Global Crises Fuel Green Tech, Mineral Races, and Price Surges

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Global Demand Drives Up Seaweed Prices, While US Seeks to Counter China's Mineral Dominance

A global surge in the popularity of Korean culture is driving up the price of "gim," the dried seaweed staple in South Korea, while the United States is launching an initiative to challenge China's control over critical mineral supplies. Meanwhile, a UN agency is warning of a rise in measles cases in the Americas, and a new analysis shows China's green energy sector is booming.

The rising cost of gim is causing concern in South Korea, the world's largest producer and exporter of the product, according to BBC World. Lee Hyang-ran, a gim vendor in Seoul for 47 years, noted the shift in perception, stating, "In the past, people from Western countries thought Koreans were eating something weird that looks like a piece of black paper. I never thought I'd be selling gim to them. But now, they all come here."

Simultaneously, the United States is attempting to address China's dominance in the critical minerals sector. BBC Business reported that the U.S. State Department hosted a Critical Minerals Ministerial event on Wednesday, with participation from countries and organizations including the UK, the European Union, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aim is to establish a trade zone for these minerals, essential for manufacturing smartphones, weapons, and computer chips.

In other news, The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a United Nations agency, issued an epidemiological alert on Wednesday, warning of a "sharp increase" in measles cases throughout the Americas, according to Al Jazeera. PAHO urged member states to strengthen surveillance and vaccination efforts to combat the spread of the disease.

Separately, The Guardian reported that China's green energy sector drove more than 90% of the country's investment growth last year. The analysis found that these industries are larger than all but seven world economies and account for more than a third of China's economic growth. The green energy sector contributed a record 15.4tn yuan (2.1tn) of business last year.

In a separate development, prediction markets are gaining traction, allowing individuals to bet on various world events, according to The Guardian. One instance cited involved someone placing bets on Donald Trump ousting Nicolás Maduro shortly before an event occurred.