Charlotte Howard, The Economist's energy and commodities editor, dives into the pressing global challenge of reducing coal usage amid rising consumption in Asia. She emphasizes the need for carbon pricing and discussions on balancing economic growth with environmental commitments in developing nations. The podcast also touches on Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's unexpected political rise in Belarus and the resilience of its people in pursuing democracy. Additionally, an innovative method for making homemade face masks using candy floss machines showcases the intersection of creativity and necessity.