Briefly

UNITED NATIONS

Agreement reached to fight plastic pollution

United Nations countries have agreed to create a legally binding global treaty to address plastic pollution in the world's oceans, rivers and landscapes. The UN Environment Assembly voted unanimously on Wednesday at its meeting in Kenya's capital Nairobi for a resolution "to end plastic pollution". It sets the stage for international negotiations designed to produce a treaty by 2024. After days of debate, negotiators fashioned proposals into a framework for a global approach to prevent and reduce plastic pollution.

PHILIPPINES

Duterte opens door to nuclear power

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order to include nuclear power in the Philippines' energy mix, as authorities prepare to phase out coal-fired power plants. The order, made public on Thursday, could be a milestone for an economy that suffers from seasonal power outages and high electricity prices. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has backed nuclear power and said it could help alleviate supply issues and high costs. Previous attempts to pursue nuclear energy in the country were halted over safety concerns.

AUSTRALIA

Country fully opens as last state lifts curbs

Australia was fully open to vaccinated travelers after Western Australia became the last state to lift border restrictions on Thursday. Western Australia closed its borders to most international and interstate travelers in 2020. But the state lifted restrictions on Thursday four months after Sydney began its staged reopening of quarantine-free travel and more than a week after all vaccinated tourists became eligible for visas.

Agencies Via Xinhua