Latest Stories from Jessica
Biden cancels Trump-approved oil and gas leases in the Arctic
In a massive win for the planet, the Biden administration has confirmed the cancellation of seven controversial oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, citing the need to conserve nature and protect Indigenous rights. This week, the Biden administration confirmed its intent to cancel seven controversial oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, originally authorised in the waning days of the Trump administration. The leases...
How artificial intelligence can make our world better
The rapid improvement of AI systems has sent a rush of panic through society for a variety of different reasons. Given all this bad PR, perhaps it’s time to instead look at the wonderful things this technology has to offer us. Ask the internet about the evils and dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and you’ll find no shortage of conspiracies coated with themes of impending doom and world-ending global catastrophe. The...
Is it surprising that Gen Z is giving up on higher education?
Surveys conducted last year reveal that only half of Gen Z say they are interested in pursuing a four-year degree after finishing high school. Looking at the big picture, is this truly surprising? Imagine you’ve just graduated from university, one of the biggest accomplishments of your life so far. Now drowning in financial debt, you’ve never been more motivated to get a job. Yet, every prospective job interviewer only wants to...
Bill Gates backs plant-based meat companies as ‘the future’
The billionaire has invested in multiple plant-based meat companies, including Impossible, Beyond Meat, and Upside Foods. Despite this, he acknowledges that getting most people to adopt veganism is unrealistic. Over the years, Bill Gates has become known for his philanthropy, climate advocacy, and financial generosity for projects working to create social change. He has dedicated large portions of his wealth to improving public health by supporting research and development for...
Unpacking the controversy around celebrity charity organisations
Committing to donating a sum of money isn’t the same as donating it directly. Acknowledging this difference can tell us a lot about how celebrities and multinational companies ‘give back’. ‘We’ve committed to donating X amount to X cause,’ is a phrase often used when celebrities and multi-national companies announce their involvement in charitable work. And while we tend to feel that all is good and well in the world whenever...
New research suggests ‘beer goggles’ aren’t real
The longstanding belief that drinking alcohol makes other people appear more attractive is a myth, says a new report published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Not to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’ve ever woken up next to someone you were certain was cuter at the bar the night before – you can’t blame it on the alcohol. At least not according to...
A new policy could end low-cost flights in the EU
France's Transport Minister has said ‘€10 flights aren’t possible anymore,’ because they do not properly reflect plane travel’s impact on the environment. He plans to propose a new minimum flight price policy to the EU. Europeans may soon be waving goodbye to cheap city breaks if a new proposal aimed at ending low-cost flights within the EU is accepted. Putting forward the idea is Clément Beaune, France’s Transport Minister. His aim...
The Women’s World Cup kiss shows shameless misogyny is still alive
Controversy continues as the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation resists calls for his resignation after kissing Spain’s star player following their win at the Women’s World Cup. When Spain triumphed over England in the Women’s World Cup final this month, it was unfortunately the action of a single man that became the lasting centre of attention. Spain’s star player, Jenni Hermoso, was preparing for the trophy presentation...
New research finds air pollution is more deadly than smoking
Life expectancy in at least six countries has fallen drastically due to poor air quality, which now poses more of a risk to citizens than smoking. As the climate crisis rages on, air pollution around the world is worsening. Along with it, so is public health. An updated report conducted at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) has seen researchers declare that ‘particulate air pollution is...
Should sex offenders face chemical castration as legal punishment?
National outrage has ensued in Italy after the horrific gang rape of a 19-year-old girl which took place in Sicily this summer. One far-right politician has put forward a controversial punishment for sex offenders – chemical castration. TW: This article contains mention of sexual assault. In early July, a 19-year-old girl was gang raped by seven men in the city of Palermo, Sicily. The group of offenders, who were between the...
