Shishan Joshi, the Defense editor for The Economist and expert on military affairs, dives into California's blazing wildfires and their drastic impact on insurance. He discusses why traditional risk assessments fail in the face of climate change. Joshi also tackles the debate surrounding women's roles in combat, highlighting cultural shifts and recruitment challenges. Plus, he examines the evolution of children's literature, questioning whether it should embrace harsher realities rather than sugar-coated tales.
The insurance industry's challenge in California reflects the growing difficulty of pricing risk amid the realities of climate change and increasing wildfire threats.
Debates surrounding women's roles in the military emphasize the necessity for inclusivity and recognition of diverse contributions within combat and support positions.
Deep dives
Impact of California Wildfires
California is facing devastating wildfires that have significantly affected communities, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. Residents, like Laurie and Robert Bellotta, experienced near misses as their homes almost succumbed to flames, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these disasters. The economic impact is staggering, with estimates of around $50 billion in losses, including about $20 billion in insured damages. This situation underscores the insurance industry's struggle to balance risk and provide coverage as many companies reconsider their policies in light of climate change.
Challenges in the Insurance Market
The current California insurance market is fraught with challenges due to increasing wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change. Major insurers are withdrawing from the state, leading to a rise in the Fair Plan, a non-profit insurer designed to cover residents who cannot get insurance elsewhere. The Fair Plan has become overwhelmed, with its exposure increasing significantly, raising concerns that it may not be able to meet all claims. This situation is forcing homeowners into a precarious position, where rising insurance costs and potential loss of coverage create financial instability.
Gender Dynamics in Military Roles
The discussion around women's roles in the military has resurfaced, particularly influenced by comments from Donald Trump's Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth. His assertions that women shouldn't serve in combat roles due to physical differences have been met with criticism, as recent studies indicate that integration has not diminished unit effectiveness or readiness. Although the number of women in combat roles remains low, they play crucial support positions that are often overlooked. The ongoing cultural shifts and recruitment challenges within the military highlight the importance of diverse contributions and the need to foster an inclusive environment.
Among the lessons emerging from California’s devastating fires is the idea that insurers cannot price risk on past data: the climate-change future is already here. Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for defence secretary, has some misguided notions about women on the battlefield (10:10). And examining children’s literature: should it be all sugar and spice—or more real-world, where not everything’s nice (19:28)?