The stress of a hot European summer
A scorching European summer already affects nearly every part of the economy and even its normally cool regions, a phenomenon exacerbated by human-caused climate change. Across the continent, humans have experienced wildfires, harvest-threatening droughts, and extreme heat.
The heat also exposed the vulnerabilities of Europe’s energy system, already exposed by the loss of Russian gas to EU sanctions. Wildfires in the UK have left thousands of homes in the North without electricity; drought in Germany has dried up waterways important for transporting coal; and in France, warming rivers have complicated the discharge of nuclear reactors.
Hydroelectricity accounts for 90% of Norway’s electricity production and allows the country to export electricity to several neighboring countries. However, supplies from the reservoir have fallen to a 25-year low, driving up prices and political tensions. While Norway is eager to integrate into the European market, the oil and gas-rich nation is under pressure to keep more of its energy to itself.
Analysis: “The best way to resolve this crisis and achieve energy security is as quickly as possible to become independent from Russian gas,” said Steffen Syvertsen, chief executive officer of Agder Energi. “But it’s a big task.”
Tensions at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
The Russian and Ukrainian militaries have accused each other of prepare for an impending attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant In Ukraine, there is a risk of a radioactive disaster. Russian forces took control of the vast plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, in early March but kept Ukrainian staff there to operate it.
Ukraine’s intelligence service said yesterday that engineers employed by Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear company, had “urgently” left the plant and that only “operating staff” were allowed to be at the plant. on Friday. A Ukrainian factory worker said the workers were panicking. “Everybody is scared of tomorrow’s provocations that Russia will announce,” she said.
For the first time in history, nuclear power plants are located in a war zone. For many Ukrainians, the risk is familiar: The Chernobyl plant, the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident in 1986, is located in Ukraine, north of the capital Kyiv. Russian forces also occupied that plant early in the war before withdrawing.
Shelling: The complex has been attacked several times already, each side blaming the other. Russian military units have taken positions in and around the base, leading them to allege that they are using Zaporizhzhia as a shield, knowing that Ukraine is very reluctant to return fire.
In other news from the war:
The battle to replace Boris Johnson
Britain’s Conservative Party is in trouble a tough campaign to choose a new leader. If, as is expected, Liz Truss is elected next month, she will take power in times of extreme economic stress, with energy prices skyrocketing because of the war in Ukraine, disruptions to supply chains and the UK labor market. wiped out by Brexit. .
Yet many of the shocks facing Britain seem oddly disconnected from the competition to succeed Boris Johnson, prime minister. Analysts say the flashy nature of the debate reflects the peculiarities of the British political system: Only senior members of the Conservative Party can vote for the next leader.
That constituency, estimated at 160,000 people, is on average older, whiter and wealthier than most Britons. For this rare group, Truss’ promises of tax cuts have more appeal than clear warnings that Britain needs to knock down the hatches. Her opponent, Rishi Sunak, who argues that the government must first tame inflation, is trailing behind in the polls.
Johnson: The prime minister, on holiday in Greece, passed up the opportunity to hold a crisis meeting with his successors.
Labor unrest: Traveling by train in the UK mostly stopped this week after railroad workers left over a pay dispute, the latest layoff in a summer of strikes.
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“The Met has a burden of proof to prove that the Met has legal title to Cambodia’s national treasures.”
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City, has worked hard to build up its South and Southeast Asian collection. But the 13 items came from a dealer, who was later prosecuted for illegally selling Cambodian artifacts. Cambodian officials now say they believe many of the items have been stolen.
Life lived
Hanae Mori, a Japanese seamstress, was the first Asian woman to enter the ranks of French haute couture. She passed away at the age of 96.
ARTS AND IDEAS
The feud with the Zulu . throne
Zulus has a new king. But it is not sure exactly who he is.
South Africa’s largest nation has been embroiled in a battle for the royal succession since King Goodwill Zwelithini’s death last year. Tomorrow, Misuzulu Sinqobile Zulu is scheduled to perform a precursor ceremony to his official coronation. Last weekend, his brother Simakade ka Zwelithini performed the same ritual.
Misuzulu has been recognized by the South African government and senior members of the royal family. But his right to the throne is being challenged by Simakade, the eldest son of King Zwelithini. There was a scuffle at the royal palace. At least one news outlet run a poll Ask the reader to choose a king.
In a televised trial weighing customary and constitutional law, a judge ruled in Misuzulu’s favor. But his detractors refused to accept the decision.
There is more at stake than a royal title. The head of Zulus will control the $3.9 million annual budget provided by the South African government. And as the traditional leader of 14 million people, King Zulu also holds a position of political influence.
PLAY, WATCH, EAT
What to cook?
