Jessica Byrne

Senior Writer & Media Coordinator London, UK

I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty.  Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

Hey there, I’m Jess.

You might think I’m crazy for choosing London over my beautiful island home Bermuda, but I’m a city girl at heart, feeling right at home wherever there’s no shortage of things to do and people to meet.

In my free time you can find me curating my endless number of Spotify playlists (and forcing them on my friends), watching football, documentaries, frequenting my favourite bars and restaurants, or ordering more books to add to my carefully curated shelf – from autobiographies to historical fiction, health and wellbeing, and popular culture.

After working for a couple years in Amsterdam, my love for telling a good story led me to join the team at Thred to spread the word about positive social change.

 

Latest Stories from Jessica

Aid dropped into Gaza labelled a cover-up for international apathy

Aid dropped into Gaza labelled a cover-up for international apathy

As many as twenty-five NGOs have criticised aid packages being airdropped into Gaza. They say these efforts are creating the ‘illusion that they are doing enough’ rather than calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. As a devastating humanitarian crisis continues in Gaza due to Israel’s near six-month war on Hamas, countries have begun airdropping and sailing in aid packages containing medical supplies and food to 2.3 million Palestinians. These delivery...

By London, UK
Why is legalising assisted dying so controversial?

Why is legalising assisted dying so controversial?

The UK government has been debating whether or not to make assisted dying legal for many years now. Though it was expected to become legal this year, a series of ethical and moral debates stand in the way.  In a world grappling with the complexities of end-of-life care, assisted dying remains a controversial and deeply polarising subject. Medical ethics and healthcare options may continue to evolve, but global governments arrive at...

By London, UK
Is a TikTok ban coming to the US?

Is a TikTok ban coming to the US?

A proposed ban on TikTok is making the rounds in Congress, garnering support from young people and policymakers alike.  ‘If they pass it, I’ll sign it,’ said President Joe Biden on Friday. But what exactly does the ban entail?   From the moment TikTok rose to widespread popularity, US government officials have worried about the risk the app poses to data security. As a result, a potential ban on the Chinese-owned...

By London, UK
Miami Seaquarium faces eviction over animal neglect investigations

Miami Seaquarium faces eviction over animal neglect investigations

Following the tragic death of an orca whale named Lolita, the welfare of animals kept in the Florida Seaquarium has come under intense scrutiny. Now, it appears the site will be forced to close for good. It’s a big day for animal rights. After almost 70 years, the Seaquarium in Miami, Florida could be forced to close for good. The US Department of Agriculture has been pushing for the site’s closure...

By London, UK
Great Barrier Reef hit by fifth mass coral bleaching event in eight years

Great Barrier Reef hit by fifth mass coral bleaching event in eight years

Australia's Great Barrier Reef faces a dire threat as officials confirm a mass bleaching event caused by climate change, marking the fifth occurrence of significant damage in just eight years. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most iconic natural wonders, is under major threat as officials confirm a mass bleaching event wreaking havoc on its delicate ecosystem. In a grim announcement on Friday, the Australian Institute of Marine Science...

By London, UK
Will banning fast fashion ads succeed in slowing the industry?

Will banning fast fashion ads succeed in slowing the industry?

France is contemplating banning advertisements created by the fast fashion giant SHEIN in hopes of preventing the consumption of unsustainable and polluting clothing. While it’s no secret that the fast fashion industry is terrible for our planet, low prices and clever marketing tactics continue to lure in customers looking to stay on trend without breaking the bank. With no end to this shopping frenzy in sight, government leaders in France are...

By London, UK
France becomes first nation to make abortion a constitutional right

France becomes first nation to make abortion a constitutional right

In light of the increasingly heated global debate over women’s reproductive rights, the European nation has made a statement by ensuring that the freedom to obtain an abortion is included in its constitution. While millions of women around the world are at risk of having their reproductive organs controlled by geriatric male politicians, French leaders are taking a starkly different stance. This week, French officials unanimously agreed that the government...

By London, UK
Why did LA’s graffiti artists target these downtown luxury apartments?

Why did LA’s graffiti artists target these downtown luxury apartments?

In the heart of Los Angeles stands three skyscrapers once destined to house luxury condominiums, a five-star hotel, a shopping mall, and more. Now, it’s completely abandoned and covered in graffiti. What happened? Since the year 2019, a trio of massive skyscrapers in downtown Los Angeles have been left completely unfinished and abandoned. Named the Oceanwide Plaza, the three buildings were part of an ambitious, multi-billion dollar project to offer luxury...

By London, UK
These European airports are among the world’s most polluting

These European airports are among the world’s most polluting

Fresh analysis shows how major airports contribute to climate change and air pollution, placing policymakers under further pressure to reconcile the conflict between the industry's growth and their own climate goals. A new analysis has shed light on just how much the world's most bustling airports are contributing to climate change and air pollution. The 2024 Airport Tracker is a collaborative effort between the think tank ODI and Transport...

Slovakia is turning old cigarette butts into asphalt roads

Slovakia is turning old cigarette butts into asphalt roads

Around Bratislava, containers specially designed for cigarette butts have been set up by the local council. Once full, their contents are being upcycled into asphalt roads, preventing tons of chemicals and plastic waste from entering the natural environment. Every day, a whopping 18 billion cigarette butts are thrown away. Over a single year, that amounts to more than six trillion cigarettes – but only one-third of these will be properly...

By London, UK