UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE SUMMIT

As the world faces escalating environmental crises, the annual United Nations climate summit, this year titled COP29, has convened to address urgent solutions for a rapidly warming planet. Scientists say that a climate apocalypse is still preventable, but only if robust measures are taken without further delay. This is the immense challenge facing the United Nations summit conference being held this week.

Almost 200 countries were invited to take part in the latest annual summit – being held this year in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. COP29 seeks to drive bold commitments toward drastically reducing global emissions, secure substantial financial support from developed nations to aid vulnerable countries and foster unprecedented levels of international collaboration to counteract the intensifying effects of climate change. Key objectives include finalising agreements on climate finance mechanisms, establishing stricter accountability for national targets, and advancing policies to support sustainable development worldwide. 

Portugal’s former prime minister, now leader of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, spoke at the opening ceremony on Monday. “We are in the final countdown to limit global climate temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. And time is not on our side.”

Mr Guterres continued with dire warnings: “With the hottest day on record...  the hottest months on record...  this is almost certain to be the hottest year on record and a master class in climate destruction – families running for their lives before the next hurricane strikes, biodiversity destroyed in sweltering seas, workers and pilgrims collapsing in insufferable heat, floods tearing through communities and tearing down infrastructure, children going to bed hungry as droughts ravage crops. And all these disasters and more are being supercharged by human-made climate change. And no country is spared..”

Many leaders have declined to attend the conference for one reason or another. Neither President Biden nor Vice-President Harris is attending, though Biden sent an envoy who said that global warming is “a life-or-death fight.” 

President-elect Donald Trump is certainly not attending as he is not only in denial about global warming but threatening to dismantle the international climate efforts approved at the Paris Agreement in 2016. 

Other absentees at the summit include Britain’s dedicated environmentalist, King Charles lll, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Russia’s President Putin, France’s President Macron, and Germany’s Chancellor Scholz. China is not represented by President Xi Jinping, but by his deputy, Han Zheng.

“It is hard to imagine a less plausible venue for the annual UN-sponsored conference than the dictatorial petrostate of Azerbaijan,” wrote Gwynne Dyer in the Portugal News. The eastern European country of Azerbaijan continues to export huge amounts of oil and gas, two of the fossil fuels massively harming the modern world. In recent years, Portugal has been energetically minimising its use of such fossil fuels. 

The island state of Papua New Guinea has refused to take part in the summit saying that it is “a waste of time.”

Island states are the most vulnerable in the world to climate change due mainly to rising sea levels that are threatening to swamp them. Portugal is a particularly vulnerable mainland country ever threatened by wildfires, drought, and flooding. Rising sea levels could completely saturate Portugal’s beautiful low-lying coastal areas, eradicating beaches along with the tourist economy.

Top of this week’s working agenda is the highly controversial financial deal needed for wealthy countries to pay the poorer countries suffering the worst because of the greenhouse gas emissions caused by China, North America, Russia, India, and wealthier European nations. In 2019, the richer nations promised to provide the poorer ones $100 billion (more than €94 billion) a year. 

“The rich cause the problem, the poor pay the price,” said Mr Guterres.

Let’s see what the COP29 conference comes up with.  

An update will be here early next week.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.

 

SHOCK IN EUROPE OVER US ELECTION

 

Most people in Portugal and almost all other European countries have been shocked and worried by the election of Donald Trump for a second term as president of the United States.

While European leaders were quick to congratulate Mr Trump on Wednesday morning, most were concerned about future US – EU trade relations, the president-elect’s unpredictable attitude towards global warming, and the war in Ukraine that is threatening to move westward across the continent.

While Trump’s second term in the White House starting January 21, will be welcomed in Moscow,  North Korea, and the right-wing government in Hungary, Kamala Harris’s defeat is very disturbing for leaders and citizens in European countries, north to south.

A study by the Intercampus research company in Portugal showed that 70% of Portuguese citizens would have voted for Kamala Harris According to the survey, only 28% of respondent said they were convinced that Donald Trump would win.

As for the impact of the election outcome, about 65% believed that the choice would influence the economy and social progress in Portugal, as well as the management of armed conflicts at a time of war in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In Spain, a recent pre-election report by the Franklin Institute of the University of Alcalá revealed that 75% of Spaniards believed ta Harris victory would be better for Spain than the return of Trump.

Six out of 10 Spaniards thought that that Harris was more likely to win. Spain’s socialist government openly announced its support for Harris.

A recent poll conducted in Greece showed that 46% of Greek citizens favoured Kamala Harris compared to 32% for Donald Trump

As for Greek national interests, 30% of Greeks believed that Harris was closer to their priorities — and only 10% believed that Trump would be better for their country.

An opinion poll in Germany showed that two-thirds of Germans preferred Harris to be the next US president, with only 12% wanting a Trump victory.

In France, according to a survey by YouGov, a majority wanted a Harris win, with less than a quarter thinking Trump would be the better on foreign policy.

The most recent YouGov Euro Track study showed that Harris was also the favourite in Britain with 61% of respondents. She was the favourite by far in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark with more than 80% of Danes wanting Harris to win, compared with 16% for Trump.

One of the few European countries with totally opposite views was Hungary. The right-wing Hungarian government turned the election into a domestic political issue. Viktor Orbán was one of the first foreign leaders to back Trump in 2016 and has stuck with him ever since. Polls in Hungary showed that 75% of his voters were behind him on Trump.

The very tight, too-close-to- call battle between Harris and Trump in the months, weeks and days before the presidential election somewhat jeopardised Europe’s trade ties and defence relations - particularly as Trump’ has been so critical of America’s NATO allies, and much less so of President Putin's aggression.

Europe will now be watching closely at the hoo-ha that may follow in the US and abroad. 

Written by Len Port.

Edited by catriona Anderson.

                                

Falling Short on Climate Action: Catastrophes Loom

                        

The torrential rainfall and furious flooding in neighbouring Spain in recent days have been made all the worse by climate change, according to scientists.

An entire year’s worth of rain fell within about eight hours, causing devastation to property and resulting in at least 160 deaths in Spain's Valencia region.

A super typhoon has just hit Taiwan, bringing the entire country to a standstill. The storm's full force has hit the capital, Taipei, with winds of more than 200 kilometres per hour. Whole villages are expected to be buried by landslides.

Rainfall said to have intensified twofold by climate change, caused deadly flooding in central European countries two months ago. The widespread flooding affected countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Thousands of people had to be evacuated from their homes.

Wildfires and droughts have become all too common in Portugal. From the middle of September this year Portugal faced severe forest fires in the central and northern regions, fuelled by unusually high temperatures. The emergency services in Portugal needed support from neighbouring countries. Overall, the temperatures in Portugal this year are expected to be the hottest ever.

Portugal’s Antonio Guterres has become one of the world’s most vocal advocates, urgently warning of the escalating risk of global warming, which threatens not just disastrous weather, but total worldwide catastrophe.

He explains only by limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius do we have a fighting chance of preventing the irreversible collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets - and the catastrophes that accompany them.”

“That means cutting global emissions by 42% compared to 2019 levels by 2030, and 60% by 2035.”

We are only on track to cut emissions by 10% by 2030. This crucial fact will no doubt be at the forefront of the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, as leaders gather from Monday, November 11 to Friday, November 22.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson. 

 

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Portugal Schengen visa

By Marla Barre 

For anyone planning to visit Portugal, obtaining a Schengen visa is necessary for non-EU travellers. However, the process can be riddled with pitfalls that could delay or even lead to a visa rejection.  Below are key mistakes to avoid when applying for a Portugal Schengen Visa:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
   The Schengen visa application process requires a range of documents, from proof of financial means to travel insurance. A frequent mistake is providing incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. Every document must meet the requirements outlined by Portuguese consulates. This includes ensuring that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and has two blank pages for visa stamps.
2. Applying Too Late
   Schengen visa applications should be submitted well in advance of your planned travel. Applications submitted too close to your travel date risk rejection due to time constraints. It's advisable to apply at least three months before departure.
3. Incorrect Visa Type
   Another common error is applying for the wrong type of visa. Travelers often confuse tourist visas with business or work visas. If you are visiting Portugal for leisure, please make sure you're applying for the right category of Schengen visa.
4. Misleading or Inconsistent Information
   Consistency is key. Information on your visa application must align with your supporting documents. Discrepancies, such as different travel dates between your application and your flight bookings can raise red flags and lead to visa denial.
5. Failing to Provide Proof of Accommodation
   Visa applicants must demonstrate that they have secured accommodation for their stay. This could be a hotel booking, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal. Failure to provide this proof often results in delays or rejections.
6. Ignoring the Importance of Travel Insurance
   A common oversight is failing to include valid travel insurance with adequate medical coverage. Schengen rules mandate that travellers hold insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses, which must be valid across the entire Schengen area.

 Schengen Visa

 By avoiding these common mistakes and ensuring that your application is thorough and accurate, you can enhance your chances of securing a Portugal Schengen Visa smoothly.

A MIXTURE OF FAME AND INFAMY

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are in both the headlines in Britain and the United States, this time for reportedly buying a holiday home in Portugal.

 

Meanwhile, the football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is rarely out of the headlines for one thing or another, most recently it is because of his “shocking” performance, and his “antics” in a game against Scotland.

 

The people of Portugal will probably take little interest in Harry and Meghan, even though they are thought to have bought a home on the coast south of Lisbon. Also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan live mainly in California, Harry has been extraordinarily offensive to his now estranged father, King Charles, and brother, William, the Prince of Wales.

 

In January last year, King Charles told Harry and Megan to vacate the historic Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, the only place they had to stay when they visited Britain.

 

A foothold in Portugal could enable them to be granted a Schengen visa, which would allow them to travel to any of the 29 European Schengen countries that have officially abolished controls at their mutual borders.

 

Harry, aged 40, is said to have bought his new holiday home in the same area as his 34-year-old friendly cousin, Princess Eugenie. She and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, 38, spend most of their time at the luxury Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides, about 80 miles southeast of Lisbon on the west coast of the Alentejo region. Mr Brooksbank works in marketing and sales for the Costa Terra development, comprising 300 properties in this beautiful location by the sea.

 

Harry’s welcome in the United States has been complicated by immigration rules. As a British citizen, he is only allowed to remain for 90 days at a time because he has not yet been granted American citizenship. He has no diplomatic or any other special status, no regular employment, and he pays no taxes. He is essentially a visitor and does not own the mansion he and his wife occupy. A permanent home in peaceful Portugal probably seems like a good idea.

 

It has not been all good news recently For Cristiano Ronaldo. He has been slammed for his “shockingly poor” performance for Portugal against Scotland and been accused of “holding Portugal back” in this “disastrous” game. He has also been heavily criticised by fans for his “antics” in storming off the pitch in Glasgow after the final whistle.

 

Ronaldo will not be too worried about any of this infamy. He has been the highest-paid footballer in the world this year for the fourth year in a row. According to Forbes, he earned $285 million this year, most of it coming from his contract with a Saudi Arabian club. He has amassed over 200 million social media followers. The recent launch of his dedicated YouTube channel, UR Cristiano, attracted the most subscribers in one week with 50 million, making the total 65 million.

 

As he is turning 40 years of age in February, Ronaldo’s football career is coming to an end, but he will continue to earn plenty for the rest of his lifetime through endorsement and sponsorship deals.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson. 

FATIMA PRAYERS FOR PEACE

With wars raging in the Middle East, Ukraine and other regions, pilgrims at the Fatima Sanctuary in central Portugal are praying for world peace.

By the end of August this year around 3.8 million pilgrims had visited the Sanctuary and taken part in at least one congregation devoted to prayers for peace. This number is certain to significantly rise with the approach of the anniversary of the ‘‘Miracle of the Sun’ on Sunday, October 13.

Foreigners come to Fatima from all over the world, especially Spain, Poland, Italy, the United States and Ukraine. Many are now coming from Asia, particularly South Korea.

A spokesperson for the Sanctuary explained to us why prayers for peace were so important. “In a world context so marked by war, the message of Fatima remains profoundly relevant. The call to prayer as a path to peace has become imperative. Prayer for peace is a daily presence in the Shrine’s celebrations. On the other hand, it is understandable that people from different backgrounds are attracted to this place where peace is reflected not only in the words, but also in the atmosphere that surrounds the pilgrims.”

Over the past eight years, more and more motorcyclists have been coming to the Sanctuary for ceremonies known as ‘Blessing of the Helmets.’ They have become very important events. So far, in this ninth year, Blessing of the Helmets has had about 180,000 participants.

For those readers not fully familiar with the story of the Fatima Sanctuary, it began in 1917 when three shepherd children claimed to have witnessed apparitions of ‘Our Lady of Fatima’ – the Virgin Mary – on the 13th day of six consecutive months, May to October.

According to the Holy See, the main message delivered to the children was this: “You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my immaculate heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace.”

In another version of the message delivered during the apparitions, Our Lady said, “the good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated. In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she shall be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world.”

These words are said to have been spoken in 1917, the penultimate year of the First World War.

Four pontiffs, including Pope Francis have visited the Fatima Sanctuary over the years. With wars now raging in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, the latest message from Francis was read out at the Shrine on 29 September, on the occasion of the European pilgrimage of deaf people. The Pope thanked deaf people for their “witness of Christian joy”, which, he said, “teaches us to live with our own frailties, and reminds us that God’s presence is felt more with faith than with our ears.”

Visitors wishing to experience the Sanctuary of Fatima, and the surrounding places of interest related to the apparitions and ‘Our Lady of Peace’, may join scheduled tours. An intimate and full-day tour with a professional guide can be arranged.

Much more information is available on the Sanctuary’s official website: https.//www.fatima.pt

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.

Proofed by Roger Nuttall. 

Why protecting the oceans is essential

The Portuguese government is fully committed to the protection and sustainable use of the oceans, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro told the United Nations in New York on Wednesday. This commitment underscores Portugal’s leadership in global marine conservation efforts.

He said that one of his government’s main strategic priorities is fulfilling the goals of the International  2030 Agenda designed to reinforce action on ocean protection and sustainability. Demonstrating its commitment,  Portugal plans to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 target of 30% protected areas by 2026, four years ahead of schedule. This announcement was made by the former prime minister, Antonio Costa, in October last year during the 2 nd Sustainable Blue Investment Forum in Estoril, Lisbon.

The findings of a recent UNESCO report reveal that increasing temperatures account for 40% of sea level rises. The rate of rising has doubled over the past 20 years, with last year seeing one of the highest increases since the 1950s. This is most concerning for low-lying islands and parts of coastal cities, towns, and villages worldwide. 

Since the 1960s, the oceans have lost a significant amount of oxygen due to warming, and to pollutants such as toxic wastewater, and runoff agricultural chemicals. Conserving diversity of life on Earth and in oceans is critical to human welfare, yet essential resources are at risk directly as a result of unsustainable practises.  

Marine debris, especially plastics, has reportedly impacted at least 700 marine species, from vegetation, plankton, and invertebrates, to fish, whales, and sea birds. Marine habit loss is causing the extinction of many species and poses a threat to entire ecosystems, with far-reaching  consequences on biodiversity and human livelihoods.

Oceans play an integral role in climate change mitigation by absorbing some 23% of  carbon dioxide emissions, and more than 90% of the excess heat  generated by greenhouse gasses.

 Portugal has just strongly reaffirmed its important early role in international ocean governance by engaging at the highest of levels with executive decision-makers and  the United Nations.

This is in line with the Global Ocean Forum’s (GOF) recently unveiled 2024-2030 plan designed “to guide the organisations as the oceans are a holistic ecosystem, joint efforts on a global scale are required, bearing in mind new priorities and areas of focus."

A clear warning from all relevant international organisations is that oceans are the life support system of our planet, and the way we treat them will have repercussions on all.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.