Subglacial groundwater in Antarctica may accelerate sea level rise
Scientists recently uncovered a vast hidden groundwater system beneath Antarctica’s ice that could potentially change how we understand and predict rising sea levels. For a long time, experts around the world hypothesised the possible existence of deep groundwater beneath the ice sheet. However, there was no direct evidence or detailed mapping...
Current in Change
EU plans extra fee on small parcels often sent from China
The European Union has proposed a new fee on billions of small parcels that are sent directly to people’s homes. This extra two-euro charge would largely affect parcels sent from China on fast-fashion platforms like Shein and Temu. A new tax has been proposed by the European Union that...
Dartmoor ‘Right to Roam’ reinstated in nature milestone for UK
After a lengthy legal battle with wealthy landowner, Alexander Darwall, the right to roam, picnic, and camp in Dartmoor National Park has been reinstated by the Supreme Court. Earlier today, the Supreme Court made the decision to fully reinstate the ‘Right to Roam’ within Dartmoor National Park. The decision comes...
New gonorrhoea vaccine to roll out in UK as cases rise
A new vaccine for gonorrhoea will be rolled out in England as part of a world-first project. Described as a ‘landmark moment for sexual health,’ it’s hoped this initiative will lower rising levels of STI cases. A world-first vaccine for gonorrhoea is to be distributed in the UK amidst...
Spain to block 65,000 properties on Airbnb in tourism crackdown
Following intense public pressure to regulate the short-term rental market, the Spanish government says it will remove over 65,000 holiday rental listings from Airbnb for breaching regulations. The Spanish government is cracking down on short-term property renting and says it will remove 65,000 holiday listings from Airbnb. It comes amidst growing...
Universal Music Group’s ties to abuse scandals in West Africa
West African nonprofits allege that major Universal Music Group stakeholder Vincent Bolloré has built his fortune through abusive practices in the region. They’re urging the label’s artists to do their research before making charitable donations. Universal Music Group (UMG) represents some of the world’s biggest artists today, including Kendrick Lamar,...
Why Portugal chastised France over major blackout
Last month's blackout in Spain and Portugal highlights a crucial yet a vital link to France - one that impacts not only Iberian energy security but also the EU’s. Portugal is pushing France to improve its power grid. The Iberian Peninsula was plunged into darkness last month as a major blackout struck the region, impacting Portugal, Spain, and certain areas of southwestern France. The event started with a failure at a...
Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer
Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his representatives have said. The cancer has reportedly spread to his bones. Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his personal office has announced. He visited doctors last week for urinary symptoms when a prostate nodule was discovered. Biden’s representatives say that various different options...
The UK’s River Ouse becomes the first river to be granted legal rights
Earlier this year, the River Ouse in Sussex became the first river in all of England and Wales to be granted legal rights. Could this be a turning point in the protection of the UK’s rivers, or will the lack of official ‘personhood’ hinder the movement? In February of this year, the Lewes District Council in Sussex granted official rights to the River Ouse. This is the very...
European firms reportedly improving climate action lobbying
New research has found that European companies are increasingly engaging with climate change, with a sharp rise in firms lobbying for climate action since 2019. New research suggests that European companies may be more engaged with climate change policies and action than first thought. Analysts say that the share of companies whose corporate lobbying is ‘aligned’ with plans for global climate goals increased from 3% in 2019 to an impressive 23%...
