Skip to main content

Featured

Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 3,145 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has claimed at least 3,145 lives, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges.  Humanitarian aid groups are working tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care and shelter, as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million people have been affected by the disaster, with more than 9 million severely impacted.  In response to the crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, ongoing challenges, including communication blackouts and difficult-to-reach areas, have hindered the full assessment of the disaster's impact.  The coming days will be critical in d...

article

Canada Tops Global Battery Supply Chain Ranking, China Falls to Second Place

 

Canada has claimed the first place in BloombergNEF’s global lithium-ion battery supply chain ranking for 2024, surpassing China, which had dominated the annual analysis for the past three years. The United States ranked third this year.

The ranking measures the potential of 30 countries to build a secure, reliable and sustainable battery supply chain for electric vehicles, based on 46 metrics in five categories: raw materials, battery manufacturing, downstream demand, environmental and social governance, and industry, infrastructure and innovation.

Canada’s rise to the top spot is attributed to its abundant raw material resources, strong integration with the U.S. automotive sector, clear policy commitments, and high environmental and social standards. Canada is also a beneficiary of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to boost domestic battery production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

China, on the other hand, fell to second place due to its lower scores on environmental and social governance, as well as increased competition from other countries in battery manufacturing and downstream demand. China still leads the world in terms of battery output, but faces challenges in securing raw materials and meeting stricter emission standards.

The BloombergNEF report highlights the importance of developing a robust and resilient battery supply chain, as the demand for electric vehicles is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Canada’s leadership in this field positions it well for the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Comments