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8. April 2017, 21:58

UN climate conference opens

A major UN conference aimed at reaching agreement on a new deal to limit global warming has opened in Paris. Negotiators from 195 countries will try to reach an agreement within two weeks on reducing carbon emissions. Christiana Figueres is the head of the UN's climate negotiations and addressed delegates at the start of the event: "never before has a responsibility so great been in the hands of so few. The world is looking to you. The world is counting on you." The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is calling on delegates at the Paris conference to prioritise helping poor and vulnerable people deal with the impact of climate change. It says money should be provided for communities that will face, or already face, the negative consequences of rising temperatures. On the eve of the summit, hundreds of thousands of people held demonstrations in cities around the world to call for action in the fight against global warming.

Turkey and EU reach deal on refugees

Turkey and EU leaders have struck a deal aimed at curbing the number of people coming to Europe. Ankara is to receive 3 billion Euros to help Turkey host refugees from Syria. European Council President Donald Tusk: "this 3 billion Euros is not being given to Turkey. It is being given to Syrian refugees. The main philosophy here is burden-sharing." Under the deal, Turkish citizens may be able to travel without visas in the Schengen zone by October of next year. Talks on Turkey's EU membership will also be revived. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu described yesterday's meeting as a "historic day" in Turkey's relations with the EU.

Pope visits Central African Republic

In the latest stage of his trip to Africa, Pope Francis has visited a mosque in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic which has been wracked by violence between Christians and Muslims. Most of the city's Muslim minority fled during 3 years of violence. The pontiff used his visit to appeal for peace and reconciliation.

Hamburg votes against hosting Olympics

In Germany, Hamburg's bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games has been rejected by the city's residents in a referendum. 52% of those who cast ballots voted against the project. The cities remaining in the running for the sporting event are Paris, Los Angeles, Budapest and Rome. A decision by the IOC will be made in 2017.

The weather

Occasional rain showers coming in from the West. But the south should be dry with some sunshine. And a warning that those stormy winds will be continuing this afternoon. Winds of between 70 and 100 kilometres per hour forecast with even stronger gusts at times. Temperatures ranging between 5 and 15 degrees.

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