#Economy37

31 Aug 2026

Wildfire Smoke Harms Health and the Economy

Wildfires in the United States create severe air pollution that threatens public health, causes economic challenges, and reverses years of environmental progress.

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Photo by Alexei Scutari, Unsplash

23 Jul 2026

Data centers and local benefits

New large data centers are spreading across the United States. A Georgia Tech study finds modest but measurable local gains in jobs, wages and business activity, concentrated in metropolitan areas; costs and electricity effects also matter.

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22 May 2026

Middle East tensions push up US fuel and food costs

Rising tensions in the Middle East have raised global oil prices and are already increasing costs in the United States. Economists say higher energy prices affect gasoline, airfares, supply chains and food, and that efficiency can help.

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18 May 2026

Data centers and mining could raise US power costs by 2030

A new study warns that growing electricity use by data centers and cryptocurrency mining could raise power prices and CO2 emissions in the United States by 2030. Researchers modelled hourly power needs across 26 regions to find likely impacts.

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30 Apr 2026

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz raises global costs

The Strait of Hormuz closure has pushed up oil and gasoline prices and disrupted supply chains. Early shortages of jet fuel, diesel and key feedstocks are raising shipping and production costs for many industries.

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30 Apr 2026

Demand for clean-energy minerals harms poor regions

A UN report warns that rising global demand for minerals for clean energy is causing environmental damage, water loss and health harms in poorer mining regions, while richer countries gain most benefits. The report urges reforms to protect water and people.

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23 Apr 2026

Fast growth, low pay in Africa's creator economy

The Africa Creator Economy Report 2.0 finds the digital creative sector is growing but many creators earn very little. The report was published at the Africa Creators Summit in Lagos in January 2026.

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10 Apr 2026

History and AI: What it means for work

Historians compare past technological changes with the rise of artificial intelligence. A widely seen social media post and fast new AI tools have raised public concern about how quickly AI could change jobs, regulation, and the economy.

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26 Mar 2026

Iran war closes Strait of Hormuz and raises fuel costs

The war in Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Global crude prices rose quickly and gasoline and diesel costs are higher for consumers.

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19 Mar 2026

How gig work is changing earning in Africa

Digital gig work now reaches millions across Africa. About 27 percent of online gig workers are women, and more than 21 million people earn part- or full-time through gig jobs that grew with smartphones after 2015.

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30 Jan 2026

Chinese app highlights loneliness among young people

A simple app that asks users to check in reached the top of China’s App Store in January 2026. Its popularity has drawn attention to many young people who live alone and wider social changes.

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16 Jan 2026

India's visa restrictions after Bangladesh upheaval hit Kolkata and medical tourism

After an August 2024 political upheaval in Bangladesh, India sharply limited visas for Bangladeshi citizens, citing security concerns and anti-India sentiment. The fall in visitors has damaged Kolkata businesses and India’s medical tourism from Bangladesh.

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29 Dec 2025

How the 2008 recession changed people’s class identity

Research shows the 2008 Great Recession made many Americans see themselves as lower class. The change in how people view their social class appears to have lasted for years and may affect health and politics.

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