Political tensions rise as the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago. The garment industry in Bangladesh faces turmoil, leading international brands to reevaluate their sourcing. Start-up failures soar by 60%, highlighting the challenges post-boom. Climate change impacts homeowner insurance, with increasing premiums and affordability issues. Innovative solutions are emerging to tackle financial risks in the face of extreme weather. The importance of reinventing policies for sustainable development is emphasized.
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Quick takeaways
The political instability in Bangladesh is forcing global fashion brands to shift their sourcing, risking the integrity of the garment industry.
Insurance companies are adapting to climate change challenges by withdrawing from high-risk areas while developing innovative risk management solutions.
Deep dives
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Impact of Political Unrest on Bangladesh's Garment Industry
The political turmoil in Bangladesh has had significant repercussions for its crucial garment and shoe industry, leading to factory shutdowns and a shift in global sourcing. With protests escalating and a curfew imposed, garment factories faced temporary closures, disrupting the competitive supply chain that the industry relies on. As a result, major global brands have begun diversifying their sourcing locations, raising concerns over the industry's future. The newly appointed interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, faces the challenge of restoring stability to ensure investor confidence and protect this economic cornerstone.
Climate Change and the Insurance Market
Insurance companies are grappling with the challenges posed by climate change, impacting their underwriting practices and coverage availability. Heightened extreme weather events, coupled with rising rebuild costs and inflation, have led insurers to withdraw from high-risk areas, putting affordability at risk for many homeowners. Furthermore, the private sector is evolving by introducing new insurance policies and advanced risk assessment technologies to better anticipate and manage these risks. Looking ahead, a multifaceted approach involving prevention strategies and policy adjustments will be crucial for navigating the changing landscape of insurance amid climate challenges.
Start-ups, legacy groups and policymakers are working out how to operate in areas of rising weather risks, and start-up failures shot up 60% in the past year. Plus, top international fashion brands are shifting orders away from Bangladesh because of recent political turmoil.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Molly Nugent, Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.