America's near-shutdown and its implications for Kevin McCarthy's leadership. The exponential growth of electric scooters in Asia. Britain's 'risk registers' and the potential end of the world. Exploring the booming electric vehicle market in Asia. Preparing for existential catastrophe and the importance of government preparation.
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Quick takeaways
The uptake of electric scooters is significantly outpacing that of four-wheeled vehicles in Asia.
The compromise bill to avoid a government shutdown has resulted in a divide within the Republican party and challenges the governance in Congress.
Deep dives
The electric vehicle boom in Asia
Two and three-wheel vehicles are going electric faster in Asia compared to other markets. China is the largest market for electric two and three-wheelers, with about half of the vehicles sold in 2021 being battery-powered. This boom is also seen in other parts of Asia, particularly in India, which has a huge market for two and three-wheelers. The electrification of these vehicles is happening rapidly, driven by technological advancements and the establishment of battery swapping networks.
The risks and challenges of avoiding a government shutdown in the US
The US Congress managed to strike a deal to avoid a government shutdown, but it was only a temporary solution. The bill keeps the government running for 45 days and did not include funding for the Ukraine war effort. The compromise bill faced opposition from hardline Republicans who wanted deep spending cuts and a reduction in funding for Ukraine. This has resulted in a divide within the Republican party, with some members challenging Kevin McCarthy's leadership as Speaker of the House. The situation highlights the challenges of governance in Congress and the potential impact on the country's ability to address key issues.
The significance and limitations of Britain's risk register
Britain's risk register provides a comprehensive assessment of potential threats and their likelihood and impact. The register categorizes risks on a logarithmic scale, with some threats deemed catastrophic. However, criticism lies in its presentation and clarity. The register's methodology can be opaque, and the suggested advice for individuals can be feeble. Moreover, it lacks the inclusion of slow-moving cataclysms such as AI and climate change. Nevertheless, the importance of planning for potential risks and disasters has been underscored by recent global events, with the likelihood of existential catastrophes within the next century estimated at one in six.
The literal 11th-hour deal to avert a government shutdown is only a stopgap—and the battle may end up costing Kevin McCarthy his post as leader of the House of Representatives. The uptake of electric scooters is significantly outpacing that of four-wheeled vehicles in Asia (10:30). And Britain’s curious “risk registers” put numbers to how the world might end (16:47).
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