Taliban closes women’s beauty parlours in Afghanistan
In the latest reduction of access to public spaces for Afghan women, one of the last remaining refuges they have left has been declared un-Islamic by the Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. In 2021, the world watched in horror as the Taliban, taking advantage of America’s...
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UN report warns of a looming global water crisis
New research has uncovered that the number of people lacking access to safe drinking water in cities around the world will double by 2050 due to overconsumption and climate change. Billions of people will face water shortages in the coming decades as climate change, population growth, and shifting agricultural practices...
Understanding earthquakes with a seismologist
After the Turkey-Syria earthquake, there have been many questions, concerns and conspiracies. To answer these questions, a seismologist might have some of the answers. It has been over two weeks since a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Turkey and western Syria. Over 40,000 people have died in...
Seasonal allergies spiking earlier due to rising global temperatures
As our planet warms, allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer, with pollen counts in the US already reported to be at ‘extremely high’ levels. Despite my preference for the hotter months of the year, whenever winter finally ends and spring rolls around, I’m usually filled with dread by...
Why are scientists warning of a ‘phosphogeddon’?
Not only is global mismanagement of phosphorous depleting reserves vital to food production, but the element’s profligate use is also adding to the climate crisis. ‘To put it simply, there is no life on Earth without phosphorus,’ says Professor Penny Johnes, who teaches biogeochemistry at the University of Bristol. The element,...
What is the Willow Project and why has it sparked backlash?
As Biden’s administration deliberates whether to greenlight a controversial scheme to expand oil infrastructure on Alaska’s North Slope, environmental campaigners are urging him to reject it. Update 13/03/23: After a long contentious process, the Biden administration has approved the Willow Project. The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land...
Pro-surfer Bethany Hamilton refuses to compete alongside trans women
The American athlete has said she’ll boycott the World Surf League after it announced trans women would be allowed to compete. Pro-surfer Bethany Hamilton shared on Instagram that she would be boycotting surfing competitions by the World Surf League, due to changes in their policy that allow trans women to compete. In a video which now has over 150,000 likes, Hamilton referred to trans women surfers as ‘male-bodied individuals’, and stated...
Students turn to food banks during cost of living crisis
Universities across the country are supporting students by opening food banks, as the cost of living continues to disrupt the education of young people. Striking teachers have dominated the news cycle lately, as dire pay forces educators to join picket lines. The extent of their situation was highlighted by teachers’ use of food banks, as they struggled to feed themselves on such low incomes. Students and members of the wider community...
Welsh government plan to make it easier to change gender
After England blocked a Scottish-backed gender reform law, Wales has announced plans to make it easier for trans individuals to legally change their gender. The Welsh government announced this week that it had a new LGBTQ+ Action Plan to make it easier for individuals to legally change their gender. The news comes after the UK government blocked similar legislation put forward by Scotland. Alongside enabled individuals to change their gender, Wales’ plan...
Rights groups call on the UN to intervene over US abortion access
Almost 200 non-profit organisations from around the world have issued an ‘urgent appeal’ to the United Nations to ensure the US safeguards women’s bodily autonomy. Last June, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade, the integral ruling from 1973 that gave women the constitutional right to have an abortion up to 24 weeks. Fracturing reproductive protections in America, the decision ignited a seismic social and legal change in the...
