Deforestation surges despite Cop26 pledge
An area the size of Switzerland was cleared from Earth’s most pristine rainforests last year, suggesting that world leaders’ commitment to halt their destruction by 2030 is failing. Last year, an area of tropical rainforest the size of Switzerland was felled. This is according to a damning new report by the...
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Why is New York City’s air so orange?
New York City is currently shrouded in thick, orange smog, with stage performances cancelled and sports games postponed. It is the result of Canadian wildfires that have worsened due to the climate crisis. Tens of millions are under air quality alert in the US, as smoke from Canadian wildfires...
Study finds a key ingredient in sweetener damages DNA
Artificial sweeteners – made from sucralose – have been sold as a guilt-free alternative to real sugar, offering maximum flavour with little to no calories involved. New research is uncovering the true cost of this man-made ingredient. When zero-calorie sweeteners like Splenda first hit the market in 2004, they were...
Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill officially comes into law
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed a new anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law, which declares any ‘engagement in acts of homosexuality’ as a punishable offence. It proves that LGBTQ+ rights and legal protection are still intense issues that must be fought for. Uganda has passed a controversial new bill that...
What is the Dutch nitrogen crisis?
If it’s to meet its climate targets, the Netherlands will be forced to choose between agriculture or building new homes and infrastructure unless the farming sector cuts nitrogen-based emissions. Last year, it was revealed that the agriculture industry is responsible for about a quarter of our total greenhouse gas emissions, the main...
Opinion – New York City discrimination bill is a sign of progress
In a city known for its diversity and progressiveness, New York City has once again made headlines by taking a bold step in the fight against discrimination. This week, America’s cultural capital announced a new law prohibiting weight-based bias in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It’s a surprisingly positive legal...
Understanding Senegal’s youth protests
Last week Senegal’s protests deepened as president Macky Sall's potential bid for a third term sparked outrage amongst thousands. According to local reports, three have died including a teen while more than thirty have been injured backing opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Senegal's Gen Zers have taken to the streets in large numbers, expressing their vehement opposition to President Macky Sall's intention to seek a third term in the upcoming 2024...
Greece makes 280 beaches wheelchair accessible
The decision comes after the country’s tourism minister declared full access to the sea a basic human right. Greece, known for its stunning coastline and turquoise waters, is taking a momentous step towards inclusivity and accessibility by making its beaches wheelchair accessible. This progressive initiative aims to provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy Greece's natural wonders. With this bold move, Greece is not only enhancing the quality of life...
Doctors urged not to rely on BMI to assess health
The American Medical Association is no longer recommending the use of body mass index as a measure of weight, after years of controversy and criticism around the metric. The scales are formally shifting on body mass index (BMI), a measurement that’s been the source of much scorn in recent years. Invented in 1832 by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian astronomer and mathematician, it was adopted by governments around the world in the...
New York becomes latest city to be slowly sinking
Apparently, New York City is slowly sinking under its own weight. But given that the climate crisis is causing sea levels to rise and coastal erosion to worsen all while urban development increases, should we be surprised? Over the weekend, news broke that New York City is sinking under the weight of its many buildings. The average rate of its descent is between 2 - 4 millimetres every year, with...
