LND topic: islands page 1

islands

Bees Built Nests in Bones: A Surprising Ancient Behavior

December 18, 2025

Bees are usually known for their big hives in trees, but most of them are actually loners. They build their nests in the ground or inside old logs. However, scientists recently found something strange. They discovered tiny ancient bee nests inside a limestone cave on the island of Hispaniola. These

lifestyle

Affordable Island Retreats for Your Golden Years

December 14, 2025

Retiring on an island doesn't have to be a distant dream. Many places in the South Pacific offer a mix of affordability, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle. These spots are not just about beautiful beaches; they also provide good infrastructure, safety, and easy visa options for retirees. ...

environment

Australia's Bid to Host COP31: A Climate Change Showdown

November 15, 2025

Australia is making a strong push to host the COP31 climate summit in 2025. The country's Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, is heading to Brazil for the COP30 summit to advocate for Australia's bid. This comes as Australia and Turkey are locked in a competition to host the event. The COP, or Conference

politics

Fiji's UN Envoy Visits Taiwan: A Diplomatic Maneuver

November 6, 2025

In a surprising move, a high-ranking Fijian diplomat paid a visit to Taiwan this week. Filipo Tarakinikini, Fiji's permanent representative to the United Nations, met with Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. This visit is quite unusual because Fiji officially recognizes China, which strongly oppo

politics

Pacific Islands Stand Firm: Who Gets a Seat at the Table?

August 14, 2025

The Pacific Islands Forum recently made headlines for a bold move. They decided to keep 21 donor countries, including big names like the United States and China, out of their top political meeting. This decision wasn't made lightly. It came after a long talk among foreign ministers in Fiji. Why did

environment

Climate Change Lawsuit: A New Path for Vulnerable Countries

July 23, 2025

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has made a big decision. Countries can now take each other to court over climate change. This includes historic emissions of gases that warm the planet. The judge in the Hague, Netherlands, said it's tricky to figure out who caused what. But the ruling is a b

politics

New Zealand's Funding Freeze: A Pacific Power Play

June 19, 2025

The Cook Islands, a small Pacific nation, has found itself in a financial bind. New Zealand, its biggest financial backer, has put a hold on millions of dollars in funding. Why? Because of the Cook Islands' recent deals with China. This isn't just about money. It's about trust, security, and the com

environment

Santiago's Nighttime Heat: A City's Warm Embrace

June 1, 2025

Santiago de Chile has been under the microscope for a long time. Scientists have been curious about how the city's heat changes over time and space. This is not just about the city itself. It is also about how the city's heat interacts with larger weather patterns. This is the first time such a deta

politics

The Future of Diego Garcia: A Strategic Shift

May 22, 2025

The UK has made a significant move by agreeing to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This decision is all about keeping a crucial US military base, Diego Garcia, running smoothly. The base is a big deal for both the US and the UK, especially for keeping an eye on global security an

politics

Chagossians Fight for Their Homeland

May 22, 2025

The UK's decision to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has faced a significant legal hurdle. A recent court ruling has paved the way for this transfer to proceed. This move has sparked intense debate and emotion among the Chagossian people, who have a deep connection to the islands. The Chag