The Beijing Hour U.S. president signs funding bill ending record 43-day government shutdown
Nov 13, 2025
This discussion features Ma Jing, a reporter and producer behind the 'Greener China / A Journey to 2060' series. She dives into the challenges facing China's national carbon market, highlighting the need for broader participation and better monitoring systems. The conversation also touches on low carbon prices, the importance of futures trading, and innovative digital tech to enhance emissions accounting. With a focus on stabilizing the market, Ma emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to make carbon trading a pivotal climate policy tool.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Short-Term Reopening, Long-Term Damage
- The U.S. funding bill reopens the federal government but only until January 30th, creating near-term relief.
- Economists warn the 43-day shutdown caused up to $11 billion in permanent economic loss and lasting public confidence damage.
Controller Shortages Undermine Flight Recovery
- Flight cancellations persisted because staffing shortages among air traffic controllers undermined capacity and safety.
- The U.S. president publicly threatened sanctions and offered bonuses while unions cited fatigue and stress from missed paychecks.
Air Travel Chaos During Shutdown
- Air travelers experienced thousands of cancellations and long lines amid flight reductions and staff shortages.
- Passengers described delays turning into full cancellations and having to wait days for new flights.