended as part of their Green Deal to combat climate change and other environmental issues, according to the BBC. Farmers have said that the pesticide reduction measures will reduce their crop production and negatively impact their livelihoods. The EU President and Parliament acknowledged top-down organizational and implementation flaws with the measure. However, significant demands have been placed on farmers to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Forest Fires in Chile
More than 100 people are reported dead in the Valparaíso region of Chile in what is believed to be Chile’s deadliest forest fire on record, according to the BBC. A state of emergency and health alert have been declared in the region by Chile’s health ministry.3,000–6,000 houses were destroyed as a result of the fires according to the health ministry, along with businesses and livelihoods devastated. In response, aid and temporary field hospitals have been deployed in the region. Rescue services are still struggling to reach those in need. A curfew has been put in place to allow rescue services to reach people as the forest fires and their destruction continue. The Chilean government has advised against traveling to the region affected by the wildfires.
