WHO Chief Warns Next Pandemic is Inevitable, Urges Global Preparedness

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent tariff proposals are threatening to plunge the World Trade Organization (WTO) into its most significant crisis since its inception in 1995, according to experts Jannik Belser and Benjamin Triebe. The Trump administration's plans to reassess all U.S. trade relations aim to counter perceived unfair practices with reciprocal tariffs, potentially undermining the multilateral trade framework established by 166 member countries. Experts warn that Trump's approach contradicts the WTO’s foundational principles, which promote non-discrimination and dispute resolution among members. The WTO was created to facilitate free trade and has struggled with internal dysfunctions for years. Its dispute resolution mechanism has been incapacitated due to U.S. blockades against appointing new judges, rendering the organization less effective, stated economist Ralph Ossa. Professor Joost Pauwelyn cautioned that Trump's tactics could trigger a domino effect that dismantles established multilateral trade regulations, leaving smaller nations particularly vulnerable. As tensions escalate, the future of the WTO and global trade stability hangs in the balance.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a groundbreaking material that can extract moisture from the air, potentially transforming indoor air quality. The team utilized waste materials from marble quarrying combined with metakaolin and an alkaline solution, which they fabricated into walls and ceilings using a 3D printer. Their experiments, which simulated conditions in a public library reading room, demonstrated a significant reduction in humidity when the space was occupied by multiple people. According to building physicist Magda Posani, "We were able to demonstrate with numerical simulations that the building components can significantly reduce humidity in heavily used indoor spaces." This innovation could pave the way for cheaper and more environmentally friendly building solutions, replacing energy-intensive mechanical ventilation systems typically used in offices and schools. The researchers aim to contribute to Switzerland’s ambitious net zero emissions goal by 2050, showcasing how advancements in building materials can address environmental challenges while enhancing the comfort of indoor environments.

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has created an innovative building material capable of extracting water from the air, potentially transforming indoor air quality. The scientists designed walls and ceilings that can absorb humidity, storing moisture for later ventilation, thereby addressing the increasing concern for air quality heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to building physicist Magda Posani, one of the study's leaders. The breakthrough utilizes waste from marble quarrying combined with metakaolin and an alkaline solution to produce these moisture-absorbing structures via 3D printing. Testing conducted in a simulated library environment with 15 occupants revealed significant humidity reductions, suggesting effective management of indoor moisture levels. This development could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional mechanical ventilation, which is often energy-intensive and costly. As Switzerland aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, such innovations are crucial for constructing environmentally friendly buildings, according to the researchers. There are additional solutions emerging in this field, such as moisture-absorbing paints developed by Adept Materials, further enhancing air quality management technologies.