The bottled water scam is destroying the planet and our pockets
Ever thought about why we choose to spend money on something we can get free from the tap? Is there really any benefit to drinking bottled water – or is this $283 billion industry the ultimate case study in powerful marketing? Water has always been the de-facto drink for achieving...
Current in Change
UN member states fail to pass Ocean Treaty on fifth attempt
The high seas are arguably the last lawless place left on the planet. A UN member state meeting in New York hoped to finally create a policy that prevents the overfishing and mistreatment of our oceans – but it has failed. Coastal waters (and all life within them) may...
Four accomplishments in gender equality in the 21st century
Only one hundred years ago, women finally received the right to vote in the United States. On National Women’s Equality day, we’re taking a look at how various sectors have become more gender inclusive and where they have room to improve. Achieving true gender equality is an ongoing fight that...
Opinion – What I learned from the world’s most militarised zone
Recently, I visited Kashmir, a disputed territory sandwiched between South Asia, India, and Pakistan. From a heavy presence of the Indian armed forces to a city-wide shutdown, here’s what I saw whilst spending a week in one of the most militarised zones in the world. ‘So, michya ye pasand...
A teenager is using fish waste to clean heavy metal pollution
17-year-old Jacqueline Prawira is one of 100 student winners from Schmidt Futures’ young change maker awards. Using natural components derived from fish scales, she developed a bio-solution capable of ridding waterways of heavy metal contamination. All of a sudden, I’m feeling pretty self-conscious about my teenage years. 17-year-old student Jacqueline Prawira...
The River Oden wildlife killer case may have been solved
Mass fish, bird, and mollusc deaths were reported in Germany’s River Oder over the months of July and August. Germany’s Liebniz Institute of Freshwater Ecological and Inland Fisheries think they have figured out what could’ve caused it. Golden algae – scientifically known as Prymnesium parvum’ – is a rare and...
Why cycling has to be the future of travel
Getting people to switch from cars to bikes won’t be an easy feat, but if achieved, it would create positive change for the planet, our health, and overall quality of life. In certain parts of the world, cycling is the norm for the majority of the population. The city of Amsterdam has more bikes than people, with residents cycling an average distance of 2.6km every day. After living there for two...
Two Gen Z candidates win in Kenyan general election
In Kenya’s recent general elections, two Gen Zers aged 21 and 24 have been voted as Member of County Assembly and County Woman Representative respectively. They will represent issues affecting their constituents in both county and national assemblies. Many Gen Zers were involved in Kenya’s general election this year. Having a voice on political panels and influencing important decision making remains difficult for young people, especially in government. For years, young people...
Forest Green Rovers lead charge on eco-friendly football
Based in Gloucestershire, the Forest Green Rovers have become the world’s greenest football club. Their latest goals are reducing CO2 emitted during travel to and from games and to build a modern stadium made entirely out of timber. It’s unfortunate that most of the things we enjoy emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Whether it’s flying out on holiday, going on road trips, or eating a delicious burger – our knowledge...
When will we take women’s football seriously?
Despite the win that England scored last month, the government has refused to give girls equal access to football in school PE lessons. When will we give women the equal chance to bring football home? Though I call myself a feminist, I was guilty of paying far more attention to the men’s Euros in 2021 than this year’s female tournament, only watching a couple of matches this summer. It’s not because...
