Latest news

Climate Threat Global Challenges
Gas Flared – Emissions as High as France

The fossil fuel industry emitted 389 million tonnes of carbon dioxide last year – just by burning off excess gas from oil extraction, also known as gas flaring. This is reported by The Guardian based on a report from the World Bank.

This is roughly equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of France in a year.

The process is sometimes used for safety reasons, but most often it is because it is cheaper than collecting and selling the gas. Gas flaring reached its highest level since 2007 last year.

The situation in North Korea
North Korea bans foreign tourists – after two weeks

North Korea is banning all foreign tourists from travelling to Wonsan-Kalma, the large seaside resort that opened its gates to guests as late as July 1.

Before opening, the resort was marketed as a place for both locals and foreign visitors, but North Korea's official tourism information now says foreigners are being "temporarily" banned, the BBC reports. The statement did not give further details about the reason or how long the ban will last.

The first Russian tourists arrived last week, at the same time as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited the country. Lavrov said at the time that he hoped the resort would become popular with Russians.

The opening of the resort has been described as a key step in Kim Jong-Un's efforts to boost tourism to the country.

33 killed by lightning in one day in India
33 people have died by lightning in eastern India, AFP reports.

Between Wednesday and Thursday, severe storms swept across the country. Monsoon rain and thunderstorms have replaced each other, and more storms are expected, according to the country's emergency agency.

The dead are mainly farmers and workers. The Indian government has promised to pay four million rupees, equivalent to about half a million kronor, to the victims' relatives.

Swedish man in his 30s found dead in Thailand

A Swedish man in his 30s from Svealand has been found dead in a hotel in Pattaya, Thailand, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms in an email to Omni. Relatives have been notified.

"With reference to consular confidentiality, we do not have any further information to provide," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs writes.

Blood was reportedly found in the Swede's room and a water tap was reportedly running, according to the Thai newspaper Khaosod, which first reported the case.

Just hours later, another man was found dead in the same building, this time an Australian citizen. Police have found no concrete evidence to suggest a connection, but promise to investigate the matter thoroughly.