The United Nations aid chief warns that about 50 million people could face heightened hunger as the current El niño reaches unprecedented strength. Meteorologists describe the phenomenon as potentially the strongest on record, with warmer‑than‑average temperatures forecast across much of the continental United States and reduced rainfall in the Philippines, where drought is expected by February 2027. Flooding in Argentina has already killed two people and displaced over 2,000. Global carbon‑dioxide emissions are set to surge this year, and the Climate Impact Lab projects nearly 485 000 heat‑related deaths this summer, with an additional 373 000 expected in the next six months.
Europe
3 stories since 24 October 2026, newest first
29 October 2026
The two‑day EU‑Canada summit in Montreal concluded on 30 Oct with a joint declaration that does not mention Canada becoming an EU associate member. The summit, held on 29‑30 Oct, brought together European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss deeper cooperation on AI, climate, energy and security. Von der Leyen had earlier proposed an associate‑membership status, but Germany and several other EU states objected, leading to the term’s removal from the final text. A final declaration is expected on Friday, and details of any future association will be worked out in the coming months.
24 October 2026
Russia employs unpredictability as a strategic weapon, with more than 50 hybrid attacks linked to it in Europe over the past six months and a defence staff officer warning the threat could persist for a decade or more. Kremlin‑backed groups are reviving election‑disruption methods and are now focusing on the final phase of the U.S. midterm elections.