On 8 December, it was reported that storm Darragh has caused two fatalities in the Uniited Kingdom.

Wind as fast as 154 km/h were measured. Some 260,000 households were left without power and many flights were cencelled.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, storm Bert has caused havoc. It was reported on 23 November that power outages were caused by wind, rain and snow.

It is thought that the bad weather will continue on 24 November and that in some places the worse is still to come.

For the 7th time this year a volcano has erupted on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula.

Several villages have been evacuated on 21 November and measures are implemented to divert lava-flows from inhabited areas.

It is the 10th time since eruptions started in 2021 that a volcano erupts in the Reykjanes peninsula. Before 2021, the peninsula didn't see any eruptions for 800 years.

On 21 November, it was reported that hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean have gained in power over the last 6 years.

Wind speeds have increased by 30 km/h (20 mi/h) on average.

In 85% of the increase, climate change was the main cause. As seawater temperatures rise, hurricanes get more powerful.

In the tourist town of Vang Vieng, 5 tourists have died after drinking alcoholic beverages containing the poisonous methanol. Numerous others are in hospital.

It is advised to keep an eye on food and drinks and to only buy alcohol from sealed containers.

On 8 September, it was reported that in 2023, some 6.3 million hectres of forest has been los worldwide, due to fires, illegal logging and the removal of trees to make room for agriculture and roads.

Most forest was lost in tropical regions. In 2021, it was agreed that deforestation should be stopped completely in 2030, but these goals will not be met if it continues at the current rate.

Exchange Rates

CNN financial and business news