Episode 16 of The TWENTY30 Podcast hosted by Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler once again finds the two hosts on direct opposite sides of the planet, with Hanaa in Singapore speaking at a conference and Lucien on vacation at his home in the United States. Listener feedback takes a light-hearted turn with comments on Lucien's “improving” tan, leading to a broader discussion on the cultural implications and personal anecdotes surrounding names and their meanings in different regions.

The episode's DEEP DIVE centers on a comprehensive new report from the Energy Institute, co-authored by KPMG and Kearney, detailing fossil fuel use in 2023. The report reveals that global fossil fuel consumption, driven largely by coal and oil, has reached record levels, with emissions surpassing 40 gigatons of CO2. The hosts discuss the urgency of these findings amidst a warming planet and increasing climate change impacts. They point out that although there is notable growth in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, especially in Europe and China, fossil fuels are still ever as dominant.

The hosts wrap the episode with a discussion of some of the latest news and reports on Saudi Arabia.

In the news this week:

•We begin with the Saudi Journalists Association's first-ever participation in the International Federation of Journalists' annual meeting, held in London. This milestone event marks a significant step for Saudi journalism on the global stage, as representatives from around the world gather to discuss the state of journalism, the challenges it faces, and the importance of international cooperation.

•A crucial worker safety regulation introduced by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Starting June 15th, 2024, a ban on working under direct sunlight between noon and 3 p.m. will be enforced. This measure aims to enhance the safety and health of outdoor workers during the scorching summer months, preventing heat-related illnesses and improving overall worker productivity. The importance of such regulations is underscored as Saudi Arabia strives for rapid and safe development.

•Saudi Arabia's achievements in the cybersecurity sector. The kingdom has secured second place in the Global Cybersecurity Index and made significant gains in the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) for 2023. With a notable jump in the overall competitiveness ranking, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity landscape. The National Cybersecurity Authority plays a pivotal role in protecting the nation's critical infrastructure and economic sectors from cyber threats, showcasing Saudi Arabia's leadership in this vital area.

•Brazilian planemaker Embraer's strategic interest in Saudi Arabia as a key defense market. As Saudi Arabia looks to replace its aging fleet of Lockheed Martin's C-130 Hercules, Embraer is engaging with the kingdom to expand sales of its C390 Millennium military transport jet. This potential purchase highlights Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and bolster its strategic partnerships.

•The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has published the annual performance report for the Saudi finance and real estate company sector for 2023. The report reveals a notable increase in paid-up share capital, total assets, and net income, reflecting the sector's solid financial performance and expanding economic landscape. The classification of loan portfolios and the importance of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are also discussed, providing insights into Saudi Arabia's diversified economic growth.

Hanaa concludes the show by sharing the Arabic word/phrase of the day.

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