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United States
Pipeline Sanctions
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass a multi-billion dollar defense policy bill, formally known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill contained provisions to impose sanctions on companies and governments working on the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The sanctions represent an attempt to halt further construction of the $10.6 billion pipeline being built under the Baltic Sea which is aimed at doubling the shipments of Russian natural gas to Germany. U.S. officials warn that the pipeline will increase Europe’s reliance on Russian energy, send billions of dollars to Russia, and increase Russian President Putin’s influence in Europe. However, the European Union and Germany have strongly urged the U.S. not to impose sanctions, saying that European energy policy should be decided in Europe and that the US should not meddle.
This map depicts the European countries that use Russian gas. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: Bloomberg
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France
Protests Impact Power and Fuel
Protests surrounding French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed reform of the national pension system have raged across the country since December 5. Hundreds of thousands of union representatives and supporters from transportation, fuel, electricity, and other sectors have taken to the streets to demand fair social benefits. On Tuesday, electricity was cut off for tens of thousands of homes in Paris, Lyon, and other cities in the Southwest of the country. Strikes at the Grandpuits oil refinery, La Mede biofuels plant, and Petroineos’ Lavera refinery and blockades at several oil terminals across the country are causing concern over fuel supply and accessibility. Transportation services are experiencing significant disruptions, a quarter of primary school teachers are out on strike, and staff walk-outs have intermittently closed major tourist destinations including the Eiffel Tower and the Paris opera. President Macron has vowed to continue reform in the face of protests to ensure the pension system is fair and does not collapse into dept.
This map depicts the location of the fuel refineries on strike and the tie-ins to the country’s oil infrastructure. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: S & P Global
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Australia
Record Breaking Heat Wave
Australia experienced its hottest day on record on Tuesday, with temperatures across the country averaging 105.6 degrees. The previous record high for the national average was 104.5 degrees, set in 2013. The hottest recorded temperature this week was 117 degrees in Birdsville, Queensland — still below the all-time record of 123 degrees, set in Oodnadatta, South Australia in 1960. The heatwave is arriving at a time when more than 100 recorded wildfires rage across the continent’s eastern coast. Australia has been experiencing a year-long drought due to a late Indian monsoon season, wavering sea temperatures in the Indian Ocean, and strong winds. Officials worry the dry conditions and heat lightning could cause additional fires in the bush land. The heat wave is expected to last until Friday, though forecasters expect the heat to intensify before the week’s end.
This map depicts mean maximum temperature across the continent on Tuesday. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: With a total area of 6,821 square miles (17,666 square km) what island arc separates the Bering Sea from the main portion of the Pacific Ocean?
A: Aleutian Islands
The Aleutian Islands separate the northern Bering Sea from the rest of the Pacific Ocean. The arc extends for about 1,100 miles (1,800 km) from the tip of the Alaska Peninsula to Attu Island. The archipelago belongs to Alaska and consists of 14 large islands, about 55 smaller islands, and numerous islets.
Source
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Q: Estimated to have lost around one-third of its area due to erosion, the world’s largest river island is located in which river?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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