North Korea has a unique brand of environmentalism that maintains its lush forests. Called Juche, this mode of environmentalism marries Korean animistic beliefs and the Stalinist ideology of national self-sufficiency. The Koreans believed that pine trees were their kin, entwined in their lives from birth until death; Kim Il-sung used this belief to his advantage, and his grandson Kim Jong-un has continued it. Kim Il-sung believed trees would not only unite Korea but also make their economy self-sustaining. After all, trees provided resources like food to eat and to trade. Read full article here
Technology
The First Solar-Powered Car Comes at a Hot Price
The Lightyear O is a revolutionary electric car powered by the sun. Developed by a Dutch startup, the four-door sedan has over 50 square feet of solar panels on its roof and hood, generating up to 43 miles of energy a day. With production now underway in Finland, the car does come with a hefty price tag at $262,000, but the company hopes to introduce a more affordable version, the Lightyear 2, by 2025. Read full article here
Merv
January 27, 2023
