As global temperatures rise, access to air conditioning is becoming a critical factor for survival during extreme heat waves. The article, by Mark Wolfe, argues that without widespread cooling access, vulnerable populations face severe health risks. This underscores the growing inequality in climate adaptation and the urgent need for policy solutions.
China's economy expanded at one of its weakest paces in recent history, reflecting ongoing challenges in its property sector and sluggish domestic demand. The lower growth figure underscores the broader slowdown in the world's second-largest economy, which has implications for global trade and financial markets.
The US Department of Energy has taken down more than 1,600 webpages offering tips on lowering utility bills. This removal comes during a period of extreme heat across the country, making the guidance especially critical for consumers facing higher cooling costs. The move could leave many without easy access to money-saving advice when they need it most.
The OECD has recommended that the UK Labour Party abandon its commitment to the triple-lock on state pensions, which guarantees annual increases by the highest of inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%. The organization argues the policy is unsustainable and costly. This matters as Labour is a major political party and any change would affect millions of retirees and public finances.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer is conducting his last cabinet meeting and Prime Minister's Questions session as his tenure ends. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is poised to win the Labour leadership race, marking a significant shift in the party's direction. This transition could reshape UK opposition politics.
Thames Water, the UK's largest water utility, announced it has sufficient funding to operate through the end of the year, averting an immediate liquidity crisis. The company has been grappling with high debt levels, regulatory fines, and calls for renationalization. Its financial stability is critical for millions of customers and the broader UK infrastructure.
China's GDP growth slowed more than expected in the latest quarter, falling below the government's annual target for the year. The sharp decline raises concerns about the health of the world's second-largest economy and its potential ripple effects on global markets and trade.
Employees filed a lawsuit alleging Meta used an AI algorithm to disproportionately select workers on medical or parental leave for layoffs. The company denies the claims. The case raises concerns about AI bias in employment decisions.
Subaru is recalling more than 540,000 SUVs after U.S. regulators identified a weight calculation error that could affect vehicle safety compliance. The recall follows a probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This affects a large number of vehicles and highlights potential risks in manufacturer calculations.