If you’re worried about climate change you may have eco-anxiety
A widespread fear of environmental damage and ecological disaster is spurring a mental health crisis among Gen Z. What is it and how’s it being dealt with? Last month, we had the opportunity to speak with Clover Hogan, a 22-year-old activist who’s spent half her life researching the mental health...
Current in People
The Indigenous presence on Instagram is thwarting a myth of America’s past
Beadwork has remained central to Native North American culture since before colonial contact, but its recent rise on social media is forcing the non-native West to reckon with an image of Indigeneity still trapped in yesteryear. ‘Once upon a long time ago’ chimes Carrie Bradshaw at the opening of Sex...
Understanding the developing climate refugee crisis
The World Bank estimates that by 2050 more than 140 million people will be displaced as a result of climate change. What will the global community do to save these people? In 2018 alone, 17.2 million new displacements associated with natural disasters in 148 countries and territories were recorded. Droughts, tropical...
Will Ethiopia’s elections resolve its ongoing crisis?
Ethiopia is undergoing civil war as its elections draw to a close. Could a change in power help to alleviate the crisis that is damaging its northern regions? On Monday, 21st June, Ethiopian voters headed to the polls to choose their national and regional representatives, with nationally-elected Members of...
UK government’s handling of child obesity crisis: harmful or proactive?
Amid concerns over a pandemic-induced rise in child obesity, the UK government announced it would be implementing a variety of measures to tackle the problem. According to the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care, tackling obesity is one of the greatest challenges the country currently faces. On an upward...
Exclusive – Lana Weidgenant on food systems and climate action
I spoke with Gen Z environmental activist Lana Weidgenant about the importance of pushing for sustainable consumption habits to nourish humanity without destroying the planet. In May, animal-rights group Mercy for Animals debuted For Nature, a hard-hitting short film conceptualised and scripted by Greta Thunberg. Filled with images of environmental destruction,...
You decide – is India’s sedition law draconian or reasonable?
India’s sedition law is a complicated legal restriction on public discussion of the government. Is it a fair system, or is free speech and valid criticism being suppressed? Sedition is the act of inciting or provoking people to revolt against the government or the state. India’s sedition law is Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and it states: ‘Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or...
Opinion – Pulitzer Prize shows the power of citizen journalism
Darnella Fraizer was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for documenting the police brutality that resulted in George Floyd’s death. The video initiated global protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Awarding a Pulitzer prize to a regular citizen for capturing a moment that sparked the world into action emphasises the true power of the voice of the people, made possible by modern media. Seventeen-year-old Darnella Frazier’s was honoured for her...
Nigeria’s security nightmare continues to cause national havoc
Violent Islamic group Boko Haram has maintained a presence in the north of Nigeria despite government efforts to control unrest. It continues to disrupt civilian safety and educational opportunities. Nigeria has seen a recent spike in violent activity in the north-east as a result of militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Over 100 attacks have already occurred this year, with many more dead and injured as a result. The group’s name,...
UK refuses legal air pollution cut amid nation’s first associated death
The UK government has refused to commit to immediately lowering legal air pollution limits following the nation’s first recorded death due to toxic air – in 9-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah. Those still dubious as to the adverse health effects of air pollution surely won’t be by the end of this story. This week marks the first, and hopefully the last instance that air pollution is directly responsible for claiming a life in...
