As the COP28 summit concluded Tuesday in Dubai, representatives for environmental action on climate change left disappointed in the final agreement. The final draft text notably omits language to "phase-out" the use of fossil fuels, and appears to have made emissions reductions measures voluntary, rather than compulsory. The final agreement suggests voluntary options that countries "could" take to cut carbon emissions, "including reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels, in a just, orderly and equitable manner so as to achieve net zero by, before, or around 2050" -- a far cry from the requested actions.

ENVIRONMENTALISTS ARE CALLING COP28 DEAL 'TOOTHLESS'

Blue Origin said on Tuesday it was aiming to launch its New Shepard suborbital rocket next week, the first mission since an uncrewed crash in September 2022 set back the space company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos. The launch needs to be cleared by the FAA. A Blue Origin spokesperson said "we expect to receive approval." In September the FAA announced it had closed its probe into last year's crash, ordering Blue Origin to take 21 corrective actions before it could resume flights.

SEE THE CHANGES BLUE ORIGIN HAS MADE TO ITS MISSION

A new sleeper service between Berlin and Paris arrived in the French capital on Tuesday, reflecting a growing drive for night trains as an alternative to short-haul flights. The 14-hour nocturnal trip from the German to the French capital is to run three times a week. The maiden voyage left from Berlin's main station with government ministers from Paris and Berlin as well as train companies in attendance to wave it off.

SEE THE PROS AND CONS OF AN OVERNIGHT TRAIN VOYAGE

What is the world's longest train ride? What two cities does it connect?

Tuesday's answer: Comedian Will Ferrell played the fictional role of  Blue Oyster Cult cowbellist Gene Frenkle in SNL's "More Cowbell" skit.