Latest Stories from Contributor
Opinion – COP26 did not focus on the genuine concerns of Gen Z
The subversive rhetoric of climate activists was present at COP, but subversive decisions were not taken. Why has COP chosen the path of tokenisation of youth activists instead of listening to them? Historically, COP has been largely white, male, severely lacking in perspectives from the Global South and, crucially, young voices. This has resulted in years of discussions that exclude the perspectives of those who face the most risk from...
COP26: Who will pay to solve climate change?
As we make the transition to a greener world and the costs of climate change continue to rise, the public and private sectors have agreed to start paying their fair share. But will these promises be met with real action? When attempting to solve climate change, it’s important that we not lose sight of the fact that millions around the world are already feeling its effects. Without sufficient financial means to...
Opinion – Hajj house protests prove Indian Islamophobia is growing
In New Delhi, the capital of India, protests threaten the establishment of a centre meant for sheltering Muslim pilgrims. Indian Muslims are calling this an Islamophobic attack. I’m sure you’ve vaguely heard the terms ‘Hajj’ or ‘Mecca’ before. Hajj refers to an annual pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that all Muslims observe at least once in their lifetime. Nearly 15,000-20,000 Muslims from North India leave for Mecca...
Opinion – App ‘selling’ Muslim women proves dangers of cyber space
Recently, an app was launched to put Muslim women in India up for sale. This is being seen as a sign of increasing islamophobia and misogyny online. Trigger Warning: this article contains mention of islamophobia, digital abuse, and sexual harassment. Reader discretion is advised. Ever been to an auction? Everyone knows you usually bids on antiques, property, paintings, and the like. But what about bidding on women? That seems strange if not...
Festivals are making an eco-friendly comeback
After a difficult 2020, music festivals are beginning to make a comeback – and they’re bringing a new, greener approach. Many music lovers are desperate to return to live performances now lockdowns are lifting. Although some festivals must wait until 2022, this summer promises the likes of Reading and Leeds, Green Man, and Bestival. But with concerns about climate change becoming increasingly pressing, festivalgoers and organisers are not only looking...
The Indigenous presence on Instagram is thwarting a myth of America’s past
Beadwork has remained central to Native North American culture since before colonial contact, but its recent rise on social media is forcing the non-native West to reckon with an image of Indigeneity still trapped in yesteryear. ‘Once upon a long time ago’ chimes Carrie Bradshaw at the opening of Sex and the City 2 ‘there was an island...some Dutch, some Indians and some beads.’ And so goes the myth of New...
Should we really be buying vegan leather?
Vegan fashion is on the rise, with the UK’s accessories sector seeing a 56 percent increase in ‘vegan’ items stocked year-on-year. But are these products really a sustainable alternative? Ever found yourself purchasing a ‘green’ clothing item from your local retailer? Veganism across the board has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, with Gen Z leading the charge. According to a report from Produce Blue Book, 65% of...
Can chemical upcycling solve the plastic waste crisis?
Scientists have discovered a way to transform plastic bottles into vanillin, the compound which gives vanilla its aroma and taste. Is it an innovative solution to plastic pollution, or just a headline-grabbing experiment? I’m sure you’ve heard about plenty of innovative recycling techniques, from tasteful art displays to quirky paper Coca Cola bottles. One which you probably haven’t heard of, however, is a newly developed process that can turn...
Is making food out of air a spectacle or feeding solution?
A company called ‘Solar Foods’ has developed a natural source of protein made from nothing but air and electricity. Does this technological marvel have the potential to feed the world sustainably? Making food out of nothing but air and electricity might seem far-fetched, but Finnish start-up ‘Solar Foods’ has turned fantasy into reality. It has discovered a way to turn CO2 from the air into food for a type of...
All-Black Gateways Orchestra to perform at Carnegie Hall
The Gateways Music Festival Orchestra are set to perform at Carnegie Hall on April 24th, 2022, making them the first all-Black orchestra to do so in the renowned venue’s 130-year history. Since its inception in 1993, the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra has cultivated diversity in the classical music scene. It provides a space for Black professional musicians to create music and perform together from all across the US, away from...
