About this Episode
Russia’s renewed strikes on Black Sea ports and vessels have choked Ukraine’s vital grain exports, raising fears of a global food crisis, rising prices in importing countries, economic strain on Ukrainian farmers and industry, and a potential migration surge toward Europe. Before the escalation Ukraine shipped about 6 million tonnes monthly via Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdenny; sea exports are now down as traders avoid the routes and alternative “solidarity lanes” face capacity, tariff and drought limits. EU ministers urged a ceasefire and discussed advancing loan support to cover a growing €23bn shortfall, while debates continue over using frozen Russian assets.
The EU has suspended imports of Brazilian meat (beef, poultry, eggs, honey) after Brasília failed to provide guarantees that its products meet EU rules on antimicrobial use and food safety. A May vote by national experts placed Brazil off the EU’s compliant list, so the ban took effect Sept 3. Audits of poultry and honey began based on written assurances and may restore some imports pending results; no equivalent guarantees were given for beef, where lifetime-animal controls are required. The suspension intensifies controversy over the Mercosur–EU trade deal, which faces opposition from EU farmers and a stalled ratification process in the European Parliament amid legal challenges. Technical talks between Brazil and the Commission continue.
El Niño is intensifying into a potentially record-breaking event, with sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific rising well above average and forecasts suggesting it could be the strongest since at least 1950, lasting into early 2027. The WMO and UN warn of widespread impacts: heavier rains, stronger typhoons and floods in some regions (eastern Africa, southern US, parts of South America, China) and severe drought, wildfires and marine heatwaves in others (Southeast Asia, Australia, Central America). Countries are strengthening early warnings, cloud-seeding and pre-deploying aid; concerns focus on vulnerable communities, disrupted trade (Panama Canal flows), threats to fisheries and agriculture, and compounded risks from long-term climate warming.
Gloria Steinem, a pioneering feminist activist and journalist, has died at 92 in New York City. Co-founder of Ms. magazine and the Women’s Action Alliance, Steinem rose to prominence in the 1970s campaigning for reproductive rights, equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights and against practices like female genital mutilation. Her early journalism — including an exposé on Playboy Bunny working conditions — helped launch her influence. Born in 1934 in Toledo, Ohio, she later worked in India, fostering grassroots activism. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013, she remained active through writing, “Talking Circles,” and mentoring figures like Meghan Markle.
