Notes today: 

• Climate change is exacerbating extreme and freak weather events so rapidly that even the insurance industry is struggling to keep up.

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has used executive orders and court rulings to combat mask mandates and other anti-pandemic measures, has tested positive for a breakthrough case of Covid-19.

• Some 30% of Millennials and GenZers say they have cut ties with friends, family members etc. because they wouldn’t get the Covid vaccine.

• New Zealand will enter a nationwide lockdown on Tuesday over a single Covid case

• Glencore has acquired a stake in Britishvolt, (privat) the battery start-up behind plans for a gigafactory to equip the UK for an electric car future.