There were bright spots, but the total lost acreage increased by 12 percent over all from the year before, according to new research.
Tag: Economic Conditions and Trends
Suez Canal Is Open, but the World is Still Full of Giant Container Ships
As global trade has grown, shipping companies have steadily increased ship sizes — but the Suez Canal blockage showed that bigger is not always better.
Serbia Hails Chinese Companies as Saviors, but Locals Chafe at Costs
While the government is welcoming Chinese investors to save moribund businesses and bring much-needed capital, many Serbians are complaining of environmental and political impacts.
China, With $400 Billion Iran Deal, Could Deepen Influence in Mideast
The countries signed a sweeping pact on Saturday that calls for heavy Chinese investments in Iran over 25 years in exchange for oil — a step that could ease Iran’s international isolation.
India’s Farm Subsidies Lead to Waste but Support Millions
In a country plagued with malnutrition, government support has led to wasted crop surpluses. But with jobs lacking, many feel they have little choice but to work the land.
Lebanon’s Financial Collapse Hits Where It Hurts: The Grocery Store
The country’s currency has sunk to a new low against the dollar, sending prices for once affordable foods soaring out of reach.
Will Israel’s Strong Vaccination Campaign Give Netanyahu an Election Edge?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is banking on voters crediting him for beating the pandemic. But many worry that the country’s reopening may be premature and politically driven.
China’s Climate Ambitions Collide with its Coal Addiction
Beijing’s new development blueprint is meant to steer the country to carbon neutrality before 2060, but companies and regions dependent on the fossil fuel aren’t making it easy.
Covid? What Covid? Taiwan Thrives as a Bubble of Normality.
The island has used its pandemic success to sell something scarce: life without fear of the coronavirus. Citizens have flocked home from abroad, helping to fuel an economic boom.
Europe Struggles to Defend Itself Against a Weaponized Dollar
Despite warm words from Biden, U.S. secondary sanctions against Iran, Russia and others punish European companies and prompt new calls for strategic autonomy.