Latest Stories from Jessica
New research finds that stressed plants make noises
A six-year study has found tomato plants, grapevines, and tobacco and wheat crops make sounds when thirsty or when they have had their leaves and stems cut. Investigations are ongoing to find out exactly why. ‘If only my plants could talk to me!’ say struggling plant moms and dads around the world. As things turn out, they actually are – we just can’t hear them. Over a period of six years,...
Is free public transport a fundamental right?
In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country to scrap public transport fees. Its residents now believe that free public transport is a fundamental right. Could the scheme work in other countries? Free public transport is a rarity around the world. So rather than pay a daily fee to get from point A to point B and back again, many citizens would rather invest in owning personal vehicles. But in the face of...
Unpacking the ongoing protests in France
After two months of peaceful demonstrations sparked by a proposed pension reform in France, the message is clear: President Macron remains unmoved by his citizens’ clear opposition to the policy. As frustration increases without any sign of a U-turn, the national mood has started to turn sour. Protests. They’re the vehicle for French citizens to ensure democracy continues to work in their favour. That sentiment continues to hold true, with...
This tree offers an eco-friendly alternative to palm oil and soy
Farmers in Hawaii are cultivating the pongamia, a tree that could prevent further clearing of natural rainforests for palm oil and soy plantations. Its resilient nature could offer a huge economic boost to farmers losing out due to land degradation. Palm oil is known as one of the most environmentally destructive, yet common and easy-to-miss ingredients in food products today. This elusive and pervasive ingredient has led to the deforestation of...
Florida lawmakers look to ban ‘period talk’ in local schools
Mere months before discussions about sexual orientation become prohibited in state-wide Florida schools, Republicans are now looking to do the same for lessons and discussions about menstruation. Republicans in Florida have been on a mad one for quite some time. Last year, they passed the Don’t Say Gay bill, which will ban school staff and pupils from leading or discussing any conversations about sexual orientation before they enter grade four. Considering an...
Should fossil fuel firms be charged with homicide?
Legal experts are preparing to publish a paper in next year’s Harvard Environmental Law Review. They will argue that fossil fuel companies should be charged with homicide for the deaths they’ve caused by accelerating the climate crisis. The booming fossil fuel industry continues to be the number one cause of the worsening environmental crisis. Individuals running these companies have been aware of their actions' consequences for decades, yet have shown no...
Mounting reports confirm Gen Z favours fake luxury fashion
Several reports have indicated that Gen Z is not opposed to buying counterfeit luxury fashion items despite being branded as the most eco-conscious generation yet. While we know Gen Z is by far the most clued up and vocal about environmental issues, mounting reports suggest that this age group’s habits don’t always reflect their concerns – especially when it comes to obtaining 'high' fashion. The counterfeit luxury fashion industry has been...
These four initiatives are boosting Britain’s re-wilding agenda
Since the start of the industrial revolution, the UK has lost nearly half of its total biodiversity – more than any other G7 nation. Hundreds of local organisations have launched projects to protect and rewild British landscapes. Let's take a look at a few of them. In 2021, scientists at London’s Natural History Museum conducted a huge study to assess the health of Britain’s biodiversity. What they found was that over...
The ICC issues arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin over war crimes
A little over a year has passed since Russia first invaded Ukraine. Now the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for his alleged war crimes. The international criminal court has just issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and his children’s rights commissioner, Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova. Both leading parties have been accused of the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children throughout the war, which has been going on...
Bermuda is on a mission to expand its marine conservation laws
Through consultation with residents and local fishermen, Bermuda is looking to expand its ocean conservation efforts. Named The Blue Prosperity Plan, the project will attract global investors to its Blue Economic Zone in exchange for protecting its vibrant marine habitats. The island of Bermuda is often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Atlantic,’ and for good reason. Though commonly mistaken as part of the Caribbean, Bermuda is located in complete...
