Russia’s invasion could hinder a global lithium drive
Prior to Russia’s invasion, Ukraine had been drawing attention from the likes of China and Australia for its vast untapped lithium reserves. Potentially crucial to achieving our clean energy transitions, this sustainable battery drive could begin to peter out. Eastern Europe was tipped to lead the global lithium drive, but...
Current in Change
There is no real snow at this year’s Winter Olympics
As climate change causes shorter winters and warmer summers, what will happen to the world’s biggest snow sports competition? This year’s Winter Olympics may look no different to any other from the outside - but this is the first time in history where close to 100 percent of the snow...
Guatemala passes ‘nefarious’ anti-human-rights laws
Campaigners are calling the country’s decision to triple jail sentences for abortions and issue an explicit ban on same-sex marriage ‘hate-fuelled policies’ that foment discrimination. Guatemalan lawmakers have passed a ‘nefarious’ new bill that punishes abortion with up to 25 years in prison, legalises homophobia, and explicitly prohibits same-sex marriage. It...
South Africa looks to improve education in rural areas
In rural South Africa, education performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among girls has been a major problem despite efforts to create educational equality. Despite the government’s efforts in upgrading the learning conditions in South Africa rural areas, the country’s education system remains a major problem for students...
Opinion – Bottega Veneta campaign is empty culture commercialisation
Italian fashion brand Bottega Veneta marked Lunar New Year with a digital installation on the Great Wall of China. Adorned in the brand’s famous ‘Bottega green’, the marketing stunt has divided opinion about how far we should go in blurring the lines between culture and consumerism. ‘Bottega Veneta Already Won...
UN agrees landmark global treaty to end plastic waste
The UN Environmental Assembly has approved a resolution to create the world’s first global plastic pollution treaty by 2024. Described as the ‘most significant green deal’ since the Paris accord of 2015, 175 nations have reportedly opted in. There are a few inevitabilities in modern life; death, taxes, and mountains...
Where are we with climate education?
This month, the world celebrates International Day of Education. But as the climate crisis continues to approach us, where does it sit in our curriculums and why is it ever more critical that we teach our children how to tackle it? I still remember the first time I learned of climate change. Although, back then, it was more widely known as global warming. It was during a rainy science lesson in...
The Ukraine-Russia border crisis explained
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia were at their highest in years. A Russian troop build-up near the two nations' borders eventually lead to a full scale invasion, prompting universal condemnation from the West. Update 28/02/22: Months into Russia’s slow-moving buildup along the Ukrainian border, Putin announced that he was launching a 'special military operation' in Ukraine. This was followed up by reports of explosions around cities, including the capital...
How to find balance as we embrace the end-emic
Open borders, ditched restrictions, and in-office work schedules have made a comeback – but how do we avoid getting burnt out in light of our newfound freedoms? Is it me or does it feel like life has gone back to normal almost overnight? Dwindling numbers of coronavirus hospitalisations and death rates have seen the UK government drop all its restrictions on travel and social distancing. We’ve finally been given the green light...
Oatly sparks controversy for greenwashing again
The dairy milk alternative brand Oatly has made overstated claims about its environmental impact through advertising. It’s hard to believe that oat milk could piss so many people off, but Swedish brand Oatly has found itself at the centre of much controversy over the years. The dairy milk alternative has already come under fire for contributing to deforestation in the Amazon, having a high sugar content while advertising itself as a...
