The podcast discusses the rise of anti-Semitism in France, the challenges and opportunities in the wine industry in Essex, and the explosive industry in India. It explores the link between anti-Semitic acts and flare-ups in the Middle East, the success of winemaking in Essex due to climate change, and the growth of the explosive industry in India as an alternative to trading with China.
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Quick takeaways
The rise in anti-Semitic acts in France is concerning and has evolved to include elements of anti-Zionism and far-left politics, making it politically divisive.
Climate change is forcing winemakers to adapt by changing planting practices, moving to new regions, or adjusting harvest times, with some regions potentially unable to sustain production as global warming intensifies.
Deep dives
Rise in Anti-Semitism in France
Since October 7th, anti-Semitic acts in France have surged, with three times as many acts in one month compared to the whole of 2022. These acts include graffiti, physical attacks, and symbols reminiscent of Nazi occupation. The rise in anti-Semitism is concerning for France as it has the largest Jewish population in Europe. Anti-Semitism in France has evolved from right-wing extremism to include elements of anti-Zionism and far-left politics, making the issue politically divisive.
Climate Change and Winemaking Adaptations
As the world warms, winemakers must adapt to changing conditions. In Essex, England, wineries like Danbury Ridge are thriving, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that rival those from Burgundy. Climate change has shifted where wine can be made well, forcing winemakers to change planting practices, move to new regions, or adjust harvest times. Proper grape ripening is crucial, requiring a balance of sugar and phenolic ripeness in the skins. Winemakers are exploring clone selection and rootstocks to offset warming, but some regions may not be able to sustain production as global warming intensifies.
Booming Explosives Industry in India
India's explosive industry is experiencing significant growth amid an infrastructure boom and increased defense spending. Explosives are essential for construction, mining, and defense projects. India, concerned about overreliance on China, is becoming a popular supplier of explosives to other countries, reducing vulnerabilities in sensitive industries. The government-run company Munitions India is booked out until 2025 and may go public, generating significant interest. The demand for Indian explosives highlights the desire to reduce dependency on China and ensure a neutral and reliable source.
In the European country with both the largest Jewish and largest Muslim populations, a rise in antisemitic acts brings particular perils; we examine them. Winemaking was always going to be hit hard by climate change. Our oenophile correspondent looks at how things are already changing—and it is not all bad news (08:52). And why India’s explosives industry is blowing up (16:04).
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