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...
Current in People
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Study finds living near green spaces reduces biological age
People living near green spaces are 2.5 years biologically younger than those who do not, according to new research conducted by a Spanish and American research team. We all have our reservations about ageing, but new research is showing that the secret to staying young might not be purchasing expensive skincare treatments and products. In fact, maintaining health may be as simple as living nearby to a large green space. To test...
Is the US military a blind spot for the country’s emissions?
In the global fight against climate change, the role of the US military’s contributions to global emissions is a critical but often overlooked aspect that demands closer attention. The US military’s formidable presence in various conflicts and humanitarian missions has made it a key player in shaping international geopolitics. Its significance extends beyond military might, as it also plays a crucial role in disaster relief efforts, peacekeeping, and providing support...
Understanding Uganda’s TotalEnergies’ lawsuit
Ugandan activists are legally fighting TotalEnergies, the French multinational oil and gas company. This lawsuit shines a spotlight on the human rights and environmental concerns surrounding the company’s operations in Uganda. Uganda has become an attractive destination for multinational corporations seeking to exploit its abundance of resources. This rush for extraction and economic gain often comes at the expense of local communities and the environment. TotalEnergies, one of the world's...
Egg whites could be the solution to clean water in the future
Microplastic pollution and increased scarcity are the two largest threats to freshwater sources globally. A team of researchers at Princeton University have found a solution to both of these problems in an unsuspecting candidate – egg whites. Not to freak anyone out, but recent studies are finding that humans accidentally consume around 5 grams of microplastics per week. It’s both worrying and sad, but it’s true. Most of these particles...
