Focus

In this edition we head to Thailand's Koh Phangan island. What was once a small and remote fishing community has become a mass tourist destination fuelled by a party scene of industrial proportions. But the scenic island is now battling against a huge plastic waste problem. Our reporters went to meet both locals and foreigners who are determined to clean up this beautiful location. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Aline Schmidt.

The country that invented the diesel engine is having second thoughts. German courts have instructed several cities to limit diesel traffic so as to reduce pollution. In Stuttgart, Hamburg and Munich, downtown streets will be blocked off to vehicles that don't follow the so-called Euro-6 regulations by January of next year. Hundreds of thousands of car owners are affected. Our correspondents report on how locals are reacting. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Aline Schmidt.

The Danish capital Copenhagen is home to Scandinavia's first mosque run entirely by and for women. The Mariam mosque is headed by the feminist Sherin Khankan. Only women can be imams and take part in the Friday prayers. It's Khankan's way of fighting both for a progressive Islam and against growing Islamophobia in Denmark. FRANCE 24's team in Copenhagen have been to find out more. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Jessica Sestili and Aline Schmidt.

The mayors of more than 7,400 cities around the world have vowed that Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate deal will spur greater local efforts to combat climate change. In the United States itself, authorities in 12 states as well as cities, towns, businesses and universities nationwide are all keen to show their support for the Paris agreement. But what exactly can they do? Our US correspondent reports from Pennsylvania. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Aline Schmidt.

In Brazil, the battle for land is turning increasing deadly. Half the country's land is owned by just 1% of the population and those calling for reform often find themselves a target. The "Farmers Without Land" Movement says 61 activists were murdered last year in Brazil - up 20% in a year and the highest figure in more than a decade. The violence is centred around the northwestern state of Amazonas, which has seen a rapid expansion in mining, intensive farming and the lumber industry. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Jessica Sestili and Laura Burloux.

Saturday July 1st marks 20 years since Hong Kong was returned by the United Kingdom to China. Chinese president Xi Jinping will be attending the celebrations. The anniversary comes against the backdrop of a contentious civil battle for democracy in Hong Kong, as the first post-handover generation raise their voices against what they see as Beijing's increasing influence. FRANCE 24’s reporters went to meet two young people who take a very different view of the future for Hong Kong. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Laura Burloux.

Iraqi special forces sniper units are the first in enemy territory, providing cover for troops clearing up the labyrinthine Old City. But as a FRANCE 24 team in Mosul discovers, it’s a dangerous job.

In Spain, the problem of violence against women continues to plague society. More than 400 women contact the police every day about a violent partner. But many more stay silent, with devastating consequences. So far this year, 28 women have been killed by a partner - that's at least one every week. Given the scale of the problem, women's associations have had to come up with their own initiatives in their battle to save lives. Our correspondents report on their efforts. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Laura Burloux.

Russia is currently hosting the FIFA Confederations Cup. The football tournament brings together eight teams in four Russian cities. It's a perfect opportunity for the country to test its stadiums but also its security before it hosts the World Cup next year. Hooligans are one of the main challenges. Our correspondents in Moscow went to find out how Russian authorities are cracking down on violent fans. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Charlotte Prudhomme and Laura Burloux.

Since becoming US President, Donald Trump has done his utmost to unpick the patchwork of policies that the Obama administration had stitched together. But despite having a minority in both houses of Congress, Trump's Democratic rivals have fresh wind in their sails. Up and down the country, protest movements and new politicians are doing all they can to unseat Republicans ahead of next year's midterm elections. Our correspondents report. A programme prepared by Charlotte Prudhomme.