Forbes - What comes up ⬆️

Every Saturday I send you a tight edit of Forbes’ future trends across tech, entrepreneurship, sustainability and more. Enjoy.

Know someone who will love The Memo newsletter as much as you do? Share this link to sign them up.

5 things we learned

A French duck breeder is taking on Omicron. Valneva started out breeding poultry, then grew into one of the world’s leading vaccine makers. Today the company is close to releasing a vaccine specifically targeting Omicron.

The U.S. economy grew at the fastest rate since 1984. Thanks to rising consumer spending, exports and private investment, Q4 saw better-than-expected growth at 6.9%. Onwards and upwards.

Tesla posted record profits. Elon Musk called it “a breakthrough year” for electric cars, reporting the company grew volumes by 90% in 2021. Lower-cost models and full self-driving technology have been pushed back.

Pedestrians now rule the roads in Britain. The 91 year-old Highway code now places drivers at the bottom of the pile, below pedestrians, cyclists and horses. The new rules bring the U.K. into line with the rest of Europe.

The next Apple Airpods might save your relationship. Ever feel frustrated by your partner ignoring you with noise-cancelling headphones on? A new patent reveals a new ‘voice ID’ technology that could deactivate noise cancellation and prevent your next disagreement.

The good

The European Union ordered Silicon Valley to do more on child protection. The E.U.’s commissioner for Home Affairs is heading to San Francisco ahead of new legislation making it mandatory for tech giants to detect and report child sex abuse material.

The bad

LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan are in ‘grave’ danger. NGOs have criticised the worsening situation under the Taliban, reporting revenge killings, systematic discrimination against women, and “few good options” to escape.

Got an event coming up?

Know a great event our community should hear about? Let us know and we'll include it next week.

Do this

Forbes 30/50. Combining two of Forbes' most iconic lists, the 30/50 Summit will convene the world’s largest groups of super achievers, leaders, innovators and rule-breakers; sending a powerful message to the world that success is not bound by age or gender. March 6-9, 2022 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Registration find out more.

Watch

The electric battery problem. Lithium is the power source of choice for electric vehicles and other consumer electronics due to its safety and lightweight. But rapidly increasing demand for electric cars is creating supply bottlenecks for this precious metal. Wendover Productions, available to watch worldwide.

Listen

Ukraine’s national pride is a problem for Russia. WSJ European Security Correspondent James Marson speaks to officials in Kyiv with a growing sense of Ukrainian identity is feeding into the current political tensions. Gimlet Media, free to listen worldwide.

Read

The road to recovery. Most of us will experience injury or illness at some point in our lives; but we rarely think about the aftermath. GP and writer Gavin Francis explores how convalescence often takes a back seat in our modern lives. Welcome Collection, from $6.00.

Taste

Ireland's first female whiskey bonder. Barrel-aged, blended, and bottled - Louise McGuane is competing in a male-dominated industry to produce award-winning Irish whisky.

Know a friend who will love The Memo newsletter as much as you do? Share this link to sign them up.