NASA’s new nuclear rockets could cut Mars journey in half
Getting to Mars typically takes more than half a year, but that time could be shortened by NASA’s upcoming nuclear-powered rocket project. It’s been a big month for the physics lovers out there, with Oppenheimer making its debut in cinema and NASA announcing plans to test the launch of...
Current in Change
Waste management has been overshadowed by recycling myth
Global recycling systems will unfortunately never be capable of keeping up with the growing amount of plastic humans dispose of each year. How did we forget about other viable options? ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle!’ Every kid was taught this iconic phrase. But the emphasis on recycling as a saving grace has seen...
Is there a connection between psychedelic use and eco-activism?
What are the current psychedelic renaissance’s effects on environmental activism and how can the nature-connectedness that’s bolstered by hallucinogenic drugs galvanise social movements and ultimately inspire faster action against the climate crisis? We’ve recently seen a growing acceptance within scientific fields that controlled psychedelic experiences can successfully transform mental health. Despite...
Our changing climate is making humanitarian work more difficult
A new report by the humanitarian aid charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reveals the growing number of challenges workers face when trying to offer humanitarian aid around the world. While the climate crisis is one of the primary causes of humanitarian issues, it is now becoming an obstacle to providing...
Spain harnesses the power of horses to tackle uncontrollable wildfires
Free-roaming horses might seem like unlikely aides in the face of such a challenging foe, but ecologists believe they have a critical role to play in mitigating future wildfire risks. Thousands are currently trapped in an inferno that’s gripping the Mediterranean. This is expected to last for weeks as global temperatures...
Why the bounce-back of tourism is bittersweet
As restrictions lift, we’re all reclaiming the joy of travel. But it’s best we approach this new chapter with caution. Tourism is one of the great joys in life. Correction, travel. Travel is one of the great joys in life. The distinction is necessary because of the baggage tourism carries, both...
G20 nations fail to reach agreement on cutting fossil fuels
A crunch G20 meeting in India has resulted in complete failure. There is still no consensus on how fossil fuels should be phased down and disputes continue over the goal to triple the capacity of renewables by 2030. Climate experts and ecological outfits have been exasperated by the foot dragging of official bodies and their inability to take urgent action against global warming. As has been the case too often, a...
The perils of sidelining younger politicians in India
How veteran leaders clinging to power can breed discontentment and defections. When it comes to power within a political party, state or nation, politics does seem to be a zero-sum game. This was seen recently in the state of Maharashtra, one of the most electorally significant in India. Ajit Pawar, a politician of the National Congress Party (NCP) broke away, taking a band of parliamentarians with him and was made the deputy...
Italy is removing LGBTQIA+ parents from birth certificates
It’s one of many crackdowns on the queer community since far-right prime minister Giorgia Meloni came to power. Italy is often seen as the land of love. Breathtaking seascapes, decadent food, and an intoxicating language have earned it this status of romantic mecca. But the country’s government seems to be hell-bent on betraying love left right and centre. That is, queer love. Italy has begun removing the names of non-biological gay mothers...
What will be the impact of India’s rice-export ban?
The country’s decision to take 10m tonnes of rice off the global export market in an attempt to curb domestic inflation has raised fears of shortages and further increases in food prices around the world. In early July, after extreme rainfall wiped out paddy fields in India, government officials banned the export of non-basmati white rice to pre-emptively ‘ensure adequate domestic availability at reasonable prices.’ Rice prices in India have risen...
