Global Crisis Watch 234

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  • Global Crisis Watch 234
  • Friday, 7th July 2023 at 10:00 /BST/
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The highlighted topics will include:

Proposal to dredge the deep ocean for minerals

The deep sea is a pristine ecosystem, largely untouched by human activity. However, deep-sea mining is an emerging industry that poses significant dangers to life on Earth and could start as early as July 2023, significantly disturbing its delicate environment. There have been calls from the international scientific community to stop the rush towards any deep-sea mining activity and scale up investment in deep-sea research, reform the International Seabed Authority (ISA), ensure the protection of deep-sea biodiversity and invest in and implement circular economy solutions. This will help to protect our ocean and the people who depend on it, as well as the deeply connected planetary wide eco-system, from the devastating consequences of deep-sea mining.

Continuing disturbances in France

Following the shooting of a 17-year-old boy by police in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, the country has been experiencing a wave of protests. 2023 has been a turbulent year in France so far. Scenes have emerged of people setting fires to vehicles, smashing windows and climbing onto buildings, while riot police officers fiercely clashed with demonstrators. The unrest prompted a crisis response from French President Emmanuel Macron, who held an emergency meeting with ministers. Hundreds have been arrested.

Israeli incursions into Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank

Israeli military forces recently attacked a refugee camp in the northern West Bank, leading to intense fighting. Palestinian militants set off bombs, while Israeli helicopters targeted gunmen to rescue trapped soldiers. At least five Palestinians were killed, including a 15-year-old boy, and over 90 others were wounded, while seven Israeli soldiers were wounded as well. The Israeli military said forces stormed into the Jenin refugee camp in the early morning to arrest two wanted militants and faced fierce resistance.

Saudi ‘Sports Washing’: The next global soccer super-power?

Saudi Arabia wants to improve its top football competition, the Saudi Pro League, by attracting more outside investors and bringing in star players from Europe. They are discussing new broadcast deals and partnerships with private equity companies to make the league more popular. Global stars who have joined the league include major players from the top teams in Europe. The country's wealth fund and state oil firm have taken control of some Pro League clubs to increase their value and then sell stakes to investors, including global private equity firms. This is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to diversify the economy away from oil and open up more to tourism.

Plus all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world.

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