93% of material that obstruct sewers are wet-wipes, according to industry body. Even those labeled biodegradable still block sewers when flushed. A ban is not the way to stop Thames becoming one big reef of these things.
The petrostates of the Gulf are modernising their economies, growing more tolerant and liberalising their social contracts as they prepare for a world run on fewer hydrocarbons—but who will be left behind? A Chinese maker of electric vehicles prepares to steal a march on Tesla. And a look at Britain’s newest islands reveals they are made of wet wipes.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer