Ziryan Aziz investigates the developments surrounding escalating tensions between two of the world's largest nations. Photo by Frank Holleman The governments of India and China are in a new diplomatic row after a fatal incident on the 15th June occurred in the border area of Galwan river valley which flows between the Indian Ladakh territory and China’s Aksai Chin region. Soldiers on both sides laid down their arms and engaged in what has been described as a ‘punch up’, after a minor confrontation between a Chinese and Indian military patrol. The total number of dead and injured is still unconfirmed, but India’s intelligence service claims 20 of its soldiers were killed in the brawl, while some 50 Chinese soldiers died. China has not commented on its own or the Indian the death toll. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. What Happened? The disputed area is an uninhabited, rocky, mountainous terrain that both China and India claim partial rights to. The Sino-Indian War was fought in 1962 to decide on its ownership, as the territory is believed to have strategic importance. The border is still heavily disputed today, and is determined by the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which isn’t permanent and is hard to maintain. Varying accounts from both sides have been given as to how the events of this conflict transpired, but it is believed that both armies accused the other of violating an agreement etched in April 2019 when a similar incident took place. According to Indian media, a small patrol of Indian and Chinese troops confronted each other on a ridge top in the valley. India has stated that the Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) soldiers confronted the patrol, and pushed one of the officers off the ridge. Backup on both sides was brought in, and some 600 troops engaged in hand-to-hand combat well into the night, with some brandishing makeshift weapons. The Chinese Defence Ministry stated in wake of the violence that the violence was "completely caused by the Indian side's violation of consensus and unilateral provocation," and accused the Indian media of spreading a “large amount of fake news” about the incident.  China has given its own interpretation of events that Indian troops crossed into their side of the border, destroying tents before becoming violent to soldiers there. Chinese state broadcaster CGTN has since reported that 20 martial arts trainers are being sent to Tibet to prepare the soldiers there for future skirmishes. Our annual publication highlights the challenges faced and the achievements we've made whilst aiming to set a precedent for the sentient, environmental and planetary needs of the future. All money raised is directed to socio-ethical impact and acknowledgement. The Aftermath The fallout of the clash has been different in the two countries. China has suggested that it doesn't want to jeopardise its relations with India, but maintains that the incident was entirely India's fault. However, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Zhao Lijian, the situation on the border is "overall stable and controllable." The Indian reaction has been significantly different. Whilst the Indian foreign minister and his Chinese counterpart have agreed over a phone call to de-escalate and resolve the situation responsibly, the reaction of the Indian public has sparked a national debate over Chinese-Indian cooperation. Large scale movements have called for a boycott of Chinese-made products, future Chinese investments in India have been put on hold, and even the Chinese social media platform Tiktok has been banned. Calls for decoupling the Indian economy from China have been met with warnings from Chinese officials and the Global Times newspaper, and a mouthpiece of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) warned that economic distancing from China would be “illogical” and “self-destructive” for India. Whilst bilateral relations have soured over the incident, it is unlikely that tensions will escalate further into a wider conflict as both nuclear powers will not wish to harm their economic growth. You may also like: Coronavirus Paranoia Exposes Entrenched Islamophobia in India We are a socio-ethical impact charity advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. A charitable initiative funded by readers like you. | To support our work and journalism, consider becoming an advocate from just £1.

Ellie Chivers reports on Costa Rica’s sustainability successes as they continue to take steps to protect their rich biodiversity. Photo by Etienne Delorieux Living in a world in which devastating climate news constantly makes headlines, we should be worrying about what will happen to some of the Earth’s most beautiful offerings a few years down the line. However, Costa Rica’s leadership has shown the rest of the globe that the effects of climate change, global warming and plastic usage can be halted in their tracks, as it is set to become the first plastic and fossil fuel-free country as early as 2021. In 2009, Costa Rica was hailed as the world’s happiest and greenest country, and since then it has come even further in its efforts to become a sustainable haven. In 2012, the country became the first Central American nation to put an end to sport and recreational hunting in order to protect the natural environment. In 2015, the nation managed to run on solely renewable energy sources across the country for 299 days solidly, before achieving a similar feat again in 2017. Since 2014, almost 99% of Costa Rica’s energy has come from rivers, volcanoes, geothermal, wind and solar power. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Effective Eco Leadership Carlos Alvarado Quesada was elected as Costa Rica’s president in 2018 at just 38 years old. From the get-go, he has promised a sustainable future for the country, with his inauguration speech addressing the reduction of carbonisation, and the aim to be rid of gasoline and diesel in transport by 2021. Over 60% of the country’s population already relies solely on public transport for travel, but the government has lifted taxes on electric vehicles to ensure citizens using their car are doing so in the greenest way possible. All public transport systems are due to be running on renewable energy by next year, too. In his inauguration speech, the President said: “When we reach 200 years of independent life we will take Costa Rica forward and celebrate…that we’ve removed gasoline and diesel from our transportation.” Additionally, it was in his first year of leadership that President Alvarado Quesada announced plans for his country to be plastic-free by 2021 – and it appears they may get there. Since the announcement on World Environment Day, the country has been working to implement 100% biodegradable, recyclable, non-petroleum-based alternatives to single-use plastics, backed by the United Nations Development Programme. Looking After the Landscapes Costa Rica is a country spanning 19.726 square miles, one third of which is made up of prestigious protected areas, home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity despite only covering 0.03% of the Earth’s surface. The country boasts 12 different life zones, nine forest reserves, eight biological reserves and seven wildlife sanctuaries. It is no wonder such luscious scenery attracts so many tourists, with 1.7 million visiting the country each year. Due to its extensive protection of its natural landscapes, the country has become innovative in eco-tourism. The country offers an array of eco-friendly tourist activities, such as visiting green bars, exploring the hot springs and taking in the magnificence of their 20 national parks. Tourism accounts for more than $1.7 billion of Costa Rica’s income each year, with 80% of those visiting partaking in eco-friendly tourist adventures. A beautiful area with a pioneering outlook – it is no wonder Costa Rica is such a celebrated country, and hopefully it can stay that way for years to come, as long as human interference continues to improve their sustainability rather than disrupt it. You may also like: Pakistan Surpasses Climate Change Goal 10 Years Early We are a socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. To support our work and journalism, consider becoming an advocate from just £1.

Sarah Clifford-Smith sheds light on the action being taken around the world to ban single-use plastics.. Photo by Javardh In March 2019, the European parliament approved a law that would ban the use of all single-use plastics across the EU by 2021; the law includes plates, straws, cutlery and cotton buds. This ban is not the first step EU countries have taken towards going plastic-free, however, it is one of the broadest actions proposed thus far, and should reduce plastic consumption significantly. In March this year, Germany took action on this law, placing a ban on the most commonly found types of single-use plastic waste. The ban covers single-use cutlery, plates, straws, cotton buds, oxo-degradable plastics, food containers, polystyrene cups and balloon sticks, and comes into effect in July 2021. A Pollution Problem In 2016, it was estimated that the EU consumed 100 billion plastic bags per year. Since then, EU countries have taken many steps to combat this, such as the banning of microbeads in the UK and charges on plastic bags. In 2002, Ireland was the first place to tax plastic bag sales; the move was so effective other countries quickly followed suit as the number of bags per person went from 350 to just 14 by 2012. Though these changes have been effective, bigger moves against plastic usage are now needed. The EU ban on single-use plastic is the next phase of fighting plastic pollution, making all EU countries accountable to take action. The fight against plastic is not only happening in Europe, with as many as 60 countries having bans or levies on the material in place, such as Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Australia and Canada. The world is responding to plastic pollution, in large ways and in small. As of August 2017, anyone found to be producing, distributing or using plastic bags in Kenya can face up to four years in prison, or a hefty fine. Norway now recycles 97% of its plastic bottles due to reverse vending machines, where bottles are deposited in exchange for vouchers. France was the first country to implement a ban on all single-use plastics in 2016, ready for it to come into place in 2020. More countries are likely to implement similar bans in place in the near future, and prohibitions on other types of plastic are also a probability. Just the Beginning It is estimated that 60% of all plastic ever produced has ended up in landfill or contaminating the environment. In Europe alone, around 25.8 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced every year, less than 30% of which is recycled. It is also estimated that the production and incineration of plastic adds 400 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere worldwide every year. Simply banning single-use plastics is not enough - the EU’s proposal against plastic covers much more than that. They want to completely reshape the plastics industry,aiming to control its production, use and disposal. They have laid out an action plan involving improvements in the economics and recycling of plastic, curbing plastic waste and littering, driving investment and innovation towards circular renewable solutions and harnessing global action. Though banning single-use plastic is a key step to stopping plastic pollution and saving our environment, it is only one part of the solution. You may also like: The Eco-Impact of Affluence We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by becoming an advocate from just £1 and get access to exclusive content!

Nick Webb looks at new research on the damage the meat industry has on the environment. Photo by Devin Kaselnak Until now, efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions in Europe have been largely focused on the automotive industry and finding ways to cut down on car exhaust fumes. A new report from Greenpeace , however, has shown that in the European Union, livestock such as cows and pigs produce more greenhouse gases than all of the cars and vans in the EU combined.  A recent increase in the scale of farming for meat and dairy has made the industry a much greater source of emissions than previously thought. In 2018, it was found that 704 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were produced in the industry, both directly (by the animals themselves) and indirectly (through land use changes and deforestation to grow animal feed) annually. This is in comparison to the 656 million tonnes produced by cars and vans.  The Greenpeace report, ‘ Farming for Failure ’ calculates that the annual increase in emissions from farming is around 6% - roughly the same as putting an extra 8.4 million extra cars on the road each year. Greenpeace Weighs In   Greenpeace’s report states that “while agriculture already counts for almost a quarter of greenhouse emissions today, if left unchecked, that is projected to increase to a full 52% of global emissions in the coming decades, with an estimated 70% of that coming from meat and dairy production.”  ‘ Farming for Failure ’ concludes that it is vital to cut the levels of meat and dairy farming in the EU in order to meet the carbon neutrality targets set out in the Paris Agreement. While many are focusing on carbon dioxide emissions, fewer measures are being taken to reduce the release of methane gas, despite it being the second largest contributor to global warming. According to studies, a reduction by 50% of the levels of intensive animal farming in Europe would save the equivalent of the annual emissions from the EU’s 11 lowest emitting countries in total. Policy makers are being encouraged to promote a reduction in meat consumption, as well as a cut in public spending to subsidise industrial farming. Not only would a reduction in the farming cut out a large portion of the emissions from animals, but the average European consumes up to 60% more animal products than are recommended in dietary guidelines, so people’s health would be positively impacted by such a lifestyle change.  Possible Solutions   It has, however, been posited that there are other ways to reduce the emissions from farms without reducing consumption. Marielle Saunois, from the French Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, who was lead author on the paper “Earth System in Science Data ”, said: “Policies and better management have reduced emissions from landfills, manure and other sources here in Europe. People are also eating less beef and more poultry and fish.” Marco Contiero, agriculture policy maker for Greenpeace , has warned that in order to ensure we don’t miss the targets set out in the Paris Climate Agreement, governments must get farming emissions under control: “ European leaders have danced around the climate impact of animal farming for too long. Science is clear, the numbers as well: we can’t avoid the worst of climate breakdown if politicians keep defending the  industrial production of meat and dairy . Farm animals won’t stop  farting and burping  – the only way to cut emissions at the levels needed is to cut their numbers At present, the European Union is updating its climate laws , and are looking into new ways that farming policy could be altered in order to help reduce greenhouse emissions. These new policies are proposing a 55% cut by 2030 as a stepping stone to the larger goal of the EU being 100% carbon neutral by 2050. You may also like: Meat Tax - A Possible Solution for Environmental and Public Health We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by becoming an advocate from just £1 and get access to exclusive content!

Nick Webb reports as China announces its new carbon neutrality goal. Photo by Sam Beasley China, the country with the highest levels of carbon emissions in the world, has pledged to become “carbon neutral” by 2060 . In a speech to the United Nations general assembly last week (September 2020), president Xi Jinping shocked climate change activists by promising to reach “peak carbon” by 2030, and from there diminishing to zero emissions in the proceeding 30 years.  This is the first time that the Chinese government has promised long-term environmental policy goals, and is part of what president Jinping is calling a “green recovery” from the Coronavirus pandemic, which has effectively stonewalled environmental action from the world’s governments this year.  The new pledge comes ahead of the COP26 Summit next year, where the governments of the world are expected to promise new environmental reforms in order to reach the targets of the 2015 Paris Agreement , and keep global warming under 1.5◦C. Action Required China is responsible for 28% of global carbon emissions , and is the second highest burner of oil (behind the US). This sudden and dramatic pledge of complete neutrality is going to require a huge reverse of the way China has generated power for decades. Currently, China gets 85% of its power from fossil fuels , and only 15% from renewable sources. Climate experts say that this essentially needs to invert if there is to be success. China’s rapidly growing industry-based economy is hugely dependent on burning fossil fuels, and this reliance is going to have to be cut off quickly.  Analysts have said “the magnitude of the needed reductions will be dramatic”, but also suggested that adding in “carbon-capture” technology and carbon offsets such as planting trees could help reduce net emissions. They also have suggested that China will need to rapidly convert to using electrical and biofuels to power transportation systems.  Xi Nan, analyst from Rystad Energy , has said that there will need to be “massive policy support” from within the Chinese Communist Party in order to enact the “unexpected, ambitious plan” on time.  “[China’s] carbon neutrality goal is absolutely feasible both technically and economically. With China and the EU both setting stronger targets, the picture for how the world can meet the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement just got much clearer.” – Richard Baron, Executive Director of the NGO 2050 Pathways Platform The sheer scale of investment required to enable China to meet these new targets is predicted to raise the country’s GDP by as much as 5% within the next 10 years. This huge level of investment is also expected to cause spill-over into neighbouring countries so that they will consequently have easier access to more environmentally-friendly energy resources. It also has the potential to drive down the prices of renewable energy worldwide, as has already been seen as the recent growth in demand for solar panels in China has caused a global price drop.  Using Cambridge Econometrics modelling , it has been predicted that Chinese carbon neutrality by 2060 could avoid 215 billion tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere. This effort by a single country could see a reduction in predicted global temperature rise by as much as 0.2-0.3 Degrees. The Global Outlook This new pledge starkly contrasts Trump’s climate change-scepticism , as the US is preparing to leave the Paris Agreement, which would remove American commitments of lowering their carbon emissions. This sends a very nuanced geopolitical message, as the US is now the only major global power to not have an emissions reduction target in place.  Should Joe Biden win the 2020 US presidential election, he has promised to return to the Agreement; if this happens, then Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics , has said that as the top three emitters of Greenhouse Gasses (China, the US and the EU) would all have net-zero emissions targets by mid-century, “placing the 1.5◦C warming limit of the Paris agreement firmly in reach.” You may also like: Climate Change to Leave Parts of UK Without Water We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Martha Davies shares the news that education on LGBT issues and relationships has been introduced into the UK's school curriculum. Photo by moren hsu As teachers and pupils adjust to a new term amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a significant change has also occurred within the curriculum, as the government’s overhaul of relationships and sex education (RSE) , including the mandatory teaching of themes relating to LGBTQ+ identities, comes into force after being agreed on last year. A New Beginning Following a landmark ruling last year, relationships and sex education is now compulsory for British students from the age of 12, whereas previously parents were able to opt out . Starting this September, parents can remove their children from sex education lessons only until the year before their 16th birthday. A noteworthy change in the content of the lessons themselves means that LGBTQ+ topics will be discussed – primary school children will now be taught about different family models, with secondary school students learning about sexual orientation and gender identity. British schools have been given until 2021 to put the new guidance into practice, while Welsh schools will have until the following year. The new guideline states that the teaching of RSE “should ensure that the needs of all pupils are appropriately met” with a focus on “the importance of equality and respect.” Lesson content must comply with The Equality Act of 2010 , which includes topics such as sexual orientation and gender reassignment, aligning future sex education with more inclusive values. “Learning about different kinds of families from a young age helps create inclusive environments so everyone feels they belong. Our new school guide will support primary school teachers and leaders to deliver an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum so every young person feels safe, included and able to reach their full potential.” – Sidonie Bertrand-Shelton , Head of Education Programmes at Stonewall The ruling marks an improvement to the content of relationships education which is vital in making children aware of diverse identities and creating a sense of openness and acceptance. The new curriculum will hopefully modernise British sex education through themes covering consent, period health, domestic abuse, sexting, and female genital mutilation (FGM). Protests from Parents The change is particularly momentous since LGBT themes have historically been condemned by politicians: Section 28, introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government in 1988, aimed to to prevent schools from “promoting” homosexuality . Such exclusionary views resurfaced with the resistance to LGBTQ-inclusive education voiced by parents last year , most notably with protests staged outside Parkfield Primary School in Birmingham after a ‘No Outsiders’ programme was trialled in sex education lessons. The programme , which aimed to diversify relationships education and challenge homophobia, was renounced by parents – a total of 400 petitioned to remove it. The leader of the protests, parent Fatima Shah, stated that “Children are being told it’s OK to be gay, yet 98% of children at this school are Muslim. It’s a Muslim community. He said all parents are on board with it, but the reality is, no parents are on board with it.” ‘No Outsiders’ was subsequently suspended from Parkfield and an academy trust in Birmingham as teachers and parents worked to find a resolution , while discussions about the overhaul of RSE also led to schools in Great Manchester receiving complaints about their existing sex education curriculum . There will no doubt be more resistance as the new ruling comes into force this term. The Importance of Change Despite this controversy, the decision to update the RSE curriculum has also been praised by many as a necessary improvement. In an article for The i , Mo Wiltshire, Stonewall’s director of Education and Youth, described the ruling as “life-changing”, writing, “Generations of young people will be attending schools that not only accept LGBTQ+ people and same-sex relationships, but also celebrate and offer support on the issues that young LGBTQ+ people face.” Though Thatcher’s exclusionary Section 28 was thankfully repealed in 2003, a report conducted by Stonewall in 2017 revealed that only one in five LGBTQ+ pupils were taught about safe sex in same-sex relationships, indicating that LGBTQ+ education was not treated with enough importance across school curriculums. The new ruling is therefore a definitive step in the right direction, suggesting that the government is committed to making relationship and health education more inclusive. This is also evident in Scotland’s 2018 pledge to make it compulsory for state schools to teach students about LGBTQ+ equality and identity. Since there were no exemptions or opt-outs to the new policy, Scotland became the first country in the world to embed LGBTQ+ education into school curriculums, providing hope for similar decisions to be made by other governments, as England has demonstrated. Despite the evident resistance from parents and religious groups, schools are ultimately set to become openly inclusive and encouraging towards the discussion of LGBTQ+ history, gay rights, and gender identity. With the incessant turbulence of the year so far, this is certainly a welcome change . You may also like: Climate Change Added to Italy's School Curriculum We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Kate Byng-Hall shares some of the most positive gems Tru. shared throughout 2020 Photo by Vicnicius Wiesehofer The year of 2020 can easily be regarded as a synonym for 'struggle'. The coronavirus pandemic compromised not only global public health, but also threatened health services, businesses, relationships and our collective mental wellbeing. Human rights were denied across the world, and the environment continued to be battered by human influence. However, it’s not all bad. Over the year, Tru. covered a variety of stories to put a smile on your face and offer a glimmer of hope for the future. Here are 12 of our best to aid a positive outlook going into the new year: 1. Medical Breakthrough: Confirmation HIV is Curable Back in April, Kate Byng-Hall reported as the second person ever – Adam Castillejo, 40 – was cured of HIV in London. Mr Castillejo, otherwise known as the ‘London Patient’, was found to have been cured of the disease after receiving a stem-cell transplant to cure the unrelated cancer which he was also suffering from. It is yet to be determined whether his recovery could have a meaningful contribution to the formulation of a universal cure for the virus, but it is a ray of hope, as he has proven that it is possible. 2. Planet Earth: The Ozone Layer is Healing Nick Webb reported as research published from scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder showed that the effects of human activity on the Ozone layer above Antarctica are starting to reverse and even heal. This is great news, as a depleted ozone layer could have a serious impact on plants, ecosystems, materials and biochemicals cycles through excessive UV radiation reaching Earth. Its preservation is critical to the balance of our world. 3. Empathy is Being Taught in Danish Schools Cat Cunningham shared the encouraging news of Danish schools’ ‘Klassen tid’ – a weekly class in which students aged 6 to 16 are taught to practise empathy, build relationships and prevent bullying. It’s thought this educational approach has contributed to Denmark being ranked in the top three happiest countries in the world for the past seven years according to the UN’s World Happiness Report. 4. Pakistan Surpasses Climate Change Goal 10 Years Early In August, Ellie Chivers shared the fantastic news that Pakistan has “demonstrated its commitment to the clean and green future” by achieving the UN Sustainable Development ‘Climate Action’ goal a decade before the deadline. The ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ initiative was taken on by all members of the United Nations in 2015, and involves the member states committing to achieving 17 targets to ensure a greener future. 5. The World’s Biggest Ecosystem Restoration Project Cat Cunningham enlightened us about an astonishing African-led initiative – the Green Wall – which aims to create a 4750-mile network of forests and woodlands across the entire width of Africa in a dry region known as the Sahel. Initially launched by 11 counties in 2007, there are now 21 countries committed to building and maintaining the wall to form a partial solution to climate change, drought, famine, conflict and migration issues. 6. Record-Breaking Pacific Ocean Clean-Up In August, Ellie Chivers celebrated history being made as the most expansive ocean clean-up ever was carried out, recovering a staggering 103 tons of waste near Hawaii. This record-breaking operation removed fishing nets and plastic debris from the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone. This area of the sea contains the largest and most infamous accumulation of ocean plastic in the world, having coined the moniker of the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’. 7. The Meat Industry Finally in Decline Shaun Britton discussed the meat industry’s recent downward turn. In 2019, global meat production and consumption dropped for the first time since 1961, and another reduction is projected for 2020 according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation. Two consecutive years of decreased meat-eating is unprecedented, and would suggest some real change is beginning to occur in people’s lifestyle choices which could positively impact our ethical, environmental and health interests. 8. The Mission to Bring UK Animals Back from Extinction Ellie Chivers brought us the welcome story of the reintroduction of many lost species to the British Isles. By restoring ecosystems to liveable states, overturning the loss of biodiversity on land and at sea, and rejuvenating people’s love for nature, the charity Rewilding Britain hopes to see the reversal of the effects of Britain’s extinction crisis. The species being reintroduced include ospreys, sea eagles, and even lynx or wolves sometime in the future. 9. Britain in New Renewable Energy Commitment Nick Webb shared the encouraging news of the government’s green economy plans to rebuild a more environmentally friendly post-Covid Britain, in which Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised that “in 10 years’ time, offshore wind will be powering every home in the country”. Speaking at the Virtual Tory Party Conference in October, the PM announced that the UK will aim to have net-zero emissions by 2050, starting with a £160 million investment to upgrade wind energy infrastructure with the aim of eventually generating 60% of the UK’s green energy using wind farms. 10. Huge Coral Reef Discovered in Australian Ocean Georgie Chantrell-Plant reported as the Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) discovered a previously unrecorded coral reef extending 1640 feet (500 metres) below the ocean surface, making it taller than the Empire State Building. It is the first detached reef discovered in these waters for more than 100 years, and forms part of the Great Barrier Reef – the single longest reef in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 11. Kenyan Elephant Baby Boom Sees Population Double Nicole Nadler shared the wonderful news that on August 12th, coinciding with World Elephant Day, an elephant ‘baby boom’ in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park was declared, doubling its previous 1989 population. Over 34,000 elephants are now living in Kenya, with about 170 elephant calves being born this year, including an extremely rare two sets of twins – something that has only been recorded twice before in the last five decades. 12. Hydrogen-Powered Train Makes Maiden Journey in UK Annie Grey reported as the HydroFLEX – Britain’s first hydrogen-powered train – successfully launched at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre, a test facility in Long Marston, near Stratford-upon-Avon. The HydroFLEX’s hydrogen-power system produces enough power to fuel 50-75-mile-long journeys, a notable progression in the UK’s adoption of green technologies as hydrogen power is less expensive than electric, and produces minimal waste. Concluding Reflections These developments, especially in the environmental sector, are incredibly encouraging: governments and organisations are starting to wake up to the necessity of a greater focus on combatting climate change and ecological destruction. But, of course, more needs to be done. 2021, although full of uncertainty, offers a real and invaluable opportunity to progress even further, whether in personal, local, national or even global advancements. The positive news stories we shared throughout last year should act as inspiration for enacting even more change and advocating for a society of accountability and action. Visit https://www.tru.org.uk/read to read all of these stories in full and explore the rest of our content. You may also like: How to Make Small Changes for a Big Impact We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Kira Lomas reports on the leading efforts of England and Wales to ban live exportation – a massive accomplishment in ensuring a cruelty-free future for animals Photo by Cotton Bro Poor implementation of live animal exportation laws and growing concern from animal welfare groups have sparked a renewed government effort on behalf of England and Wales to eradicate the trade of live animals for slaughter. This decision shows a major step in raising the standards of animal welfare, an ethical campaign that has been going on for more than fifty years. New legislati on outlined by George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, states that as a result of Britain’s plans to leave the EU, prioritising animal welfare has been of high importance and presents an opportunity to end this unnecessary practice . Previously, Britain’s relationship with the EU and the rules set out on trade restricted changes being made to animal protection measures, including the excessively long journey times animals endured. Therefore, announcing the ban signals a momentous step in the protection and nurturing of these sentient beings. Profits Over Protection With increased demand for meat globally, the live animal transportation industry has more than quadrupled in size over the last 50 fifty years , meaning that it has amassed considerably large profits, now said to be worth £21 billion . However, this booming trade has not come without its criticisms and concerns on the effectiveness of the regulations put in place to protect the animals being exported thousands of miles across land and sea. For many activists and animal welfare advocates, the trade raises many ethical questions on the treatment of animals forced on these gruelling journeys, and ultimately begs the question of whether laws are being executed properly to protect them. The consensus amongst these campaigners is worrying, exposing the devastating truth that exportation is causing significant suffering and distress for some animals involved in this trade. Herded onto trucks or ships, the long-distance trips frequently result in animals experiencing a multitude of abuses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and overcrowding only to later meet a grisly end, being fattened and slaughtered on arrival. This is a shocking indication of how animal trade laws are being violated, thus placing these beings at severe risk and subjecting them to a brutal and objectifying existence. These bad practices highlight the moral inconsistencies in EU trade laws in which policymaking continues to take precedence over animal protection. " There is absolutely no reasonable justification to subject an animal to an unnecessarily stressful journey abroad simply for them to be fattened for slaughter." - Chris Sherwood , Chief Executive officer of Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) A Kinder Future for Animals Following a series of endless consultations and delays in decision-finalising, there were doubts amongst campaigners and even Labour and Tory MPs on whether the government would take a firm stand on delivering their promises of a ban. However, these discussions have finally prompted a political agreement on prohibiting live exports, signalling a strong push from the government to give animals the humane future they deserve. The implementation of the ban has been described by the RSPCA as a "landmark achievement " for animal welfare. After years and years of long-running campaigns, the tenacity of the public and their unwavering support has finally given way to a triumphant win for animal welfare, showing England and Wales as a leading force on this subject and hopefully setting the standard for other European countries to follow in their footsteps. You may also like: Chickens Brutally Killed at Farms Linked to Tesco and Ocado We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers breaks down an alarming new study on humanity’s impact on the planet, exploring how we got here and where we might be going. Photo by Patrick Tomasso At the beginning of the 20th century, the Earth’s total anthropogenic mass – the mass of man-made objects, buildings and infrastructure – was equal to around 3% of its biomass – that of plants, humans and animals. However, according to research from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot , the former will likely have surpassed the latter by the end of this year. Over the past few decades, scientists and environmentalists have campaigned to name our current geological epoch the ‘Anthropocene’ , arguing that humanity has become the dominant force in determining the shape, life and climate of this planet – a title perhaps more relevant now than ever. As Professor Ron Milo declares , "our global footprint has expanded beyond our ‘shoe size.’" " Given the empirical evidence on the accumulated mass of human artifacts, we can no longer deny our central role in the natural world." – Researchers Emily Elhacham and Ron Milo, Anthropomass.org How Did We Get Here? Since the First Agricultural Revolution around 10,000 years ago, which marked the point at which agriculture and animal domestication became the primary means of subsistence for humanity (rather than hunting or foraging), we have roughly halved the total mass of plants on the Earth . As incremental developments in technology and medicine increased our life expectancy over the following millennia, the total human population grew exponentially, reaching 1 billion in the early 1800s, and 7 billion in 2011 . The mass production of concrete and asphalt boomed after World War II , when developed countries rebuilt both their ideological and physical infrastructure in the wake of political and technological changes. Architecture began to reflect the pressure of growing populations , with the concrete-faced Brutalist movement championing the development of utilitarian, low-cost social housing and civil architecture throughout Britain and Europe . As cities expanded and patterns of consumption changed, motorways and freeways spread across the world throughout the twentieth century; the total amount of road vehicles surpassed 1 billion in the past couple of decades. The total mass of buildings and roads is estimated to constitute around 1.1 billion tonnes , which exceeds the Earth’s 0.9 billion tonnes of trees and shrubs. The recent study also estimates that humanity currently produces at least as much material as the combined bodyweight of every person each week, with our total anthropogenic mass doubling every 20 years as the global population continues to grow. The majority of this material is concrete , though significant contributors include asphalt, gravel, bricks, metals and, of course, our many disposable products. The amount of plastic on the planet alone is twice the combined mass of all land and marine creatures . Similar studies have shown that the weight of the Earth’s ‘Technosphere’, which in addition to buildings and products also accounts for the land and seafloor that has been modified through human activity, came to a total of 30 trillion tonnes (compared to the 1.1 trillion tonnes of living matter). A Call to Action If human activity continues on its current trajectory, our anthropogenic mass will surpass three times the world’s total biomass by 2040 . Although this is alarming in itself, it will likely prove even more problematic for future generations. As Fridolin Krausmann from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences claims, the next 20 years will see the production of as much waste as the previous 110 years combined . This data is, of course, impossible to measure with objective precision, not least because it is unclear what should count as anthropogenic or biomass. For example, it has been argued that including only the mass of goods fails to take into account the amount of material processed or moved through mining . In addition, the study does not consider the Earth’s ‘wet-mass’ or waste , as this is more difficult to determine. Nevertheless, the findings reveal the undeniable scale of impact of human activity over the past couple of centuries: "I’m sure the numbers can be shifted by different statistics [...] But given the scale of the difference between the early 20th century, mid- and late-20th century, and now, early 21st century, it’s hard to see how the pattern can be shifted." – Jan Zalasiewicz, Emeritus Professor of Palaeobiology at the University of Leicester The researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science hope that their study will provoke citizens and governments alike into taking radical and effective action to behave more responsibly. After all, it’s only the end of the world at stake. You may also like: Biodiversity: Many Countries on the Brink of Ecosystem Collapse We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Nina Rosner investigates how Covid-19 has impacted workers in the garment industry, exposing the ethical shortcomings of a number of fashion brands. Photo by Cotton Bro In March, when people around the world shifted their habits from shopping to bread making during Covid-19 lockdowns, it was garment workers at the bottom of the supply chain who bore the brunt of a worldwide drop in demand for clothing. Their clients – major players in the fashion industry – suddenly cancelled mass orders and withheld payment for items already in production, throwing them into economic crisis. A report released in March by the Center for Global Workers’ Rights (CGWR) and the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) revealed how, over the course of Covid-19, over 1900 global fashion brands cancelled billions of dollars worth of orders, postponed payments indefinitely, and demanded heavy discounts in order to accept shipments, putting their Bangladeshi clothes suppliers at risk of bankruptcy, and forcing them to close their factories and lay off thousands of workers. The Impact of Mass-Order Cancellations According to the report, a total of $40 billion was unpaid to Bangladeshi garment suppliers between April and June 2020. Months later, even after some brands agreed to pay what they owed, $16.2 billion remained missing from just US and EU market figures. This alone includes a loss of over $1.6 billion in workers’ wages, in an industry where garment workers already struggle with salaries that barely meet their basic needs . Speaking to Clean Clothes Campaign, a leading group fighting for the rights and livelihoods of garment workers, Khalid Mahmood of the Labour Education Foundation in Pakistan commented : “As these workers were already living on poverty wages, they had not been able to save anything before the pandemic hit. The wage gaps caused by the crisis mean that workers are not able to feed their families properly, they are not able to pay for school fees of their children, or pay for medical expenses and that many of them are in debt.” An Unethical Industry In April, garment producers and factory owners suddenly facing debt, bankruptcy, factory closures and forced mass layoffs began to speak out despite the risks of being blacklisted and losing future contracts. Since the publication of the CGWR report, labour unions and campaigns like Pay Up Fashion and Labour Behind the Label have begun putting pressure on brands to fulfil payments, and the WRC set up a brand tracker to keep progress in check. Despite some fashion brands agreeing to pay what they owed, many still fell short of doing so and are still demanding discounts or refusing to pay for orders they made – and were in various stages of production – months ago. Brands including Topshop, Espirit, Matalan, Mothercare and Urban Outfitters are still refusing to pay what they owe their suppliers . According to the CGWR report, this kind of behaviour is made possible by the fashion industry's unethical payment terms . Contracts are arranged so that clothing suppliers in countries like Bangladesh, India and Cambodia cover the up-front production costs, and are not paid until items are shipped, leaving them completely exposed. Moreover, many garment workers are employed casually without formal contracts , making it even harder for them to exercise their rights or claim money they are owed. Despite continual pressure from workers’ groups and ethical clothing campaigns, the worldwide fashion industry continues to exploit its suppliers, as exemplified by their response to Covid-19. You may also like: The Ethical Concerns of the Cosmetic Industry We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Ziryan Aziz explains the importance of the Irish border settlement in the Brexit Agreement Photo by David Geib One could imagine sighs of relief, endless rounds of handshakes and fatigued smiles as one of the most contentious issues of Brexit was finally resolved. On Tuesday 8th December 2020, the Joint Committee in Brussels – the UK–EU body responsible for overseeing the Withdrawal Agreement – reached a final agreement on how the EU-UK border with Ireland will function. The terms came into effect on 1st January 2021 when Brexit was officially finalised. According to Mr Šefčovič, the EU Commissioner leading the EU negotiation team, “one big obstacle” was removed from the Brexit talks once the border dispute was resolved. His UK counterpart, Michael Gove, praised the settlement as having “agreed stability and security for Northern Ireland”, as the country will now be able to enjoy “the best of both worlds”, with access to both the EU’s Single Market and the UK internal market. Above all else, the agreement has avoided the reimplementation of a hard border between the nations. Why is the Border so Important? The agreement signed in December sought to overturn a proposal in the former version of the Internal Market Bill which detailed that there would have to be some sort of physical vehicle checks when crossing the border because of trading regulations. Instead, both sides agreed that these checks would be contentious and impractical so would not be implemented, but that Northern Ireland would follow some EU laws surrounding customs and standards. Even before the Brexit referendum in 2016, concerns about how a post-Brexit UK would tackle the issue of the border with Ireland dominated Brexit discussions. The question of maintaining peace between the UK and the Republic was paramount throughout talks in light of the turmoil between the countries during the Troubles of the last century. From the 1960s up until 1998, Northern Ireland was rocked with violence, riots, and bombings as armed groups from the Catholic minority and Protestant majority fought in the streets over whether Northern Ireland should be part of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Communities and neighbourhoods were divided along sectarian and political lines, and people lived in a climate of fear, waiting for the next attack. Whilst the Troubles are now over, the dispute between nationalists and unionists is very much alive, and before this agreement, there was concern that a hard border would reignite resentment between the two sides and the conflict would explode once more. As was agreed in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 – a peace plan that looked to bring compromise and stability between the countries – the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would entail no checks, no tolls, no cameras, and in many places no signs along the border. A major concern was that without an agreement reinforcing this in the Brexit settlement, tighter checks and border infrastructure may have been installed, and the peace which took so long to be founded would be undermined. The Recent Agreement Whilst the full details of the agreement are yet to be released, key points from the command paper provided by the government detail what is understood to have been agreed so far. It is understood that as a temporary measure, any goods currently in circulation within Northern Ireland will be considered ‘qualified goods’ and will be allowed unregulated entry to Great Britain. However, come late-2021, goods arriving at seaports and airports destined for Great Britain will need to be ‘checked in’ by traders with ‘qualifying status’, but without the need to sign export declarations. This suggests that Northern Ireland will ultimately see no change in its land border situation, but goods being exported to the rest of the UK and the EU will have to go through the necessary checks at ports and airports before arriving. Further points include allowing EU officials to be based at ports and airports for ‘supervision’. EU state aid will continue to be provided for Northern-Ireland-only businesses as well as for limited use in agriculture and fisheries. What these talks have highlighted is that it is possible to find a middle ground in negotiations that appeared to be non-negotiable. Whilst controversial, the settlement of the rest of the Brexit trade deal just before the deadline suggests the break with the EU may not be as futile as anticipated. For Northern Ireland, a sense of stability has, for the time being, been achieved. You may also like: The Future of Sustainable Farming in Post-Brexit Britain We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers explores how the pandemic is aggravating food insecurity in the UK, and how charities are stepping in to support low-income families. Photo by Lee Culkin In December 1946 , the United Nations established the International Children’s Emergency Fund to provide short-term relief for malnourished children in post-War Europe. Continuing to this day, UNICEF has provided invaluable nutrition, water, clothing, vaccinations, shelter and education to hundreds of millions of children across the world . This December, however, for the first time in its 74-year history, they launched a campaign to support children in the UK . Coronavirus and Food Insecurity A poll commissioned by The Food Foundation in May showed that 2.4 million children in the UK (17% of all children) were living in ‘food insecure’ households, though this has likely risen since; by October, nearly one million additional children registered for free school meals. The food bank charity the Trussell Trust said that they gave out an average of 2600 food parcels to children every day between April and September. To assuage the impact of ‘urgent crisis’ , over £700,000 of UNICEF UK’s funds will be given to community groups around the country. This includes a £25,000 grant to School Food Matters which will supply 18,000 breakfasts to 25 schools in Southwark, London, an area severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. As part of a joint initiative with the ‘ Food Power ’ programme (led by Sustain and Church Action on Poverty ), School Food Matters will use this grant to support 1800 families over the Christmas holidays and February half-term, while the food delivery firm Abel & Cole will also provide £4500 worth of fruit and vegetables . "The response to our summer breakfast boxes programme has shown us that families are really struggling and many were facing the grim reality of a two-week winter break without access to free school meals and the indignity of having to rely on food banks to feed their children." – Stephanie Slater, founder and CEO of School Food Matters Another recipient is a partnership of charities in Devon, who will also be given £24,000 to support families in Plymouth by providing fresh produce in addition to the parcels they have already been distributing. Chris Forster from Transforming Plymouth Together said that, while pleased by the additional support from UNICEF, he never thought that this would be required . Response from UK Politicians In response to UNICEF’s campaign, Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted that Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak “should be ashamed” by their failure to secure food for the most vulnerable in the country, while Labour MP Richard Burgon declared that “poverty is a political choice” which could be solved by taxing the ‘super-rich’. On the other hand, the Leader of the House of Commons and Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg accused UNICEF of “playing politics” by supporting the UK instead of children facing poverty, famine and civil wars across the world. A spokesperson for the UK government claimed that they have already raised the living wage, boosted welfare support and introduced a £170 million grant scheme in an effort to help children and families impacted by coronavirus during winter, including £16m of s upport for food distribution charities . Nevertheless, UNICEF said that their UK emergency campaign was not politically-motivated, reaffirming that they will continue to support children around the world wherever there is the greatest need: "UNICEF UK is responding to this unprecedented crisis and building on our 25 years' experience of working on children's rights in the UK with a one-off domestic response, launched in August, to provide support to vulnerable children and families around the country during this crisis period." – Anna Kettley, UNICEF UK’s director of programmes You may also like: The Future of Sustainable Farming in Post-Brexit Britain We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Tori Scott celebrates as the National Trust re-introduces a keystone rodent to parts of the UK to improve human and wildlife living environments. Photo by Francesco Ungaro The National Trust has started a project in which a pair of beavers were released onto the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor for the first time in 400 years. Reintroducing the rodents is said to play a key role in improving habitats , reducing the effects of climate change , managing landscape s , restoring streams and reducing flooding. By introducing beavers to the Estate back in January of 2020, the National Trust are contributing to making the rivers in the area more resilient to climate change and extreme weather , as well as reducing erosion. Not only are these conditions desperately improving in the area, but the beavers’ presence is also creating a better environment for the animals surrounding the rivers. "Rivers are the lifeblood of our landscapes but many of them – and the wider landscapes that feed into them – are in desperate need of repair." – Hilary McGrady , Director General at the National Trust Only 17% of England’s rivers are in good health, and this affects the plants, insects, animals and birds that depend on them. It is important that beavers were reintroduced to the United Kingdom because evidence is showing that the keystone species could help improve the state of UK waterways. Keystone Rodents In the 16th Century, beavers became extinct in the United Kingdom due to being hunted for their meat , furry water-resistant pelts and castoreum , which they secrete and was subsequently used in food, homeopathic medicine, and perfume. According to Eva Bishop of the Beaver Trust , with their rudder-shaped tails, webbed feet and goggle-like second eyelids, the rodents are most comfortable living in environments with lots of water. The dams, which they create from vegetation in order to live in, slow water flow, relieving flooding problems while also pooling water during droughts, engineering landscapes and increasing biodiversity. Near Minehead, the beavers have been caught gnawing on trees and collecting vegetation to build their dam at Holnicote Estate. After being relocated to the estate from wild populations on the River Tay catchment in Scotland , they have been capable of creating instant wetland and a substantial dam made from branches and vegetation in just nine months. "As we face into the effects of climate change and more frequent extreme weather events, natural interventions like this need to be part of the solution" – Ben Eardley , National Trust Project Manager Riverlands Programme By 2025, the objective of the Riverlands project , which involves the introduction of beaver populations to multiple locations, is set to restore 25,000 hectares of wild-life rich habitats . The biodiversity kickstarted by the beavers’ dams is hoped to create more opportunities for amphibians, insects, bats and birds to flourish through improved water quality. To begin this project, the beavers were reintroduced to large rivers, including the Derwent in Cumbria, to the narrow streams of Porlock Vale in Somerset . The River in Conway Valley, North Wales has been affected by extreme flooding and the waters are no longer rich with fish. By reintroducing the semi-aquatic rodents to this river, the National Trust is hoping to restore its declining wildlife populations and protect the community from devastating flooding. Concerns about the Beavers’ Impact A huge project like this one brings with it many concerns from communities. Farmers are particularly worried about the effect the reintroduction will have on their production of food and farming abilities as they may destroy their crops and surrounding trees , and create localised flooding by gnawing them. Anglers are worried about the disruption to the fish in the waters that the beavers live in, as their dams could affect the streams for the North Atlantic Salmon and sea trout , species which are already struggling population-wise in the UK, thus limiting their ability to reach their breeding grounds. Nevertheless, the effects of climate change on our country’s ecosystems have been marked and alarming. More must be done to ameliorate and reverse these effects, and the more natural the method the better. You may also like: Kenyan Elephant Baby Boom Sees Population Double We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Annie Grey reports on Argentina’s recent plans to tax high-income residents to safeguard those especially vulnerable to the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Sasha Stories Argentina has taken significant measures to safeguard the poorest in society from ongoing economic troubles caused by the pandemic, by issuing a one-off levy on millionaires in order to pay for coronavirus measures . The population of approximately 44 million, has been badly hit by the coronavirus, with more than 1.5 million cases and over 40,700 deaths, according to figures from Worldometer . The pandemic has amplified already high unemployment and poverty rates in the country, which has been in recession since 2018 . In a bid to combat the ongoing impacts caused by the pandemic, Argentinian residents with assets worth more than 200 million pesos (£1.8 million; $2.5 million), will be asked to step up to fund medical supplies and relief for the poor and small businesses. This is thought to affect around 12,000 people. The Millionaire’s Tax The proposal, dubbed the ‘millionaire’s tax’, was signed into law on 4 December 2020, with 42 votes in favour and 26 against. The government of President Alberto Fernandez hopes to raise 300 billion pesos (£2.73 billion; $3.75 billion) with the one-off levy, which had previously passed the Chamber of Deputies with 133 for votes to 115 against. The tax it thought to reach 0.8% of total taxpayers . Hernan Letcher, the Director of the Centre for Economic Policy Studies (CEPA), stated that the bill is representative of a wider push to ensure greater “tax justice”. As he claims: "The proposal is not exclusive to Argentina and there are at least 11 countries in Europe and Latin America that are advancing in greater tax justice. These measures, to support family income and subsidies, are to mitigate inequality" Opposing the tax, Daniel Pelegrina, president of the Argentine Rural Society (SRA), warned that Heller "wants to present it [the tax] as a contribution of the richest, but we know what happens with all those unique taxes, they stay fore ver ". Increase in Tax Residency Abroad Under the scheme, those with declared assets greater than 200 million pesos will pay a rate of up to 3.5% on wealth in Argentina and up to 5.25% on wealth outside the country . The focus on wealth outside the country is of importance, as more than 500 Argentines have taken up tax residency abroad this year, according to Bloomberg , almost half of them in Uruguay, which has been more effective in managing the ongoing pandemic. Central Bank data showed non-resident deposits in Uruguayan banks grew by $528 million in the year since primary elections in Argentina signalled the populist left , led by Fernandez, were on track to take power. Most of those deposits are thought to belong to Argentines. The increase in departures is thought to be driven by increasing taxes, and proposals for more increases to come, growing political division, escalated poverty levels, and ongoing spikes in the Covid-19 virus. Argentina is currently suffering 41% inflation, ever-tightening currency controls, and a collapse in GDP, with a high probability of default . Uruguay has achieved one of the world’s most successful outcomes in their approach to the pandemic, with the death toll standing at 92 . You may also like: The Wealthy Get Wealthier Amid Pandemic We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers investigates how Brexit will leave behind a controversial EU policy and look to reward sustainable practices. Photo by Warren Wong While Brexit negotiations continue, the UK government has unveiled a plan for an ‘evolution’ in the country’s farming practices. Starting in the New Year, the ensuing decade will see the transition towards a new system which aims to reward farmers and land managers for adopting sustainable practices, improving animal welfare and reducing carbon emissions. Leaving the Common Agricultural Policy The EU’s controversial ‘Common Agricultural Policy’ (CAP) has resulted in farmers who own the largest areas of land receiving the greatest subsidies, funded by the taxpayer. The top beneficiaries of this system are often the wealthiest landowners, including The Queen and a billionaire Saudi racehorse breeder. In addition, some EU farmers are even subsidised for intensive farming methods which contribute to environmental degradation, while landowners are able to raise land prices for younger farmers to reinforce barriers for entering the market. Nevertheless, following Britain’s departure from the European Union – with or without a deal – the nation will no longer be bound by the CAP. "Brexit is a once in a generation opportunity to get rid of one of the EU’s most inefficient policies" – Ros Taylor, Research Manager at London School of Economics Instead, as part of a new ‘Environmental Land Management’ scheme (ELM), farmers in the UK will start to receive grants for their work which contributes to creating a sustainable future, including capturing carbon in soils, cutting pesticides, restoring river beds and peatlands, planting new woods, and protecting farm buildings among other practices. In addition, those who are unwilling or unable to adjust to the system will have the option to receive a lump-sum payment should they instead choose to retire. If the plan achieves its promises, farmers will be able to produce sustainable and healthy food without the aid of subsidies by 2028. The government hope that this system will inspire a global change in agricultural practices: "Rather than the prescriptive, top-down rules of the EU era, we want to support the choices that farmers and land managers take. If we work together to get this right, then a decade from now the rest of the world will want to follow our lead." – George Eustice, Environment Secretary A Change for the Better? For the past few centuries, the development of industrial farming has been one of the most significant contributors to biodiversity loss around the world, alongside global warming and water pollution. A recent study has shown that the emissions from the global food system in its current state could prevent the Paris Agreements’ goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, farmers will be supported through the ELM scheme to support environmental rejuvenation by improving natural flood defences and restore valuable ecosystems throughout the country. As Roger Harrabin claims, England's countryside will "radically change" after the Brexit transition period, with the introduction of more trees, meadows and wetlands, in what he describes as "the most fundamental shift in farming policy for 50 years". Nevertheless, although even critics of Brexit are largely supportive of this change, the plan has also been criticised for its lack of detail and clarity. Some claim that a number of the goals are difficult to measure or quantify, while others argue that there should be a more consistent penalisation for those who fail to reduce pollution. Craig Bennet, the CEO of Wildlife Trusts, is concerned that the environmental schemes will be unable to deliver on their promises for improving nature in this country, because "we still lack the detail and clarity on how farm funding will benefit the public". In addition, while Martin Lines, the UK Chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, welcomes the government’s ‘bold vision’, he believes that the plan needs more development: "Without a detailed picture, it is difficult for farmers to transition to a nature-friendly farming approach that would ultimately make farming business more resilient and halt the decline of nature" It is important to recognise, however, that the UK’s new agricultural policy is a work in progress, with details still undergoing planning and negotiation. But as we begin to transition out of the European Union, the decisions made over the next few weeks and months will be crucial in shaping the ecological life and landscape of this country. You may also like: Britain in New Renewable Energy Commitment We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Kate Byng-Hall talks about the struggle against worsening mental health in modern society, especially in the wake of coronavirus. Photo by Anthony Tran In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, the world is experiencing another pandemic – that of anxiety and depression.  The conditions are becoming commonplace in modern society, and have only been worsened by the effects of coronavirus.  Both anxiety and depression are mental health conditions caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.  Depression entails feeling down or hopeless as well as loss of interest in most things, along with possible symptoms including disturbed sleep, disrupted appetite, loss of energy, slowness of movement or agitation, poor concentration, and feelings of worthlessness and guilt.  Meanwhile, anxiety is characterised by intense and excessive worry, and can also cause shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, twinges, difficulty concentrating, poor sleep, and ultimately panic attacks.   We are a start up community interest company (CIC). You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. The similarities between the two conditions means that 45% of people with one of the two disorders end up also showing symptoms of the other. The combination of the two creates a constant feeling of tension and numbness which is impossible to shake, and encroaches on all aspects of life with no end in sight. The prevalence of this only seems to be increasing. The Covid-Effect  A recent survey published in The Lancet Psychiatry has revealed that the mental health of the UK’s population as a whole has decreased markedly since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The study asked 17,500 people to complete a 12-item General Health Questionnaire ( GHQ-12 ) which assesses individuals’ mental wellbeing and feelings towards themselves.  Comparisons between results before and during Covid revealed that mean scores increased from 11.5 in 2018-2019 to 12.6 in April 2020 – the higher the score, the poorer the mental health. The worst-affected group scores-wise was 18-24-year-olds , where the average score-increase was 2.69.  There has also been a significant rise in prevalence of clinically significant levels of mental distress, from 18.9% in 2018-2019 to 27.3% in April 2020. “The problems for mental health from COVID-19 and governmental responses to the pandemic are not necessarily new; instead, pre-existing mental health inequalities could become more entrenched and tackling them might be even more challenging.” – Matthias Pierce , Centre for Women’s Mental Health at the University of Manchester Another recent British Medical Association survey found that 41% of doctors were suffering with depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, emotional distress or another mental health condition relating to aggravated by their work, with 29% saying this had worsened during the pandemic. A Systemic Disease  The spread of these ailments hasn’t begun with the pandemic – it’s been going on for years. It’s widely believed, and I think true, that today’s society breeds self-criticism and self-isolation, making becoming anxious or depressed much more likely.   Nowadays, we’re encouraged, and indeed almost forced, to live a monotonous and robotic life of work and occasional rest in order to keep up with the competitive atmosphere and need for professional success in order to gain worth as a human being. There are a strict set of standards expected of us to live up to society’s ideals: working enough but not too much that you look boring; socialising enough but not too much that you look like an attention-seeker; eating enough but not so much that you get fat; buying enough but not too much that you seem greedy. There’s also an overwhelming pressure to be happy, or at least appear that way in our social-media-saturated world. Even if you’re struggling with your mental health, you’re obliged to post a smiling selfie, cocktail-in-hand, on Instagram, or you’ve somehow failed at life. This is made worse by the quick-fix culture which teaches that if you suppress your struggles, they’ll go away, or you can at least appear outwardly thriving even if you’re crumbling inside. “Depression, and anxiety for that matter, are the most likely outcomes of living in and with the unmerciful and misguided constraints of a tired and destructive worldview. Our constructed reality is, for many people, depressive and anxiety-inducing.” – Mel Schwartz L.C.S.W., psychotherapist This culture, admittedly assisted by the increased awareness and thus diagnosis of mental illness in the first place, has led to 1 in 4 people in England experiencing some form of mental health issue every year. 1 in 6 experience a common problem (like anxiety or depression) every week, with 8 out of every 100 people in the country experiencing a mix of anxiety & depression weekly.   The members of society most likely to experience mental health problems are the LGBTQ+ community, black people, women aged 16-24, the homeless, those in contact with criminal justice system, military veterans, and victims of trauma/abuse. Essentially, those typically most vulnerable become the most susceptible to mental illness rather than being the most looked-after. So perhaps, the spike in mental health concerns in the past few months, while having an unprecedented cause, have exposed how damaging our society’s priorities can be for our minds, and may help us rethink how we should be treating ourselves as well as others. If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this article, call 999 for urgent assistance, contact the Samaritans by calling 166 123, or visit the MIND charity website . You may also like: Mental Health: Self-Isolation and Social Distancing Guide We are a socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. To support our work and journalism, consider becoming an advocate from just £1.

Nina Rosner reports as New Zealand’s PM joins 32 countries making emergency announcements, but the real work is yet to be done. Photo by Casey Horner Two months after a landslide election victory , New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has officially declared a climate emergency. Quoting the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in her speech presenting the motion , she acknowledged the severity of the situation and the threats posed not just to New Zealanders, but humanity as a whole. For Ardern, this declaration represents New Zealand’s “intent as a nation” to act with urgency. Urgent Announcements Along with New Zealand, thirty-three countries have passed a binding motion declaring a climate emergency so far, including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and Germany. For many, this declaration can be considered an important step towards tackling the climate crisis; according to Extinction Rebellion , governments must "tell the truth… to communicate the urgency for change." On the other hand, what constitutes an emergency response remains unclear, and many activists and writers are stressing the importance of concrete action alongside symbolic legislative changes. Despite good intentions and this acknowledgement of the climate crisis, Jacinda Ardern’s government has been criticised for its failure to take serious environmental action. Following the Prime Minister’s declaration, Greta Thunberg shared an article on Twitter highlighting the government’s lack of concrete policies to meet their climate goals. New Zealand is one of a minority of countries whose emissions increased rather than decreased between 1990 and 2018. And indeed, according to Climate Action Tracker , the country's "short-term policies cannot yet keep up" with their ambitions, such as those stated in their Zero Carbon Act passed in November 2019. The Zero Carbon Act, pledging that New Zealand will be carbon neutral by 2050, passed with an overwhelming majority. Yet this bold move has been criticised for excluding methane, emitted primarily from livestock, from its list of greenhouse gases to be reduced. In a country where methane accounts for over 43% of emissions, this exclusion is critical and will need to be addressed in any meaningful attempt to tackle climate change. Big Changes Required When Jacinda Ardern’s Labour government was elected in 2017, it promised to be a leader in the environmental realm. After her first term ended, Greenpeace made an analysis of Ardern’s work on climate, noting that her biggest achievements so far were her ban on issuing new offshore oil and gas exploration permits, as well as a limit on the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser in agriculture. However, the same report criticised the government for failing to tackle the bigger issue of agricultural pollution which has been detrimental to the soil, water , and wildlife, not forgetting the hefty methane emissions. In terms of carbon dioxide alone, transport is New Zealand’s main culprit, making up 47% of emissions, largely thanks to "one of the oldest passenger vehicle fleets in the developed world, and no emissions standards ." In August 2019, the government pulled back on its pledge to fully electrify its own vehicle fleet by 2025, now claiming this would only apply to new vehicles entering the government fleet. Faced with our current environmental crisis, declaring a climate emergency can be praised as a step in the right direction for all nations, including New Zealand. However, it’s clear that good intentions are not enough, and that Jacinda Ardern’s statement must be reinforced with real climate policies, particularly ones that address the country’s damaging agricultural industry. You may also like: New Zealand Leads in Animal Welfare Reform. Europe Follows We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Kate Byng-Hall celebrates the embracing of a plastic-free culture by some of the country’s biggest brands in time for Christmas Photo by Eduardo Soares December is always dominated by Christmas, as the shops fill up with gifts, decorations and general nic-nacs to fuel our festive cheer – not to mention line their pockets for the rest of the year. And yet, while the Christmas season is loved by many of us, the escalated level of consumerism around the period can be detrimental for the environment. This year, however, while our habits of consumption may not have significantly changed, some supermarkets have been cutting down the levels of plastic in their festive products in an effort to reduce their environmental impact. Big Reductions in Time for Christmas Multiple big chains, including Morrisons, Waitrose and John Lewis announced earlier in the year that they have banned glitter from appearing on their Christmas products for 2020, including cards, crackers and gift cards. Sainsbury’s has also reduced the material’s appearance on many of their products. Glitter is essentially constituted by small fragments of non-biodegradable plastic which is counted as a form of microplastic, and can be excessively damaging to wildlife when disposed of and subsequently consumed by plankton, birds and fish. The plastic that glitter is made from is also prone to break down and release chemicals which can be harmful to animal and human hormones when they are consumed by small organisms and spread up through the food chain. "People can still enjoy the festive season without the glitter and pointless packaging that add to the waves of plastic pollution that pour into our environment every year and threaten our wildlife." – Tony Bosworth, Friends of the Earth campaigner Morrisons has also committed to making their Christmas crackers entirely plastic-free, with the crackers themselves as well as the content they contain being made only of paper, wood or metal. The festive staples are one of the most obviously wasteful features of Christmastime, with the tiny plastic toys usually ending up directly in the bin after dinner, so it’s encouraging that stores are making changes to help us continue our festive traditions more sustainably. Cutting Down on Single-Use Products Boots has eradicated single-use plastic from the packaging of their Christmas gift sets this year, removing an estimated 2,000 tonnes of plastic from its products. According to company figures, online searches for eco-friendly products have increased by nearly a third this year – another encouraging sign that consumers are adapting their priorities to consider the environment when gift-buying. Moreover, Tesco has removed an astounding 20 million plastic products from their Christmas range this year, including crackers, fairy lights, cards and the packaging for festive puddings. It’s a significant advancement for the UK’s largest supermarket to make such a commitment, and will set a precedent for more institutions to become responsible in their habits as well. Sarah Bradbury, Tesco’s quality director, has said the brand’s aim this Christmas is to "ensure everything [they] use is recycled and kept out of the environment" in order to help everyone enjoy "more sustainable celebrations". Other companies such as Asda and Marks & Spencer have also made significant plastic reductions in preparation for a new Plastic Packaging Tax which will come into effect for retailers from 2022, meaning that all plastic packaging produced or imported in the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled materials will be taxed. The aim for the legislation is to encouraged companies to adopt more sustainable habits, benefiting both themselves and the environment. The changes made this Christmas brighten up the season even more, as it’s essential that the festive cheer doesn’t make us forget our obligation to preserve the environment through our habits of action and consumption. So, with sustainable priorities in mind, Merry Christmas! You may also like: Plastic: Bans Coming into Force Globally We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Martha Davies sheds light on the eco-conscious town-planning initiative progressing around world. Photo by Charles Parker With traffic and pollution becoming a critical issue around the world, numerous cities are turning to  ‘Green Streets’ as a way of increasing vegetation, filtering contaminated water, and revitalising urban areas. Against the sombre backdrop of the climate crisis, commitment to this community-orientated , eco-friendly method of town planning is a welcome effort in forging a brighter future. The term ‘Green Street’ refers to an approach to stormwater management that aims to reduce the amount of pollutants carried into rivers by capturing rainwater rather than directing it into sewers and gutters. This can be done using plant beds and trees , permeable pavements , and rain gardens , which absorb water from rooftops and other surfaces, ensuring that rivers remain clean and flood risks are reduced. As well as improving water quality, Green Streets also promote more environmentally-friendly lifestyles by shifting the focus from cars to methods of transport like walking and cycling. They can even include features such as energy-efficient street lights , helping to scale down the carbon footprint of areas themselves.    Widespread Change The benefits of Green Streets are innumerable and difficult to deny. Not only do they help to cut down air pollution, they also enhance the urban environment and improve quality of life . They represent a step towards dismantling the automobile-obsessed lifestyle of those living in cities and enabling vital cuts to carbon emissions which will slow the already-irreparable damage of the climate crisis. Green Streets have been used by many smaller communities as a way of encouraging wildlife in urban areas and creating healthier lifestyles for residents, while also curtailing issues of vandalism and graffiti . Designing and creating Green Streets allows communities to come together to improve their local areas and help the environment. This has been picked up on by politicians and city planners in much larger areas – over thirty major cities across the world have pledged to rid streets of fossil fuels by 2030 in a bid to tackle pollution and drastically reduce emissions. Barcelona has hit the headlines by committing to the Green Streets scheme, declaring that one in three streets in the extremely polluted district of Eixample will become green zones, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists. Barcelona’s plan also includes the creation of 21 public squares to realign the city’s focus from cars and busy roads to eco-friendly urban areas for use by surrounding communities. Green Streets in Barcelona will be rolled out as an addition to the ‘superblocks’ scheme, announced in 2016, which involves the grouping of nine city blocks so as to discourage car use, as well as increasing the numbers of cycle lanes, and replacing parking spaces with public seating.  COVID-19 and Beyond With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic earlier this year, the need for open spaces suddenly became an urgent issue . Looking forward, however, it is clear that elements such as wider pavements and cycle lanes are hugely positive both for the environment and for general wellbeing. Green Streets have the added focus of regulating water quality , making them a superb method of tackling multiple forms of pollution. Both as small community projects and as changes to street design in much larger cities , Green Streets help to reconnect us with the environment and allow us to make our own contribution to tackling climate change . Similar: Environmental Agency:12.5% of Deaths are Linked to Pollution We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers investigates how tourism has contributed to destroying this island’s beautiful and rare ecosystem. Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur For six weeks, Australian firefighters have struggled to contain a wildfire on Fraser Island after a recent heatwave in the country has left the ground completely dry , though it is believed that the catalyst for the blaze was an illegal campfire in mid-October. At least 75 firefighters, 21 air vehicles and 30 fire trucks have been called to the island , and will continue to operate until the fire is subdued. However, the resultant smoke has affected both visibility and air quality in the area. “Almost 1 million litres of water and gel have been dropped on Fraser Island in the last few days alone. More drops are occurring today and until the fire is put out.” – Mark Ryan, Queensland’s Fire and Emergency Services Minister Visitors have safely returned to the mainland, but the island will remain closed until at least mid-December. It is said that, no properties have been damaged so far. Damage to a Sensitive Ecosystem Laying just off the east coast of mainland Australia, Fraser Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 . As the world’s largest sand island , its geographical features include long stretches of clear sand beaches, rainforest vegetation, mangrove forests and freshwater lakes. Covering a total 1,840 square-kilometres , the island’s varied ecosystem is home to around 50 species of mammals, 350 species of birds and 80 species of reptiles. It has also been inhabited by human communities for thousands of years , earning the name ‘K’gari’, meaning ‘Paradise’, from the native Butchulla people. However, only in the past few centuries has human activity begun to compromise the island’s ecology. Hundreds of thousands of campers and tourists visit the island in an average year, though this will undoubtedly be adversely impacted by the recent fires. Popular tourist attractions include whale watching, exploring rainforests, swimming in lakes and driving along the 75-mile beach. The deposit of faeces, urine, sunscreen, disposable products and vehicular emissions has turned the island into ‘one big toilet’ . The recent fire, which was likely caused by campers, has already burned through at least 80,000 hectares of the island, or 800 square-kilometres, undoubtedly causing severe and irreversible damage to its ecosystem. Even creatures that are not harmed by the fire itself will struggle to find food, shelter and resources as a result of habitat loss. Managing Future Threats At the end of last year, bushfires began to sweep through millions of hectares of land in Australia , causing the death or displacement of billions of animals and destroying thousands of homes and buildings. The World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) declared these fires to be one of the “worst wildlife disasters in modern history.” With at least 33 direct human casualties , journalists named it the ‘Black Summer’ . Many are concerned that the fire on Fraser Island is both a troubling reminder of last year’s tragedies, as well as a sign of things to come. As Bill Hare, director of Climate Analytics , explained : “If that explodes again, it's going to be very damaging economically and also psychologically. I think people are scarcely recovering from the bushfires last year and early this year. So, when you're looking at these regions now, you can see the damage has not been undone." However, a new system – the aptly-titled ‘Australian Warning System’ – is set to be introduced to monitor and govern the public response to future threats of flooding, storms, cyclones, heatwaves, and bushfires. As a standardised national code, it will be implemented in response to confusion over the differences between warning systems in various states and areas. Nevertheless, even the most efficient of codes will remain ineffective as long as tourists refuse to change their behaviour. S imilar: Australian Government Ignored Fire Warnings By Climate Activists At least 75 firefighters, 21 air vehicles and 30 fire trucks ating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Cat Cunningham explores how this versatile spice can reduce the development of cancer and disease, as well as improve your physical and mental health. Photo by Karolina Grabowska Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that has been used for centuries throughout Asia. It has proved useful in cooking, cosmetics, fabric dying and traditional medicine in China and India. In recent years, the West has also started to embrace the spice as a result of its impressive health benefits. Researchers have found that turmeric and its active component, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties and can be helpful in treating a range of different health conditions from Alzheimer’s to Cancer. Cooking turmeric with oil binds the curcumin with fat, which makes it easier to absorb by the gut. It is thought that daily amounts consumed in this way could be beneficial for your health especially when combined with black pepper it is said that absorption increases by up to 2000% . In addition, it might also be consumed as a beverage in a tea infusion. As such, here are five of the surprising benefits of this wondrous and versatile spice: A brief disclaimer: we are not medical professionals, so please consult your doctor before making any significant adjustment to your diet. 1. It helps reduce inflammation Whilst inflammation is necessary to fight off harmful invaders and to repair damage to the body, long-term inflammation has been implicated in many chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. It has now been proven that the curcumin in turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties that match the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs without producing any side-effects. Studies have shown that as a result of these anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can have a positive impact on people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and a range of other conditions. 2. Can kill cancer cells in some cancers Studies on animals have shown that turmeric can stop the growth of tumour cells, in addition to helping detoxifying enzymes work better. Furthermore, evidence has been found to suggest that a substance in turmeric (curcumin), can kill cancer cells in certain cancers in humans and may even prevent cancers from appearing in the first place, especially those that impact the digestive system such as colorectal cancer. However, studies are ongoing to see whether high doses of curcumin could be used as a treatment. 3. It lowers the risk of heart disease Curcumin can improve the lining of blood vessels, or the endothelium. Endothelium dysfunction, which compromises the body's ability to regulate blood flow and clotting, can put people at greater risk of developing heart disease. Studies have suggested that curcumin improves endothelium function, with one study showing it works as well as exercise and another suggesting it is as effective as some medications such as Atorvastatin. 4. It eases digestion problems A trial by the University of Nottingham found that curcumin can stimulate the production of bile in the gallbladder, which is needed to break down fat in foods. It can relieve excess gas, bloating and abdominal pain. 5. It can reduce the development of Alzheimer's & depression Curcumin can work to reduce inflammation and the build-up of protein plaques in the brain, which are found in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Another study has shown that curcumin can also be used as an anti-depressant to treating depression. Similar: Ginseng: Great for the Mind and Body We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Tori Scott reports on a recent outbreak of Avian Influenza in Cheshire and how the disease is being controlled by authorities. Photo by Cristina Gottardi Thirteen thousand birds have been culled at a farm in Frodsham, Cheshire after being diagnosed with Avian Influenza of the strain H5N8. To limit the spread, a temporary 3km and 10km control zone has been put in place around the infected site. A highly pathogenic strain known as H5N8 was detected in thousands of animals at the broiler breeder’s farm, leading to all 13,000 birds on the site being culled in order to contain the disease. Since the first report of this kind in Kent, there has been confirmed cases of a similar nature in Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Great Britain and western Russia. “I am urging all poultry keepers to take action now to keep your birds safe and reduce the risk of disease over the high-risk winter period.” – Dr Huey, Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer The Outbreak of Avian Influenza On the 2nd of November, reports confirmed that an outbreak of Avian Influenza of the strain H5N2 was contained at a farm near Deal, Kent. Due to the presence of the disease, all 480 ducks and chickens on the site had to be culled to prevent the Avian flu infecting more birds. Chief Veterinary officers from all four regions said that they have been monitoring this disease closely hoping to keep the outbreak from spreading beyond the sites in Kent and Cheshire. They recommend that bird keepers avoid contact with their flocks and wild birds during their annual autumn migration. “This is a serious situation where the pollutant can flow from the migratory bird land to the farm though various routes” – South Korean Agriculture Ministry, Kim Hyeon-Soo Wild birds are at more risk of contracting this disease, with their risk of infection being ‘high’, making it critical to keep flocks away from wild birds. In mid-October, cases in the Netherlands and north of Germany showed that Geese and Swans are examples of some wild birds which can contract this disease. As of the 28th of October in the Netherlands, 35,000 birds were in contact with the H5N8 strain. It is unknown whether all of them have been culled. Signs and Symptoms of Avian Influenza It is essential to note that no cases of H5N8 have been recorded in humans, and the risk to the human population is “very low”, but it is nevertheless important to be aware that these symptoms can show in any kind of avian flock - a small garden one or even a huge commercial flock. Some signs and symptoms to be aware of among birds you may be in contact with are: High mortality rates Sudden death Cyanosis and oedema of the comb and wattles Dullness Loss of appetite Respiratory distress Unwilling to move Diarrhoea/sneezing/coughing Decreased egg production Nervous signs. Prevention Measures If this disease were to spread to various flocks, it would have an impact on the international trade which is why prevention steps have been put in place to avoid such disasters. The UK has strong biosecurity measures and monitoring in place to avoid the tragic spread of diseases like Avian Influenza. Dr Huey, Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, has told bird keepers about a subscription called the Avian Influenza text service. All you need to do to subscribe is text ‘BIRDS’ to 67300 and this text service allows bird keepers to be alerted with any important information concerning potential outbreaks. It is important to note that the COVID-19 Pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, is not connected to Avian Influenza, as COVID-19 is not carried by poultry. These influenza outbreaks have been isolated incidents. You may also like: Chickens Brutally Killed at Farms Linked to Tesco and Ocado We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Annie Grey investigates the proposed decarbonisation of the UK’s rail network and whether it truly can be emission-free Photo by A lex Rainer In light of the worsening climate crisis, demand for decarbonisation across transport industries has experienced rapid growth . But what has been done so far? Well, in 2016, Germany unveiled the Coradia iLint, t he world’s first hydrogen-powered train , which can run for 600 miles on a single tank of fuel, similar to the range of diesel trains. From this achievement, and thanks to engineers at both the University of Birmingham and British rail company Porterbrook , the UK has adopted a similar approach. The HydroFLEX , Britain’s first hydrogen-powered train, successfully launched at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre, a test facility in Long Marston, near Stratford-upon-Avon, earlier this year . The HydroFLEX’s hydrogen-power system produces enough power to fuel 50-75-mile-long journeys, a notable progression in the UK’s adoption of green technologies. How Does it Work? In order for the train to run on hydrogen fuel, it is equipped with fuel cells which produce electricity through a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, a process that leaves stea m and water as the only emissions , effectively making it a ‘ clean’ fuel . Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable power, making it an attractive fuel option for transportation . Excess energy is stored in ion lithium batteries on board the train. The growth of global environmental governance, most notably the 2015 Paris Agreement, supports the case for adopting hydrogen as a clean and viable replacement for fossil fuels in transport, energy storage, and power-to-gas applications. Is Hydrogen Power Truly ‘Clean’? Even though the only direct waste product of hydrogen fuel is water, obtainwaing this form of power is not necessarily ‘clean’. Currently, hydrogen is produced as a by-product of chemical processes, which draws challenges in its promotion as a “sustainable replacement”. The cheapest and most common method of generation at present uses natural gas and high-temperature steam to produce hydrogen . The HydroFLEX train runs on hydrogen produced from a combination of hydrogen produced using natural gas, but its supplier, BOC, says it is looking into renewable options. In order for hydrogen power to be truly sustainable, other methods of production that don’t rely on fossil fuels would need to become mainstream. The Future of Hydrogen Aside from sustainability concerns in the hydrogen production process, a transition to a hydrogen-based society is going to prove difficult, as a large proportion of the public holds concern over hydrogen safety. A study from The World Economic Forum showed that only 49.5% of respondents believe that hydrogen is generally safe, whilst 31.4% viewed hydrogen as generally dangerous . The public perceives hydrogen as highly flammable and explosive; whilst this is true, itu is actually much safer than most commonly-used fuels . Measured by percentage volume in air, hydrogen requires 4% to be flammable, compared to 0.6% for diesel fuel, and 1.4% for gasoline. In terms of auto-igniting temperature, hydrogen also comes out on top, as in the absence of a flame or spark, it only starts burning at 550 °C, compared to diesel at 210°C and gasoline at 260°C. Alternative Solutions According to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers , The UK already has 42% of its route miles electrified, meaning those trains are ready to become zero-carbon if they use a renewable source of power. A single line running between London and Hampshire is currently the only one, globally, running solely on solar power . However, this leaves 58% of UK tracks not yet electrified, meaning diesel still needed to keep those areas connected by rail. Although electrifying tracks is already an established and accepted method of decarbonising the UK’s rail system, there are high costs involved. Electrifying a single kilometre of track can cost anything fr om £750,000 to £1 m illion . Hydrogen-powered trains are less expensive, as they don’t require large track overhauls and can be created by retrofitting existing diesel trains, reducing waste. Public reliance on hydrogen technology will likely increase with the growth of the hydrogen generation market, expected to reach $199.1 billion by 2023 . But to achieve a sustainable, decarbonised rail network in the UK, production methods exclusive of fossil fuels would need to become the norm. S imilar: Zero-Emission Planes Could be Flying by 2035 We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Ellie Chivers breaks down the best advice for those looking to adopt a plant-based diet Photo by Edgar Castrejon @edgarraw Veganuary launched in the UK in 2014, with 3,300 people signing up to a trial of the vegan lifestyle. Four years later, and the phenomenon has grown astronomically; 168,000 people put their names down for the challenge. And if that many people can do it, how hard can it be? The jump to veganism is big, no matter your current diet, but here are some tips to make the transition a little smoother: 1. Get That Vegan Mindset The best way to launch yourself into veganism is to stock up, so you’re ready and raring come January 1st. Having noodles, beans, rice, pasta and spices to hand will encourage you to whip up hearty vegan dishes. Additionally, keep reminding yourself why you’re committing to this – it will be demanding, but remember your reasoning. 2. Slow and Steady Wins The Race Some people can make the transition immediately, but for others, the change will come gradually. Both are completely okay. If the latter applies to you, try cutting out meat in the first week, fish in the second, and dairy in the third. It’s all about going at your own pace, and what will encourage the lifestyle to stick. 3. Friends and Communities If you have a friend who’s happy to help out, that’s great! Having a cooking buddy will inject some fun, as well as having someone to share ideas with. Failing that, there are many vegan communities that would be delighted to assist. Whether that’s online, or in a local village hall; just one person, or a big group, having that supportive network will cushion your transition into veganism. 4. Get Creative A brand-new diet is a fantastic excuse to experiment with dishes. A great way of doing this is through vegan cook books, or online – there are all sorts of recipes targeted at both the competent cooks, or those who can just scrape beans on toast. 5. Give Your Favourites the Vegan Treatment While it is a thrill to make some impressive new-fangled meals, you may miss some comforts. Why not veganise your favourite foods? Swap the beef patty for beans in your burgers, the chicken pieces for tofu in curries and stir fries, and the cheese for a dairy-free version for pizza. Making these little but impactful changes is a brilliant start. 6. Vegan Meat Substitutes Look at the back of meat substitute packets – like vegetarian sausages, burgers and pies - some of the brands that make these products are vegan too. Furthermore, you can emulate that perfect BLT with tempeh, and there’s lots of meat dishes that can be veganised with a touch of tofu. 7. Protein Stripping away the meat and animal by-products takes away some vital protein, essential to build muscle mass and energy. It’s important to replace this with plant-based (much healthier) protein sources. Chickpeas, beans, lentils, peas, quinoa – to name a few – all have that much-needed protein content. 8. It’s Alright to Snack You may find that many vegan meals aren’t as calorific or energising. That means it’s totally okay to snack, especially while your body is detoxing and getting used to the change. Pick up some extra fruit or treat yourself to a scrumptious vegan chocolate bar. 9. Pop To The Vegan Markets As veganism grows, so do the vegan markets - try out not just vegan food, but also gifts, beauty, skincare and clothes. Visiting a vegan market is a wonderful way of getting inspiration before or during your Veganuary journey. If you can’t find a local vegan market, try local Sunday markets or Christmas markets – many have vegan stalls too. 10. The Lifestyle - Only Swap If you do fall off the wagon, try and pick yourself up, but don’t pressure yourself into making a full-on commitment if it’s not practical. You can still make a difference by making the change to vegan-only lifestyle habits. These include using vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, shower products, toothbrushes and clothing brands. Veganism is a significant and hugely beneficial change in not only a person's diet but for creating a more sustainable cruelty-free future, and Veganuary is a fabulous way to take those first steps. S imilar: Vegan 'Meat' Alternative Makes Debut in Michelin Menu We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Kate Byng-Hall reports as plans for a traffic tunnel beneath Stonehenge are faced with backlash. Photo by Renan Kamikoga The government has announced that a £1.7 billion plan to expand the stretch of the A303 that runs adjacent to Stonehenge will go ahead . The plan will see the heavily-congested road widened into a dual carriageway through a tunnel which will run underneath the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wiltshire. The prospect of such a project has been discussed for years due to the severe bottle-necking which frequently occurs on the road next to the site, but it has also faced significant backlash from druids, environmental campaigners and archaeologists who have said that the expansion may affect the landmark. A Wondrous Sight Stonehenge is widely considered to be one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. It is comprised of 93 stones of varying sizes, some lying horizontally, others positioned vertically, while some are balanced on top of others (in technical terms they are ‘lintelled’ ). The arrangement creates the iconic and striking image that we’re all familiar with. The monument was first erected roughly 5000 years ago , and is estimated to have been completed into the formation we know today in around 2500 B.C. during the Neolithic period. The sheer size of the monument is what makes it so unique, especially considering that we can never know exactly how the stones, the heaviest of which weighs in at 30 tons , were positioned in the way they are, or how they were transported to their current location, as some of them were confirmed last year to have originated from Wales . The landmark, as well as the surrounding area of Avebury which contains multiple other historically-significant marvels, was one of the first sites in the UK to be inscribed into UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1986 because it is widely regarded as the most sophisticated and intact example of a prehistoric lintelled stone circle in the world. Traffic Comes First However, the landmark has caused inconvenience for transport in the area for decades, as the A303 runs just a couple of hundred metres from the stone circle, and there has been reluctance to expand it due to concerns that it may make the stones unstable. It is only this year that the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed the road will finally be widened into an expressway , with eight miles of dual carriageway being added in the area. However, after extensive backlash from campaigners and experts, the Stonehenge Alliance of protestors is launching a legal challenge to the decision. The campaign ‘ Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site ' is currently running an appeal to raise money to fund a judicial review of the plan. Vincent Gaffney, University of Bradford professor and co-principal investigator of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscape project, has said the plan would be an “act of monstrous vandalism” to one of the country’s greatest monuments. “The Stonehenge Tunnel is not just a tunnel. The government’s plans involve road-building on a massive scale through Europe’s most archaeologically significant prehistoric landscape: the desecration of Britain’s most internationally celebrated World Heritage Site.” – Tom Holland , historian UNESCO itself has released a statement judging that the road’s expansion would adversely affect the “Outstanding Universal Value” of the site, in which a variety of archaeological monuments are also scattered across the surrounding fields with minimal impact from the A303. The Council for British Archaeology has said that, “Stonehenge should be seen not as a disembodied object but as a structure […] with architectural attributes, and a critical element in a landscape of complex ritual sites”, suggesting that all “Decisions should flow from these insights.” The danger is that the government is employing decision-making strategies based solely on efficiency and practicality, rather than looking at the bigger picture and considering how actions in the present can have catastrophic effects on the most important elements of this country’s past. S imilar: Woodland Clearing Starts for HS2 Railway We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Ziryan Aziz explores how climate change and wildlife markets could lead to the rise in zoonotic diseases, and how a new U.S. bill could shape the future Photo by Renan Kamikoga A new bill – ‘The Preventing Future Pandemics Act (2020)’ – is set to close down live animal markets in the U.S. Introduced by Senators Cory Booker (Dem-NJ), John Cornyn (Rep-TX), and U.S. House Representatives Fred Upton (Rep-MI) and Mike Quigley (Dem-IL), this bipartisan bill will ban the import, export and sale of wild animal products for consumption in the US. The bill has emerged from discussions on how the world can protect itself from future pandemics: just as the COVID-19 virus is believed to have been transferred from bats to humans, there is a growing fear that other deadly pandemics could be spread through practices such as live food markets, where humans are in contact with animals and their blood, faeces and other bodily fluids. Wildlife Markets and Zoonotic Diseases The U.S.A. is among the top global consumers of legal wildlife and wildlife products, accounting for 20% of the global wildlife market, and importing 224 million live animals and 833 million other wildlife specimens every year. Currently, the majority of animals and products entering the US are from China and Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam, though Indonesia is currently the largest exporter of live animals. Scientists have observed that commonly-traded mammals such as rodents, bats and primates can be vectors of 75% of known zoonotic diseases : those which transfer from animal to humans. Throughout human history, such infamously deadly viruses as HIV, MERS, Ebola, and ZIKA originated from the animal world before making the leap to humans. As such, global pandemics could be on the rise due to animal habitat destruction, climate change, and the continuing wildlife trade. This is not the first time the U.S. has made some headway in combating the live animal trade. In 2014, the Obama administration launched a National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking, but this was purely directed at the trade itself, and not curving possible pandemics in the future. However, the new Preventing Future Pandemics Act takes a more direct approach by offering agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Agency for International Development a half billion dollar financial package to build upon their current efforts in combating the trade. However, the new Preventing Future Pandemics Act takes a more direct approach by offering agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Agency for International Development a half-billion-dollar financial package to build upon their current efforts in combating the trade.tional trade in live wildlife." – Cory Booker , U.S. Senator Climate Change and Future Pandemics A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) event highlighted that a major challenge of dealing with future pandemics is the common tendency for countries to adopt a “panic-then-forget” cycle once the outbreak is under control, and other national problems are soon prioritised. This prevents effective action against preventing future pandemics. In addition, climate change is a critical factor in the increasing probability of future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases. The changing global climate and the ever-increasing destruction of biodiversity could see a decrease in predator populations due to habitat loss, which could hence increase rodent populations, and thereby encourage virus outbreaks. A situation like this isn’t all hypothetical: in 1999, a record-breaking period of rain in Panama, coupled with an explosion of the local rat population, fuelled an outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a virus not seen in Panama before then. Melting permafrost is also a cause of concern when it comes to global pandemics. The permanent layer of ice beneath the subsoil – known as permafrost – is melting at an unprecedented rate in the arctic circle and is now a major cause for concern for epidemiologists. The bodies of dead animals and humans buried in the permafrost are beginning to thaw, in some cases releasing the diseases that killed them. In 2005, NASA uncovered bacteria that had been buried in a frozen Alaskan pond for 32,000 years. Two years later, bacteria from 8 million years ago were revived from frozen ice. Similar cases are also reported in Russia, where bodies from the stone age have been found harbouring the smallpox DNA fragments. More drastically, the revival of these ancient viruses has directly impacted some communities. In Russia, one boy died and twenty were hospitalised in 2016 after anthrax from the carcass of a reindeer that died 75 years ago had entered the nearby subsoil and waterways after a heat wave. This incident led some to worry that further viruses and diseases from the past could be unearthed as the permafrost thaws. In particular, there is a concern in towns with graveyards, as scientists have discovered samples of smallpox DNA on bodies of people who died from epidemics in the 19th and 20th century. Nevertheless, what the Preventing Future Pandemics Act bill signifies is a significant step for the U.S. in combating the ever-growing risk of future pandemics. By banning the trade of live animals, a market which is historically known to have devastating effects on endangered species, perhaps the U.S. can provide an example for how the international community can follow to avoid further global pandemics. S imilar: President-Elect Joe Biden to Re-join Paris Agreement We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Bronagh Loughlin reports on the failings of the UK's recycling industry and why it must do better Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric Consumption rates in the UK are rapidly increasing as the population grows. In order to meet this demand, we are using more natural resources and producing more goods than ever before. Despite our best efforts and the wish that everything we throw away could be recycled and reused, a lot of what we intend to be recycled is still finding itself in landfill sites, only to be incinerated. The sad reality is that the quantity of items that actually go to recycling is far below what we once thought. In 2016, the UK generated roughly 41.1 million tonnes of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste. Of that, 33.1 million tonnes , about four-fifths came from England. C&I waste generation in England in 2017 was around 36.1 million tonnes and in 2018, 37.2 million tonnes. In 2016, the UK generated 221.0 million tonnes of total waste, with England being responsible for around 85% of the UK total . How Much is Really Recycled? In 2017, recycling rates for UK household waste was 45.7%, a minor increase on the previous year. The most common recyclable materials were cardboard and paper at 79%, metal at 71.3% and glass at 67.6%. After recycling, the most common destination for remaining rubbish was landfill: 24% of waste was sent there in 2016. Despite efforts to boost Britain’s sustainability, the amount of waste that is sent for incineration is increasing. In 2017, 10.1 million tonnes of waste were sent for incineration and in 2018, 10.8 million tonnes. According to a 2017 research paper, out of the 8.3 billion tonnes of virgin plastics produced globally, only 9% is actually recycled . So, what happens with the rest and why is it not being recycled? Some of this comes down to human error – many people are not educated about what items go in which bins and the kinds of condition they need to be in to be accepted for recycling. Waste segregation is a global issue and certainly contributes to the problem. Why Is It Not Getting Recycled? The waste management system in the UK has certain inadequacies at virtually every point in the recycling process. For example, The First Mile , a recycling facility in London, receives tonnes of recycling each year. However, around 60% of the recycling they receive is forwarded on to mixed recovery facilities (MRFs). Here, it is likely that more waste will be siphoned off and consequently not recycled properly. This isn’t uncommon – if protocols are not followed or systems aren’t watertight, then recyclable waste will fall through the gaps. One facet of this is the fact that the UK is in the habit of outsourcing its recycling to other nations. A National Audit Office report discovered that more than half of the packaging that is designated as recycled is actually sent abroad for processing, without the guarantee that it will be recycled rather than placed in landfills or incinerated. The UK exported around 611,000 tonnes of recovered plastic packaging to other nations before the end of 2018 in order to reduce costs; in fact, analysis suggests that we send roughly two-thirds of plastic waste overseas to be recycled. A Friends of the Earth report has also highlighted that large quantities of plastic were burnt at a paper mill in Indonesia because it has been labelled incorrectly as paper by British sorting machines. Ensuring that you recycle as much of the rubbish you generate as possible is one of the best ways to adopt a sustainable lifestyle in your everyday life, so don’t let this dishearten you. Nevertheless, it’s important that we hold waste companies accountable for how they ensure their practices are as eco-friendly as they need to be in order to minimise the impact our waste has on the planet. S imilar: Plastic: Bans Coming into Force Globally We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Nicole Nadler investigates how political and environmental changes have resulted in the miraculous rise in Kenya’s elephant population over the last three decades. Photo by Hu Chen In 1975,The New York Times published an article about the rapid decline of elephants in Africa, citing both the destruction of the land due to agriculture and human habitation and the uptick in Kenya’s illegal ivory trade. It also predicted that if the 120,000 estimated elephants in Kenya were to continue being killed at the current rate, they would be completely extinct within a decade. Fourteen years later, The New York Times published another article about the Kenyan President, Daniel Arap Moi, igniting 12 tons of elephant tusks in the Nairobi National Park in protest of the ivory trade which had so brutally reduced the elephant population down to a mere 17,000. The Baby Boom On August 12th of this year, coinciding with World Elephant Day, reports broke of an elephant “baby boom” in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, doubling its previous 1989 population. Over 34,000 elephants are now living in Kenya, with about 170 elephant calves being born this year – including an extremely rare two sets of twins, something that has only been recorded twice before in the last five decades. "It seems baby elephants are falling out of the sky. The ability of a female to conceive and carry a calf to term depends greatly on her own physical condition. “During drought years, females may stop all reproductive cycling until rainfall improves, resulting in vegetation growth." – Cynthia Moss, director of the Amboseli Trust for Elephants The 2019 annual report from The Amboseli Trust for Elephants said that both 2018 and 2019 received a higher than normal amount of rainfall, leading to a more plentiful food and water supply. Elephants will often follow the wet season to find better sources of food and water, with female elephants in particular requiring a higher daily water intake to be able to lactate. Elephants that are starving and dehydrated often are not able to conceive, let alone carry to full term. The Decline (and Rise?) of Poaching At the beginning of this year, Kenya announced that wildlife poaching had seen a 90% decrease in only six years. Kenya’s Wildlife Service (KWS) cited their enhanced surveillance, strengthened anti-poaching laws as well a surge in involvement form local communities, private ranches, and conservation stakeholders as key factors in reducing poaching across the country. "Overall in Kenya anti-poaching efforts are also high and elephants are generally safer, which means [fewer] get killed than in other parts of Africa, and Kenya's elephant population is slowly increasing." – Tal Manor, project manager for Amboseli Trust for Elephants Despite these positive developments, there is still a great cause for concern. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, many African countries including Kenya have lost a significant part of their income from tourist visits. The loss of this income has already led to a cut in the number of patrols, though a bigger concern is the loss of earnings that local communities would have received from selling their crafts to the tourists visiting their villages. As the communities suffer, there is a greater chance that people will look to poaching for survival. Similar: The Mission to Bring UK Animals Back From Extinction We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Tori Scott celebrates as another portion of the sea is protected, safeguarding more endangered species Photo by Silas Baisch The British government has announced that the island of Tristan da Cunha will become one of the largest Marine Sanctuaries in the world, with a no-take zone covering a 265,000 square mile area – three times the size of the UK itself. Following this announcement, the UK is now protecting more than 4.3 million square kilometres of the ocean, meaning that 30 per cent of the world’s ocean will be protected by 2030. Tristan da Cunha, a British overseas territory a six-day boat trip away from South Africa, is one of the most isolated islands on our planet, with a mere population of 250. However, it is well-populated with wildlife, with both on-land and in-water inhabitants, including four species of seabirds that nest nowhere else on the planet. The island’s government has decided that they will help protect their endangered species by introducing the island as one of the biggest fully-protected marine wildlife sanctuaries in the world. This sanctuary will protect the animals from overfishing and becoming endangered through closely monitoring suspicious fishing vessels via satellites, limiting the human effect on the environment around the island. James Glass, Tristan da Cunha’s Chief Islander, said: “our life on Tristan da Cunha has always been based around our relationship with the sea, and that continues today.” The sanctuary is extremely important for the community as they are deeply committed to conservation; the island had already protected half of their land before introducing these new measures. Many say that the water that surrounds the island is rich with biodiversity and threatened species, so this newly announced marine sanctuary is a “critically important step in protecting the world’s biodiversity and ecosystems”. Developing the Sanctuary The new development plan for the marine sanctuary is an environmental win for the UK, as now 90% of their waters are closed to harmful activities like bottom-trawling fishing, sand extraction and deep-sea mining. This new zone becomes a section of the UK’s Blue Belt – part of a programme created by the UK government to support and protect overseas UK marine environments. “Through its ambitious Blue Belt Program, the UK government has worked in partnership with the Overseas Territories to bring together marine experts and cutting-edge scientific research to protect and manage the waters surrounding the Territories.” – Boris Johnson Tristan da Cunha is known for its waters which includes such species like elephant seals, threatened sharks and rare seabirds, but they were under threat from the devastating effects of humanity. Climate Change and Pollution Lord Goldsmith, the Environment Minister, has said that as a global community, we are destroying the world’s waters by hoovering the life out of the ocean at an appalling rate. Marine protection schemes are an effective way to tackle this, so it is obvious that more need to be introduced to improve the health of the planet. “We are in danger of killing our seas. We are warming them up, making them more acidic and every day we fill them with turtle-choking, dolphin-poisoning plastic that is turning our oceans into a vast floating rubbish dump.” – Boris Johnson In November 2021, the UN Climate Change Conference will be held in Glasgow, hopefully driving progress on tackling climate change and forging new ways to protect marine biodiversity and tackle plastic pollution in our ocean. People who visit Tristan da Cunha describe the island as a place like no other. If the world’s most remote community are able to protect 90-percent of their waters, which they depend on for survival, perhaps they will offer inspiration for the rest of the world to tackle climate change and protect more of the world’s ocean. Similar: Another Oil Spill Threatens Ecosystems in Mauritius We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Martha Davies shares some of the benefits of this wonder ingredient. Photo by Jon Flobrant Ginseng is a slow-growing, fork-shaped plant that is used around the world to treat a variety of ailments. Though the evidence is not conclusive, studies have suggested that it can positively affect brain function, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, among other benefits. The herb has been consumed as food and medicine across the world since its discovery in the mountains of China over 2000 years ago. Its name derives from the Chinese rénshēn, meaning 'man' and 'plant root', named after its apparent resemblance to the shape of a human body. It was later cultivated by other East Asian countries, even becoming a traditional tea in Korea. In the 18th century, the herb was 'discovered' by missionaries in North America, though it was later revealed that Native Americans had already been using ginseng for while. Here are some of its uses, advantages, and side effects at a glance (disclaimer: we are not medical professionals, and you should consult your doctor for advice before changing your diet!): The Basics The ginseng plant has a long root and oval leaves. There are eleven types of ginseng in total. Fresh ginseng is harvested after four years of growth; it can also be dried and treated until it forms a powder. Asia and North America each boast a different type of ginseng: Asian ginseng is known as Panax ginseng, whereas American ginseng takes the name Panax Quinquefolius. Both regions have been using ginseng for centuries. If you’re thinking of getting your hands on a supplement containing ginseng, it’s best to look out for ginsenosides and gintonin, which are the main active ingredients that make ginseng such a popular and effective herbal medicine. The Benefits Ginseng is believed to regulate blood sugar and has been used to help treat diabetes; in some studies, it has been found to affect the production of insulin in the pancreas. Ginseng can also be taken to lower cholesterol levels. Ginsenosides have been shown to boost the immune system, meaning ginseng can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent and also a remedy that helps prevent colds and flu. Some research has suggested that ginseng can be used to aid erectile dysfunction in men, though the leaders of the study have stated that larger-scale testing is needed to draw more precise conclusions. In general, studies show that ginseng can improve cognitive function, including aiding concentration, memory, and overall mood. It has even been reported to improve cognitive deficit in Alzheimer’s patients. A Few Things to Note The majority of studies into ginseng have had relatively small sample sizes and varying results, meaning there is inconclusive evidence around the concrete links between ginseng and specific health benefits. Asian ginseng has been reported to have a number of side effects, including headaches, sleep issues, and problems with digestion. Despite its benefits on the brain, research suggests that the effectiveness of ginseng may decrease over time, so it might be best to take it in cycles of a few weeks. If you’re looking to buy some ginseng, make sure to purchase it from a reputable source and in a safe dose. The Verdict While more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of ginseng, it is nevertheless widely used to treat specific diseases, and as a supplement to aid general wellbeing. It is particularly useful in supporting the immune system and can help you feel sharper and more energised. Similar: Insight: The Hidden Cost of Coffee We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Ziryan Aziz exposes the concerning news of Tibetan re-education camps in China Photo by Sergio Capuzzimati In a recent report, China has been accused of coercing thousands of Tibetans into a re-education program, similar to that which is seen for Uighur Muslims in neighbouring Xinjiang, where ethnic Tibetans undergo a mix of vocational and political training. The report, published by the Jamestown Foundation, a US based institution that researches American interests abroad, has collated policy and official state documents, as well as media statements from 2019 to the present. Images and documents reviewed by Reuters also produce a glimpse into the new military style vocational training scheme, which is currently being implemented in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). The TAR is a province in South Western China which is home to the Tibetan people, who make up 90% of the population. It was an independent country until 1950, when it was annexed by the newly established communist state, the People’s Republic of China. After an uprising in 1959, it has become one of China’s most policed regions, where basic freedoms are heavily suppressed. For example, talking positively of the former Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama or owning an independence flag can land you lengthy jail sentences. In line with President Xi Jinping’s goal of ending rural poverty by the end of 2020, Tibetans, of whom 70% live rurally, have been the focus of a government project to retrain the Tibetan population, making them fit to work in industry, both in Tibet and other areas of China. However, this retraining is being condemned by some as an attempt to erase the Tibetans’ traditional lifestyles and culture. What Does the Report Say? According to the report, the aim of the project is to not only provide vocational training to Tibetans so that they will be skilled for work transfers out the region, but also to push forward with political education, changing the culturally unique mindset of the Tibetan people. An example can be seen in a village close to the Tibetan capital, where according to state media, officials went to the village to gather data on labourers, as well as providing anti-separatism lectures involving songs and dancing, so that “the people of all ethnic groups to feel the care and concern of the Party Central Committee”. Another example is provided by policy documents from the Nagqu City government website, where officials entered a village with the intent to change the “can’t do, don’t want to do and don’t dare to do” mindset which it is perceived that Tibetans inherently have. That same document also calls for the elimination of “lazy people”. The report highlights the “military-style” nature of the vocational training. State-published photos depict Tibetans in military uniform perform military drills with army instructors, with the aim of correcting “backwards thinking” and strengthening Tibetans’ perceived weak work discipline. What this makes clear is a profoundly negative attitude in China towards the minority group, with the report going so far as to reference poverty alleviation reports which advise that the state should stop “stop raising up lazy people.” The pace of the program in 2020 has been boosted by the deadline for the end of the year, as quotas for the number of labourers to be distributed within China have been set by the government in Beijing. Policy documents featured in the report talk of “strict rewards and punishments” applied to officials regarding quotas. The government’s goal for Tibetan labourers to be disseminated into regular employment across the country is seen by the government as reducing poverty, but it will also dismantle and undermine the minority’s traditional way of life. Some farmers have already allegedly been coerced into handing over their land to state cooperatives, taking away financial independence. Similarities with Xinjiang? The camps bear some similarities with the treatment of the Uighur people in Xinjiang province. Over a million Uighur Muslims are currently being detained in what China labels ‘vocational centres.’ The program in Tibet is being directed by Chen Quanguo, the party secretary of Xinjiang who also directed the detention of Uighurs. The report stresses that the program is “potentially less coercive” than in Xinjiang, given that some Tibetans have participated voluntarily, and as a result, some will gain a higher source of income after completing their training. However, what cannot be ignored is the context behind the program. Minorities within China, especially Tibetans, have a complicated relationship with the state, given that whilst special benefits are available to them, many Tibetans are viewed with suspicion by the majority Han Chinese, and the state. Negative stereotypes of Tibetans such as laziness, backwardness, and dependence on state guidance still persist. Judging by the language used in this report, and with the emphasis on military-style education, it’s easy to see why the intentions of the authorities are viewed with suspicion by the international community. Anti-religious education is an especially concerning element of the program. For Tibetans, practising the Tibetan version of Buddhism is an important aspect of their identity. Yet, in recent years, laws such as banning students from taking part in religious activities over summer holidays or studying in monasteries have brought accusations of repression, which the state excuses as prevention of separatism or terrorism. Even if there is a global outcry surrounding the developments in Tibet, it is unlikely to deter the Chinese authorities. When the camps in Xinjiang were exposed to the wider world, the outrage spanned every continent, but China persisted with the program and hasn't backed down since. With this softer approach in Tibet, it’s unlikely to catch the same attention, especially considering the US election around the corner, Brexit, and a world still dealing with a global pandemic. You may also like: The Chinese Concentration Camps: 1 Million Imprisoned We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. 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Ebony Bolter explores the interwoven relationship we have with nature and the positive affects it can have on our mental health. Photo by Victoria Palacios Consider the centuries of evolutionary human migration from rural to urban communities and the effect it has had on our relationship with nature. With a rise in population, and a rush to cities for job opportunities, modern life is becoming hyper-saturated with offices and homes, resulting in a lack of access to nature. Subsequently, it is argued that urbanisation is having a negative impact on our biological hard-wiring. It is undeniable to say that as a species, we respond positively to being exposed to nature – mentions of, “after all it is our natural habitat”… the feeling of the sun on your face and the grass between your toes. Nice! Thus, it is no surprise that city dwellers and a lack of green spaces are having negative impacts on our neuro-chemistry. The altering of our brain chemistry, among other stress factors, can be the perfect storm for a plethora of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Yet the positive, feel-good hormones enforced by nature, such as serotonin and melatonin, relieves stress and makes us feel more at ease. The effect nature has on our brains Gregory Bratman of Stanford University found that participants in his recent study (perhaps unsurprisingly) experienced a reduction in negative thinking, feelings and anxiety following exposure to nature. Supporting Bratman’s hypothesis, the group who had spent time near large amounts of traffic found no positive impacts. The science behind these positive effects is acknowledged through analysing brain scans and neurological function. The study’s findings showed significant changes to the subgenual prefrontal cortex. The reduction in blood flow to this part of the brain results in less dwelling and ruminating negative thoughts. Yet, the group absent from nature found blood flow was still high, and no positive effects occurred. The results of these studies are proving that being around areas of even small amounts of nature has a positive improvement on your mental health. These studies that are illustrating a push and pull between modernity and the effects it has on your mental health, are becoming more and more important to consider when it comes to navigating methods of therapy. This is where the term ‘Nature therapy’ comes in. Results of being around natural settings such as luscious greenery, is quietening of negative thoughts and decrease in rumination. In this way, Nature therapy has not only positive physiological and neurological impacts. It also generally makes life more peaceful and subdued in the fast-paced society we live in. Take yourself on a walk As cliché as it may sound, there is a reason why ‘taking a walk’ is advisable for emotional regulation. Scientific evidence now shows self-reports and brain scans support the premise that exposure to nature can help one to feel more relaxed. So, the next time you feel down, take a walk in a green park, or go to the seaside and revel in the senses provided by nature. Utilising a natural anti-depressant can be a step in the right direction to turning your day around, which may lead to a better week, month or year. | Tru. 🌱 We are a conscious publication and platform providing social-ethical insight and knowledge about topics that matter | Ethical insight, one place. www.tru.org.uk We are funded by readers like you. To support our work and journalism, donate here Sources: https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/nature-therapy-eco-healing/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/ https://pangea.stanford.edu/eiper

Jennifer McDowall explores how new research methods are revealing the complex processes behind our decision-making Photo by Amanda Dalbjorn The brain is one of the most complex organs in the body and, despite huge amounts of research, a concrete link between its structure and function has remained elusive . However, a research initiative situated at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland is changing that. Founded by Professor Henry Markram , the project’s current director, the Blue Brain Project is breaking new ground in the study of the brain by combining biological and theoretical data with computer models. In 2016, Markram stated , “Our mission is to build a detailed, realistic computer model of the human brain.” The Blue Brain Project , which aims to construct a digital simulation of the mouse brain, is one of the steps towards achieving this goal. In a paper published in Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience , the authors describe the presence of complex structures within the brain, found with the help of a simulation of the neocortex. These structures consist of groups of neurons called cliques, where each neuron is connected to every other neuron in the group. The more neurons present, the higher the ‘dimension’ of the structure. “There are tens of millions of these objects even in a small speck of the brain, up through seven dimensions. In some networks, we even found structures with up to eleven dimensions” – Henry Markram . The “Multi-Dimensional Sandcastle” In addition to these multi-dimensional structures, the researchers reported the presence of cavities , which are formed when neurons from different cliques link together. These cavities can increase in size, as the dimension of the linked cliques increases. Following a stimulus, the complexity of cliques and cavities increase dramatically and then disappear, suggesting a direct correlation between brain activity and these multi-dimensional structures. The authors suggest that the formation of multi-dimensional cliques and cavities is how the brain processes stimuli . Ran Levi , Chair in Mathematics at the University of Aberdeen, and collaborating author on the paper, explains : "The appearance of high-dimensional cavities when the brain is processing information means that the neurons in the network react to stimuli in an extremely organised manner... It is as if the brain reacts to a stimulus by building then razing a tower of multi-dimensional blocks, starting with rods (1D), then planks (2D), then cubes (3D), and then more complex geometries with 4D, 5D, etc. The progression of activity through the brain resembles a multi-dimensional sandcastle that materialises out of the sand and then disintegrates." This finding was backed up by observing the phenomenon in biological tissue samples of the neocortex, and also in other organisms. This suggests that Markram and his co-authors have uncovered a universal property of the nervous system. Observing the Decision-Making Process The researchers were able to discern these structures using a technique called algebraic topology. In very simple terms, this involves using maths to analyse spaces and it allows both the local and global properties of a neural network to be quantified. This process allowed researchers to observe patterns in the neuronal firing of their simulated neural network, which is almost impossible to detect without it. Kathryn Hess Bellwald, a researcher for the Laboratory for Topology and Neuroscience at EPFL, believes that this method allows researchers to visualise “the brain’s own code”. “When you look at this pattern of firing through the filter of algebraic topology, different structures emerge, in terms of which families of neurons are firing in which order... When we looked at the evolution of such a pattern through time, it gives us a mathematical signature that describes this pattern that was hidden in the seemingly chaotic firing of the network.” – Kathryn Hess Bellwald Algebraic topology enables the researchers to describe the encoding process, and maybe even visualise the moment a decision is made. "That’s what we’re detecting", says Hess, "we’re detecting the information processing and decision-making processes of the brain.” Although this finding is ground-breaking, there remains a lot about the brain we still don’t understand. However, research continues, and the Human Brain Project is now underway at the EPFL, with 135 institutions from all over the world collaborating . More revelations about our incredible brains will undoubtedly soon be revealed. S imilar: Anxiety and Depression: The Common Concerns of Modern Society We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Nina Rosner explores the causes and consequences of the global loss to biodiversity in the Earth’s ‘Sixth Mass Extinction’ Photo by Karo kujanpaa In the last few years, the mainstream environmental debate has widened, recognising not only the dangers of global carbon emissions but of the general decline and degradation of natural environments across the planet – but we are only just beginning to comprehend the vast losses in plant and animal life that humans have caused. Scientists and activists, including world-renowned environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg and her allies in the leading environmental movement Extinction Rebellion, are calling this the ‘Sixth Mass Extinction’. Yet, it’s not just grassroots activists talking about ecosystem collapse. The Importance of Healthy Ecosystems In the hope of pushing businesses and governments into more resilient decision-making, a recent analysis by insurance firm Swiss Re highlighted the economic risks of degraded ecosystems. Their Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BES) Index and a subsequent report revealed that in a fifth of countries, over 30% of ecosystems are in an extremely fragile state. As a result, all of the natural resources that underpin livelihoods and economies – from food, to water, to air quality amongst others – are at stake. Ultimately, the research reaffirmed what we already knew: that failing to protect our natural environments will be catastrophic for human and planetary health, as well as our economic systems and structures. Humans are reliant on nature not just for services and goods, but also for regulating the very conditions that make life possible. The Earth is an intelligent organism, with self-supporting systems that keep its many cycles in motion. Biodiversity is the cornerstone of a healthy, thriving ecosystem, with multiple species in constant interplay with each other and their environments creating richness and resiliency. In fact, research is continually revealing the surprising links between biodiversity and climate change. Our planet holds the capacity to continually renew itself and maintain balance. Yet over the course of history, human activity has relentlessly disrupted this balance. The onward march of deforestation, intensive agriculture, soil degradation, pollution and burning fossil fuels has pushed ecosystems to the brink of collapse. The Future of Biodiversity At the UN Summit on Biodiversity held in September 2020, speakers acknowledged that despite past commitments, the biodiversity targets set for 2020 had not been met, and that urgent action must be taken now to halt the devastating trajectory we are on – that is, if we are to stand any chance against the diseases, extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions and conflicts that we are already facing as a result of environmental decline. A wave of forest fires in Australia, Brazil, the United States and beyond, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic that broke out at the start of 2020, are clear examples of what may happen when nature is thrown off balance. An article published by the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) recently placed a direct link between Covid-19 and environmental degradation, concluding: "Rampant deforestation, uncontrolled expansion of agriculture, intensive farming, mining and infrastructure development, as well as the exploitation of wild species have created a ‘perfect storm’ for the spill-over of diseases from wildlife to people." The more we degrade our ecosystems, the more vulnerable they become to external threats. Where a rich, diverse ecosystem might weather a storm, or stop a fire or a disease from spreading, a fragile ecosystem no longer retains its natural defences. This reality and its consequences are beginning to reveal themselves the world over. Protecting and restoring our natural ecosystems is one of the most crucial tasks of our time: whether for the sake of halting climate change, safeguarding human health or global economies. Both scientific research and our lived experience of the world are showing that we are already at crisis point – it’s time to act. Similar: Earth and the Sixth Mass Extinction We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Georgie Chantrell-Plant reports on a new discovery in the Australian Ocean. Photo by Daniel Torobekov During a year-long expedition of oceans surrounding Australia, the Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) has discovered a Reef extending 1,640 feet (500 metres) below the ocean surface, making it taller than the Empire State Building. It is the first detached reef discovered in these waters for more than 100 years. This discovery is part of the Great Barrier Reef, which is the single longest reef in the world, stretching 1,400 miles across the surface of the North Eastern Australian Ocean. The new 1-mile wide 'block-like' structure is free-standing, with its peak reaching just 130 feet (40m) below the surface. "To find a new half-a-kilometer tall reef in… the well-recognized Great Barrier Reef shows how mysterious the world is just beyond our coastline." – Jyotika Virmani, executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute. Innovation and Discovery The reef was discovered by a team of scientists led by Dr Robin Beaman from James Cook University, using the Institute’s robot ‘SuBastian’ to conduct underwater mapping of the seafloor. High-resolution footage of the new discovery was live-streamed on the SOI website and Youtube Channel. There are seven other detached reefs in the area, some having been discovered as early as the 1800s, including the reef at Raine Island which serves as a prominent nesting area for Green Sea Turtles. As SOI co-founder Wendy Schmidt says, relatively little has been known about the ocean and marine life until recently. However, the development of new technologies such as 3D mapping has made the recent discovery and many others possible, further enabling scientists to better understand the complex ecosystems with which we share our planet. "To not only 3-D map the reef in detail, but also visually see this discovery with SuBastian is incredible." – Dr Robin Beaman In April, SOI discovered the largest recorded sea-creature in the Ningaloo Canyon, a 45m Siphonophore, as well as 30 new species of marine creatures. In August, they also captured the first recording of a rare scorpionfish in the Coral Sea. The Institute’s Campaign to explore the Northern Depths of the Great Barrier Reef will continue until the 17th November. Further maps will be made available through AusSeabed as part of a national sea-mapping program, and will also contribute to the Nippon Foundation GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project. Climate Concern The majestic underwater monolith was found to support more 1,500 species of fish and hundreds of different corals: a range of biodiversity that is commonly associated with the Great Barrier Reef. However, as with many reefs across the world, this new discovery is at risk of habitat loss and damage as a result of climate change. With sea temperatures rising an around 0.5 degrees Celsius since the 19th century, the reef now faces a great risk of heat stress and coral bleaching, which can harm its ability to build skeletons that act as key habitats for marine life. Significant changes in the ocean’s temperature, in addition to its acidification due to carbon dioxide absorption and severe weather events, make it difficult for the reef to recover and protect itself from the devastating effects posed by our changing climate. Similar: Another Oil Spill Threatens Ecosystems in Mauritius We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Cat Cunningham reports on a man's surprising recovery from a coronavirus-caused stroke and other complications. Photo by JC Gellidon Doctors have studied the brain of Omar Taylor, a 31-year old-man from Essex, who has made a miraculous recovery from coronavirus, which caused him to also suffer from sepsis, pneumonia, heart failure and a double stroke. The father of two spent six weeks in Colchester General fighting the illness, during which time his wife, Kaitlyn, was told to prepare for the worst. Omar was initially rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties, and was subsequently placed in intensive care on a ventilator for 20 days. A Miraculous Recovery Despite doctors’ warnings that he would never walk again, Omar miraculously strolled out of hospital back in Mayto a standing ovation from doctors and nurses. Mr Taylor has been left with a weak right hand side and limited speech, but he has been able to continue his recovery at home where he receives daily physiotherapy and speech therapy. In order to support this, friends of the family set up a fundraising page which raised over £17,000. By studying Omar’s case, medics have been able to understand how coronavirus can affect the brain. Dr Joseph Ngeh, the stroke consultant who cared for Mr Taylor, co-authored a report on his case and hopes that it will raise awareness about the potential risk of Covid-19 patients suffering a stroke. Mr Taylor’s case was of particular interest as he is the youngest patient reported to have suffered a stroke as a result of Coronavirus. The Impact of Covid As a young patient with no stroke risk factors, medics considered it unusual that Mr Taylor’s brain imaging showed multiple microbleeds which suggest a Covid-19 induced cytokine storm. Doctors now know that Coronavirus can trigger an inflammatory response which could lead to a stroke, even for very young patients. In response to his treatment, Mr Taylor said: "I am very happy that the team of doctors were so interested in my case and I hope it can benefit doctors in the future when treating patients who are in a similar critical condition to me and save lives like they did mine." Having suffered the most severe stroke possible, it was anticipated that Omar would need 24-hour care for years to come, but it is now hoped that with rehabilitation and therapy, Omar will be able to make a 90% recovery by the end of the year. More Funding As the pandemic continues to cause devastating damage around the world, studies such as this have a high level of importance, as medics work to understand Coronavirus. Imagine how much more could be done if the NHS had more funding and were able to conduct similar studies on other Coronavirus survivors in order to help win the battle with Covid-19. A specific area which would benefit for more funding is the plasma collection scheme. When your bodies fight viruses, they create antibodies to do so, and these live in the plasma – a yellowish liquid contained within the blood. If the plasma of people who have recovered from Covid-19 donate their plasma, then it can be transfused into current sufferers to help supplement that patient’s antibody supply if they aren’t creating enough themselves. Presently, more than 130,000 people in the UK have offered to donate plasma for this reason, but only just over 25,000 samples have been collected. This may be down to the fact that only 215 hospitals across Britain are currently enrolled in the scheme; with more funding, this number could be higher, and the amount of patients benefiting from the treatment would go up. Now, more than ever, investment in the NHS is unequivocally important. You may also like: The Concern for Cancer Care as Pandemic Takes Priority We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by becoming an advocate from just £1 and get access to exclusive content!

Nick Webb looks into the protests and demonstrations of our recent past, and explores their common concerns. Photo by ev Everywhere you turn, no matter where you are, the news is full of protests. From the current spate of anti-lockdown and anti-mask demonstrations to protests against climate change, university fees and cuts in the transport industry, it seems that everyone is taking to the streets. New studies have shown that there has, indeed, been a marked rise in different groups demonstrating and protesting: a movement that some are calling ‘Age of Dissent’. David Bailey, a Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Birmingham, has studied the rise of global social unrest , in particular noting the general increase since the economic crash of 2008. His research also shows how there has been a general shift in the groups of professionals and workers who are protesting: lawyers and  junior doctors , for example, who had not previously taken part in as many formal demonstrations, both took to the streets in the last decade.  How are people protesting? Throughout this recent development, the tactics have evolved. While the most common practices have included peaceful demonstrations and marches, there has also been an increase in more innovative forms of protest. In London,  gas masks were placed on statues by Greenpeace protesters to highlight the effects of pollution, and sheep were herded down Whitehall in opposition to Brexit. As the life-span of news stories and attention-span of the public remain short, these new and innovative forms of protest aim both to receive more media attention and ignite the imagination of the wider populace. While these protests do not necessarily intend to bring about change in and of themselves, they often instead aim to promote public awareness and increase the level of conversation surrounding an issue. As a result, protests focusing on wider issues are no longer being viewed on just local and national levels. The rise of the internet and social media has allowed for networks of interconnected groups to coordinate multiple synchronised events around the world. The Guy Fawkes masks , for example, became an iconic symbol of dissent in the 2010s, with multiple groups wearing them in solidarity with other causes, so as to hold world governments accountable to improving conditions for all. Why are people protesting? The more progressive demonstrations can be seen as part of an emerging trend of people standing in support for other groups and global issues, such as climate change and the Extinction Rebellion movement. Environmental protests, for example, made up almost 45% of reported protests in 2019 , and the participants included school children . The 2010s also saw an increase in anti-protests, as multiple groups demonstrated opposing views at the same time. While the trend has largely been peaceful and non-violent, these clashes of ideologies have created the most tension with police, such as the far-right protests lead by Tommy Robinson. However, the counter-protests fighting against this new rise in far and alt-right ideologies, which themselves sought to disrupt more progressive ideas, were simultaneously being brought into the public eye. This new Age of Dissent has emerged as visibility within parliament and the ability for public involvement is decreasing , with fewer opportunities for the general public to directly influence the way the country is run. However, the protests which are able to attract the attention of the media are more likely to reach the attention of government officials, and can therefore have a greater influence on the way policy is written. The rise in p rotesting in the UK is a reflection of a decade of political frustration with a government whose policies are seen, in the eyes of its critics, as being increasingly out of touch and standing against the judgement of the public at large. For example, the UK’s controversial decision to leave the Europe Union  was decided by less than 4% of the votes , which shows a stark demographic split throughout the country. Nevertheless, in response to an apparent lack of political accountability, coupled with a rise in austerity and the increasing concerns of social and cultural inequality, the British public is now more willing to look for the flaws within political systems rather than hide them. Many protests, for example, hope to shine a light on gender and racial inequalities, while others aim to prevent ecological and environmental disasters. This widespread systematic deconstruction of the world's governments  will likely continue  long into the future: should we pass through a period of dissent, the resulting landscape will be one of improved living conditions, equality and opportunity for all. Similar: Nigeria: 12 Killed in Protests Against Police Brutality We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Mehak Anand reveals how the plant-based alternative has made an entrance into the prestigious starred menu. Photo by Cotton Bro Until now, it has been difficult to find Vegan meat alternatives in the UK, not least in a Michelin-star restaurant. Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic , however, more options have been popping up on menus in famous food chains. The Harwood Arms in Fulham–the only Michelin-starred pub in London –has recently introduced new  plant-based products into its fine dining cuisine. Being the first of its kind, the famous pub has upped the ante to offer a meat-free alternative to its famous bacon with a scotch egg. Produced by THIS™, a UK-based company which specializes in meat alternatives, the new plant-based bacon is the vegan-friendly alternative that vegetarians have been looking for– and for the affordable price of £5.50. Why So Much Buzz? While many restaurants are able to offer vegan alternatives , creating the same tastes and textures has proven to be a bigger challenge. The Harwood Arms’vegan scotch egg features a blend of herbs and leeks in addition to the vegan bacon. As Sally Abé , the Head Chef at The Harwood Arms, has said, “We spent a great deal of time perfecting the recipe and the addition of THIS™ has given us just what we were looking for.” “Meat alternatives have often been met with scepticism by Michelin-starred restaurants and chefs so I was actually quite emotional when the Harwood Arms the team told us they wanted to put THIS on their menu…Ourcollaboration represents a major step forward in plant-based food innovation where products are now so realistic, they are welcomed into the world of fine dining.” - Andy Shovel , Co-Founder of THIS A report on plant-based meat alternatives from the global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney predicts that only 40 percent of the meat we eat by 2040 will come from animals, 35 percent will come from lab-grown meat, and the other 25 percent will be sourced from plant-based alternatives. The Future of Vegan Cuisine Over the past few years, a lot of people have transitioned towards a partially or entirely vegan diet. Although there are a number of reasons for this change, many vegans seek to avoid unnecessary harm to both animals and the environment in their patterns of consumption. The production of one pound of factory-farmed beef, for example, requires around 15.5 thousand litres of water per kilogram , as well as many acres of land. In battery farms , six hens might be forced into cages barely big enough for one, with poor living conditions increasing the chance of their carrying contagious diseases. Even the pandemic that has all but brought the world to a standstill is believed to have started in a wildlife market . With an increasing range of meat and dairy-free products, vegan cuisine can offer both delicious and nutritious alternatives to traditional meals. While many food-lovers remain sceptical, restaurants like The Harwood Arms hope that a new menu could change a few minds. S imilar: Chickens Brutally Killed at Farms Linked to Tesco and Ocado We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers investigates how the thawing of Arctic permafrost is exposing a threat to the entire planet. Photo by Annie Spratt The Batagaika Crater, a kilometre-wide ‘mega-slump’ in Eastern Siberia, is growing 30 metres every year, and sinks up to 100m deep in places. Known by the local Yakutian people as ‘the doorway to the underworld’ , the crater has unearthed the remains of forests, plants, animals and even human carcasses preserved in ancient soil.  However, although damage is visible only in a few regions, its origin – the mass thawing of permafrost due to global warming – poses a significant threat to the entire planet. The Importance of Permafrost ‘Permafrost’ refers to the layer of ground or sediment which has remained below the freezing point of water for at least two consecutive years. This accounts for around a quarter of the total land area of the Northern Hemisphere (or 23 million square kilometres), stretching across countries including Russia, Canada, Greenland and China, in addition to some mountainous regions and ocean floors. In many of these places, the danger posed by thawing permafrost is immediate. In Switzerland, for example, the rising temperature throughout the Alps has resulted in the increased risk of landslides and damage to the stability of tourist infrastructure, such as chalets, cableways and telecommunications equipment. Research from the Swiss Permafrost Monitoring Network, PERMOS has shown that the ‘active layer’ – the ‘seasonally frozen’ material which melts in the summer and freezes in winter – has rapidly thickened in recent years, from 3.6m in 2010 to 5.8m in 2019.  "Arctic permafrost isn’t thawing gradually, as scientists once predicted. Geologically speaking, it’s thawing almost overnight." – Craig Welch, environmental writer for National Geographic Across the Northern Hemisphere, city buildings are crumbling and roads are shifting . In Canada, permafrost thawing is causing around $50 million in damage to public infrastructure every year. In Russia, a 12-year-old boy died in an outbreak of anthrax triggered by the release of bacteria from a decaying reindeer carcass. According to some reports, an estimated 40% of the world’s permafrost might disappear by the end of the century. A Global Issue The United Nations Environmental Programme has determined that the melting of Arctic permafrost is one of the five largest environmental threats to the planet. As the frozen soils soften, they release preserves of ancient life which have been otherwise prevented from decaying in the cold temperatures. This process releases methane and carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, which thereby further accelerates climate change; and scientists have estimated that the Earth’s permafrost currently contains around twice as much carbon as its atmosphere. In addition, the thawing of permafrost in Arctic regions demonstrates that statistics about climate change can be somewhat misleading; calculating an average temperature rise for the entire planet does not account for the areas which are experiencing more severe changes. The extreme localised warming of Arctic regions is not just a regional issue, but one which will in fact impact the entire planet. As the Natural Resources Defence Council reports , the melting permafrost will damage aquatic wildlife as new sediment enters rivers and streams, as well as contribute to rising sea levels which already pose a significant threat to coastal cities and areas . Furthermore, the draining of lakes and natural bodies of water have left dried terrain more suspectable to wildfires , which are in turn fuelled by the release of carbon from melting permafrost.  The Paris Agreement has seen the world unite to reduce carbon dioxide levels in an attempt to minimise climate change. However, as the damage caused by the thawing permafrost has demonstrated, the impact of our collective failure to change our habits and emissions is already apparent. S imilar: China's Surprise 2060 Carbon Neutral Pledge We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers reveals how the U.S. presidential election may have changed the discourse on climate change. Photo by Ruben Ramirez Last Thursday, the U.S. formally left the Paris Climate Agreement, three years after President Trump’s announcement of their intention to do so. However, president-elect Joe Biden has declared that the nation will re-join the forum on his first day in the White House . The Paris Agreement was established to co-ordinate a global response to climate change, aiming to minimise the global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to further work towards a rise of just 1.5 degrees Celsius. Although first proposed in 2015, the deal only came into power in November 2016 after 55 countries, representing 55% of global emissions, had approved of it. “The Paris Agreement builds upon the Convention and for the first time brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so. As such, it charts a new course in the global climate effort.” – the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( U.N.F.C.C.C. ) A Temporary Withdrawal The terms of the Agreement stated that no country could withdraw within three years of their initial participation, which Obama approved only four days before Donald Trump beat Hilary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. However, as members also had to serve a 12-month notice period before the withdrawal could be formally approved by the U.N., the U.S. could not pull out of the agreement before last week. In 2017, Trump explained his withdrawal from the deal by declaring that it was an “unfair economic burden” to their economy, claiming that it could “cost America as much as 2.7 million jobs by 2025”, and “close to $3 trillion lost in GDP,” as well as put the country at 'grave risk' of power shortages. He also promoted scepticism towards the reality of climate change, or otherwise attempted to avoid clearly talking about it . The decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement received criticism both from within and outside the U.S., with many arguing that Trump’s decision was founded on unsubstantiated claims and questionable data . Michael Brune , the executive director of the Sierra Club, said that “long after Trump is out of office, his decision to withdraw… will be seen as a historic error.” However, some have argued that the nation’s withdrawal was in part a response to Obama’s failure to approve the Paris Agreement by the U.S. Senate. Yvo De Boer, the former Executive Secretary of the U.N.F.C.C.C., called Obama’s decision to sign the agreement via executive order a ‘fundamentally undemocratic’ decision. Nevertheless, the U.S. is responsible for 14-15% of all global carbon dioxide emissions , while representing only 4% of the world’s total population . In 2012, climate journalist Tim De Chant estimated that it would require the combined resources of more than four Earths to sustain such consumption if every country operated with the same patterns as America. Andrew Light , a former climate change official in the Obama administration, feared that the withdrawal would hurt the country’s reputation. In May 2017, Nicaragua refused to sign the Paris Agreement in part because larger countries such as the U.S. and China are disproportionally more responsible for climate change: Nicaragua, by contrast, produces only 0.03% of global emissions. However, a few months later, President Ortega announced that Nicaragua would in fact join the Paris Agreement , leaving the U.S. and Syria as the only two countries who would not participate (at the time). A Green Future? With the announcement that Joe Biden will become the 46th President of the United States of America, the discourse on climate change is now heading in a new direction. ‘ The Biden Promise’ has clearly stated that humanity’s “contribution to the greenhouse effect is indisputable,” citing evidence from NASA : climate change is ‘Science, Not Fiction’. In addition to re-joining the Paris Agreement, Biden’s climate and environmental justice proposal includes a $1.7 trillion federal investment in clean energy infrastructure over the next decade; funded in part by reversing Trump’s tax incentives for corporations. The World Resources Institute has suggested 10 ‘Priority Actions’ for Biden to curb climate change in America : a plan which includes cutting total emissions by 45-50% by 2030, requiring new passenger vehicles to produce zero emissions by 2035, and the taxation of carbon pollution. If Biden’s plan lives up to its claims, the world’s second largest carbon dioxide producer will achieve 100% clean energy and net-zero emissions by 2050 . S imilar: Environmental Agency: 12.5% of Deaths are Linked to Pollution We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Martha Davies reports on the tightening of abortion laws in Poland, whilst women’s rights are becoming increasingly restricted. Photo by Zuza Galczynska Poland’s top court has recently ruled against the legality of abortions in the case of foetal defects . The Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights has described this as a "sad day for women's rights". Since Poland’s abortion laws were already extremely strict, this ruling means abortion is now almost completely banned in the country. Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal has decided that pregnancies cannot be terminated when the foetus is severely or even fatally malformed. Abortions will now only be permitted in cases of rape or incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger. Such a ruling effectively bans abortion , as almost all legal abortions in Poland were previously carried out on the grounds of foetal defects. Though Poland is one of the most Catholic countries in Europe, polls suggested that t he public did not strongly oppose previous abortion laws; instead, it was Bishops and lay Catholic groups putting constant pressure on the governing Law and Justice party (PiS) to make the laws even stricter. This was also met with contention, as around 100,000 people took to the streets in 2016 to protest against tighter abortion legislation. Yet, last year, the governing party and far-right MPs requested that the court come to a decision, leading to the devastating change announced at the end of October . Activists and human rights groups alike expressed deep concern over the new legislation, with Amnesty International issuing a joint statement with The Center for Reproductive Rights and Human Rights declaring that independent monitors would be sent to Poland by both organisations to observe court proceedings. The statement emphasises that the tribunal took place “in the context of repeated government attacks on women’s rights and efforts to roll back reproductive rights”. It is estimated that between 80,000 and 120,000 Polish women seek abortions abroad every year; with laws on pregnancy termination now terrifyingly strict, this number is likely to increase, on top of the threat of dangerous illegal abortions. Resistance Rises Protests were staged early this year against the draft legislation, and in the wake of the final ruling, which the PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski has stated cannot be reversed , fresh resistance has swelled. In Warsaw, thousands of people marched from the court to Kaczynski’s home to express their anger, resulting in riot police using pepper spray to break up the demonstrations. In several other cities, protestors have staged a ‘women’s strike’ , gathering on the streets to challenge the government’s decision. Kaczynski has described the protests as an attempt to "destroy" Poland. Turbulence has been brewing in Poland for some time over the country’s attempts to heavily restrict both women’s rights and human rights in general: in July, politicians began attempts to leave the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence . Known as the Istanbul Convention , the Convention involves protecting women and girls from abuse and aiding them in seeking justice, while also promoting education surrounding equality and conflict resolution. Explaining the government’s decision to withdraw from the treaty, Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro stated that it “contains elements of an ideological nature, which we consider harmful.” The country’s ruling party has continually promoted the idea of ‘traditional’ values in an attempt to delegitimise the rights of women, young people, and members of the LGBT+ community in Poland. The new abortion legislation is clearly yet another attempt to diminish the agency of women. A Question of Human Rights Thoug h this recent ruling is a tragic blow, the safety of women and LGBT+ people in Poland has long since been fragile. Polish activist and European Parliament politician Sylwia Spurek has stated in an interview with The Parliament Magazine that, “the fundamental human rights of women and LGBT+ people in Poland have never be en fully guaranteed, legally and in practice.” Recent media attention may lead us to believe that far-right politics in the country is a sudden and overwhelming threat, but this has been a reality for far longer. “The lack of access to legal abortion, the lack of protection for women against domestic violence, hatred against LGBT+ people, the lack of equality in marriage, and the inability for same-sex couples to enter a registered partnership are not just problems from the last five years,” Spurek emphasises . With this almost total ban on abortion , the future of women’s rights is made even bleaker. The ruling is a grave but unfortunately unsurprising move on the part of the Polish government, representing a regression within modern politics, and a step forward for the country’s alarming far-right agenda. We must put our faith in the power of human rights groups, activists, and our own voices to challenge such a detrimental decision. S imilar: Belarus: The End to ‘Europe’s Last Dictatorship? We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Georgie Chantrell-Plant writes on the alarming prospect of the world’s first mass extinction since the age of dinosaurs. Photo by Uriel Soberanes Throughout the history of the planet, there have been five previous events and catastrophes that have led to mass extinction , whereby 99% of all organisms which used to call this planet home were made extinct. The most notable and extensively-studied is the Cretaceous and Palogene period over 66 million years ago, which wiped out the Nonovian dinosaurs, making way for mammals to evolve. Worryingly, recent scientific projections think we’re headed for the sixth mass extinction in the Earth’s history, and it’s all our fault. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that 515 animals are now on the brink of extinction, a total nearly matching the number of species declared extinct in the previous century. This group of vulnerable, endangered species, are predicted to disappear completely within the next two years, and many more may follow. “Extinction Leads to Extinction” Today’s extinction rate seems to have increased more rapidly than first thought, rising far above than the ‘background’ rate seen for this latest millennium. The majority of the at-risk live in sub-tropic or tropical climates. Animals such as the Quagga , The Javan Tiger and the West African Black Rhino have been declared extinct over the past century. The future now looks bleak for animals such as the Amur Leopard , the Sumatran Rhino , the Tapanuli Orangutan and the Western Chimpanzee ; with many more vulnerable species at risk. With ecosystems being so connected, any disappearance of species can interrupt how others can thrive, creating a catastrophic domino effect. "When humanity exterminates populations and species of other creatures, it is sawing off the limb on which it is sitting, destroying working parts of our own life-support system" – Paul Ehrlich , Biologist But what is the main contributing factor in this alarming conservation threat? Unfortunately, the problem lies solely with us. This is down to habitat loss on a massive scale caused by industrial deforestation, increased pollution, hunting and the ongoing climate crisis. This monumental destruction of the planet’s ecosystems isn’t just detrimental to flora and fauna – according to ecologist and conservationist Gerardo Ceballos , “the extinction crisis is so bad that whatever we do in the next 10 to 50 years is what will define the future of humanity,” and as of right now, we’re not doing enough to protect it. Where do we go from here? With this revelation coming to light, it adds an additional sense of urgency towards the conservation of animals that humanity is already aware of. But now, it’s a call for action, instead of a warning. Initiatives such as Stop Extinction have been created in order to continue to raise the awareness of this crisis. It is clear that major transformative changes are needed in order to protect and sustain the environment and continue to interact with it in a sustainable way, but these need to be initiated urgently – the time for complacency is over. You may also like: The Eco-Impact of Affluence We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers reports on a recent regulation-breaking and ethically-controversial hunting excursion in Somerset. Photo by Philip Swinburn 130 people gathered for a stag hunt in Somerset in September, including 30 on horseback and 100 followers in cars and quad bikes. They were funded by a £10,000 grant and £50,000 loan designed to support struggling businesses throughout the coronavirus pandemic. . This gathering has sparked intense criticism regarding both the government’s use of the taxpayer’s money and their failure to condemn the hunters’ defiance of social-distancing regulations. As a witness to the gathering reports : “It makes a mockery of the sacrifices people are making around the country to limit gatherings and stop the spread of the disease.” In addition, the League Against Cruel Sports (L.A.C.S.) – an organisation established in 1924 to prevent animal cruelty in hunting practices – hopes that this exposure will convince the public that stag hunting ought to be outlawed. Hunting in Britain In 2004, The Hunting Act was established to prevent the chasing of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, a practice used in the hunting of fox, deer, hare and mink. However, two dogs are permitted to hunt wild animals for ‘observation and study’. Scotland had previously banned similar practices in 2002 with the Protection of Wild Mammals Act . However, the L.A.C.S. believes that hunters have been defying these legal restrictions. They claim that the practice of ‘trail hunting’ became popular following The Hunting Act, as hunters could claim that the death of wildlife is merely an ‘accident’ caused by an uncontrolled hound following live animal scents. In recent years, the National Trust has been put under pressure to ban trail hunting , as many believe that the practice is simply a smokescreen for illegal hunting practices. Nevertheless, the National Trust have insisted that trail hunting does not (intentionally) result in any animal being chased, injured or killed. The Devon and Somerset Staghounds (D.S.S.H.), who were responsible for September’s restriction-defying gathering, claim that they are instrumental in monitoring the health and size of the deer population in Exmoor National Park. Their hunting practices, being ‘totally democratic’ in their constitution , are allegedly supported by farmers and landowners. Hunting and Covid-19 The D.S.S.H. were able to apply for the government’s ‘Bounce Back’ scheme as the earlier lockdown restrictions had prevented many fund-raising activities , including point-to-point horseracing. However, it is believed that the club already has £40,000 amassed in bank accounts, at the same time as many shops are being forced to close . Nevertheless, following September’s mass gathering, footage has emerged of the hunters chasing and whipping a stag, before reportedly shooting it. Another witness reports that hounds were used in the hunt, as seemingly confirmed by a video featuring dogs killing a fox . “The blatant cruelty of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds’ riders and supporters will shock and horrify the vast majority of the British public. This barbaric practice must be outlawed for good.” - Andy Knott , the chief executive of the L.A.C.S Earlier this month , the British government announced that grouse hunting and hunting with guns were exempt from the ‘rule of six’ regulations, though these gatherings were still limited to 30 people. While individuals breaking the rules might be fined up to £3,200, the facilitators of large events could be fined up to £10,000. Nevertheless, even if the D.S.S.H. were given restrictions or penalties, they are only the largest of three hunts operating in the area . Hunting in Britain will continue for as long as it remains unregulated, not least if it is supported by taxpayers’ money. You may also like: Farming Emissions Surpasses Cars and Vans in Europe We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Monica Hayford reports on the detrimental effect and ecological impact of the construction of the high-speed railway. Photo by Erwin Voortman Until recently, some may not have heard of the HS2: a brand new, hi-tech and high-speed railway which aims to make it easier to travel between London, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, in addition to serving 8 of the UK’s 10 largest cities. The official HS2 website describes the railway as a state-of-the-art, high-speed line critical for the UK’s low carbon transport future”, claiming that “It will provide much-needed rail capacity across the country, and is integral to rail projects in the North and Midlands.” However, a recent report from The Guardian reveals that the tree felling involved in construction might have a severe environmental impact. A Threat to an Endangered Species Leigh Day, a law firm acting on behalf of the vulnerable, has written to HS2 to request that they stop construction at Jones’ Hill Wood in Buckinghamshire. They suspect that they do not have the license to go ahead with work that could potentially disturb rare Barbastelle bat homes. According to solicitor Tom Short: "Although HS2 Ltd holds a ‘class licence’ from Natural England in respect of bats Natural England has confirmed that Jones’ Hill Wood has not been registered under the class licence and thus that licence does not authorise works at this site." With only a few roosting sites in the UK, conservationists are concerned that the bats might become extinct if the HS2 work goes ahead as planned. Lawyers for Nature have spoken to HS2 and asked them to seek advice from an independent ecologist before they commence work. Passionate Protest Josephine Cordero Sapién’s ‘Rant’ highlights how the project will have an effect on 693 local wildlife sites and many sites of Special Scientific Interest. The Wildlife Trust have, in addition, provided an in-depth look at the project’s predicted environmental impact. HS2 contractors will attempt to ‘translocate’ the woodland dug up to make way for the railway, a process which involves moving woodland soils to a new location in the hope that the habitat will regrow elsewhere, but there is very little evidence of the success of this technique, as Natural England states that “ancient woodland ecosystem cannot be moved”. Protestors have asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to reconsider this project because it could damage ancient woodland and harm endangered species. For months, protestors have been camped in makeshift treehouses across the forests set to be targeted, including in Jones' Hill Wood in Buckinghamshire which inspired Roald Dahl while writing classics such as Fantastic Mr Fox, to oppose the scheduled destruction. Some even spent the entirety of lockdown in the woods. However, in early October, evictions of these activists began as the bulldozers rolled in. There have been reports of ‘chilling’ police strategies used against them during this process: one anti-HS2 activist describes how the ‘racist’ police forcefully knelt on his head and back while detaining him during a peaceful protest in Wendover, Buckinghamshire. Nevertheless, whilst there may be a huge environmental impact from the HS2 railway, defenders argue that it will continue to bring many jobs to London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. The HS2 website promises that the project will help “rebalance the UK economy.” It remains to be seen if the innovative but controversial railway line will live up to these claims. You may also like: A Quarter of UK Mammals at Risk of Extinction We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers investigate how the recent violence against Nigerian protestors has exposed the growing tension between the country’s government and its citizens. Photo by Tosin James On the evening of October 20th, the Nigerian military opened fire on peaceful protestors at Lekki Toll Gate and Alausa, injuring hundreds and killing at least 12. The protest’s demands: an end to police brutality. Although the authorities have attempted to hide these shootings by removing CCTV cameras and cutting the electricity in the area, they have been unable to contain the response on social media. Eye-witness recordingsbrought the brutality to international attention, igniting further protests among Nigerian communities around the world. #EndSARS The youth-led protests began in early October after a video emerged featuring a notorious police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), beating and killing a man. As a heavily-armed police force established to fight violent crime, SARS has faced countless allegations of abuse – including claims of torture, enforced bribes, rape, and extrajudicial killings – throughout its 28-year history. President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to mention the recent causalities in his address to the nation last Thursday has only reinforced the tension between the Nigerian government and its citizens – though they have since admitted that the army was involved in the shootings. Although the dissolution of SARS was announced on October 11th, the protestors are not convinced that this will bring an end to police violence. As such, the #EndSARS movement has taken on great significance as a public stand against the violation of human rights throughout the country. Sexual Violence & Religious Persecution Earlier this year, a reported wave of sexual violence against women and girls – including the rape and murder of a 22-year old student in a church – has further fuelled demands for greater protection and gender equality. According to a study by UNICEF in 2014, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 10 boys have experienced some form of sexual violence, and only a few received any support. In February, thousands of Nigerian Christians protested against the persecution of religious believers by the Fulani ethnic group, ignited by the beheading of Brethren pastor Lawan Andimi. The Nigerian government has been criticisedfor failing to appropriately condemn the Boko Haram jihadist insurgents over the past few years. As journalist Patrick Egwu explains: “Nigeria is still deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines… Marginalisation, unequal political appointments, and ethnic and religious tensions are still brewing division.” The Future of Nigeria It is clear that the country’s widespread socio-political tensions will not disappear overnight. With an average national age of 18 and a rapidly-growing population, the recent global crash in oil prices due to coronavirus is said to pose a significant threat to the creation of new jobs. Although the protests have been largely peaceful, some have taken the opportunity to vandalise shops and raid warehouses, as well as attack the properties of politicians thought to be connected to the military shootings. A report from Amnesty International reveals that at least 56 people have died since the protests began, including both anti-police demonstrators and some believed to have been hired by authorities to confront the protestors. Nevertheless, some journalists believe that the #EndSARS movement will continue to shape the future of Nigeria.As the BBC reports, the government’s promise to disband SARS has “given Nigerian youths confidence”, noting that “they believe that they can make a difference.”As Kathryn Salam concludes, October saw years of ‘fancy hashtag activism’ turn into marches. You may also like: The Democratic Battle of Hong Kong We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Nick Webb looks at Britain's new approach to renewable energy and the progress Scotland is already making. Photo by Nathan Anderson As part of the Conservative government’s green economy plans to rebuild a more environmentally friendly post-Covid Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised that “in 10 years’ time, offshore wind will be powering every home in the country.” Speaking at the Virtual Tory Party Conferenc e , the PM has announced that the UK will aim to have net-zero emissions by 2050. Boris’ Promise The policy of “ build back greener ” includes £160 million investment to upgrade infrastructure, especially in parts of the North-East, Scotland and Wales, in order to increase offshore wind energy generation. The projects will see the creation of over 2000 construction jobs, and enable the sector to support up to 60,000 positions by 2030. This commitment puts the British economy on target to create 60% of the UK’s green energy using wind farms.  In his keynote speech at the end of the second day of the Tory Conference, the Prime Minister promised that in his “ green industrial revolution ”, the target for the amount of wind-generated electricity in the UK will rise from 30 gigawatts to 40 gigawatts. This pledge would make the UK the world leader in green energy . As part of the plan to reach net-zero by 2050, Johnson outlined a future of “green-collar jobs in wind, in solar, in nuclear, in hydrogen and in carbon capture and storage.” The construction plans include not only large, static wind farms, but floating windmills – “enough to generate one gigawatt of energy by 2030, 15 times as much as the rest of the world put together.” While there is a promise of large-scale government investment in the scheme, the Prime Minister has said that not everything can be funded with public money, and “there comes a moment when the state must stand back and let the private sector get on with it.” A Scottish Story In November 2021, the UN COP26 Climate Conference will be held in Glasgow. Scotland is held as an example of a country not only meeting their green energy targets, but exceeding them. Scotland is on target to reach 100% renewable energy before the end of 2020.  Scotland has been an example in wind-generated electricity, and closed its last coal-fired power plant all the way back in 2016 . Now, there is only one gas-fired power station remaining in the country, where conversions to renewable sources are taking place. Since 2019, renewable energy sources have been able to exceed 100% of Scotland’s energy needs for up to 30 days out of a month. The biggest stumbling block has been finding ways to store the excess energy. From 2018, it has been reported that renewable power sources have been driving 76.2% of power .  The devolved parliament in Scotland set out its own Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act in 2019 in which steps were set out to reduce Greenhouse emissions to net-zero by 2045. This target is not only well within Scotland’s current reach, but also comes five years earlier than most of the rest of the world. These developments are encouraging signs that Britain’s leader may finally be taking the implications of climate change seriously.  Let’s hope that the economic turmoil caused by coronavirus, and potentially also Brexit, doesn’t hinder these necessary commitments to sustainability from being fulfilled.  You may also like: China and US Lead Global Wind Capacity Surge We are a socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. To support our work and journalism, consider becoming an advocate from just £1.

Jonny Rogers reports on the alarming democratic violations occurring in Belarus, and how the country is responding. Photo by Matt Seymour In mid-September, the UN Human Rights Council approved an urgent proposal to respond to the abuse of human rights by authorities in Belarus. As Michelle Bachelet details , the allegations include unwarranted arrests, torture and sexual violence; the victims include children. Now, the rest of the world is coming together to enforce sanctions against those responsible. For the past two months, mass protests have erupted in cities throughout Belarus after President Alexander Lukashenko won another highly contested election in August. The former Soviet Republic, having remained under Lukashenko’s control since 1994, has been labelled ‘Europe’s last dictatorship.’   Despite independent observers reporting that the demonstrations were peaceful , the Belarusian police were authorised to use lethal force against the protestors, including stun grenades, tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets . Thousands of citizens have been arrested , while many others are forced to seek medical assistance. A few people have even died . Meanwhile, women are dressing in white and holding flowers in a symbolic stand for peace. Many industries and public figures have arranged strikes , including several journalists and TV presenters who believe that the state media is misrepresenting the protests as ‘riots’; Lukashenko has insisted that the “core of all these so-called protestors […] comprises people with a criminal history and the unemployed.” Investigations by Amnesty International reveal that detention centres in Belarus have become ‘torture chambers’ in which prisoners are stripped naked and subjected to beating. Riot police have also used force to disperse families gathering around these facilities. Why Protest? The protests were catalysed by reports that the August election was rigged, as well as concerns that the government has failed to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously . Lukashenko’s main political opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who is a human rights activist as well as a politician, claims that she in fact won 60-70% of the vote , while the Central Election Commission officially placed this figure at 10% . Tikhanovskaya was forced into exile in Lithuania after attempting to contest the election results, where she has been sending video messages calling for peaceful rallies across the country. Here, she has established the Coordination Council , a non-governmental body aiming to facilitate the transferral of political power away from Lukashenko. Her husband, activist and video blogger Sergei Tikhanovksy, was arrested just two days after he announced his intention to run for the election in May. “We have always said that we need to defend our choice only by lawful, not violent means,” she insists , “but the authorities have turned peaceful street protests into a bloodbath.” - Svetlana Tikhanovskaya After the entire country was left in the dark amid a government-imposed internet blackout , citizens communicated through an encrypted messaging app, Telegram. This has been used to arrange a ‘March for Freedom’ attended by an estimated 100,000 people, as well as deliver messages from Tikhanovskaya. What Happens Next? International governments are calling for a radical reformation in Belarus’ political system in response to both the reported vote-rigging and the excessive violence used against protestors. The European Union , the US and the UK do not currently recognise Lukashenko as the official President of Belarus. “His so-called ‘inauguration’ of the 23rd September […] lack[s] any democratic legitimacy,” according to Josep Borrell , the High Representative of the EU. The UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says that , “we will apply all the tools at our disposal to hold Lukashenko and his regime to account” as they work with other allies in adopting targeted sanctions. This has become a global project and an ethical priority. As Borrell affirms , “Belarusian citizens deserve the right to be represented by those they freely choose through new inclusive, transparent and credible elections.” On the 10th October, Lukashenko’s press office released a photo of his meeting with other political figures, including prisoners and members of the Coordination Council. Some members of the opposition have perceived this as a sign of his weakness , though the situation is far from resolved. Lukashenko previously claimed that the protests were initiated by ‘foreign puppeteers’ , and Putin has offered his military support if required. Meanwhile, Tikhanovskaya continues to encourage Belarus to march peacefully and “demand what is ours: new, free and transparent elections.” Earlier this week, she issued a ‘people’s ultimatum’ with three conditions: Lukashenko must go Violence has to stop Political prisoners must be released If these conditions are not met by 25th October, the entire country will take to the streets. If Lukashenko concedes, this might well bring about the end of Europe’s last dictatorship. A similar article: The Democratic Battle of Hong Kong We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by becoming an advocate from just £1 and get access to exclusive content!

Nick Webb looks at how technology can help make air travel cleaner. Photo by Florian van Duyn Aviation technology giant Airbus has announced their ambition of “bringing a zero-emission commercial aircraft to market by 2035.” Airbus are exploring multiple different alternative fuel sources to replace fossil fuel engines at varying levels of development.  Electric aircraft are already flying in several different capacities, and there are experiments in unmanned solar aircraft; the main focus in research now, however, is hydrogen power. On 21st September 2020 , Airbus unveiled plans for three different hydrogen-powered concept planes. Hydrogen Innovation  Currently, Airbus has both electric and hybrid-fuel propulsion aircraft in production on multiple projects, several of which have already undergone testing. Since 2019, Airbus has had a fully-dedicated alternative-propulsion system testing facility in Germany . The company has had fully electric aircraft developed since 2010, when CriCri, the first all-electric aerobic aircraft, was developed. An all-electric, twin-propellor E-Fan plane successfully flew across the English Channel in 2015, and there are multiple other concept aircraft focusing on remotely-piloted flight as well as vertical take-off and landing craft.  Airbus’experiments using solar energy are currently focused on unmanned stratospheric flight . The project, entitled Zephyr , has had successful extended flights being used as pseudo-satellites. The main focus, however, is on hydrogen. Research done by the Hydrogen Council , a global coalition dedicated to research on using hydrogen as an alternative renewable fuel source, has suggested that the gas can be used either as a method of propulsion, or in creating synthetic e-fuels .  As a propulsion system, hydrogen would be combusted and converted into electrical power, creating a completely green hydro-electric propulsion chain. As a synthetic fuel source, hydrogen and carbon dioxide can be combined to create a fuel with net-zero greenhouse emissions. Airbus has said “Hydrogen has the potential to reduce aviation’s CO2 emissions by up to 50%.” Any large-scale conversion to hydrogen-fuelled air transport would, however, require a lot of investment in refuelling infrastructure . Airbus Chief Executive Guillaume Faury has said : “ The transition to hydrogen, as the primary power source for these concept planes, will require decisive action from the entire aviation ecosystem.” The Concept Planes The three ZEROe concept designs have been described as a “historic moment for the commercial aviation sector.” The designs include a turbofan design which could carry up to 200 passengers over a range of 2000+ nautical miles, running on a liquid hydrogen-powered turbine. The second, smaller turboprop design could travel up to 1000 miles with 100 passengers on board. The third, in appearance at least, looks the least like the aircraft we are currently familiar with. The “blended-wing body” design gives the craft a longer potential range, and has wings which merge with the main fuselage. In a development plan laid out by Chief Technology Officer for Airbus, Grazia Vittadini , the company said that the first results would be generated by mid-2021, and a final concept would be selected by 2025. In order for airlines to consider these new designs as viable alternatives to traditionally fuelled planes by 2035, there needs to be significant investment in hydrogen transportation and storage, as well as creating refuelling infrastructure for every day operations.  Mr Faury commented that this marks the “most important transition this industry has ever seen.” You may also like: The Major Environmental Initiative for Transport by UK Government We are a not for profit socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. Support our journalism by considering becoming an advocate from just £1.

Martha Davies looks into the reasons why hunting and shooting is inexplicably exempt from the Rule of Six. Photo by Alexander Andrews The ‘Rule of Six’, introduced in mid-September, was brought in by the government in a bid to slow the emerging second wave of coronavirus. Prime Minister Boris Johnson instructed the nation to meet only in groups of up to six people, threatening a £3,200 fine for those who do not adhere to the new guidelines. Publication of information regarding the Rule was followed by additional details of exemptions. These include weddings and civil partnership receptions and ceremonies, which can accommodate up to fifteen people, as well as funerals, at which up to 30 people are permitted to be present. Even protests are exempt from the six-person limit, although they must be “organised in compliance with COVID-19 secure guidance”. The list of sports exempt from the six-person rule comprises activities such as cricket, rugby, and football, as well as hockey, polo, and curling. Yet, the sport receiving particular attention is shooting -the government has specified that both “hunting and paintball” - both sports that require “a shotgun or firearms certificate license” - are exempt from the six-person rule. Further information published by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) also states that “generally, outdoor recreational activities including shooting can take place and there are no restrictions on how far you can travel.” The already controversial pastime of grouse and pheasant shooting has hence received a new surge of backlash as it appears to be favoured by the government amid the introduction of tighter restrictions. Controversy and Backlash Much of the resistance to these exemptions has been voiced by those who oppose hunting for reasons encompassing both environmentalism and elitism. The Conservative Party itself, however, has previously received donations from advocates of the sport, with Party members arguing that it provides vital income for rural communities. Ian Bell, the BASC chief executive, maintains that “the government’s decision to allow shooting to continue in its current format in England is the right one.” Indeed, Boris Johnson has been vocal about his positive views of hunting; in an article for The Spectator, he wrote of “the weird semi-sexual relation with the horse, in which you have the illusion of understanding and control.” Johnson also pondered “the military-style pleasure of wheeling and charging as one” and “the emulative fun of a pseudo-campaign,” expounding the benefits of hunting as a vital “section of our culture.” These comments are more than a little odd, and perhaps say something about the kind of person who chooses to engage in such a barbaric pastime. Varied Rules Invite Divisiveness As well as restrictions on group meetings, the Prime Minister recently announced a 10pm curfew for bars and pubs - an action which seems to be an undeniable U-turn following his encouragement to engage in the hospitality industry using the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme in August. Yet, further indignation has surged in reaction to reports that locations serving alcohol on the parliamentary estate were initially exempt from the 10pm curfew, apparently because they can be classified as “workplace canteens” which “may remain open where there is no practical alternative for staff at that workplace to obtain food”. Such contradictory rules, often benefiting politicians themselves, invite criticism and a closer examination of whether the government is truly acting out of fairness. Labour’s shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard has commented that “it is clear there’s one rule for the cabinet and their mates and another for the rest of us.” The shooting and alcohol exemptions have intensified feelings of divisiveness that have risen in reaction to the government’s handling of the pandemic. As much as restrictions have been thought out to allow important group gatherings to remain possible, the Conservatives continue to be seen as a party acting in their own interests, opening up avenues of distrust and uncertainty as the threat of coronavirus persists. You may also like: A Quarter of UK Mammals at Risk of Extinction We are a socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. To support our work and journalism, consider becoming an advocate from just £1.

Ellie Chivers laments over inaction by politicians to act on policies to slow down the climate crisis. Photo by Anders Hellberg , Creative Commons “Looking back [over two years], a lot has happened,” Greta Thunberg begins . One of – if not the – definitive voices in climate action. From this opener, you’d hope she has come bearing some good news, but when it comes to the climate crisis, optimism is misplaced.  “Many millions have taken to the streets…and on 28th November 2019, the European parliament declared a climate and environmental emergency.” Here, Greta reflects on the two years which have passed since her school strike first shook the world, and notes the domino effect that her actions have had on other’s climate awareness. But still, according to Greta and some of her fellow school strikers in a recent interview with The Guardian , not enough has been done. “Over these last two years, the world has emitted over 80bn tonnes of CO2. We have seen continuous natural disasters taking place across the globe. Many lives and livelihoods have been lost, and this is only the beginning.” Greta packs a punch with her words, underlining the dangerous effects untreated climate change is having on our world; lest we forget the 90 people who died in nearly 50-degree heat in India last year, or those killed in China, Japan and Africa’s typhoons and cyclones.  We are so aware of climate change and its effects on our planet and livelihoods, thanks to activism from the likes of Greta, and a greater media agenda. So why, even when we know exactly what’s going on, are our world leaders letting it monumental emissions persist? Two Years Wasted Thanks to “Political Inaction” Gareth Ackland of the Citizens Climate Lobby has attributed the continuation of devastating climate change to consumerism and corporate greed: “It’s not that leaders are harming the planet, but they are clearly reluctant to make changes that they fear may harm their economies, upset business, entrench poverty or otherwise derail their re-election hopes.” “When it comes to action, we are still in a state of denial. The gap between what we need to do and what’s actually being done is widening by the minute. Effectively, we have lost another two crucial years to political inaction. However, it’s a fact which most people refuse to accept. Just the thought of being in a crisis that we cannot buy, build or invest our way out of seems to create a kind of collective mental short-circuit. This mix of ignorance, denial and unawareness is the very heart of the problem.” – Greta Thunberg The coronavirus pandemic has presented countries with a unique opportunity to evaluate spending and put money into climate-saving investments within their Covid-19 responses. A green coronavirus recovery plan from businesses and political leaders could see the creation of 400 million jobs and the return of $10 trillion a year in business value, according to the World Economic Forum . The report claims “decisions on how to deploy post-Covid crisis stimulus packages will likely shape societies and economies for decades” – the importance of sustainable business plans cannot be understated.  But when several G20 Governments are still pumping more money into fossil-fuel-based rescue packages, it’s easy to see why the likes of Greta Thunberg and Gareth Ackland are dismayed and untrusting. Is the Outlook Still Bleak?   By signing the Paris Agreement in 2015, the 197 participating countries agreed to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius, meaning the amount of carbon emissions emitted by each country by the end of the century must be significantly reduced. However, the USA is due to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on 4th November 2020, one day after the US election. This decision is set to leave US greenhouse gas emissions at least 3% higher in 2030 than if they stayed part of the agreement. However, some countries are beginning to take the action which is so desperately needed. For example, Germany’s coronavirus recovery plan is looking pretty green, as it includes €40 billion for climate measures , such as electric vehicles, public transport and increased energy efficiency. With activists such as Greta and her school striker alliance, however, we can only hope pressure is put on more world leaders to ensure no more time is wasted. As some of the school strikers said in The Guardian interview, “we understand the world is complicated and what we are asking for may not be easy or seem realistic, but it is much more unrealistic to believe that our societies would be able to survive the global heating we’re heading for.” You may also like: David Attenborough Tackles MPs On Climate Change We are a socio-ethical impact initiative advocating for topics that matter, whilst supporting wider planetary change and acknowledgement. To support our work and journalism, consider becoming an advocate from just £1.