Alice Su, Senior China correspondent for The Economist, discusses Taiwan's recent elections, highlighting how William Lai Ching-te's presidency may affect relations with Beijing and the shifting priorities of a younger electorate. Mian Ridge, Britain correspondent, delves into the Post Office scandal, revealing the unjust accusations faced by over 700 sub-postmasters and the media's role in calling for justice. They also touch on the rising challenges of climate change and its dire impact on health and work conditions, emphasizing urgent action needed.
Taiwan's election of William Lai Ching-te signals a choice for democracy in the face of Chinese threats.
The television series 'Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office' has sparked public outrage and calls for justice and compensation for postal workers wrongfully accused of stealing money.
Deep dives
Taiwan elects new president, defying China
Taiwan has elected a new president, William Lai Qingdae of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. His election signals a choice for democracy in the face of Chinese threats. However, the relationship between Taiwan and China remains tense, and China's response to the election outcome is yet to be determined.
The British postal service scandal
A television drama series, Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office, has shed light on a major miscarriage of justice in Britain's postal service. The show highlights the wrongful conviction of postal workers accused of stealing money. The series has sparked public outrage and calls for justice and compensation for the victims. The scandal has been known for years, but it took the TV show to bring attention to the issue and prompt action.
The economic costs of heat waves
Heat waves caused by climate change have significant economic costs. The Lancet estimates that globally, high temperatures led to about 490 billion potential lost hours of labor in 2022, resulting in a $863 billion decline in GDP. Agriculture is the hardest hit sector, with Southeast Asia and Africa being particularly affected. The impacts of heat waves on labor and the economy are expected to worsen with increasing global temperatures.
Taiwan’s election of William Lai Ching-te of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is sure to annoy leaders in Beijing; we ask what to expect next. Britain’s Post Office scandal simmered for two decades before a television series made it boil over (10:14). And what happens when climate change makes it too hot to work (17:44).
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