Global Weekly News Roundup: Key Events That Shaped the World Last Week

The past week has been packed with major global developments, from political unrest and humanitarian crises to bold climate pledges and natural disasters. Each event carries its own weight and directly impacts lives, policies, and the future of nations. This article brings you a human-centered roundup of the most significant stories, helping you understand not just what happened, but also why it matters for the world at large.

Fossil Fuel Emissions Linked to Deadly Heatwaves

• A recent scientific study has made a strong advance: emissions from major oil and gas companies are now directly tied to dozens of deadly heatwaves. According to the analysis, emissions from each of the 14 largest fossil fuel firms have made over 50 heatwaves at least 10,000 times more likely. Overall, emissions from about 180 of the biggest carbon producers are responsible for roughly half of the increased intensity in heatwaves between 2000 and 2023. This link strengthens legal and policy arguments for holding big polluters accountable.

U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rise, Slowing Global Climate Progress

• A report by the Rhodium Group revealed that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have increased in early 2025, reversing prior declines. Key reasons cited include the rollback of environmental regulations, reduced support for clean energy, and reinvestment in fossil fuels. The report warns that this reversal threatens global efforts to limit warming below 2°C.

Geopolitical Shifts in Australia & Defence Strategy Under Aukus

• Australia recently announced a major defence investment: a $12 billion allocation to the Henderson defence precinct to support nuclear submarine capacity under the Aukus partnership. This comes alongside a larger increase in overall defence spending (about $70 billion) and a deepening of security cooperation with Pacific nations, especially Papua New Guinea. There was also a reshuffle in the opposition’s shadow cabinet.

Ukraine Conflict—Slowdown in Russian Territorial Gains

• Over recent weeks, Russian forces in Ukraine have made smaller gains in territory than in previous months. In the period between August 12–September 9, 2025, Russia gained about 160 square miles of Ukraine; in a more recent week, that gain dropped to about 14 square miles, a significant decline. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s counterattacks and local operations continue in contested regions.

Escalating Violence in Pakistan: Terror Raids & Casualties

• Security forces in Pakistan conducted intensive raids over the last week in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and near the Afghan border. In one operation, twelve soldiers and 35 Pakistani Taliban militants were killed. Elsewhere, an evacuation boat capsized during floods in Punjab, resulting in dozens of deaths.

Political Turmoil in Nepal and Government Transition

• Massive protests in Nepal—particularly youth-led—have led to the fall of the K.P. Sharma Oli government. The military was deployed to maintain order. A former chief justice, Sushila Karki, has been asked to serve as interim prime minister, with elections expected in about six months. The death toll from protests rose, and hundreds were injured.

New Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kasai Province)

• A new outbreak of Ebola virus disease has been confirmed in Kasai Province, in southern DRC. It’s the first Ebola outbreak in that province since 2008. As of the latest reports, there are around 68 suspected or confirmed cases and at least 16 deaths. Authorities have begun setting up treatment centers, deploying rapid response teams, and vaccinating health workers and contacts.

Brazil Sets Renewable Energy Record

• In August 2025, Brazil achieved a new milestone: wind and solar energy supplied more than one-third (34%) of the country’s electricity, generating a record monthly volume. Hydropower, long Brazil’s mainstay, dropped to a four-year low in its contribution. Fossil fuel-based generation remained relatively low.

Preparedness & Constraints in Congo’s Ebola Response

• As the Ebola outbreak spreads, several towns in Kasai province have been placed under confinement, with checkpoints restricting movement. WHO and partners have delivered vaccine doses (Ervebo) to frontline health workers and contacts. However, response efforts are hampered by logistical challenges, underfunding, and difficult terrain.

Forced Mass Displacement Order in Gaza City

• The Israeli military issued a directive ordering the forced displacement of up to one million people from Gaza City to the south, citing a planned offensive. The displacement order targets people who are already displaced or sheltering under dire conditions. There are warnings from humanitarian organizations about impending famine, disease, lack of shelter, and escalating human suffering.

Afghanistan Earthquake Devastates Remote Communities

• A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan (provinces like Kunar, Laghman, and Nangarhar), causing over 2,200 deaths and destroying thousands of homes. Many remote villages remain cut off due to landslides, poor roads, and aftershocks. The UN has launched an emergency funding appeal (~US$140 million) to provide shelter, food, and medical aid, especially with winter arriving.

Rising Humanitarian Toll in Gaza City Under Airstrikes & Blockade

• Israeli airstrikes intensified in Gaza City last week, with dozens of civilians killed, destruction of high-rise residential buildings, and evacuation orders issued for large parts of the city. Aid efforts are severely hampered by blockade, infrastructure damage, and displacement. The situation is being called out by international and human rights groups as catastrophic and unlawful in some descriptions.

Pacific Islands Summit: Security & Climate Cooperation

• Pacific Islands leaders gathered in the Solomon Islands for a week-long summit to tackle regional security tensions and climate threats. One core item is an “Ocean of Peace” declaration aimed at easing hostilities amid growing U.S.-China rivalry. Australia is boosting its economic and security ties in the Pacific, including with Papua New Guinea, and pushing to host COP31.

Africa’s $50 Billion a Year Climate Solutions Pledge

• At a climate summit in Addis Ababa, African leaders launched a new initiative to compel $50 billion annually toward climate solutions across the continent. The plan includes both public and private sector involvement and the creation of new institutions like the Africa Climate Innovation Compact.

“Climate Blood Pact” Criticism by Kenyan President

• Kenya’s President William Ruto accused wealthy nations of breaking their climate finance promises from the 2021 Glasgow summit. He used the phrase “climate blood pact” to underscore how critical financing is for countries suffering most from climate-induced disasters, like floods and drought.

Shift From Climate Aid to Climate Investment

• During the Africa Climate Summit, leaders emphasized the need to move beyond merely receiving aid to making sustainable investments in renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, and homegrown climate solutions. Ethiopia revealed plans like planting billions of trees and expanding hydropower.

Solar Surge & Green Economy Optimism in Africa

• African countries saw a strong increase in solar imports, especially from China, with record levels in many nations. The push is part of a broader optimism that the green economy could deliver on Africa’s development needs—if financing, technology access, and policy support improve.

Controversy Over Skyrocketing Hotel Costs for COP30 Delegates

• As COP30 in Belém, Brazil, draws nearer, many delegates from poorer or vulnerable nations face prohibitively high accommodation costs—some listings are 10-20x normal, making participation difficult. There is fear that these economic barriers may exclude voices or reduce the ability of poorer countries to engage fully.

The past week’s events underline how interconnected our world truly is. Climate science is holding polluters accountable, humanitarian crises are testing international solidarity, and political shifts are redrawing regional balances. From Africa’s push for renewable investment to the deepening conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, every story highlights challenges that transcend borders. Staying informed is not just about knowing the headlines—it’s about understanding the forces shaping tomorrow’s decisions, economies, and societies.

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