Cañahua, climate whiplash and women vs Opus Dei
Off The World Magazine #357
Critical Minerals in Asia, Africa, and the United States
Latin America stands at a crossroads, with its governments and citizens grappling with the complex debate surrounding mining costs versus the profound benefits of nurturing a critical minerals industry. As competition among global powers intensifies to secure vital supply chains, the region's rich mineral and rare earth resources have become a focal point of interest. Boasting an impressive 40% of the world's copper reserves and a staggering 60% of lithium reserves, countries like Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina are positioned at the forefront of this mineral revolution. Furthermore, Brazil proudly holds the third-largest nickel reserves and rare earth elements, adding to the region's appeal.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a powerhouse in the global market, supplying a remarkable 70% of the world’s cobalt—a key ingredient in the batteries that drive the electric vehicle revolution. Meanwhile, South Africa shines as a hub for precious metals, producing 75% of platinum and 50% of palladium, both crucial for modern technologies. In Mozambique and Madagascar, some of the world’s largest graphite deposits await, while Zimbabwe boasts the largest caesium deposits, an essential metal for GPS and cutting-edge 5G systems.
In a bold initiative under former President Joe Biden, an innovative AI program developed by the U.S. government to predict the supply and pricing of critical minerals has transitioned to a nonprofit organisation. This forward-thinking nonprofit empowers miners, investors, and producers to forge strategic partnerships and unlock new business opportunities. Currently, 30 pioneering companies have united under the Critical Minerals Forum, a collaborative effort to reduce dependence on China by establishing robust supply agreements with Western mines. This is not just mining; it’s the dawn of a new era in resource management and strategic partnership for the future.
China's Surge in Plastic Surgery, Brazilian Butt Lifts, and Lab-Generated Teeth
The plastic surgery industry is flourishing in China, transforming from a once-taboo topic into a booming phenomenon over the past two decades. As Chinese society has embraced greater affluence and been shaped by the influence of social media, the allure of cosmetic procedures has captivated many. Each year, approximately 20 million individuals opt for these transformative surgeries, with an astonishing 80% of patients being women. The average age of those undergoing these enhancements is just 25 years old. However, this rapid growth comes with alarming consequences: it is estimated that hundreds of accidents occur daily in Chinese plastic surgery clinics. In 2019 alone, around 80,000 clinics performed cosmetic procedures without valid licenses, while 100,000 aesthetic medicine professionals operated without the necessary qualifications.
In the UK, six companies marketing the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) have recently been banned for trivializing the serious risks involved and preyed upon women's insecurities about their bodies. Prominently featured on Facebook and Instagram, these ads utilised time-limited offers to apply "irresponsible pressure" on potential clients. Plastic surgeons caution that the BBL procedure carries significant risks, requiring specialised skills, with potential complications that can include blood clots and even sepsis.
In a remarkable stride for science, researchers at King's College London have successfully cultivated a human tooth in a laboratory setting. They proclaim that "the lab-grown teeth will regenerate naturally, integrating into the jaw just like real teeth. Compared to traditional implants, they promise to be stronger, more durable, and free from the risk of rejection." Having mastered the conditions necessary for teeth to flourish, the scientists are now trying to devise a method to transfer these remarkable creations from the lab to the patient’s mouth.
European Droughts, Big Tech, and Water Consumption
The European Drought Observatory report paints a stark picture of the escalating water scarcity threatening southern, eastern, and central Europe, with the Iberian Peninsula grappling with the most severe conditions. Orange warnings have been issued across Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Poland, Belarus, much of Ukraine, Ireland, Scotland, and various regions in Germany and France. Cyprus is particularly vulnerable, with a staggering 70% of its freshwater resources being depleted. Similarly, Malta and Romania are not far behind, utilising over 30% and more than 20% of their water resources.
In a thought-provoking study conducted by WaterAid, in collaboration with experts from the University of Bristol and Cardiff University, the impacts of drought on European cities come into sharp focus. Madrid and London struggle the most among capital cities, ranking second and 44th among 49 cities surveyed. Alarmingly, nearly one in five cities are experiencing drastic swings between floods and droughts, a phenomenon termed “climate whiplash.” Scientists warn that a staggering 90% of all climate-related disasters stem from the dual threats of excessive and insufficient water. Moreover, weather-related disasters have quadrupled over the past 50 years.
The actions of major tech giants further complicate the situation. According to reports from The Guardian, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google either operate or have plans to establish over 630 water-intensive data centres, often in some of the most arid regions of our planet. In 2023, Microsoft revealed that it plans to source 42% of its water needs from “water-stressed areas,” raising questions about sustainability and corporate responsibility in an increasingly water-scarce world.
General Elections in Singapore, Australia, and Gabon
In a stunning display of support, Singapore's ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, achieved a remarkable victory in the recent general election, securing the mandate to form a majority government. The PAP, which has held power since 1959, has steered the nation toward unparalleled prosperity, despite facing scrutiny for its stance on dissent. Recent years have seen the party grappling with corruption scandals and controversies surrounding the private lives of its members, adding layers of complexity to its long-standing governance.
Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has made history in Australia by becoming the first prime minister in two decades to win a second three-year term, leading his Labour Party to a commanding majority in the House of Representatives. The Australian general election was intensely shaped by urgent issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, healthcare accessibility, soaring property prices, clean energy initiatives, and the global economic turmoil following a change in U.S. leadership.
In Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, a general and former head of the transitional military government, was inaugurated as the nation's president after an extraordinary electoral triumph, capturing nearly 95 per cent of the vote. Nguema’s rise follows a pivotal coup in 2023 that dismantled decades of Bongo family rule—a time marked by a tightly controlled patronage system that significantly enriched a select few while leaving most citizens yearning for a share of the nation’s abundant wealth derived from its rich oil reserves. As Gabon faces the dual challenges of debt and ageing infrastructure, there is a pressing need for modernisation and economic diversification to secure a brighter future for its people.
Argentinian women vs. Opus Dei and Egyptian footballers
In a decisive legal move, forty-three Argentine women have united to sue Opus Dei, accusing the organisation of severe exploitation and forced labour. These brave women recount harrowing experiences of being lured as young girls with the promise of a brighter future through education, only to find themselves trapped in conditions of slave labour. They describe a stark reality of isolation, meticulous control, and unsettling practices that led to self-harm. Prosecutors have stepped in to accuse Opus Dei of human trafficking and exploitation, with events alleged to have unfolded between 1972 and 2015. The organisation firmly denies these charges, claiming they have been “taken out of context.”
Meanwhile, in Egypt, the landscape of women’s soccer is experiencing an exhilarating transformation. Matches are now televised, club support is soaring, and public perceptions are shifting to embrace the talents of female players. While these advancements symbolise progress after years of disparagement, the fight against discrimination and the financial inequality faced in comparison to men’s soccer remains an ongoing challenge.
In the northern province of Sierra Leone, Mariama Timbo is rewriting the narrative for women on wheels. With her pink motorbike, she transports people and goods, carving out a space for herself in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Through the support of an NGO and a grant, Mariama established the Bombali Bike Ladies group, empowering other women to learn how to ride motorbikes. This inspiring initiative not only provides women with newfound independence and employment opportunities but also challenges gender stereotypes and enhances access to healthcare. Mariama’s journey is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a more equitable future for women everywhere.
Euthanasia and Assisted Dying in Europe
The UK government has unveiled an impact assessment for the forthcoming Terminally Ill Bill, shedding light on the financial ramifications of proposed assisted dying legislation. This report estimates that approximately 1,300 individuals may seek assisted dying in the first year of the service, with projections suggesting that this figure could soar to over 4,500 patients by the tenth year of implementation. Furthermore, it highlights that the cost of end-of-life care for patients could be significantly reduced, by an estimated £10 million in the first year alone, and could approach nearly £60 million after a decade of the scheme.
These developments in the UK echo a growing trend throughout Western Europe, where various forms of assisted death have already found legal standing in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. Assisted dying encompasses both euthanasia and assisted suicide: in euthanasia, a physician administers medication to deliberately end a patient's life deliberately, whereas in assisted suicide, patients are prescribed medication that they must take themselves to embark on this final journey.
In nations that have embraced the legalisation of euthanasia, the choice to pursue this path is gaining momentum. In the Netherlands, the number of patients who opted for euthanasia surged by an astonishing 87% in 2023 compared to a decade earlier. Likewise, Belgium has witnessed a steady increase in the annual number of euthanasia procedures, reflecting a significant shift in societal attitudes toward end-of-life choices.
Bolivia's Cañahua and Durian Cultivation in Asia
Will cañahua, a traditional local crop, become the beacon of hope that prevents the forced migration of people from the Altiplano plateau in the Bolivian Andean highlands, driven by climate change and dwindling prospects? This often-overlooked cousin of quinoa boasts a rapid growth cycle and exhibits remarkable resilience against drought, pests, and frost. Rich in protein and nutrients, cañahua thrives in the salty soils of arid regions like the Andean highlands. Local communities passionately cultivate, promote, and market cañahua, hailed as a "superfood," which has secured a place in government subsidy packages for expectant and nursing mothers. It has also captured the attention of upscale restaurants and even found its way into meals designed for NASA astronauts.
In a different part of the world, Laos is making significant strides in durian cultivation, a fruit rapidly winning over the Chinese market. Since 2021, investors from China, Vietnam, and Malaysia have flocked to Laos to cultivate this sought-after delicacy, establishing vast plantations stretching over hundreds and thousands of hectares across the country’s northern, central, and southern regions. The costs of growing durian in Laos are notably lower than in Thailand, with the logistics of distribution effectively supported by the China-Laos Railway.
Meanwhile, Cambodia and China have forged a phytosanitary protocol that paves the way for exporting fresh Cambodian durians to China, along with agreements for exporting crocodiles and edible bird nests. In the past, large quantities of Cambodian durian were transshipped through Thailand and Vietnam, only to be re-exported to China under the pretence of being locally grown. Now, with these new protocols in place, Cambodian products can reach their destination more transparently, showcasing the rich agricultural potential of the region.
AI and Chatbots in the Job Market
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market, presenting challenges and opportunities for the workforce. While automation threatens to displace certain professions and limit prospects for young workers, it simultaneously opens new avenues for growth through upskilling and democratises access to diverse careers. With substantial investments from the European Union and China in skills development, companies are reimagining traditional career paths. These transformative changes may deepen existing inequalities but also promise to bridge gaps.
Interestingly, despite the swift advancements in AI technologies, research from Denmark reveals that chatbots have not sparked a seismic shift in the job market. Although their usage is widespread, they have not significantly influenced wages, working hours, or employment rates. Users experience notable benefits—averaging a time savings of 2.8%—but this efficiency has not translated into increased compensation. Moreover, rather than merely speeding up existing tasks, AI generates new responsibilities. While a revolutionary shift may be on the horizon, it appears to unfold more slowly than many had anticipated.
In this context, Duolingo's foreign language learning platform has unveiled its transition to an "AI-first" model, gradually replacing contractors with automated solutions. The company aims to assess employees and candidates based on their proficiency in leveraging AI to create learning content more swiftly and streamline operations. Although this shift will influence most departments, the focus is not on downsizing the workforce but on eliminating manual tasks to foster greater efficiency. Duolingo is poised to enhance innovation, much like its earlier leap into a mobile-first approach, embarking on a new chapter defined by creativity and advancement.