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...
Current in Change
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,...
How could de-extinction harm our planet?
A bio-tech company has caused worry for its ‘de-extinction’ project reminiscent of Jurassic Park’s plot. Some experts in the field argue that reviving lost species only contributes to the destruction of ecosystems. Bringing back dead animals may seem like witchcraft, but science has proven otherwise. De-extinction refers to the resurrection of...
Activists pressure British royals to re-wild their land
Prince William has inherited a plot of land that makes up 0.2 percent of the UK’s landmass. Now, activists are asking him to re-wild the estate. Following the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William inherited a 530 square kilometre estate named Duchy of Cornwall. A large portion of...
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...
Exclusive – In conversation with Mitzi Jonelle Tan
We went to the Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope: Act for the Planet event to speak with the environmental justice activist about how young people can use their influence and actions to drive positive change for the Earth’s future. Mitzi Jonelle Tan is an environmental justice activist from the Philippines. She is the convenor and international spokesperson of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP) and an...
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...
London’s newest skyscrapers could soon be blackout at night
A bill to darken England’s capital at night is being drafted by the City of London Corporation. To conserve energy and reduce health problems caused by light pollution, the organisation will ask workers in skyscrapers to turn all their lights off before exiting the building. Night-time city skylines are beautiful to gaze at, but when you think about the amount of energy spent on keeping them lit up when no...
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...
