Arctic has one of warmest years, raising fears over rising sea levels

13 Sept 14:28 Key points summarised by AI

The Arctic experienced its second warmest year since 1900, with average temperatures 1.9 degrees Celsius higher than the 1981-2010 average, driven by a phenomenon called Arctic amplification.
End-of-summer sea ice cover was the second lowest in 41 years, never returning to pre-2007 levels, severely impacting indigenous communities who rely on stable ice for travel, hunting, and supplies.
Greenland's ice sheet is rapidly melting, contributing 0.7 millimeters annually to global sea levels and having lost 3.8 trillion tonnes of ice since 1992, raising concerns about significant future sea level rise.
Melting snow and ice expose more ground to absorb solar heat, accelerating the melting of permafrost and further contributing to the region's warming cycle.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Today 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham party leaders sparked rumors of a potential merger, though Bhumjaithai's leader, Anutin, downplayed it as a casual meal.
The meeting is widely interpreted as a strategic message from Bhumjaithai to the Pheu Thai party, signaling alternative support ahead of an upcoming no-confidence debate.
Thailand's Constitution (Section 99) currently prohibits direct mergers of parties with sitting MPs during the House's term, a rule designed to prevent the 'buying and selling' of MPs.
While direct mergers are restricted, MPs can still switch parties if dismissed by a three-fourths party vote or if their party dissolves, allowing for indirect political realignments.
Kla Tham's voting behavior in the censure debate will demonstrate its loyalty to the government, potentially influencing future political dynamics despite current merger restrictions.