A recent study has revealed a drastic decline in African elephant populations over the last 50 years. The report, released on November 11, 2024, highlights that savanna elephants have seen a nearly 70% decrease, while forest elephants have experienced an alarming 90% drop across 37 countries. Major factors contributing to this decline include poaching and habitat loss due to agriculture and urbanization. Some areas have reported complete disappearance of elephants, although conservation efforts have led to population increases in certain regions, particularly in Southern Africa.
In a significant development for energy transition, France has finalized a €700 million loan to South Africa, aimed at supporting the country’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). This agreement, announced on November 12, 2024, builds upon a previous €300 million loan from 2022 and emphasizes the collaboration between France and South Africa in creating a socially equitable transition away from carbon-intensive energy sources.
North Korea has ratified a historic mutual defense treaty with Russia, solidifying a growing security cooperation amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The treaty, confirmed by state media on November 12, 2024, stipulates reciprocal military assistance in the event of an attack on either nation. This agreement marks a formalization of the deepening ties between the two countries, with reports indicating that North Korean troops are already engaged in combat operations in Ukraine.