UK weather more ideal for endangered giant redwoods than in native US
There are an estimated half a million sequoias – the world’s largest trees – in Britain today, growing at a similar rate to those in California. Recent research has uncovered that this has the potential to tackle climate change by pulling an average of 85 kilograms of carbon from...
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2024 Super Bowl was first to be powered by renewable energy
The biggest game in American sports has dominated headlines and timelines this weekend. But a surprising revelation about the Super Bowl’s sustainability initiatives has got people talking. As the most-watched sporting event in the US, the Super Bowl has some staggeringly unsustainable statistics attached to it. From the gross overproduction and...
What the Sephora cookie tells us about the productivity-pay gap
After the beauty retailer reached $10 billion in revenue this month, employees were gifted a ‘stale’ biscuit as thanks. Sephora – one of the leading beauty retailers in the world – made headlines last week after it amassed a staggering $10 billion in revenue. But the attention wasn’t for reasons...
Why are French farmers blocking routes into Paris?
Thousands of tractors have blocked routes in the capital as farmers demand better pay and fewer environmental regulations. Tensions between France’s farmers and government reached boiling point this week, after thousands of tractors threatened to blockade Paris for an indefinite period. The protest is the culmination of a months-long demand...
Why is Saudi Arabia softening its alcohol ban?
The Arab state had strict no-alcohol rules since 1952, but the introduction of its first alcohol shop in 72 years has people questioning Saudi Arabia’s stance on booze. Both foreigners and locals were left somewhat bemused when news broke of Saudi Arabia’s first alcohol shop. Well, first since 1952 at...
German startup makes biodegradable tampons from seaweed
Plastic period products are the fifth most common source of waste washing up on beaches across Europe. Seeking to tackle this is Vyld, by utilising one of the planet’s greatest untapped resources. Although disposable tampons and pads are extremely commonplace, 80 per cent of women don’t realise that the majority...
New report uncovers a dramatic rise in FGM cases worldwide
According to recent data released by UNICEF, the number of women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation has increased by 15 per cent in the past eight years, showing that the pace of progress remains woefully off track to meet the SDG of ending the practice by 2030. More than 230 million women and girls around the world have now undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), according to a...
What do Cold Weather Payments mean for Britain’s most vulnerable?
The scheme provides financial support for those affected by prolonged sub-zero temperatures, but how viable are these payments against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis? As we hunt for blown-away wheelie bins and crank up the heating, the UK’s cold-snap is affecting some more than others. But those in the most affected areas – who are experiencing prolonged sub-zero temperatures – could qualify for government support. Cold Weather Payments, designed to provide...
Disposable vapes to be banned in the UK by next year
In a bid to protect children’s health the British government will ban the sale of disposable vapes at the start of 2025. Colourful packaging and fruity flavours will also be restricted to prevent the appeal to new, young smokers. In the last few years, vaping has taken the world by storm. It seems like you can’t walk down the street or sit on a pub terrace without puffs from a watermelon...
Cameroon’s malaria vaccine highlights a misinformation pandemic
Despite promising to save the lives of millions of children across Africa, Cameroon’s new malaria vaccine has had mixed reactions online. A medical breakthrough came this week when Cameroon announced it will be the first country to roll out a routine malaria vaccination. The news comes after a decades-long effort to curb the mosquito-spread disease across Africa – which accounts for 95% of global malaria deaths. Of those affected, children...
