This podcast discusses the aftermath of Venezuela's national referendum, the creation of a fund to assist vulnerable countries in dealing with climate change, compensation for climate change damage, and the challenges of addressing discrimination based on appearance.
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Quick takeaways
The outcome of the Venezuelan referendum regarding the annexation of Guyana has implications for President Maduro's political future and upcoming elections.
Obese workers, both men, and women, face significant pay gaps compared to their non-obese counterparts, indicating persistent discrimination in the workplace.
Deep dives
Venezuela's National Referendum and the Border Dispute with Guyana
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro claimed a victory in a national referendum regarding the annexation of a portion of neighboring Guyana. The border dispute between the two countries goes back nearly 200 years, with Venezuela asserting a territorial claim due to the discovery of oil by ExxonMobil in Guyana's waters. However, the actual turnout for the referendum is contested, and the likelihood of a ground invasion by Venezuela seems unlikely due to international opposition. The outcome of the referendum has implications for Maduro's political future and the upcoming elections.
Solomon Hook's Work on Climate Change Compensation
Solomon Hook, a prominent figure at COP meetings and an advisor to the least developed countries, fought for compensation for the damage caused by climate change. He advocated for support to developing countries to mitigate the impacts of climate change caused by historical pollution from high-income nations. Hook's efforts resulted in the establishment of a global loss and damage fund, which was agreed upon at COP28. However, Hook tragically passed away before witnessing the fund's organization and implementation.
Discrimination and the Pay Gap for Overweight Workers
Obese workers, both men and women, tend to earn less than their non-obese counterparts. While studies have typically focused on the gender pay gap, recent research shows that the pay gap for obese individuals is significant. Obese men with bachelor's and graduate degrees earn 5% and 14% less, respectively, while the gap for obese women with similar degrees is 12% and 19%. This discrimination persists even when controlling for other factors. Efforts to address this issue through anti-discrimination legislation have had limited impact so far.
By the numbers, the outcome seems clear: Venezuelans voted to annex much of newly minted petrostate Guyana. But our correspondent says the referendum was mere electioneering by President Nicolás Maduro, with unimpressive results. Our obituaries editor remembers Saleemul Huq, who campaigned relentlessly on behalf of the most vulnerable countries (9:52). And just how much lighter the paycheques are for heavier workers (17:03).
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