More or Less

Sweden's controversial pandemic strategy raises eyebrows and sparks debate. Supporters lauded its success, dismissing lockdowns, while critics decry its failure. The discussion dives into mortality rates and the complexities of comparing Sweden with its Nordic neighbors. Using excess mortality as a key metric reveals the nuanced truth behind public perceptions. The conversation encourages a more informed understanding of the implications of Sweden's approach, particularly regarding the care of its elderly versus younger communities.

How do you go about understanding a country with a population as diverse as it is vast?Data journalist Rukmini S is the author of Whole Numbers and Half Truths: What Data Can and Cannot Tell Us About Modern India. Tim Harford spoke to her about the power and pitfalls of using statistics to make sense of modern India, from basic questions like average income to the huge challenges of keeping track of Covid.

Dive into the world of numbers with insights on subitizing, the ability to quickly grasp small quantities. Discover how effective communication shapes public perception, especially during critical times like the COVID pandemic. Authors Chip Heath and Karla Starr highlight the art of simplifying complex numerical concepts for better understanding, while cautioning against oversimplification that can distort important issues like government spending and taxes. It's all about finding the right balance in conveying numerical information!

Could a surge in tea-drinking have led to fewer deaths in 18th century England? An economist uncovers fascinating data linking tea shipments to improved public health. The reduction in tea tariffs allowed more people access to boiling water, which inadvertently enhanced hygiene. Analyzing mortality rates reveals how tea's popularity intersected with water quality issues, painting a surprising picture of health improvements during the Industrial Revolution. Discover how a simple drink might have shaped public health in unexpected ways!

In a captivating discussion with Hannah Ritchie, an expert in global data analysis from the University of Oxford, insights into the Ukrainian war's impact on wheat supply unravel. They debunk the myth that the conflict will lead to a global wheat crisis, exposing the complexities of agricultural markets. Ritchie emphasizes that existing stockpiles and increased production in other countries may mitigate shortages. The conversation also touches on the interconnectedness of energy prices and food security, challenging common misconceptions about the situation.

The podcast dives into the stark realities of nuclear escalation amid the Ukraine conflict. Expert Barry Nalebuff discusses how strategic negotiation can deter catastrophic outcomes. Using a pizza as a metaphor, he illustrates the complexities of fairness and power dynamics in resource division. Listeners learn how perceptions of power shape negotiations and how focusing on creating additional value can achieve better results. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rational decision-making in avoiding global crises.

Peter William Walsh, a researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, dives into the UK's refugee resettlement efforts amid the ongoing Ukrainian crisis. He contrasts the UK's visa issuance with substantial numbers taken in by Poland and others. Walsh scrutinizes claims from the government about the UK's superiority in resettlement since 2015, revealing a stark reality of lower asylum grants. He also discusses the hurdles faced by Ukrainian refugees, emphasizing the complexities of the UK's asylum processes compared to its European neighbors.

Discover the troop estimates in Ukraine, where figures range wildly between 100,000 and 190,000. Learn about the struggles to get accurate data on casualties during the conflict, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing these numbers. Switch gears to the Chagos Islands, where scientists question the claim of seas being 100m lower than the global average. Unpack the complexities of Earth's shape and gravitational variations that influence sea levels, and explore the limitations of current models in understanding these intriguing oceanic mysteries.

Delve into the murky waters of troop estimates from the Ukraine conflict and the challenges of verifying casualty figures. Explore discrepancies in NHS staffing claims and the fascinating geography of the Chagos Islands. Unpack the environmental impact of electric car production, especially regarding battery emissions. Finally, tackle the intriguing idea that we make 35,000 decisions daily, shedding light on the quality of our choices versus the sheer volume. It's a thought-provoking journey through data and disinformation!

Lockdown. A word we’ve all become overly familiar with over the past two years. Lockdowns were intended to protect people, especially societies most vulnerable, from the risks associated with contracting Covid. However, a new study has been making headlines which claims to show that mandatory lockdowns have only reduced Covid-19 mortality by 0.2%, or one death in five hundred. We examine the evidence behind the claim.