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2024 Expected To Be World’s Hottest Year, Eu Scientists Report

This year is set to be the hottest on record, marking the first time global temperatures surpass 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) announced. From January to October, record-breaking temperatures made it “virtually certain” that 2024 will exceed 2023 as the warmest year since records began. C3S Director Carlo Buontempo emphasized that climate change is the main driver of this milestone, with every continent and ocean experiencing unprecedented warming.

The announcement comes just before the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, where global leaders aim to secure increased funding for climate action. Climate scientist Sonia Seneviratne urged faster action on fossil fuel reduction, warning that the world may breach the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement by 2030 unless stronger measures are taken.

The rise in temperatures has intensified extreme weather events globally. In October alone, severe floods in Spain, wildfires in Peru, and destructive floods in Bangladesh highlighted the pressing need for climate policies. Each fraction of warming fuels such events, underscoring the urgency of the upcoming climate talks.

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone Draws $8.1B In Investments Through 255 Projects

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has secured an impressive $8.1 billion in investments across 255 projects in the last 30 months, according to an official announcement on Monday.

Major Investment Boost For SCZone

The General Authority for the SCZone has successfully attracted 251 projects in its industrial zones and ports, accumulating $6.2 billion in capital investments, which has resulted in around 28,000 new jobs, as stated by SCZone Chairman Walid Gamal El-Din.

Additionally, four new projects have brought in $1.8 billion in investments, boosting the total capital inflows within the zone. These developments were discussed in a meeting with Mohamed Zaki El Sewedy, Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), and other officials from various chambers of commerce.

Strengthening Industrial Ties And Opportunities

The meeting focused on expanding investment prospects, fostering collaboration, and addressing challenges faced by industrial firms with strong export potential. A key objective was to encourage businesses to scale up their operations within the SCZone, leveraging its prime location, advanced infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.

El-Din stressed the importance of the SCZone in driving Egypt’s economic growth and industrial transformation, citing the Ain Sokhna Integrated Industrial Zone as a flagship example of development. This zone is a testament to Egypt’s growing presence as a competitive global manufacturing hub.

The continued partnership between the SCZone and the private sector, El-Din noted, plays a pivotal role in building a strong ‘Made in Egypt’ brand, supporting local industrial development, and boosting innovation to improve Egypt’s position in global markets.

Acknowledging Achievements And Future Collaboration

El Sewedy praised the SCZone for its efforts in creating a robust investment climate, offering comprehensive services, incentives, and cutting-edge infrastructure. This meeting marked the beginning of a deeper collaboration between the SCZone and FEI, setting the stage for future joint initiatives.

Egypt’s Economic Outlook

Egypt’s economy is projected to grow by 4% in the year leading up to June, bolstered by supportive measures from the IMF, according to a Reuters poll conducted in January 2025. The poll also forecasts a GDP growth acceleration to 4.7% in 2025-26 and 5% in 2026-27.

However, the country’s GDP growth slowed to 2.4% in 2023-24, down from 3.8% in the previous year, primarily due to the ongoing currency crisis and the geopolitical impact of the war in neighboring Gaza, according to the Central Bank of Egypt.

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