California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized former President Donald Trump as an "invasive species" during the UN climate talks in Brazil, while a Beijing court prepares to rule on the appeal of jailed journalist Dong Yuyu, and a newly constructed bridge in Sichuan, China, collapsed, highlighting ongoing issues in infrastructure safety.

Climate Crisis at COP30
At the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, California Governor Gavin Newsom took a stand against the absence of the Trump administration, labeling the former president's climate policies as detrimental. Newsom emphasized that Trump's dismissal of the climate crisis and push for fossil fuels threaten global efforts to combat climate change. He specifically condemned Trump's plans to open California's coast to oil drilling, asserting, "It’s dead on arrival." Newsom's remarks come amid a gathering of over 100 elected officials from various U.S. states committed to climate action, underscoring the divide between state and federal approaches to environmental policy.

Judicial Appeal for Journalist Dong Yuyu
In Beijing, the court is expected to rule on Thursday regarding the appeal of Dong Yuyu, a journalist sentenced to seven years in prison on espionage charges. Dong was arrested in February 2022 while dining with a Japanese diplomat, who was released shortly after. His conviction has drawn criticism from the U.S. government and human rights organizations, with calls for his release from the Nieman Foundation, where he is regarded as a valued member. Dong’s family argues that the charges lack substantial evidence, suggesting that the case is emblematic of China's increasing suppression of free speech and interaction with foreigners.

Bridge Collapse in Sichuan
In a separate incident, the Hongqi Bridge in Sichuan province, China, collapsed on Tuesday, sending debris into the mountainside below. No casualties were reported, but the incident raises concerns about infrastructure safety in a region known for seismic activity. The bridge, part of a national highway connecting Sichuan and Tibet, had been closed just a day prior due to cracks in nearby roads. The bridge's construction was completed earlier this year, and it is part of China's ongoing efforts to improve connectivity in remote areas. The collapse adds to the scrutiny of China's rapid construction projects, especially in geologically unstable regions.

Wrap-up
These events reflect the complex interplay of environmental, judicial, and infrastructural challenges facing countries worldwide. From the heated debates on climate policy in Brazil to the judicial struggles of journalists in China and infrastructure failures, the global landscape remains fraught with issues that resonate across borders.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team