ESG, Climate, and Energy: Deregulation in Europe, AI Power Crisis, and Rising Costs of Weather Disasters
From December 11–18, 2025, EU institutions drastically simplified sustainability reporting, COP30 in Belém raised climate adaptation funding
USA Withdraw from UN Environmental Assembly as China and Kenya Call for Reforms
At the 7th UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, 186 countries adopted 11 environmental resolutions despite the formal US withdrawal from outcomes.
Chinese Economist Warns: Deficit Policy Could Drag Beijing Into Debt Crisis
Liu Xiaoshu warns China’s record deficit and debt could lead to a debt crisis similar to Japan’s and Greece’s.
Pensions, Insurance, and Personal Finance: Key Recent Changes and Risks
In the USA, one of the largest pension system changes in years took place. On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates two controversial mechanisms: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These rules had for decades reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who worked in…
Norway Revokes SalMar’s Salmon Farm License After Incident and Animal Welfare Violations
Norway revokes SalMar’s Arctic Ocean Farming license over fish welfare breaches and salmon escape. Offshore farm future in doubt.
Global Real Estate Market: CRE Slowdown in the USA, Multifamily Boom, and Regulatory Shakeup in the UK
In October 2025, the commercial real estate (CRE) market in USA saw its first decline in transaction volume in nearly two years[1]. The value of sold CRE assets fell year-on-year, breaking a streak of growth and revealing a growing deadlock between buyers and sellers. Sales reached $24.4 billion[2], about 70% of the level from October 2019. Overall, in the first nine…
Australian Teens Bypass Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Since December 10, Australia imposed a nationwide ban on social media use for under-16s, but young users continue finding ways to bypass restrictions.
South Korea Becomes the First Country to Implement Comprehensive AI Regulations
South Korea announced that from January 22, 2026, a national AI framework law will come into force, making it a pioneer in AI regulation.
AI Chatbots Overtake Human Connections at Work: New Productivity or Isolation Risk?
AI chatbots are replacing human collaboration at work. Productivity rises, but experts warn of isolation and weakening team bonds.
China at a Crossroads: Historic Investment Decline Amid Record Trade Surplus
China records historic investment decline amid record trade surplus. Beijing pledges support for domestic demand but lacks detailed plans.