A fire rages in the Port Hills. Photo via Flickr user Francis Vallance
Everything you need to know about the world today curated by 95bFM and VICE NZ.Climate Change to Hit Auckland Hard
Extreme rainfall and severe droughts and wildfires could hit Auckland over the next few years. A Niwa report commissioned by Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Watercare, and Panuku Development Auckland found that the region’s weather would become hotter and more volatile. Despite an expected decrease in rainfall, there’ll be a higher chance of extreme flooding, with the possible result of contaminated water supplies. Sea levels will continue to rise and there’ll be greater risk of wildfires.City Mission Gearing up for Christmas
Aucklanders are beginning to line up at City Mission for Christmas food parcels and presents. Over the next three weeks, around 5,000 Aucklanders are expected to line up outside the Hobson Street centre. Auckland City Mission CEO Chris Farrelly stated the majority of the people in need were solo mothers who did not have access to nutritious food or affordable housing. The mission needs to raise $1.3 million to cover the cost food and services. The funds accumulated will go towards 4,000 food parcels, 8,000 Christmas presents, and the Christmas Day lunch, which will serve about 2,000 people.Number of Children Living in Poverty Decreases
The Child Poverty Monitor, released today, shows a one-percent drop in the number of children living in poverty over the past year—but 135,000 children still lack basic items. Children's Commissioner Andrew Becroft said that, building on the previous government’s commitment to ending child poverty, the Labour-led government's proposed Families Package, Best Start, and increases to Paid Parental Leave will have positive effects. According to the report, there are 17 essentials—including two pairs of shoes, suitable clothing, a meal with protein at least every second day— children need for their well-being. Twelve percent of children live in households that go without seven items on the list, with a further six percent going without nine or more items.Trump Stirs Tensions in the Middle East
Protests have broken out in the Middle East following Donald Trump’s decision to formally recognise recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Al Jazeera spoke to Palestinians living in Occupied East Jerusalem who say the move will inflame the whole region, and destroy the peace process that America has historically sponsored. Though Israel claims the city as its capital, no country, until now, has officially given the state jurisdiction.Protest Over Oil-Spill Pollution in New Caledonia
An estimated 250 people have marched in the New Caledonian capital of Noumea to protest the authorities’ silence over oil-spill pollution. At the end of November, oil began to wash up on the shores of Loyalty Islands, as well as on the main island's east coast. The spillage is coming from the wrecked container ship Kea Trader, which broke up last months after unsuccessful efforts to refloat it. The demonstrators want to be properly briefed about what will be done to remedy the situation. There has been a fishing and swimming ban on some parts of the archipelago. According to French High Commissioner Thierry Lataste, the ship owners had accepted responsibility and would pay for the clean up.Putin to Run Again
Vladimir Putin has announced he intends to run for the Russian Presidency once again. His popularity in the nation is reflected in polls suggesting he would easily win. Putin has held a state representative position since 2000 and will be eligible to serve until 2024 if reelected.Reporting by Darashpreet Johal, Jenn Tamati and Leah Garcia-Purves.
LOCAL NEWS
Extreme rainfall and severe droughts and wildfires could hit Auckland over the next few years. A Niwa report commissioned by Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Watercare, and Panuku Development Auckland found that the region’s weather would become hotter and more volatile. Despite an expected decrease in rainfall, there’ll be a higher chance of extreme flooding, with the possible result of contaminated water supplies. Sea levels will continue to rise and there’ll be greater risk of wildfires.City Mission Gearing up for Christmas
Aucklanders are beginning to line up at City Mission for Christmas food parcels and presents. Over the next three weeks, around 5,000 Aucklanders are expected to line up outside the Hobson Street centre. Auckland City Mission CEO Chris Farrelly stated the majority of the people in need were solo mothers who did not have access to nutritious food or affordable housing. The mission needs to raise $1.3 million to cover the cost food and services. The funds accumulated will go towards 4,000 food parcels, 8,000 Christmas presents, and the Christmas Day lunch, which will serve about 2,000 people.
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The Child Poverty Monitor, released today, shows a one-percent drop in the number of children living in poverty over the past year—but 135,000 children still lack basic items. Children's Commissioner Andrew Becroft said that, building on the previous government’s commitment to ending child poverty, the Labour-led government's proposed Families Package, Best Start, and increases to Paid Parental Leave will have positive effects. According to the report, there are 17 essentials—including two pairs of shoes, suitable clothing, a meal with protein at least every second day— children need for their well-being. Twelve percent of children live in households that go without seven items on the list, with a further six percent going without nine or more items.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Protests have broken out in the Middle East following Donald Trump’s decision to formally recognise recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Al Jazeera spoke to Palestinians living in Occupied East Jerusalem who say the move will inflame the whole region, and destroy the peace process that America has historically sponsored. Though Israel claims the city as its capital, no country, until now, has officially given the state jurisdiction.Protest Over Oil-Spill Pollution in New Caledonia
An estimated 250 people have marched in the New Caledonian capital of Noumea to protest the authorities’ silence over oil-spill pollution. At the end of November, oil began to wash up on the shores of Loyalty Islands, as well as on the main island's east coast. The spillage is coming from the wrecked container ship Kea Trader, which broke up last months after unsuccessful efforts to refloat it. The demonstrators want to be properly briefed about what will be done to remedy the situation. There has been a fishing and swimming ban on some parts of the archipelago. According to French High Commissioner Thierry Lataste, the ship owners had accepted responsibility and would pay for the clean up.Putin to Run Again
Vladimir Putin has announced he intends to run for the Russian Presidency once again. His popularity in the nation is reflected in polls suggesting he would easily win. Putin has held a state representative position since 2000 and will be eligible to serve until 2024 if reelected.Reporting by Darashpreet Johal, Jenn Tamati and Leah Garcia-Purves.