Why is Saudi Arabia softening its alcohol ban?
The Arab state had strict no-alcohol rules since 1952, but the introduction of its first alcohol shop in 72 years has people questioning Saudi Arabia’s stance on booze. Both foreigners and locals were left somewhat bemused when news broke of Saudi Arabia’s first alcohol shop. Well, first since 1952 at...
Current in Change
German startup makes biodegradable tampons from seaweed
Plastic period products are the fifth most common source of waste washing up on beaches across Europe. Seeking to tackle this is Vyld, by utilising one of the planet’s greatest untapped resources. Although disposable tampons and pads are extremely commonplace, 80 per cent of women don’t realise that the majority...
New report uncovers a dramatic rise in FGM cases worldwide
According to recent data released by UNICEF, the number of women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation has increased by 15 per cent in the past eight years, showing that the pace of progress remains woefully off track to meet the SDG of ending the practice by...
Opinion – It’s time we rethink Australia Day
The vandalisation of two statues in Melbourne highlights a growing disillusionment with Australia’s national holiday, and an increased awareness of the country’s colonial past. Police in Melbourne are investigating ‘criminal damage’ toward two of the city’s monuments, after residents woke up to find them destroyed. A statue of Captain Cook – the...
Exclusive – in conversation with Daphne Frias and Selina Leem
We went to the Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope: Act for the Planet event to highlight both the climate justice activists’ insights on the climate crisis and how we can drive positive change for the Earth’s future. Daphne Frias is a Latina climate justice activist, disability awareness advocate, and storyteller...
Extraction of raw materials to reportedly rise by 60% by 2060
An unpublished UN document acquired by The Guardian claims that the globe’s extraction of raw materials will increase by 60% by 2060. Such rapid acceleration would inevitably have huge implications for our climate. Despite the fact that the extraction of rare earth metals and minerals accounts for roughly 60%...
What do Cold Weather Payments mean for Britain’s most vulnerable?
The scheme provides financial support for those affected by prolonged sub-zero temperatures, but how viable are these payments against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis? As we hunt for blown-away wheelie bins and crank up the heating, the UK’s cold-snap is affecting some more than others. But those in the most affected areas – who are experiencing prolonged sub-zero temperatures – could qualify for government support. Cold Weather Payments, designed to provide...
Exclusive – in conversation with Disha Ravi and Natalie Cooper
We went to the Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope: Act for the Planet event to highlight both the climate justice activist’s and the evolutionary biologist’s insights on the climate crisis and how we can drive positive change for the Earth’s future. Disha Ravi is a climate justice activist, storyteller, and one of the founders of Fridays For Future India. Part of the organisation’s Most Affected Peoples and Areas wing, her...
Lagos completely bans single-use plastics and styrofoam
Nigeria's Lagos state government has implemented a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of these non-biodegradable materials. Lagos, one of the most populous cities in Africa, has been grappling with the environmental consequences of plastic pollution for decades. Single-use plastics and styrofoam products, commonly used in packaging and food services, have contributed significantly to environmental degradation, posing threats to marine life, soil health,...
Disposable vapes to be banned in the UK by next year
In a bid to protect children’s health the British government will ban the sale of disposable vapes at the start of 2025. Colourful packaging and fruity flavours will also be restricted to prevent the appeal to new, young smokers. In the last few years, vaping has taken the world by storm. It seems like you can’t walk down the street or sit on a pub terrace without puffs from a watermelon...
