Scientists have cited rising sea levels as one of the most damaging aspects of the climate crisis. More than 600 million people who live in low-lying coastal areas are at risk. Studies show flooding could cost the world trillions of dollars. Now, ratings agency Moody's has warned these countries could also see their credit ratings go under.

#ClimateCrisis #RisingSeaLevels

Banks in the Lebanese capital Beirut have been cleaning up the damage and vandalism left by violent demonstrations overnight. The anti-government protesters shattered glass windows and damaged surveillance cameras and ATM machines. No looting was reported. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd on Wednesday night. Some protesters have blamed the banking sector for financial policies that have worsened the economic crisis. The Lebanese pound has lost more than 60 percent of its value in the last few weeks. Meanwhile, banks have imposed capital controls to limit the withdrawal of foreign currencies.

#Lebanon #Protests #EconomicCrisis

US President Donald Trump has signed a so-called Phase One trade agreement with China at the White House. It's the first step towards de-escalating a trade war that's rattled markets and global growth for almost two years. It commits China to making $200 billion in additional purchases of US goods. But many tariffs will remain in place and issues like protecting intellectual property rights of foreign firms in China, haven't been resolved. Mobin Nasir reports. For more, we spoke to Laurence Kotlikoff in Moscow. He's a professor of economics at Boston University and an associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

#US #TradeDeal #China

As the UK prepares for Brexit at the end of the month, Britons and many around the world, are being gripped by a different split. The Queen has agreed to a transition period for her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan to step back from royal life, move to North America and work towards financial independence. The couple hopes the change in pace will help insulate them from relentless negative press. But as Paolo Montecillo reports, it could also prove very lucrative. For more, we were joined by Dickie Arbiter in London. He's a royal commentator who served as the queen's spokesman from 1988 to 2000.

#BritishRoyals #QueenElizabeth #Sussex

Large swarms of desert locusts are wreaking havoc across East Africa. The insects have destroyed crops in parts of Kenya and are threatening to attack vegetation in South Sudan and Uganda. Kenya's agriculture minister say the pests pose a significant threat to food security. Philip Owira has more.

#Locusts #Swarm #EastAfrica

Global stocks are nearing record highs as the US and China prepare to sign a phase-one trade deal this week. The agreement marks a de-escalation in the 18-month trade war that's hurt the world's two largest economies. Officials are now focused on the next stage of talks, but as Paolo Montecillo reports, any additional progress may be difficult to make.

#UKparliament #BrexitBill #BorisJohnson

Indian weddings are famously lavish. They often last several days and hundreds of guests attend. But the country is suffering from an economic downturn. And many families have started to cut costs when they wed at the risk of their social standing. Shamim Chowdhury explains.

#Weddings #IndiaEconomy #Inflation

Global stocks are nearing record highs as the US and China prepare to sign a phase-one trade deal this week. The agreement marks a de-escalation in the 18-month trade war that's hurt the world's two largest economies. Officials are now focused on the next stage of talks, but as Paolo Montecillo reports, any additional progress may be difficult to make.

#TradeDeal #US #China

Washington and Tehran have both taken a step back from the brink of a full-blown military conflict. Iran launched a missile attack at US forces in Iraq on Wednesday, in retaliation for the US assassination of its top general, Qasem Soleimani. Donald Trump says Tehran now appears to be standing-down, helping global stock markets recover from steep losses that were triggered by fears of war. But as Laila Humairah reports, tensions between the US and Iran remain high.

#Markets #Iran #US

Ready-made baby food is not as healthy as parents may imagine. A recent study suggests the majority of brands contain neuro-toxins like lead, arsenic and mercury that can alter developing brains. The metals are naturally occurring elements and often used in pesticides - even in the crops used to make baby food. Nick Harper reports from New York.

#BabyFood #Lead #NeuroToxins