Business
Protestors Demand Climate Justice Ahead of COP29
TOBA TEK SINGH: Hundreds of protestors took to the streets in Toba Tek Singh on Friday, demanding urgent government action to combat smog and pollution in Punjab. The rally, organized by the Pakistan Brick-Kiln Workers Union in collaboration with the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee, highlighted the need for a permanent ban on coal and an end to fossil fuel expansion.
The march, which began at Chungi Gojra Road and culminated at Shahbaz Chowk before ending at the Press Club, called on Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to prioritize renewable energy and address the root causes of environmental degradation.
Farooq Tariq, General Secretary of the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee, emphasized the responsibility of developed nations in addressing the climate crisis. “We call for a rapid and equitable phaseout of fossil fuels and a direct transition to 100 percent renewable energy. Developed countries, with their historical emissions, must fund this transition and help nations like Pakistan combat smog and pollution. They have the resources to mobilize trillions of dollars by ending fossil fuel subsidies, taxing the mega-rich, and halting militaristic spending,” he said.
Mohammad Shabbir, General Secretary of the Brick-Kiln Workers Union, criticized Pakistan’s increasing reliance on coal despite a coal moratorium. “It is unacceptable that in the face of an intensifying climate crisis, Pakistan has increased coal’s share in the electricity mix. We have untapped potential in renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Instead of expanding coal and greenlighting new gas projects, the government should focus on renewable energy to reduce smog and pollution,” he stated.
The protest comes at a time when Pakistan’s dependence on coal is growing, with the government signaling a potential return to local lignite coal from the Thar region to offset the rising cost of imported coal. Environmentalists have expressed alarm over this trend, warning that continued fossil fuel reliance will worsen air quality and hinder climate commitments.
The mobilization in Toba Tek Singh serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis as Pakistan prepares for COP29, where global leaders will convene to address climate action. Protestors called for the government to demonstrate leadership by committing to sustainable energy solutions and ensuring clean air for its citizens.
After a catastrophic fire five years ago, the Notre Dame Cathedral de Paris reopened this month looking almost the same as it did when it was first constructed in 1163.
The massive reconstruction project was a testament not just to the hard work of the French people – but also to the lasers, drones and other advanced technology that gave rebuilders a window into the building’s past.
“The time frame wouldn’t have been possible without the record of what existed,” Amy Bunszel, executive vice president of architecture, engineering and construction at 3D-software company Autodesk, told CNN. Her company was a major part of creating a model of the building as it existed before the fire, giving the reconstruction effort a sort of guide for what to do. “It would’ve required a lot more guesswork. Imagine taking millions of tourist photographs (as a reference point) versus having one consolidated perfect representation.”
Back in 2022, when the labor market was so hot that Beyoncé even released a song about it, Americans were job hopping in large numbers, boosting their salary in the process.
The Great Resignation was in full swing.
That fueled fears of a “wage-price spiral” — where wages and prices perpetually rise and feed off each other.
But what appeared to be a hot job market was actually a symptom — not the cause — of the recent bout of inflation, according to new research that explored the consequences of unexpected rising prices on the labor market.
The Container Store has filed for bankruptcy. It is the latest well-known retailer to fall victim to customers cutting back on discretionary spending.
The 46-year-old company said in a statement late Sunday that filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection will help it “bolster its financial position, fuel growth initiatives, and drive enhanced long-term profitability.” The Container Store revealed in court documents that it has about $230 million in debt and just $11.8 million in cash on hand, but will receive $40 million in fresh financing.
The chain’s 102 locations and website will remain open for orders during the process, which is expected to take 35 days to complete.
“The Container Store is here to stay,” said CEO Satish Malhotra in a statement. “Our strategy is sound, and we believe the steps we are taking today will allow us to continue to advance our business, deepen customer relationships, expand our reach, and strengthen our capabilities.”
Payments to vendors and suppliers will be made as normal and all customer deposits and orders will be honored and delivered, the company said. The Container Store plans to emerge as a private company when the Chapter 11 process is complete.
The company’s Sweden-based Elfa brand, described as a “premium customizable storage system,” isn’t included in the bankruptcy.
The filing comes a few weeks after a deal with Beyond, the parent company of Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock.com. The Container Store was expected bring Bed Bath & Beyond-branded products to some stores, but that deal appears to be in jeopardy. Beyond previously said that the financing deal was in doubt because the Container Store was struggling to reach an agreement with its lenders.
The Container Store’s stock has already been delisted by the New York Stock Exchange because it failed to meet the exchange’s financial standards.
A monster diamond, ancient lipstick and erotic Roman frescoes: 15 remarkable discoveries of 2024
How ‘The Brutalist’ built architect László Tóth — inside and out
Why ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ almost didn’t air — and why it endures
Earthquake scientists are learning warning signs of ‘The Big One.’ When should they tell the public?
Tarar accuses Imran Khan of conspiring with Faiz Hameed to destabilise Pakistan
PTI Announces Not to Boycott New Committees
-
Entertainment4 months agoEarthquake scientists are learning warning signs of ‘The Big One.’ When should they tell the public?
-
International4 months agoTarar accuses Imran Khan of conspiring with Faiz Hameed to destabilise Pakistan
-
International2 months agoPTI Announces Not to Boycott New Committees
-
Business3 months agoMajor Corruption Scandal Uncovered at WASA Multan: Rs1.5 Billion Embezzlement Exposed
-
Business4 months agoThe Impact of QR Codes on Traditional Advertising
-
Business4 months agoThe Benefits and Problems of International Trade in the Context of Global Crisis
-
Business4 months agoFraud by Pakistani Firm Sparks Outrage in Business Community; Concerns Rise Over International Investment
-
Business2 months agoHigh Court Blocks MDCAT Merit List Amid Controversy Over Exam Error