Latest Stories from Jessica
The importance of World Water Day
Though access to water is often taken for granted in many parts of the world, every continent faces unique challenges when it comes to securing this precious resource in the future. On World Water Day, let's explore them. Today is World Water Day, an observance held each year on March 22nd to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of our planet’s water reserves. It is an...
Will calls to ban smartphones for children be answered?
A new poll suggests that most parents want smartphones to be banned amongst children. Could it happen? Are our beloved smartphones addictive? I think we all know that the answer is yes, but a large proportion of people are now going as far as labelling them ‘electronic drugs’ which young people are particularly vulnerable to. With so many children growing up with these devices in their pockets – and a sharp rise...
Exclusive – celebrating Women’s Month with Wadi Ben-Hirki
This Women’s Month, we spoke to women’s rights activist and young entrepreneur Wadi Ben-Hirki about the work she is doing through her foundation to improve opportunities, education, and the livelihoods of young girls and women in Nigeria. In a world marked by gender disparity and injustice, Wadi Ben-Hirki and the work of her foundation are a beacon of hope, striving to improve the livelihoods and opportunities for women and girls...
Dutch tulip fields are being looked after by an AI robot
Though the rise of Artificial Intelligence is fuelling paranoia amongst some, this rapidly evolving technology is being used in unique and helpful ways – including in The Netherlands’ many tulip fields. The arrival of spring is an exciting time for us sun-deprived humans, but also for nature, which blossoms into a multitude of colours, shapes, and textures over the course of just a few weeks. In the Netherlands, spring is marked...
Will sustainable fashion always be the more expensive option?
One of the primary roadblocks to boycotting fast fashion is the price tag that comes with shopping sustainably. Will eco-friendly and ethical clothing ever become more affordable? Even when we know that shopping sustainably is the right thing to do, it isn’t always the easiest option. With fast fashion brands marketing on-trend, low-cost pieces to us everywhere we look, it can be easy to fall into the temptation to purchase trendy...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
