Business | 25HourNews

Climate Change Threatens Kenya's Renowned Coffee Industry Kenya's Celebrated Coffee Faces Uncertain FutureIn the volcanic highlands of Komothai, nestled in Kenya's Rift Valley, coffee farmers like Simon Macharia face an uphill battle to sustain their livelihoods. Known for producing the world-renowned Kenya AA coffee beans, prized for their full body, deep aroma, and fruity flavor, these small-scale farmers are grappling with the dual threats of climate change and economic inequities.A Tradition Under ThreatCoffee farming in Kenya has been a legacy since the late 1890s when it was introduced by British colonial settlers. Today, the country is famed for its top-rated coffee, which is exported to high-end coffee houses across Europe.However, the labor-intensive process—from picking to pruning and fertilizing—requires unwavering dedication. Despite this, the economic returns remain starkly disproportionate to the final price consumers pay.Farm laborers, like Edita Mwangi, earn less than $2.30 per day—an amount insufficient to support their families. “They don’t know the poverty we suffer,” Mwangi shared, highlighting the harsh realities behind the rich aroma of a $4 cup of coffee enjoyed in European cafés.The Climate Crisis: A Growing ThreatKenyan coffee farming is particularly vulnerable to climate change. The coffee plant requires specific conditions—humid temperatures, regular rainfall, and consistent weather patterns. However, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts are disrupting this delicate balance.“Coffee production has decreased over the last few years,” says John Murigi, chairman of the Komothai Coffee Society, which represents 8,000 farmers.Farmers are also battling an increase in pests and diseases, such as coffee leaf miners and coffee berry disease, which can destroy up to 80% of crops. Many are turning to chemical solutions, including herbicides like glyphosate, banned in parts of Europe due to health risks.Water Scarcity and Resource StrainProducing a single cup of coffee requires up to 140 liters of water—a challenge in regions facing decreasing water supplies. Joseph Kimani, a farmer, notes that river levels have dropped significantly due to erratic rainfall. Increased reliance on river water is exacerbating the situation, further threatening the sustainability of coffee farming in Kiambu County.Global Implications for Coffee ProductionKenya’s challenges mirror a global trend. Coffee can only be grown in the “coffee belt,” tropical regions between 1
US Sanctions Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili for Undermining Georgia's Euro-Atlantic Future The United States has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, citing his role in derailing the country's Euro-Atlantic integration. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Ivanishvili and his party for leaving Georgia vulnerable to Russian influence. The sanctions are a response to Georgia's political crisis, which has been exacerbated by the party's controversial actions and suppression of opposition.Although Ivanishvili is not an elected official, he is considered the "honorary chairman" of the Georgian Dream party, which has been in power for 12 years. Despite Georgia's aspirations to align more closely with the West, particularly the European Union, Georgian Dream’s leadership has taken steps that are seen as undermining these goals. The party’s victory in recent elections, marred by allegations of fraud, triggered widespread protests and accusations of curtailing democratic freedoms.Ongoing Protests and Allegations of Electoral FraudIn the wake of the disputed elections, opposition members have boycotted Georgia’s new parliament, citing widespread fraud and voter intimidation. The situation has been further complicated by the suspension of EU accession talks, a decision that has sparked protests across the country. Riot police have clashed with demonstrators, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, while protestors have fought back with fireworks and stones.The political unrest has led to a standoff, with outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili, a pro-European figure, refusing to step down until new elections are held. Meanwhile, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City footballer and ally of Georgian Dream, is set to assume the presidency in the coming days. However, his election has been met with skepticism, particularly as it is seen as part of the ruling party’s continued dominance.Repression and Violations of Human Rights Under Georgian Dream’s LeadershipThe United States has strongly condemned the Georgian government’s actions under Ivanishvili’s leadership, particularly the violent repression of political opponents, media personnel, human rights activists, and protestors. According to Blinken, these actions have curtailed basic freedoms and left the country more susceptible to Russian influence, especially as Russia continues to occupy more than 20% of Georgian territory.The political situation in Georgia remains volatile, with widesprea
Barbados Fishing Industry Struggles to Recover from Hurricane Beryl's Aftermath In July, Hurricane Beryl unleashed its destructive power on Barbados, leaving significant damage in its wake. The island’s fishing fleet, a vital part of its economy and culture, was devastated in mere hours. At the temporary boatyard in Bridgetown, the capital, the visible damage is staggering: mangled and cracked vessels stacked high, their hulls punctured, rudders snapped off, and windows shattered. These boats, though battered, are among the lucky few that can be repaired and return to the sea.However, many boats did not survive, sinking to the ocean floor and taking with them the livelihoods of countless families. An estimated 75% of the active fleet was damaged, with 88 boats completely destroyed, leaving many fishermen without work and a source of income.Fishermen Face an Uphill Battle in Restoring Their LivelihoodsFor individuals like Charles Carter, a fisherman who owns the blue-and-black fishing vessel Joyce, the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl has been an overwhelming challenge. Carter, whose entire livelihood depends on fishing, recounts the harrowing process of repairing his vessel. "I had to change both sides of the hull, up to the waterline," he says, pointing to his now pristine boat. Months of restoration work and significant financial strain have kept him from fishing. Yet, despite the setbacks, Carter remains resilient. "The fishing industry is mash up," he says, referring to the widespread devastation felt by local fishermen.Despite these challenges, there are signs of recovery. Six months after the storm, some vessels have been restored and are slowly being returned to the water. On a warm Saturday morning, repaired boats, including Joyce, were successfully lifted by crane and launched back into the ocean, supported by government assistance. This marks a small victory for the island's fishing community.The Growing Threat of Climate Change on Barbados' Fishing IndustryWhile the recovery is welcome, the fishing industry in Barbados faces a much larger threat—climate change. Fishermen and experts alike worry that the island's increasingly active and powerful Atlantic hurricane seasons will continue to devastate the industry. Hurricane Beryl, for example, was the earliest-forming Category 5 storm on record, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of such storms in the future.Dr. Shelly Ann Cox, Barbados' Chief Fisheries Officer, explains that local fishermen have reported noticeable changes in sea condition
Apple Urged to Remove AI Feature After Misleading Headline on High-Profile Murder Case Apple has come under scrutiny following a significant error by its new AI-powered notification summarization tool, Apple Intelligence. The feature, launched in the UK in late 2024, groups together notifications on iPhones, providing users with concise summaries of news stories. However, the technology recently created a misleading headline about Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York, USA.The AI-powered summary wrongly suggested that Mangione had shot himself—a claim that was entirely untrue. The false notification sparked concern among media outlets, particularly after it was shared as part of a notification grouping, which also covered news about Syria and South Korea.The False Headline and Public OutcryThe incorrect notification attributed on the iPhone screen of users who were using the Apple Intelligence feature. It read: Syrian mother hopes Assad pays the price; South Korea police raid Yoon Suk Yeol's office."The problem arose because the AI summary misrepresented Mangione's case, which was, in fact, about him being charged with first-degree murder, not any act of self-harm. Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a major international journalism organization, quickly condemned the error. The organization expressed deep concern about the growing risks posed by generative AI tools, especially those used in news summarization. The group pointed out that AI-generated summaries, such as the one in this case, are not always reliable and may spread misinformation.Vincent Berthier, the head of RSF's technology and journalism desk, highlighted the inherent risks of AI in journalism, emphasizing that AI tools cannot be relied upon to determine facts, as they are based on probabilistic models. "AIs are probability machines, and facts can't be decided by a roll of the dice," he remarked, calling on Apple to remove the feature entirely to protect the integrity of the media.Previous Mistakes by Apple IntelligenceA notification incorrectly stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been "arrested," when in fact, the article was reporting that an arrest warrant had been issued for Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This misinterpretation was flagged by journalist Ken Schwencke, who shared a screenshot of the notification on social media platform Bluesky.The Apple Intelligence Notification SystemApple Intelligence is designed to provide users with quick, digestible news updates by
Lost Art Fair "Luna Luna" Revived: A Journey Through Decades of Forgotten Fantasy The fantastical art funfair Luna Luna, a unique project from the 1980s, has been resurrected decades after it was abandoned in storage. Originally conceived by Austrian artist and creative André Heller in the 1970s, Luna Luna was a groundbreaking art exhibition that brought together the most celebrated artists of the time to design fairground attractions. The event featured a carousel by Keith Haring, a Ferris wheel by Jean-Michel Basquiat, and a pavilion by David Hockney, among other innovative works. It was a once-in-a-lifetime cultural event that, for a brief summer, allowed children and adults alike to interact with art in an entirely new and immersive way.Visitors wandered through Roy Lichtenstein’s hall of mirrors, admired Salvador Dali’s surreal fun dome, and sampled biscuits decorated by artist Gertie Frölich. Actors dressed as nuns and flamingos brought a whimsical touch to the experience. However, despite its early success, Luna Luna’s plans for a grand European tour fell apart, leading to an extensive legal battle and the eventual dismantling of the fair. The attractions were packed away and forgotten for decades, only to be rediscovered in recent years.From Forgotten Fair to a Modern Art RevivalAmerican entrepreneur Michael Goldberg’s chance discovery of Luna Luna on an art blog set the stage for the fair's revival. Although unfamiliar to many in the art world, Luna Luna captivated Goldberg, who wrote to Heller with an idea to bring the project back. Heller revealed that the fair’s original attractions had been stored in 44 shipping containers in Austin, Texas, since their disassembly in the late 1980s.The fair’s original success was short-lived; it opened in 1987 and ran for only three months before financial troubles led Heller to sell the exhibition to an American foundation. Despite the foundation’s initial reluctance to proceed with the sale, Luna Luna was stored away, awaiting its rediscovery decades later. Goldberg, undeterred by the years of uncertainty, rallied investors, including global rap star Drake, to purchase and restore Luna Luna’s treasures, sight unseen.Unveiling the Treasures of Luna LunaUpon opening the first shipping container, Goldberg feared the worst – much of the fair's merchandise had been destroyed by years of neglect. However, upon uncovering a second container, he was greeted by the sight of Haring’s carousel, Basquiat’s Ferris wheel, and other exhibits in remarkably good condition, offer
High Street Faces Boxing Day Decline as Shoppers Turn to Online Sales Boxing Day, once a key date for post-Christmas shopping, has seen a noticeable decline in footfall across UK high streets and shopping centres this year. According to recent data from MRI Software, footfall on UK high streets was down by 9.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year, while shopping centres experienced a 5.1% decrease in visitors by 8 p.m. GMT. These numbers suggest that the traditional Boxing Day shopping rush is becoming less of a retail event, with many consumers preferring to shop from the comfort of their homes instead.The Rise of Online ShoppingThis year’s Boxing Day sales figures point to the continuing dominance of online shopping. Many shoppers are choosing the convenience of online deals over in-store visits, a trend that has been ongoing for several years. Despite major retailers like John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Next opting to keep most of their stores closed to allow staff some holiday rest, shoppers are still expected to spend significant amounts, though mostly through online platforms.Jenni Matthews from MRI Software highlighted that this shift reflects the broader change in consumer behavior, especially influenced by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Consumers are now more conscious of where they spend, with many opting for the lower overhead costs of online retailers, which don't have the same energy expenses and staffing costs as brick-and-mortar stores.The Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on RetailData so far suggests that in-store visits are 20.5% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Analysts attribute this decline in part to the financial pressures many shoppers are facing. Rising energy costs, coupled with the need for overtime pay for retail staff working on a public holiday, are making physical stores more expensive to operate. On the other hand, online stores, which often offer discounts and promotions, are much more cost-effective for both retailers and consumers.Sales in clothing stores have already reached their lowest point since January 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics, further indicating that economic pressures are affecting retail spending.UK Retail Parks Show Slightly Better PerformanceWhile high streets and shopping centres have seen significant drops in footfall, UK retail parks have fared slightly better, with only a 6.1% fall in visitors compared to last year. Retail parks, which often offer free parking and larger stores, are proving to be more appealing to shoppers, especially fo
UK Economy Experiences Zero Growth Between July and September: Official Revised Data The UK economy saw zero growth between July and September of 2023, according to revised official figures. This update follows a series of disappointing economic reports, including rising inflation at its fastest pace in eight months and an unexpected economic contraction in October.This revised figure is a blow to the government, which has prioritized boosting economic growth. Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged that the challenge of repairing the economy after "15 years of neglect" is significant. Meanwhile, shadow chancellor Mel Stride critiqued the Labour government's handling of the economy, saying Monday's figures indicated "growth has tanked on Labour's watch."Business Groups Express ConcernsThe Confederation of British Industry (CBI), a leading business group representing 170,000 firms, warned that the economy is heading toward a "steep decline in activity," with expectations for the first three months of 2025 at their weakest in over two years. Their recent survey, conducted between November 25 and December 12, shows that businesses across all industries are bracing for a tough start to the new year.Additionally, a survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed concerns over a "January spending squeeze." Retailers are facing declining sales growth, leading them to raise prices or cut costs, including store closures and hiring freezes.Impact on Businesses and ConsumersMick Dore, general manager of the Alexander Pub in Wimbledon, shared concerns about rising costs due to the planned increase in National Insurance Contributions for businesses. He noted that although December has been a busy month with work parties, the rising costs in April could affect the pub's operations. Despite these challenges, Dore remained optimistic, believing that the business will manage to weather the storm.Looking Ahead: Potential Recession?Several economists have weighed in on the current economic climate, with Paul Dales, chief economist at Capital Economics, suggesting that while some businesses and households have paused spending and investment, it is still early to see the full impact of Labour policies. He believes that the UK could see a boost in the second half of 2024 as the effects of higher interest rates subside.However, Simon French, chief economist at Panmure Liberum, noted that the revised figures indicate a loss of momentum in the economy. He raised concerns about whether this is a typical slowdown following a general election or a more serious e
Brazil Halts BYD Factory Construction Over ‘Slavery’ Conditions Brazilian authorities have suspended the construction of a new electric vehicle (EV) factory for Chinese automaker BYD in the northeastern state of Bahia. The decision follows allegations that workers were subjected to conditions described as "slavery-like" under Brazilian law.The halted project, initially scheduled to be operational by March 2025, was set to become BYD's first EV manufacturing facility outside Asia, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion plans.Workers Rescued from Degrading ConditionsMore than 160 workers were rescued by the Public Labour Prosecutor’s Office (MPT) from facilities in the city of Camaçari, where they were living in dire circumstances.At one lodging, workers were forced to sleep on beds without mattresses, while others had to share a single bathroom among 31 people. Prosecutors described the living conditions as “alarming” and degrading, adding that many workers had their wages withheld and faced excessive penalties for terminating their contracts.Under Brazilian law, slavery-like conditions include forced labor, debt bondage, and situations that violate human dignity.BYD Responds to AllegationsBYD, one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers, said in a statement that it had severed ties with the construction firm responsible, Jinjiang Construction Brazil. The company emphasized its commitment to complying with Brazilian labor laws."Affected workers have been moved to hotels, and a detailed review of working and living conditions for subcontracted employees has been conducted," BYD said. It also noted that it had repeatedly urged the contractor to improve conditions prior to the intervention.Global Expansion Meets Local ChallengesThe factory in Bahia was part of BYD’s $484.2 million investment in Brazil, its largest overseas market. The company already operates a factory in São Paulo, producing electric bus chassis since 2015.This expansion effort reflects BYD’s ambition to dominate the global EV market. The automaker surpassed Tesla in EV sales during the last quarter of 2023, becoming the largest EV manufacturer worldwide.Backlash Against Chinese EV MakersWhile BYD has benefited from government subsidies in China, helping it compete globally, its overseas expansion has not been without controversy. Major markets like the US and EU have imposed tariffs on Chinese EV imports, citing concerns over unfair government support for domestic manufacturers.The labor violations in Brazil could fu