Good afternoon folks, and happy Thursday. We are bracing ourselves for a scorching long weekend.
EnterprisePM Egypt will be off on June 30, but we will be back in your inbox at the usual time on Monday.
THE BIG STORY TODAY
The energy crisis continues to dominate the news today, as Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals (Sidpec) has started receiving feed gasses and gradually resumes operations in its factories, the company said in an EGX disclosure today (pdf). It is now expected that major petrochemicals and fertilizer companies will follow suit in the coming hours.
Remember: An Oil Ministry official told Enterprise on Tuesday that gas supplies to the industry should be back to normal by the end of this week, as high temperatures are expected to soon start cooling.
Signs of the times: Abu Qir Fertilizers board has signed off on a project to partially adopt hydrogen as an alternative to natural gas, the company said in a disclosure today without providing further details (pdf). The company’s board also approved a plan to install new solar plants with a total capacity of 2.5MW to reduce the company’s electricity consumption.
ICYMI: The nation’s power crisis has forced major petrochemicals and fertilizers to halt operations completely over the past two days. Sidpec, Abu Qir Fertilizers, Mopco, and Kima have cited the lack of feed gasses as a reason to power down their factories.
THE BIG STORY ABROAD
The French parliamentary elections are leading the conversation in the foreign press this afternoon. Recent polls suggest a hung-parliament scenario led by the far-right Rassemblement National party, whose leader Jordan Bardella has pledged a “cultural battle against Islamism” if they secure the victory. The elections will be held in two rounds on 30 June and 7 July. (Financial Times | CNBC)
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It’s not just natural gas and mazut that Egypt wants to import: Four state-owned firms are set to launch a company alongside Triangle Group’s Gama Construction in a project to import liquified ethane gas derived from US shale gas.
Some industries are getting harder than others from rolling blackouts: Factories in the steel, livestock, food production, petrochemicals, and fertilizers industries are facing operational disruptions due to ongoing power cuts and gas shortages that are squeezing companies’ bottom lines.
Befar gets serious about Egypt: The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) inked a framework agreement with Chinese chemicals manufacturer Befar Group to set up an integrated chemicals production complex dubbed Green Marine in China’s special economic zone TEDA.
☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Look for a high of 41°C and low of 23°C, according to our favorite weather app.
Can’t hit all the notes during karaoke anymore? As we age, we can expect that our voices will undergo a degree of change as it did when we hit puberty. Growing older, some voices will deepen over time while others may become more strained. These changes often stem from physical alterations in muscle mass, posture, and vocal folds, which can lose tone and elasticity over time, according to National Geographic.
Hormones are to blame. Fluctuations in hormones, particularly in women during menopause, can also lead to alterations in pitch and vocal power. While research in this area is still developing, hormone replacement therapy is sometimes used to address these changes and preserve vocal function.
Quitting smoking and visiting your dentist will slow the changes. Maintaining general physical health through staying active, practicing good oral hygiene, and staying hydrated can all support vocal health. Smoking is also a key factor: It not only irritates the voice but can also increase the risk of cancer in the vocal organs. While medications and surgical interventions are available for severe cases, non-invasive voice therapy is typically the first line of treatment. Speech-language pathologists prescribe personalized exercises to maintain vocal range, volume, and overall vocal health.
Quo Vadis, Aida? is a gripping and poignant film that takes us back to the heart of the Srebrenica massacre of 1995. Directed by Jasmila Žbanić, the film tells the story of Aida (Jasna Đuričić), a UN translator who finds herself in a dilemma as the Serbian army closes in on her town. Aida’s job gives her unique access to the unfolding events, but it also puts her in an incredibly precarious position as she tries to also save her family amidst the chaos.
Humanity within the tragedy. Žbanić skillfully avoids sensationalizing the violence, instead opting to highlight the emotional and psychological impacts of the events. The film is a sharp critique of the failed foreign policies and the inaction of the UN, shedding light on the broader evils of institutional failure and international indifference. Through Aida’s eyes, we see the devastating loss and impact on families and society’s psyche.
A powerful commentary on the cost of political and military decisions. The film has received wide acclaim for its storytelling, direction, and performances, earning several awards and nominations, including a nomination for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars in 2021.
⚽ The excitement continues in Copa America as round 2 of the group stage comes to an end and round 3 kicks off over the weekend. Below are the list of the matches to keep an eye on:
Uruguay vs Bolivia (Group C, 4am on Friday)
Colombia vs Costa Rica (Group D, 1am on Saturday)
Paraguay vs Brazil (Group D, 4am on Saturday)
Argentina vs Peru (Group A, 3am on Sunday)
Happened overnight: Ecuador managed to clinch three points after defeating Jamaica with a 3-1 score. Doing so, Ecuador is sitting in second place in Group B with three points, after Venezuela who now has six points in pocket after beating Mexico 1-0.
Euro 2024’s round of 16: The national teams that qualified for the pre-quarterfinals are as follows:
Group A: Germany, Switzerland
Group B: Spain, Italy
Group C: England, Denmark, Slovenia
Group D: Austria, France, Netherlands
Group E: Romania, Belgium, Slovakia
Group F: Portugal, Turkey, Georgia
The Azzurri to defend their title. Current champions Italy will kick off the round of 16 matches playing against Switzerland at 7pm on Saturday. Italy is second from Group B with four points. Meanwhile, Switzerland secured its second-place position also after getting five points in Group A.
Mannschaft vs Vikings: Germany faces Denmark at 10pm on Saturday. The German national team succeeded in seizing their passage to the round of 16 after topping Group A with seven points, while Denmark settled for three points that qualified them as second in the third group.
Egyptian League matches happening on the weekend:
El Gouna vs Modern Future (4pm)
Al Ismaili vs Al Masry (7pm)
ZED vs Talaea El Gaish (7pm)
Al Mokawloon vs National Bank (4pm, Friday)
Al Ahly vs Pharco (7pm, Friday)
Smouha vs Pyramids (7pm, Friday)
Baladiyat Al Mahalla vs Enppi (4pm, Saturday)
Zamalek vs Ceramica Cleopatra (7pm, Saturday)
Al Ittihad vs Al Dakhiliya (7pm, Saturday)
Related
? OUT AND ABOUT- (all times CLT)
HAPPENING THIS WEEK-
Affichat w Aflam for the cinema aficionados. This exhibition showcases a vast selection of the late Pierre Sioufi’s collection of more than 10k pieces of Egyptian cinema memorabilia from 1932-2017. Showing in three editions, with the first ending on Thursday, 11 July, it will display pieces from the 1930s to 1970s. The exhibition is open from 10am to 10pm at Bibliothek.
Giselle will be presented by the Cairo Opera Ballet Company and the Cairo Symphony Orchestra tonight. This ballet performance is a story of romance and tragedy and will take place at the Grand Theatre of the Cairo Opera House over four days starting tonight at 8:30pm. Get your tickets here for tonight, tomorrow and Monday, and Tuesday.
Don't miss the comedic musical journey I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Rawabet Art Space from tonight until Saturday. Explore the ups and downs of love and relationships through humorous scenes and heartwarming songs that will have you laughing and nodding along. Secure your tickets for tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday.
Layali Misr x Hamaki: Superstar Mohamed Hamaki will be in concert at the New Cairo Arena on Friday. Book a ticket, table, or lounge here.
Medhat Saleh x Maestro Amro Selim in the large hall at the Opera. The musical performance will be on Saturday starting at 8:30pm. Click here to get your tickets.
90’s nostalgia is back with Flashback at CJC 610 with Bubblegum Kollectiv and DJ Andy Cheikho tomorrow. Get in touch with CJC 610 on their website to get your tickets.
Amr Diab takes the stage at Sol Beach in Marassi, North Coast. The concert also features DJ Adam Port on Saturday starting from 9pm. Get your tickets here.
Salsa Night at CJC610 is for dance aficionados and amateurs. Don’t miss the night on Monday, 1 July at 9pm and don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert at dancing to attend the event. Salsa night is presented by Slow Motion Studio. To reserve, contact CJC 610 through their Facebook page.
Tamer Ashour in concert as a part of the summer parties. The singer will perform in the Horse Owner’s Club in Alexandria on Thursday, 4 July at 4pm. Get your tickets here.
Experience a mesmerizing performance in ‘Nawah’ or ‘Fertile Presence’ on the Rawabet stage. The performance fuses movement and sound to highlight the interconnectedness of agriculture, fertility, and motherhood. The performance will be on Saturday, 5 July and will start at 8pm. Get your tickets here.
Egyptian Nights with Cairokee. The Egyptian band will be performing at the AAST in Alexandria as a part of the Egyptian Nights Festival on Saturday, 13 July at 8pm. Click here for the tickets.
Related
? EARS TO THE GROUND-
Mothers know best and The Wellness Mama knows more. Hosted by Katie Wells, the podcast is a standout resource in health and wellness. Known for her influential wellness blog, Katie Wells brings the same thorough, research-based approach to her podcast, making it a valuable source of information for listeners seeking to improve their health and lifestyle.
Advice on taking care of mothers. From health, nutrition, and fitness to mental well-being and natural living, Katie Wells excels as a host, offering a warm, approachable style that makes complex topics accessible and engaging. Her background as a mother of six adds a unique perspective, especially in episodes focused on family health and parenting. She mixes in her own personal anecdotes with expert interviews, making her content equally relatable and informative.
An expert guest list. The speakers feature experts in health, nutrition, fitness, and holistic living bringing a wealth of knowledge and often sharing actionable tips and advice. For instance, episodes have featured discussions with doctors, nutritionists, and fitness experts who provide science-backed insights into improving one's health such as How to Stop Feeling Triggered by Your Kids Behavior or How to Get Your Health Back in Midlife.
Science and research are highlighted. The podcast prioritizes research and science, debunking common health myths and presenting reliable data. This focus on accuracy helps listeners make informed decisions about their health, distinguishing the podcast from others who may rely more on anecdotal advice.
The EGX30 rose 1.0% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 4.4 bn (0.2% above the 90-day average). International investors were the sole net sellers. The index is up 11.5% YTD.
In the green: Fawry (+5.9%), Eipico (+5.1%), and EFG Holding (+4.6%).
In the red: Beltone Holding (-3.2%), Oriental Weavers (-2.3%), and Palm Hills Development (-2.3%).
They say ignorance is bliss, but in the case of climate change, what we don’t know will most definitely hurt us. The common narrative is one where the world slowly heats up, the ocean levels slowly rise, and the planet slowly becomes uninhabitable. The truth is that for decades, scientists have been trying to tell us that that’s not how climates change.
A climate hypothesis that will keep you up at night. Imagine you’re in a canoe — another passenger keeps rocking the canoe from side to side, the canoe tipping more to each side every time. Eventually, it’ll tip just a hair too far and completely and swiftly flip over. That’s how scientists believe climate change works. Not a slow, gradual process, but one that could mean 3.4 mn people dying within a year.
There are a lot of different ways the canoe can flip. The most likely event to kick off the cascading failure of the ecosystem is the abrupt collapse of the Atlantic Ocean current. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) transports warm water, among other things, from Africa up north, regulating the global climate by distributing heat and energy around the planet. It’s important for a lot of different reasons, but most pertinently, it keeps Europe habitable.
Here’s how: The salinity of the warm water on the surface of the oceans is due to evaporation. As that water travels north and cools, it sinks because high salinity increases its density, and travels back south along the bottom of the ocean. Cold freshwater from melting ice caps in the north would change both the salinity and the temperature of the nearest parts of the ocean and disrupt the AMOC.
Out of the frying pan… Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, according to the European Environment Agency. Not only do these changes threaten Europe’s food security, ecosystems, and water resources, but the health of its inhabitants has been suffering. In 2022, over 61k people died due to high temperatures over the summer. According to the Agency’s report, these effects have reached critical levels, and could become catastrophic without fast changes.
…and into the freezer. When the AMOC current slows down, the transfer of heat that Europe relies on will come to a halt. For reference, the UK is at the same latitude as Siberia (yes, we checked). With no heat being transferred, it’s possible that the UK will adopt the same environment as the Russian territory, parts of which can reach -73°C. The island will no longer have arable land, and its agricultural output will stall completely. The uninhabitability of certain countries due to climate change and the economic impacts that will follow will likely cause mass migration at a level that we can only begin to fathom, with the World Bank predicting that 140 mn will be displaced by 2050.
Danger is just around the corner: Not just as a result of evaporation, but in terms of economic viability. If the Suez Canal is affected by current unrest in the Red Sea imagine the scenario where there is increased water flow from the Indian Ocean or the Northern Sea Route (usually only accessible from July to October) that will become ice-free all year round…our canal will lose traffic from China and Europe.
Air travel will become more dangerous. In a study published last year, scientists found that turbulence has gotten 55% worse alongside the adverse effects of climate change since the late 70s. This is due to the increase in hotter air, which means that wind speeds and directions change more violently. Air circulation is continuously becoming less predictable, which leads to bumpier flights, making turbulence the most common cause of airline accidents. While that doesn’t necessarily mean that airplane crashes will become more common, we may be seeing more people injure their spines, break their limbs, and sustain paralyzing injuries due to turbulence.
Heat makes us more irritable. Yes, it's a thing: It is a scientific fact that people become moreviolent when temperatures rise. 56 different studies stipulated that increased temperatures cause an uptick in one-on-one scraps and larger more organized violence like war. Richard Larrick, who studied the effect of heat on aggression levels of baseball players, told the Washington Post that heat “[increases] anger and [makes] thoughts of aggression increase.” Luckily, the hottest year on record also coincided with the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Say goodbye to your morning cup of coffee. Coffee-growing land could decline by 50% within the next two decades, says a study. Brazil, the world’s largest coffee exporter, has already seen certain strains of the bean fail due to unstable weather. Coffee, alongside avocados and cashews, need a stable climate to grow, and will be the first goods to go. This would also threaten the livelihoods of the mns of people whose incomes depend on these products.
Mummies will decompose: After 7k years of preservation, some mummies from the Atacama Desert in Chile have started to degrade … while they were being kept in a museum. Rising humidity levels due to climate change has encouraged the growth of bacteria that digests the mummies, some even decomposing to a black ooze. Other historical artifacts, like Italy’s marble statues, or Siberia’s frozen tombs, will be affected as well.
Forget summers in Sahel. Rising sea levels are already wiping away large swathes of beaches around the globe, but that may not be the only threat to the North Coast communities. Animals are migrating to find more suitable living environments — that includes jellyfish. And sharks. Both of which are developing a taste for mediterranean waters, it seems.
Drop the chopsticks and put away the soy sauce. Oceans taking the brunt of the climate crisis is no surprise. The ocean absorbs 93% of all the heat being trapped by greenhouse gasses, and 30% of the carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels. The increase of marine heat wave frequencies has increased by more than a third, and is killing off plankton and fish by the hundreds of thousands. Sushi, already considered a delicacy in some places, will become even more rare (and even more expensive).
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