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What to watch for today
The EU unveils its climate law… A leaked draft suggests the bloc’s top climate official Frans Timmermans will propose a target of 50% to 55% emissions reductions by 2030, which critics are already calling too little, too late.
…and discusses the Turkey border situation. Home affairs ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting about the thousands of migrants trying to cross into Greece and Bulgaria via Turkey. Meanwhile, the president of the European Council will meet president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey.
The US Supreme Court hears arguments on a pivotal abortion case. The Louisiana state law in question would, if enacted, reduce the number of abortion clinics in the state from three to one. A similar Texas law was struck down in 2016, but two new conservative judges on the bench means they may unravel precedent.
Deliberations on the next World Intellectual Property Organization leader. A committee will vote behind closed doors over the next two days in Geneva to select a new director general to head the UN body. US officials have spoken openly against the frontrunner, a Chinese candidate, while Beijing has accused Washington of politicizing the election.
While you were sleeping
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The world’s financial institutions responded to the coronavirus. The World Bank pledged $12 billion to support low income countries’ epidemic control efforts, following the US Federal Reserve’s surprise rate cut of half a percentage point. Both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund said they would make their April gathering a virtual one.
Joe Biden clinched early wins on Super Tuesday. The former vice president took at least eight states, including North Carolina and Virginia, in the US Democratic primaries, while Bernie Sanders is setting his sights on the top prizes of Texas and California. Michael Bloomberg, who won American Samoa, will reportedly assess his White House bid tomorrow.
US senators urged the UK to rethink using Huawei equipment. Twenty Democrats and Republicans signed a letter calling on British lawmakers to reconsider the UK government’s recent decision to allow the Chinese telecom giant a limited role in its 5G mobile network.
Facebook said it will rethink cryptocurrency. Facing resistance from regulators, the tech company is now reportedly considering developing a digital system of established currencies. However, it would continue work on its digital currency, Libra.
Quartz membership
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Quartz daily obsession
Hear one of the world’s weirdest musical instruments: The theremin. Skilled musicians don’t actually come into contact with the invention by Soviet scientist Léon Theremin, as hand movements create different audible frequencies. Encouraged by a cult following, its unique sounds have been heard across TV, film, and music after Theremin’s obscure and tragic life. Tune in with the Quartz Daily Obsession.
Matters of debate
Scientists should publish for the common good. Covid-19 reporting could—and should—make for-profit science publishing a relic of a past age.
Self-quarantine is a luxury many can’t afford. For gig economy workers, it simply isn’t an option.
Workers should be able to access wages before payday. For those living paycheck to paycheck, getting paid earlier would help stave off high-interest loans and credit card debt.
Surprising discoveries
New Zealand birds can make predictions. Researchers found that keas are capable of “true statistical inference.”
Dark mode is coming to WhatsApp. The feature that lessens the strain on users’ eyes is expected in the coming days.
Climate change will make some foods toxic. Both dryer and wetter weather can change the level of toxins in foods like cassava, lychee, barley, and apples.
Australia is developing a satellite to detect bushfires. The spacecraft will pay particular attention to eucalypt vegetation.
Scientists found evidence that the Earth was once completely covered in water. Some 3 billion years ago, our planet might not have had continents at all.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, safe-to-eat cassava, and darkened screens 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 written by Mary Hui and edited by Isabella Steger.