What an interesting time for BBC to run this story.
The mineral riches hiding under Greenland's ice
The treasures beneath Greenland's icy terrain have been coveted for more than a century. But as Donald Trump becomes the latest to eye this wealth,...
 #greenland #geopolitics
Record-breaking King Tides struck the San Francisco Bay Area and parts of the Northern California coast on Friday and Saturday, January 2-3, 2026, causing widespread coastal flooding across multiple counties. Tide gauges across the region recorded water levels up to 0.76 m above normal, breaking multiple records and prompting road closures, flood warnings, and emergency advisories.
The Watchers
Record-breaking King Tides flood San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California coast, U.S.
Record-breaking King Tides struck the San Francisco Bay Area and parts of the Northern California coast on Friday and Saturday, January 2&#x2d...
 #usa #news
Former human rights lawyer Sir Keir Starver has defended President Trump’s invasion of Venezuela and kidnapping of the Maduros. The prime minister explained that murdering 80 civilians to kidnap a foreign leader and his wife is fine, as long as it is done in accordance with international law. He has therefore not ruled out kidnapping Zack Polanski and his boyfriend.
Sir Keir Starmer calls for safe and peaceful war in Venezuela
Former human rights lawyer Sir Keir Starmer has defended President Trump’s invasion of Venezuela and kidnapping of the Maduros.
 #uk #venezuela
Chinese scientists have developed a more efficient coal-to-chemicals process that triples olefin yield while cutting CO₂ emissions to near zero. By altering the reaction pathway to prevent carbon waste, the method retains more carbon in the final product, improving both environmental and economic outcomes. This offers a significant efficiency boost for China’s coal-reliant chemical industry.
Interesting Engineering
China's method triples olefin output from coal while slashing CO2 release
Chinese researchers claim they can tripled olefin output from coal by slashing carbon dioxide emissions at the same time.
 #china #technology
China began the new year with a bang after Unit 2 of the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant, the world’s largest nuclear power base, began commercial operations on January 1. With a capacity of 1126 MWe, the commissioning of this unit completes phase one of the project, which has a total of six nuclear reactors planned at the site.
Interesting Engineering
Second unit of world’s largest nuclear power base goes live in China
Phase I of Zhangzhou nuclear power plant is now operational in China after two units of the Hualong One reactor have come online.
 #china #nuclear #nuclearpower
China bans exports to Japan of dual-use goods that could enhance Tokyo’s military power.
AP News
China bans exports to Japan of dual-use goods that could enhance Tokyo's military power
China has banned exports to Japan of dual-use goods for military purposes. The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.
 #geopolitics #china #japan #economy
Renewable energy is growing rapidly, but fossil fuel production is also expanding. At COP30, over 80 countries supported Brazil’s call for a formal "road map" to phase out fossil fuels, but oil-producing nations blocked it. The US is pushing to keep fossil fuels dominant. Electro-states are betting on clean energy while petro-states are resisting the transition.
The Conversation
The battle over a global energy transition is on between petro-states and electro-states – here’s what to watch for in 2026
While wind and solar energy led in investments globally, liquefied natural gas is also booming. A former climate envoy for Germany explains whatâ€...
 #cleanenergy #usa #climatecrisis
The two main parties of the Canadian ruling class, the governing Liberals and the official opposition Conservatives, have “welcomed” Trump’s criminal assault on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its president, Nicolás Maduro, claiming that they open the door to “freedom” and “democracy.”
World Socialist Web Site
Ottawa “welcomes” assault on Venezuela, but fears a rampaging America threatens Canadian imperialist interests
Ottawa has long worked with Washington to bring about regime change in Venezuela.
 #canada #cdnpoli