Green Hydrogen, Pro-Nuclear Alliance, and Shadow Fleet
Outriders Magazine #350
Russia: Nationalization of Businesses, Shadow Fleets, and North Korean Workers
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian prosecutors have launched a wave of nationalization cases, resulting in the seizure of corporate assets valued at an astonishing $21.5 billion. This aggressive shift has intensified the authorities' crackdown on businesspeople with dual citizenship or those residing abroad, targeting individuals under laws that ban foreign control of strategic assets. Among the prominent companies affected are Makfa JSC, the country’s largest pasta producer; Rolf, a leading automotive dealership; and the Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Plant, a vital producer of ferrous alloys.
In a striking development, the South Korea National Intelligence Service (NIS) reports that, in 2024, at the behest of Russian authorities, thousands of workers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) were dispatched to Russia to alleviate a labour shortage. This influx has enabled Russian civilian workers to transition into critical roles within the defence industry or engage directly in Ukraine's conflict. Last year alone, over 13,000 North Koreans made the journey to Russia.
Meanwhile, the European Union is contemplating the bold step of seizing Russian tankers in the Baltic Sea in response to incidents involving a sanctions-busting “shadow fleet.” Under new regulations, the legal confiscation of ships for environmental violations or acts of piracy is now permitted. Alarmingly, the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) warns that these outdated Russian vessels pose a significant oil spill risk to the coastal nations of the EU. Estonian authorities further report that an alarming 50% of sanctioned Russian oil flows through the Gulf of Finland, underscoring the situation's urgency.
Climate: The Cracking Ice of Greenland and Life-Saving Heat
The Greenland ice sheet is undergoing a dramatic transformation, breaking apart at an alarming rate due to the relentless impact of climate change. Research led by Durham University, using cutting-edge, high-resolution 3D mapping, reveals that the cracks along the ice sheet's rapidly moving edges have widened significantly between 2016 and 2021. This alarming deterioration threatens to accelerate ice loss further, propelling glaciers toward the ocean and heightening the risk of rising sea levels. If current trends continue, Greenland could contribute an astonishing 30 centimetres to sea levels by 2100.
Meanwhile, experts at the Columbia Climate School warn that approximately 1 billion hectares of our planet—an area comparable in size to the United States—could reach dangerously high temperatures by mid-century. This alarming forecast represents a threefold increase in land currently susceptible to these health-threatening conditions. Particularly vulnerable regions include South Asia, South America, parts of West Africa, and the southeastern United States, all facing the grim prospect of an average global temperature rise of 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, the unrelenting heatwave has forced schools to take the extraordinary step of suspending classes. The start of the academic year was delayed following a court ruling that echoed the concerns of the teachers' union, which argued that classrooms were inadequately equipped with ventilation and water supplies essential for student well-being. In Quaraí, a city bordering Uruguay, the temperature soared to a staggering 43.8°C in early February, highlighting the urgent need for action in the face of escalating climate challenges.
Humanitarian Challenges: Loss of Funding, Crime, and Gang Violence
The recent decision by the Trump administration to cut USAID funding in Uganda has resulted in the heartbreaking closure of specialized HIV/AIDS clinics and pharmacies that offer vital antiretroviral drugs. This upheaval has placed immense stress on health workers and the patients who depend on them. Over the past few decades, Uganda has made commendable strides in the battle against HIV, reducing infection rates from 19% to an impressive 5%. However, the loss of this funding threatens to unravel these achievements, forcing patients into overcrowded public hospitals that cannot meet their needs. Experts warn that these international aid cuts will have catastrophic consequences for Uganda and the global community, heavily relying on U.S. humanitarian relief support.
In a striking UN report, evidence has emerged that the former government of Bangladesh bears responsibility for crimes against humanity, including mass killings, torture, and other heinous acts of violence during a brutal crackdown on opposition protests in 2024. This report exposes systematic efforts to suppress political dissent, resulting in tragic civilian casualties. The UN urgently calls for an independent investigation and accountability for these gravely troubling actions.
Meanwhile, in Haiti, Amnesty International has raised the alarm about children being horrifically exploited by gangs. These innocent young lives are being forced to carry weapons, engage in criminal contracts, and act as reluctant spies. Faced with overwhelming hunger and fear, they are lured into a life of crime. At the same time, girls and young women endure unspeakable sexual violence, leading to unwanted pregnancies and a rise in sexually transmitted diseases. Amnesty International is fervently urging the Haitian government to take action by providing essential support for children through education, mental health services, and legal assistance. They are also appealing for international help to break this devastating cycle of violence and restore hope to future generations.
Economic Issues in Canada, Germany, and China
A report from Statistics Canada highlights the detrimental impact of escalating regulations on the country’s economic growth between 2006 and 2021, where 1.7 percentage points curtailed business sector GDP growth. The study unveils a staggering 37% increase in regulatory requirements during this timeframe, culminating in over 300,000 regulations. These burdensome changes have contributed to a deceleration in employment and productivity, stifling business investment. Experts assert that by eliminating trade barriers between provinces, Canada’s GDP could soar by an impressive seven percentage points.
Meanwhile, in Germany, a coalition of bankers and academics passionately urges the new government to invigorate the financial sector, aiming to direct savings towards capital markets. Confronted with pressing challenges such as soaring energy prices, security apprehensions, and the urgent realities of climate change, this group calls for transformative reforms that could catalyze economic growth. Their compelling recommendations include introducing a groundbreaking pension plan, streamlining corporate reporting requirements, and bolstering support for ambitious start-ups.
In China, the economy grapples with significant hurdles despite a momentary uptick in consumer spending that saw the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rise by 0.5% in January. The nation remains mired in a deflationary spiral, propelled by feeble domestic consumption, dwindling industrial production, the repercussions of new U.S. tariffs, and a decline in consumer confidence—especially in the aftermath of the pandemic and a faltering real estate sector. While the government has taken steps to ease monetary policy and implement stimulus measures, the interplay of these factors and diminishing global demand for Chinese goods threatens to jeopardize domestic stability and international confidence.
Dementia Immunity and Ultrasound Treatment for Depression
Scientists have made a remarkable discovery, identifying nine genetic variants that may have granted an extraordinary 61-year-old patient an unexpected immunity to dementia—delaying its onset by at least two decades. This case is only the third of its kind documented in medical history. Surprisingly, when examined, the man's brain was filled with amyloid, giving it the appearance of a typical Alzheimer ’s-affected brain. Yet, it lacked tau protein clumps, typically forming tangled strands inside neurons. These groundbreaking findings challenge the long-held belief that amyloid is a primary contributor to Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, this suggests that reducing tau's spread within the brain could be a critical strategy in delaying or even halting the progression of dementia.
In another exciting development, the NHS is set to embark on a groundbreaking trial to transform the lives of patients suffering from mood disorders. Utilizing an innovative brain-computer interface, this approach will manipulate brain activity through ultrasound. Developed by the U.S. non-profit organization Forest Neurotech, this pioneering implant is thoughtfully placed beneath the skull, just outside the brain, offering hope to those grappling with conditions such as depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and epilepsy.
Moreover, a recent study led by UCLA Health researchers on mice revealed that genes involved in DNA mismatch repair are pivotal in damaging the neurons most vulnerable to Huntington’s disease. This damage not only triggers further pathology but also leads to significant motor impairment. These findings illuminate the disease's complex mechanisms and open up exciting new avenues for targeted treatments, fostering hope for those affected by this devastating condition.
Women Creators in the Arts: From West Africa to Shakespeare's England
The 1957 Gallery in Accra, Ghana, has unveiled a powerful new exhibition featuring the evocative works of Hawa Awanle Ayiboro. Through her captivating paintings, Ayiboro invites viewers into the tumultuous landscape of her childhood, shining a light on the struggles and triumphs surrounding the emancipation of women in West Africa. Each piece reflects her deeply personal experiences, including her courageous stand against an arranged marriage to a much older man at just 12 years old. According to UNICEF, more than 2 million girls in Ghana have been brides, and startlingly, one in five girls is married or in a relationship before reaching the age of 18.
Meanwhile, the Sigmund Freud Museum in London is hosting a thought-provoking exhibition titled "Women & Freud: Patients, Pioneers, Artists," running through May. This exhibition skillfully weaves together art and psychology, exploring Freud's often intricate and conflicted relationships with women. Through a rich tapestry of visual and historical materials, it celebrates the women who were not just peripheral figures in Freud's life but co-creators of his influential work.
In addition, Ramie Targoff's illuminating book, "Women & Freud: Patients, Pioneers, Artists: Shakespeare’s Sisters," shines a spotlight on four remarkable women writers from the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. Among them is Elizabeth Cary, the trailblazing author of "The Tragedy of Mariam," recognized as the first original play by a woman published in English. Another pioneering figure, Emilia Lanier, the first English poet to be published, is believed to have authored the earliest volume of feminist poetry. Her poignant work, "Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum," published in 1611, offers a compelling and intimate perspective on Christ’s suffering, told through a distinctly female lens.
Energy Independence: A Pro-Nuclear Alliance and Green Hydrogen
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have disconnected from the Russian power grid, a significant step towards energy independence after more than 30 years of using the infrastructure as independent states and previously as Soviet republics. The move, made in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, ended the Baltic states' dependence on Russian energy, which was around 10% before 2022. The three countries' networks have now been integrated with Europe's, giving them complete control over their energy systems.
A new pro-nuclear alliance, launched in Paris by the European industry lobby, aims to create a European nuclear ecosystem and strengthen the voice of nuclear supporters. The alliance will include 15 business organisations. The UK and Italy will sign a joint statement, while Spain, Greece, Ireland and Portugal will participate as observers. The alliance's aims include securing institutional support, overcoming barriers to investment in nuclear power and gaining access to EU funding.
The EU's green hydrogen targets are hard to meet. Last year, Europe failed to produce 6 million tonnes of green hydrogen, and experts doubt the 10 million tonne target by 2030 will be met. EU rules require combining hydrogen production with renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, to prevent coal-fired electricity production. The European Commission has until July 2028 to assess whether the current rules hamper market development.
Outrage in Italy and Mass Graves Discovered in Libya
Osama “Al Masri” Njeem, the head of the Libyan Judicial Police, was apprehended in Italy under an International Criminal Court warrant on serious charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, in a stunning turn of events, he was released two days later due to “errors” in the warrant. Njeem, who has notorious connections to Libyan militias, is accused of heinous acts, including murder, torture, and human trafficking, particularly within the grim confines of migrant camps. His release has ignited a fierce backlash in Italy, where human rights organizations have vehemently denounced the government's actions as a glaring example of hypocrisy.
Moreover, the United Nations has tragically revealed that the bodies of migrants uncovered in two mass graves in Libya bear the harrowing marks of gunshot wounds. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed profound shock at this discovery, which emerged following a police raid that rescued hundreds of individuals trapped in the clutches of human traffickers. These graves were found in Jakharrah and Kufra, where at least 49 lifeless bodies have been recovered, with the grim possibility that the count could reach as many as 70. The IOM has drawn urgent attention to the rampant violence and severe abuses endured by migrants, calling on Libyan authorities to ensure the respectful recovery and identification of the deceased, as well as offer compassionate support to the families of the victims.