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Record $906 bn Fossil Fuel Lending by Top Banks in 2025The coalition of environmental groups behind the Banking on Climate Chaos report found that the world’s 65 largest banks committed $906 bn to the fossil‑fuel sector in 2025, an “unfathomable” increase that locks in additional coal, oil and gas production.Scale of the New Lending SurgeNew financing rose by $64 bn – roughly 8% compared with 2024 – signalling that major lenders are expanding, not curbing, exposure to high‑carbon assets.JPMorgan Chase: $58 bn (up 13% YoY), remains the top financier.Bank of America: second‑largest lender.Japanese banks MUFG and Mizuho Financial follow closely.Citigroup rounds out the top five; Barclays is the highest‑ranked British bank at #8.Financial Breakdown and ConcentrationFourteen banks – dubbed the “dirty dozen” – accounted for 40% of all fossil‑fuel financing. Six jurisdictions (the US, Canada, Japan, China, the UK and the EU) supplied the bulk of the capital.$508 bn was pledged for expansion of existing fossil‑fuel sites – a 27% jump on 2024.Three US operators – Venture Global, Enbridge and Energy Transfer – were the biggest recipients.Implications for Climate Goals and Industry CommitmentsThe financing trajectory directly conflicts with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target, which requires near‑total decarbonisation of energy supply. Since 2015, banks have already funneled $8.7 tn into fossil‑fuel extraction, widening the emissions gap.Recent political shifts, including the resurgence of climate‑skeptical leadership in the US, have weakened voluntary initiatives such as the Net‑Zero Banking Alliance, which was disbanded after key members withdrew.Looking Ahead: Regulatory Pressure and Market RealignmentAnalysts warn that voluntary pledges are insufficient; stronger regulatory frameworks and legislative action are likely to emerge in the major financial centres.If policymakers tighten lending standards, banks may face a forced reallocation of capital toward renewable‑energy projects, potentially reshaping the profitability landscape for both traditional and green finance.

The Final Tune-Up Before Tournament GlorySpain wrapped up their World Cup warm-up matches with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Peru in Puebla, Mexico. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring on Monday after just two minutes with a fierce strike from the edge of the area, setting the tone for a straightforward victory for one of the favourites for the upcoming tournament.Key Goals and Match DynamicsPedri doubled the lead after the half-hour mark, tapping into an empty net following a cross from Ferran Torres, and Spain added a third early in the second half when Yeremy Pino's delivery forced an error from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Jairo Velez pulled one back for Peru with a low finish, providing a consolation goal in the final moments.Tournament Preparation and Fan AtmosphereThe World Cup kicks off on Thursday, while 2010 champions Spain open their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15. World Cup fever was evident around the stadium in Puebla, where Spain shirts dominated the stands alongside Barcelona jerseys, reflecting the club's strong representation in Luis de la Fuente's squad. Peru supporters were outnumbered but remained vocal throughout the evening.Player Reactions and Coach's PerspectivePedri, Rodri and Ferran Torres drew some of the loudest cheers as fans broke into chants and performed Mexican waves around the stadium. Pedri told reporters, "It was a match to build momentum, and we've managed to do just that. I didn't realise they loved me so much here in Mexico." Oyarzabal, whose opener extended his scoring streak with Spain to six consecutive games, added, "I'm happy, and I try to help in any way I can. What has made things go well for us is that as a group we know what we have to do and we trust each other."Managing Expectations as Tournament FavoritesCoach De la Fuente welcomed another convincing display but played down suggestions that Spain were clear favourites for the title. "Being recognised as favourites guarantees nothing," he said. "We have confidence in ourselves and in the way we play, but there are many other national teams with the same quality and ability as us."

The PlanPortugal secured their ninth World Cup appearance, and their seventh in a row, with relative ease. Roberto Martínez's side thrashed Armenia 9-1 in their final qualifying game.Martínez capitalizes on the tactical versatility of his squad, with players like João Neves and Matheus Nunes able to operate as full-backs or midfielders.The CoachRoberto Martínez was close to leaving the national team a year ago but won the Nations League, earning him a vote of confidence from the new FPF president.Star PlayerCristiano Ronaldo remains the centre of attention for Portugal, aiming to pair a World Cup trophy with their Euro 2016 title. He is participating in the tournament for a record sixth time.One to WatchGonçalo Inácio, a centre-back for Sporting, is a key player to watch. He has already featured at Euro 2024 and played a part in last year's Nations League win.Unsung HeroDiogo Costa, Portugal's No 1 since 2022, is a guarantee of safety. He is exceptional with his feet and a penalty-saving specialist.Probable Starting XIThe probable starting XI for Portugal includes a mix of experienced players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Costa, and Rúben Dias, along with younger talents like Gonçalo Inácio.

Defying Age: Džeko’s Quest to Play at 40Edin Džeko admits he never imagined playing at this stage of his career, yet he is now leading Bosnia and Herzegovina into the 2026 World Cup. The veteran forward attributes his continued competitiveness to rigorous pre‑ and post‑training routines and a recent stint at Schalke that reignited his form.From Sarajevo Streets to Schalke: The Journey That Brought Džeko Back to FormThe Bosnian striker’s path began at Zeljeznicar, moved to Czech side Teplice, and later flourished at Wolfsburg, Manchester City, Roma, Inter, and Fenerbahçe. After a six‑month spell at Fiorentina that yielded no goals, he signed for Schalke in January 2026, scoring within 20 minutes of his debut and helping the club secure promotion back to the Bundesliga.Numbers That Matter: Age, Caps, Goals and Recent Club StatsAge: 40 years (born 7 March 1986)International caps: 139 for Bosnia and HerzegovinaInternational goals: 65 (all‑time leading scorer)2025‑26 season at Schalke: 6 goals in 12 appearancesPrevious Premier League titles: 2 (including 2012)What Džeko’s Longevity Means for Bosnia’s World Cup ProspectsDžeko’s experience adds a tactical edge to a squad that qualified by beating Wales and Italy in the playoffs. His leadership is expected to mentor a youthful core, while his goal‑scoring threat offers a rare outlet against group opponents Canada, Qatar and Switzerland. Analysts suggest his presence could be the difference between a group‑stage exit and a historic knockout run.Looking Ahead: How Long Can the Veteran Forward Stay Competitive?While Džeko says future decisions will hinge on Schalke’s plans, his disciplined regimen hints at a few more seasons at a high level. If he maintains his current fitness standards, he could become one of the longest‑serving outfield players in World Cup history, setting a benchmark for future generations of Balkan footballers.

The New Face of Track and Field We are in the era of teenage super talents in sports, and 17-year-old American Cooper Lutkenhaus may prove to be the best of them. Already track and field's youngest world champion after winning 800m indoor gold in March, Lutkenhaus added to his impressive resume with victory against a top-class field in his first Diamond League race. His performances have left the world's best athletes gasping for air and reaching for superlatives, with rivals calling him a "special talent" who will "keep getting better and better." Redefining Middle-Distance Excellence Lutkenhaus's achievements are remarkable for someone so young. At just 17, he has already set a personal best of 1:42.27 seconds, which one leading coach described as "the most impressive athletic feat in history." His victory in Stockholm against established competitors demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, a quality that sets him apart from many teenage athletes. What makes Lutkenhaus particularly special is his racing intelligence. Unlike many runners who fear the discomfort of the final lap, Lutkenhaus embraces it, mirroring the front-running style of Olympic champion David Rudisha. "Once you hit the bell lap, it's time to go," he explains. "Because that's where you make or break a race." The Making of a Champion Lutkenhaus's success is not accidental. His blue-collar upbringing has instilled a strong work ethic that drives him to wake up at 6am for workouts before school, even during the hot Texas summers. "I'm not from Beverly Hills, that's for sure," he says. "I come from a place where everyone likes to work hard and a family that likes to work hard. That makes it really easy to love what I do." Unlike many young athletes who specialize early, Lutkenhaus played multiple sports in middle school—including wrestling, American football, basketball, and track and field. "I think you should play all sports," he believes. "You need to be able to try everything because you absorb learning experiences from every sport." A New Generation of Athletic Excellence Lutkenhaus is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader trend in athletics of teenage phenoms making their mark. The Australian sprinter Gout Gout, 18, is the fastest man over 200m this year. Another Australian, Cam Myers, at the same age, ran one of the top 20 outdoor mile times in 2025. The New Zealander Sam Ruthe, at just 16, ran 3:48.88 for the mile. Experts cite several factors for this trend, including better coaching methods that incorporate cross-training and weightlifting, rather than simply telling athletes to "run more." As one of Lutkenhaus's managers notes, "Many old-school coaches would tell athletes to simply run more to get faster, and frown upon cross-training or lifting weights. Nowadays, anyone can see how Jakob Ingebrigtsen and others train and learn from it." The Road to Greatness Despite his early success, Lutkenhaus remains grounded and focused. When asked about the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, he responds, "People always ask me, are you focused on LA? But I'm just focused on tomorrow." His immediate challenge is facing Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the Olympic and world 800m champion, in Oslo. Beyond athletics, Lutkenhaus has a well-rounded life. He plans to attend college to major in kinesiology and minor in sports marketing, and he has a passion for history. Before his world indoor title in Poland, he spent the day exploring Toruń's medieval city walls and old church. "I was not that nervous," he says. "I was more excited than anything." When asked which historical character he identifies with, Lutkenhaus chose Napoleon. "Because he was a super aggressive person, especially whenever he went into battle. I always like to be aggressive when I race." As the world of track and field is rapidly finding out, this aggression, combined with exceptional talent and dedication, makes Lutkenhaus a force to be reckoned with.

Lead: Football Weekly’s Preview of World Cup Groups E‑HThe Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast rolls out its second World Cup 2026 preview, dissecting the match‑ups and storylines in Groups E, F, G and H ahead of the tournament’s opening round.Group E Deep‑Dive: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and CuraçaoGermany – trying to shake off recent under‑performances and decide if they can be a dark‑horse.Ecuador – a South‑American side eager to prove its knockout pedigree.Ivory Coast – looking to blend experience with emerging talent.Curaçao – debutants with a 40‑year‑old goalkeeper and a 78‑year‑old manager adding novelty.Group F Spotlight: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and SwedenNetherlands – questioned whether their “very good” reputation can survive a potential implosion.Japan – assessing if they can retain dark‑horse status without star Kaoru Mitoma.Tunisia – a resilient African side aiming for surprise points.Sweden – under new manager Graham Potter, seeking to rediscover form.Group G Outlook: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New ZealandBelgium enters as the clear favourite, while Egypt, Iran and New Zealand each bring distinct tactical approaches that could upset the balance.Group H Narrative: Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde and Saudi ArabiaSpain, led by veteran coach Luis Enrique, is tipped as a favourite, but the presence of Uruguay’s gritty squad, Cape Verde’s rising talent, and Saudi Arabia’s home‑region advantage keep the group wide open.Key Numbers and Unusual FactsOldest manager in the tournament: 78‑year‑old Curaçao coach.Oldest goalkeeper on the pitch: 40‑year‑old Curaçao keeper.Why These Groups Matter for the 2026 TournamentThe composition of Groups E‑H sets the stage for early upsets and could reshape the knockout bracket. A strong performance from dark‑horse teams like Curaçao or Japan would force traditional powers to adapt their strategies.Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Group StagePotential dark‑horse breakthroughs from Curaçao and Japan.Germany’s need to rediscover consistency to avoid early elimination.Sweden’s tactical evolution under Potter could surprise opponents.Spain’s depth will be tested against Uruguay’s physicality.

The LeadThe co-owner of GB News, a British TV channel accused of broadcasting climate change denial, has donated £28m to influential Church of England institutions that support climate action. This raises serious questions among Christian leaders about the alignment between Sir Paul Marshall's views and the institutions he's funding.The Financial ContradictionMarshall, a hedge fund manager and Christian, gave at least £13m to Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) church and the Church Revitalisation Trust (CRT) via his Sequoia Trust between 2018 and 2025. HTB is the largest church in the Church of England, with a congregation of about 4,000, and is home to the evangelical Alpha Course, which has reached 37 million people in more than 175 countries. The CRT, run from HTB, has established more than 100 evangelical churches around the UK.Unlike in previous years, the Sequoia Trust accounts for 2024-25 do not name the recipients of donations, but record £10.2m given to faith-based institutions. The trust had a market value of £477m on 30 June 2025, the most recent figure available.The Climate DivideThis financial support creates a significant contradiction, as Marshall's views on the climate crisis and those frequently broadcast on GB News are "in direct opposition" to the Church of England's position. The Church believes that "responding to the climate crisis is an essential part of our responsibility to safeguard God's creation and achieve a just world" and has a routemap for all parts of the church to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.Marshall has described efforts to cut planet-heating emissions as "impoverishing people" and recently said the UK had been infected by "climate derangement syndrome." He also claimed that the extent to which global heating is being caused by human actions is "still subject to debate"—a position directly contradicted by climate science, which has established that about 100% of global heating since 1950 was caused by human emissions and activities.The Media InfluenceGB News has been accused of broadcasting climate change denial, including descriptions of global heating as "the climate scam" and suggestions the government was going to introduce "enforced veganism." The channel broadcast 953 attacks on climate science and climate action around the 2024 general election, according to a report.In March, Marshall was criticised by a group of more than 120 church leaders, including the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and two current bishops, over his climate views and GB News's attacks on climate science and action. The group also raised the £1.8bn of fossil fuel investments reportedly held in 2023 by the hedge fund Marshall manages and asked him to be transparent about any personal conflicts of interest.The Future ImplicationsRev Dr Darrell Hannah, the chair of Operation Noah, a leading UK Christian climate charity, said: "As the climate crisis intensifies, we're increasingly concerned that a fellow Christian – one with more money and power than virtually any other Christian in the UK – continues to share problematic and highly influential views on the most important issue of our time. This cannot go unchallenged."The broadcasting regulator Ofcom decided in May to investigate whether GB News had breached rules on "due impartiality and material misleadingness" in relation to a repeat showing of an interview with Donald Trump in November, during which the US president claimed climate change was "a hoax" without being challenged.Marshall defended his position, stating: "Sir Paul generally agrees with Christian and Anglican teaching on the environment and climate change. Like many people, including many Christians, he just doesn't subscribe to net zero by 2050 due to the serious negative impact on poor people, their communities and the economy."

The Revolutionary Undersea Data Centre InitiativeThe world's first wind-powered underwater datacentre has started operations off the coast of Shanghai, marking a significant advancement in sustainable technology for artificial intelligence infrastructure. This innovative project addresses China's pressing energy challenges amid its AI boom, combining renewable energy with natural cooling mechanisms to create a more efficient data processing solution.Technical Specifications of the Shanghai Lingang ProjectThe Shanghai Lingang undersea datacentre demonstration project, launched in May, represents a joint effort between HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, a state-owned enterprise. Located more than 6 miles (10km) off the coast of Shanghai, the facility is submerged 10 metres below the water's surface and operates with a capacity of 24 megawatts. Unlike previous underwater datacentre experiments, this project is uniquely powered by a nearby offshore windfarm, making it the first of its kind globally.Energy and Water Efficiency BreakthroughAccording to the Chinese government, the underwater datacentre reduces power consumption by more than one-fifth compared with traditional land-based datacentres. This efficiency stems from two key factors: renewable wind power and the natural cooling effect of seawater. In conventional datacentres, between 25% and 40% of total electricity demand is consumed by cooling systems that pipe chilled water around servers to prevent overheating.The underwater location also eliminates the need for freshwater supplies typically required for cooling, addressing a critical environmental concern. Traditional datacentres, known as the physical backbone of AI, have come under increasing scrutiny for their substantial water usage, with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health warning that the water footprint of datacentres could reach 9.3 trillion litres by 2030.Investment and Economic ImplicationsThe Shanghai Lingang datacentre received 1.6 billion yuan of investment (£177 million), demonstrating China's commitment to advancing sustainable AI infrastructure. This financial commitment reflects the strategic importance of data centres to China's economic development, with the government having made support for AI a central pillar of its economic strategy.China released an AI action plan last year that called for the acceleration of datacentre construction, and has pledged that clean energy supplies for AI infrastructure will be "significantly increased" by 2030. The project's location in Lingang, a hi-tech free-trade zone that also hosts a Tesla gigafactory, underscores the integration of this technology within China's broader innovation ecosystem.Global Context and Competitive AdvantageWhile China is not the first country to experiment with underwater datacentres—Microsoft launched a pilot in the waters around Orkney, Scotland in 2018—the Shanghai project represents the first commercial deployment powered by offshore wind. Dr. Hanjiang Dong of Hong Kong Polytechnic University noted that "Microsoft was earlier in proving the concept, while China moved further on commercial deployment because it was able to bring together market demand, industrial capability, marine engineering and policy support more quickly into a commercial project."This technological advancement positions China as a leader in sustainable data infrastructure development, potentially influencing global standards for energy-efficient AI computing as the industry continues to expand.Environmental Considerations and Future OutlookDespite its benefits, underwater datacentres present potential environmental risks, including disturbance of sediments and localized heating of seawater. Experts suggest these concerns are manageable but require ongoing monitoring. Professor Rick Stafford, a marine biologist at Bournemouth University, commented that "while the cooling using seawater will result in some localised elevated temperatures, these will not be far reaching."As China continues to invest in and develop this technology, the success of the Shanghai Lingang project could pave the way for more underwater datacentres globally, potentially transforming how we approach the energy and water challenges of expanding digital infrastructure. The integration of renewable energy with natural cooling mechanisms may become a blueprint for sustainable data processing in the coming decades.

Apple’s WWDC Reveal: Siri AI and Child‑Safety OverhaulApple used its 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference to showcase two major product lines: a generative‑AI‑driven voice assistant, now called Siri AI, and a revamped set of parental‑control features for iOS devices.Siri AI: A Generative‑AI Reboot Powered by GeminiThe new assistant moves away from the traditional question‑and‑answer model toward a conversational experience similar to ChatGPT or Google Gemini. Mike Rockwell, vice‑president of Siri engineering, explained that the core model is Google’s Gemini, accessed through a multi‑billion‑dollar partnership.Dedicated Siri AI app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.Deep integration with native apps for planning, navigation, calendar, shopping, and image‑based queries.Initial rollout limited to English, with broader language support planned for later releases.Availability slated for the fall of 2026, bundled with iOS 27.Legal Settlement and Financial ImplicationsIn May 2026, Apple agreed to a $250 million settlement to resolve a class‑action lawsuit alleging false advertising of Siri’s AI capabilities. Payouts to affected consumers ranged up to $95 each. The settlement underscores the heightened regulatory scrutiny around AI claims and adds a short‑term financial hit to Apple’s balance sheet.Child‑Safety Features: New Controls for Young UsersAlongside the AI upgrade, Apple introduced a comprehensive child‑safety framework:Granular content filters that limit what children can view and which contacts they can communicate with.“Ask‑Before‑Browse” permission prompt for new Safari website visits.Automatic detection and blurring of violent or graphic content in messages.Enhanced Screen Time dashboard with simplified usage metrics and recommended limits from the American Academy of Pediatrics.Step‑wise setup assistant that lets parents expand permissions as children age.Strategic Impact and Outlook for Apple’s AI FutureThe Siri AI launch signals a decisive pivot in Apple's AI strategy, moving from incremental features to a platform‑wide conversational layer. Analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee (Forrester) described the move as “a fundamental re‑architecting of Siri inside iOS 27, indicating Apple’s readiness to make AI the primary interface across its ecosystem.”Leadership changes add further context: Tim Cook will step down later in 2026 after 15 years at the helm, with hardware chief John Ternus slated to succeed him. Ternus emphasized an AI philosophy of “making things you do better and easier,” suggesting future releases will focus on seamless integration rather than headline‑grabbing features.If Apple can deliver a frictionless, privacy‑first AI experience, it could close the gap with rivals and re‑establish its reputation as an innovator in consumer technology.