problem

Accumulated sediments are a huge problem for reservoirs. And in the Ebro they have taken drastic measures

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The reservoirs, both those for hydroelectric use and those for consumptive use, are a vital element in the hydrological panorama. However, for some time, experts warn of a problem that is aggravated over time and affects their functionality. He sediment problem. Half year of works. The works initiated last August to recover the drain of the Ebro reservoir will extend, predictably until 2026, according to They have indicated from The Montañés newspaper. The works, in addition to introducing improvements into one of the swamp drains, intend to recover their functionality from the accumulation of sediments in this. The tasks, explains the local newspaper, will require a team of divers for 3.5 meters of accumulated silt next to the drain gates. The works, with a budget of 2.5 million eurosthey will imply the installation in each of the ducts of the security gates with By-Pass and gates for the regulation of flows. The Arija swamp has two drains, one side and the other located in the dam. It is the latter that, as a consequence of the accumulation of sediments, has lost the ability to perform its function. Key reservoir. The Ebro or Pantano de Arija reservoir is a key element in the Ebro hydrographic basin. It is one of the largest reservoirs in this hydrographic demarcation (behind those of Mequinenza and Canelles). Located in the immediate vicinity of the Cantabrian city of Reinosa, the border between this Autonomous Community and that of Castilla y León in the province of Burgos. According to the latest datathe reservoir Albeca now 348 hm³ of water, 64.3% of its capacity (541 hm³). Some data that do not always reflect reality, precisely due to the problem of sediments. Limiting the capacity. The problem of sediments Not only does it affect the functionality of the drains of the reservoirs: they also limit their capacity. Decades of use have led to a significant accumulation of sludge and sediments in the reservoirs, sediments whose volume implies a significant reduction in the storage capacity of the swamps. Estimates of this loss vary significantly, but the most pessimistic talk about a loss of up to 40% of the volume In some basins. A study in 110 reservoirs launched a more optimistic but still alarming estimate, A loss of 5%. The latest rains seem to have helped reverse the drought situation that still affected some areas. However, our ability to prepare for the next drought is limited by this accumulation of sediments in the reservoirs. Where the sediments are missing. As if this were not enough, the problem of the sediments left over on one side is the problem of those missing in another. In this case, In the Ebro Delta. The Ebro delta is nothing more than the result of the accumulation of sediments dragged by the river current. The installation of numerous dams in this hydrographic basin has reduced the arrival of this matter to the mouth, which, together with the natural coastal erosion, has put the delta ecosystem at risk. An ecosystem on which not only depends the local fauna, but also a part of the agriculture and the economy of the region. In Xataka | In a corner of Andalusia the reservoirs are at 94% of their capacity. It seems excellent news, but it is not so much Image | Josu Aramberri, CC by-SA 3.0

The problem of Ukraine is not just the lack of weapons. USA has a “button” to deactivate the artillery already sent

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In just one week we have heard Up to two plans Very different from Europe to defend Ukraine. In between, the old continent has even reached Talk about rearma After years of “peace.” All this gives an idea of ​​to what extent there is a dependency of the American Arsenal and Intelligence. It is not just that Washington Medites pause the help. It could paralyze the already sent. The dependence problem. The abrupt retirement of military support from Ukraine has turned on the alarms Among its European allies, who begin to question their strong dependence on American weapons, software and maintenance. Even how far it goes. I counted in a extensive reporting the Financial Times That the situation remembers the fall of Afghanistan in 2021, when the American withdrawal left the Black Hawk helicopters of the Afghan army unusable, precipitating the fall of Kabul in a matter of months. Now, with Trump redefining foreign policy towards a more conciliatory position with Russia, European countries that have based their defense in US military technology face a structural vulnerability that could compromise their long -term safety. But there is more. The “off button.” For a long time, but now more than ever, there has been talk of those alleged “switches” capable of Turn off military technology that reigns in current conflicts. In fact and in European key, one of the greatest concerns is the possibility that the United States can deactivate remotely Advanced military systems through software, many of them already sent to Ukraine. An example: a team that needs remote update could become useless not to get the data. Although there are no conclusive evidence, told Financial Times Richard Abouulafia, an expert Analist at Aerodynamic Advisory, that “if something can be done with code, then there is.” However, the European agency goes beyond a possible “Kill Switch”, since, without spare parts, software updates and logistics support, that “button” is already in many weapons that would be inoperative in a matter of weeks. The level of dependence. The story takes us to the output grill. The European military agency in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. Between 2019 and 2023, 55% of imports European defense came from Washington, in front of 35% In the previous five -year period, According to the International Stockholm Institute For Peace Research (Sipri). In fact, this respect, the former Secretary of Defense of the United Kingdom, Sir Ben Wallace, warned that, if he were still in office, his priority would be Evaluate military units from Europe and determine if a strategic change is necessary to reduce vulnerability to Washington decisions. The example of F-35. He F-35 hunting It happens to be the most advanced combat plane in the world, but also a clear symbol of European vulnerability. The reason? The plane depends completely on United States Logistics Supportincluding software updates, missions planning and threat databases through the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), which is being replaced by the Odin Network (Operational Data Integrated Network). That “button” we were talking about is there, and although Europe physically possesses the combat plane, it can become obsolete. Nations in problems. Countries like Denmark, which have considered deploying F-35s in Greenland, could find a critical problem: if the United States decides to withdraw their access to support infrastructure, These airplanes would be inoperative. Even before the Trump administration, the United Kingdom, one of the main buyers of the F-35, demanded “operational sovereignty” on their fighters, achieving Certain concessions in 2006. However, no ally has access to the system source code, which keeps Washington with Absolute control. For its part, Switzerland has tried to reassure its population by stating that its F-35 fleet can operate “autonomously”, but He also admitted that no western hunting can work completely without safe communication systems and satellite navigation of the United States. The British nuclear weapon: another example. We told yesterday. The United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent system is also closely linked to the United States. As? Your strategic submarines use Trident Balistic Missileswhich are leased to Washington and require periodic maintenance at the King’s Bay Naval Base, Georgia. Although analysts consider unlikely that the United States cuts the maintenance of the TRIDS, Nick Cunningham, an analyst at Agency Partners, argues that The system remains “A critical point of vulnerability to the United Kingdom.” Some experts suggest that London should evaluate alternatives, such as French M51 missilessince France and the United Kingdom are the only nuclear powers in Europe. Intelligence and surveillance, also “mortgaged.” If we raise the framework the scope of American power is amplified. Much of the intelligence, surveillance and recognition capabilities (ISR) in Europe They depend on collaboration with the United States. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway and Germany use American spy airplanes and drones that require Washington authorization to be armed or deployed in offensive missions. For example, Italy and France faced a long approval process to equip Your reaper drones With missiles, demonstrating how the United States maintains control over the weapons of its allies. Plus: true fear in Europe is not only the possible loss of individual systems, but the possibility that the United States withdraw logistics support and intelligence Shared in the middle of a conflict, which would affect the operation of fighters, Chinook helicopters and Apacheas well as air defense systems such as The patriot. The beginning of a break in the western alliance. It is the last of the legs to be treated. The growing distrust in the reliability of the United States as a strategic partner could have devastating consequences for the American defense industry. For decades, Washington has used the promise of military protection and cooperation to ensure the sale of its weapons, but the recent decision of withdraw support to Ukraine He has sown doubts about the sustainability of this promise. There are data that already corroborates it. The actions of the main US defense companies They have fallenwhile European manufacturers have experienced A boom after Trump’s re -election. … Read more

The United States has been sunk in an extreme increase in eggs. Spain now faces the same problem

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No, they are not your impressions. Prepare an tortilla is more expensive today than only a few months ago. After experimenting A price increase Between August and December 2024 in the EU set, egg cards have risen again in recent days clearlyas noted The Observatory FACUA PRICE OR THE SERVICES OF Toledo and Bellpuig. Behind that trend there are a number of key factors and especially a great question: what can we expect from now on? More expensive eggs? The data of the observatory FACUA PRICE AND THE SERVICES OF Toledo either Bellpuig They show it clearly: after The climb Price scored already during the second half of 2024, the eggs have become more expensive. The percentage It can vary of one chain to anotherbut at the beginning of March the consumer organization registered increases in the price of the eggs of up to 25%. Meanwhile, the Catalan Lonja or the Toledo also scored price increases that have become 8 or 14 centsdepending on the type of product. What is the reason? Better talk about reasons, in the plural. The first key is the demand itself. The sector has registered an increase that already goes back to 2024with one 8% risefar superior to that noted by meat or refrigerated. It is not strange. During the Inflationist scenarios Consumers look for cheaper options, such as eggs, a protein source economic. With that backdrop the farms have also had to deal with a series of factors that affect their costs: The end of bonuses in the electricity bill and an increase in labour and the grain In recent years. The sector has warned of impact that will have the regulation that aims to eliminate the cages. Are the only factors? No. The analysis On egg prices usually point out another key: the ghost of the avian flu that hits especially to the USplunged into what has already been baptized as “ovoflation”marked by scarcity and record prices. In January the Average price From a dozen category to category, it was about $ 4.95, well above of what is charged in Spain. In recent weeks the seven euros. Here the Ministry of Agriculture and Food declared early year the high risk of aviar flu and activated An order that applied preventive measures in the most exposed areas. At that time, the EU Official Gazette warned that Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, Poland and Portugal had notified outbreaks. Where does the demand come from? In its last analysis of the market the Toledo Business Federation (Fedeto) a determining factor to understand the drift of prices in Spain: demand, both the national and the arrival of outside our borders. “Egg consumption remains high in homes and in industry”, Precise The collective, which appreciates a general climb in the contributions of all sizes, especially L and M. “Export is maintained to European center countries, where diminished production does not serve to meet the needs of demand,” duck. According to the Spanish Association of Egg Producers (ASEPRHU), at least in recent years Between 15 and 20% From the table eggs of Spain they have ended up exporting. Their main destinations: France, Portugal and the Netherlands. And the United States? In full “ovoflation” The US is looking for different ways of satisfying its demand and lowering prices, which happens in part, according to I recently advanced The New York Timesto bring them from abroad. A few weeks ago the newspaper said that the US is already probing several countries to ensure the short -term supply, although without specifying which. The largest source of eggs imported to the country is its neighbor Canadafollowed by Netherlands and United Kingdom. Recently the CNN chain pointed out, however, that one of the country’s great support is now being Türkiye, which plans to export 420 million From eggs to the US this year, a record mark. And what about Spain? The flow of eggs between the US and the EU is usually scarce and in fact, EFE clarifiesthe US authorities allow only the entry of European egg in the shell for transformation into ovoproduct, not for direct consumption. In the specific case of Spain, exports to the US barely pass the 100 tons per year, which represents only 0.1% of the export volume of Spain, more focused on the European Union. With all the newspaper Last minute I pointed A few days ago, Spanish products are preparing to send eggs to the US after verifying that the US has “shown interest” in their product. Moreover, he assures that in an internal circular Federovo claims to be making efforts to process export certificates. In 2015, in a similar situation, the US resorted to the EU, although the sector ensures that the scenario is different today, with a solid domestic market. Images | Alex Barth (Flickr) and Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine (Flickr) In Xataka | Eggs are so expensive in the United States that there are people opting for a desperate solution: rent chickens

‘Mickey 17’ is the new dystopian science fiction film that leads the box office. The problem is not enough

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There are times in which to crown the box office with a number 1 means nothing: ‘Mickey 17’, the new Bong Joon Ho movie, director of ‘Parasites‘ and ‘Snowpiercer‘, has been number 1 on American lists. Even so, the high cost of this ecologist dystopia of satirical dyes make it a questionable investment for Warner and, above all, the finding that in Hollywood they still do not curdle the ambitious projects that are not sequelae or reboots. The figures. ‘Mickey 17’ He has pocketed Only in the United States 19.1 million dollars, which are added 25.4 in 66 international territories. Not bad for a real -extravagant movie and that has dethroned films such as Marvel’s last captain America (also with good collection, but with a trajectory that has had to turn on Some other red light in Disney). However, its cost of 118 million, to which to add about 80 in marketing and distribution, leaves the approximately 300 million that it should raise so that Warner does not consider it a failure. A quick comparison. If the question is whether these amounts are expected, we can compare them with those of your immediate rival at the box office: ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ collected 88 million at the box office In its first weekend, and although it started from a budget much higher than the one to aim (200 million), to exceed 50 million in the United States would have been closer to a satisfactory figure for Warner. Doubtful direction. To this initial collection, which The first analyzes estimate as insufficient Before the challenge of reaching the 300 million commented, it is added that the film has not aroused a unanimous opinion between criticism and public: Its mere 78%-72% In ‘Rotten Tomatoes’ it is not especially high (especially considering that its director has signed films that have previously dazzled to public and critical). Among the obstacles of the film to improve its collection in successive weeks is the extravagant argument (Pattinson gives life to a worker who in the future is cloned again and again every time he dies in the course of the dangerous mission of helping to colonize an icy world), and also his tone of farce, acid and very little commercial, which is detected in all the films of the Korean director, but that is ever unleashed here. Warner: decisive year. Without successes guaranteed as new sequelae of its star franchises (‘Dune‘ and ‘Godzilla‘) In perspective, Warner has a year full of very expensive productions but are not a guaranteed success. For example, ‘Alto Knights’, Robert De Niro’s return to a certain “prestigious” cinema; ‘Sinners’, one blaxoploitation vampire of the director of ‘Black Panther’; ‘A Minecraft movie’, whose first advances have a chilling appearance; and the start of James Gunn DC Universewhich looks very good, but that does not have the best precedents. Only sequelae. The prick of ‘Mickey 17’ is one more symptom of the latest trends of a Hollywood that seems to have turned its back on the original high -budget products: by sujuesto that there is always space for a ‘Anoraor any other bombing indie. But The 2024 figures made it clear: sequels and REBOOTS They mark the step at the box office: no Top 10 movie was completely original. The success of ‘Barbie’ (which is not that it was an absolutely isolated product of a franchise) and ‘Oppenheimer’ the previous year It was little more than a mirage. Without franchise there is no return. There is an extra detail that should underline so that it does not go unnoticed: the budget of 120 million dollars is high, but it is triggered to levels that rival the Marvel herself if we add the very high expenses in marketing. This means that on many occasions, the films bet in a lost depth, knowing that only with a box office can not be recovered, but trusting that it is achieved with derived products: books, video games, attractions in parks, spin-offs … and above all, that money serves as something already invested as part of the future marketing of sequelae. A fish that bite the tail and is condemning the original blockbusters such as ‘Mickey 17’. Header | Warner In Xataka | Warner has a problem with the new Harry Potter series: JK Rowling’s opinions

We have a problem with the future of cement and excess plastic. Someone has come up with the most obvious

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Mortar is easy. We have been doing thousands of years and, although we have refined the formula so that it is not the same as They used 10,000 years ago in Jericho or in the construction of First pyramids of Egyptthe recipe is simple. A part of cement (or an binder in antiquity), one of water and three of sand. With that, we have a mixture that carries millennia serving perfectly. But, although we have been polishing the formula with best materialsthe mortar has several problems, and the researchers at the University of Newcastle have proposed solve them. As? With an ecological mortar that adds plastic to the dough. Sand at the point of view. The use of sand is Key for mortar production. Also for concrete, this being a material that we have been trying to withdraw thanks to alternatives They appear from time to time. And the reason to use sand is a problem is because We are exhausting reservations World Cups of this material. In addition, make mortar, cement and concrete It is very polluting. HE esteem That the cement industry is responsible for approximately 5% of CO₂ global emissions and, this being a fundamental component of the mortar and concrete, the more we reduce its use, the better. Extracting sand can also cause ecological damage In rivers and beaches, as well as health risks due to particle inhalation, for example. Ecological mortar. It is there where research to create green concrete or the one we mention from the University of Newcastle comes into play. In his studyThe team details how thanks to Aergel Silica and recycled plastic they have created a new mortar that manages to be respectful of the environment. The team developed different mixtures by adding more or less substitute for the sand and found that the most effective is the one with 7% of silica aerogels and 3% of PET plastic. White is the silica aerogel. THE GRAY THE PET Plastic Rescue plastic. But … effective in what? Well, curiously, this new mortar comes to solve several problems of conventional sand. The first thing that highlights is that the new mixture of mortar is able to reduce the loss of heat from a structure by up to 55% if compared to the conventional mortar. This helps both to cool a stay in summer and to retain heat in cold months. This occurs because conventional mortar is a bad thermal insulator, allowing heat to escape easily. But not only this: the new mortar is also lighter than the conventional one, which implies a lower cost in transport by associated fuel savings. Thermal conductivity tests of this ecological mortar. We need to try it in the real world … 2×1. Apart from contributing to a construction more efficient at the energy level, this plastic -based mortar Solve another problem directly. PET plastic particles used come from crushed plastic waste (bottles, mainly), so the massive use in mortar can help reduce that contamination of plastics that brings us head. Tests are missing. The team explains that they have achieved British standards for the construction of this new mortar and are already working on the following big step: finding collaborators as a construction company to request financing and build a house with the ecological mortar. It is what will allow them to obtain the direct evidence of that potential energy savings, something that until they put into practice in a large -scale real environment, it remains only in the theory. But well, while we wait to see if they get that opportunity, the truth is that it is striking how researchers from the whole globe are committed to Jubilate cement, mortar and concrete. Another thing is that the new more ecological alternatives are able to compete in costs, which is what would ultimately convince those who raise the buildings. Images | Newcastle University, Scientedirect In Xataka | In Europe, recycled plastic is worth more than the new and the culprit is a known old man: the councils directive

Finland has a problem with renewables. You will solve it by building a storage megabattery

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Finland has experienced A rapid growth of wind energy, becoming the second source of electricity in the country. However, the Nordic country is presented with a challenge with the characteristic intermission in this type of sources. Finland has found a great solution to this problem. The largest in the country. A new battery storage project It has been approved Em Nivala, Finland. The companies in charge will be Locus Energy of Seb Nordic Energy and Ingrid Capacity AB, and the construction begins immediately. An expansion of renewables. Finland has not taken into account the intermission of wind after of his great betwhich It has caused fluctuations In electricity prices. During periods of excess production, prices can reach negative levels, which forces us to pay more. To give an example, last year, 725 hours were recorded with negative prices, compared to only five hours in 2021, exceeding 455 hours from Germany and other European countries, according to data from Aurora Energy Research that Bloomberg has had access. For this reason, this has generated an urgent need to store the surplus of electricity, and the batteries are presented as a solution. How will it be. The project will be 70 megawatts, which means that you can supply approximately 70,000 to 140,000 homes for an hour. The system will store that energy and release it when necessary, working for two hours at full capacity. The construction will begin immediately, and it is expected to be operational in the second half of 2026. But this is not the only one. Finland has been investigating storage for a while, because the government has established The goal of being totally neutral in carbon by 2035. In fact, it was in Finland when he began to experience With sand batterieswhich offer a long -term storage solution. Growth. Finland has joined a trend that many countries already adopt and that have found in storage the response to combat the intermission of renewable energies. In fact, it is expected that by 2035 the new battery facilities will multiply by 10. In a Ránking of nations, for the moment China is in the leadfollowed by the United States, then the rest stays in Europe with Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. In The Spanish case Before the lack of sufficient batteries to store energy efficiently, Spain has resorted to its reservoirs. From a hydraulic pumping system it has managed to store energy. In fact, in the last 15 years, Spain has doubled the amount of energy stored through this method, which has allowed to better manage the intermission of renewable energies and optimize the use of clean energy sources. Bet on wind, and nuclear? Despite the growth of wind energy in Finland, the country Keep betting by nuclear energy because it is a constant source of electricity. In addition, Finland has advanced in the safe storage of nuclear waste, with The onkalo deposit to manage long -term waste. However, the country’s goal is to diversify its energy sources and has found in energy storage a solution to balance the variability of renewables and ensure stable supply. Image | Kallerna Xataka | Research on submarine cables cut in the Baltic has taken a turn: it was not Russia, it was inexperience

Hunting has been printed in the National ID of Spain for centuries. Now you have a problem: there is no relief

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Hunting ages in Spain. A lot. Fast. And in a way that invites you to think that in a matter of decades the collective, which until not so long ago He presumed That only federated soccer and basketball surpassed him in the number of federated, he will see his even smaller weight. This is reflected at least A study Posted in People and Nature in which it is analyzed how the practice of hunting in the Iberian Peninsula has evolved throughout the last half century and what are the forecasts for the next decades. The scenario they paint is not precisely flattering and leaves several questions, such as their impact on the mountains. Hunting in Spain, under examination. That is what a group of researchers has done, among which there are several members of the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (IPE-CSIC), In a broad article Posted in the magazine People and Nature. The title already leaves little margin for interpretations: “The demographic collapse of hunting in the Iberian Peninsula”. For analysis, experts have analyzed six Spanish regions (Navarra, Madrid, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia and Andalucía) and Portugal, covering a population of hunters that in 2020 reached 583,575. Work graph published by Mario Gaspar and the rest of the authors in “People and Nature”. A percentage: 45%. One of the first conclusions reached by researchers is that the population of hunters has been reduced notably during the last half century. And if the trend is maintained, it will continue to do so in the coming years. The study It shows that in the last and a half decade the number of hunters fell in the area analyzed by 26%, a percentage that rises to 45% if we expand the focus to 50 years. In practice that translates into moving from about 1.06 million in 1970 to just under 800,000 in 2005 and lowering the 600,000 in 2020. And the researchers already warn that the future does not paint better. “By 2050, if the average trends observed during the last five decades are followed, hunters throughout the study area are expected to decrease by 70%,” They point The authors of the study. As a reference, they remember that in 2007 Spain added 980,000 hunters, the second largest registration in Europe, only surpassed by France. Its calculations point out that in 2050 in the area studied, which does not cover the entire country but much of the territory will remain 176,815. The key: the generational relief. One of the great challenges with which hunting is the lack of wise new. The aging of the population, the rural exodus and social and cultural changes have taken its toll to the collective and that is clearly reflected in Your figures. Researchers talk about the fact that, at least in the regions they have analyzed, “recruitment” has decreased more than 89% in just 50 years. From 44,000 new hunters between 1970 and 1979, it went to less than 5,000 in the 2010 to 2020. And the descents were even greater in regions with a strong tradition, such as Castilla-La Mancha or Portugal, both with falls that exceed 90%. The result is that the participation of young people in hunting has dropped to “Historical minimum”further complicating the future of the activity. The largest proportion of young hunters is found in the smallest municipalities, of less than 100 inhabitants, where it reaches 14%. In the localities with more than 10,000 neighbors that incidence collapses below 1%. Work graph published by Mario Gaspar and the rest of the authors in “People and Nature”. ​ One more aged group. The result is obvious. It is increasingly easy to meet in Spain with major hunters, which have passed 60 years. And more difficult to see twenty -year -old or thirties by the mountain with the shotgun hanging on the shoulder. If the trend does not vary over the next few years the researchers already They warn that in the middle of this century the proportion of hunters who have already blown the 60 candles will go from 40 to 61%, thus becoming a comfortable majority. “The hunting population studied, with about 600,000 hunters, is strongly aged, being the most abundant cohort that between 61 and 70 years, and its prevalence is eight times higher in smaller populations than in large cities,” They reflect The authors of the study. The figures are again revealing: the strip of hunters from 61 to 70 years was the most abundant, with 23%, despite the fact that experts detected that the abandonment of hunting is accelerated from 65 years. The age cohort below 20 years is testimonial, with only 0.92%. Question of changes. Change hunting, but also changes society and the Spanish population itself. In fact your Paulatino Aging It coincides with that of the whole of society and the abandonment of the rural one, another key that seems to affect the practice of hunting. Researchers have proven that the average participation rate is much higher in small municipalities than in the large ones: in the villages of less than 100 neighbors it reaches 8%, compared to 1% in those of more than 100,000 inhabitants. With all the population weight of the latter, he explains that most hunters reside in large locations, especially those between 10,000 and 100,000 censored. The global photo can be even worse for the collective, since, like They recognize The authors themselves, the investigation does not cover the whole of the Spanish territory. “The real decrease rates throughout the Iberian Peninsula are probably higher, since the regions not included in our study, located mainly in the northwest of Spain, are the most aging and where the hunting is likely to have decreased more,” they assume. A fact, several questions. The study of People and Nature It is interesting because it reflects, with concrete figures and percentages, the “demographic collapse” that hunting in the peninsula is suffering. However, those same data leave some important questions, one of them outlined In the report itself: … Read more

Tariffs imposed by the US to Mexico are going to shoot many prices. Those of these car brands are going to be a problem

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The United States decision of Implement 25% tariffs On the imports of Mexico and Canada it will have many and varied consequences, but there is a sector that will be specially affected by it: the automotive industry, especially from North America. After several postponements, the measure entered into force on March 4without the possibility of a new negotiation. There are already names of affected companies and models. An interconnected industry. Throughout the last three decades in the United States, with The signature of the NAFTA (Gasoline) in 1994 and its subsequent evolution towards the T-MEC (USMCA), car manufacturers have developed supply chains highly interdependentin which engines, transmissions and other components cross the borders multiple times before assembling in a final vehicle. The premise behind this model is clear: take advantage of the economic and logistics strengths of each country to reduce costs, improve efficiency and offer more competitive prices to its consumers. However, new tariffs could break this structure, drastically more expensive and generating uncertainty about what cars will be considered imported or national. What is really an imported car. It had the New York Times. Before talking about the repercussions, it should be explained how a vehicle is “mounted”. The central problem of tariffs is that defining what an imported car is is not so simple. In legal terms (and USA key), a vehicle is classified as imported when its final assembly occurs outside the United States. However, the complexity of supply chains This definition has become obsolete. The medium exposed concrete examples of this interconnection. Namely: the Chevrolet Blazer is assembled in Mexico, but uses engines and transmissions made in the United States, the Nissan Altim He assembles in the United States but with only 25% of its American parts (the engine comes from Japan and the transmission of Mexico). Extra ball. There is another problem: that the Trump administration has not specified How will you apply tariffs To these components that cross the border several times. This, no doubt, generates a climate of uncertainty for manufacturers, who do not know how to calculate production costs and define their commercial strategy. A true chaos. Affected companies and models. What seems clearly clear is that, if tariffs are permanently implemented, a summary of Several companies that could be forced to reconsider investments or even transfer production to other regions. Who is it? The main automotive with operations in Mexico and Canada that They would be impacted For tariffs they include: BMW: Its plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, produces series 3, 2 Coupé and M2 models, mainly intended for the US and global market. Ford: operates three floors in Mexico and exported almost 196,000 vehicles to North America in the first half of 2024, of which 90% went to the United States. General Motors (GM): It imported around 750,000 vehicles from Mexico and Canada in 2024, including key models such as Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra and SUV medium. In addition, its Mexican plants assemble two of its new electric vehicles (EVS). Honda: with 80% of its Mexican production for the United States, it already warned that it could rethink its manufacturing strategy if tariffs become permanent. KIA: Its factory in Mexico assembles its own models and the Santa Fe SUV for Hyundai, which are also exported to the United States. Mazda: exported 120,000 vehicles from Mexico to the United States in 2024 and evaluates to stop future investments if tariffs enter into force. Nissan: Its two plants in Mexico produce the Sentra, Versa and Kicks models for the United States, with a total of 505,000 units assembled in the first nine months of 2024. Stellantis: Assemble in Mexico the RAM, Vans and Jeep Compass trucks, in addition to manufacturing Chrysler models in Canada. In 2025, he plans to restart the production of a new Jeep model in his Canadian plant. TOYOTA: Produces Tacoma in its factories in Mexico, with more than 230,000 units sold in the United States in 2024, which represented 10% of its sales in that market. Volkswagen (VW): Its plant in Puebla, Mexico, manufactured about 350,000 vehicles in 2024, including the Jetta, Tiguan and Taos, all for export to the United States. Audi: His factory in San José Chiapa, Mexico, produces the Q5 and uses more than 5,000 people. Only in the first half of 2024, exported almost 40,000 units to the United States. Plus: In Canada, Volkswagen is building a battery gigafabrica in Ontario, which will begin production in 2027, a project that, obviously, could also be affected by commercial uncertainty. Possible consequences. The first is the most obvious and we can Explain with an example: If a car manufactured in Mexico has a base price of $ 25,000, a 25% tariff would add 6,250 to the final cost. In the market, the impact would be enormous: the car would be less competitive in front of the United States automotive industry and generate a tension in the commercial relations of both countries, since Mexico would begin to look to other sides. But there is more. First of all, Price increase For consumers in the United States. Additional costs could be transferred to customers, making cars, trucks and SUVs assembled in Mexico and Canada. The reduction of competitiveness is also pointed out, since brands such as Ford, GM, Toyota and VW could lose market participation against production manufacturers in the United States or outside North America. Plus: the Reconfiguration of the supply chainsince some companies could seek to transfer operations outside of Mexico or Canada to avoid tariffs, although this would imply high costs and prolonged deadlines. Finally, analysts also point to Impact on employment and investmentsince automotive plants in Mexico and Canada generate hundreds of thousands of jobs. Uncertainty about tariffs could cause investment reduction, mass layoffs and lower expansion of the sector in the region. How much prices will increase. It is the big question. Manufacturers have analyzed the direct impact of tariffs on production costs. According to Patrick Andersonfrom Anderson Economic Group, … Read more

Aemet already knows when the storm that is soaking Spain is over. The problem is that another act comes another

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Precipitation has returned to the east and southeast of the Peninsula. A Episode of instability whose ending to see the meteorologists. Of course, there are still days of heavy rains in much of the country. Last special notice. Yesterday Tuesday, the State Meteorology Agency (AEMET), updated its Special notice of adverse phenomena associated with storms that these days suffer different points of the Peninsula. In the notice, the agency, in addition to accounting for the weather forecasts, addressed the probable evolution of the event in the remainder of the week. Changes, perhaps not what we expected. Aemet’s forecasts indicate a trend change as of Friday. Of course, this change in the atmospheric situation will not imply the end of the rains. The reason is in An Atlantic storm which will become responsible for instability over the weekend. What will change will be the areas where the rains are concentrated. On Friday the instability will be reduced in the east peninsular, while in the west will begin to notice the arrival of the new storm. Aemet points out, of course, that uncertainty is high regarding this new meteorological phenomenon. Meanwhile… Waiting for the arrival of the change in trend, Aemet warns of the persistence of the rains. According to their forecasts For today, “strong and/or persistent rainfall” is expected that will affect a good part of the east and southeast peninsular, as well as the environment of the central, narrow system and areas of Malaga, the agency indicates. Accumulated rainfall could occur in Castellón, Valencia, Murcia and Almería. In some areas of these provinces, the 100 millimeters could be exceeded. The notices Yellow by rains extend for a good part of the east and southeast, while the orange notices are concentrated in the provinces of Tarragona, Castellón and Valencia. Few changes. The situation on Thursday will be similar, with “strong and/or persistent rainfall” in the central system and especially in Valencia, Castellón, Tarragona and surrounding areas. In some of these areas, 150 mm could be exceeded. They are also possible, adds the agency, the “strong showers” in the prelital of Catalonia and Malaga, as well as indoors in the southeast peninsular. The notices For rains they will be similar to Wednesday, with various areas of the east and southeast in yellow warning and a good part of the provinces of Tarragona, Castellón and Valencia under orange warning. A partial relief. The arrival of a new storm in a practically consecutive way implies that in many of the areas affected by rain the relief could only be temporary. It is still early to know to what extent and for how long this new storm will affect the Peninsula, so it will be essential to pay attention to weather predictions throughout the week. In Xataka | Saharian dust clouds reach Spain and Europe. The other problem is what accompanies them Image | ECMWF

The main problem of Ukraine if the US is called is GMLRS, and it will occur when Russia attacks more than 30 km

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After the failed meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump the situation in the Ukraine conflict is more uncertain than ever. While the United States has taken as the first measure the suspension of military assistance, from Ukraine it is requested to sit and negotiate those alleged minerals that would open a negotiating table again. As things are, the question seems clear: how long could kyiv resist Without American help? In the short term there is no problem. The measure adopted by the Trump administration freezes Ukraine access to The 3.85 billion dollars in military aids previously approved by Congress. Plus: Block the Military equipment delivery which had already been authorized by the administration of Joe Biden. However, and since before the arrival of Trump, Ukraine He has been preparing For a possible cessation of American aid, accumulating armament and ammunition in anticipation of this scenario. In fact, a senior western official confirmed that much of the necessary military team He entered Ukraine Before Trump’s possession, which will allow the country to stay in combat beyond the estimated period for negotiations of a fire. Fedir Venislavsky, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Defense Committee, said that Ukraine has a safety margin of approximately six monthswhich will allow you to resist in the short term without US assistance. However, he acknowledged that the situation will be much more difficult without the constant flow of weapons and defensive systems. Ukraine’s biggest bet: drones. In 2025, Ukraine It depends much less on the United States to cover their daily needs on the battlefield compared to the early stages of the war. Its current defensive strategy is based on the use of mines, attack drones and traditional artillery fire to wear Russian forces in A range of 0 to 30 km. In other words, most of the roller casualties (More than 50%) They are caused by mines and national manufacturing drones, which reduces dependence on imported weapons systems. To get an idea of The “industry” that has ended up forming The country, according to the Minister of Defense, Rustem Uumerov, Ukraine has become the largest drone manufacturer in the world, with a monthly production of almost 200,000 dronesincluding low -cost FPV models with DJI Mavic drones imported from China (although this carries a time in question). In any case, the Ukraine approach has been to expand the “death zone” of Your kamikaze dronesincreasing its scope and lethality, which represents a low -cost alternative to Himars systems and Atacms missiles Americans. The problem will be at a great distance. Analysts agree that the most serious impact of the suspension will be seen in the ability of Ukraine to perform precision attacks more than 30 km. The reason? The Systems like GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) They are still crucial to hit strategic objectives in the Russian rear, and the lack of these should affect the operational effectiveness of Ukraine. In addition, the Advanced interceptors suspension Air defense and antimisiles provided by the United States will reduce Ukraine’s ability to protect its infrastructure and troops from Russian missile attacks. Thus, as time passes, these limitations could become critical. Another key point is Equipment maintenancethe supply of spare parts and technical support. Without the United States assistance, the operational capacity of Ukraine will gradually degrade. Plus: It is not clear if the suspension will also affect the provision of intelligence, training and other forms of indirect support, which could further aggravate the situation. In this sense, much will depend on how much material and spare parts you have managed to store Ukraine and to what extent Europe can intervene to cover the gap. In addition, some European countries have limited inventories and in certain cases the United States could block the transfer of equipment by third parties. The GMLRS in Action The Patriots and their interceptors. As we explained, despite European support, the most sophisticated defense systems depend exclusively on the United States. Among them, the Patriot Air Defense Systems and its interceptors, designed and manufactured exclusively on American soil. The impossibility of replenishing these missiles once exhausted will put key cities at risk and Ukrainian strategic locations, increasing vulnerability to Russian attacks with ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. Another critical factor is the provision of long -range intelligence. Until now, Washington has provided recognition data to alert Ukraine about Russian bombings with planning pumps and to identify strategic objectives within Russia. The interruption of this information flow would deprive Ukraine of a key advantage in the modern war. Starlink. Finally, we must not forget the Starlink communications system of Elon Musk, widely used For the Ukrainian forces on the battle front, and that depends on a contract with the Pentagon. Although a possible alternative would be the Eutelsat European satellite service, it is not clear if it could match Starlink’s efficiency and coverage in the middle of the war. And Europe? It is the great unknown after hearing yesterday that grandiloquent word: rearmament. Europe has tried to compensate for the reduction of US support with significant military assistance, which from the beginning of the war rises to 51 billion dollars. Currently, European aid represents 25% of the totalexceeding 20% ​​from the United States, while the rest of the weapons and supplies comes from the Ukrainian industry or direct acquisitions of the Zelenskyy government. In some aspects, European support already exceeds the American. It is expected that in 2025 Europe will produce two million projectiles Artillery for Ukraine, compared to the 850,000 planned by the United States. Despite this, combined production remains less than The 4 million projectiles that Russia plans to manufacture this year. No doubt, this lag raises the question of whether the difference in fire capacity will be decisive in favor of Moscow. Resist and risk. Under this scenario, the suspension of US military aid does not seem to represent an immediate collapse for Ukraine, but yes A progressive deterioration of its war capacity. With the accumulated supplies before Trump’s possession and … Read more

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