Is the Russian ‘Z’ campaign genuine or state propaganda?
The letter ‘Z’ has been popping up across Russian media, cities, and on military equipment. Whether it is a genuine movement – and what it actually means – is up for debate. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has taken disciplinary action against Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak for showing a...
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Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill bans LGBTQ+ lessons in schools
The new state legislation will ban teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in school lessons. Same-sex marriage has been legalised in all but thirteen states in America, but across the country, the mission to obtain stronger LGBTQ+ rights remains a long, ongoing fight. As this year’s Legislative Session commences...
Report: 68% of US execs admit to greenwashing tactics
In a recent international survey of over 1,400 executives across different industries, two thirds questioned whether their company’s sustainability efforts were genuine. In the US, 68% of CEOs and C-suite leaders admitted to greenwashing. Given the amount of supposed ‘sustainability’ drives from companies that are full of contradictions, it’s no...
The dark side of lithium and our supposed electric future
Lithium offers the most promising avenue out of our current reliance on fossil fuels. But are we underestimating the level of ecological damage inflicted by mining it on a mass scale? Widely used in our electric devices, from mobile phones and laptops, to cars and aircraft, demand for lithium is...
New study shows drinking a beer a day shrinks our brains
It’s probably a good thing Gen-Z isn’t drinking as much as their older counterparts. While it’s still a little too early to quantify how many of us will ultimately opt out of trips to the pub, it looks like the Gen-Z’ers old enough to queue up for a pint aren’t...
Part 3: Fossil fuel lobbyists driving climate delay
The 5 biggest oil companies spend US$115 million delaying climate policy, annually. Following the United Nations Climate Summit (COP26) in November, the environmental campaign group Global Witness reported that 500 lobbyists had been sent to the event by over 100 fossil fuel companies – more than any single country at...
TikTok users want the world to move past ableist thinking
TikTok users are giving us a first-hand look at what it’s like living in a world largely designed for able-bodied people. Last weekend’s intimate Ted x London Women’s event kicked off with a presentation on ableism. If you’re confused about what this means, the Oxford Dictionary explains the term as ‘discrimination in favour of able-bodied people.’ It’s what prevents millions of fully qualified disabled people from getting equal opportunities each year. But...
UK law change finally ends the divorce ‘blame game’
Prior to a recent change, proof of adultery, desertion, or a five year separation was needed to carry through a divorce in the UK. Now, the revised ‘no-fault’ law means blame no longer has to be apportioned and that marriages can end amicably. When for better or worse goes out the window, things can actually get a whole lot worse. Where, prior to getting married, ending a relationship could be achieved...
Final IPCC report warns ‘now or never’ to prevent climate disaster
Climate scientists have provided something of a final warning in the latest IPCC report. Efforts to make emissions peak by 2025 must materialise ‘now or never’ to avoid devastating climate impacts. Good afternoon… humanity is running out of time. The third and final section of the IPCC’s comprehensive review of climate science is here, complete with stark warnings that nihilism will soon have devastating impacts. As you’ll already know from the previous...
How will the Russian invasion of Ukraine affect Africa?
The ongoing war in Ukraine could have significant ramifications in Africa, from damaged educational opportunities to weakened economies as a result of disrupted trade. Russia and Ukraine have both played a critical role in Africa's development. Over the years, Russia has provided trade, aid, military training, and paramilitary security in countries such as Mali. Ukraine, one of the dominant wheat producers in Europe, also exports its agricultural products to Africa. With these...
