U.S. farm production to increase in 2023 as economy cools
The U.S. economy will slow in the new year, constrained by sharply higher interest rates, at the same time that farmers and ranchers expand production, projected the Agriculture Department on Monday. Prices for most commodities — including corn, soybeans, wheat and hogs — would decline somewhat from this year’s elevated levels but remain comparatively high.
UN proposes global warning system against climate disasters
At the UN climate conference, Secretary General Antonio Guterres unveiled details of his plan to create an early warning system that would cover the globe and sound the alarm ahead of climate disasters. The project would cost $3.1 billion to implement over five years.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Gates aid to smallholders: The Gates Foundation pledged to invest $1.4 billion to help smallholder farmers, who feed a quarter of the world population, and address the immediate and longer-term impacts of climate change at. (Gates Foundation)
Wildfires rampant in Nebraska: Thanks to drought and strong winds, Nebraska is on track for its second-worst year for wildfires, with 200,000 acres charred so far this year; the outlook for 2023 is also grim. (Nebraska Examiner)
Supreme Court wades into water: The Supreme Court, which heard a challenge to wetlands protections, agreed to hear a case in which the Navajo Nation is suing the government over its right to water from the Colorado River. (Courthouse News)
Rail union approves contract: The International Association of Machinists District 19 labor union approved a proposed contract with U.S. freight railroads over the weekend, reversing a vote taken in mid-September and reducing the chances of a national strike. (Politico)
Sugar ban is toothless: Few people in the Mexican state of Oaxaca are aware of rules intended to restrict sales of sugary drinks and snacks and authorities have not enforced the measure, intended to reduce obesity. (Guardian)
