Our world in photos: December 6
Brooklyn Eagle Staff
December 6, 2024
FRANKFURT — A scene like this makes commuting bearable: A hydrogen train moves through the forest of the Taunus region near Frankfurt, Germany, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Germany launched the first fleet of hydrogen-powered trains in the world, according to electrive, the electric mobility industry’s leading trade media. Germany, in recent years, has initiated several advances in green energy. A leading company, Linde, has created a pivotal role for itself in hydrogen production.
However, the hydrogen fuel on which these trains rely experienced a shortage dating back to September, when an accident occurred at the Leuna hydrogen liquefaction plant in Saxony-Anhalt (eastern Germany). The trains are shorter, with fewer cars, to conserve hydrogen.
WASHINGTON — Alternate universe? Trump’s expression seems to say, ‘WTF! Is THAT Stephen Colbert?’ President-elect Donald Trump, escorted by House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., for a meeting with the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. The President-elect received a cordial welcome from Congressional Republicans, even though that chamber has yet to be called for the party. As of press time, the GOP inched toward needing only two more seats to reach the 218-seat majority, while the Democrats won 207 seats. There were 12 races still to be called.
However, complicating the slim electoral count for the GOP is the series of Trump’s Cabinet appointments this week. On Wednesday, Trump named Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. Earlier this week, he tapped NY Congressmember Elise Stefanik as UN Ambassador and Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida as National Security Adviser.
AZERBAIJAN — Afghanistan has decided there’s a pitch for money in climate change: Matiul Haq Khalis, head of the National Environmental Protection Agency from Afghanistan, walks through the COP29 U.N. Climate Summit, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Diplomats from nearly 200 member countries are endeavoring to reach a consensus on climate financing so that they can support developing nations in the clean energy transition in developing economies. However, many are skittish with U.S. President-elect Trump’s promise to deprioritize the issue of climate change in favor of renewed development of fossil fuels, even though some in his own party would stand to benefit from the renewable energy industry.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed a more urgent tone on Tuesday when he called for ‘climate justice’ in his address to the United Nations annual climate conference in Baku. He said that acting on climate change was not negotiable and that “time is running out … The world must pay up, or humanity will pay the price.”
WASHINGTON — Alternate universe? ‘So it’s agreed — you’ll let me use your hairdresser when I leave the Oval Office’: President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. Trump later reported that the meeting was cordial. “We got to know each other again,” he said. Trump had brought to the meeting a list of questions, particularly on issues that divide him and Biden, such as the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas War. “I wanted — I asked for his views, and he gave them to me,” Trump told reporters.
The meeting between the President and President-elect, especially when they are from opposing parties, is a traditional part of the peaceful handoff of power. Four years ago, Trump declined to host Biden as his successor.
SOUTH AFRICA — All over the world, it’s about getting control of the ball: South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs jumps as he tries to catch a ball at the boundary during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. India beat South Africa by 11 runs, reports India’s news source The Financial Express. India’s narrow 11-run victory over South Africa in the third match on Wednesday gives India a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
However, the game was delayed for a very strange reason — swarms of flying ants invaded the field — according to another news agency, the Times of India. Because of the insects’ numbers, the decision was made to suspend play rather than to bat the bugs as well.
ITALY — A champion’s swing — leading with the wrist: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Russia’s Andrey Rublev during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Notwithstanding some physical issues, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-3, 7-6 (8) over Rublev, thanks to a drop shot strategy.
Alcaraz wore a pink nose strip to help with his breathing, which he says he’ll do more frequently, according to The Telegraph.
ITALY — It’s a YES with extra s’s … those memorable moments of elation: Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius celebrates scoring her side’s second goal during the women’s Champions League soccer match between Juventus and Arsenal at the Vittorio Pozzo La Marmora Stadium in Biella, Italy, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Arsenal won 4-0 over Juventus in Italy, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches, reports The Guardian. Blackstenius scored several goals late in the game to contribute to the win.
The 28-year-old Swedish pro player signed on with English Super League club Arsenal on Jan. 14, 2022, and made her debut five days later.
VATICAN — Spreading messages and images of love is job #1: Pope Francis caresses a little girl as he leaves after his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Pope Francis’ public visits typically begin with a greeting with the pilgrim to St. Peter’s Square. He preaches a brief sermon and gives another reading and a prayer. He then bestows Papal Blessings in several languages to those and delivers a short sermon, reading and prayer. He also gives his Papal Blessing in multiple languages to all in attendance. He often blesses the bellies of expectant mothers and holds young children, as seen in this photo.
The weekly General Audience provides opportunities for the Pope to bond with his followers and strengthen their faith.
