Economist Podcasts Viral hit: the costs of China’s lockdown
Jan 30, 2020
Join David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, as he shares firsthand accounts from the locked-down Hubei province, revealing the residents' complex emotions amid strict quarantine measures. Henry Trix, author of the Schumpeter column, highlights how oil companies can leverage their expertise to transition to renewables. The conversation also touches on Mongolia's harsh winters and the devastating impact of climate change on nomadic herders, illustrating the urgent need for sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world.
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Life on the Hubei Border
- David Rennie visited a village on the Hubei border during the lockdown.
- A farmer wouldn't let his grandchildren play outside, fearing the virus from nearby Hubei.
Lockdown Effectiveness
- While China's lockdown provides comfort, its broad approach may be less effective than targeted methods.
- The mass quarantine might scare infected individuals into hiding, hindering containment efforts.
China's Response vs. SARS
- Unlike during SARS, China is now cooperating with international health organizations.
- However, delayed admission of human-to-human transmission and testing kit shortages raise concerns.