COP28 climate summit faces challenges in phasing out fossil fuels. Turkey's exports of military goods to Russia surge. Major flaws in UK's organ transplant system. Lack of appeals process in automated systems highlighted. Positive development in healthcare discussed.
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Quick takeaways
Transitioning away from fossil fuels at COP28 faces challenges from oil-producing nations opposing the phase-out due to economic interests.
The UK's algorithm for organ transplant placements needs modifications to address issues of penalizing younger patients and accommodate exceptional cases.
Deep dives
Challenges in Phasing Out Fossil Fuels at COP 28
The annual UN Climate Summit, COP 28, is addressing the challenge of phasing out fossil fuels. While progress has been made, the main challenges lie in transitioning gradually over decades and shifting economic systems reliant on fossil fuels. Compounding these challenges are oil-producing nations that oppose the phase-out due to the economic wealth fossil fuels generate. The debate at COP 28 includes discussions on allowing oil-producing countries to continue production with emissions capture as a compromise.
Algorithmic Decision-Making in Organ Transplants
The UK determines organ transplant placements using an algorithm. This algorithm aims to prioritize patients who are most in need but has faced criticism for penalizing younger patients. Sarah, a patient with genetic diseases, experienced the algorithm's shortcomings when her scores were consistently lower than other candidates. The issues raised include modifying the weighting of variables, particularly age, and implementing an appeals process to account for exceptional cases.
Turkey's Exports Facilitate Russian Military Supplies
Turkey has been exporting essential supplies to Russia, contributing to its military efforts in Ukraine. The annual trade value reached $158 million, including materials for cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters. This trade undermines Western efforts to prevent Russia from equipping its armed forces. The US plans to engage with Turkey to address this issue and prevent the provision of goods and finances for Russia's war.
Turkey’s exports to Russia of goods vital for Moscow’s war machine have soared in 2023, and nations at this year’s COP28 summit will revisit a proposal to phase out fossil fuels. Plus, the FT’s Madhumita Murgia explains how one patient in need of a new liver exposed major flaws in the UK’s organ transplant system.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help by Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva, Gavin Kallmann, and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.