Join Robert Guest, Deputy Editor of The Economist, as he shares eye-opening insights from the Amazon rainforest, revealing the dire consequences of deforestation and the urgent need for global intervention. Tom Gardner discusses the complexities of the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement, highlighting its impact on regional stability in the Horn of Africa. Meanwhile, Duncan Weldon explores the evolving conversation around facial hair in the British Army, hinting at a potential policy shift in response to modern recruitment challenges.
Deforestation in the Amazon is a pressing issue that requires international support and stronger law enforcement to protect biodiversity and curb carbon emissions.
Ethiopia's potential deal with Somaliland for access to a port near the Red Sea has caused regional tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly with Somalia feeling betrayed by the agreement.
Deep dives
Deforestation threatens the Amazon rainforest and global climate
The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is facing severe deforestation, with 18% of the Brazilian Amazon already lost. The tipping point, which is when the forest cannot sustain itself, is estimated to be around 25%. Deforestation not only affects biodiversity but also releases billions of tons of carbon into the atmosphere, worsening global warming. While Brazil has sensible rules to protect the Amazon, enforcement is challenging due to a general state of lawlessness. The current president, Lula, aims to end deforestation by 2030 by cracking down on illegal activities and increasing law enforcement. International support is crucial in preserving the Amazon.
Ethiopia and Somaliland seek a deal for shared access to a port
Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, announced a potential deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, for access to a port near the Red Sea. The agreement would allow Ethiopia, a landlocked country, access to the sea. While this deal has benefits for both Ethiopia and Somaliland, it has sparked anger from other regions, particularly Somalia, who view it as a betrayal. The situation in the Horn of Africa is already tense, and this deal could exacerbate tensions in the region.
The British Army considers ending the ban on beards
For over a century, the British Army has banned beards, but now it is considering ending the prohibition. The ban on beards has been seen as a tradition and a symbol of smartness and discipline. However, the Army is now pondering whether to lift the ban, recognizing that it may hinder recruitment. The decision to allow beards would align the Army's policy with the Royal Navy and the Air Force, both of which permit facial hair.
Our correspondents travel through the rainforest, seeing the pollution and clear-cutting firsthand. Establishing the rule of law first requires a decent property register. We examine why a proposed deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland has unsettled the whole of the Horn of Africa (11:17). And Britain’s army mulls permitting its servicemen to grow beards (18:07).
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