Environment

Vladimir Putin's attempt to create a controlled internet ecosystem has been exposed by Western tech companies' withdrawal, leaving Russian journalists and citizens with limited platforms to share alternative narratives about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization cautions that the war in Ukraine could significantly impact food security in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as Ukraine and Russia account for one-third of global grain exports, potentially escalating international food prices and shortages.

Britain and Singapore are initiating negotiations on a digital trade agreement aimed at eliminating barriers for tech companies. This move is part of the UK's strategy to become a global tech powerhouse and expand economic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region following Brexit.

Digital Nasional Bhd partners with Ericsson to launch national 5G network, accelerating Malaysia's digital economy transformation while excluding Huawei due to security concerns.

Swiss food giant Nestle plans to plant 3 million trees across Mexico and Brazil by next year, collaborating with environmental nonprofits to restore ecosystems. This initiative marks the first phase of their strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with initial tree plantings expected to offset emissions from a coffee-processing plant in Veracruz.

Equinor has abandoned plans to drill in the Great Australian Bight after determining the project was not financially competitive. The Norwegian oil giant was previously granted environmental approval for exploratory drilling at 2.5 kilometers depth along South Australia's coastline but chose to focus on more promising opportunities.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) urges Malaysian companies to reduce plastic packaging waste, highlighting that Malaysians consume 16.8 kg of plastic per person annually, contributing significantly to ocean pollution. The organization calls for immediate measures to eliminate single-use plastics and protect marine environments.

Following the Taal Volcano eruption, Tagaytay businesses have been permitted to reopen after securing necessary permits. A week after the volcanic activity, 59 tourism and non-tourism establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls, have resumed operations under local and national safety recommendations.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) asserts that the Taal Volcano eruption will not significantly slow down the Philippines' economic growth. Despite initial economic loss estimates of P7.63 billion in Batangas province, NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia confirms the impact is less than 1% of the country's total GDP.

BlackRock's Larry Fink argues that climate change is a defining factor for companies' long-term prospects. The world's largest asset manager with nearly $7 trillion in investments plans to shift investment policies based on environmental sustainability, signaling a potential transformation in global finance.