Martha Davies writes on the shocking EEA report that one in eight deaths in Europe are affected by pollution. Photo by Patrick Hendry A recent report by the EU’s Environmental Agency (EEA) shows that pollution accounts for 13% of all deaths in Europe. Threats are even greater in poorer communities, findings indicate. The report, released at the beginning of the month, outlines the health risks posed by environmental factors. It reveals that 400,000 deaths in Europe were tied to air pollution in 2012 - the most recent year from which data is available - while noise pollution contributed to 12,000 deaths. The World Health Organisation has reported that air pollution causes a range of respiratory issues, including asthma, pulmonary disease, and lung cancer, while another report found that traffic noise has been found to increase the risks of both high blood pressure and ischaemic heart disease. “The state of the environment in Europe is negatively affecting the health and quality of life of European Citizens,” the report asserts. Its evidence suggests an urgent need to address the issue of pollution in order to prevent health issues from increasing, and to ultimately create a safer and more sustainable world. Geographical Differences and the Impact of Poverty The EEA emphasised the relationship between poverty and pollution, noting that the highest number of environmentally-impacted deaths was recorded in Romania, in which 19% of fatalities were linked to pollution - whereas pollution contributed to only around 12% of deaths in the UK. The report explains that "socially deprived communities are exposed to a higher burden of pollution, with citizens in poorer European regions exposed to high levels of air pollution and noise and to high temperatures.” Heavy traffic in poorer urban areas, for example, increases pollution and exacerbates health risks, while more affluent communities are better able to monitor and tackle rising pollution. “Higher levels of exposure to environmental stressors and the greater burden of health impacts exacerbate existing health inequities,” the report continues, indicating that targeted measures are required to aid these more vulnerable areas. An Invisible Threat The impacts of pollution are disproportionate, and yet ubiquitous: one study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the rate of indoor air pollutants can be up to five times higher than outdoors, while the World Health Organisation states that 3.8 million deaths can be attributed to household air pollution every year. Even the use of stoves and gas hobs can drastically increase indoor levels of combustion gases like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The threat of pollution surrounds us, and, as the EEA’s report emphasises, it can have a more dangerous and varied impact on our health than we may think. Moving Forward The statistics highlight that pollution is an issue that must be confronted. But, as the BBC notes, the EEA report was not wholly negative: most significantly, the number of deaths linked to pollution has fallen since 1990.This is a trend that we must sustain, improving existing schemes like low emission zones and cycle paths, as well as committing to new ways of reducing the amount of environmentally-linked deaths. Recent focus has been on urgent dangers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. But health and the environment are linked more closely than ever - an example that springs to mind being the wildfires currently devastating California. The EEA report reminds us of the risks we continue to face at the hands of increasing climate change. Such reports are vital in identifying environmental risks and their impacts on different communities; staying informed is one of the most powerful tools we can use to fight against pollution and climate change. Pollution may seem like an invisible threat, but we are still equipped to tackle it. You may also like: Toxic Air Pollution: The Other Pandemic 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.

Kate Byng-Hall laments as the UK could face 60,000 premature cancer deaths as the coronavirus pandemic limits diagnosis and treatment. Photo by Hush Naidoo So far, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused almost 400,000 confirmed cases of the virus in the UK, and led to almost 42,000 deaths.  The world has already seen nearly 30,000,000 cases globally. But coronavirus hasn’t put a stop to one of the deadliest diseases faced by humanity – cancer.  Whatever the death rate for Covid, 450 people on average die of cancer in the UK every day. Estimates by experts have predicted that around 60,000 people could die of cancer prematurely as a result of lack of diagnosis and treatment due to Covid-19 restrictions.  Routine cancer screenings, such as mammograms for breast cancer and endoscopies for gastrointestinal cancers, have been severely hampered or even scrapped together due to pressures on health services because of coronavirus. As of June 2020, over two million people were waiting for cancer screening, tests and treatments, mainly for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers.  This led to approximately 2000 fewer cancer cases being diagnosed every week in the UK as of May 2020. Slipping Through the Net Cancer screening programmes lead to around 5% of cancer diagnoses per year, meaning that an estimated 380 cancer cases aren’t being diagnosed every week through screening programmes.  This means symptom-based diagnosis is more important than ever, but it’s much less reliable than screening. Vague cancer symptoms such as fatigue, change in bowel habits, and weight loss might be dismissed by patients as trivial without scans to back them up, and respiratory symptoms like persistent coughs could be put down to the effects of coronavirus rather than their true origin.  People are less inclined to book face-to-face appointments with GPs about concerns due to the possibility of coming into contact with the virus, so symptoms are being neglected. “Delays to diagnosis and treatment could mean that some cancers will become inoperable. Patients shouldn’t need to wait for this to be over before getting the treatment they need.” – Professor Charles Swanton, chief clinician at Cancer Research UK Moreover, approximately one in five cancer cases are discovered as a result of emergency situations, such as fainting because of brain tumours, but admittances to A&E dropped by a third at the beginning of lockdown, meaning a substantial number of such cases are being missed. Long-term Implications As of June 2020, there were an alarming 6000 fewer cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy than usual.  Some of these are elderly and comorbid patients whose treatment has been postponed indefinitely, leading to earlier deaths. The number of cancer-related surgeries currently being performed is down 60% compared with normal figures, leaving around 12,750 people waiting for cancer surgery across the UK.  Some surgeries are being replaced with temporary radiotherapy, but the delay in drastic treatment may be negatively impacting people’s prognoses. The effects are also being felt keenly by newly-diagnosed or long-term cancer patients who suddenly have to deal with their illness without the normal support services such as face-to-face counselling, and even sessions teaching chemotherapy patients how to put on wigs and apply make-up while dealing with hair loss.  This has led to crippling feelings of isolation and mental health implications for many who are already having to struggle with so much. The increased risk of Covid-19 for patients receiving chemotherapy, radical radiotherapy and immunotherapy has also added to this anxiety, with Macmillan Cancer Support reporting that a quarter of calls to its support line were from patients with cancer who are concerned about the virus as of April 2020.  As a report by Nature states, “the psychological stress of receiving a diagnosis and treatment for cancer will be exacerbated in current circumstances”. Furthermore, about 12,000 clinical trials for cancer treatment advancements are currently ongoing, but the majority have been suspended, leading to long-lasting developmental and financial implications, and loss of potential benefits for participating patients.  The pandemic is even having a detrimental impact on the progression of pioneering treatment alternatives. One we are over the hill with coronavirus, which will hopefully be sooner rather than later, cancer needs to become a healthcare priority.  Some have even suggested that the largely empty Nightingale hospitals, purpose-built for Covid-19’s peak, be used to accommodate cancer patients during screenings and treatment. Whatever the answer, these patients cannot be overlooked anymore, or we’ll face a heart-breaking surge in deaths – this country needs some good news, not more sorrow. You may also like: Covid-19: First Human Vaccine Trials Start 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.

Ziryan Aziz reports as Extinction Rebellion returns to the streets of Britain to protest the negligence of the climate change debate. Photo by Gabriel Mccallin A “flipping nuisance” is how the deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police described Extinction Rebellion members’ tactics when arrested at their most recent London rally. Yes, Extinction Rebellion (XR) are back after a seemingly quiet period from when they last notably hit the streets a year ago, pressuring Theresa May’s government to back a climate emergency bill. Since lockdown measures took effect during the spring, however, like most things in the UK, everything grounded to a halt, including protest activities. But things have changed since restrictions were lessened, and the group are active once again, although the second wave may soon dampen plans once more. We are a not for profit company. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Restarting the Conversation Starting on the last weekend of August, the group promised a ‘weekend uprising’ with several events planned. Alongside East-Sussex members marching, dressed in black to mourn for the human destruction of the natural world, the group had also planned family sit-ins outside the Bank of England in protest of fossil fuel bailouts. In Bristol, the group blocked off the Prince Street Bridge and Clifton Suspension Bridge, as well as painting elephant tracks across the city, representing the ‘Elephant in the Room', according to the local branch. More than 600 arrests were made in total over five days of mass protests in London, during which protesters blocked the roads to Parliament. In Birmingham, 150 rebels marched to the headquarters of HS2, the conservative government’s high speed rail plan, and in Manchester, protesters closed off a section of the A34, Oxford Road. More serious was the coordinated series of protests outside newspaper printing works in Hertfordshire, Merseyside, North Lanarkshire on September 5th which caught national attention when protesters blocked the entrances to the printing works, causing mass delays in morning deliveries of The Times, the Sun, the Daily Mail and more. The target was papers belonging to Rupert Murdoch, an Australian media tycoon who the group described as having failed "to report on the climate and ecological emergency" and "polluting national debate". More striking was reported on the group’s site, with a series of statements placing a particular focus on the aviation industry, calling for protests around UK airports in a show of opposition to the idea that the sector should be allowed to return to ‘business as usual’ as the pandemic eases. XR also slammed the government for not taking a harder stance, allowing “increasing flight numbers, runway expansions and no-strings-attached airline bailouts.” Despite this, no protests at airports appear to have taken place. On this particular occasion, various members of the government weighed in on the protests with Boris Johnson calling the printing press protests in particular "completely unacceptable", and Home Secretary Priti Patel branding them “eco-crusaders turned criminals” who pose an “emerging threat” through their "attack[s] on democracy". Next on the Agenda A recurring theme throughout these string of protests has been a call to back Extinction Rebellion’s proposed Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill. The bill aims to reinforce the promises made in the 2019 Climate Emergency Bill by “making the government act with urgency”. The bill would seek to amend the current legislation by removing exemptions for industries that up to now have not had to abide by the zero net carbon emissions target. Furthermore, measures are proposed such as creating a Citizens’ Assembly where ordinary people can have a voice on climate policy, taking into account the entire carbon footprint of the country, and evaluating the dangers of our consumerist culture. The bill was proposed in Parliament by Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, and has seen some vocal support from some MPs in Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party, Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats. 23 academics have also shown their support, alongside legal experts. The bill was tabled in the House of Commons on the 3rd September, and will be brought to a second reading. If it passes, it will bring Extinction Rebellion one step closer to achieving their goal of increasing the spotlight on the climate crisis in the UK, before the real work can begin on trying to address the problem. You may also like: Greenland is Melting: 1 Million Tonnes of Ice Lost Every Minute in 2019 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 explores plans to reintroduce lost species to Britain, including lynx and wolves. Photo by Manohar Manu Since 2015, the charity Rewilding Britain has been on a mission to reverse the effects of Britain’s extinction crisis. By restoring ecosystems to liveable states, overturning the loss of biodiversity on land and at sea, and rejuvenating people’s love for nature, they hope to see the reintroduction of extinct species to our habitats. In addition to this, a recent article from the Woodland Trust – alongside their Osprey Cam, following the life of the birds reintroduced to Britain in 1996 – has raised questions about which extinct animals we are most likely to see back on our land. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Can Animals Be Reintroduced to the UK? Yes –the aforementioned Ospreys revisited Britain in 1996, having been deemed extinct in England for 150 years prior due to systemic persecution and low breeding numbers. However, a population began to grow at Rutland Water, and then spread to Wales. Now, the UK is home to over 300 breeding pairs. It was only last year that Sea Eagles made their return to England after the species were brought back to Scotland in the ‘70s. These giant birds were reintroduced in the Isle of Wight, some 240 years after the last recorded sightings in England. Six Sea Eagles will be released on the island each year, with the hope that they will begin breeding sometime after 2024. The breed is now the largest bird species in the UK. What Other Animals Can We Expect to See Reintroduced? Britain has played host to a number of surprising animals throughout its lifetime – from Brown Bears to Dalmatian Pelicans, Grey Whales to Common Tree Frogs. But will we ever see any of these animals back on our shores? Perhaps. Here are just a few animals we may see back in the UK sooner than you think… Lynx – Evidence suggests that Eurasian Lynx roamed British soil around 1300 years ago. Plans to reintroduce Lynx to Northern England and the Scottish Borders materialised in 2018, but were subsequently rejected. It is thought Lynx could help naturally control the UK’s deer population, limiting the negative impact deer have on woodland areas. Paul O’Donoghue – wildlife biologist and chief scientific advisor to the Lynx UK Trust – believes a Lynx population will also drive tourism in Northumberland, where the cats are hoped to be reintroduced: “It will be the number one tourist destination in Britain by an absolute mile.” Wolves – Also with the aiming of remedying the deer population issue, there are plans to reintroduce Wolves to the Scottish Highlands. Wolves are thought to have disappeared from our shores in the 1700s, but according to Rewilding Britain, there’s no ecological reason why the species can’t live in the UK, having been reintegrated in many European countries already. That being said, reintroduction would have to take place with full consent from the public and a new way of managing livestock. Paul Lister, owner of Alladale Wilderness Reserve, hopes to kick-start the reintroduction of Wolves in Scotland with two packs across 50,000 acres of land. Bison – Bison were last seen on UK land 15,000 to 25,000 years ago, but it may not be long before we see them here again. In July this year, it was announced that the species will be reintroduced to Kent in 2022, with one male and two females being set free initially. While European Bison are not native to Britain, they have been successfully introduced elsewhere, including Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. How Will Species Be Reintroduced? While it might be difficult to imagine wolves roaming our woodlands, Rewilding Britain are hoping to make this vision a reality sooner than you may think. They aspire to achieve their aims through four key principles: “People, communities and livelihoods are at the heart of rewilding.” “Natural processes should drive outcomes in rewilding areas” “Rewilding needs to work at a sufficient scale to allow nature to be the driver of change.” “Rewilding is for the long term – an opportunity to leave a positive legacy for future generations.” With these principles at the heart of reintroduction and rewilding, it may not be long before we see some of the UK’s long extinct animals back home. You may also like: Escaping Extinction: New Hope for Northern White Rhinos 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.

Annie Grey looks into the unwelcoming news and explores which animals are at risk of extinction in the UK. Photo by Ali Kazal A quarter of UK mammals and nearly half of native birds are at risk of extinction, according to scientists who have composed the nation’s first official Red List of endangered species. The list has been approved by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), using the same internationally agreed rules behind the global Red Lists of threatened species such as elephants and tigers. It has been produced for the official nature agencies of England, Scotland and Wales. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Which animals are at risk? According to the report, which was collated by more than 70 wildlife organisations and government conservation agencies, the mammals facing the most threat in the UK are as follows: Critically endangered: Wildcat, greater mouse-eared bat; Endangered: Beaver, red squirrel, water vole, grey long-eared bat; Endangered: Beaver, red squirrel, water vole, grey long-eared bat; Why is this happening? This is due a number of factors: the intensification of farming, pollution from fertiliser, manure and plastic, the destruction of habitats for houses, the climate crisis and invasive alien species. The endangered red squirrels for example, have now been wiped out across most of the UK, mainly through disease transmission. Red squirrels are extremely susceptible to a pox virus carried by the grey squirrels, and as a result of this invasion, now only a few populations remain in England and Wales. The critically endangered greater mouse-eared bat tops the list, with scientists believing there is only one left in the UK. Reportedly they were threatened by the loss of their prey, the conversion of old barns and derelict buildings in which they had roosted, and the bright lights of new suburbs. Red squirrels still have a stronghold in Scotland and dedicated programmes are helping to ensure their conservation against the constant threat of the invasive grey squirrel. However, the species’ population has rapidly declined over the last 100 years. Unfortunately, research from The State of Nature showed there had been no significant improvement in the conservation of endangered species since 2016, the time of the previous report. Losses to all animals, plants and marine life showing no sign of immediate recovery, despite there being some successes in protecting individual species. In fact, data shows that 41% of species have decreased in abundance, while just 26% have increased. At this time, The State of Nature concluded that the UK was “among the most nature-depleted countries in the world”, which suggests a lot more needs to be done to ensure the recovery of these endangered species. You may also like: Awake Yet? Humanity's Impact on The Wild Animals and Plants 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.

Nick Webb writes as horrific animal rights violations are exposed at UK chicken farms. Photo by Etienne Delorieux An investigation by animal welfare activists into chicken farms supplying large supermarket chains has shown birds which do not reach minimum sizing requirements are being left to die of thirst, or having their necks brutally crushed. Videos taken at farms operated by Moy Park, one of the largest suppliers of chickens to Tesco and Ocado, have exposed the substandard conditions in which the birds are being raised. The chickens are bred to grow incredibly quickly, which causes many to have heart and lung problems, with some not able to develop leg muscles quickly enough to be able to walk. The birds are also shown to have burn marks on their backs and feet from the urine-covered floors in the barns where they live. Some of the birds who are unable to feed themselves are simply left to die, and those which the farm owners determine will not grow to size quickly enough are often euthanised by workers breaking the birds’ necks on the sides of buckets, or simply left to die of dehydration. Activists from animal rights group Animal Equality UK have recorded footage showing workers bragging about killing up to 500 chicks in one day because they knew they would never grow to size. The film shows animals still gasping for breath as they are tossed into buckets, still kicking, flapping and blinking, in the piles of corpses. Employees are, however, legally allowed to break the necks of up to 70 small chicks a day in order to save resources for the farm. At other farms where crates full of chicks are poured onto conveyer belts for sorting, birds are culled for having broken bones from the fall and being crushed under the weight of the other animals. Other farms showed that chicks sometimes become trapped inside apparatus for feeding and watering them. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. High Enough Standards? The farms run by Moy Park are held accountable by the Red Tractor farming standards, which detail the rules surrounding the welfare of livestock of all types, including poultry reared indoors. In 2015, the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations, 1995 (WASK), was revoked by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee, thus reducing the protection of livestock.However, the Farm Animal Welfare Committee has said, in a report published in September 2017, that “humane on-farm killing of small chicks is challenging… and cervical (neck) dislocation is increasingly seen in problematic terms.” The Need for Humanity The farmers who undertake this practice believe that dislocating and breaking the necks of the small chicks against buckets is an instant and painless death, however the report states that “there is significant evidence that manual cervical dislocation does not produce immediate loss of consciousness” – the chicks have to endure monumental suffering after being maimed before they eventually die. Legally, it is required that any animals that are sick or injured should be killed as soon as possible and that it should be done in a “rapid and effective” fashion. Executive Director of Animal Equality UK, Abigail Penny, said: “It is of grave concern to me that, in Moy Park’s view, there were ‘no major breaches’ and the horrific practices filmed are permitted under Red Tractor standards. Clearly, this is what modern chicken farming looks like.” Animal Equality UK is urging Tesco to sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment which aims to eliminate brutal battery farming, in order to ensure higher welfare of the chicken they sell in the future. You may also like: New Zealand Leads in Animal Welfare Reform. Europe Follows 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.

Elena Liciu looks closer at the report of Greenlands record-breaking ice loss and the reasons why. Photo by Annie Spratt 2019 marked record high melting rates for Greenland’s ice sheets. Satellite data shows 96% of the ice sheets in the country underwent melting, resulting in 532 billion tonnes of ice being lost throughout the year, equivalent to a million tonnes every minute. This amount of ice loss is double the normal levels previously recorded, and is extremely concerning because it contributed to raising global sea levels by 1.5 millimetres.  Despite not sounding like a significant change, this water increase would be enough to fill 218.8 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Scientists fear that if no regulatory measures are put in place, the drastic increase of melting rates will only accelerate, with estimates being made that the Greenland ice sheets will be completely lost in a matter of centuries. Rising Water Levels NASA scientist Alex Gardner labelled ice cap loss as having ‘huge’ global effects. He explained that rising sea levels will have a catastrophic impact on our planet. As ice continues to melt and feed more freshwater into our oceans, the risk of inland flooding increases. Coastal flooding will inevitably lead to the tragic loss of thousands of people, as well as completely destroying millions of homes. Low-lying terrestrial land, such as the Maldives, face a greater level of threat because small changes to sea level run the risk of full terrestrial land submersion rather than just flooding. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Furthermore, rising sea levels are likely to provoke severe harm to the environment. This damage comes in the form of ecosystem collapse as many habitats will be destroyed, thus making some animal species endangered. Agricultural land will also be impacted and likely made barren by salt saturation. To prevent this from becoming a reality, the melting of the Greenland ice sheets needs to be slowed. Geoscientist Ingo Sasgen has outlined that the way to approach this is through tackling global warming, which he believes to be the prime cause of this disaster. It is theorised that the increase in the planet’s atmospheric temperature creates distinct areas of high pressure above land, known as weather blocking patterns. Such ‘blocks’ hold warm air above the ice sheets for longer periods of time than would naturally occur, thus accelerating the rate at which the ice below them melts. Satellite data shows that as Greenland’s atmospheric temperature increases, more blocking patterns appear, and more ice melts. This effect was exacerbated by low snowfall in Greenland, leading to unusually extreme net ice loss in 2019. The Effects of Warming The weakening of the Gulf Stream System is also thought to be responsible for aggravating Greenland’s ice loss. The system simply represents water movement from the warm Atlantic towards the much cooler North. The system relies on water cooling and sinking, as well as a specific salt concentration to facilitate mass water movement, but this system has been weakening in recent years.  This manifest itself by affecting weather patterns. Heatwaves become more frequent, as experienced in Greenland where costal temperatures have increased by 1.7 degrees since 1991. Furthermore, the East Coast of America faces faster sea level rises whilst regions of Africa is confronted by increased drought, both due to heatwaves. At the moment, the system is 15% weaker compared with its strength in 1950, making it the weakest it has been in 1600 years. As the system continues to weaken, it will reinforce this negative feedback loop in which ice melting is continuously reinforced. Hope is not lost, as experts declare that Greenland’s ice sheet can be restored, simply by reducing our carbon dioxide emissions. If we are able to slow our Earth’s increasing core temperature, we will be able to prevent any further dramatic ice melts to stop rising sea levels and protect Greenland’s wildlife diversity. You may also like: The Critical Concerns of Antarctica and Greenland 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.

Cat Cunningham examines how the super-rich such as Jeff Bezos, have profited during the pandemic while others struggle. Photo by Watcharlie Despite significant economic downturn as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, more than three quarters of the world’s richest population have reported an increase in their already vast fortunes. Research has found that the super-rich appear to have been able to navigate their way through 2020’s rocky financial markets, whilst the less wealthy have been faced with unemployment, pay cuts and a collapse in the value of their savings and pensions. 93 out of 121 family offices surveyed by Swiss Bank UBS said that they had managed to hit or exceed their financial objectives from January to May this year, at the height of the pandemic. This success is in complete contrast to an economic climate in which many countries are experiencing the worst economic downturn they have faced in decades, and hundreds of millions of people could be pushed into poverty as a result. Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and the world’s richest person, managed to increase his fortune by an additional $13bn (£10bn) in a single day to take his personal wealth to an unprecedented $197bn. This gives him a value worth more than that of Britains biggest company, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, which is valued on the stock exchange at £121bn. Amazon’s Lockdown Success Whilst most businesses have faced economic turmoil in recent months, Amazon’s share prices have increased by 70% since the start of the year. Hundreds of millions of people have turned to the online delivery giant to keep themselves fed and entertained during lockdown, resulting in this significant boost in share prices. Amazon is not alone in profiting from the pandemic. Oxfam have estimated that 17 of the top 25 most profitable US corporations, including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Facebook, Pfizer, and Visa, are expected to make almost $85 billion more in 2020 super-profits compared to previous years. As things stand, this success will not be handed out to worker’s wages, nor will it be used to pay more in taxes to fund healthcare. Instead, it will be paid to shareholders – those who are already mega-rich. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. A Time for Saving As well as avoiding any serious financial damage to their businesses, data shows that the richest 20% of the UK’s population have managed to save a total of £23 billion since March as a result of reduced outgoings. Lockdown saw luxury shops closed and extravagant holidays cancelled,allowing the wealthy to make significant savings over the past few months. In contrast, people with an annual income below £20,000 are most likely to have reported a loss of income during lockdown according to the UK's Office for National Statistics. Households in the poorest fifth of the country have been hit the hardest with a fall in their median earnings of around 15%- the equivalent of around £160 a month. In addition, most lower income households have been forced to run their savings down, and have been forced to resort to high-interest credit. Problems on the Horizon Further problems are likely to occur if the rich continue to save money as the corona-crisis continues, as it is businesses catering to the wealthy that have been hardest hit. Many low-income employees have been laid off with job cuts being made at Bentley, Aston Martin and Mulberry. It appears the world’s wealthy are taking a cautionary approach to spending, choosing to rein in excess spending as work and social gatherings are limited. Sadly, if the wealthy don’t start spending again, inequality will rise as the rich will remain rich, whilst the rest of the world will stay the same or even become worse-off. You may also like: Consumerism: From Individual Need to Corporate Greed 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.

Kate Byng-Hall reports on local outrage as an oil spill contaminates the beautiful ocean around Mauritius. Photo by Jeremy Bishop 100,000 Mauritians out of the country’s 1.27 million-strong population have protested in the capital, St Louis, after an oil spill off the south-east coast which threatens the island’s rich wildlife. The march is an encouraging development in environmental consciousness in the country, as protestors chanted the slogan, “citoyen leve citoyen” (citizens wake up citizens). In late-July, the Japanese-owned ship the MV Wakashio was shipwrecked at Pointe d'Esny in Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar.  A fortnight later on the 6th of August, the ship’s hull split, leading to over 1000 tons of oil spilling into the ocean.  Protestors have criticised the Mauritian government for not intervening and preventing the spill in that two-week period, with some calling for officials to resign or even for the government to dissolve altogether. An Ecological Goldmine The oil spill occurred close to some of the most ecologically diverse areas in Mauritius – protected marine ecosystems and the Blue Bay Marine Park reserve. Thankfully, the oil narrowly avoided the reserve, but the wreck ended up lodged on a coral reef, damaging the coral and creating a bank of debris which will limit its growth. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity has found that the environment around the island is home to 1700 species, including 800 types of fish, 17 kinds of marine mammals and two species of turtles.  These could be threatened not just by the oil itself, but by the toxic particles it will leave behind. Oil contains soluble compounds which dissolve in water, and will have settled on the seabed after the spill.  As Professor Richard Steiner, an international oil spill adviser and marine biologist explains, “the toxic hydrocarbons released from spilled oil will bleach the coral reefs and they will eventually die”. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. This is a major concern due to the importance of reefs in the area.  Around 25% of all fish in the ocean depend on them for survival, as does the island’s tourism industry, which attracts around 1.3 million visitors in a typical year.  However, the toxic particles contaminating the sea after the spill will kill a lot of the coral, as well as crustaceans and molluscs, because they are filter feeders, and thus will ingest the toxins when eating. As Professor Steiner says, “the impact is likely to remain for years”. The immediate effects of the spill are already apparent, as the bodies of 39 dolphins have washed up on Mauritius’ shores since the spill.  Several others have been found struggling in the slick.  It was these deaths which enraged locals to the point of protest. The Clean-Up Begins Teams from the UN, France, Japan and the UK have united in a huge clean-up effort since the spill.  Helicopters have been used to transport oil out of the ship to prevent further leakage, and booms (structures to stop oil spreading) have been widely implemented.  Locals have also been proactive, making 80km-worth of makeshift booms themselves out of   cane trash – the leftovers from sugar-cane production.  So far, 75% of the oil has been contained or removed. Tragically, a tugboat helping to clear oil capsized after colliding with a barge it was towing, leading to three out of their crew of eight dying, with one still missing after four were rescued.  It just goes to show the lengths which citizens will go to, to try and save the marvels of their country. While, in comparison to others, this oil spill is small, it is the huge ecological significance of the area in which it occurred which is so worrying.  Hopefully the popular protests in the country will force the government to invest in a thorough clean-up mission to save Mauritius’ remarkable environmental wonders from a disaster of human making. You may also like: Oil Spill in Northern Russia Threatens Arctic 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.

Tom Ford exposes the harsh realities of fishing in light of a recent escape of 550,000 salmon from a Scottish farm. Photo by Jill Dimond Filming for Patagonia’s documentary, Artifishal, in 2017, Norwegian journalist Mikael Frödin explains how he always wanted to see one of Norway’s famed fish farms that cultivates thousands of the country’s salmon. He dons his wetsuit, grabs his camera and sneaks up to one in the Alta River in northern Norway. He says he ‘knew he was going to see a lot of fish’, but didn’t think things were going to be as bad as they were. He records sick and diseased fish with fungus and wounds swimming in the netted pen before shouting that no one would buy these fish in the supermarket if they could see what he was seeing. He says because ‘these things are happening below the surface’, nobody knows about it. Sustainable? Fish farms, or aquaculture, in Scotland has been on the rise for decades, currently producing more than 150,000 tonnes of salmon a year – almost all of the country’s salmon output is raised this way. It’s a huge business, producing 41% of all seafood in the EU in 2017, earning $6.1 billion for the bloc, while the industry in Scotland is worth more than £1 billion a year. Unbound by the two dimensions of land-based farming, it uses far less space than animal agriculture, part of the reason why it’s often upheld as a potential solution to feed the world’s growing population. There are concerns about the rise of aquaculture, however, given that the nutrients fed to farmed fish mostly come from wild fish in our already overfished oceans. One study suggests that if we ate the wild fish directly, we could access the same micronutrients that farmed salmon offers while only needing to kill 59% of the fish we currently do. Scottish aquaculture is also planned to double in size by 2030, which will require the amount of caught fish to increase by two thirds from 460,000 tonnes of wild fish to 770,000 tonnes. One solution would be to breed seafood that can sustain themselves, like shellfish, or switch fish food to a plant-based alternative, which the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation claims the Scottish salmon industry is already doing to ensure ‘that wild fisheries remain sustainable’.  However, Biomin predicts that the amount of fishmeal in aquaculture will actually increase by 2022. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Environmentally Friendly? There are also issues for the local environment, as the pesticides, faeces and food waste coming from the fish farms, sometimes totalling hundreds of thousands of fish, could be damaging Scotland’s lochs. Scottish salmon farming can also have a disastrous impact on populations of wild salmon when they escape from farms, as happened in August, when Storm Ellen damaged pens, allowing over 50,000 fish to escape into the wild. This might not sound like a huge problem, but any diseases they may have been carrying will now spread into the native salmon populations.  This exact disaster happened in Washington State, when more than 260,000 Atlantic Salmon with Piscine Orthoreovirus, a fish disease from Norway, broke free from a farm and swam into the Pacific. The arrival of tens of thousands of new, invasive organisms could also destabilise the entire local ecosystem through competition as they compete with other fish for food. They may also breed with wild salmon, creating genetic complications in native populations, as farmed fish do not know how to behave in the wild and can pass on this trait to their offspring, making future generations of wild salmon less likely to survive. Ethical? There are additional ethical concerns surrounding the farmed salmon industry given just how intensive it is, with individual pens sometimes containing hundreds of thousands of fish at a time.  Each year, an estimated 9.5 million fish die in salmon farms due to disease and parasites – 20% of the total population. Corin Smith, a wildlife photographer who has been researching salmon farming, describes the practice as a ‘hyper-intensive method’ to produce food; ‘there has been overwhelming public consensus that battery chicken farms are essentially unacceptable. Salmon farming's never been through the process of public scrutiny yet.’ It is easy to forget that fish are sentient beings just like the land-wandering livestock which we become so enraged about when they are mistreated. It is essential that the intensive salmon-farming industry rethinks how it treats its produce so we can continue to enjoy delicious fish in the knowledge that it’s been sourced ethically. You may also like: Could Ocean Sanctuaries Be The Answer To Overfishing? 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.

Tom Ford explores how technology is aiding the battle against unlawful destruction of the Amazon. Photo by Berend Leupen Over the last few years, indigenous communities living in the Amazon rainforest in South America have increasingly been turning to technology to fight against destruction of the biodiversity hotspot by illegal loggers, miners, farmers and ranchers. The rainforest is home to around 5 million of the world’s plant and animal species which, some of which only exist within its parameters. Along with indigenous tribes’ way of life, many of these species are under threat from deforestation. Last year, the world watched in terror as wildfires, likely caused by fires set by farmers to annihilate trees quickly, gripped the region, while June 2020 was the worst June in 13 years for Amazon fires. This destruction has been going on for decades in other regions of Latin America too – since 2000, three of Central America’s five great forests have been reduced by more than 23%, with 90% of deforestation in the region fuelled by cattle ranching. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. On the Frontlines The Amazon is not unoccupied, being home to hundreds of local communities spread throughout the rainforest who are ready to fight the destruction of their land. At the forefront of their tactics is technology, with photographs and video footage being used as evidence in court. The Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau tribe, living in a remote corner of the Amazon, have begun using drones funded by the WWF UK as technology becomes more accessible and affordable. Trained by WWF Brazil and Kaninde Association of Ethno-Environmental Protection on how to operate the aerial cameras, they also have a laptop, HD camera, waterproof camera, walkie-talkies and a GPS. Bitaté Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau, 20 years old, coordinator of the Association of the Indigenous People, explained how the “arrival of technology, such as drones” helps monitor areas that people didn’t know had been deforested. “It also helps to have the real dimension of the invasion and destruction that is being practised within the indigenous territories”, he said. It’s working too, as Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau drone operators discovered almost 500 acres being deforested on their reserve in January this year. Why Turn to Tech? Before technology was available to them, indigenous complaints against illegal takeover of their lands by companies looking to exploit the region’s natural resources fell on deaf ears. In Peru, for example, the Achuar, Quechua and Kichwa communities reported contamination of their main water sources in 2000. However, these complaints were ignored due to a lack of evidence and countered by data offered by the oil company responsible, Pluspetrol. Things are changing though, with the photos and videos captured by indigenous groups which can later be used in court meaning that the authorities have to listen. The Cofán, living in the Sinangoe community on the outskirts of the Ecuadorian oil city of Lago Agrio, used drones, camera traps and satellite apps to keep watch of their land, while running an indigenous-driven media campaign to raise awareness of destructive mining practices. After detecting 52 illegal mining operations, they took the government to court for violating their right to a healthy environment, winning the trial in 2018. On the 26th April 2019, the Waorani also won a legal battle against the Ecuadorian government, with the court ruling that “the Ecuadorian government could not, as it had planned, auction off their land for oil exploration without their consent”. The equipment also allows indigenous groups and activists to monitor and impede deforestation without putting themselves in harm’s way in the face of a new wave of loggers and miners, a development that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and many State Governors support. Indeed, the Tierra Resistentes (Land of Resistants) have documented a large number of assaults and even murders against people confronting loggers and miners. Ethnic minorities were found to be the target of 48% of violence cases, while a UN report found that, in 2014, three-quarters of all killings of environmental activists took place in Central and South America. Technology then is not just useful and effective, but can be lifesaving. Problems Remain There remain obstacles, however. For instance, the remoteness of indigenous villages can cause problems. While four of the nine Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau villages in the Amazon have electricity, only one has Wi-Fi, which means that there is a long process to get drone and camera footage uploaded to the internet before it can be used as evidence in court. Not all indigenous groups have access to this technology either, seriously hampering their efforts to protect their land. But with time, this should change, allowing governments to be held to account for the destruction of these areas. You may also like: The Amazon: Brazil's Destruction Of Its Own National Treasure 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.

Kate Byng-Hall weighs up the numerous benefits of satellites alongside the darker side of human technology in the sky. Photo by Antonio Grosz Since the launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957, the UN Satellite Registry has recorded over 9000 objects being launched into the Earth’s orbit. Despite thousands of these no longer being operational, many of them remain above us – the atmosphere is gradually filling up with our technology, and consequently also our waste. Satellite technology offers us countless valuable insights into what’s going on in our planet, but the extent of the information they can garner is also leading to concern about possible privacy breaches as the tech continues to advance. The Advantages Without satellite technology, the world could not operate in the way we’re used to.  Satellites form the infrastructure which provides us with GPS systems. Without them, we’d have no Satnavs, no Snapchat Maps, and no Google Maps – essentially, we’d all be lost half the time. The technology works through a network of signals between our devices and 24 satellites around the world which ascertain our exact positioning on the planet, as well as everything around us. Satellites are used to assist in environmental monitoring, as censors in the sky can be used to track CO2 emissions. NASA uses aerosol technology in their satellites to detect particles in the air from volcanos, dust storms and greenhouse gases. Sentinel censors can even differentiate between naturally-released and man-made CO2. German manufacturer OHB-System has recently signed a €445m (£400m) contract to begin construction of a satellite network to do this – the CO2M constellation will collect data about the emissions of all countries who signed the Paris Agreement in 2016 to ensure targets are being met. Indeed, NASA has been using satellites for environmental purposes for decades, tracking and recording solar activity, sea level rise, atmospheric and oceanic temperatures, the ozone layer, air pollution, and changes in sea and land ice. The observational potential of satellites also means they are used to generate our weather forecasts, as well as to spot and predict natural disasters like hurricanes. 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. Privacy Concerns However, with the observational powers of satellites constantly advancing in sophistication at a rapid pace, people are becoming concerned about how they may start to invade our privacy and compromise security. There are currently over 750 satellites in orbit dedicated to capturing images of the Earth’s surface. These are predominantly used by farmers to monitor crops, city planners to aid with the plotting of roads or developments, the military to aid deployments, meteorologists to track weather patterns, and GPS companies. Just this summer, satellite images and infrared analysis were used to identify formerly unknown colonies of emperor penguins in Antarctica, increasing the global population of the iconic bird by 5-10%. Satellites’ imagery-capture can also have political significance, for example, satellite images identified re-education camps for Uighur Muslims in China after the country’s government denied their existence.  However, the tech is not infallible, as George Bush used it to confirm that Iraq possessed chemical weapons and thence justify declaring war on the country, when in fact this wasn’t the case. The US currently has a 25cm-limit on the clarity of images which can be taken via satellites, but no such limit exists in other countries like China, and it is suspected that spy systems on satellites could be able to take photos with a 1cm-resolution – that’s clear enough to read registration numbers or recognise faces. While, currently, it would be very expensive to achieve accurate surveillance of someone using satellite images, this may not always be the case, as some companies have the goal of establishing a 24-hour image of the entire planet – essentially creating a high-quality ‘living map’ of Earth from above. “People’s movements, what kinds of shops do you go to, where do your kids go to school, what kind of religious institutions do you visit, what are your social patterns. All of these kinds of questions could in principle be interrogated, should someone be interested.” – Peter Martinez, Secure World Foundation Musk’s Ambitious Plans Anxiety surrounding satellites has spiked in recent months in response to Elon Musk’s Starlink initiative. In Spring of this year, Musk’s company SpaceX launched two spacecraft carrying 60 satellites into the atmosphere in the first move to establish his Starlink satellite network which is intended to eventually comprise of 42,000 separate objects in orbit. His aim is to implement a “multiplanetary” society in which everyone can have internet access regardless of where they live.  Besides making him lots of money, this would democratise internet access, thus improving education and employment opportunities in developing countries. He summarised this in a slightly ominous statement: “My clients will be able to do whatever they want, just as I am able to do whatever I want”. The extent of these plans will have undeniable ecological implications. The thousands of satellites will emit light, causing light pollution which will disrupt astronomers’ observations of distant space. Some of the satellites would be only 600km above the Earth’s surface, meaning they may even sometimes be visible to the naked eye. The shear quantity of the objects would also vastly increase the risk of collisions in the atmosphere. There are already 34,000 pieces of space debris 10cm or larger, and an estimated 128 million pieces bigger than 1mm. Each object increases the threat of collisions. The likelihood of a collision occurring is currently 1/10,000, but this would rise greatly with the introduction of all of Musk’s satellites. In 1978, NASA scientist Donald Kessler created an argument named Kessler Syndrome that if there is too much space junk in orbit, it could result in a chain reaction where more and more objects collide and create new debris in the process, ending at a point where Earth's orbit becomes unusable. The advancement of satellite technology could well end up being yet another instance of human ambition overtaking itself without sufficient foresight, resulting in potential disaster for both society and the planet. You may also like: How The Free Market Is Ignoring Human Rights 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.

Kate Byng-Hall reports as vicious wildfires tear through the state of California, making thousands homeless. Photo by Meritt Thomas Over the past month, 1.4 million acres – 1200 square miles – of land in California has been consumed by devastating wildfires.  Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes as hundreds of buildings and houses are destroyed.  Seven people so far have lost their life. In mid-August, a series of dry thunderstorms hit the state, causing approximately 12,000 lightning strikes across the area, starting 585 separate fires in quick succession.  The nature of the storms means there has been minimal rain to help extinguish the blazes, and strong winds have quickened their spread.  Much of the fire is tearing through steep and inaccessible terrain, making stopping the spread of the flames all the more difficult. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Disaster in Unprecedented Times The National Weather Service has stated that “warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger”.  These conditions have combined to facilitate huge blazes – LNU Lightning Complex Fire and SCU Lightning Complex Fire have burned roughly 691,000 acres between them, becoming the second and third largest fires ever in the state. Indeed, earlier in the month the highest temperate ever on Earth may have been recorded in Death Valley National Park, California, as thermometers clocked an astonishing 130°F (54.4°C).  This staggering heat would have certainly added to the risk of fires in the region. Covid-19 has also affected how the emergency services have been able to respond to the crisis.  Usually, there is a scheme in America whereby prisoners from jails can be called upon to become ‘inmate firefighters’ during wildfires to assist regular fire services, but this has been impossible this year due to the early-release scheme brought in because of coronavirus. 13,000 firefighters are currently working 24-hour shifts to tackle the blazes, but they’re simply not able to work fast enough.  The state government Gavin Newson has requested that “the world's best wildfire-fighters” from Australia be brought in to supplement the state’s own forces. Shelters for those forced out their homes because of fires are usually set up in large assembly halls at schools, fairgrounds and community centres, but there’s been concern about sleeping in large groups due to Covid-19.  The American Red Cross have been sending people to hotels and motels instead, and providing people with food via individual packages rather than buffet dining. Climate Emergency The severity of wildfires in California first hit the headlines in 2018, as 7500 fires across the state ravaged a total of 1,670,000 acres during that summer, the largest area of burned acreage recorded in one fire season in the region’s history.  It would not be surprising if this year’s total exceeds that record, although the media coverage of the fires is less prominent than two years ago due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This trend of unmanageable blazes will surely continue in the coming years due to the escalation of climate change.  Jake Hess, a California Fire Department unit chief, told reporters that “we are essentially living in a mega-fire era,” as catastrophic fires “have been outpacing themselves every year”. Gov Newson tweeted in the midst of the fires: “If you don’t believe in climate change, come to California.”  It is essential that people do start to take notice of this monumental problem before the whole state burns to the ground, and many other places besides. You may also like: Climate Crisis Kills: 500 Million Animals Dead in Australian Wildfires 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.

Kate Byng-Hall reports on the scientists trying to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction from the lab. Photo by elCarito Scientists in Italy are attempting to revive the northern white rhino population with embryos fertilised in a lab thousands of miles away from the last of the species. After decades of intensive poaching, only two female northern white rhinos are left, currently living in a fenced enclosure in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Central Kenya, watched over by 24/7 armed guards. With neither of the females able to carry offspring, the species is in dire straits. The heat is on to fix the damage poachers have done before it’s too late. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. The Attack on the Rhino White Rhinos are the second largest land animal after the elephant, weighing around 2000kg on average. They live in central and southern Africa on grasslands and savannas, making them particularly vulnerable to the poachers who consistently target them. Poachers as so desirous to attack white rhinos, especially the northern variety, for their horns. Ground rhino horn has been a sought-after ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years, believed to effectively treat fevers, rheumatism, and gout. More recently, it has been in-demand in Vietnam as a hangover remedy. The international trade of rhino horns has been banned under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) since 1977, but it’s still alive and well as criminal gangs provide poachers with sophisticated tech to attack the creatures, and they’re often armed with guns, making it dangerous for anti-poaching teams to confront them. Poachers, many of whom rely on the trade to prevent their families from living in poverty, usually tranquilise the rhinos, then saw off their horns before leaving them to wake up and bleed to death slowly in terrible pain. All this to get horns for medicines which most-likely are entirely ineffectual. “There are five species of rhinoceros and, with the exception of one subspecies of African White rhino, all are in danger of being hunted to extinction for their horns. […] It is heart-breaking to realise that the world’s rhinos are being eliminated from the face of the earth in the name of medications that probably don’t work.” – Richard Ellis, in 2005 EAZA Rhino Campaign’s Info Pack Possessing a horn is also a symbol of status and wealth in many countries. As the population size of the northern white rhino rapidly decreased, with no live births for the past two decades, demand for the horns increased, as did the prices buyers were willing to spend to own such exclusive items. It is toxic materialism which has led this species to near-extinction. 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 Rescue Plan In recent years, scientists and conservationists have been desperately trying to save the northern white rhino before it’s lost forever. A few years ago, the four surviving rhinos were moved from their zoo in the Czech Republic to their natural habitat in Kenya. Experts hoped this would improve their chances of mating, but both males died soon after, leaving just two females – Najin and Fatu. Before they passed away, sperm samples from both males were collected with the view of performing IVF with Najin and Fatu’s eggs.  he process of retrieving them is very complex because rhinos’ ovaries are 1.5m inside their bodies and very close to a blood vessel the width of a child’s arm which would be fatal if punctured.  In 2019, Dr Hildebrandt from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) managed to complete the tricky procedure and collected 19 eggs from the two females. They were rushed to a lab in Italy where expert Professor Galli used an electric charge to kickstart the IVF process with the males’ sperm. He succeeded in fertilising three embryos from the samples. Both females have health complications which render them infertile, so the hope now is that southern white rhinos could act as surrogates for the northern embryos. Four potential candidates have been moved to an enclosure next to Najin and Fatu, and it’s now a waiting game to see if any of them seem ready to accept the embryos. This may be the last chance this species has of survival. Many argue that, as the southern white rhino is not yet endangered, with around 20,000 of the species still alive, efforts and investment should be focused on them or other struggling animals to prevent future threats rather than trying to revive a species which is practically already eradicated. Either way, it has to be admired that science offers us the chance to help species which human selfishness and greed have so cruelly attacked. You may also like: Going, Going, Gone? Giraffes Under Threat 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.

Sarah Clifford discusses what lessons can be learned about improving air quality as life resumes in the new normal. Photo by Sergio Rodriguez Covid-19 has changed many people’s lives more than any pandemic in living memory. Extreme measures were put in place, restricting travel and limiting contact as much as possible to control the deadly virus. Industries were shut down, planes grounded and only those in essential positions continued to work. One of the effects of this was that pollution levels dropped dramatically. In China, major pollutants dropped by as much as 40% compared to the previous year. However, as countries ease lockdown and restart their economies, it is to be expected that pollution will rise again – but by how much? What is Covid-19? The World Health Organisation was first notified about a Viral Pneumonia being contracted at a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019, which would later be named Covid-19.The virus has affected 216 countries, causing almost 600,000 confirmed deaths and over 13 million cases. The significant threat of the disease to a large proportion of the population initially prompted countries around the world to introduce drastic limitations on people’s activities and movements, which in turn led to a drop in emissions. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. Covid-19 and Pollution The devastating effects of Covid-19 have been far-reaching, but they have brought into focus the reality that reversing the effects of human activity on the environment is far more within reach than most believe. Arguably the most serious environmental concern of our age is pollution. Not only is it the key cause of climate change, but it is estimated that air pollution leads to 7 million deaths annually worldwide. Several studies in different countries have also found that areas with higher pollution have a higher number of deaths from Covid-19 due to the propensity for poor air-quality to increase infectivity. Francesca Dominici, a biostatics professor at Harvard University, has even said that “if you’re getting COVID, and you have been breathing polluted air, it’s really putting gasoline on a fire”. Perhaps if we had cleaner skies, the death rate of this pandemic would not have been so severe. 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. Pollution in China China was the first country hit by the Covid-19 virus. During the first 30 days after China put in measures to stop the spread of the virus (during February 2020), levels of CO2, NO2 and PM2.5, three harmful pollutants, in the atmosphere decreased significantly. However, these pollutants have been gradually increasing again since the end of March as the country moved past its infection peak, and between mid-April and May, they surpassed levels recorded from last year and are still rising. This has indisputably been caused by China restarting its industry to boost the economy. Similar peaks in pollution were recorded immediately after the SARS epidemic 2003 and the economic crash in 2008. Though Covid-19 has given the world a small breather from harmful pollutants, it seems that things are slipping back to normal quickly. The Future of Pollution Seeing such a significant drop in pollution in such a short space of time is a unique opportunity for people to see how reversible climate change could be if we force emissions to drop. The pandemic has been a difficult time for all on this planet, it has forced many to stop, perhaps to think and reflect. It has highlighted that we are the authors of our future, and that we have the power to clear our skies and save our planet. You may also like: Lockdown: How it’s Aiding Eco-Awakenings 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.

Kate Byng-Hall investigates how the magnitude of the BLM movement has impacted American society. Photo by Clay Banks On the 25th of May this year, black man George Floyd was killed in Minnesota, USA, after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. The tragedy prompted millions to burst into protest around the world, and has since brought about many reforms aiming to eliminate police brutality and racial discrimination in the USA, where systematic racism has been a problem for centuries. Transforming the Police Many of the basic principles and practices behind American policing were brought under scrutiny as a result of Floyd’s death, leading to multiple legislative changes. Two weeks after the incident, in the city where Floyd was killed, the Minneapolis City Council voted to dismantle the city’s police department and remodel it in order to eliminate systemic racism and refocus on public safety through new community initiatives.  This is a ground-breaking step in police reform, responding in part to calls from protestors to abolish the police altogether. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Elsewhere, some departments have responded to calls to defund traditional policing.  Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, has pledged to shift funding from the NYPD to youth and social services, while Los Angeles’ Mayor, Eric Garcetti, has announced that he will “seek to identify $100 million to $150 million in cuts from the LAPD,” instead funding deficient areas such as jobs, health care and education. The use of chokeholds, the restraint method which killed Floyd, has been banned by police departments in states including California, Nevada and Texas.  This may be made a national requirement if the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 is passed by Congress.  The Bill would prohibit police use of chokeholds and ‘no-knock warrants’, and would make dashboard and body cameras obligatory while police are on duty. “Third Ward, Cuney Homes, that's where [George Floyd] was born at. But everybody is going to remember him around the world. He is going to change the world.” – Floyd’s younger brother Rodney eulogising at his funeral Corporate Action The corporate world has also been responding to the Movement.  Worldwide skincare brand Johnson & Johnson will stop selling products designed to reduce dark spots after they have been widely-used in Asia and the Middle East as skin-whitening aids. The Grammy’s have announced that they will no longer use the word ‘urban’ to describe music of black origin.  Their award category for “Best Urban Contemporary Album” will be renamed the “Best Progressive R&B album” in order to prevent black music being associated with stereotypical ‘ghetto culture’. Individual business people have also been making changes, with Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian, the white husband of Serena Williams, stepping down from the company's board of directors and asking the company to replace him with a black candidate, saying “it is long overdue to do the right thing”.  Conversely, the CEO and founder of CrossFit, Greg Glassman, has been forced to resign after questioning the existence of systemic racism. Apple, Amazon and Google have updated their voice response software to offer education on the Movement.  Now, if you ask a Google device, “Do black lives matter?”, it responds, “Black lives matter.  Black people deserve the same freedoms afforded to everyone in this country, and recognizing the injustice they face is the step towards fixing it.” Raising Voices Millions of dollars have been raised in support of anti-racist causes, including $90 million for Bail Funds which paid off protestors’ bail charges when they were arrested during peaceful protests across the States.  It is the powerful force of social media which facilitated such monumental financial aid for the Movement, as ordinary people and celebrities alike continuously shared posts about the issue for weeks after the tragedy. Companies have also been making large donations.  Apple pledged to spend $100 million on a new Racial Equity and Justice Initiative to support black communities.  Walmart is donating the same amount across five years to establish a new Centre for Race Equity to try and dismantle systemic white privilege in education and employment. Similarly to the UK, where a statue of slave-trader Edward Colston was torn down in Bristol, the removal of racist emblems from the public eye is changing the face of the country.  Statues of slave-traders and colonisers have been taken down in states such as Alabama, Florida and Philadelphia, and the statue of the Nation’s ‘founder’, Christopher Columbus, has even been “temporarily removed... until further notice” in Chicago after the Mayor Lori Lightfoot faced pressure to take down the image of the coloniser. While much positive change has been made in the wake of this horrific killing, there is so much still to be done. Racist attitudes are undoubtably still prevalent among much of the American population, especially in the seemingly impenetrable Bible Belt where some still almost worship the Confederate flag.  It’s not helped by the fact that President Trump appears to be a racist at heart himself in the violent way he has responded to the protests. We cannot settle with the small reforms which have been made so far.  Change cannot stop until all people in every corner of society accept that black lives really do matter. You may also like: Black Lives Matter: George Floyd Death Leads to Riots 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.

Kate Byng-Hall investigates the impact BLM has had on highlighting deep-rooted discrimination of Indigenous people in Australia. Photo by Clay Banks During June, Black Lives Matter protests broke out around the world after the death of black man George Floyd under the knee of a white police officer in America. Australia was no different, with some marches numbering over 30,000 attendees, but indigenous Australians also used the platform to raise awareness for the discrimination they have faced for centuries, both from the police and the non-indigenous population. Indigenous people, primarily Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders, make up only 2.4% of Australia’s population of 25 million people, yet more than a quarter of the country’s prisoners are of indigenous descent. Moreover, there have been 434 indigenous deaths in police custody since 1991. This figure has caused anger in Australia, leading to BLM protests in the country taking a local slant and expressing anger with police violence towards the indigenous population. One particular case causing unrest is the death of indigenous man Dave Dungay Jr in police custody in 2015 after five officers restrained him – his last words were reportedly “I can’t breathe”, the same as George Floyd’s. “There's so many modern parallels with what's going on in Australia and the United States. It's the same institutionalised racism, it's the same black deaths in custody and police getting away with it with impunity.” – Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Sudanese-Australian activist and author This discrimination is backed up by systemic non-indigenous bias in the country, as the Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues states that three quarters of Australians implicitly harbour such a bias against the indigenous population. A survey of 1000 25-44-year-old non-indigenous Australians reveals some of the alarmingly biased opinions the population holds. 31% think indigenous people should behave more like ‘other Australians’, 21% would move seats if an indigenous person sat next to them, and 12% would tell jokes about indigenous people. 9% even admit that they wouldn’t hire an indigenous person. Most shockingly, 19% don’t recognise that racial discrimination could have a negative impact on indigenous people’s mental health. We are a charity (CIC). You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Colonial Legacy Oppression of indigenous Australians began in the 18th century when Britain first colonised the country. In 1770, Captain Cook declared the east coast of Australia a possession of Britain. In 1788, British presence returned as 1500 British crew, marines, convicts and civilians arrived at Sydney Cove to settle. Before colonisation, over 500 separate indigenous groups lived in Australia numbering around 750,000 people, but it is estimated that 90% of them were wiped out as a result of diseases brought over by the British including smallpox and measles, seizure of indigenous land, and conflict with the settlers. Around 20,000 indigenous Australians are thought to have been killed due to colonial violence. Throughout the 19th century, British military forces were present in Australia to protect from outside threat, but also to contain and regulate potential rebellion from the suppressed indigenous population. While Australia gained its legal independence from British rule in 1931, targeting of indigenous people by the authorities doesn’t seem to have been dismantled. Indigenous Civil Rights Indigenous Australians began to demand more rights in the 1950s, with the Indigenous Civil Rights Movement taking off in the ‘60s around the same time as the Civil Rights Movement in America. The Movement called for the indigenous right to self-determination, namely participation in policy, decision-making and leadership at the same level as white Australians. After years of protest, a 90% majority in a 1967 Referendum enacted changes to the Australian Constitution so that indigenous Australians were included in all clauses – this was an essential step in the indigenous population’s journey towards parity with their former colonisers. In 2007, 144 members of the UN signed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, an agreement designed to establish a global framework to promote the rights and well-being of indigenous people around the world in accordance with universal human rights standards. However, Australia was one of the four nations who initially declined to lend their signature before later reversing their decision. The next year, in 2008, the Australian government made a formal commitment to eliminate disadvantage to indigenous Australians in their ‘Closing the Gap’ scheme. This ‘gap’ refers to the shorter life expectancy, higher infant mortality, poorer health, lower education and employment levels, and higher imprisonment rate among indigenous Australians compared to their non-indigenous counterparts. A 2014 study indicates that these disadvantages are caused by “‘intergenerational trauma’ resulting from the ongoing and cumulative effects of colonisation, loss of land, language and culture, the erosion of cultural and spiritual identity, forced removal of children, and racism and discrimination.” With anti-indigenous bias ingrained in the Australian psyche, it’s crucial that the entire population wakes up to the necessity of equality in order for the country’s indigenous population to escape from the oppressive cycle of limited opportunities, everyday racism and police discrimination. 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 looks at the steps Pakistan took to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 10 years early. Photo by Shutter Games | Location: Murree, Pakistan 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. Pakistan have fulfilled goal number 13 – ‘Climate Action’ – of this 17-stage programme. In an effort to prevent and prepare for climate-related disasters and issues, Pakistan have taken a number of admirable measures and steps forward in sustainability, including: Introducing afforestation – more trees have been planted than felled Biodiversity conservation by protecting species Investment in clean energy sources Introduction of more electric vehicles onto the road Focus on training for an investment in careers orientated around sustainability We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Rapid Action Creating a sustainable and liveable future has underscored much of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s policies – from economics to living standards. Malik Amin Aslam, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, praised Pakistan for several of their projects that have helped them achieve their goal. Notably, since 2018, they have been working on their 10 Billion Trees Tsunami programme, which has already seen the planting of hundreds of thousands of trees to reverse the effects of deforestation.Also, their Protected Areas Initiative pushes for greater conservation efforts, enforcing better protection of their national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. These are just a couple of the astounding commitments Pakistan have made to help tackle climate change, and why they are so early to reaching the goal. Very recently, Pakistan also introduced their ‘Green Stimulus’ package at the height of the global Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that the focus on conservation isn’t abandoned. This project gives people “guardians of nature” jobs, which is promoting economic and sustainable development even in such a difficult and straining time. A “Roadmap” To Success The Sustainable Development Goals programme incorporates a number of important objectives that encourage all participating countries to better health services, education and sanitation, as well as the reduction of inequality, preservation of the environment, tackling of climate change and the continuation of economic growth. ‘Climate Action’ is just one of 17 goals within the project, alongside other fundamental societal improvements including ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’, ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’, and ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’, just to name a few. These are all hugely important areas that need addressing, and many – such as climate action – are urgent. The UN reported that 2019 was the second warmest year on record, with CO2 and other greenhouse gases being pumped into the atmosphere at alarmingly high rates. They also emphasised that due to travel bans and lockdown situations, greenhouse gases and the effect of climate change will not be as present in 2020 – however this is not forever. In fact, emissions are expected to climb higher than before once we return to normality. The European Union has criticised the Brazilian government over concerns that increasing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest fires in Brazil could cancel out EU climate change mitigation efforts.  This has increased calls to boycott Brazilian products and withhold ratification of the trade agreement reached in 2019 between the EU and Mercosur, the South American trade bloc. A study by the science journal, Nature, suggests the economic benefit of leaving the Amazon rainforest in its current state would be $8.2bn a year, but continued deforestation of the Amazon would lead to a fall in rainwater and agricultural losses of $442m, as well as other social and economic losses that could result in a loss totalling $3.5 trillion over a 30-year period. The cost of saving the Amazon is estimated to be only $64bn in comparison, which could help restore the landscape and change agricultural practices, thus also saving the ‘Earth’s lungs.’ This initiative is a plea to countries to address climate change in order to save lives, and while it is immensely encouraging to see Pakistan making such impressive developments, it’s crucial that the other member states take their commitment seriously, and come together to save the planet and improve lives. You may also like: Fast Food: The Enemy of The Amazon and Beyond. 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 discusses NASA's alarming research on rising sea-levels, showing which parts of the UK will be underwater by 2050. Photo by Eilis Garvey Unsettling images have been released by climate change organisation Climate Central, showcasing the mass devastation predicted to hit the UK by 2050. Leading scientists at the organisation have put together these digital maps in order to demonstrate the impact rising sea levels will have across the UK, shading in red the areas that will be most affected. The east and north east of England appear to be in the most danger, however it was recently reported on Wales Online that areas such as Cardiff and Newport are also very much at risk. Why is This Happening Now? These images display how much of the UK will be submerged in water come 2050 due to rising sea levels – all according to Climate Central. Rising sea levels is not a new threat; in fact, they have been rising for over 3000 years, at a rate that has accelerated because of global warming. NASA has reported that there is a 95% chance that the current global warming crisis can be attributed to human activity, and disasters in the natural world are advancing at a frightening rate because of it. The greenhouse gases we emit are polluting the atmosphere, thus warming the planet drastically, melting ice sheets and glaciers and increasing the volume of our oceans. Naturally, it will spill onto land with catastrophic consequences if no action is taken soon. Global warming’s alarming speed has been evident in the latest annual State of the UK Climate review, which found that 2019’s average temperature was 1.1 degrees Celsius above 1961-1990 levels, a change which sounds small but has had catastrophic environmental repercussions. Sea levels are forecast to increase by between two and seven feet by the end of the century. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. How Could I be Affected? Areas on the map coloured in red are predicted to be the most in trouble, which include areas from Cambridge all the way up to Hull, as well as London, Liverpool, Southport and Blackpool. Scotland and Northern Ireland appear to be the least affected. An interactive map devised by Climate Central allows viewers to search for their area to see how it could be affected by the rising sea levels. However, these predictions have been made on a number of conditions, such as: only moderate cuts to greenhouse gas emissions will be made; no further coastal defences will be erected; ‘moderate’ luck with weather; and the average impact climate change is believed to have on our sea levels.  It implies there is still time to try and avoid losing more of our land and homes. What Needs to be Done? As National Geographic writer Christina Nunez said, “Addressing climate change will require many solutions – there’s no magic bullet.” Many of these solutions require big firms and corporations changing their approaches regarding energy efficiency and sustainable production. There are things that we can do as individuals to help reduce global warming’s impact, however. Utilising green energy within our homes, limiting our water waste, reducing the amount of meat in our diets and cutting our carbon footprint – all good ways of regulating our effect on our planet. There is always something we can do, and never has it felt quite so important that we push to be better. You may also like: The Critical Concerns of Antarctica and Greenland 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.

Nick Webb discusses the contradictions in a new Agricultural Bill aimed at protecting British farmers and food standards. Photo by Travis Essinger In early 2020, the UK government introduced a new Agriculture Bill, phasing out the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that Britain has been a part of since 1973. The new Bill claims to attempt to improve conditions for farmers, and provide economic incentives for more environmentally sustainable farming practices. The Bill, however, has come under criticism from many, including the National Farmers’ Union, the DUP, and animal welfare campaigners. The Bill The UK’s new Agriculture Bill promises ‘public money for public goods’– offering subsidies to farmers who, rather than concentrating on volume of land available to be cultivated, deliver universal benefits which do not naturally offer any economic reward: clean water and air, and an increase in biodiversity. When drafting the Bill, farmers, and environmentalists campaigned to ensure the addition of clauses to protect food standards and not allow low-quality food imports to be a part of future trade deals post-Brexit. Due to extensive erosion of soil on ploughed fields, the Bill aims to combat potential future food shortages and crises of food security by rewarding farmers who are able to protect the soil with which they work. This can be done through measures like crop rotation, and using fewer unnatural fertilisers. While the EU has often been criticised as being too overbearing and hands on with enforcing strict rules and regulations, a new Environmental Bill, which is also making its way through Parliament, is be needed to ensure standards are kept post-Brexit.  Without EU enforcement, it is feared that the Agriculture Bill’s authority will not be sufficient to impose fines on farmers who choose to ignore standard practices. As it stands, the Agriculture Bill lacks enough detail and variation to protect all farmers, and does not hold strict enough measures to punish those who go against the rules. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. Criticisms While much in the Agriculture Bill can be applauded, critics point out that many measures are either impractical – random patches of land put aside for biodiversity are all well and good, but many species need larger areas to thrive, and having adjacent areas still used for industrial farming would make the practice largely defunct – or lack the details and protections required to ensure standards are maintained. Absent from the Bill is a guarantee of enforcing a minimum standard of British food, either home grown or through imports. Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has warned that “the bill opens up the flood gates to cheap food imports into the UK from around the world. This food will not have been produced to the same standards achieved consistently by farmers in Northern Ireland. These imports will serve to drive markets down at a time when local farmers are under tremendous pressure.” This comes after George Eusitce, the Environment Secretary, refused to rule out the possibility of “chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef” being imported into the UK. While paying subsidies for farms to provide public goods (clean water and air) could work for smaller farmers, the Agriculture Bill also offers subsidies for improving productivity – a practice which most frequently includes the use of toxic pesticides, or intensive and space-reducing forms of animal farming. These larger, more intensive farms are also usually more profitable, and therefore less likely to need to apply for government subsidies. Amendments to the Bill in order to protect British food standards have been put forward by groups of Labour and Rebel Conservative MPs, however these have all been voted down. What needs to be added are amendments not only to protect food standards, but to also protect the land and encourage more environmental practices (without also encouraging the opposite). While some elements of the Bill can be praised, the lack of details and environmental protections mean that the benefits are outweighed by the potentially catastrophic costs. You may also like: Fast Food: The Enemy of The Amazon and Beyond. 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 a recent clean-up in a 1.6 million square kilometre rubbish patch in the Pacific Ocean. Photo by Silas Baisch After a long 48-day expedition, the non-profit organisation Ocean Voyages Institute has made history by carrying out the most expansive ocean clean-up ever, 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 specific 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’. Situated halfway between Hawaii and California, the garbage patch is estimated to span over 1.6 million square kilometres, an area three times the size of France, and is formed by rotating ocean currents – or gyres – that pull detritus into its centre.  This operation begins what will be a slow and laborious effort to clear the plastic, as the accumulation contains an estimated 80,000 tons of rubbish in total. 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. Managing the Monumental Having been wrapped up in the wrath of the Covid-19 pandemic and being told to self-quarantine for three weeks before setting sail, those on the mission had already experienced a somewhat difficult and unique expedition before it even started. However, Ocean Voyages’ innovative approach to the clean-up ensured the operation continued with smooth sailing. Designed in partnership with Pacific Gyre Inc, GPS satellite trackers were attached to fishing nets that were entangled with rubbish by volunteers on yachts. Voyagers then locate these nets and retrieve them.  One small patch often signals something larger looming in the distance, and the process continues. Why Is This So Important? An overwhelming eight million metric tons of waste is dumped into the ocean each year. It has also been suggested that by 2050, plastic pollution in the ocean will outweigh its fish. Not only is that hugely saddening, it’s also very alarming, and could have more of an impact on human life than you may expect. “The oceans can’t wait for these nets and debris to break down into microplastics which impair the ocean’s ability to store carbon and toxify the fragile ocean food web.” – Mary Crowley, founder and executive director of Ocean Voyages Institute Microplastics– which are formed when plastic breaks down into miniscule particles – can be consumed by marine life, and thus causing their stomach to absorb toxic chemicals. As the microplastics progress up the food chain, it is inevitable that humans eating the fish will absorb these harmful chemicals too. But the real pressing damage is being done to the ocean, and those who reside in it.  Plastics can easily kill fish, birds, marine mammals and sea turtles, thus threatening species.  Ocean plastic can also destroy habitats, potentially affecting animals’ mating rituals, and having further devastating consequences. Clean-ups of ocean was is only one aspect of solving this gargantuan problem – the key going forward has to be prevention of ocean pollution in the first place. With further expeditions on the horizon, we can only hope the success of this most recent mission instigates a long line of effective clean-ups in the future. You may also like: Scientists: Environmental Destruction Should be a War Crime 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.

Ziryan Aziz reviews the environmental concerns caused by over-fishing near one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. Photo by Alan Alquist Since last month, a fleet of 260 Chinese fishing vessels has amassed at the boundary of the Galapagos Archipelago's Marine Protection Reserve.The fleet, which comes to the area every year, is one of the largest the Ecuadorian government has recorded, and the navy has been monitoring the ships to make sure no fishing takes place within the protected area. Memories of an incident in 2017 when a Chinese reefer was caught with over 300 tons of shark and other protected species after entering Ecuadorian waters has the government on high alert. So far, the government has identified 243 of the 260 boats as having possibly been involved in illegal fishing practices in the past. 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. Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) is highly destructive to global fish stocks, and often contradicts initiatives put in place by countries to protect their local fish populations. Since the fleet of vessels are in international waters, fishing there is legal under international law. The Chinese embassy in the Ecuadorian capital Quito has released a statement confirming that China has a "zero tolerance" policy towards illegal fishing, and that the country recognises the Galapagos Islands as an “ important natural reserve in Ecuador and a valuable cultural and natural heritage for all humanity”. The embassy maintains though that the ships “do not represent any threat to anyone and their legal rights must be guaranteed”. Since the ships’ arrival, the Chinese and Ecuadorian governments have come to agreement to allow Ecuador's navy to keep watch over the Chinese boats, and China has pledged to ban fishing in international waters West of the reserve from September to November this year. The Importance of the Galapagos The Galapagos Islands are a province of Ecuador some 561 miles from the mainland. Famous for being the islands where Charles Darwin made observations which significantly influenced his On the Origins of Species, they are globally recognised for their scientific importance. The islands were made a UNESCO world heritage site in 1978 due to the diverse and unique range of animals and marine life. In 1998, the Ecuadorian authorities set up a 27,000 square mile Reserve around the archipelago to protect the delicate and diverse wildlife that exists in and around the island's waterways. Specifically, whale, hammerhead, and silk sharks are numerous in the local water, as well as other endangered marine life. Ecuador fears that sharks and other marine life could be caught up by the trawlers whilst moving in and out of the Reserve. In China, shark fins are highly valued as they are the main ingredient in shark fin soup, an old recipe going back to the Song Dynasty and considered a delicacy for the wealthy. With an ever-increasing rise in China’s seafood consumption, many Chinese fisheries are trying to meet the rising demand, and there is concern that the sharks of the Galapagos could be the next targets. A Regular Problem China is one of the most important fishing nations in the world. With the largest fleet of fishing vessels operating globally, China is the top exporter and third largest importer of seafood. However, the country’s record when it comes to illegal fishing has seen it ranked worst amongst 152 countries on the IUU Fishing Index. In 2019, a BBC investigation uncovered Chinese fishing vessels near the small West-African country of Sierra Leone, despite being banned from pair trawling (the act of having two ships supporting a large net) in the area. This practice decimates local fish populations, leaving the people of one of the poorest African countries with an even smaller quantity of fish. Similar situations have arisen in other West-African countries, where 70% of China's African fishing boats routinely fish. A Greenpeace investigation from 2015 found that during the country's E-bola epidemic, 12 vessels were found illegally fishing in Guinea’s waters, and 74 across the region were identified as having entered prohibited areas and under-reporting their catch tonnage. Closer to home, the country has been accused of defying United Nations sanctions on North Korea by allowing Chinese vessels to fish in its neighbour’s waters. It is believed that the government in Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, offered fishing rights to Chinese fishermen in order to gain revenue lost as a result of the sanctions. A report by Global Fishing Watch estimated that in 2018, the quantities of pacific flying squid caught were almost as large as Japan and South Korea’s catch combined due to the illegal fishing, raising concerns about the intensity and environmental impact of such destructive methods. Whilst China is not the only country that has a problem with its vessels being involved in illegal fishing, the magnitude of the problem, the intensity of its fishing practices abroad, and the Chinese demand for an ever-increasing supply of seafood is a recipe for disaster, both politically and environmentally. You may also like: Could Ocean Sanctuaries Be The Answer To Overfishing? 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 provides some good news about oil giant BP's plans to go emission-free in the next 30 years. Photo by Jay Skyler As of the beginning of August, oil giant BP is planning to cut its oil and gas production by 40% in favour of cleaner energy sources. This new plan hopes to see a 10-fold increase in yearly low carbon emissions to $5 billion by 2030.The news comes as a huge step forward in BP’s plans to be emission-free by 2050, and will cost the company $1.5 billion. Bernard Looney was appointed CEO of BP in February, and a switch to greener resources underscores much of his business mission.The London-based firm has predicted demand for fossil fuels will reduce by 75% over the next 30 years if global temperatures are limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, with BP going as far as to suggest its oil and gas production will plummet by at least one million barrels a day over the next decade. Mel Evans, senior climate campaigner for Greenpeace UK, has praised the changes, suggesting other oil and gas production companies need to follow suit: “Slashing oil and gas production and investing in renewable energy is what Shell and the rest of the industry needs to do for the world to stand a chance of meeting our global climate targets.” 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. Alternative Investments Instead of using production methods involving damaging fossil fuels–which, when burnt, trap heat in the atmosphere, resulting in global warming – BP are now looking to invest in greener sources, including: Bioenergy. – Electricity and gas created by organic matter, or biomass. Biomass could include plants, food waste and sewage. While biomass does release some carbon dioxide when it is burned, it is considered carbon neutral, as it does not produce any more than it absorbed while growing. Hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage. – The process of capturing and storing these gases involves taking their emissions and either reusing them or storing them so they cannot escape into the atmosphere and cause damage. The company have also promised an increase in electric vehicle charging points – from 7,500 to 70,000 –and hopes to sell $25 million of their oil and gas refining properties over the coming five years in order to prioritise a more renewable future. A Fall in Demand As is the case with several industries across the world, the Coronavirus pandemic has had a massive hit on demand for oil and gas, thanks to consumers being ordered to stay at home and factory workers not coming in to do their 9-5. CNN Business has reported an 18-year low in the price of Brent crude oil, with BP themselves reporting a $16.8 billion loss in this year’s second quarter. Looney revealed that the news surrounding the restructuring of their oil and gas production was actually supposed to be announced the following month, however a need to cut the company’s dividend due to lower oil prices, alongside the pandemic, pushed the CEO to publicise the news early. Of the news’ sudden announcement, Looney said: “Particularly as we are making the announcement around the dividend we wanted to give the story all at once so people can put all the decisions in context.” While our future may seem very uncertain at the moment, one thing is for sure, and Mel Evans says it best herself: “BP has woken up to the immediate need to cut carbon emissions this decade.” We can only hope other companies also begin to realise this very pressing need for change. You may also like: Germany Committing to Coal-Free Energy 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.

Cat Cunningham reveals more about 'The Great Green Wall' - a collaboration between 21 African nations to boost forests across the continent. Photo by Aiokr Chen The Great Green Wall is an African-led initiative which aims to create a 4,750 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. Upon its completion, the Wall will stretch from Senegal to Djibouti and will tackle many of the challenges faced not only by the African continent, but the entire global community. It is hoped that the initiative will be a partial solution to climate change, drought, famine, conflict and migration issues. An Uncertain Future The Sahel is on the front line of climate change, and millions of locals face an uncertain future as their livelihoods are threatened. The region has faced recurrent periods of drought since the 1970s, resulting in the disappearance of livestock and the destruction of crops. A Great famine in the 1980s affected millions of citizens,and ever since, the pressure to access food and natural resources has been intensified by high population growth and the subsequent demand for food. The statistics illustrate the alarming nature of the difficulties the Sahel faces. In 2017, 20 million people living in the Horn of Africa were declared to be on the verge of starvation due to food crises and drought. 46% of African land is degraded, jeopardising the livelihoods of two-thirds of the continent’s population.Added to the lack of resources and pressure on food supplies is the rapid growth of the population which is expected to increase from 100 million to 340 million by 2050. We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. How Will the Wall Help? The Wall of trees will act as a barrier to prevent further spread of the Sahara Desert which has been progressing southwards for millennia, encroaching on and disrupting the livelihoods of locals. By 2030, it is anticipated that the Wall will have reclaimed 247 million acres of land from being overtaken by sand which can then be used for livestock and agriculture, making the land more economically productive. The new trees will capture 250 metric million tons of carbon every year, the equivalent of keeping all of California’s car’s parked for three and a half years. The increase in trees will also allow for more rainfall to be diverted back into the land, making it available to communities and ecosystems. As well as restoring the land, the Wall supports 15 out of 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals set out by world leaders in 2015. These goals should be met by 2030 and are intended to inspire positive change such as improving health and wellbeing, fighting poverty and hunger, creating jobs, fighting inequality and preventing climate change. What’s Next? Although the project won’t be complete until 2030, progress is already starting to be made. In Senegal, 12 million drought-proof trees have been planted over the course of a decade. Over 5 million hectares of degraded land have been restored in Nigeria, and in Niger, 5 million hectares of land have been restored, delivering an additional 500,000 tonnes of grain which is enough to feed 2.5 million people. Once complete, the Wall will be considered a natural wonder of the world, measuring three times the size of the Great Barrier Reef. This will make it the largest living structure in the world. Despite the successes to date, so far only 15% of the proposed area has been restored. A lack of funding has caused delays as other emergencies take precedence and poorer nations struggle to afford their contribution. Despite these delays, the Wall is a global symbol for humanity overcoming the rapidly degrading environment. If 21 African nations can work together with nature, even in a challenging environment such as the Sahel, then globally we can overcome adversity and build a better world for generations to come. You may also like: Earth’s Three Trillion Trees Are Disappearing Fast 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.

Shaun Britton looks into the reasons behind the meat industry's recent decline. Photo by Antonio Grosz Humankind has always shared the planet with myriad other animals. While some animals we view as friends and family, and some as powerful statures of nobility, some we see as commodities. Those we see as such suffer enormously under human rule. Similarly, the proven effects of animal products on us and our environment have provoked an urgent call for change and alternatives. Whether these changes occur may be of profound and irrevocable importance to our future, but some progress seems to be beginning. The ‘Other’ Domestic animals could be referred to as the ‘other’, the downplayed and downtrodden, whose treatment in our major industries is overlooked by benefactors and concealed from the public. Phillip Wollen, a philanthropist, vegan speaker and activist, has even described animal rights as “the biggest social justice issue since the abolition of slavery.” Every year globally, over 70 billion animals are killed for food, and that number is likely to double by 2050. It is estimated that between 2007 and 2016, 2300 billion wild fish were also killed globally for food, having a profound and startling effect on our oceans. At such a delicate time for our planet, with our ecological future hanging in the balance, beef production uses 15,415 litres of water per kilogram of meat. It is projected that by 2050, animal agriculture will be responsible for at least two thirds of GHGs (Greenhouse Gas Emissions), establishing the industry as one of the leading causes of environmental degradation and devastation. There is only a short time left to counteract this. 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. From Friends to Food Most children have a positive connection with animals through beloved characters in books and films, family pets, and the animals they gaze at in wonder as they pass them in fields. A recent poll by Linda McCartney Foods interviewed 1500 children between 8 and 16. 10% of those surveyed identified as vegetarian or vegan, with 44% trying to reduce or cut meat from their diet. The reasons given were concerns for animal welfare (44%), and the environmental (31%). “The question is not, can they reason? Nor, can they talk? But, can they suffer?” – Jeremy Bentham, Philosopher, 1789 Given these insights and current data on environmental impact, it’s baffling that meat and dairy are still so widely consumed. The reasons perpetuated by our parents and peers - health, evolution, other animals doing the same - seem to fall into what Melanie Joy, author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs & Wear Cows, describes as the 'Three Ns' of Justification: “There is a vast mythology surrounding meat, but all the myths are in one way or another related to what I refer to as the Three Ns of Justification: eating meat is normal, natural, and necessary.” Eating meat is common, though the argument for its normality is difficult to rationalise given its ecological impacts and health issues. It is also certainly not necessary for human wellbeing. The US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has confirmed this: “It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.” A Healthy Appetite? Health is an often-cited factor in people deciding to consume animal products. However, the reality may not be what we have been led to believe. Animal foods may contain nutrients - but that comes with a very big caveat. The IARC, a World Health Organisation group, reported in 2015 that there is “sufficient evidence”to suggest that red meat and processed meats have the capacity to be carcinogenic to humans, meaning they can cause cancer. Another study also found that red meat increased the chemical TMAO in the body, which is linked to heart disease. It seems white meat is not a favourable alternative. A recent study found that white and red meat raise cholesterol in a near-identical fashion, as explained by researcher Dr Ronald Strauss: “When we planned this study, we expected red meat to have a more adverse effect on blood cholesterol levels than white meat, but we were surprised that this was not the case — their effects on cholesterol are identical when saturated fat levels are equivalent.” Moving Forward Reviewing all available evidence, and observing the intersection between our various dilemmas - ethical, environmental, health - it seems clear that for both our sakes, us and the animals, we must embrace a different future. There is, however, already a glimmer of hope, as the meat industry has recently taken a 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. As author Arundhati Roy says, “another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” You may also like: The Move Away From Meat 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.

Ziryan Aziz looks into the internationally controversial initiative to annex parts of the occupied West Bank Photo by Jakub Rubner On the 10th September 2019, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined his plans to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied Palestinian West-Bank. Come June 2020, he vowed to take a different course and instead proposed annexing the Israeli settlements starting in July. So far, official annexation is yet to happen, but what will this mean for the peace process, will it happen, and what does it mean for the Palestinians who live there? What is the West Bank? A hilly area of land-locked territory, the West-Bank is surrounded by Israel and borders the Kingdom of Jordan. Over the millennia, it has been part of various empires and kingdoms, and is currently occupied by Israel, who seized it from Jordanian and Palestinian forces in 1967 following a war between Israel and its neighbours. Both Israel and the Palestinians claim ownership over the territory, and the city of Jerusalem, which Israel regards its eternal capital. Many Israeli Jews – especially Israeli settlers - see the territory as part of the Jewish people’s ancestral homeland whilst Palestinians, want to establish an independent Palestinian state in the West-Bank and the Gaza strip, with East-Jerusalem as its capital. In Oslo in 1993, as part of the peace process, the Palestinian leadership and Israeli government signed an accord dividing the Palestinian territory into zones of various levels of control, but this did not eliminate clashes over the area. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. Israel’s Plans for the West-Bank Since 1967, the idea of annexing the West-Bank has been increasingly popular in Israel, and since the new American peace plan – which outlines that the US is willing to accept the annexation of various Israeli settlements on Palestinian land – there have been affirmative calls to begin the process. Israel is looking at the Jordan-Valley as a high-priority area for annexation, and argues it is strategically necessary for its national security to protect the country’s eastern borders. The Palestinians and the international community claim it would harm the peace process, and compromise the possibility of a self-sufficient Palestine in future. Despite earlier enthusiasm, in June, the PM stated that from July onwards Israel will instead annex just the Jewish settlements, and annexing the Jordan-Valley will be delayed. This is the result of a pushback from pro-settler groups who, whilst strong supporters of the PM, do not support the peace plan on the grounds that it may pave the way for a Palestinian state, something they are firmly against. Some 763,000 Israeli citizens live in West-Bank settlements. Despite international condemnation, the Israeli government continues to provide building permits for Israeli settlements on Palestinian land that can house communities in the tens of thousands. The majority of the international community consider the settlements an obstacle to peace, and deems them illegal under international law, claiming they violate the fourth Geneva convention; however, Israel and the US dispute this. Uncertain Times for Palestinians The future for Palestinians living in the Jordan-Valley is unclear and complicated. Palestinian communities face problems in accessing the farmland they depend upon due to land seizures by the Israeli army, attacks by settlers, and overlapping settlement boundaries which can encroach on their land. Water shortages caused by having to use old Israeli wells and being unable to drill for new ones causes issues with field irrigation. The same can be said for gaining new building permits for homes. For many Palestinians, gaining new permits is a challenge, and demolitions are common. Since the beginning of 2020, 16 inhabited buildings alone have already been demolished in Al-Jiftlik village outside of Jericho. Similar to many stories, the buildings were deemed to be within a ‘closed military zone’ according to the army. Many Palestinians fear they will be forced to relocate out of convenience for Israelis. In Netanyahu’s plans for annexation, Palestinians in the annexed areas will not be given Israeli citizenship, instead classing them as ‘subjects’. Some critics argue that without an independent Palestine, this system is similar to the creation of Bantustan Republics in apartheid South Africa, where autonomous homelands were created for native black South Africans and they were denied citizenship. 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 Reaction The international community at large opposes any form of annexation. The UN has urged Israel not to go ahead with annexation due to fears it will prolong conflict, and make the possibility of an independent Palestine less viable, a concern which is shared by Jordan. Boris Johnson himself recently made a statement that Britain would not recognise any changes past the pre-1967 border lines. Despite the strong US support, the Trump administration has allegedly told Israeli officials that unless the government in Jerusalem will recognise a future Palestinian state as part of their agreement, then they will not support annexation. 44% of Israelis support annexing the Jordan-Valley according to a poll in May 2020. 71% of those who supported it identified as being right-wing, whilst 31% identified as being politically central. Why Now? Given that the US 2020 elections are fast approaching, Netanyahu may be aiming to begin annexation before the elections go ahead, as should the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden - who is against annexation - win, it may hamper Israel’s chances in the future. The Israeli PM is also embroiled in a growing corruption scandal including accusations of taking bribes for political favours, fraud, and breach of trust with the media. Calls to annex therefore could be an attempt to reaffirm voters’ trust in him, allowing him to attempt to perform a feat that many of his predecessors were unable to. With Palestinian and Israeli relations at an all-time low, the future looks dark for a long-term peace solution to this 72-year-long conflict. Worse is the shadow of uncertainty for those whose lives are governed by changing borders and uncertain lands. You may also like: The Democratic Battle of Hong Kong 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.

Exclusive | Emma Smith investigates how 83% of animals and 50% of plants have gone extinct. Photo by Geran De Klerk It is no secret that over the last few thousand years and most prevalent in recent times, humanity has slowly been killing the flora and fauna on planet earth. Since the industrial revolution of the late 1700s, our once rural civilisation has largely grown into an industrialised metropolis and continues to do so. With big companies “privatising“ land and prioritising profit over the well-being of our shared planet, our natural environment has been forced to adapt to our ever-changing needs and consumer demands; thus, destroying and poisoning the homes of living creatures inhabited here. Studies say that so far humanity has killed 83% of all wild animals and half of all the plants. This staggering statistic may go unheard if we continue to exploit the environment the way we have been. Industrial farming, extraction of resources and the expansion of civilisation are all ways in which we have been damaging our wild animals and plants. The extensive, relentless ways in which we cultivate our modern lifestyles is having the opposite effect on the animal kingdom. Every new building or fuel emission contributes to this epidemic, and we are ultimately competing with wildlife for food and energy. We may not even realise some of the ways in which we contribute to this problem on a day to day basis. Fertilisers, pollution and toxic chemicals found in sewage are ingested by animals every day, and although this may make significantly less difference to people, it’s fatal to an animal. “By merely continuing with our present practices and routines, we human beings will increasingly harm our own habitat, the portion of nature we require to survive, and ultimately destroy our own civilisation” | Robert Jay Lifton - Psychiatrist The Imbalance Between Domestic and Wild Animals. 60% of all the mammals left in the world are livestock, which is testament to human disruption in the eco system. Deforestation continues to go on in order to grow feed for livestock. It is beneficial for us to rear livestock; however, we are seemingly unconcerned about less valued animals and plants, resulting in this uneven divide. What's more, scientists have recently argued that the earth is currently undergoing its sixth wave of mass distinction. Climate change has also dramatically contributed to this pandemic. There are 100,000,000 different species on earth; of which at least 10,000 go extinct every year. The consequences of CO2 emissions are deadly, with a 97% scientific consensus that global warming is man-made and is synonymous with the burning of fossil fuels and mass deforestation. Most recently, we saw temperatures rocket to 37 and 38 degrees Celsius in the UK; the effects of increasing water temperatures mean not only do glaciers melt faster, but in the Antarctic sea creatures are unable to live in the slightly warmer conditions, disrupting the food chain. How can we help to reverse the impact? The key to saving our wild animals and plant life is through sustainable living. Although the facts are undeniably shocking; it’s never too late to put a stop to the destruction. Change has to start somewhere and every action helps, no matter how small. Here are some ways in which you can help savour the life we still have and inspire others around you to do so: 1. Participate in cleaning up rubbish in the streets and in your home 2. Give your unwanted items to charity instead of throwing them away 3. Collect your empty crisp packets to give to your local recycling scheme 4. Adopt a wild or endangered animal 5. Separate plastic six pack rings used to package drinks before you throw them away 6. Drive an electric or hybrid car 7. Cut back on the amount of meat you eat 8. Educate others! You may also like: Consumerism: From Individual Need to Corporate Greed 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. Sources: https://awionline.org/content/what-you-can-do-wildlife https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/humans-destroyed-83-of-wildlife-report/ https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-environ-110615-085634 https://www.wwf.org.uk/climate-change-and-global-warming https://religionnews.com/2018/10/12/climate-change-global-warming-sea-level-rise/ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2005/oct/19/frontpagenews.

Exclusive | Faye Williamson shines a light on consumerism, its history and the interwoven impact it has on society and beyond. Photo by Justin Lim The year is 2020 and the cracks of Consumerism are clear. It’s a profit before planet culture and never before has there been such sacrifices for it. The toll has been taken on the earth’s inhabitants, habitats and ecosystems - billions of people and animals have suffered since its birth. To understand Consumerism in depth we should understand how it started, and where its long term trends have been heading. History of Consumerism To consume, was once a mere necessity to maintain one’s healthy existence. Prior to the industrial revolution, mostly the powerful and elites within society found themselves with what one might describe today as living a consumer lifestyle with items such as fine furnishings and clothing. They maintained their status with the knowledge that they were within a very small minority who were in possession of high-quality objects and food. Religious influence in the 16th century, before materialistic class divides, justified this as God’s intentions. The idea of spirituality and the reward of a good afterlife meant more than life’s materialistic offerings. In 1776, economist and philosopher Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations, which introduced the concept of capitalism. Suggesting that luxury produce is good for economies, and that everyone should have their own economic interest, promoting the idea of consumerism. In 1796, the first British department store was opened in London, spelling the beginning of shopping as a leisure activity and a source of entertainment. Between 1840 and 1870 the Industrial Revolution brought a new era for societal structure and its interwoven relationship with our planet. As a new wave of mass-produced items at cheaper prices arrived, so to was born an economic power structure of labour, consumption and waste. While consumerism in the 19th century was centred on increasing living standards and more economic independence for the majority of people, by the 20th century it had morphed into an unsustainable force which has at times manifested itself in uglier forms such as human, animal and psychological exploitation besides environmental and sentient disregard. The Consumer Trend Marketing is one way to describe how you get the ideas to do, or buy the things you want. Through advertising channel such as social media, television, billboards and online adverts help drive your decisions on products, trends and life’s upgrades whilst shaping your character along the way. Edward Bernays, himself a pioneer in the field of P.R. and propaganda in the 20th century, stated that the average consumer is unaware of the extent to which they are manipulated by marketing strategies and advertising. “Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power” - Edward Bernays, Despite the presumption that materialistic possessions bring happiness, it has been revealed that those with the largest amounts of wealth are no happier than those on the opposite end. This is where the difference between relative and absolute wealth takes place; relative wealth, where we are the same or better than our peers, is more important than materialistic wealth. The Conscious Consumer The trend of wealth and consumption is as much about external appearance and impressions within social circles as it is a personal endeavour or craving. Where you invest your money, is either fuelling a societal trend of moral significance or it is not. The primary characteristics of our consumerist society influence our present circumstances and future change. The hope is that the need to move away from the modern trend of unsustainable acquisition and towards beginning a new cycle of conscientiousness is realised. Sustainability and what it means: "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" The concept of sustainability is composed of three pillars: Economic, Environmental, and Social—also known informally as profits, planet, and people. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any” – Alice Walker To abolish consumerism completely is impossible, that’s true. However, being aware, and through directing your financial powers towards more conscious companies and products you will help influence a new wave of sustainability. It’s arguable that the profit over planet culture equates to the majority of private industries and the impact for the earth’s inhabitants, environment and ecosystems is clear. It’s time to wake up and craft a new, more conscious consumer trend. Edited by Shaun Britton. 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.

Exclusive | Ellis Jackson investigates the catastrophic risk of non-human viruses and how little we know of the "unknown" diseases that circulate the other-animal world. Photo by CDC - Not a picture of (2019-nCoV). In December 2019, patients presenting with flu-like symptoms due to an unidentified microbial agent were reported in Wuhan, China. A novel coronavirus was subsequently identified and was provisionally named 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). As of Feb 1 2020, more than 12,000 cases of the 2019-nCoV infection have been confirmed. Most of those involved people living within or visiting Wuhan. There has been speculation a fish and poultry market in Wuhan could have been the starting point for the outbreak. Wuhan with a population of 11 million people has since been on lockdown. China has responded to the epidemic in force with 7,000 medical personnel being deployed and the rapid construction of two specialised hospitals able to facilitate around 2,000 patients. In light of this, the World Health Organisation declared a Global Health Emergency on Jan 30. This, in acknowledgement that the danger the virus poses to countries beyond China is significant and requires a more coordinated international response. The risk of an epidemic on this scale has been noted by Governments around the world with many in recent years making rigid preparations and countermeasures for the "not if, but when" scenario that we now face. The impact of the outbreak has been felt internationally with cases of infection confirmed in 26 countries including UK (2), France (6), Germany (7) and Australia (12). Most recently the United States declared a Public Health Emergency stating that "this virus poses a serious public health threat". Cross-Species Transmission According to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals but some of them are also known to affect humans. Once they have infected humans, they can be transmitted from human-to-human. It has been suggested that the original animal host was of a bat, but this has not been confirmed or denied. A wide range of animals are known to be the source of coronaviruses. Farm animals and their in-natural living conditions tend to be overpopulated, unsanitary and quite frankly inhumane, these conditions can be a perfect breeding ground for pathogens such as 2019-nCoV that over time can mutate and eventually switch host. "The major sources of new human viral diseases are ... viruses of animals. - National Center for Biotechnology Information Another Enemy The evidence is mounting to suggest that our current relationship with our wildlife is fragile, and thus is cause for concern. Currently scientists are advanced in their knowledge of human viruses, however this is not the same for those of animal origin. A study found at the National Center for Biotechnology says "We likely know only a small fraction of the viruses infecting wild or even domesticated animals." In many cases, scientists, learn of, and manage new animal-related outbreaks on a reactionary basis with only limited information at hand. "Such unrecognised viruses are highlighted by the emergence of SARS coronavirus (CoV), hantaviruses, Ebola and Marburg viruses, Nipah virus, Hendra virus, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV-2." Swine-Flu (H1N1) which appeared in 2009 originated from pigs, and transferred over to humans in Mexico has estimated to have resulted in 203,000 deaths. It cannot be ignored that the way we use and manage animals doesn’t just have moral, environmental, and climatic implications but that there are threats at a pathogenic level too, an area at the very limits of our scientific capabilities. Like what you read? Like Tru. We are a conscious publication and platform providing social-ethical insight and acknowledgement about topics that matter. Ethical insight, one place. We are non-profit and funded by readers like you. | To support our work and journalism, please donate.

Exclusive | Shaun Britton offers an insight into the mental health reality of those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders. A world of which many of us know very little about. Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy Whilst most people are aware of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (or OCD), in which the sufferer deals with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, it is often less known that there are a variety of types, or sub-strains of OCD that are commonly experienced. These types are commonly referred to as Checking, Intrusive Thoughts, Contamination, Hoarding, Mental Contamination and Ruminations. However, there is another sub-strain of OCD that is less discussed, and many sufferers may even be unaware that the sub-strain exists. Whilst hyper responsibility can be an element of any experience of OCD, sometimes it can feature so prominently as to be worthy of its own classification. The Lesser Known Bane The Made of Millions Foundation describes Responsibility OCD in the following way: “Responsibility OCD is a subset of OCD centred around anxiety and guilt. Sufferers are less concerned about their own welfare, and more concerned with the repercussions of their actions or non-actions. They worry endlessly about accidentally hurting others, and often times take responsibility for things that are not their fault.” Responsibility OCD, as with all other strains of OCD, is an exhausting and debilitating condition, but thankfully one that can be transformed with knowledge, help and the right treatments. So, what is it like to have responsibility OCD, and why is it less commonly known? The Madness of Doubt To understand Responsibility OCD, it is useful to understand OCD overall. The French used to term OCD as ‘Folie du Doute’ : (The Madness of Doubt), which is a sound way to understand the internal world of an OCD sufferer. In a fascinating article, 17 people were asked to describe what it was like having OCD: “OCD is like having a bully stuck inside your head and nobody else can see it.” “It means constantly questioning whether what I’m thinking or feeling is me or the OCD. The decision is usually a crap shoot. And then you question the decision over, and over, and over, and over and over, trying to come up with the ‘right’ answer.” Matthew Codde, found of Restored Minds, gave an example in an online video of someone with Responsibility OCD. This person walked past realtor signs, put in the ground with spikes and became deeply concerned someone might tamper with them and hurt themselves. This person decided it was his responsibility and moral obligation to pick them up and remove them. Codde also describes a young girl that would have to count up to every number she saw in order to protect people she cared about. Whilst many OCD sufferers may be aware of the ‘unreality’ of their thought process, the experience of being hostage to the machinery of thoughts, a presence in the mind of genuine danger, means that playing it safe, and seeking to avoid anxiety and guilt via the compulsions suggested by that same thought process, strengthen the process itself. Turning The Tide A 2019 study found that intense feelings of responsibility can result in developing OCD though there are other factors such as childhood trauma that can create an onset. So how is OCD treated? There are various approaches, including Exposure Response Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which through a healthcare professional can liberate oneself from a deeply constricting, upsetting and debilitating condition. It is worth remembering, as with any mental health condition, that is most definitely something one can be free of, and with so many mental health conditions, the first step is reaching out, speaking to a trusted person, doctor, professional or trusted person. The help is out there. To finish this article on a curious, old school and somewhat left-field but hopefully very apt quote from the character Master Splinter: “Some say that the path from inner turmoil begins with a friendly ear” 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.

Exclusive | Shaun Britton takes a closer took at the man who helped us discover and understand our planet and all its wonders. | Journal Exclusive Photo by bbc, Creative Commons Sometimes fondly referred to as the ‘Grandfather of The Natural World’, David Attenborough has delivered delight and wonder for decades with his unique presentation and narration of nature documentaries, not to mention brought ecological awareness to millions. Despite being 93 years old, he's still a source of inspiration for multitudes of children who want to get involved with studying and protecting wildlife. He is an undeniably enigmatic and much-loved presence in modern British culture. He has played a huge part in opening people's eyes to the wonders of nature, and the reasons why we should be striving to protect it. "The natural world is the greatest source of excitement. The greatest source of visual beauty. It is the greatest source of so much in life which makes life worth living." During his time as Director of Programmes at the BBC, in 1969 he commissioned a unique and irreverent group of sketch writers and comedians that called themselves Monty Python. He also counts some notable fans and admirers, including revolutionary pop artist Bjork. The pair featured in a 2014 documentary ‘When Bjork met Attenborough’ in which Bjork confessed that she saw Attenborough as her ‘rock star’ when she was a kid. Attenborough's influence seems to know no bounds................ | Read More... We are a conscious publication and platform providing social-ethical insight and acknowledgement about topics that matter. Ethical insight, one place. We are non-profit and funded by readers like you. | To support our work and journalism, please consider donating.

Exclusive | Georgie Chantrell-Plant reveals how Jacinda Arden has engaged the generations of the future by holding a press conference just for children. | Societal and Consciousness Photo by Kelly Sikkema In the midst of the current pandemic, we are endlessly surrounded by press conferences and international uncertainty. However, New Zealand PM, Jacinda Arden, has taken a refreshing standpoint. Heavily inspired by Norweigan PM, Erna Solberg, by holding a press conference about Coronavirius, but with children asking all the questions on what is needed to protect themselves and their family members. A lot of the time, the opinions of children are often pushed to the side, but what this conference highlights is the vital importance of the next generations views and questions, after all, it is their future and inheritance that's at stake. A Call to Action Arden took to Instagram to post about the press conference and the motivations behind it with the caption: “Kids ask a lot of questions most of the time, and right now they understandably have plenty about COVID-19.That’s why we put on a press conference just for children and their questions.” The post has prompted a wave of support and admiration from the public, praising the initiative behind the conference. Transparency between governments and their populations is necessary in times like these, but it is often lacking, especially for young people. This dedicated broadcast for the children of New Zealand is a big step towards the realisation of how important communication and openness is for all groups in society. Children are the least likely group to be severely affected by Covid-19, and show fewer symptoms than their elderly relatives, who are at a considerably higher risk. They can still catch and transmit the virus, but their symptoms are significantly milder. However, they can still be impacted and left confused by the threat of not seeing grandparents or other relatives for long stretches of time, and even the loss of loved-ones in such tragic circumstances. It's important that they understand the nature of the virus, and what are the best ways to stop the spread, rather than being overlooked just because they are a low-risk group. A Helping Hand The PM was flanked by scientist Dr Michelle Dickinson, who specialises in science communication for children, and microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles, who works tirelessly to provide advice and tips on how to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Dickinson hailed the conference as a “Total Success”, taking pride in helping the young people of New Zealand understand the virus better by using her skills to “contribute to helping.” This conference shows the importance of wider communities banding together in order to prevent further spread of the virus. By allowing the younger generation to voice their concerns and questions, they are offered a bright light in a somewhat murky world. Information and facts are needed more than ever in the endless narrative of advice and recommendations, and involving children in clear and scientifically correct discussions about the disease could prove to be paramount in helping combat Coronavirus. What Next for Arden Jacinda Arden’s approach to the virus so far has been the introduction of a relief package of $11.9 billion, wage guarantees and tax relief and those in isolation. At the time of this conference, New Zealand only had 28 reported cases of the virus, but still implemented increased border restrictions. This number has now increased to past 450 cases. Arden is now implementing a nationwide lockdown anticipated to last for a month at the least. In her state address given on Monday to announce the measures, she implored, “Kiwis - go home”, as she stated that she is “not willing to place the lives of citizens in danger.” She leaves the citizens of New Zealand with one final instruction, instilling some much-needed hope: “Be strong, but be kind.” We are a conscious company that provides social-ethical insight and acknowledgement about topics that matter. Ethical insight, one place. A charitable initiative funded by readers like you. | To support our work and journalism, become an advocate from just £1 per month.

Exclusive | Shaun Britton pays tribute to the girl who took 2019 by storm and the powerful impact she has had for environmental justice. | Journal Exclusive Photo by Anders Hellberg, Creative Commons Seventeen-year-old Swedish climate-change activist Greta Thunberg gained global awareness after a protest against lack of response to climate change at her school, catapulting her onto the world stage. Her refusal to attend school since August 2018, using her placard baring the slogan "Skolstrejk for Klimatet" to spread her environmentalist message has marked the birth of the Climate Strike which has since spread across the world, with young people in 125 countries walking out of their educational institutions since 2018 to try and make their societies wake up to the threat of climate change. Her trailblazing eventually led to her addressing the UN in 2018, and again in 2019. Her speeches echoed the sentiment of countless people who are angered by world leaders' inaction on this important issue: "You only talk about moving forward with the same bad ideas that got us into this mess even when the only sensible thing to do is pull the emergency brake. You are not mature enough to tell it like it is." Perhaps the most striking thing about Greta is not just her activism but the example she sets for other young people. She is vegan, and avoids air travel due to its effect on the environment, choosing to travel to the 2019 UN Summit............... | Read More... 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.

Kate Byng-Hall investigates the severity and origin of some of the most deadly pandemics in human history and why factory farming is a risky business. Photo by Artem Beliakin Pandemics such as Covid-19 are rare, but deadly. Most notably in the last century mankind has battled with the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919 (H1N1), which caused an estimated 50-100 million deaths worldwide, more people than were killed during the First World War. One of the biggest questions about pathogenic tragedies such as this remains – what is their origin? Studies conducted on the preserved tissue of Spanish Flu victims from 1918 suggest that the deadly strain of influenza was most likely of avian origin. Birds such as chickens and turkeys are susceptible to H1N1/Influenza A (Spanish flu). Virus genes can mutate faster in birds than any other animals, so avian diseases can become deadly fairly quickly before being transmitted to humans, as may have been the case in 1918. Once they have infected humans, they can become pandemics by being transmitted from human-to-human. Just like the Spanish Flu, other viruses such as Covid-19, Swine Flu, HIV, SARS, Bird Flu and Measles are also, all of animal orign. With this it is undeniable that the cultivation of livestock has contributed to illness both to animals and humans since the practice started. The question now is, what is to be done now? Covid-19’s Animal Origin It’s widely believed that Huanan Market, a ‘wet’, or live animal market in Wuhan, China, was the location where Covid-19 was first passed to humans. Of the first 41 human cases of coronavirus reported in China, 27 of them were believed to have come into contact with the market’s produce shortly before their diagnosis. Many scientists have concluded that bats are the creatures most likely to have initially passed Covid-19 onto humans, as the coronavirus strain they carry has a 96% similarity to the current pandemic among humans, but this would have been done through intermediary species. Pangolins, scaled creatures comparable in appearance to armadillos, have been seen to carry a coronavirus over 90% similar to Covid-19, so they are a credible intermediary, although it hasn’t been confirmed. It’s possible that this is how Covid-19 first came into contact with humans. Dr Michelle Baker, an immunologist at CSIRO, has said that “these wet markets have been identified as an issue because you do have species interacting,” and that the pandemic is “an opportunity to highlight the dangers of them and an opportunity to clamp down on them.” Disease in Factory Farming Live animal markets are not the only avenue through which diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans. Factory farms are a potential breeding ground for viruses which can be transmitted to humans through contact with or consumption of the livestock produced in them, as eating animals which were diseased can lead to human consumers contracting the illnesses themselves. Poultry farms are of particular concern, with spatial epidemiologist Marius Gilbert of the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium stating that “there is clearly a link between the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and intensified poultry production systems”. In commercial poultry production, the animals are bred to have very similar genetic codes in order to cultivate birds with ideal characteristics for human consumption. However, this means that viruses spread between the animals very rapidly because there are no genetic mutations to slow them down. Welfare of Animals is Worrying The danger of this is proven through avian influenza, a zoonotic disease whose spread has been exacerbated by intensive poultry production on factory farms. Poultry is not the only form of livestock which can pose a threat to human health. Swine flu, the much-feared pandemic of 2009-10, is likely to have originated in factory farms housing pigs in Mexico and the U.S., the unsanitary and overcrowded conditions of which accelerated the spread of the disease among the livestock before being transmitted to humans. Factory farming can also contribute to the spread of dangerous bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella, leading to 76 million Americans contracting foodborne illnesses annually, and thousands dying from such ailments. It can’t be forgotten that life for many animals on factory farms is horrific and inhumane. Pigs suffer extreme physical and psychological trauma and deprivation before being slaughtered, with an estimated 80% of pig herds in the UK suffering from pneumonia. 1.7 million birds a year die before they even reach the abattoir, from heart failure, dislocation of the hips, and having their skulls crushed when the drawers on the transporter are closed. Enforcing tighter restrictions on this form of farming would undoubtedly protect the welfare of the world’s livestock as well as its people. Scientific Warning Dan Kirby, spokesperson for Pause the System has said “The science is clear, unless we act now on climate breakdown and end factory farming, disastrous pandemics will be commonplace.” The propensity that these intensive farms hold for breeding life-threatening diseases cannot be disregarded. The coronavirus pandemic should be enough for agricultural authorities the world over to tighten controls on factory farming in order to limit threats to both humans and animals. To protect yourself and others against Covid-19, continue to follow NHS and government guidelines. 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.

Nick Webb explores how Coronavirus has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis caused by the civil war in Yemen. Photo by Julien Harneis Since 2015, the country of Yemen has been at war. The conflict has devastated the nation and has caused what the UN has declared to be “ the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. ” In the current climate of a global pandemic, charities have seen a huge drop in aid, and UNICEF has said that Yemen is now facing “ an emergency within an emergency. ” Roots of the Yemen Conflict The civil war in Yemen has its roots in the Arab Spring uprising of 2011. The uprising overthrew the then long-time president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and forced him to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. Since then, President Hadi has faced uprisings from jihadists, security groups who remained loyal to former president Saleh, and rebellions from the Houthi movement, who champion a minority Muslim sect in Yemen, the Zaidi Shia Muslims. As their power grew, and more people began to support them, the Houthis took control of areas across Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.  In 2015, the Houthis and the forces loyal to Saleh forced President Hadi to flee abroad. In order to help restore Hadi’s presidency in Yemen, several other Shia-led Arabic states, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, began an air campaign to defeat the Houthis, along with some support from European countries including France and the UK.  We are a start up charity. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. After five years of conflict, the war continues to drag on, after original estimates said that it would be over in a matter of weeks.  The chaos has led to two million Yemenis being forced to flee their homes to escape the conflict. The chaos in the country has allowed Islamist groups such as ISIS and al-Quaeda to take advantage of the situation and seize territories in the South of Yemen, going on to carry out several deadly attacks including in Aden, where President Hadi’s supporters had managed to set up a new capital.  By March 2020, The UN Security Council had verified over  7,700 civilian deaths , however some groups believe the number to be much higher, with the  US Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ALED) registering 100,000 deaths, including 12,000 civilians.  Compounding these numbers, the collapsed infrastructure around Yemen has led to thousands of deaths from preventable causes such as malnutrition, disease and poor health. Charities have raised millions of pounds to help the estimated 24 million people ( 80% of the population ) who are in need of humanitarian assistance. By the start of 2020, “the largest humanitarian crisis in the world” was already affecting millions of people by reducing access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation. Disease in Yemen   With aid being slashed amid the various crises, clean water and sanitation services are being pushed even further than before. This, coupled with overstretched health services dealing with casualties from both the war and Covid-19, cases of Cholera are going undetected and untreated. Cholera has been present in the country for the last few years, with 100,000 suspected cases in the first quarter of 2020, and tens of thousands more suspected undocumented cases.  Yemen’s first Covid-19 case was recorded in April, and while the officially recorded figures show less than 2000 cases as of the beginning of August, it is thought that the true number could be as high as 1 million due to lack of testing facilities. Oxfam’s Yemen Country Director, Muhsin Siddiquey said that: “rather than show that Yemen has cholera and COVID under control, the low official numbers demonstrate the exact opposite. A lack of working health facilities and people too scared to get treatment mean that the numbers suffering from these diseases are being vastly under recorded.” Hospitals in Yemen, which are already under strain due to the pressures of warfare, are under-equipped to deal with Coronavirus. The World Health Organisation has figures which show there are only four laboratories in the whole of Yemen which are equipped to test for Covid-19. Doctors in the country have shortages of essential equipment and PPE to protect themselves from the disease, and the rudimentary hospitals are poorly-equipped to treat Coronavirus patients. UNICEF’s Plea While the pandemic has been occurring, other countries have been looking inwards towards their own healthcare, and subsequently, aid funding to Yemen has dropped significantly. Aid for children in particular has been hit, and UNICEF has said that they need £44 million by the end of August, otherwise there is a high risk that over 23,500 children will die of severe acute malnutrition, with millions more at risk of not having access to essential nutritional supplements or immunisations against deadly diseases.  “We cannot overstate the scale of this emergency as children, in what is already the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, battle for survival as Covid-19 takes hold.” - Sara Beysolow Nyanti , UNICEF’s representative in Yemen In a new UNICEF report, “ Yemen Five Years on: Children, conflict and Covid-19 ”, it is warned that not only is the health system in Yemen on the brink of collapse, the number of children who could die of preventable causes by the end of the year could rise by 28%. Poor access to clean water and hospitals means that without the extra funding required, the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis” could get even worse.  Ms Nyanti has said: “If we do not receive urgent funding, children will be pushed to the brink of starvation and many will die. The international community will be sending a message that the lives of children in a nation devastated by conflict, disease and economic collapse, simply do not matter.” You may also like: 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.

Kate Byng-Hall Investigates The Wider Facts Surrounding The Amazon Controversy | Nature and Environmental Photo by ViniLowRaw The Amazon Rainforest has been dubbed the world’s ‘carbon store’ : the millions of trees within it absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide which would otherwise remain in our atmosphere, making it an invaluable part of the Earth’s ecosystem. The rainforest is arguably the most biodiverse habitat in the world, hosting three million species of wildlife, some of which only exist within its borders, as well as one million indigenous Brazilian people. Despite all this, the Amazon is on fire. Fires are expected among the trees of the Amazon due to high temperatures and inevitable coincidental outbreaks. However, there have been 74,000 individual blazes in the rainforest since January of this year, the highest number since 2013, and an alarming 84% increase in fires compared to this time last year. This is not a coincidence. Deforestation is a huge issue in Brazil, and the Amazon is a frequent target. In the constant battle for industrial land, predominantly for cattle farming, an area of the Amazon the size of a football pitch is flattened every minute. While this is usually done by bulldozers, it is also common practice for farmers and developers to set fires during the summer months in order to clear space quickly. It is highly likely that the large-scale fires in the Amazon which have left the world outraged in recent weeks were caused by such intentional fires. You would imagine that the rapid destruction of such a rich and iconic area would be alarming to Brazilian leaders, but the country’s President Jair Bolsonaro openly supports industry over the environment, leading to criticism of Brazil’s priorities in protecting their rainforests. Political Priorities Bolsonaro is renowned for his explicit support of Brazil’s industry, even if its advancement comes to the detriment to the country’s natural habitats. 1.3 million hectares of the Amazon were destroyed in 2018, the highest level of deforestation in any country since 2001; Bolsonaro endorses such destruction. He also condones the use of fire in deforestation, meaning many hold him responsible for the recent outbreaks. Since the news of the latest Amazon fires, the world has rushed to Brazil’s aid to try and save the global treasure. However, Bolsonaro initially refused to accept the £18 million in G7 funds which had been collected for the cause, as he accused France’s President Macron of being patronising and treating Brazil as if it were a colony when extending the offer. Eventually he was persuaded to accept the aid, along with a £10 million contribution from the UK, but the fact that he didn’t welcome the help with open arms shows that he prioritises his pride over the welfare of the environmental wonder which he is supposed to be providing for. Abusing the Amazon 1100 species of flora and fauna which live in the Amazon have already been classified as endangered as a result of deforestation and poaching. Instead of trying to counteract this, Bolsonaro might be on the path to legalising both trophy and professional hunting of rare animals in the Amazon such as jaguars, and even opening commercial game reserves for just that purpose. Brazilian MP Valdir Colatto , who helped draft the proposal, says that it would prevent illegal slaughter and endangered species would still be protected, but there is no concrete evidence for this, and it is arguable that any form of legalised hunting is a threat to the Amazon’s incredible biodiversity. Bolsonaro clearly has no regard for the Amazon’s status as a haven for wildlife to thrive, and doesn’t care if it is exposed to ruthless hunters as long as it increases the country’s income. It is not just the Amazon’s wildlife which is at risk. A Brazilian congressional committee has recently approved a proposed constitutional amendment to allow agricultural developments to be expanded into indigenous reserves which were previously protected. One million indigenous Brazilians live in the Amazon, separated into 400 different tribes with distinct languages, cultures, and lifestyles, but who all rely on the rainforest to sustain their centuries-old ways of life. These ways of life are currently being seriously threatened by Bolsonaro’s focus on industry, and it is putting their lives as well as their cultures in danger. In July 2019, leader of the Wajapi tribe, Emyra Wajapi , was stabbed to death by miners trying to invade the tribe’s territory armed with rifles. The Wajapi’s land has been a protected area since 1996 , but since Bolsonaro has set the precedent that the rainforest is an opportunity for industrial expansion over anything else, the safety of tribes like the Wajapi is compromised. Jair Bolsonaro’s disrespectful treatment of Brazil’s rainforests and their inhabitants is so concerning that he has been dubbed ‘a second Trump’ . If the Amazon is to remain as diverse and essentially crucial to the Earth’s survival as it is now, Bolsonaro must be stopped before it is all destroyed. A Devastating Epidemic The threat to the Amazon is not only worrying for the world because of its vital contribution to keeping our atmosphere clean, but also because it can encourage similar destruction elsewhere. The Tragedy of the Commons is a theory put forward by American ecologist Garrett Hardin that if a few people choose to do something that harms the environment, then everyone will feel they have the right to do the same thing because their abstinence from it would make no difference. This can take effect on a global scale. As other countries see the deforestation of the Amazon, they may feel entitled to fell trees of their own because they believe that them not doing so would not be enough to repair the damage in Brazil. This mentality could lead to even more substantial loss of essential natural habitats across the planet. If the Amazon, and habitats like it across the globe, no matter the size, are not protected as a matter of urgency, then this deforestation Tragedy could be catastrophic. The fires in the Amazon should be a wake-up call for the world to wake up and protect our rainforests before it is too late. Want to help now? You can donate to Rainforest Alliance Here. 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Annie Grey explores the devastating impact the EU's meat consumption is having on the Brazilian rainforest. Photo by Justin Clark Around one-fifth of the European Union’s beef and soya imports from Brazil each year have been linked to illegal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest and Cerrado savanna which is destroying one of the world’s most invaluable habitats. The extent of European consumers’ role in the damage of the two globally important biodiversity regions has been revealed as Brazil faces a futile year for deforestation due to predicted droughts and the actions of illegal loggers. A recent study by Science Mag found 2% of the ranches in the area are responsible for 62% of illegal deforestation. Researchers used freely available maps and data to identify the specific farms and ranches clearing forests to produce soya and beef destined for Europe. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. The Scale of EU Impact International demand for goods ranks as a key driver of land clearance in the Amazon. Data from the WWF and the RSPB found a link between the UK’s level of demand of goods and the destruction occurring in the country. Brazil represents 13.9% of the total UK overseas land footprint, equating on average to more than 800,000 hectares of land relied upon to supply the country’s demand for agricultural products, despite the fact that some of the products could be sourced closer to home. With Brazil currently the single biggest exporter of agricultural products to the EU worldwide, data suggests that approximately 1.9 million metric tons of soya grown on illegally deforested properties may reach EU markets annually. Between 25% - 40% of Europe’s beef imports come from Brazil. The study estimates that 12% of the 4.1 million cows traded to slaughterhouses in the states of Para and Mato Grosso in 2018 came directly from properties that had potential links to illegal deforestation.  This figure increases to approximately 50% when taking into account suppliers that had indirect ties to illegal deforestation. Researchers warn that in the state of Mato Grosso, contamination of beef exports by illegal deforestation could be as high as 44% in the Amazon, and 61% in the Cerrado regions. Long Term Repercussions Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro, said last year that: “Protecting the forest is our duty, acting to combat illegal deforestation and any other criminal activities that put our Amazon at risk.”  However, the far-right and pro-business president also vowed to explore the rainforest’s economic potential, and has supported commercial deforestation in the past. The Brazilian government has $2.65 billion in shares in global beef and leather processors who profit from the cheap supply of cattle reared on areas of the Amazon that have been illegally destroyed, suggesting that the state endorses the mindless destruction of the forest it is meant to be protecting. Deforestation in the Brazilian rainforest increased by nearly 64% in April this year compared to the same month last year, according to data from Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE). The first trimester of 2020 had already seen more than a 50% increase in deforestation compared to the previous year, according to INPE data, despite concerns raised around the subject during the devastating forest fires seen in 2019. The European Union has criticised the Brazilian government over concerns that increasing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest fires in Brazil could cancel out EU climate change mitigation efforts.  This has increased calls to boycott Brazilian products and withhold ratification of the trade agreement reached in 2019 between the EU and Mercosur, the South American trade bloc. A study by the science journal, Nature, suggests the economic benefit of leaving the Amazon rainforest in its current state would be $8.2bn a year, but continued deforestation of the Amazon would lead to a fall in rainwater and agricultural losses of $442m, as well as other social and economic losses that could result in a loss totalling $3.5 trillion over a 30-year period. The cost of saving the Amazon is estimated to be only $64bn in comparison, which could help restore the landscape and change agricultural practices, thus also saving the ‘Earth’s lungs.’ Despite increased climate change mitigation efforts around the world, areas failing to conform are running the risk of increasing the long-term impacts of global warming on a huge scale. You may also like: Fast Food: The Enemy of The Amazon and Beyond. 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.

Kate Byng-Hall looks closer at recent peaceful protests in the UK in light of the tragic killing of George Floyd. Photo by Elio Santo Peaceful protests have taken place across the UK in response to the killing of a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 25th May after a white police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. The incident has catapulted the Black Lives Matter movement to the forefront of public consciousness, with thousands of protestors across the country calling for police brutality and systemic racism to be confronted head-on. Thousands have gathered in Hyde Park and marched to Parliament Square displaying placards stating that “the UK is not innocent”, “black lives matter”, and “no justice, no peace”. Some have even mounted statues and phone boxes to deliver speeches to the crowds using megaphones. One of those speaking was John Boyega, the London-born actor made famous for his appearance in the Star Wars Saga, who said, “I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing – and that isn't the case anymore, that was never the case”. Chief Constables from forces across the country, the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Chief Executive of the College of Policing and the President of the Police Superintendents' Association have made a joint-statement regarding the tragedy, stating that “we stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life. Justice and accountability should follow.” However, police have also expressed concern that protests could cause a spike in the coronavirus infection-rate, as they defy the current government guidelines on social distancing. Organisers of the protests have been seen handing out masks and gloves, but protestors are advised to maintain social distancing, and refrain from attending if in contact with those in high-risk groups. UK’s Racist Past This is not the first time the UK has been in uproar as a result of police racism. The debate was kicked into gear by the infamous, unprovoked killing of 18-year-old black man Stephen Lawrence at the hands of a gang of white men in 1993. Five men were arrested after the killing, but none were convicted. No one was jailed for the atrocity until 2012. This disgusting example of police misconduct led to the ground-breaking 1998 Macpherson Report, which concluded that the Metropolitan Police was “institutionally racist”, and that was why they failed to solve the case at the time. The Report has been dubbed “one of the most important moments in the modern history of criminal justice in Britain”. Lawrence’s mother, Doreen Lawrence, was made an honorary Baroness in 2013 for her charitable work fighting racist crime and police misconduct, and has this year been named the Labour Party’s new Race Relations Advisor. “There are still too many young people who do not have a sense of hope, who just don’t get the chance to live their dreams. I want all our children and young people to feel inspired, be confident and have hope in their own future. We are building hope but there is more to do.” – Baroness Lawrence, the mother of Stephen Lawrence Responses to police racism in the UK have not always been peaceful. In 1995, the Brixton Riots started after a black man, Wayne Douglas, died in police custody under suspicious circumstances. Almost two decades later, riots erupted across North London after another black man, Mark Duggan, was shot by police in Tottenham in 2011. Both caused violent clashes between protestors and police, including instances of arson and looting similar to what can currently be seen in protests against George Floyd’s killing in America. The UK’s capacity for anger in the face of police racism is no less than the US’s. The Colour Purple Protests in the UK this year have been peaceful so far, with organisers emphasising that they want anger about Floyd’s death to be expressed non-violently. Councils and organisations across the country have been showing support by illuminating buildings with purple light as, according to Rokhsana Fiaz, the Mayor of Newham in London, it is “the colour which has been become synonymous with the struggle against oppression”. Buildings including Newham Town Hall, the Museum of Liverpool, the Library of Birmingham, and Leeds Civic Centre have displayed their solidarity in this way. You can personally show support and lend your voice to the movement by safely attending demonstrations, donating to charitable causes, and signing petitions to help make a change. The key message that we should all be taking from shocking tragedies like George Floyd’s death is peace. The police are their enforce peace, not incite violence and hatred. Discrimination is unacceptable in any form, especially if sanctioned by state institutions. We should be outraged by Floyd’s killing, as well as the consistent mistreatment of black people by the police solely because of their race. Lend support in any way you can, but stay safe during this pandemic, and do not put yourself or anyone else in unnecessary danger of infection. 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.

Ben Dolbear investigates the growing concern of PPE waste and what action Governments are taking. Photo by Max Bander After a collection of footage emerged showing personal protective equipment (PPE) scattered across the seabed of the Mediterranean, national governments have begun reacting to this new pollution scandal. The shocking footage of plastic face masks and gloves littered across the depths of the Mediterranean, near Antibes, France, and since then, YouTube has seen a surge in videos which reveal the true environmental cost of discarding single-use plastic gear designed to protect humanity against COVID-19. In response to the public outcry caused by the plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, the French government, celebrated across the developed world for its relatively ambitious environmental-policy agenda aimed primarily at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dealing with air and water pollution, stepped in to more than double PPE littering base-rate fines from just €68 to a more noticeable €135. However, the maximum penalty, depending on the severity of the individual case, could reach €750. Brune Poirson is a minister in the French government charged with implementing policy on dropping litter on the streets, and commented [in French]: 'Plastic waste linked to the COVID-19 crisis reminds us that if we want clean oceans, it starts with clear sidewalks.' You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. Closer to Home Wales has reported a 'significant increase' in litter on the streets during the national lockdown, with regional environmental organisation Keep Wales Tidy telling ITV that much of the PPE found on the streets in non-biodegradable. Not only is it damaging to our environment, much PPE is designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, meaning that discarded equipment could be helping to spread the virus. Since the beginning of the UK lockdown in mid-March, 200 bags of rubbish were collected in Grangetown, Cardiff; the community has a population of 19,385, leading to fears that the problem could be much worse across the country. There has also been a rise in discarded wet wipes and antibacterial products, and with Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething advising triple-layer face coverings in cases where social distancing is not possible, there are fears that the volume of litter will just increase in coming months. During the early stages of the pandemic, many environment-conscious media outlets celebrated the unique opportunity for nature to revive as humanity reduced its consumption and travel. In April, we wrote about the healing of nature with particular emphasis on the significant reduction in small particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in the UK's atmosphere. 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. Multi-Agency Action What is being described by non-profit Opération Mer Propre as 'Covid waste' is overwhelming our oceans with unprecedented numbers of gloves, masks and bottles of hand sanitiser. Laurent Lombard, a spokesperson for the French organisation, has said that 'soon we’ll run the risk of having more masks than jellyfish in the Mediterranean'. The Department of Health confirmed that in the just few days alone,1.5 million Type 11R masks had arrived from China in Belfast, for use in Northern Ireland. France has taken the lead on punishing those who litter the environment with non-biodegradable PPE, and environmental advocates are encouraging the UK government to follow suit. In May, BBC's Countryfile examined how the coronavirus lockdown has affected the amount of waste being illegally dumped, and many argue that the £150 on-the-spot fine for fly-tippers should be increased substantially. You may also like: Pollution to Sky-Rocket as Lockdowns Loosen 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.

Ziryan Aziz investigates the environmental impact of the latest oil spill in one of Russia's most polluted cities - and Putin's response. Photo by Life of Pix Russia is tackling yet another environmental catastrophe as a large-scale oil spill in the northern city of Norilsk threatens to enter the Kara Sea if left unchecked. On the 29th of May, a power plant owned by Russian mining giant Nornickel, the largest nickel and palladium producer in the world, leaked substantial quantities of diesel outside of Norilsk, Russia. Nornickel states that the spill occurred after a fuel containment tank collapsed. The company has blamed the changing climate for weakening the structure’s foundation, as the Arctic has experienced the greatest increase in temperature than anywhere else around the globe in the past 30 years, and frequently experiences dramatic shifts in weather patterns. The leaked fuel made its way into both the Ambarnaya and Daldykan Rivers, before travelling 12 miles north to Lake Pyasino, a large freshwater lake. An estimated 21,000 tons of diesel (150,000 barrels) is believed to have been released, and has contaminated both the lake and surrounding subsoil. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. The Russian Response The region’s governor has made a public statement that the situation is currently under control with large booms being used to hold back the slick’s advance. Nevertheless, officials believe it could take years to clean up. The incident has sent the Kremlin into shock, as they issued a state of emergency on the 3rd June. What appears to have frustrated the government has been the lack of communication, as the oil company has admitted that it didn’t report the spill until two days after the accident took place. It was only through social media that the news reached the wider world. This frustration was seen in a televised exchange between President Vladimir Putin and the head of the Nornickel subsidiary, who ran the power plant, with Putin asking “Why did government agencies only find out about this two days after the fact? Are we going to learn about emergency situations from social media? Are you quite healthy over there?” The president of Nornickel, Vladimir Potanin, was also questioned over his response, with Putin telling Mr. Potanin, “if you had changed them [the fuel reservoirs] on time, there would have been no environmental damage and no need to foot such costs”. Nornickel has promised to cover the costs of the clean-up operation, which is estimated to reach 10bn Roubles (£123.3 Million). A Repeat of History Norilsk is no stranger to incidents like this. Sitting 180 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and 2,900 kilometres north-east from Moscow, the city was built by gulag prisoners and was barred from foreigners during the Soviet era. Today, it is internationally famous for being considered one of the most polluted cities in the world, and data from NASA’s OMI satellite shows that fossil fuels burned in Norilsk alone account for 50% of Russia’s emissions. Back in 2016, locals reported that the river turned red after a similar spill caused by heavy rainfall, and black snow continues to fall over the city during the winter due to unfiltered fumes from coal plants. Because of the factory emissions, next to no vegetation grows within a 20-mile radius of the city, and high rates of lung cancer and other diseases are prevalent amongst the population. Sulphur Dioxide (S02) emissions from industry based in Norilsk was estimated at 1.9 million tons in 2018, with Nornickel alone producing 70,000 tons from its smelting plants, which is more than Norway released for the entire year of 2018. Despite the company’s promise to cut its S02 emissions by 85% by 2021, it is reported that the technology used to do so turns these emissions into sulfuric acid and gypsum. Both by-products are incredibly destructive to the local environment. It seems ironic that Nornickel blamed climate change for weakening their infrastructure and thus causing this oil spill, when their industry blatantly contributes to the damage they are inflicting on the surrounding environment. 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. A Catalyst for Change? The coup caused by the extent of this spill has kickstarted the implementation of new amendments to current legislation on environmental protection, to prevent and better manage further oil spills from occurring. Both the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia and the central government’s legislative powers have said they want to see greater accountability, commitments, and efforts by parties involved in oil production and sale of oil. The ministry has stated that “every effort must be made so that situations like the one that happened in Norilsk never ever take place again”. With Norilsk’s current record for safeguarding nature, it is a case of waiting to see if these new legislations are to make the impact that is required. This legislation will force emission spewing companies like Nornickel to take more affirmative action when it comes to cutting emissions. If the corporation does not cut its emissions by 75% it could face fines up to 100 times greater than they currently are. Prior to this, Nornickel was able to brush off lawsuits against its environmental practices given the small size of the penalties. Only time will tell if these laws will bring about any significant change. You may also like: Toxic Air Pollution: The Other Pandemic 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.

Cat Cunningham looks into Denmark and their alternative techniques to teaching. Photo by Joshua Clay According to the UN’s World Happiness Report, classifying the happiness of 155 countries in the world, Denmark has been ranked in the top three happiest countries for the past seven years. A considerable contributor to the happiness of the country could be the inclusion of empathy in the national school curriculum since 1993. In Danish schools, ‘’Klassens tid’ or ‘The class’s hour’, is a fundamental part of the curriculum, with students aged six to sixteen spending an hour a week learning how to practise empathy, build relationships, prevent bullying, and become successful at work. This hour of learning is considered as important as time dedicated to other subjects such as English or Mathematics, and allows children to talk about their struggles, challenges and issues. Hygee: The Danish Lifestyle Phenomenon Schools also incorporate the concept of ‘hygee’, a lifestyle phenomenon of Danish culture, into the day. One definition of this word is ‘cosiness’ – creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The concept is now reaching beyond Denmark with more than 900 books on the lifestyle being sold on Amazon, and over three million Instagram posts under #hygee. The Danish Way of Parenting, co-authored by Danish psychotherapist and educator Iben Sandahl and American writer and cultural researcher Jessica Alexander, argues that the Danish upbringing is the reason behind the happiness of the Danes. According to the book, Danish parents raise happy children who grow up to be happy parents and emulate the way they were raised in their parenting style; thus, the cycle repeats itself. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. Teamwork and Collaborative Learning Teamwork is a significant focus of the empathy curriculum, making up 60% of the classes. The focus is for students to work on improving skills and talents collaboratively, rather than trying to excel in comparison to their peers; competition only exists with oneself, not with others. Children learn collaboratively, improving pupils’ communication skills as they use their natural talents in different subjects to help others improve, rather than just focusing on their own achievements. Alexander states, that learning in this way ‘is a great lesson to teach children from an early age, since no one can go through life alone’. 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. Self-Improvement over Competition Similarly, prizes and trophies are not offered to students who excel in school or sports – instead, there is a culture of students being motivated to improve in relation to their past achievements. This discourages hierarchies from being formed within cohorts, and prevents students from feeling under-achieving or marginalised. The explicit focus on empathy in Denmark from a young age results in a more cohesive and supportive society, promoting the growth of leaders, managers and entrepreneurs making Denmark one of the best places to work in Europe. Successful people do not obtain successful results without the support and empathy of others. The collaborative approach in the country’s curriculum benefits all individuals irrespective of their own particular skills sets, knowledge and experience, creating a more balanced and happy society. You may also like: New Zealand PM: Holds Press Conference for Children 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.

Kate Byng-Hall examines how Islamophobia and discrimination adds to the devastating impact of coronavirus on India's Muslim population. Photo by Joshua Clay Thousands of Muslims have been targeted in India amid fears that they are purposefully trying to spread Covid-19 as a form of terror movement against the Hindu population.  The attack is the latest in clashes between Muslims and Hindus in the country. The accusations began after a meeting of Muslim missionaries in Delhi led to thousands of cases of coronavirus at the beginning of India’s outbreak in March. A religious meeting held by Muslim organisation Tablighi Jamaat in early-March was the origin of the biggest spike of cases in the country after thousands gathered there. On 25th March, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a nationwide lockdown with just four hours’ notice, shocking the Muslims who had travelled to Delhi from around the world to attend Tablighi Jamaat’s gathering. 2500 foreign Muslims were unable to leave the country within the four-hour window so were trapped at the meeting venue, and subsequently arrested for breaking the newly-imposed rule that forbade meetings of over 50 people. Those 2500 individuals included eight British nationals who were detained in Delhi for two months after their arrest, and now face criminal charges for their attendance of the event claim that their phones and passports were taken from them, and that they were forced to stay in unsanitary four-person cells with just two meals a day. Shamsul, an optometrist from Lancashire who was among those arrested, said that “when you are locked away like an animal inside a room and you get treated like a piece of dirt, it mentally just breaks you completely”. Police only agreed to release and deport the Muslim prisoners if they confessed to “wilfully” disobeying lockdown rules. A petition was filed to the Delhi high court on 20th May which argued that their detainment is “tantamount to illegal detention" due to their inability to leave the country within the limited window. On 16th April, Muhammad Saad Kandhalvi, one of the group’s leaders, was charged with culpable homicide as a result of the thousands of Covid-19 cases caused by the gathering.  If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity (CIC). Rapid Generalisation 22-year-old Mehboob Ali was thrashed by locals in his small hometown of Bawanain northern Delhi after attending the Tablighi Jamaat event. Three men were arrested for assault after the incident left him hospitalised. This sentiment cannot be called uncommon in India. The Tablighi Jamaat spike was widely publicised by the media across India, leading many Hindus to assume that the Muslim group caused it intentionally in order to attack the country’s predominantly Hindu population. #CoronaJihad was trending as the idea of Covid-19 being used as an alternative to suicide bombing became a common suspicion. Muslims have been ostracised around the country. Muslim vendors have been prevented from trading in some areas, and beaten if they have tried. A cancer hospital in Meerut was found to be refusing to treat Muslim patients unless they took a coronavirus test prior to entering the building. Muslim volunteers have been attacked with cricket bats in Bengaluru while trying to give food to the homeless. Muslim businesses have been widely boycotted.  There is concern that the paranoia surrounding Islam during the pandemic could be a significant economic detriment to Muslims. The blatant Islamophobia has attracted global discontent, with the Kuwait government, a royal princess of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and a number of Arab activists calling out Islamophobic hate speech by Indians as well as discriminatory policing. This prompted the Indian PM to tweet saying that “COVID-19 does not see race, religion, colour, caste, creed, language or borders before striking. […] We are in this together”. Many have said this gesture is not enough to excuse the rampant Islamophobia he allows under his leadership. 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. Anti-Islamic Trends The PM Narendra Modi represents the right-wing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), known for its anti-Muslim agenda.  Since his party was elected in 2014, Modi has stood by while mob attacks against Muslims have increased significantly in India, particularly against those they suspect have been trading and killing cows for beef, a practice which is prohibited in Hinduism. This discrimination ramped up in 2019, when the Indian government passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which favours granting citizenship rights to Hindus over Muslims, a practice which violates international law. The Bill also means that many Muslims, of which there are nearly 200 million living in India, could be detained as illegal immigrants. Hundreds of thousands of Indians have protested against the Bill, but they were met with excessive police force and anti-Islamic slurs. This sends a clear message that the leading BJP is set in their intolerant ways, and has no remorse when it comes to its aggressively Islamophobic policy. Arundhati Roy, an Indian writer, is one of many who has expressed concern that this climate could lead to a genocide of India’s Muslim population, saying that “in India [the] Hindu vigilante mobs do the killing [of Muslims] and the police, the legal system and the political climate help them to get away with it” due to the government’s fascist tendencies. “Muslims are being dehumanised, ostracised economically as well as socially – if you read scholars of genocide […], they tell you that this is the first step, the way it all begins” –Arundhati Roy Roy argues that human rights organisations must step in to prevent Islamophobia in India, which has been provoked by paranoia during the coronavirus pandemic, from escalating into full-scale extermination. The mindset of India’s government has no place in the modern world, especially at a time when we are so in need of compassion. You may also like: The Democratic Battle of Hong Kong 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.

Ben Dolbear reports on the unprecedented article published in the British Medical Journal calling on the government to put cigarette-style health warnings on fossil fuels. Photo by Skittlephoto Britain's leading medical journal has published an unprecedented article arguing for further regulation on fossil fuels, including cigarette-style health warnings. The article, published by a group of scientists headed by Mike Gill, outlines the urgency of the call by emphasising why global emissions must fall in order that the Earth sees a necessary temperature reduction to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The 'low cost, scalable intervention' involves the use of clear warning labels at points of purchase of fossil fuel energy services, from petrol stations to airline ticket checkouts. The move, which would be enforced by government in a similar style to heavily regulated cigarette labelling, should also be extended to energy bills with clear wording expressing that continuing to burn fossil fuels will only worsen the climate emergency, bringing global catastrophe ever closer, according to the authors. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from It is hoped that such regulation will lead to substantial changes in consumer behaviour, as was seen with the October 2015 move by David Cameron's government to charge five pence for plastic bags in supermarkets. Explaining the logic behind their bold recommendations, the authors added: Warning labels connect the abstract threat of the climate emergency with the use of fossil fuels in the here and now, drawing attention to the true cost of fossil fuels (the externalities), pictorially or quantitatively. 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 towards socio-ethical impact and acknowledgement. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has estimated that the globe now has under three decades to keep global warming under two degrees by achieving net-zero emissions, with climate advocates arguing for much faster action if we are to avoid widespread human and animal carnage as a result of a rapidly changing climate. According to a 2016 study by the Penn Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science (TCORS), visual health warning labels (HWLs) on cigarette packets are highly effective in persuading smokers to quit, which has encouraged climate scientists to believe that the same effect can be seen on consumers of services relying on fossil fuel extraction. You may also like: Lockdown: How it’s Aiding Eco-Awakenings 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.

Sarah Clifford investigates the controversial farming methods of managing "pests" and other unwanted rodents, weeds and fungi. Photo by Emre Gencer The world’s five largest pesticide companies are making roughly 35% of their profits from the sale of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). These companies are all members of CropLife International, a combination of different agricultural companies. CropLife say that HHPs are a vital tool to support the growing population on earth, and that they educate their customers on the safety precautions needed to use such chemicals before they sell them, however the number of health problems and environmental issues believed to be caused by HHPs speaks otherwise. What are Highly Hazardous Pesticides? Many pesticides are classed as hazardous, however HHPs are those that cause disproportionate harm to the environment, meaning that even small doses can cause serious harm to habitats and/or human health. These types of pesticides have a high likelihood to cause acute to chronic levels of health problems, including cancer. HHPs have caused serious illnesses in humans when they have been exposed repeatedly, and are one of the most common means of suicide, being the cause of 19.7% of cases globally. Environmental Effects of HHPs The facts about Highly Hazardous Pesticides are very sobering. HHPs have been detected in air, soil, water, humans and animals all around the globe. They have also been found in many foods such as bananas, coffee, rice, fruits and vegetables when they have been used during their growth. HHPs can also cause a loss of biodiversity, as they kill fish and birds, thus poisoning all wildlife as they make their way up the food chain. The Effect on Bees and Other Pollinators A growing number of scientific studies into neonicotinoids, the most widely used type of insecticide on the planet, have been making links between the presence of this chemical in the environment and deaths or reduced efficiency of bees, other insects, and insectivorous birds through Colony Collapse Disorder. Colony Collapse Disorder is when bees suddenly leave the hive, the queen and young bees behind without ever returning. This is caused by the toxicity in the pesticides leading to bees forgetting where flowers are, impairing their ability to forage for nectar, and causing them to forget the location of their hive. All of these can cause death of bees or a loss of efficiency in hives. Additionally, herbicides, though not a direct threat to bees, attack flower populations which in turn reduces bees’ food sources. Herbicides also have the potential to be toxic to bees when mixed with certain insecticides. In essence, the use of all types of chemical in agriculture and cultivation is putting our bee populations under significant strain. Why are HHPs Still Being Used? Although some HHPs have been banned in Europe, they are still being used in developing countries, meaning habitats and pollinators continue to be threatened worldwide. Since the discovery that HHPs are causing significant harm, an effort has been made to phase them out of use. Progress in this area has been stunted though due to companies’ reluctance to revoke large-scale investments in HHPs which have already been made, policies and investment in developing countries which are not centred around sustainability and the environment, and limited affordable alternatives to HHPs. As recently as December last year, DW, a German public broadcasting service, conducted an investigation into slaughterhouse conditions in Germany for both animals and employees, entitled 'The high cost of cheap meat' with the accompanying hashtag #AnimalRights. It found that unpaid overtime and shifts exceeding sixteen hours were commonplace in the industry. What is Being Done About HHPs? The FAO and WHO created guidelines in 2016 to help other countries control their HHP use and understand the dangers they pose. There are three ways to reduce the amounts of these pesticides being used: ending use of HHPs, restricting their usage, and changing methods of use to reduce exposure. Since the discovery of the damage these pesticides are causing, a coordinated effort has been made to reduce their use, and while some progress has been made, much more is needed in order to reduce the long term damage and save our bees, pollinators and environment. You may also like: Scientists Encourage Immediate Action to Save Oceans We are a socio-ethical impact initiative 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.

Kate Byng-Hall looks into the unintended consequences of reforestation and some of the need-to-knows. Photo by Eberhard Grossgasteiger Of the world’s 3 trillion trees,15 billion are lost every year to deforestation, forest management and changes in land use, leading to concerns about the planet’s carbon storage. Of course, more trees would mean increased habitats and food sources for wildlife, but research has also suggested that an acre of matured trees could provide enough oxygen to supply 18 people for a whole year.  The amount of carbon dioxide that trees absorb could even be enough to counteract global warming if enough were planted. However, a report by the government’s Natural Capital Committee published in Nature is urging planters to do this responsibly, as planting new trees incorrectly could have a damaging effect on the environment, rather than an improving one. You can support us with our mission to help people #stayinformed by joining us today from just £1pm. We are a start up charity. Plans for Planting The UK government has pledged to plant millions of trees to combat deforestation and clean up our atmosphere.  The Conservative Budget, presented in March, confirmed plans to plant 30 million trees per year under their governance. If the new planting rate is achieved, it would turn around 17% of the UK into forested land, as opposed to 13% now.  At the moment, the UK's forests absorb about 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, but it is hoped that increased planting would more than double this amount. Struggle for Diversity The NCC’s report suggests that badly-planned mass tree-planting could in fact hurt our habitats.  The trees chosen for planting programs are often monocultured, meaning the trees are very genetically similar, offering no variety with which to enrich the environment.. Irresponsible planting could pose a big threat to the UK’s biodiversity, as monocultured trees lead to unnatural and less resilient woodlands, especially if alien species are used which disrupt the UK’s native populations.  Trees which are present in the country’s traditional forests need to be selected in order to prevent endangered native species from being wiped out. As one NCC member, Professor Ian Bateman from the University of Exeter, has said; “the mantra has to be ‘the right tree in the right place’”. There has also been a problem with rich grasslands and meadows being dug up in order to make way for new woodland, but this causes a drop in the biodiversity of the country’s habitats, and has an adverse effect on the environment. 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. Essential Soils Peat bogs are often the chosen location for planting, but peat is actually an integral material for harbouring absorbed carbon, and overturning it during tree-planting could release all the gases which it had stored.  The research suggests that preserving the carbon stored in the ground is equally as important, if not more so, than planting more trees. The soil in which trees are planted has to be monitored in order to maintain the balance of the country’s environment. “We love looking at trees – we get all these positive emotions, smells and sounds – but most of us don't look at the soil that actually underpins everything” –Professor Kathy Willis, an NCC member from Oxford University Currently, only 0.41%of money invested in environmental monitoring in the UK is spent on researching soil.  If this was stepped up, then we could be more clued up on how to plant trees wisely, all the while keeping the carbon already in the ground locked up. If high standards are not maintained when planting new trees, then they could do more harm than good. You may also like: “Bring Nature Back”: EU’s Plan to Prioritise the Planet 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.

Kate Byng-Hall explores protesting and its potential impact in light of Christiana Figueres, former executive secretary of the United Nation's recent comments. Photo by Markus Spiske ‘Civil disobedience’ can be defined as an “act by a group of people of refusing to obey laws or pay taxes, as a peaceful way of expressing their disapproval of those laws or taxes and in order to persuade the government to change them”. Increasingly, climate change activists are calling on people to adopt this approach in order to make change come about more rapidly. Christiana Figueres, former executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the woman who led the negotiations for the Paris Agreement, is releasing a book called The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis, in which she says “it’s time to participate in non-violent political movements wherever possible” when it comes to global warming. “Civil disobedience is not only a moral choice; it is also the most powerful way of shaping world politics.” – Christiana Figueres She and co-author Tom Rivett-Carnac state that electoral politics has not provided sufficiently strong support for climate change activism, and that people now need to rally together and form a movement similar to those led by Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Extinction Rebellion’s Example Extinction Rebellion is a prime example of civil disobedience being used to further to cause of climate change activism. Since May 2018, the organisation has been orchestrating “peaceful civil disobedience” through protests such as climbing on tube trains, chaining themselves to the railings of Parliament, and blocking roads with sit-ins. In April 2019, the group staged a fortnight of protests in London in which 1100 protestors were arrested for causing disruption to an estimated 500,000 Londoners by blocking areas such as Oxford Street and Westminster Bridge. They have since staged similarly disruptive displays of opposition to climate change inaction. For example, in February 2020, four people were arrested after using fire extinguishers to douse the Barclays logo on their Northampton headquarters in fake oil in protest of their involvement in the fossil fuel industry. Their actions were recorded on Facebook Live and subsequently viewed 45,000 times. But these protestors don’t just want to be a nuisance. Since their foundation, media exposure of the urgency of the climate crisis has increased exponentially, meaning that, even though their rebellious actions are criticised by some, a larger proportion of the population is now supporting their cause. The Effectiveness of Civil Disobedience While Extinction Rebellion members such as Farhana Yamin claim that “we need everyone to undertake mass civil disobedience to create a new political reality the whole world over”, this might not be feasible. Prof. Andre Spicer, professor of organisational behaviour at Cass Business School, London, has said that if significant social awareness of a political or environmental issue is to be brought about, “you need to make appeals to people who might be more moderate, or conservative even, to get more people onside”. He makes the point that protests like Extinction Rebellion’s may not appeal to more conservative people in the country, especially those living in the Home Counties. Instead, he states that a “message of hope” needs to be incorporated into campaigning in order to gain the support of the large section of the population. Perhaps a happy-medium needs to be reached. Extinction Rebellion may be right that “we can and must succeed in catalysing a peaceful revolution to end the era of fossil fuels, nature extraction and capitalism”, but if this is to be embraced by the entire population, a form of “revolution” may need to be further established across even more segments of society. You may also like: Black Lives Matter: George Floyd Death Leads to Riots 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.

Nick Webb reveals the great news of progression for success in sustainability with Costa Rica leading the way. Photo by Cosmic Timetraveller As many countries around the world are attempting to lower their carbon footprint, the first nation has completely banned the combustion of fossil fuels. While European nations such as Denmark are often known for their attempts at making more use of renewable energy sources, it is the small Central American country of Costa Rica that is the first to completely decarbonise. Three Years of Green Energy The announcement comes after Costa Rica has managed to use increasingly large amounts of green energy for the last three years. In 2015, Costa Rica was powered solely by clean energy for 271 days. This was increased to 299 days in 2016. From 2017-2019, this number crossed the 300-day-mark. Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado has set the target for his country to completely decarbonise by 2021, in time for the 200th anniversary of Costa Rican independence. New Energy Costa Rica’s green energy comes largely from huge hydroelectric plants, as 78.26% of their energy is generated through water. 10.92% also now comes from wind energy, and 10.23% from geothermal sources. As the way that Costa Ricans get their power changes in the next few years, it is expected that an increase in the amount of geothermal power created will make up the remainder. Inspiration from a Small Country While some sceptics may claim that this achievement is lessened by the fact that the total population of Costa Rica is only 4.8 million (around half the population of London), the fact that such a small country can make such significant changes to the way they operate proves that it is possible for more developed nations to follow suit. Costa Rican economist Monica Araya has said that “getting rid of fossil fuels is a big idea coming from a small country. This is an idea that’s starting to gain international support with the rise of new technologies.” The largest challenge facing the Costa Rican ideal of becoming completely carbon-neutral in the next year is the transportation industry, as it has undergone little renewable development so far, but there is a high demand for an increasing number of motor vehicles in the country. Proposals being discussed in the Costa Rican Congress include tax exemptions for the importation of electric cars, and creating an extended network of charging stations on streets and in public car parks. Despite the called-for increase in the electricity infrastructure of Costa Rica, national Utility Company Group ICE has stated that they do not foresee the need to expand their grid, or to undertake any large scale building projects until at least 2027 to keep up with what is predicted to be a surge in demand for the supply of electricity. While many countries are not as fortunate as Costa Rica to have such rich natural resources for the production of carbon-neutral electricity, combined with a low population, the nation’s leaders are hopeful that their attitudes and commitment to green energy can inspire others to do the same. Fossil fuel usage is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, and one that all countries must do their best to tackle. As Araya has said, “tackling resistance to change is one of the most important tasks we have right now.” 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.

Nick Webb outlines the European Union's new Biodiversity Plan to “Bring nature back” to the EU within a decade. Photo by Tunafish Mayonnaise In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Union has adopted an ambitious new Biodiversity plan. The new amendment, signed off in May by the European Commission, has an ambitious goal: to “put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030.” The plan, which aims to “Bring nature back to our lives” says that the recent pandemic is showing how interconnected the planet’s ecosystem is, and thus how important the health of the planet is to our own health. The document plans to place 30% of the EU’s land and 30% of its seas under strict protection, meaning that there will be no human intervention in these areas other than a minimal level of management. As such, the 10 year plan aims to cut the uses of chemical pesticides in the EU by 50%, improve and widen the network of protected habitats across countries, making the protected areas a coherent network large enough to support significant biodiversity in plant and animal life, and build a “truly coherent Trans-European Nature Network.” The new strategy aims to restore pre-existing ecosystems which have fallen into disrepair by 2030, and manage them sustainably, as well as encourage farmers to support long-term sustainability. Modernising Farming At the same time as signing off on the new biodiversity plan, the European Commission has also agreed on a new Farm to Fork strategy designed to promote sustainable practices among farmers, as well as encourage agricultural land to be used to effectively encourage the return of more diverse species of birds and insects. This, along with an updated Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), will help monitor farmers’ successes, progress, food security and income. These plans together aim to implement a broader and more unified way to farm using fewer pesticides, and to encourage stricter animal welfare standards. The Farm to Fork strategy gives strict guidelines and targets for farmers, including a 50% reduction in the use of pesticides, reducing use of fertilisers by 20%, reducing the sales of antimicrobials by 50%, and eventually having 25% of land used for “organic farming.” These changes are all designed to “ensure that the healthy option is the easiest for EU citizens.” Investing in the Future These strategies are key parts of the European Green Deal which aims to help strengthen our resistance to climate threats, future pandemics, disease, food shortages and forest fires. In order to implement these strategies, the European Commission has been granted annual funding of €20 million from both private and national funding sources. Studies cited in the plan show that for every euro invested into marine protected areas, there is return of at least €3. The Nature Fitness Check has also shown that the value of the EU’s land dedicated to the protection of endangered species is (Natura 2000 areas) is €200-300 billion per year, and the additional investment could create up to 500,000 new jobs. Essentially, looking after the planet will prove crucial for looking after our pockets. Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “Nature is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing… This new Biodiversity Strategy builds on what has worked in the past, and adds new tools that will set us on the path to true sustainability, with benefits for all.” We strive to inspire socio-ethical impact and acknowledgement. Advocating for topics that matter. Stay informed by following us today. A charitable initiative funded by readers like you. | To support our work and journalism, consider becoming an advocate from just £1.

Georgie Chantrell-Plant reveals the possible solution to teaching children during the coronavirus pandemic Photo by Annie Spratt With the current conversation centering around when it will be possible for children to return to school in light of the coronavirus pandemic, First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon is embracing the model of Outdoor Learning. The benefits and possibilities of the approach are being explored to ascertain how the vast availability of outdoor space in Scotland could be utilised as a safe learning environment, keeping social distancing at the forefront of the proposal. Sturgeon has warned that a full re-opening and return to schools in Scotland won’t be until August at the earliest, and local authorities are already exploring how outdoor spaces can be used to enable social distancing within classes. Outdoor Learning is already part of Scotland’s ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ as educators believe it could bring benefits, not only for the reduced risk of virus-transmission amongst pupils and teachers, but also for improved eyesight, immune system resilience, environmental empathy and even risk assessment abilities. “In the classroom the kids ask permission to do this or that, but outside they are much more creative and don’t need an adult to lead them. This is what early-years education should be, child-centred and child-led.” - Amanda Patrick, Early Years Officer During lockdown, outdoor nurseries have provided relief and solace to numerous members of the community and key workers faced with childcare issues. Zoe Sills, who runs the Earthtime Forest Nursery in Elgin, claims: “When you’ve got the natural world at your fingertips, you don’t need so many toys, which means fewer surfaces where the virus can be passed on.” Swing and Roundabouts It is a prevalent concern that introducing a return to school in the midst of a pandemic could exacerbate the damage early-years education has already undergone, as it limits the amount of students able to interact and learn in the same space due to health-and-safety concerns, thus putting even more of a strain on the teaching staff. Chief executive of Stramash social enterprise, Ken Forsyth, echoes this by saying, “You can manage and control infection risk better outdoors [but] the biggest single issue is that there are not enough [teachers] to go round.” There are also practical issues associated with the proposal such as inclement weather disrupting studying, lack of resources such as computers outdoors, and a shortage of safe outdoor spaces in some areas. Not only that, but some parenting blogs express concern that moving schooling outside could bring into question whether a child would be able to adapt back into a ‘normal school environment’ when the pandemic is over. This isn’t just a recent venture however, as a study conducted in 2008 shows early iterations of the ‘Forest School Approach’ which “involves children having regular contact with woodland over an extended period of time; it allows them to become familiar, and have contact, with the natural environment.”, something the study concludes in an “inspirational process” which gives children “opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem”. Whilst the benefits of this proposal could prove to be numerous, and the model is arguably necessary for the reintroduction of pupils into education, it poses some challenges. If this model is to be successful, emphasis needs to be placed on inclusivity for all students in order to ensure that children from families of all economic backgrounds have access to the same provisions. “This absolutely can apply to everyone. If you look at the history of outdoor provision, it has been dominated by articulate middle-class parents who recognise the good it can do, so now we have a job to do with parents, too, especially younger parents who screen children themselves.” - Glasgow city council’s early-years manager, Heather Douglas Outdoor Schooling could be a substantial culture shock for many, and it is a practice that requires a lot of resources and support in order for it to be a success, something the education system may struggle to cope with in light of the current restrictions on society. It is undeniable however, that being outdoors will always prove beneficial to both children and adults alike, regardless of whether there is a pandemic or not. Just another step towards embracing the ‘new normal’ for Scotland and beyond. You may also like: New Zealand PM: Holds Press Conference for Children We are a socio-ethical impact initiative 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.

Ben Dolbear on the shocking revelation by a parliamentary committee that could have implications on our water consumption in the near future. Photo by Nathan Dumlao The chairman of the Environmental Audit Committee, Philip Dunne MP, has written an urgent letter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) requesting information on the government's plans to manage water consumption in the UK, after the Committee on Climate Change released shocking forecasts that showed that national water supply will drop by 7% by 2045 due to climate change, leaving parts of the country without a reliable inflow. In his letter to Parliamentary Under-Secretary Rebecca Pow MP, Mr Dunne highlights the stark warnings by the Committee on Climate Change, noting that water supply was identified as one of the six priority risk areas by the Committee's 2017 Risk Assessment, a document that the UK government is mandated by law to publish every five years under the 2008 Climate Change Act. Listed alongside 'Flooding and coastal change risks to communities, businesses and infrastructure', lack of action on which led to Prime Minister Boris Johnson being accused of 'hiding' from affected areas, 'Risk of shortages in the public water supply, and for agriculture, energy generation and industry' is described as having a medium-to-high risk magnitude, meaning that more action is needed to prevent significant supply issues. Due to the increasing effects on human-induced climate change, the Chairman stresses, England alone will require an additional three billion litres of water a day by 2050 to maintain current levels of resilience against drought. This figure was given by the National Infrastructure Commission in an April 2018 report entitled, 'Preparing for a drier future: England’s water infrastructure needs'. This amounts to an increase in supply of over a quarter, which Mr Dunne argues should be enacted in tandem with 'tackling leakage and reducing water consumption', progress on which has 'stalled' since the election of David Cameron's Conservative majority government in 2015. Heeding Warnings from the Future The Chairman also cites a National Audit Office (NAO) report commissioned by DEFRA in March this year, entitled, 'Water supply and demand management', which sets out how parts of the south and south-east of England will run dry in the next two decades without immediate action. Expanding on his warning, Mr Dunne argues: 'We cannot ignore the stark warnings outlined within the NAO’s report, which should act as a wake-up call that more must be done to prevent the country running out of water. Despite such a wet twelve months culminating in this February’s floods, this month looks set to be the most dry April on record in the UK, with forecasters predicting 2020 to be the warmest year since records began.' While Mr Dunne's Committee welcomes a £469 million investment to support water companies in transferring supplies across regions to increase resilience and reliability, the Chairman exposes what he implies is government inaction on reducing water supply, saying that promotion of such action has been left to the water companies. Mr Dunne has requested that DEFRA respond to his letter by 22nd May. You may also like: Scientists Encourage Immediate Action to Save Oceans 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.