China continues to take internet censorship, surveillance and propaganda to “unprecedented levels”, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), making it one of the world’s worst countries for journalists.In its annual press freedom index, published on Tuesday, the global watchdog also highlighted an increase in repression and attacks on journalists worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.The index examines the press freedom situation in 180 countries and territories, and RSF said its data s

Under the Paris Agreement on climate, nearly every country will have to drastically reduce their carbon emissions, and they were supposed to submit renewed plans to do so by the end of 2020.The first raft of "nationally determined contributions" (NDCs) submitted in 2015 would put Earth on course to be at least three degrees Celsius (C) hotter than pre-industrial times, a far cry from the Paris temperature cap goal of keeping warming "well below" two degrees C.Under the dea

From the first community pantry on Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, dozens more have opened not only in Metro Manila, but also in some Luzon provinces, the Bicol region and in Mindanao, prompting Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David to call it “the most tangible sign of hope.’’In Iligan City, Lucia Silva launched on Sunday her version of young entrepreneur Ana Patricia Non’s Maginhawa community pantry at Purok 5 in Sitio Canaway, Barangay Saray, where many had lost their jobs. “Most of

Philippine authorities said Saturday they have seized some 200 tonnes of illegally harvested giant clam shells worth nearly US$25 million in one of the biggest known operations of its kind in the country.Conservationists have expressed alarm over the surging illicit trade in the endangered creatures, which are used as a substitute for ivory following a global crackdown in the trade of elephant tusks.The Philippines is home to most of the world's giant tropical clam species, and Friday&#0

Plastic consumption has exploded over the years. This has caused plastic waste production worldwide to steadily increased by 10 million metric tons every year in the last 10 years, to reach almost 360 million metric tons in 2018.The plastic crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing planet earth.

United States (US) envoy John Kerry will visit China this week for climate change talks – the first official trip under the Biden administration – in a trip Washington hopes will put aside diplomatic spats and focus on joint environment challenges.Kerry's trip comes shortly after a testy meeting in Alaska between two top Biden administration officials and their Chinese counterparts, with tensions high on a number of fronts.But the former secretary of state has said climate needs "to

Among COVID-19 patients, a lack of exercise is linked to more severe symptoms and a higher risk of death, according to a study covering nearly 50,000 people who were infected with the virus.People physically inactive for at least two years before the pandemic were more likely to be hospitalised, to require intensive care, and to die, researchers reported on Tuesday (13 April) in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.As a risk factor for serious COVID-19 disease, physical inactivity was surpa

Authorities in Cambodia have criticised an artist after he altered photos of victims of the Khmer Rouge genocide.Irish artist Matt Loughrey colourised images of photos taken in the notorious Tuol Sleng prison.

Other than preying on humans, the deadly COVID-19 virus has severely affected livelihoods, local businesses and the economy in general. Major industries such as tourism and hospitality have been hit hard by the pandemic.

Veteran Thai politician Supachai Jaisamut of the Bhumjaithai Party was absolutely right when he said: contracting COVID-19 is not a crime. Of course, it's not.