Author: sHq_LoGiNz

ZURICH and SEOUL, March 13, 2026 /3BL/ – Modelling the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure to global GDP through economic analysis calculates global economic losses from $330 billion to $2.2 trillion, depending on the length of the conflict. The risks to the global economy increases with each day the war continues.

Approximately 20 million barrels per day — roughly one-fifth of globally traded petroleum — normally transit through the 33-kilometre wise Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict has effectively closed the waterway, stranding an estimated 14.8 million barrels of oil production per day with no viable export route. Saudi Arabia and the UAE hold limited pipeline bypass capacity; Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain have none. Qatar’s 81-million-tonne annual LNG export facility — supplying approximately 22% of world liquefied natural gas — has declared force majeure.

Applying the IMF’s established oil gap transmission coefficient — every sustained 10% rise in oil prices reduces global GDP by up to 0.2 percentage points, the analysis models three potential outcomes:

• Short conflict (<2 weeks): ~$330 billion global GDP loss, Brent crude ~$80/bbl, global inflation rises by up 0.4pp, Gulf GDP is 4% down
• Medium conflict (4–6 weeks): ~$770 billion global GDP loss, Brent price at $100–120, global inflation increases up 1.0pp, Gulf GDP is down 11%
• Prolonged conflict (3–6 months): ~$2.2 trillion global GDP loss, Brent $130+, global inflation rises up 2.5pp, Gulf GDP is down by 22%, leading to global stagflation conditions comparable to the 1973–74 Arab oil embargo

The analysis shows the hidden economic cost of fossil fuel dependency – dependency that is hardest felt in countries that have not yet diversified their energy base. Nations that have invested in domestic renewable capacity are measurably less exposed to the current shock. Countries that invested les in renewable (domestic) electricity remain dependent on a supply chains that can be disrupted by a single choke-point (the Strait of Hormuz).

The countries best placed to weather this disruption are those that have already begun reducing their fossil fuel dependency, it is the structural argument for sustainable competitiveness as a national strategy.

The full interactive report, including scenario modelling by region and country-level export data, is
available at the research website of SolAbility here.

The analysis also connects to the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index, which measures long-term national economic resilience across 192 countries. Economies scoring higher on resource intensity/efficiency, intellectual capital, and governance quality demonstrate greater structural resilience to external geopolitical shocks and lower dependency to fossil fuel price volatility.

Key data points for editors:

• 14.8M bpd of oil production stranded with no export route
• $745M/day oil & gas revenue loss in the Gulf countries
• Gulf equity markets are down 15–35% from pre-war levels
• European LNG prices (TTF) are up 180% from pre-war levels
• War-risk insurance premiums up 300–500% for Gulf vessels
• 62M+ GCC residents depend on desalination for drinking water from 400+ desalination plants along the Gulf Coast, all of which are in range of Iranian drones

—

About SolAbility

SolAbility is an independent research and advisory boutique specialising in sustainable competitiveness. We are the proud publisher of the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI), a composite measure of long-term national economic resilience covering 192 countries. http://www.solability.com

Media contact: contact@solability.com 

ZURICH and SEOUL, March 13, 2026 /3BL/ – Modelling the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure to global GDP through economic analysis calculates global economic losses from $330 billion to $2.2 trillion, depending on the length of the conflict. The risks to the global economy increases with each day the war continues.

Approximately 20 million barrels per day — roughly one-fifth of globally traded petroleum — normally transit through the 33-kilometre wise Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict has effectively closed the waterway, stranding an estimated 14.8 million barrels of oil production per day with no viable export route. Saudi Arabia and the UAE hold limited pipeline bypass capacity; Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain have none. Qatar’s 81-million-tonne annual LNG export facility — supplying approximately 22% of world liquefied natural gas — has declared force majeure.

Applying the IMF’s established oil gap transmission coefficient — every sustained 10% rise in oil prices reduces global GDP by up to 0.2 percentage points, the analysis models three potential outcomes:

• Short conflict (<2 weeks): ~$330 billion global GDP loss, Brent crude ~$80/bbl, global inflation rises by up 0.4pp, Gulf GDP is 4% down
• Medium conflict (4–6 weeks): ~$770 billion global GDP loss, Brent price at $100–120, global inflation increases up 1.0pp, Gulf GDP is down 11%
• Prolonged conflict (3–6 months): ~$2.2 trillion global GDP loss, Brent $130+, global inflation rises up 2.5pp, Gulf GDP is down by 22%, leading to global stagflation conditions comparable to the 1973–74 Arab oil embargo

The analysis shows the hidden economic cost of fossil fuel dependency – dependency that is hardest felt in countries that have not yet diversified their energy base. Nations that have invested in domestic renewable capacity are measurably less exposed to the current shock. Countries that invested les in renewable (domestic) electricity remain dependent on a supply chains that can be disrupted by a single choke-point (the Strait of Hormuz).

The countries best placed to weather this disruption are those that have already begun reducing their fossil fuel dependency, it is the structural argument for sustainable competitiveness as a national strategy.

The full interactive report, including scenario modelling by region and country-level export data, is
available at the research website of SolAbility here.

The analysis also connects to the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index, which measures long-term national economic resilience across 192 countries. Economies scoring higher on resource intensity/efficiency, intellectual capital, and governance quality demonstrate greater structural resilience to external geopolitical shocks and lower dependency to fossil fuel price volatility.

Key data points for editors:

• 14.8M bpd of oil production stranded with no export route
• $745M/day oil & gas revenue loss in the Gulf countries
• Gulf equity markets are down 15–35% from pre-war levels
• European LNG prices (TTF) are up 180% from pre-war levels
• War-risk insurance premiums up 300–500% for Gulf vessels
• 62M+ GCC residents depend on desalination for drinking water from 400+ desalination plants along the Gulf Coast, all of which are in range of Iranian drones

—

About SolAbility

SolAbility is an independent research and advisory boutique specialising in sustainable competitiveness. We are the proud publisher of the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index (GSCI), a composite measure of long-term national economic resilience covering 192 countries. http://www.solability.com

Media contact: contact@solability.com 

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

At just 8 years old, Kelly’s world changed forever. Diagnosed with leukemia, she began treatment at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., embarking on a journey that would test her strength, resilience and spirit. Though she went into remission after six months, the relief was short-lived. Ten months later, the leukemia returned, and Kelly faced a bone marrow transplant and a grueling 101-day hospital stay.

Now 16, Kelly’s story is still unfolding. She’s in remission again, but the effects of her treatment continue to ripple through her life. Through it all, one constant has offered comfort: a cuddly My Special Aflac Duck®. It was with her through every stage of treatment — her silent confidant, worn from years of love and hugs. Her mother recalls how the duck became a bridge between Kelly’s emotions and the outside world.

“There were so many days when Kelly didn’t want to tell me how she was feeling,” she said. “But when she couldn’t, the duck could. I knew when she was mad, sad or scared, because her duck could tell me so, even when she couldn’t find the words.”

That’s because My Special Aflac Duck comes with emoji cards that, when pressed against the duck, create sounds that represent the emotion on the card.

When Kelly arrived at a radiothon fundraising event to share her story, she still clutched her duck tightly. Seeing this, a member of the hospital’s communications team reached out to the Child Life department to see if a replacement could be found. The team was thrilled to help and delivered a new My Special Aflac Duck.

Kelly’s reaction was a pure moment of joy, nostalgia and connection. She introduced the new duck to the old one, a symbolic passing of comfort and continuity.

My Special Aflac Duck is available free of charge to children ages 3 and up with cancer or a blood disorder like sickle cell disease. It is just one facet of Aflac’s commitment that includes nearly $200 million — and counting — in contributions to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Aflac is also a proud partner of Children’s National Hospital, headquartered in Washington, D.C., which is among the top pediatric institutions in the country. The company has committed more than $350,000 in support, which last year provided care to over 250,000 children from all 50 states and 40 countries.

With a feathered friend in hand every step of the way, Kelly’s journey is one of courage, transformation and enduring hope. From a quiet child navigating the complexities of cancer to a young woman sharing her story with the world, Kelly reminds us of the power of empathy, the importance of support and the unexpected role that a special duck plays in the healing journey.

Learn more about My Special Aflac Duck and Aflac’s 30-year commitment to supporting children with cancer and blood disorders at AflacChildhoodCancer.com.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Aflac includes American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600137

EXP 3/27 
 

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

At just 8 years old, Kelly’s world changed forever. Diagnosed with leukemia, she began treatment at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., embarking on a journey that would test her strength, resilience and spirit. Though she went into remission after six months, the relief was short-lived. Ten months later, the leukemia returned, and Kelly faced a bone marrow transplant and a grueling 101-day hospital stay.

Now 16, Kelly’s story is still unfolding. She’s in remission again, but the effects of her treatment continue to ripple through her life. Through it all, one constant has offered comfort: a cuddly My Special Aflac Duck®. It was with her through every stage of treatment — her silent confidant, worn from years of love and hugs. Her mother recalls how the duck became a bridge between Kelly’s emotions and the outside world.

“There were so many days when Kelly didn’t want to tell me how she was feeling,” she said. “But when she couldn’t, the duck could. I knew when she was mad, sad or scared, because her duck could tell me so, even when she couldn’t find the words.”

That’s because My Special Aflac Duck comes with emoji cards that, when pressed against the duck, create sounds that represent the emotion on the card.

When Kelly arrived at a radiothon fundraising event to share her story, she still clutched her duck tightly. Seeing this, a member of the hospital’s communications team reached out to the Child Life department to see if a replacement could be found. The team was thrilled to help and delivered a new My Special Aflac Duck.

Kelly’s reaction was a pure moment of joy, nostalgia and connection. She introduced the new duck to the old one, a symbolic passing of comfort and continuity.

My Special Aflac Duck is available free of charge to children ages 3 and up with cancer or a blood disorder like sickle cell disease. It is just one facet of Aflac’s commitment that includes nearly $200 million — and counting — in contributions to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Aflac is also a proud partner of Children’s National Hospital, headquartered in Washington, D.C., which is among the top pediatric institutions in the country. The company has committed more than $350,000 in support, which last year provided care to over 250,000 children from all 50 states and 40 countries.

With a feathered friend in hand every step of the way, Kelly’s journey is one of courage, transformation and enduring hope. From a quiet child navigating the complexities of cancer to a young woman sharing her story with the world, Kelly reminds us of the power of empathy, the importance of support and the unexpected role that a special duck plays in the healing journey.

Learn more about My Special Aflac Duck and Aflac’s 30-year commitment to supporting children with cancer and blood disorders at AflacChildhoodCancer.com.

This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Aflac includes American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600137

EXP 3/27 
 

Originally published on Tork Press and News

PHILADELPHIA, PA AND VANCOUVER, BC – March 13, 2026 /3BL/ – Recently, Tork, an Essity brand, and BC Place in Vancouver announced a strategic partnership to elevate hygiene standards, sustainability and the overall fan experience at one of Canada’s premier venues. Home to the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer, BC Place is preparing to welcome millions of international visitors for major sporting events in 2026, making this partnership a timely investment ahead of a landmark year for the venue.

Superior hygiene across a facility elevates the fan experience, encourages food and beverage spending and makes the work easier for the staff maintaining those spaces – which is why Tork is deploying its high-capacity PeakServe^® and OptiServe^® families of dispensers and solutions across BC Place’s 54,500 seat stadium. With over 1,000 dispensers deployed throughout the facility – including 129 washrooms – comprehensive hygiene solutions strengthen BC Place’s operational excellence.

“At BC Place, finding a hygiene partner who can contribute meaningfully to both our operational performance and our sustainability journey is vital” said Chris May, General Manager at BC Place. “Tork provides solutions that will help us progress towards our goal of Zero Waste Certification, while maintaining the clean, welcoming spaces our guests expect and enjoy.”

Both organizations share a strong commitment to creating environments that deliver exceptional guest experiences while advancing environmental stewardship. In 2025, Essity, the parent company of the Tork brand, was recognized on the Corporate Knights’ Global 100 list and CDP’s A List for forests, while BC Place is pursuing Zero Waste Certification by 2026. Tork solutions, including the carbon neutral certified and SEAL Sustainability Award-winning dispenser systems, will be instrumental in achieving this goal, reducing consumption and minimizing waste across the facility.

“Essity and BC Place have a long‑term partnership built on close collaboration, value creation and continual improvement to elevate the customer experience,” said Brandy Afoon, Account Manager, Essity. “With innovative, sustainable Tork solutions supporting venue operations, we’re proud to help BC Place continue delivering a clean, comfortable environment for every guest.”

About Tork

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

About Essity

Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

About BC Place

As the largest multipurpose venue of its kind in Western Canada, BC Place provides a spectacular home for international, professional and amateur sport, entertainment, commerce, cultural experiences and community gatherings for the benefit of all British Columbians. BC Place is a part of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), a Provincial Crown Corporation of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport.

Originally published on Tork Press and News

PHILADELPHIA, PA AND VANCOUVER, BC – March 13, 2026 /3BL/ – Recently, Tork, an Essity brand, and BC Place in Vancouver announced a strategic partnership to elevate hygiene standards, sustainability and the overall fan experience at one of Canada’s premier venues. Home to the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer, BC Place is preparing to welcome millions of international visitors for major sporting events in 2026, making this partnership a timely investment ahead of a landmark year for the venue.

Superior hygiene across a facility elevates the fan experience, encourages food and beverage spending and makes the work easier for the staff maintaining those spaces – which is why Tork is deploying its high-capacity PeakServe^® and OptiServe^® families of dispensers and solutions across BC Place’s 54,500 seat stadium. With over 1,000 dispensers deployed throughout the facility – including 129 washrooms – comprehensive hygiene solutions strengthen BC Place’s operational excellence.

“At BC Place, finding a hygiene partner who can contribute meaningfully to both our operational performance and our sustainability journey is vital” said Chris May, General Manager at BC Place. “Tork provides solutions that will help us progress towards our goal of Zero Waste Certification, while maintaining the clean, welcoming spaces our guests expect and enjoy.”

Both organizations share a strong commitment to creating environments that deliver exceptional guest experiences while advancing environmental stewardship. In 2025, Essity, the parent company of the Tork brand, was recognized on the Corporate Knights’ Global 100 list and CDP’s A List for forests, while BC Place is pursuing Zero Waste Certification by 2026. Tork solutions, including the carbon neutral certified and SEAL Sustainability Award-winning dispenser systems, will be instrumental in achieving this goal, reducing consumption and minimizing waste across the facility.

“Essity and BC Place have a long‑term partnership built on close collaboration, value creation and continual improvement to elevate the customer experience,” said Brandy Afoon, Account Manager, Essity. “With innovative, sustainable Tork solutions supporting venue operations, we’re proud to help BC Place continue delivering a clean, comfortable environment for every guest.”

About Tork

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit www.torkglobal.com/us/en/.

About Essity

Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

About BC Place

As the largest multipurpose venue of its kind in Western Canada, BC Place provides a spectacular home for international, professional and amateur sport, entertainment, commerce, cultural experiences and community gatherings for the benefit of all British Columbians. BC Place is a part of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), a Provincial Crown Corporation of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport.

March 13, 2026 /3BL/ – CVS Health recently celebrated the groundbreaking of The Moreland Phase I in Phoenix, Arizona, alongside valued colleagues, local leaders, community partners, development stakeholders, and neighborhood representatives. This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative affordable housing development that will deliver 131 new affordable units as part of the broader HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative to support revitalization efforts in the Edison Eastlake community.

Developed by Brinshore Development, The Moreland will provide high quality, affordable housing for households earning 30%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of the Area Median Income (“AMI”).

Designed to foster connection, accessibility, and resident well-being, The Moreland will feature a wide range of amenities including community gathering spaces, a fitness center, computer room, teen development area, and on-site management. Residents will also have access to supportive services delivered in partnership with Family Scholar House and the City of Phoenix Homeless Supportive Services, helping connect individuals and families to resources that promote stability and success.

It was inspiring to come together to mark this important step forward with everyone helping bring this vision to life, including development partners, public sector supporters, community organizations, and dedicated colleagues, all committed to expanding affordable housing and strengthening neighborhoods across Phoenix.

CVS Health deeply appreciates these moments and is grateful to all who contributed to making the groundbreaking a success. This truly reflects the unwavering commitment of our colleagues across CVS Health, Mercy Care, Banner Health, Oak Street Health & Aetna.

Learn more about how CVS Health improves the health of the communities it serves.

Watch the Groundbreaking ceremony below, with CVS Health’s remarks at 14:26.

Read about the Groundbreaking from the media:

• Phoenix moves forward with affordable downtown housing construction – Daily Independent
• Phoenix affordable housing project: The Moreland – KTAR.com
• Phoenix Breaks Ground On The Moreland Affordable Housing Project
• Phoenix breaks ground on downtown affordable housing development

March 13, 2026 /3BL/ – CVS Health recently celebrated the groundbreaking of The Moreland Phase I in Phoenix, Arizona, alongside valued colleagues, local leaders, community partners, development stakeholders, and neighborhood representatives. This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative affordable housing development that will deliver 131 new affordable units as part of the broader HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative to support revitalization efforts in the Edison Eastlake community.

Developed by Brinshore Development, The Moreland will provide high quality, affordable housing for households earning 30%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of the Area Median Income (“AMI”).

Designed to foster connection, accessibility, and resident well-being, The Moreland will feature a wide range of amenities including community gathering spaces, a fitness center, computer room, teen development area, and on-site management. Residents will also have access to supportive services delivered in partnership with Family Scholar House and the City of Phoenix Homeless Supportive Services, helping connect individuals and families to resources that promote stability and success.

It was inspiring to come together to mark this important step forward with everyone helping bring this vision to life, including development partners, public sector supporters, community organizations, and dedicated colleagues, all committed to expanding affordable housing and strengthening neighborhoods across Phoenix.

CVS Health deeply appreciates these moments and is grateful to all who contributed to making the groundbreaking a success. This truly reflects the unwavering commitment of our colleagues across CVS Health, Mercy Care, Banner Health, Oak Street Health & Aetna.

Learn more about how CVS Health improves the health of the communities it serves.

Watch the Groundbreaking ceremony below, with CVS Health’s remarks at 14:26.

Read about the Groundbreaking from the media:

• Phoenix moves forward with affordable downtown housing construction – Daily Independent
• Phoenix affordable housing project: The Moreland – KTAR.com
• Phoenix Breaks Ground On The Moreland Affordable Housing Project
• Phoenix breaks ground on downtown affordable housing development