The Suez Canal was once one of the busiest global shipping routes – a third of the world's shipping containers normally pass through it. Since the Houthis began to attack passing ships last year, the volume of vessels going through has declined rapidly.The canal is run by the Egyptian government, and fewer ships means less foreign currency coming into the economy.And it’s not just revenue from ships that Egypt is losing, it’s also losing tourists, as many people cancel their trips and spend their dollars elsewhere. We speak to businesses in Cairo to see how they’re being impacted by these changes, and ask, as Egypt loses out, are other countries winning?
Presented and produced by Hannah Mullane
(Image: A ship transits the Suez Canal towards the Red Sea on November 3, 2024 in Egypt. Credit: Getty Images)
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17:29
Battling the world's most invasive aquatic plant
It was on a university trip that Kenyan entrepreneur Joseph Nguthiru first came across water hyacinth in Lake Naivasha.It is an incredibly harmful and invasive weed that is currently blocking waterways and devastating fish populations all over the world. Joseph, who was an engineering student at the time, tells us how he came up with a solution to use the plant as a material for making packaging - and how he's founded a successful business, HyaPak Ecotech, as a result. Produced and presented by Zawadi Mudibo(Image: Fishermen removing water hyacinth from the net in Lake Victoria in Kisumu, western Kenya in 2018)
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17:42
How we fell for Fall
From spiced lattes to scented candles, autumn has become a staple in marketing calendars and on social media. We speak to businesses who thrive at this time of year; hear from content creators fuelling fall fever; and look at how the season is embraced in parts of the world without autumnal temperatures. (Picture: Friends Amina, Ayesha and Noor in front of some pumpkins at Downey’s Farm, near Toronto, Canada. Every year they go to recreate a photo in the pumpkin patch. Credit: Megan Lawton/BBC) Presenter: Megan Lawton
Producer: Sam Gruet
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17:28
What’s holding back France and Germany?
We look at the issues facing two of Europe’s major economies. Germany’s downturn has deepened with existential fears about its major export industries. And now, political turmoil means industry leaders are calling for a snap election as soon as possible. Meanwhile in France, there is weak growth as consumers feel poorer and politicians can’t agree on spending. (Picture: French and German flags waving next to each other. Credit: Getty Images)Presented and produced by Rob Young
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The wine industry's biggest challenge
Climate change is changing the way winemakers plan, harvest and make their product. On the Greek island of Santorini we find out how new techniques of vine planting are helping to preserve water amid more frequent drought conditions. Investors in England have realised areas in the south of country have similar weather conditions to Champagne in France, 30 years ago. Plus we hear from experts in France and Australia to discover different methods the industry is using, and find out how new businesses are advising the global wine industry to ensure its survival in a changing world.Produced and presented by Daniel Rosney(Image: A picker throws the collected grapes from the vine in a tank at the Gusbourne Estate, Appledore near Ashford, England on October 28, 2022. Credit: Getty Images)
Ireland