The Intelligence from The Economist
The Intelligence: America’s culture wars brought to bears
Dec 8, 2023
Erin Braun, the West Coast correspondent for The Economist, discusses the surprising resurgence of grizzly bears in Montana and the political tensions surrounding their protection. She highlights the balancing act between conservation efforts and local residents. Meanwhile, Duncan Weldon, the Britain correspondent, delves into the booming vaping market, revealing the industry's unexpected call for more regulation to safeguard youth. Together, they navigate the intersection of wildlife management and public health in a rapidly changing landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- The political battle between Republican states and federal regulations over protecting grizzly bears highlights the conflict between science and politics in wildlife conservation.
- The rapid rise in disposable vaping devices in Britain has raised concerns about environmental issues, youth vaping, and potential health risks, leading to fears of stricter regulations in the vaping industry.
Deep dives
The Increasing Presence of Grizzly Bears in Montana
Grizzly bear populations in Montana have been increasing, bringing them closer to residential areas. While some people are proud of the thriving bear population, others are concerned about potential impacts on their livelihoods. The bears are attracted to food sources and there have been instances of bears entering yards and porches in search of food. This rise in bear numbers has sparked a political battle between Republican states and federal environmental regulations, with some states petitioning for the removal of grizzlies from the Endangered Species List. The decision on whether to delist the bears is pending, with implications for both bear conservation and human-bear conflicts.
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