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Disease X and the next virus threat: when will a new pandemic hit?

The threat of a new pandemic, caused by a novel virus or disease X, is real. A combination of global factors creates an environment conducive to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. These factors include ecological, societal, and geopolitical drivers, which are increasingly interconnected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is not a question of if but when it strikes.

Stagflation and Climate Change: A Double Edged Sword

The relationship between stagflation and climate change is complex, with climate change more likely to cause stagflation rather than the other way around. However, as the US is finding these days, when stagflation is caused by policy change, that, too, can influence the development of climate change in several ways. It works particularly through its economic impact, energy transition challenges, consumer behavior, and policy implications.

Global Grid Expansion Struggles to Keep Up with Rising Electricity Demand

Efforts to expand and modernize electricity transmission grids worldwide are facing increasing challenges as supply chain constraints worsen, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Procurement lead times and costs for essential components—such as power transformers and cables—have nearly doubled since 2021, creating significant hurdles for grid development.

Inequality Lives in Cities: Lessons from Ancient Rome to Modern Cities

Urban inequality has long been a defining feature of human civilization, the distribution of wealth and resources within cities. Recent findings underscore the persistent nature of inequality, revealing that disparities in wealth have been intrinsic to urban life since ancient times. These insights provide valuable lessons for contemporary urban development and policy planning.