WHO Director-General Warns of Inevitable Next Pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has stated that future pandemics are "not a theoretical risk but an epidemiological certainty." Speaking at a recent WHO meeting, he emphasized that the next global health crisis could occur imminently or within the next two decades, stressing the importance of preparedness. Ghebreyesus pointed out the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has officially claimed over 7 million lives, though estimates suggest the true toll may be as high as 20 million. He also highlighted the economic implications, stating that the pandemic resulted in losses exceeding $10 trillion globally. During the discussions, he advocated for the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which aims to bolster international cooperation without undermining member states' sovereignty. "The agreement will strengthen national sovereignty and enhance global action," he noted, hoping for consensus among nations to advance the initiative. Preparedness, according to Ghebreyesus, is crucial as the world continues to navigate the aftermath of COVID-19.

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.