Zero Emission Vehicles May Soon Be Harder to Find; The Second World and the New World Order; Social Security and Medicare Funds Being Depleted; Open Skies Agreement; Adventures in the World of Chinese Food
Zero Emission Vehicles May Soon Be Harder to Find
During a hearing today, members of the California Air Resources Board are discussing cutting the number of battery-powered and hydrogen vehicles that automakers must produce for California. The rules have been modified four times since they were introduced in 1990. The proposal is being criticized by environmentalists, health advocates and some leading political figures. CARB plans to vote on the proposal at the end of the day today after hearing public comments. AirTalk guest host Ted Chen hears from CARB chairwoman Mary Nichols and talks with Tim Carmichael of the Coalition for Clean Air.
The Second World and the New World Order
Author Parag Khanna talks with guest host Ted Chen about the struggle for power between the United States, the European Union and China in the global marketplace. The contest for control is waged most decisively in the Second World, which is made up of regions in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and East Asia. In his new book, "The Second World," Khanna looks at the evolution of geopolitics in those regions and how it will ultimately determine which country is the next super power.
Social Security and Medicare Funds Being Depleted
An annual governmental report shows the Social Security trust fund will be exhausted of its reserves by the year 2041. The same report shows dwindling Medicare resources by 2019. The situation has been worsening for years, but nothing meaningful has been done yet to fix it. None of the presidential hopefuls have addressed the issue thus far. AirTalk guest host Ted Chen talks with Drew Nannis of the AARP about the situation, and about what you can do about it.
Open Skies Agreement
Guest host Ted Chen discusses the latest news about the new "Open Skies Agreement" that begins this weekend. It will allow airlines based in the United States and Europe to fly across the Atlantic between any two airports in each region. Now, airlines are required to take off or land in their native countries and can only serve certain airports. Ted talks with aviation consultant Mike Boyd about what the agreement means for air fares to and from Europe.
Adventures in the World of Chinese Food
There are more Chinese restaurants in America than McDonalds, Burger Kings, and Wendy's combined. In her new book, "The Fortune Cookie Chronicles," New York Times reporter and Chinese-American Jennifer 8 Lee explores the culinary, social and cultural history of the customary after-Chinese-dinner treat and the world of Chinese Food. Lee joins Ted Chen to talk about her book and takes listener calls.