News RoundUp: AI, Jobs Transformed, Not Taken, Turbulence, Geopolitics, Climate Risk

Jobs aren’t vanishing—they’re evolving fast. We dig into why AI is changing tasks more than it’s replacing roles, which jobs feel the pressure first, and how smart upskilling can turn a threat into a career tailwind. From clerical and entry-level analyst work to creative and care professions, we map the real exposure and explain where human judgment, empathy, and critical thinking still anchor value. Beyond the workplace, we zoom out to the forces bending global trade. The Russia–Ukraine war keeps energy and raw materials unstable, while Europe speeds up its de-risking from China amid a widening trade gap. Tariffs and protectionism set the tone for the next two years, pushing manufacturers to rework footprints in electronics and autos, reconsider suppliers, and prepare for higher input costs that could hit consumers by 2026. Fragmentation is now a planning assumption, not a surprise. Then we confront the structural reality of climate disruption. Extreme weather repeatedly closes ports, snarls inland transport, and drives commodity spikes in coffee and cocoa. We unpack the resilience playbook companies are using: diversifying suppliers and geographies, reinforcing infrastructure, using digital twins for better forecasting, and cutting Scope 3 emissions with greener materials and logistics. We also challenge easy assumptions about “green” modes like rail, calling for data-driven choices across the network. Along the way, we share how retailers are reinventing last mile to claw back efficiency lost to tariffs and delays. If you care about careers, costs, and the future of trade, this conversation connects the dots between AI in the office, geopolitics at the border, and climate at the port. Follow and subscribe for more clear takes on global supply chains—and tell us: what’s the biggest risk you’re preparing for next? Send us a text Support the show THANKS FOR LISTENING PLEASE SUPPORT THE SHOW You can support the podcast by following the link here. It makes a big difference and helps us make great content for you to listen to. Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. News about forthcoming programmes click here SHARE Please share the link with others so they can listen too https://chainreaction.buzzsprout.com/share LET US KNOW If you have any comments, suggestions or questions then just direct message on Linkedin or X (Twitter) REVIEW AND RATE If you like the show please rate and review it. Every vote helps. About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. The latest edition is published in 2024 available from Routledge, Amazon and all good book stores. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon...