Trendwatch: Climate change’s $150 billion hit to the U.S. economy; UK plans to introduce carbon border tax in 2026; Successful launch of two new satellites to detect all ships worldwide from space

Climate change’s $150 billion hit to the U.S. economy

The U.S. now experiences an extreme weather event in which damages and costs top $1 billion every three weeks.

That compares with every four months in the 1980s, when adjusted for inflation, according to the latest installment of the U.S. National Climate Assessment released Tuesday.

For the first time, the assessment includes a separate chapter on the economic impacts associated with climate action.

Such events cost the U.S. nearly $150 billion each year and disproportionately hurt poor and disadvantaged communities. Other economic consequences of climate change will become more severe unless the country invests more in clean energy and adapts cities to higher temperatures and rising sea levels, according to the assessment.

UK plans to introduce carbon border tax in 2026

Following similar measures announced by the EU, the UK is also planning to introduce a carbon border tax starting 2026.

The measure will bring about levies on imported carbon-intensive products from countries lacking the same robustness of climate laws and regulations.

After the EU soft-launched its own carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) program, stakeholders in the UK worry that failing to introduce similar measures will likely hurt its trade, particularly with the EU, which is among its biggest trade partners.

Successful launch of two new satellites to detect all ships worldwide from space

Unseenlabs, the world leader in radio frequency data and solutions for maritime domain awareness, is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its two new satellites, BRO-10 and BRO-11, as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-9 mission via Exolaunch. The satellites lifted off aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, last November 11. This achievement represents a significant step forward in Unseenlabs' ongoing mission to enhance maritime surveillance through its unique technology, capable of detecting the presence of any ship, whether cooperating or not, regardless of its geographical location.

With BRO-10 and BRO-11 now in orbit at an altitude of 520 kilometers, Unseenlabs' satellite constellation expands, greatly amplifying its capacity to provide RF data and solutions. Unseenlabs' constellation now comprises 11 satellites, resulting in 11 simultaneous RF data collection points thanks to its mono-satellite technology. The success of this launch propels Unseenlabs even further in its mission to offer comprehensive vessel characterization and precise geolocation, meeting the increasing demands of maritime surveillance worldwide. The new capabilities introduced by these satellites underscore Unseenlabs' commitment to safeguarding marine assets and environments from threats and unlawful activities.

PSA Halifax enhances handling capabilities with new mega STS cranes

PSA Halifax unloaded two brand new mega Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes for its Atlantic Hub terminal on the south end of the Canadian port.

These new ultra-large cranes will be added to the five existing super-post-panamax cranes at the terminal, thus allowing PSA Halifax to handle the largest container vessels deployed along the North American East Coast.

This new equipment will also play an important role in expanding PSA Halifax’s capacity from 1.1 to 1.4 million TEUs by the end of the next year.

SP Global Market Intelligence unveils 2024 supply chain blueprint: Navigating resilience

New Delhi [India], November 14 (ANI): In a report released on Tuesday, SP Global Market Intelligence delves into the complexities of global supply chains, emphasizing the critical need for resilience in the face of persistent disruptions.

The 2024 Supply Chain Outlook: Delivering Resilience in Adversity, a key instalment in the Big Picture 2024 Outlook Report series, spotlights a clash between the imperative for resilience and the harsh reality of dwindling corporate profits.

Airbus sees higher output in 2024 amid surging demand

Airbus SE said it will significantly increase aircraft output in 2024 as the European planemaker ramps up production across its model range to meet surging demand.

The company didn’t provide a new target for output while saying it’s confident of meeting its goal of 720 deliveries in 2023. The planemaker will increase production of its A350 widebody aircraft, adding to previously announced higher rates on its best-selling A321neo and smaller A220 models.

“By definition, by nature, the 2024 output will be significantly higher than 2023, and we’ll be more specific at the beginning of next year,” chief executive officer Guillaume Faury said on a call with reporters after the planemaker reported quarterly earnings.

Flights get longer as airlines are forced to skirt war zones

The Middle East has long been a global crossroads for air travel, with hundreds of aircraft bisecting the region every day on long-distance journeys connecting the US, Europe and Asia.

Plying those routes has become more challenging, with rising tensions forcing airlines to curtail services as a safety precaution. The war between Israel and Hamas, in a region already studded with hot zones, has added to the complications of flying between east and west.

That’s after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine already added hours to many journeys by shutting down vast airspace to many transnational operators — including the Great Circle routes through Siberia, a popular gateway between the continents.