China’s Payment Wars, Biden’s Confirmations Progress, and More

How lifestyle choices affect climate change, the state of executive vacancies, and what is happening with China's payment systems.

View in browser November 30, 2021 China's payments U-turn: Government over technology   "What is going on in Chinese payments is a fascinating battle of private sector innovation versus government control and big-tech versus big-banks, putting the usually staid and boring world of payment systems into the spotlight, allowing for examination of broader narratives about the future of China and how it is playing the global economic game," writes Aaron Klein.   Read more Biden's confirmations progress   The Biden administration's effort to fill federal vacancies is moving at a snail's pace, with many high-ranking nominees languishing in the Senate. Kathryn Dunn Tenpas gives a rundown of the federal confirmations process at the 300-day mark.   Read more Missing from COP26: Lifestyle choices of middle-class and rich consumers   Major lifestyle changes will be required by consumers, especially from wealthy countries, to reach the shared goal of keeping climate warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Homi Kharas explains how public policy can encourage shifts in consumer behavior.   Read more Help support Brookings with a donation   Brookings is committed to making its high-quality, independent policy research free to the public. Please consider making a contribution today to our Annual Fund to support our experts' work. The conclusions and recommendations of any Brookings publication are solely those of its author(s), and do not reflect the views of the Institution, its management, or its other scholars. The Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 Unsubscribe Manage your newsletter preferences | Receive the Brookings Brief less often