Due to unprecedented shifts in the international development sector, we've made the difficult decision to close our news brand, Context. A full statement with further information, including our enhanced offering for the communities we serve, can be found here: https://bit.ly/4tQhsJF

Mexico's data centre boom is powering AI growth, but renewable energy is struggling to keep up. Big Tech is relying on fossil fuels as demand surges. ✍️ Diana Baptista and Fintan McDonnell report 🔗 https://www.context.news/just-transition/ai-data-boom-in-mexico-fuels-rise-in-dirty-energy

In Brazil's Mato Grosso, over 700 seed gatherers are helping restore forests using native seeds. ✍️ Andre Cabette Fabio reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/nature/brazils-seed-collectors-combat-amazon-deforestation

Europe's carbon border tax is now in effect, reshaping how the EU links climate policy and global trade. ✍️ Bhasker Tripathi reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/net-zero/how-will-the-eus-new-carbon-border-tax-affect-developing-nations

President Trump's second term marked a shift in U.S. climate policy, with a focus on deregulation and fossil fuels. What does this mean for coal, renewables, and energy prices? ✍️ David Sherfinski reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/climate-risks/whats-next-for-us-climate-policy-under-trump

A year into President Trump's second term, abortion laws in the U.S. remain patchy. ✍️ David Sherfinski reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/money-power-people/us-abortion-policy-under-trump-20-one-year-on?utm_campaign=context-newsroom&utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social

Today marks 1,000 days since the start of the war in Sudan. ✍️ Emma Batha reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/sudan-named-most-neglected-crisis-of-2025-in-aid-agency-poll?utm_campaign=context-newsroom&utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social

With thousands of manufacturers and few inspectors, India's vast pharma industry faces quality challenges. ✍️ Priyanka Pulla and Paul Eccles report 🔗 https://www.context.news/money-power-people/drug-inspectors-in-india-struggle-to-keep-worlds-pharmacy-safe

From adding finance to making sure loss and damage funds reach vulnerable populations, climate adaptation is an increasingly crucial topic as extreme weather events disrupt daily life. ✍️ Mariejo Ramos reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/nature/five-climate-adaptation-ideas-to-watch-in-2026

A oily spill that spewed toxic waste into a protected strait off the Philippines has raised concerns about governance of the nation's rich waterways. ✍️ Mariejo Ramos reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/nature/protected-area-industry-under-fire-for-philippine-sea-spill

A boom in U.S. data centres is devouring fossil fuels in Mexico - and hitting locals with power cuts and pollution. ✍️ Diana Baptista and Fintan McDonnell report 🔗 https://www.context.news/just-transition/ai-data-boom-in-mexico-fuels-rise-in-dirty-energy

"If the world ignores Myanmar now, it will see the same digital oppression replicated elsewhere." ✍️ Wai Phyo Myint, a digital rights advocate and Asia Pacific Policy Analyst at Access Now, writes for Context. 🔗 https://www.context.news/digital-rights/opinion/myanmars-new-era-of-digital-oppression

Wads of cash, speedboats, booze and mobile phones. Context identified more than 100 active Tiktok accounts that appear to be run by members of guerilla and paramilitary groups. ✍️ Nicolas Torres reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/big-tech/how-armed-groups-lure-colombian-children-via-tiktok

A pilot project in Virginia using AI-driven systems has seen recycling rates increase, with potential impacts for landfill management and material recovery. ✍️ Carey L. Biron reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/ai/us-cities-look-to-new-ai-tools-to-boost-recycling

"Progress is fragile and 2026 must be the year of action and accountability on gender rights." ✍️ Maliha Khan, CEO of Women Deliver writes for Context. 🔗 https://www.context.news/money-power-people/opinion/what-happened-to-gender-equality-in-2025

Britain has written to Syrians who have rebuilt their lives in the country and applied to permanently settle, threatening to end their refugee status. ✍️Emma Batha reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/uk-warns-shocked-syrians-it-may-end-their-refugee-status

In West Africa's Guinea, villagers say mining for the critical mineral bauxite has polluted water and decreased crop yields. ✍️ Jaume Portell Caño reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/just-transition/critical-mineral-bauxite-boom-pollutes-water-and-crops-in-guinea

"COP30 agreed to triple adaptation finance, but the fashion industry needs adaptation measures now." ✍️ Jason Judd and Kalpona Akter write for Context. 🔗 https://www.context.news/just-transition/opinion/can-the-fashion-industry-adapt-to-a-warming-world

Once a panoramic view of dense spruce forests, the Lörmecke-Turm tower in Germany's Arnsberg now overlooks a plateau shaped by bark beetle infestation and climate extremes. ✍️ Joanna Gill reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/nature/how-german-engineers-are-building-future-proof-forests

Mexico's data centre boom is powering the global rise of AI, but energy demands are outpacing renewable infrastructure. ✍️ Diana Baptista and Fintan McDonnell report 🔗 https://www.context.news/just-transition/ai-data-boom-in-mexico-fuels-rise-in-dirty-energy

A recent industrial spill in Negros Island has highlighted the importance of robust environmental governance. The incident affected local fishing communities. ✍️ Mariejo Ramos reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/nature/protected-area-industry-under-fire-for-philippine-sea-spill

Philosophy is central to ongoing debates over AI and ethics, says Cansu Canca, founder of AI Ethics Lab. ✍️ David Sherfinski reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/ai/q-and-a-ai-ethics-expert-sees-philosophy-as-critical-to-ai-debate

2025 has been a year of LGBTQ+ setbacks, with rights vanishing, funding slashed and hostility on the rise. ✍️ Lucy Middleton 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/five-gains-for-lgbtq-rights-despite-global-setbacks?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=context-newsroom

After Nigeria declared a nationwide emergency over the surge in kidnappings, Donald Trump threatened military action. But experts say this could make things worse. ✍️ Bukola Adebayo reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/money-power-people/trumps-threats-could-fuel-nigerian-extremists-expert-says

AI use surged in the U.S. last year, shaping immigration enforcement, workplace automation, and even grief tech. ✍️ David Sherfinski reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/surveillance/the-major-us-trends-in-ai-in-2025-and-whats-next-in-2026

Online gambling is on the rise in Mozambique, with young people increasingly drawn to betting platforms. ✍️ Samuel Comé reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/as-gambling-spreads-across-mozambique-families-count-losses

From Mexico to Nepal, Gen Z protests marked 2025, driven by concerns over corruption, economic uncertainty, and social change. ✍️ Annie Banerji reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/money-power-people/a-year-of-gen-z-protests-can-they-bring-real-change-in-2026

Michigan's attorney general shared concerns about same-sex marriage, noting that state-level bans could return if the Supreme Court overturns its 2015 ruling. ✍️ Lucy Middleton reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/marriage-equality-in-us-at-risk-says-michigans-top-lawyer

After protests to highlight the daily toll of gender-based violence, the South African government has classified violence against women as a national disaster. ✍️ Kim Harrisberg reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/money-power-people/south-africas-war-on-gender-violence-overlooks-children-activists

Climate lawsuits are on the rise, reaching top courts and setting new precedents. Over 3,000 cases have been filed across 60 countries, with a growing number in the Global South. ✍️ Joanna Gill reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/climate-justice/climate-change-in-court-cases-to-watch-in-2026

Brazil's Congress has approved changes to environmental licensing, introducing a fast-track process for strategic projects. The new law may impact the Amazon. ✍️ Andre Cabette Fabio reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/nature/how-brazils-devastation-bill-puts-amazon-at-risk-of-deforestation

As wildfires intensify, experts highlight the risks of plastic in building materials. ✍️ Carey Biron reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/climate-risks/as-wildfires-mount-so-do-efforts-to-use-less-plastic?utm_campaign=context-newsroom

Clothes sold in Europe could soon carry digital passports, offering details on materials, energy use, and supply chain. ✍️ Md. Tahmid Zami reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/just-transition/passport-for-fashion-aims-to-end-industry-greenwashing

Mount Kenya's last glacier is nearing its end. Nearly 2 billion people depend on mountain water for daily needs ✍️ Nita Bhalla reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/nature/mt-kenya-glaciers-to-vanish-by-2030-environmentalist-lewis-pugh

Deborah Meaden discusses how businesses are navigating environmental changes, including the rise of 'green hushing' and the journey toward more transparent practices. 🔗 https://www.context.news/net-zero/q-and-a-deborah-meaden-says-businesses-are-green-hushing-on-climate

Britain's foreign aid spending fell by nearly £1.3bn in 2024, marking the first decline in five years. ✍️ Lin Taylor reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/britains-foreign-aid-where-does-the-money-go

"As excitement around AI for development grow, it’s important to stay grounded in common sense solutions." ✍️ Kathleen Siminyu, AI Researcher, writes for Context. 🔗 https://www.context.news/ai/opinion/ai-will-have-a-huge-impact-on-africa-but-we-must-avoid-the-hype

Red Hook, NYC has seen a surge in warehouses since the pandemic, bringing more trucks and increased local traffic. ✍️ Carey Biron reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/nature/us-communities-push-back-against-encroaching-e-commerce-warehouses

Biometric IDs are expanding across Africa, now used in 49 of 54 countries for access to services like healthcare and voting. But, millions remain excluded. ✍️ Kim Harrisberg reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/digital-rights/are-biometric-ids-blocking-africans-from-state-services

From AI regulation shifts to youth protests, internet shutdowns, digital border controls, and climate impacts of data centres—2026 is set to redefine the digital landscape. ✍️ Lin Taylor reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/digital-rights/ai-bans-and-facial-scans-digital-frontiers-in-2026

"Syria has entered its quietest period in more than a decade but children still face a crisis." ✍️ Rafif Dahbour, communications specialist at War Child, writes for Context. 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/opinion/behind-syrias-quiet-year-children-still-face-serious-risks

European countries tightened migration policies in 2025, with new EU asylum rules set for 2026. ✍️ Joanna Gill and Lin Taylor report 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/fortress-europe-what-will-migration-policy-look-like-in-2025

U.S. foreign aid spending dropped from $68B to $32B in 2025 after USAID closed. Program cuts have impacted food, health, and child survival worldwide. ✍️ Nita Bhalla reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/after-a-year-of-big-cuts-where-does-us-aid-stand-going-into-2026

Solar power overtook coal in 2025, rising to 8.8% of global electricity. AI is are reshaping energy demand, while global uncertainty keeps fossil fuels in the spotlight. ✍️ Jack Graham reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/just-transition/renewable-energy-boomed-in-2025-but-so-did-fossil-fuels

"In Gaza and parts of Africa, we've seen how vulnerable food systems can be and we must act urgently to strengthen them worldwide." ✍️ Stefanos Fotiou writes for Context. 🔗 https://www.context.news/climate-risks/opinion/war-and-weather-show-how-fragile-food-systems-are-we-must-act

After the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syrian families like Fareed Fakhoury's in the UK face ongoing uncertainty. ✍️ Emma Batha reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/socioeconomic-inclusion/syria-isnt-safe-but-uk-wants-syrians-to-return-asylum-seeker

Street vendors in U.S. cities are facing new challenges amid increased immigration enforcement. ✍️ Carey L. Biron reports 🔗 https://www.context.news/money-power-people/street-vendors-seek-protections-amid-trump-immigration-crackdown

Satellite images reveal much of Africa remains in darkness, despite leading the world in solar potential. Around 58% of the continent faces energy poverty. ✍️ Kim Harrisberg reports. 🔗 https://www.context.news/just-transition/in-data-can-solar-help-africa-fight-energy-poverty

The life and death of Sam Dela Cruz shows the risks faced by migrant fishers. Issues remain challenges for thousands. ✍️ Raizza Bello and Mariejo Ramos report. 🔗 https://www.context.news/money-power-people/long-read/buried-in-somalia-a-filipino-migrant-fishers-death-exposes-abuse

"Regenerative school meals improve health, learning, and earning potential, and Brazil is a pioneer." ✍️ Elizabeth Yes and Gonzalo Muñoz write for Context. 🔗 https://www.context.news/rethinking-the-economy/opinion/healthy-school-meals-can-transform-food-systems-brazil-shows-how