Here’s a quick look at some of the major developments that might be of interest to those who like to stay informed and prepared. If you think we missed something important, feel free to drop a comment below.
Hong Kong on the Edge
This week saw a dramatic escalation in tensions in Hong Kong, with protests turning increasingly violent. Here are some key updates:
- CNBC's Beijing Bureau Chief Eunice Yoon reported that Chinese authorities were evacuating mainland students from Hong Kong by boat, while others used taxis and private cars to reach Shenzhen. The Communist Youth League in Shenzhen reportedly offered free accommodation and meals.
- While Yoon suggested the move was likely due to parental concerns, other reports indicate the evacuation was mandatory and ordered by Chinese officials.
- Bloomberg noted that Hong Kong banks are advising staff to cancel meetings, stay close to family, and remain cautious.
- Schools across the city have been closed as protests continue, with students barricading campuses and disrupting daily life.
- The U.S. Senate is moving quickly to pass the "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act." Consider contacting your senator if you support this legislation.
- As a bonus, the image gallery in this CNN article is absolutely haunting — one of the most dystopian collections I've seen in a long time.
What it means: Many are worried about an imminent crackdown similar to Tiananmen Square, though there may be a key difference: while Tiananmen was broadcast live, a Kashmir-style internet blackout could occur before any major action takes place.
As a global financial hub, Hong Kong plays a crucial role in the world economy. A prolonged shutdown could send shockwaves through global markets. However, predicting such events based on market movements is tricky — political decisions made behind closed doors can be hard to anticipate. This makes early warning signs rare, and the markets may not react until it's too late.
Two Cases of Deadly Pneumonic Plague in China
Pneumonic plague, the same disease responsible for the Black Death that devastated Europe in the Middle Ages, is one of the most lethal bacterial infections. It spreads through airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes. Two cases have been confirmed in Beijing, following two recent outbreaks in Mongolia.
Key points:
- Early treatment with antibiotics can be highly effective.
- There are typically around seven plague cases reported annually in the U.S., often in rural areas with prairie dogs.
- Right now, the main concern is the lack of transparency from the Chinese government regarding the situation.
Climate Change Updates
Climate-related news continues to dominate headlines. Here's a quick summary of what's happening:
- Venice is facing its highest tide in 50 years, with the mayor attributing the event to climate change.
- Eleven thousand scientists have issued a warning about a “climate emergency†and potential widespread suffering if action isn’t taken soon.
- Climate change is threatening America’s nuclear waste storage facilities.
- Rising temperatures are posing specific risks to child health.
- Researchers suggest climate change may be contributing to the collapse of military armories.
- New studies also link climate change to the fall of ancient civilizations.
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