World briefs 10/26/06

Tropical Storm Paul continues losing steam

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, Mexico -- Tropical Storm Paul quickly lost strength Wednesday as it swirled toward Mexico's mainland at the tip of the Baja California peninsula. About 100 residents who were evacuated to government shelters in Cabo San Lucas were heading back to their homes, relieved the sun had re-emerged and they had been spared by Paul, which earlier in the week had been the season's third hurricane to threaten the region. The storm was forecast to continue weakening, but it was moving quickly toward mainland Mexico. It was expected to make landfall later Wednesday and could dump as much as 10 inches of rain and spark dangerous flooding, according to the hurricane center in Miami.

Australia to fund large solar power plant

CANBERRA, Australia -- The Australian government pledged $95 million in funding Wednesday for two projects as part of its new strategy to combat global warming, including the construction of the world's largest solar power plant. The government will contribute $57 million to the $319 million project to build a 154 megawatt solar power plant in Victoria state, which will use mirrored panels to concentrate the sun's rays.

-- From wire reports