President Andrzej Duda called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia during his speech to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) yesterday.
Addressing a plenary session of the conference, the Polish president called on participants to „take stock of the climate action undertaken so far and to discuss the next steps, especially in the face of a very difficult international situation – the war in Ukraine, food and climate crisis.”
He pointed out that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has generated „crises and huge costs which put at risk the timely implementation of the climate transition as well as timely attainment of the intended goals.”
Furthermore, „it has also generated additional emissions, exceeding the level of those produced by a number of developing countries within the scope of one year,” he told the COP27 conference.
President went on to make the case that „transformation must serve energy security,” calling on the international community to put more pressure on Russia and become independent of Russian fossil fuels.
The COP27 summit will play host to some 100 heads of state and government for the next two weeks, with the goal of adopting new objectives to combat global warming.
Source: Radio Gdańsk, PAP, Radio Poland
Americans went to the polls yesterday to vote for US Congress members, state and local officials, and local ballot initiatives as part of the so-called „midterm” elections.
All 435 members of the US House of Representatives are up for re-election, with 67 seats described as „open” as no previous incumbent is running, and 37 races identified by political analysts as „battleground” districts that may determine control of the House.
Going into the elections, Democrats held a slim majority in the House, with 220 seats to 212 held by Republicans, and three vacancies. Either side needs to win 218 seats to obtain a majority.
In the US Senate, 35 of 100 seats are up for election, with Democrats currently controlling the Senate due to the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris. Twelve of the Senate races are in „battleground” states such as Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin, all states crucial in past and upcoming presidential elections.
Inflation was the most significant issue for voters in Tuesday’s midterm elections, followed by abortion, as well as crime and gun rights, according to an Edison Research exit poll cited by Reuters and CNN.
Polls closed Tuesday evening in the US, with final results expected to be announced over the next few days.
Source: PAP, ballotpedia.org
Malbork castle is among eleven historic royal residences in Poland, which can be visited for free this month.
As part of the 11th annual „Free November” initiative, tourists can check out attractions such as the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the historic Wawel complex in Kraków, and the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork.
Other sites available to the public for free this month include the Wilanów Palace and Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw, along with the saltworks castle in Wieliczka and the royal castles in Poznań and Lublin.
According to culture minister Piotr Gliński, the unique campaign comes in response to requests from the public to provide better access to museums and royal residences.
Source: Radio Poland
Radio Gdańsk is offering listeners a chance to get a Polish flag today by sharing how they spend Independence Day or by visiting the Museum of the Second World War tomorrow.
Listeners are encouraged to send a short description or photo of their typical Independence Day celebrations to konkurs@radiogdansk.pl today, for a chance to win a Polish flag during the „Tak Gramy” program.
Listeners also have a chance to take home a decorative Polish flag tomorrow at the Museum of the Second World War. Starting at 11:00, Radio Gdańsk will be set up outside the museum and will distribute Polish flags during a special broadcast.
Additional details can be found on the Radio Gdańsk Facebook page.
Source: Radio Gdańsk
Weather
Today will be cool and cloudy, with a good chance of rain in the early afternoon and a strong breeze coming in from the south. Temperatures will peak around a high of 13°C, or 55°F, dropping to a low of 9°C or 48°F overnight. Sunnier weather is expected for tomorrow, with a slight chance of rain again midday.
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Elizabeth Peck/MarWer