Economist Podcasts
The Intelligence: meeting Ukraine’s first lady
Dec 1, 2023
Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, shares her journey from screenwriter to advocate during the war, emphasizing the vital role of mental health and resilience amid crisis. She discusses the challenges her family faces and the importance of supporting veterans. James Miles delves into China's ambitious toilet revolution, exploring urban-rural disparities and public health implications. The conversation also touches on the surprising growth of the luxury superyacht market, reflecting a paradox in consumer behavior during economic uncertainty.
26:42
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Quick takeaways
- China's Toilet Revolution has faced challenges in implementing its plan to upgrade public toilets across the country, with obstacles including freezing temperatures, inadequate water supply, and lack of maintenance knowledge among local officials.
- The super yacht market is experiencing significant growth, defying the challenges posed by the pandemic and geopolitical issues, with sales increasing by 20% over the past two years, attributed to the psychological effects of the pandemic and a shift towards customization and sustainability in yacht design.
Deep dives
The Challenge of China's Toilet Revolution
China's Toilet Revolution, a campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping, has faced numerous challenges in its implementation. The ambitious plan aimed to upgrade public toilets across the country, but it has encountered obstacles such as freezing temperatures in rural areas, inadequate water supply, and lack of maintenance knowledge among local officials. Despite the setbacks, progress has been made in urban areas, with extravagant public toilets being constructed. However, the focus now is on improving the quality and maintenance of existing facilities.
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