China leading the way on clean energy transition. Israel in paralysis. The potency of pessimism. Why conspiracy theories are so convincing. Why character often trumps capacity on the path to success.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
Adam Tooze, In China, clean energy is now THE driver of overall economic growth
(Chartbook Carbon Notes 10, 31 January 2024)
For those doubting that green investment can be a source of GDP growth, look no further than China where clean energy has become the principal source of growth (last year, clean energy accounted for 40% of overall GDP, a larger share than any other sector). And look at its scale: over the last two years, China’s green energy push dwarfs the ‘big’ green energy programs in the West (NextGenEU, IRA etc.). Chinese manufacturers are expanding production of solar, wind, batteries, and EV at breakneck speed, with competition driving prices and costs down at a rate never previously imagined. “Barring some unforeseen technological upset, China is set to be the leader in the first decades of the global clean energy transition” (free access, 10min+)
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Mairav Zonszein, Israel in Paralysis
(International Crisis Group, 26 January 2024)
As this short piece makes plain, a profound political crisis is gripping Israel as its Gaza campaign grinds on with no end in sight. It is far from accomplishing either of its two main war objectives: dismantling Hamas’s military and governing capacities and securing the release of its citizens held hostage. More than three months after the Israel-Gaza war started, Israel has neither a clear path to victory nor a feasible exit strategy. Meanwhile, the country’s global standing deteriorates and tensions with the US (its chief backer) increase. Perhaps more important, “discord among top politicians and between the political and military ranks spill out into the open” (free access, reads in 6-8 min).
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Maarten Boudry, The Seven Laws of Pessimism
(Quillette, 26 January 2024)
“If life is better than ever before, why does the world seem so depressing?” asks the philosopher. His response lies in the exposition of the seven laws of pessimism. (1) The Law of the Invisibility of Good News: Progress happens gradually and imperceptibly, while regress happens all at once and immediately grabs our attention. (2) The Law of The Velocity of Bad News: Nothing travels faster than the speed of light, except bad news. (3) The Law of Rubbernecking: The more gruesome the news, the more we lap it up. (4) The Law of Conservation of Outrage: No matter how much progress the world is achieving, the total amount of outrage remains constant. (5) The Law of Awful Attraction: If you don’t find bad news, bad news will find you. Read on (free access, 15 min).
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David Klepper, Days of Darkness: How one woman escaped the conspiracy theory trap that has ensnared millions
(AP, 31 January 2024)
Conspiracy theories abound, so too do the scientific articles trying to explain why so many people adhere to them. This article takes a simple but thorough look at conspiracy theories and those who believe them through the eyes and testimony of one woman. Social isolation and seeking a sense of self-importance often play a key role, with social media serving as an “echo chamber and social refuge” for conspiration theorists and their community (free access, reads in 6-8 min).
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Adam Grant, Grit and Graft Beat Genius
(World Economic Forum, 1 February 2024)
It’s character that matters. In this 3-min video, the renowned psychologist explains why character, not talent, will take you to the top. Contrary to the common assumption, character skills contribute more to success than cognitive skills; and yet most employers haven’t yet caught on to this (free video, 3 min and a few seconds).
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