Photo : EPA/EFE/YURI KOCHETKOV
IN BRIEF
By Rishika Yadav
THE UK
Junior Doctor strike disrupts NHS
On 11 April, a four-day-strike began by junior doctors in England which has staged the most disruptive strike in the history of the publicly-funded National Health Service (NHS) and is expected to result in the cancellation of up to 350,000 medical appointments. Senior doctors and experienced nurses have been called in to ensure that emergency services and critical care continue during the strike. The strikes come as the NHS is already overwhelmed with approximately seven million patients waiting for hospital treatment. The strike has been triggered by a need for pay rises to make up for increasing inflation. The British Medical Association, which represents doctors, is calling for a 35 per cent pay rise to compensate for 15 years of below-inflation pay increases. However, UK Health Minister Steve Barclay has dismissed the demand as unreasonable, pointing to other medical unions which have suggested a more modest increase of five per cent plus a one-off lump sum. (“Junior doctors in England launch 4-day strike over pay,” Deutsche Welle, 11 April 2023)
CLIMATE
Renewables lead to drop in fossil fuel use says report
On 12 April, the annual global electricity review by Ember's Global Electricity suggested, by looking at electricity data from 78 countries, that the world will experience a turning point in the use of fossil fuels for electricity production, resulting in reduced emissions of warming gasses This would be the first time in history that there has been an annual decrease in the use of coal, oil, and gas for electricity, excluding global recessions or pandemics. The review attributed this change to the increasing popularity of renewable energy sources, primarily led by China. Wind and solar energy currently produce 12 per cent of global electricity, and enough wind turbines were added in 2022 to power the entire UK. The study predicts that renewable energy sources will meet all growth in demand in 2023, which is a significant step towards reducing energy-related carbon emissions responsible for over a third of global warming. The report reveals that clean sources produced 39 per cent of global electricity in 2022, making it the cleanest year yet. However, energy experts recognize that more still needs to be done to reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels. (Lottie Limb, “End of the fossil age’: Wind and solar broke energy records last year, report reveals,” euronews, 12 April 2023; Matt McGrath, “Climate change: Fossil fuel emissions from electricity set to fall - report,” BBC News, 12 April 2023; Malgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, “Global Electricity Review 2023,” Ember, 12 April, 2023; Nina Chestney, “Wind and solar hit record 12% of global power generation last year,” Reuters, 13 April 2023)
ECONOMY
Guardian reports on countries urging to redirect fossil fuel subsidies towards decarbonisation
On 12 April, The Guardian reported about the calls by campaigners for the redirection of the EUR 15.7bn in fossil fuel subsidies given by the EU to its fishing industry over the past decade, towards decarbonisation. The proposed ultra-low industry tax rate of 3.6 cents per litter for fishing vessels is being opposed by France, Cyprus and Spain, which prefer the current arrangement of no taxes for the sector. The EU fishing fleet’s CO2 emissions stood at a minimum of 56m tonnes between 2010 and 2020, twice Malta’s emissions during the same period. Fishing vessels in Europe do not pay any fuel taxes presently, unlike aircraft. The report suggests that the EU could generate EUR 681 million or EUR 1.4 billion annually by imposing a fuel tax of 33, respectively, on its fishing fleet. The report’s creators argue that revenues from a gradually imposed fuel tax could be used in decarbonisation projects such as electrifying harbours for shoreside power and providing more fuel-efficient fishing gear that reduces bycatch. To reduce carbon emissions, any investments must replace rather than increase the capacity of the fishing industry as it faces both climate change and overharvesting challenges. (Arthur Neslen, “Campaigners call for EU to tax fishing industry to fund decarbonisation,” The Guardian, 12 April 2023)
Swiss lawmakers reject symbolic vote on UBS' buyout of Credit Suisse
On 12 April, Deutsche Welle reported that the lawmakers in Switzerland rejected the government's deal for UBS to acquire Credit Suisse in a symbolic vote, although the rescue package had already been approved under an emergency law. The Swiss lower house of parliament voted against the 100 billion Swiss francs rescue package that saw UBS taking over its rival Credit Suisse. Many in the country, where frequent referendums on various policy issues are common, have been angered by the government's decision to push through the rescue package. Despite the symbolic nature of Wednesday's vote, it highlights the government's hopes of securing the legislature's approval. The UBS buyout of Credit Suisse was negotiated by the Swiss government to prevent the 167-year-old banking institution from collapsing and potentially triggering further crashes in the global banking system. (“Swiss parliament symbolically rejects Credit Suisse rescue,” Deutsche Welle, 12 April 2023)
GENDER
Scottish government to challenge Westminster's block on gender reform proposals
On 12 April, BBC News reported that the Scottish government plans to challenge the UK government's block on its Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which would allow individuals in Scotland to self-identify their sex. The UK government blocked the proposals due to their potential impact on UK-wide equality laws, which the Scottish government has called an "undemocratic veto". However, the reforms have caused division within the SNP, with one leadership candidate resigning last year due to concerns about their impact on safeguards for women and girls. An opinion poll by Panelbase for the Sunday Times suggested that 18 per cent of Scottish voters believe legal action should be taken, while 44 per cent believe the reforms should be abandoned, and 24 per cent believe a compromise should be reached. UK’s Former Supreme Court judge, Lord Hope has stated: “the Scottish government's chances of winning a court case are very low,” as the Scottish legislation affects the Equality Act 2010 and the existing Gender Recognition Act 2004 that apply across Great Britain. (Philip Sim, “Block on Scottish gender reforms to be challenged in court,” BBC News, 12 April 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Russia successful in advanced ICBM test launch
On 11 April, Russia carried out a triumphant trial firing of a sophisticated intercontinental ballistic missile. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin already said in February that a new kind of intercontinental ballistic missile would be deployed in 2023, known as the Sarmat or "Satan 2," which is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and is described as "invincible." The exercise occurred only a few weeks after Russia announced its decision to discontinue participation in the New START agreement with the United States. The missile launch took place from the Kapustin Yar testing facility, and the Russian Defense Ministry stated that the test was to verify the reliability and effectiveness of advanced combat equipment for intercontinental ballistic missiles. President Vladimir Putin has issued warnings that he could use nuclear weapons in Ukraine if Russia was threatened. NATO has condemned Putin's actions, including the recent deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which brings arms to the doorstep of the European Union. (Georgi Gotev, “Russia conducts test launch of ‘advanced’ ICBM, reaching target in Kazakhstan,” Euractiv, 12 April 2023)