Mian Ridge, The Economist's Britain correspondent, analyzes the UK’s contentious asylum policy sending refugees to Rwanda and its implications for rights and sovereignty. Catherine Braik discusses the alarming climate crisis as Antarctica melts, affecting global sea levels and weather systems. Anne Rowe pays tribute to journalist Terry Anderson, sharing insights into his harrowing seven-year captivity and the resilience he showed throughout. Together, they unravel the complex intersections of politics, environment, and personal stories shaping our world.
Britain debates leaving ECHR over asylum policy sovereignty concerns, risking global reputation.
Antarctica's melting ice poses significant global sea level rise risks, challenging previous assumptions about climate.
Deep dives
Conservative Party's Push to Leave ECHR
The Conservative Party in Britain has been actively pursuing policies to leave the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) citing sovereignty concerns. Recent legal battles revolving around asylum seekers and the Rwanda policy have fueled calls to exit the ECHR, with critics arguing that the court undermines national sovereignty. However, challenges such as upholding individual rights and the potential impact on Britain's global reputation continue to complicate the debate on leaving the ECHR.
Antarctica's Climate Change Impact
Antarctica's once presumed immunity to climate change has proven inaccurate as the region experiences significant disturbances. Researchers observed extreme heatwaves, ice shelf collapses, and land ice movements leading to rising sea levels. The floating ice surrounding Antarctica, along with ice shelves, display concerning shifts, indicating accelerated melting and potential sea level rise risks. Despite varying projections, the consequences of Antarctic ice melting are far-reaching and interconnected globally.
Terry Anderson's Captivity and Resilience
Journalist Terry Anderson's seven-year captivity by militants in Beirut profoundly impacted his life, leading to physical and psychological hardships. Enduring brutal conditions, including solitary confinement and mistreatment, Anderson displayed remarkable resilience, drawing strength from his marine training and inner determination. Upon his release in 1991, Anderson faced challenges readjusting to freedom, highlighting the lasting scars of captivity on both him and his fellow hostages.
As Parliament has now agreed to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, many members of the ruling Conservative party want to quit the court that tried to block it. It would be yet another costly mistake. Earth’s largest refrigerator, Antarctica, is defrosting. What does this mean for the rest of the world (09:24)? And a tribute to the American journalist held captive by Hizbullah for almost 7 years (17:50).