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07/07/2023 ---- 15/07/2023

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15.07.2023
THEME: ENTERTAINMENT

Hollywood on Strike: A Labor Disruption of Unprecedented Magnitude

Hollywood is currently grappling with its most significant labor disruption in over six decades. This strike, involving actors, screenwriters, and other industry professionals, has the potential to impact major films currently in production, including anticipated sequels of Avatar and Gladiator. High-profile figures such as Jason Sudeikis and Susan Sarandon are among the thousands who have joined the picket lines, refusing to participate in or promote films.

The strike was triggered when the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), which represents approximately 160,000 performers, accused the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) of failing to offer a fair deal. This followed a breakdown in contract negotiations, leading to demonstrations outside the offices of major studios and streaming services across various cities.

However, this labor dispute extends beyond actors. It also involves 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) who have been on strike since May 2, voicing concerns over pay, working conditions, and the industry's increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The strike's repercussions are already evident across the industry. Red-carpet premieres, promotional interviews, and events such as the Emmys and Comic-Con have been halted, rescheduled, or scaled back. Additionally, upcoming seasons of popular shows like Stranger Things, Family Guy, and The Simpsons are likely to be affected.

This labor dispute is partly driven by the transition to the digital streaming era and broader technological changes. Both writers and actors have reported declining earnings due to inflation undercutting contracts. For actors, pay for individual roles has decreased, necessitating more roles to maintain previous income levels. Writing contracts have also become shorter and more precarious, often excluding payment for work on revisions or new material.

The strike, anticipated to last for months, could pose significant challenges for cinemas and limit new content for viewers. However, the participants have garnered support from various quarters, including President Joe Biden and Oscar-winning actor George Clooney.

While the SAG's sister union in the UK, Equity, continues to operate normally due to UK employment laws, it remains vigilant against attempts to relocate US productions to the UK. Numerous high-profile actors, including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Joaquin Phoenix, have expressed their support for the strike.

The key issues of the strike are residuals and the ownership of an actor's likeness if replicated by AI. Streaming has altered the way films and shows are presented, complicating traditional methods of assessing value. The AMPTP proposed a solution regarding AI, but SAG's chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, rejected it.

As this landmark strike continues, the world watches with anticipation. The future of the industry, the fate of upcoming films and shows, and the livelihoods of thousands of professionals hang in the balance. This off-screen drama serves as a stark reminder that sometimes, the most captivating stories are those that occur behind the scenes.

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13.07.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

Canada Joins Global Call for Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining Amid Environmental Concerns

The world stands on the brink of a new frontier in mining, with the potential to extract battery metals such as manganese and nickel from the deep sea. This method has been touted as a potential alternative source of metals that could avoid terrestrial habitat destruction. However, as the International Seabed Authority, a United Nations observer organization, deliberates on regulations for this emerging industry, Canada has joined nearly 20 other countries including Ireland and Switzerland, in calling for a pause on deep-sea mining due to environmental concerns.

The Canadian government's opposition to deep-sea mining was expressed by the ministers responsible for foreign affairs, natural resources, and fisheries and oceans departments. They emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of seabed mining and a robust regulatory framework before such activities are permitted. This aligns with Canada's previous declaration in February that it would not authorize deep-sea mining in domestic waters due to the absence of a legal framework for issuing permits.

The cautionary stance taken by Canada and other countries is supported by warnings from the scientific community. The European Academies Science Advisory Council, in June, cautioned about the "dire consequences" for marine ecosystems if deep-sea mining proceeds unregulated. Concerns include sediment plumes, noise, vibration, light pollution, and potential spills of fuels and chemicals used in mining. Furthermore, a deep-sea mining test in February raised additional questions about the industry's safeguards and potential impacts on ecosystems.

This opposition is also shared by several European nations, environmental organizations, and companies such as BMW, Volvo, and Samsung, which have pledged not to use deep-sea minerals in their products. Seafood groups representing a third of the world's tuna trade, and even some early seabed mining supporters like Maersk and Lockheed Martin, have been divesting from their deep-sea mining investments.

Despite the opposition, some proponents argue that deep-sea mining is a less destructive source of materials vital for the energy transition. Norway has recently permitted deep-sea mining in its waters. Additionally, The Metals Co., a prospective deep-sea miner, and Nauru, have prompted the International Seabed Authority to create a mining code within two years. Although this deadline expired on July 9 this year, The Metals Co. stated it would wait for a comprehensive set of regulations before submitting a mining application.

As the International Seabed Authority convenes this week to discuss potential regulations, the future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain. Key issues such as royalties, environmental standards, and benefits sharing are yet to be agreed upon, with a full mining code not expected until the October meeting.

In the interim, some environmental advocates, like Susanna Fuller, vice-president of conservation and projects at Oceans North, argue for improved recycling of rare earth metals before resorting to deep-sea mining. As we approach this new frontier, the decisions made will have far-reaching implications for our planet's future. The deep-sea mining dilemma underscores the need for careful consideration in our pursuit of progress, to ensure the protection of our most valuable resource – the Earth itself.

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12.07.2023
THEME: ENVIRONMENT

The Anthropocene Epoch: Climate Change, Heatwaves, and Droughts

The summer of 2023 was not just a scorching season but a historical one, with temperatures reaching the highest in 100,000 years during the first week of July, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This was not a standalone incident but the climax of a warming trend dating back to the mid-1800s, with the world's average temperature increasing by nearly 1.2 C. This rise in temperature has intensified heatwaves, droughts, and storms.

The heatwave was amplified by climate change and the early stages of the El Nino weather pattern, a natural cycle that contributes to global heating. This resulted in the warmest June ever recorded, with severe consequences for ecosystems and the environment. The oceans, which absorb most of the planet-warming gases, experienced record-breaking temperatures, disrupting weather patterns, damaging aquatic life, and affecting vital planetary systems.

Countries worldwide are feeling the effects of these heatwaves and droughts, with Spain suffering a drought and severe heatwaves hitting China and the United States. Southern Iraq endured its most severe heatwave in 40 years, with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization warning of potential devastation to the ecosystem, local farmers, and fisheries. Texas is under a persistent 'heat dome', with warm air trapped in the atmosphere.

The Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources reported over 670 wildfires in the last week, impacting more than 100 million people in Canada and the neighboring United States. Last year's unprecedented summer heat in Europe resulted in over 61,000 deaths, mainly among those over 80 and women, due to heat-related health complications.

China's situation mirrors this global trend. The country's average summer temperature, coastal sea levels, and permafrost active layer thickness have reached new peaks. The eight-year period from 2015-2022 was the warmest on record in China, with the country registering 3,501 extreme heat events in 2022 alone, the highest number since 1961.

Despite these concerning trends, efforts are underway to address the situation. China has initiated emergency plans focusing on accurate forecasting and predictions. Simultaneously, scientists are proposing the Anthropocene Epoch, a new geological time period recognizing human impacts on the planet.

Crawford Lake in Ontario, Canada, is being proposed as a key site that records humanity's effects on Earth. Its sediments have captured fallout from intense fossil fuel burning and plutonium from bomb tests. The Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) has been working for a decade to establish whether the geological time chart should be updated to include this epoch, with a proposed start date in the 1950s.

In conclusion, the escalating heatwaves and droughts are alarming indicators of climate change spiraling out of control, as stated by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. However, by acknowledging our impact on the planet and taking steps to mitigate further damage, we can work towards a future where such extreme weather events are the exception rather than the norm.

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11.07.2023
THEME: WORLD

The Intricate Geopolitical Chess Game: NATO, EU, and the Ukrainian Conflict

The geopolitical chess game of alliances and strategies continues to evolve, with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently agreeing to support Sweden's bid to join NATO. This unexpected development, announced by NATO's chief Jens Stoltenberg, signals a significant shift in Turkey's stance, which had previously blocked Sweden's application due to accusations of hosting Kurdish militants. However, Sweden has since taken substantial measures to address Turkey's security concerns, including constitutional amendments, expansion of counter-terrorism operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party, and the resumption of arms exports to Turkey.

Erdogan's support for Sweden's NATO bid is contingent on the European Union reopening frozen membership talks with Ankara, a proposition that EU officials have so far rejected. Despite this, NATO has confirmed that Sweden would back efforts to "reinvigorate Turkey's EU accession process". Turkey's journey towards EU membership, initiated in 1987, has been fraught with challenges and delays due to Turkey's increasing authoritarian tendencies.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to strain relations between NATO and Russia. The recent two-day NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, highlighted Ukraine's bid for membership, although all alliance members concur that Ukraine cannot join NATO amidst active warfare with Russia. On the battlefield, Ukrainian artillery troops are reportedly outmatched, with their adversaries using significantly more ammunition daily. Essential supplies from allies, including cluster munitions from the US, have been vital for Ukraine in this conflict.

Ukrainians view NATO membership as a potential deterrent to Russia and a path towards ending the war. While acknowledging the need for reforms to meet NATO's membership requirements, Ukrainians are seeking clearer and more concrete assurances from the alliance. However, some NATO members are wary of offering too much to Ukraine, fearing potential engagement in a war with Russia.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has deployed his Akhmat military unit to Bakhmut, an eastern Ukrainian city where fighting has intensified. Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar confirmed Kadyrov’s account of heavy fighting around Bakhmut.

US President Joe Biden's decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs has elicited mixed reactions. While Ukraine's leader commended the move as "timely", it was criticized by UK's Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and Spain's Defence Minister, Margarita Robles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently met with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the mercenary group, the Wagner Group, following an unsuccessful mutiny last month. The Wagner Group, a private army, has been fighting alongside the regular Russian army in Ukraine since the invasion last year.

As the world closely observes the unfolding NATO summit, the stakes are high in this intricate web of alliances, negotiations, and conflicts. The hope is for resolutions that will bring peace and stability to the regions impacted by these geopolitical complexities.

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07.07.2023
THEME: WORLD

US Supplies Controversial Cluster Munitions to Ukraine Amid Nuclear Power Plant Crisis

In an announcement made on the eve of the NATO summit in Lithuania, the Biden administration revealed its decision to supply Ukraine with thousands of cluster bombs. These weapons, which disperse smaller bomblets over a large area, have been banned by over two-thirds of NATO members due to their history of causing civilian casualties. Despite this, the US views these munitions as a critical tool in bolstering Ukraine's offensive capabilities and penetrating Russian front lines.

The cluster bombs being sent to Ukraine are of a version with a reduced "dud rate," indicating that less than 3% of the smaller bomblets fail to explode. This decision is part of a larger €730 million package of military aid from the US, which also includes Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles and various types of ammunition. The last significant deployment of cluster bombs by the US was during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with the weapons also playing a pivotal role during the 2001 Afghanistan invasion.

Meanwhile, there's a growing concern over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, seized by Russian forces earlier in 2022. Reports indicate that the facility may have been mined by the occupying forces, with "objects resembling explosives" found on two blocks of the power plant. Experts warn that a leak could cause the plant's cooling water, which can reach 280 degrees Celsius, to evaporate, leaving a mere 27-hour window to prevent radiation from escaping. Any detonation within Zaporizhzhia's cooling system could potentially result in a disaster akin to Fukushima, Japan.

In another twist, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner mercenary group, was confirmed to be in Russia, contradicting earlier reports of his presence in Belarus. Prigozhin has instigated a rebellion against Russia's military leadership, marking a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin's authority. This internal conflict has further divided Russia's anti-Kremlin opposition, with figures such as exiled former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky backing Prigozhin.

The US's controversial decision to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions, the potential nuclear threat at Zaporizhzhia, and the internal discord within Russia's opposition contribute to an increasingly complex and volatile geopolitical landscape. The choices made in the coming days will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of this conflict, potentially leaving lasting impacts on international relations and the lives of numerous civilians.

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