|
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
ISSUE #91
| | |
Dear Global Citizen,
We're pleased to send you this latest issue of Global Development Update (GDU)--a monthly bulletin intended to keep you up to date with the policies, events, and people that affect our planet as a whole. The publication of GDU for the last 5 years has depended entirely on small and medium-size contributions from readers like you. We take no government or corporate funding. We need your support. We would greatly appreciate your clicking the DONATE button and making a small contribution that can help sustain the work we do.
Best Regards -- The Global Citizens Initiative Team
www.thrglobalcitizensinitiative.org
| | |
Is the Era of Climate Impunity Over?
United Nations
In a landmark opinion, the ICJ ruled that states are legally obligated to curb emissions and protect the climate, making inaction a violation of international law. The case, driven by Pacific youth activism, marks a pivotal step in climate justice. Read on.
| | |
| |
Extreme Heat Threatens Global Food Security, Says Harvard Expert
Harvard Center for International Development
Economist Wolfram Schlenker warns that climate shocks and protectionist trade policies are undermining food resilience, especially for the world’s poorest. To secure our future, he calls for global cooperation, innovation, and open markets. Read on.
| | POVERTY REDUCTION & INCOME INEQUALITY | | |
Child Labor Drops by Half, But Poverty Still Drives Millions to Work
The Globalist
Global child labor has fallen dramatically since 2000, but progress is stalling in the world’s poorest countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. As U.S. support wanes, experts warn that rising inequality and weak protections could reverse hard-won gains. Read on.
| |
| TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITY | | |
| |
Electrification Hits Its Stride as Fossil Fuel Demand Peaks
Ember
A century-long rise in electricity has reached a tipping point, powering nearly all energy growth and pushing fossil fuel demand into decline. With efficiency gains and expanding reach, electrification is now the engine of the global energy system. Read on.
| | |
Cloudflare Moves to Monetize the Web’s Data as AI Demand Surges
Internet Governance
With its new default block on AI crawlers and a proposed content marketplace, Cloudflare is reshaping who profits from online data. The move signals the end of the open web era and the rise of platform-driven data governance. Read on.
| |
| |
| |
US Passes First Major Crypto Law, Signaling Policy Shift
Project Liberty
The bipartisan GENIUS Act ushers in new federal rules for stablecoins, marking a pivotal moment for crypto regulation. After years of chaos and inaction, Washington is setting the rules for the digital economy. Read on.
| | |
U.S. Quits UNESCO Again, Targeting SDGs and Global Cooperation
Devex
Citing opposition to UNESCO’s focus on sustainable development and cultural diplomacy, the U.S. has withdrawn from the agency for a third time. The move reflects deepening tensions between multilateralism and America First policy. Read on.
| | | |
| |
Africa Takes Center Stage in a New Global Power Play
Other News
As U.S. influence recedes, African nations are redefining global diplomacy, balancing China’s speed, Europe’s ideals, India’s trust, and East Asia’s innovation. The continent is no longer the prize, but the player. Read on.
| | |
Populism’s Double-Edged Sword: How It Endangers Democracy
The Globalist
While populism claims to empower the people, it often erodes democratic norms through media control, institutional manipulation, and polarizing rhetoric. Safeguarding democracy requires stronger institutions, political education, and an informed citizenry. Read on.
| | | |
| |
Africa’s Drone Frontier: Homegrown Tech Reclaims Sovereignty
Substack
Nigeria’s Terra Industries is redefining infrastructure security with autonomous drones built for African needs. By fusing local innovation with scalable AI, it signals Africa’s emergence as a serious global tech player. Read on.
| | August 2025 Global Citizen Blog | | |
In this issue, we explore:
-
Global calls for a two-state solution gain traction amid Gaza’s devastation, as Israel, Palestine, and the U.S. are urged to seize unprecedented international momentum for peace. READ ON
-
A shift in moral judgment over Israel’s war in Gaza, with growing voices, even among former sympathizers, now labeling it as genocide in light of mass civilian deaths and systemic destruction. READ ON
| | If you find this issue to be of interest, we invite you to make a Donation to help support our work. | | The TGCI Course on Global Citizenship offers a Professional Certificate. It equips participants with the skills to understand global issues and engage in meaningful discussions. It prepares leaders to think and act both globally and locally in today’s polarized world. Register now! | | | | |
