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Here’s what you need to know
The US and China clashed on Covid-19 at the UN General Assembly. US president Donald Trump attacked China and the World Health Organization over their handling of coronavirus, while Chinese president Xi Jinping advocated for more global cooperation. Meanwhile, South Korean president Moon Jae-in proposed a regional health initiative with China, Japan, Mongolia, and North Korea.
China also strengthened its climate commitments. Xi Jinping said his country would reach peak carbon emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. He called for a global “green revolution,” moments after Donald Trump criticized China’s “rampant pollution.”
India and China agreed not to send more troops to the border. In the first joint statement since de-escalation talks began, the two countries pledged to improve communications and avoid further provocations.
China’s consumer recovery boosted Nike earnings. Shares of the sports apparel juggernaut took off in extended trading after Nike reported quarterly earnings that saw digital sales expand by 82% and sales in China rose by 6%.
US coronavirus deaths passed 200,000. The grim milestone comes as global deaths due to Covid-19 approach 1 million, key US health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are losing public trust, and Americans are hoarding cash.
Apple’s online store in India goes live. With increased domestic production, a spike in iPhone demand, and rising anti-China sentiment, the timing couldn’t be better.
On the docket for SCOTUS
With or without a replacement for justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the US Supreme Court has a full slate this term. Here’s what we’re tracking:
⚖️ These are the five big issues the court will be deciding on…
🏭 …plus a case with major implications for the climate debate.
🟥🟦 Is there any hope for a less partisan court?
Mapping global vaccine cooperation
On Sept. 21, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced progress on its fund to ensure equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines across the globe. As of now, 64 countries have contributed some $700 million, and 34 are expected to commit in the coming weeks.
Noticeably absent are the US, China, India, and Russia—all home to companies with Covid-19 vaccines in development.
SUPERCHARGE YOUR HOME OFFICE
Obsessing over internet speed used to be a niche sport. Idle bros bragging about their Ookla speed readings as a “yardstick of virility,” gamers trading tips on how to reduce their ping rate, and geopolitics wonks fretting over global internet connection rankings.
But the pandemic-induced rise of remote working and homeschooling has added real stakes to the contest for bandwidth.
As part of our latest field guide, we offer tips on how to design your home office for happiness, meaning, and efficiency including supercharging your wifi. Once you’ve optimized your configuration, check out our interactive chart to see how your download speed compares to the rest of the world. If you’re not yet a Quartz member, please consider subscribing today.
Obsession interlude: Future of work
Now, just because you’ve got fast internet and a perfect home office doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time there. Once considered a niche perk, the four-day work week is slowly but surely gaining traction in the US.
Recent data from jobs marketplace ZipRecruiter showed that 69 of every 10,000 postings currently offer four-day work weeks. It’s a tiny number, but up significantly from just 40 in 2019.
In the current climate, a shorter work week is one way for companies to cut costs without layoffs. But it isn’t just employees who benefit: Condensed work weeks can reduce the burden of childcare, boost productivity, and give people more time to spend with family. At least that’s what we keep telling management.
Keep up with the rest of our Future of Work obsession.
Surprising discoveries
Downturns age CEOs by an extra 1.5 years. A study found the stress of hard times can give business leaders a higher mortality risk.
The latest gig economy job: eviction agent. A new company promises easy money for helping kick people out of their homes.
Bridgewater employees have been working in tents. Only about 50 of the hedge fund’s workers can fit in the makeshift outdoor offices.
A stink over ink. A Chinese city has ordered its taxi drivers to remove their tattoos.
A sea otter would be an ideal boss. You’ll just have to take our word for it.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, stressed-out CEOs, and marine mammal managers to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our iOS app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Jackie Bischof, Katherine Ellen Foley, Michelle Cheng, Max Lockie, and Liz Webber.