The World Today

Not all climate advocates have condemned President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris accord. Some say it's actually for the best and could strengthen international resolve to limit global warming. One Australian policy expert has even called the decision a win for the environment. But a former advisor to 10 Downing Street says it's a sad day that puts the US in the company of non-signatories Syria and Nicaragua.

Professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University Michael Oppenheimer says the US' decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement may condemn the world to a 'totally unacceptable' climate. He says he does not expect the move will prompt other countries to do the same, but it could slow global progress in the fight against climate change.

A new report shows the majority of Australians do want to die at home, but are instead dying in hospital - often at great expense. The Productivity Commission has today released the first of several reports on how best to manage end-of-life care at home, and the services that should be made available to support those who choose to die that way.

The director-general of France's National Cybersecurity Agency has warned of a 'permanent war' online between states and criminal or extremist organisations. He argues different countries, not just Western nations, need to unite against hackers. His statements come as Russian President Vladimir Putin insists that the Russian state has never engaged in hacking.

The future of vocational education is in the spotlight after major provider Careers Australia went into voluntary administration. One arm, the nursing division, may be able to continue, but the nurses union says it raises the bigger question about the impact of the privatisation of vocational education. It comes as the peak group for TAFE calls for more government funding, to help plug the gap left by failing private training providers.

Some employers are telling TAFE in New South Wales that its courses aren't meeting their needs. The vocational education provider wants to change, in response to new factors, including digital disruption. The SkillsPoints program launched today will involve TAFE staff working with industry bodies to develop new courses. But a professor of adult and vocational education is criticising the approach, saying local TAFE colleges should be given the flexibility to negotiate course content with local employers.

In the Northern Territory major construction projects are underway at the Defence bases in Darwin and Katherine. Some local businesses feel they've been overlooked for the work in their own backyard, but that's a claim the chief contractor Lendlease strongly denies.

Aboriginal elders in Western Australia have high hopes that a new program will strengthen the link that Indigenous foster kids have with their country. If it the program is successful, advocates want to see it rolled out across the nation.

Researchers say peer support is crucial to reducing significantly the number of school teachers who drop out in the first five years of their career. A mental health survey of 450 teachers across New South Wales has found that almost all reported feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Scientists are edging closer to understanding the ripples that form in time and space, known as gravitational waves. The further detection of these waves has boosted confidence in Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity.