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Russian bookseller Lyubov Belyatskaya sighed as she lamented the "climate of widespread anxiety" that has taken hold in her native Saint Petersburg amid the war in Ukraine. Once dubbed Russia's "window to Europe", the city has long been the country's cultural capital, a hotbed of independent thinking, artistic expression and underground dissent.But as authorities ratchet up repression, trying to stamp out any sign, no matter how small or subtle, of public opposition to the Kremlin or the Ukraine offensive, Belyatskaya said she senses the city retreating inwards. "We can no longer write the way we used to, joke about certain things," she told AFP. "Both our words and actions are severely restricted." The effect is being seen on the shelves of her bookshop — called "Vse Svobodny" or "Everyone is free" — in the city centre. "Every week we literally have to remove books for one reason or another," Belyatskaya said.Since launching its offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has deployed a full legislative arsenal to silence anyone who criticises the campaign. Those who breach wartime censorship face decade-long prison sentences. Some authors — like late opposition leader Alexei Navalny — are completely banned. Others — those who are disliked by the Kremlin but not yet outlawed — have to be sold with a giant label naming them as "foreign agents".The Soviet-era term applies to the likes of Lyudmila Ulitskaya and Boris Akunin, prolific, now exiled, Russian writers. The crackdown in Saint Petersburg — President Vladimir Putin's hometown — has a particular resonance. The Tsarist-era capital has for decades been at the forefront of free thinking and dissent. Nobel Prize-winner Joseph Brodsky was forced to emigrate in 1972 after years of persecution for his non-conformist poetry. It was from Saint Petersburg that the protest rock anthem "Changes" — by Kino, fronted by Viktor Tsoi — emerged, encapsulating the pent-up frustration at the end of the Soviet Union. And since 2022, the city's rock legends Boris Grebenshchikov and Yuri Shevchuk have repeatedly railed against the offensive in Ukraine."We consider ourselves to be freer here, more liberated, less subordinate to fear, including the fear of repression," local rights activist Dinar Idrisov told AFP. "In reality, I don't think that's true." There are signs that the screws are being tightened. Most recently, locals have been shaken by the case of Diana Loginova, an 18-year-old street musician in jail for the last month over pop-up performances of anti-war songs.Known by her stage name Naoko, she has been sentenced to three consecutive short-term prison terms — for disrupting public order, discrediting the Russian army and organising a mass gathering. "To prosecute somebody for a song — seriously?" said Serafim, a 21-year-old music student who had come to court, alongside 20 other young people, to support Loginova at a recent hearing. Despite sympathy, some criticised her for drawing attention to the underground music scene. "They knew they were endangering everyone", after they posted the videos online, said one singer from the city who spoke on condition of anonymity."The authorities ignored us, but now I know that many people have stopped going out" to perform, they added. Pavel, a 17-year-old singer, was performing next to one of the city's canals. "There is now a crackdown on musicians," he told AFP, saying authorities have started placing bureaucratic obstacles to hinder performances. Platon Romanov, another bookseller who runs the independent Fahrenheit 451 store, said there was no point to trying to protest against the current situation. "You just need to understand what times we live in. Singing songs by banned musicians on the street. Why? For what purpose? It's pointless, and obvious they will come and shut it down," he told AFP. In such a climate, what are the prospects for a city that prided itself on its reputation as a counter-cultural hub and bastion of artistic freedom? "Many many people, many artists, poets and musicians have left," said Romanov. "Life has changed significantly."

The Global Carbon Council (GCC), recognised as the Global South’s first internationally accredited carbon market programme under ICAO’s Corsia scheme, and the State Secretariat for Climate Change of the Province of Misiones, Argentina, formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday during COP30 in Belem, Brazil.The agreement was signed by Dr Yousef Alhorr, founding chairman of GCC, and Gervasio Malagrida, secretary, Department of Climate Change, Misiones, Argentina.The MoU establishes a framework for co-operation to promote the development and implementation of carbon market initiatives in Misiones Province.Key areas of collaboration are: Capacity-building workshops and training programmes on GCC standards, project registration, issuance processes, and methodology development; support for integrating GCC standards and methodologies into the domestic carbon market of Misiones; advisory support for finalising the provincial Carbon Policy Framework, aligned with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement and other mutually agreed activities to strengthen climate action and carbon market infrastructure.Dr Alhorr said: “This MoU represents a significant step forward in advancing high-integrity carbon markets in the Global South. By partnering with Misiones, GCC aims to bring technical expertise, global best practices, and innovative methodologies to support sustainable development and climate action at the provincial level. Together, we will strengthen carbon market infrastructure, empower local stakeholders, and demonstrate how transparent and scalable carbon solutions can deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits.”“This partnership with GCC provides Misiones with a unique opportunity to align our carbon policy and market initiatives with international standards. The technical guidance, capacity-building programs, and digital tools provided by GCC will enable us to implement high-quality carbon projects, strengthen institutional capabilities, and attract climate finance. We are confident that this collaboration will accelerate our climate action agenda, support sustainable energy and land-use solutions, and position Misiones as a leader in carbon market innovation within Argentina and the region,” added Malagrida.This collaboration reinforces both parties’ dedication to building robust carbon market infrastructure, supporting sustainable development, and fostering regional and international co-operation under the Paris Agreement.

As global efforts intensify to combat climate change, Qatar Foundation continues to lead the charge in embedding sustainability into the nation’s education, research, and community life. In an exclusive interview with *Gulf Times, Dr Nawal Al Sulaiti, Sustainability Manager at Qatar Foundation, discusses how QF is advancing environmental stewardship and shaping a sustainable future for Qatar, one that aligns seamlessly with the Qatar National Vision 2030. How does Qatar Foundation’s approach to sustainability align with the broader objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030? Dr Al Sulaiti: Qatar Foundation’s sustainability approach is deeply aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its pillars of environmental development and human development. QF integrates sustainability across its operations, education, and community life, not as a separate goal, but as a way of living and working. **media[380215]** Our initiatives focus on building environmental awareness, reducing carbon footprint, promoting research and innovation, and nurturing a culture of responsibility among the community. In this way, we contribute directly to the national goal of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation for future generations. Could you highlight some of the key sustainability achievements within Education City that have had a measurable impact? Dr Al Sulaiti: Education City serves as a living model of sustainable urban development. Some notable achievements include its green building standards, with many buildings across Education City being LEED-certified, demonstrating energy and water efficiency. In addition, sustainable mobility has been enhanced through the introduction of the Education City Tram, which significantly reduces carbon emissions by providing a clean, electric transportation alternative. This system, the first battery-operated tram charged by pantographs, has already reduced gas emissions by 10% and air pollution by 20%. It serves more than 100,000 passengers a month and has surpassed four million journeys since launch. **media[380216]** Education City has also implemented recycling and waste reduction programs, including waste segregation, composting of organic material, and resource reuse, leading to a measurable decrease in landfill waste. Furthermore, water and energy optimization initiatives, such as smart irrigation systems and renewable energy projects, have reduced consumption across facilities. Collectively, these efforts demonstrate tangible progress toward a greener campus and community. QF’s sustainability commitment has even earned recognition as a ‘Climate Conscious’ organisation by South Pole, and its carbon-neutral initiatives set a regional benchmark. What role does innovation play in QF’s efforts to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community? Dr Al Sulaiti: Innovation is at the heart of QF’s sustainability strategy. Through our research institutes, universities, and community programs, we drive innovative solutions to environmental challenges, from water and energy management to sustainable food systems. **media[380217]** For example, partnerships with the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) have enabled the piloting of renewable technologies and advanced environmental monitoring systems across Education City. This includes deploying multiple air-quality stations to track gas levels and develop mitigation measures that help reduce CO₂ emissions, particularly in parking areas. Similarly, community-driven initiatives such as urban farming projects, including QF’s Park and Plant program, aim to densify and beautify Education City while engaging the community in greening efforts, demonstrating how creativity can translate into everyday sustainable practices. Beyond Education City, QF’s innovation hubs are achieving global impact. Projects such as the Solar Carbon Black Project, developed with Texas A&M University at Qatar and Fraunhofer IWS, are creating clean industrial processes that produce high-grade carbon without greenhouse gas emissions. The Distributed Solar Smart-Grid System, meanwhile, enables real-time monitoring and optimisation of solar energy generation across QF facilities, enhancing efficiency and resilience. How do initiatives like the micro farms contribute to fostering environmental awareness and community engagement? Dr Al Sulaiti: The micro farms are a practical example of sustainability in action. They connect students, staff, and the wider community with nature and local food systems. Through hands-on participation, individuals learn about composting, water conservation, and sustainable food production. These spaces foster environmental awareness, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility, inspiring behavioral change by showing that sustainability begins with small, everyday actions that collectively make a big difference. **media[380218]** Teaching students about planting and home composting in the micro farm greenhouse helps them develop practical skills that they can share with their families and friends. Moreover, the outdoor community garden, where families enjoy growing their own vegetables and donating a portion to families in need, nurtures social responsibility, empathy, and community collaboration. In what ways is QF working to instill sustainability values among students, researchers, and residents within Education City? Dr Al Sulaiti: QF integrates sustainability into the very fabric of learning and campus life. For students, environmental education is embedded into both curricula and extracurricular activities, nurturing future leaders who value responsible living. For researchers, QF supports projects addressing local and global sustainability challenges, from energy and water management to biodiversity conservation. For residents, initiatives such as green living workshops, recycling campaigns, and community gardens engage families and residents in sustainable practices. A key example is Green Island, Qatar’s first and only sustainability education hub. It encompasses all aspects of sustainability, from recycling and upcycling (in partnership with Ashghal), to solar energy (with Qatar Energy), water and energy conservation (with Kahramaa), and hydroponic farming (with Agrico). **media[380219]** This project serves as a national showcase of Qatar’s green efforts and a living example of environmental collaboration in action. It also acts as a catalyst for behavioral change by providing hands-on workshops that empower individuals to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. How does QF collaborate with partners or local organisations to advance sustainability across Qatar? Dr Al Sulaiti: Collaboration is central to our impact. QF works with government entities, academic institutions, private companies, and community organisations to share expertise and scale sustainability solutions. Partnerships with the Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, Ehsan, Al Shafallah Center, and others help align national efforts toward sustainable living. Together, we promote best practices in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and environmental education, amplifying QF’s impact beyond Education City. **media[380220]** QF also partners internationally through initiatives like the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, which co-developed Qatar’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) and restored 40 hectares of mangroves across the country. Earthna’s 2025 Summit brought together over 15,000 participants from 150 countries, reinforcing Qatar’s leadership in sustainability for arid environments. Looking ahead, what are QF’s main priorities or upcoming projects aimed at reducing environmental impact or promoting green living? Dr Al Sulaiti: Looking forward, QF is focusing on expanding circular economy initiatives, enhancing renewable energy integration, and promoting sustainable food systems. Upcoming projects include increasing the use of solar energy across facilities, expanding green mobility through electric vehicles and improved cycling infrastructure, and developing new community engagement programs that encourage waste reduction and resource sharing. **media[380221]** Our flagship project, Green Island, exemplifies QF’s circular economy approach. Spanning over 8,000 square meters, it is Qatar’s first community-centric recycling hub and a national model for sustainability education. Built from 95 repurposed shipping containers and partially powered by 100kW of on-site solar energy, it includes six recycling streams, for paper, plastic, aluminum, e-waste, batteries, and organic waste, as well as vertical farms capable of producing 15 tons of vegetables annually for local consumption. It also features research labs, educational exhibits, and a 3D printing lab that uses recycled materials. Through entities like QEERI, QF continues to pioneer renewable energy solutions, including the Distributed Solar Smart-Grid System that enables real-time solar monitoring and optimisation, and collaborative projects such as the Solar Carbon Black Project, which converts natural gas into high-grade carbon without greenhouse gas emissions. **media[380222]** In parallel, Earthna, QF’s policy and advocacy platform for sustainability, is implementing Qatar’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) and leading large-scale restoration of over 40 hectares of mangroves, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a leader in sustainability for hot and arid environments. Ultimately, QF’s future vision is to build a carbon-neutral, resource-efficient Education City that serves as a living laboratory for sustainable innovation, a model that aligns with Qatar’s ambition to build a sustainable, post-hydrocarbon future.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) confirmed that the consequences of climate change have already displaced millions of people worldwide.In a report released ahead of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, the UNHCR said that over the past decade, weather-related disasters have caused approximately 250 million internal displacements - equivalent to more than 67,000 displacements every day.The report explained that three-quarters of those displaced by conflict live in countries particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, citing floods in South Sudan and Brazil, record-breaking temperatures in Kenya and Pakistan, and water shortages in Chad and Ethiopia.The report added that climate change exacerbates and compounds the challenges faced by those already displaced, as well as their host communities, especially in fragile and conflict-affected situations.According to the UNHCR, only a quarter of the funds available for adapting to the consequences of climate change reach countries threatened by conflict, which often host large numbers of refugees. The annual UN climate conference, known as COP30, is often used as a platform for poorer countries to demand more funding from wealthier nations to adapt to increasingly harsh climate conditions."If we want stability, we must invest where people are most at risk. To prevent further displacement, climate financing needs to reach the communities already living on the edge", said Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. Grandi urged participants at the climate conference to deliver on their promises, saying, "this COP must deliver real action, not empty promises." Some 50,000 participants from more than 190 countries are gathering in the Brazilian city of Belem, in the Amazon rainforest, for two weeks of talks beginning later today. They will discuss how to curb the climate crisis and its devastating effects.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department organised a beach cleanup initiative at Umm Bab, as part of a series of environmental campaigns carried out throughout the year. The initiative seeks to encourage the participation of the local community, volunteer groups, and institutions in national efforts to reduce marine pollution and maintain the beauty of beaches. The ministry emphasised that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of all members of society.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tore into nations for their failure to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as Brazil hosted world leaders for a summit ahead of the COP30 climate conference in the rainforest city of Belem. Scientists have confirmed the world is set to cross the 1.5 C warming threshold around 2030, risking extreme warming with irreversible consequences. "Too many corporations are making record profits from climate devastation, with billions spent on lobbying, deceiving the public and obstructing progress," Guterres said in his speech. "Too many leaders remain captive to these entrenched interests." Countries are spending about $1tn each year in subsidising fossil fuels. Leaders have two clear options, Guterres said: "We can choose to lead — or be led to ruin." The COP30 conference marks three decades since global climate negotiations began. In that time, countries have curbed the projected climb in emissions somewhat, but not enough to prevent what scientists consider extreme global warming in the next few decades. The World Meteorological Organisation announced this year would likely be the second- or third-warmest on record, with the temperature average through August being 1.42 C above the preindustrial average, after record heat in 2023 and 2024. "The alarming streak of exceptional temperatures continues," WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said with the report's release. Outside of the conference venue - still under construction ahead of next week's summit start — a small group of indigenous people marched in a circle while singing and urging protection of the world's forests and their people. A flotilla bringing indigenous leaders and activists down rivers of the Amazon Basin to the conference was delayed and would not arrive until next week. During the leaders' summit Thursday and today, about 150 heads of state, subnational leaders and international organisations were due to deliver speeches that would be televised across the world. Missing from the lineup are the leaders of four of the world's five most-polluting economies — China, the United States, India and Russia — with only the leader of the European Union showing up. The US administration has opted to send no-one to the talks, unlike the others. Instead, top US officials were in Greece alongside fossil fuel giant Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) Thursday as it signed a new deal to explore offshore for natural gas. Some said the absence of the United States from COP30 may free countries to discuss action without any one player dominating the outcome. "Without the US present, we can actually see a real multilateral conversation happening," said Pedro Abramovay, vice president of programs at Open Society Foundations and a former justice minister under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Lula planned to hold bilateral meetings Thursday with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after meeting one-on-one on Wednesday with the Chinese vice premier and leaders from Finland and the European Union. "In a moment in which a lot of people are kind of claiming the death of multilateralism, I think there is a new space for a multilateralism that is not built in a top-down way from powerful countries towards poor countries," Abramovay said. Brazil is hoping the World Leaders Summit will deliver at least $10bn of its overall target of $125bn for its newly launched Tropical Forest Forever Facility, estimating that would be enough to start generating funds for conservation. China, Norway and Germany were expected to announce contributions in Belem, after Brazil offered the first investment and Indonesia matched that pledge. But the United Kingdom, which helped to frame the way the fund works, delivered an early disappointment on Wednesday, disclosing that it would be offering no cash.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change showcased Qatar’s experience in planning and implementing climate change adaptation strategies at a dialogue session titled “Responses to Climate Change Adaptation and New Support Structures”, held as part of Global Green Growth Week 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. The ministry was represented at the session by Head of the Climate Change Mitigation Section at the Climate Change Department, Mohammed Omar al-Badr. He presented to the participants the most prominent successful national experiences and practices implemented by Qatar in the field of national climate change adaptation planning, as well as its ongoing efforts to build capacity and enhance the resilience of vital sectors most affected by climate events. Al-Badr also addressed the lessons learned from Qatar’s experience in developing and implementing adaptation strategies, emphasising the importance of co-operation between the public and private sectors to achieve national goals in the areas of sustainability and mitigating the effects of climate change. He affirmed that Qatar continues to adopt innovative policies and initiatives to support the green economy and promote sustainable investments, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. The Global Green Growth Week is one of the most prominent international platforms for discussing environmental challenges and reviewing solutions and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development. It witnesses broad participation from representatives of governments, international organisations, research institutions, and experts in the fields of environment, energy, and green finance.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the meetings of the 36th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, hosted by the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott. The Qatari delegation to the meetings was headed by HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, who affirmed in his address Qatar’s unwavering commitment to supporting joint Arab environmental efforts and strengthening regional and international co-operation to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and protect natural resources for the benefit of future generations. On the sidelines of the session, HE the minister held meetings with a number of ministers and heads of participating bodies. He discussed with them aspects of environmental co-operation, co-ordinating Arab positions in international forums, and prospects for partnership in regional and international initiatives aimed at combating desertification and addressing the challenges associated with drought, particularly in developing countries.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), in cooperation with Qatar Youth Hostels and the Friends of the Environment Center (FEC) affiliated with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, organised a series of training workshops at the headquarters of the FEC. This initiative comes as part of the preparations for the annual Youth Support Camp programme, aiming to enhance environmental awareness among young people and introduce them to the scientific and technical principles of breeding and conserving the Houbara bustard, one of Qatar’s important environmental symbols. The workshops included three main training sessions, covering various topics such as: the basic scientific and technical principles of breeding Houbara bustard in captivity; the importance of preserving biodiversity in nature reserves; sustainable environmental care methods; and the role of youth in protecting wildlife. Mohamed bin Nahar al-Nuaimi, director of the External Reserves Office at the MoECC, affirmed that organising these workshops comes within the efforts to promote environmental awareness and spread a culture of sustainability among young people. “Introducing the new generation to the fundamental principles of breeding and conserving the Houbara bustard represents an important step in instilling the concept of environmental responsibility and highlighting national efforts to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity,” he explained. Al-Nuaimi pointed out that through these training programmes, the ministry seeks to enable young men and women to gain knowledge of modern scientific methods for bird breeding and environmental preservation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places sustainable development at the heart of its goals. He added that the External Reserves Office will continue organising specialised training and awareness programmes and events to enhance community participation in environmental protection and to instill the values of conserving natural resources among all segments of society, especially youth.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Department of Land Protection in cooperation with the Environmental Security Unit of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), has carried out a surprise inspection campaign in various sites in the northern region of the country. During the campaign, an unlicensed bird-hunting shelter that had been set up in violation of applicable environmental regulations was detected and removed. This action is part of the ministry’s measures to address any practices that harm the environment or distort the public landscape. The campaign is part of a series of periodic field inspections conducted by the ministry to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations, as well as to preserve vegetation cover and biodiversity across different regions of the country, supporting Qatar’s environmental sustainability goals.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) participated in the Global Green Growth Week 2025 in Seoul, South Korea, through a dialogue session entitled "Challenges and Opportunities for Adaptation from a National Perspective." The session was organized by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and included a select group of experts and decision-makers from around the world.The Ministry was represented at the session by Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs, Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, who highlighted Qatar's efforts in adapting to climate change and the measures the country is adopting to mitigate its effects and enhance its ability to address environmental challenges.Al Sada noted that Qatar, through its National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, places great importance on adaptation as a key pillar of its climate action. He emphasized that international cooperation and the exchange of expertise are essential for achieving sustainable development and balancing economic growth with environmental protection.The Ministry's participation in this event comes within the framework of its keenness to support global efforts to confront climate change, and to enhance the presence of the State of Qatar in international forums concerned with environmental issues and sustainable development.

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the work of the 26th meeting of the Technical Committee for Environment, affiliated with the Council of Arab Ministers in Charge of Environmental Affairs, held in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott.The meeting was part of the ongoing preparations for the 36th session of the Council of Arab Ministers and Heads of Environmental Authorities, scheduled for Oct. 30 in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, with the participation of delegations representing member states and regional and international organizations concerned with environmental issues.The technical meeting discussed the follow-up on the implementation of the decisions issued by the Council of Arab Ministers in Charge of Environmental Affairs in its previous sessions, and reviewed joint Arab initiatives in the areas of environmental protection and sustainable development, which constituted an important milestone in the course of joint Arab environmental action.The meeting was an opportunity to coordinate positions and visions in preparation for upcoming international environmental agreements, particularly the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) and the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to be held in Belem, Brazil.