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Global Green Push: At UN Climate Summit This Week, US Isolation Was on Full Display (New York Times)
At Wednesday's UN Climate Summit, the vast majority of the world’s nations gathered to make their newest pledges to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade.
Geopolitical heavyweights including China, Russia, Japan and Germany were there. Dozens of small island states were there. The world’s poorest countries, including Chad and the Central African Republic, were there. Venezuela, Syria, Iran — there, too. The United States was not.
The US under President Trump has become increasingly isolated on climate policy, rejecting renewable energy in favor of fossil fuels and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, even as other nations accelerate their transition to clean power.
Leaders from Europe, Asia, and China
pledged ambitious emissions cuts and renewable expansion at the summit, stressing that clean energy is both economically viable and essential for future prosperity, despite US opposition.
Climate Play: China Vows to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions 7% to 10% by 2035 (Bloomberg)
China, the world’s largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions at roughly 30% of the total, pledged to cut net emissions by 7%–10% over the next decade, though experts criticized the target as too modest to align with net zero goals.
President
Xi Jinping framed the pledge
as China’s “best efforts” under the Paris Agreement and announced plans to boost non-fossil fuels to 30% of energy consumption while expanding wind and solar capacity sixfold from 2020 levels.
Analysts noted China’s emissions may already have peaked ahead of its 2030 deadline, but warned that the pace of reductions falls far short of what’s needed to avert severe climate risks.
Today at the White House: Trump Welcomes Turkey President to the Oval Office (Politico Playbook)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
is visiting the White House today to meet with Donald Trump and discuss his new Gaza peace plan, along with bilateral trade, military ties, and the war in Ukraine.
Bloomberg outlines a list of what Erdoğan will be asking from Trump here.
Calls from Ukraine: Zelenskiy Says Europe Can’t Lose Moldova to Russian Meddling (Bloomberg)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his address to the UN General Assembly, urged world leaders to back Moldova against alleged Russian interference in its Sept. 28 parliamentary election, warning that “Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too.”
He appealed to the EU for immediate funding and energy support, stressing that Moscow is seeking to tilt the vote away from pro-European forces.
Framing Moldova as the next potential frontline in Russia’s bid to expand its influence, Zelenskiy said only strong international backing can counter the Kremlin’s efforts.
Russia
Roars Back:
Russia Dismisses Trump's Criticism and Claims Strength (Politico)
Russia pushed back against Donald Trump’s recent comments mocking its struggles in the Ukraine war, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov insisting that Russia is “a bear” rather than a “paper tiger.”
Trump had suggested that Ukraine could regain all its territory and claimed Russia was in “big economic trouble.” Moscow dismissed the criticism, arguing that despite sanctions and tensions, the country remains resilient and economically stable.
Gun Violence in Texas:
Deadly Shooting at Dallas ICE Center Kills Two, FBI Says (Bloomberg)
Three detainees were shot at an ICE center in Dallas — one has died and two are in critical condition. The suspected shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No ICE officers were hurt.
The incident follows a July 4 ambush on another Dallas-area ICE facility, where 11 suspects were charged in an organized assault. Officials stressed the growing threats at federal agencies, with Dallas’ mayor calling it “a scary time” for the country.
Daily Read Podcast: Prefer
to listen instead of read? Tune in to today’s AI-created companion to this newsletter, available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Spain
Latest: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Says He Plans to Run for Re-Election in 2027 (Bloomberg)
“I will do it for sure,” Sanchez said in an interview with Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait Wednesday at the United Nations in New York.
Peso Relief: US Readies $20 Billion Rescue to Help Milei Win in Argentina (Bloomberg)
The US is preparing a $20 billion swap line and potential bond purchases to support Argentina, providing President Javier Milei with critical financial backing ahead of October’s midterm elections.
The announcement stabilized markets, lifting the peso, bonds, and stocks, while signaling Washington’s intent to act as a “bridge to the election.”
Motivated by both ideological alignment with Milei and a desire to counter China’s financial influence, the US is using this support to stabilize Argentina and reinforce a key ally in the region.
Ratings Blowout:
6.2
Million Tune into Jimmy Kimmel's Late-Night Return (Axios)
Kimmel's return was expected to draw a large audience, but 6.2 million is especially impressive given that the program was not available to roughly 25% of ABC affiliates across the country. For context, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" averaged over 1 million viewers per episode last season.
Late Night Fight: Disney Gears Up for Legal Fight With Trump Over Kimmel’s Return (Bloomberg)
Disney reinstated Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show despite anticipating retaliation from President Trump, who has threatened to target its broadcast licenses and ongoing media deals.
Although Disney believes it can withstand legal challenges to its licenses, the Trump administration could still complicate its pending transactions, and several major ABC affiliates have already pulled the program.
Saturday in NYC: Shakira, Cardi B, Hugh Jackman To Headline 2025 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park
(Time Out NY)
The
13th annual Global Citizen Festival is set to light up the Great Lawn in Central Park on Saturday, Sept 27, inviting festivalgoers to unite under a shared love of music and help raise support for humanitarian causes.
This year, Global Citizen focused on increasing energy access across Africa, protecting the Amazon rainforest, and providing access to education for children worldwide.
Click here for a guide on how to go and what to expect.
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