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13/07/2023 ---- 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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