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What to watch for today
The UN climate week begins in Madrid. Delegates from nearly 200 countries will discuss ways to implement the Paris Agreement and bolder climate goals. Starting in January, they will get some help from Bank of England governor Mark Carney, who will join the UN as special envoy for climate and finance.
Digital retailers brace for Cyber Monday. Consumers spent $7.4 billion online on Black Friday, which is, in theory, a shopping holiday centered on bricks-and-mortar stores. It’s a sign that Cyber Monday, which is focused on online sellers, could break records.
The US Supreme Court hears a major gun rights case. Three handgun owners claim a regulation that stopped them from leaving New York with their weapons violated the constitution. They are backed by the National Rifle Association. It’s the first major gun rights case to reach the top court in nearly a decade.
The UK worries about Donald Trump’s visit. The US president is heading to London for a summit to mark NATO’s 70th birthday. But with Britain in campaign mode, ahead of the Dec. 12 election, prime minister Boris Johnson is reportedly worried about what the US president might say.
Over the weekend
Trump refused to participate in impeachment panel. The White House sent a five-page letter to the House Judiciary Committee on Sunday refusing an invitation to participate in its first hearing on Wednesday.
Angela Merkel’s coalition partners moved left—and away from her. The Social Democratic Party elected new leaders who are critical of the partnership with the Christian Democratic Union. It could end the era of “grand coalitions,” though the SPD has struck a conciliatory tone, for now.
China’s factory activity rebounded. A gauge of manufacturing unexpectedly returned to growth territory, after signaling contraction since March. Apparently, it responded to government measures to shore up domestic demand amid a trade war with the US.
Johnson criticized for politicizing London Bridge terrorist attack. The family of Jack Merritt, who was killed, asked politicians to refrain from using the tragedy for electoral gain. The UK prime minister has claimed that “a lefty government” was responsible for the release from prison of the terrorist who stabbed two people to death.
Australia installed cameras that can spot drivers using cell phones. The devices use artificial intelligence to review footage of traffic in New South Wales and identify people who’re on their phones while driving. This is then confirmed by a human. The state plans to install 45 cameras in three years.
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Globally, around 10% of health care expenditure goes towards the treatment of dementia. In this week’s field guide, Quartz reporter Katherine Ellen Foley investigates how we’re managing patient care as the problem becomes increasingly acute, with some countries aging faster than others.
Matters of debate
Reusable plastic shopping bags are worse for the environment. “Bags for life” all too easily become bags for a week.
The EU is now the global authority on competition regulation. It’s overtaken the US, where antitrust laws got their start.
The world is deep in the red and the only way out is to borrow some more. That’s despite global debt at a record $250 trillion.
Surprising discoveries
Mixed sex civil partnerships are the new marriage. From today, heterosexual couples in England and Wales get the same rights as same-sex ones.
Most people have a horror of sameness. Across the political spectrum, there is acute anxiety about homogenization.
A Japanese retailer is reconsidering menstruation badges. They were supposed to foster sympathy for staff but triggered a backlash instead.
Myanmar tour groups are offering trips to The Hague. It’s a way to support Aung San Suu Kyi, who will represent her country as it faces genocide charges at the UN’s top court.
Japan’s cherry blossom scandal is affecting the government’s popularity. A new poll showed falling support for Shinzo Abe’s cabinet.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, cherry blossom pics, and reusable plastic bags to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app on iOS or Android, and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Luiz Romero and Rashmee Roshan Lall.