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US blocks Arctic Council climate change statement and applauds melting sea ice
The Arctic Council has, for the first time since its inception in 1996, failed to sign a joint declaration on the state of the Arctic, putting at risk cooperation between the eight Arctic countries (BBC News).
Diplomats indicate that the US demanded that the statement's emphasis on climate change be "watered down". This is backed up by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's statements that "steady reductions in sea ice are opening new passageways and new opportunities for trade" and that the US intends to open the threatened region up to commercial mineral and fossil fuel exploitation.
Google introduces cheaper Pixels to revive hardware sales
The Google Pixel 3 was a media darling, but an Alphabet suggested” that the smartphone underperformed in the face of tough competition (WIRED). The Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL, announced at Google I/O, are an attempt to reboot the Pixel series with more affordable devices that share many of the Pixel 3’s specs, features and tricks, at £399 Pixel 3a and £469 for Pixel 3a XL, while their beefier siblings are also deeply discounted right now.
Symantec: Chinese state hackers used NSA exploits before Shadow Brokers leak
Anti-malware firm Symantec has revealed that hacking tools thought to have been stolen from the NSA were being used in the wild over a year before they were leaked by Shadow Brokers in 2017 (The Register). They were used by hackers linked to the Chinese state against targets in Hong Kong, Belgium, Vietnam and the Philippines but it's not known how this group, dubbed Buckeye, acquired them.
Businesses should declare their own climate emergency
On May 1, the UK Parliament took the unprecedented step of declaring an environment and climate emergency (WIRED). But it’s not just governments that can declare a climate emergency – businesses can too. And while many accuse business of being the enemy of the climate movement, there are growing opportunities for companies that are committed to being part of the solution, if they’re willing to admit that business as usual is no longer an option.
Play the first version of Minecraft Classic free in your web browser
To celebrate Minecraft's upcoming 10th anniversary, Microsoft-owned Mojang has released an online version of Minecraft Classic that you can play – with up to nine networked friends – in your browser (PC Gamers). Be aware that it really is a very early version, featuring only free creation with 32 blocks, bugs and all, but it's where the enduring craze started.
The controversial Caster Semenya verdict
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This article was originally published by WIRED UK
