Slow government action sparks cost of living protests globally
The cost of living is now higher than it’s been in four decades. Citizen protests are erupting around the world, despite being granted government subsidies and promises of capped energy prices. What will happen when winter arrives? We’re all feeling the cost of living crunch. From North, Central and South America,...
Current in People
Is America ready for green sector growth?
California is in a bit of a pickle. A week after it announced it will ban the sale of petrol-reliant vehicles by 2035, the state has asked its citizens to stop charging their electric cars on account of the grid reaching near-capacity. With the Pacific Ocean to its left and...
Understanding the gold mining problem in Eastern DRC
In Eastern DRC, thousands of children and families have been displaced by the resurgence of M23 rebels. Community clashes over gold has left some dead and hundreds of children currently work at gold mines. Since the beginning of this year, violence has steadily escalated in the east of the...
UN member states fail to pass Ocean Treaty on fifth attempt
The high seas are arguably the last lawless place left on the planet. A UN member state meeting in New York hoped to finally create a policy that prevents the overfishing and mistreatment of our oceans – but it has failed. Coastal waters (and all life within them) may...
Four accomplishments in gender equality in the 21st century
Only one hundred years ago, women finally received the right to vote in the United States. On National Women’s Equality day, we’re taking a look at how various sectors have become more gender inclusive and where they have room to improve. Achieving true gender equality is an ongoing fight that...
Opinion – What I learned from the world’s most militarised zone
Recently, I visited Kashmir, a disputed territory sandwiched between South Asia, India, and Pakistan. From a heavy presence of the Indian armed forces to a city-wide shutdown, here’s what I saw whilst spending a week in one of the most militarised zones in the world. ‘So, michya ye pasand...
A teenager is using fish waste to clean heavy metal pollution
17-year-old Jacqueline Prawira is one of 100 student winners from Schmidt Futures’ young change maker awards. Using natural components derived from fish scales, she developed a bio-solution capable of ridding waterways of heavy metal contamination. All of a sudden, I’m feeling pretty self-conscious about my teenage years. 17-year-old student Jacqueline Prawira is about to become a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and already she is beginning to pave...
The River Oden wildlife killer case may have been solved
Mass fish, bird, and mollusc deaths were reported in Germany’s River Oder over the months of July and August. Germany’s Liebniz Institute of Freshwater Ecological and Inland Fisheries think they have figured out what could’ve caused it. Golden algae – scientifically known as Prymnesium parvum’ – is a rare and invasive microorganism. It thrives in brackish water, usually where flowing rivers meet the sea. In rare conditions, golden algae can grow...
Why cycling has to be the future of travel
Getting people to switch from cars to bikes won’t be an easy feat, but if achieved, it would create positive change for the planet, our health, and overall quality of life. In certain parts of the world, cycling is the norm for the majority of the population. The city of Amsterdam has more bikes than people, with residents cycling an average distance of 2.6km every day. After living there for two...
Two Gen Z candidates win in Kenyan general election
In Kenya’s recent general elections, two Gen Zers aged 21 and 24 have been voted as Member of County Assembly and County Woman Representative respectively. They will represent issues affecting their constituents in both county and national assemblies. Many Gen Zers were involved in Kenya’s general election this year. Having a voice on political panels and influencing important decision making remains difficult for young people, especially in government. For years, young people...
