Climate Change

Ecological doom-loops: Why ecosystem collapses may occur much sooner than expected – new research

— Using computer models to simulate how different stresses and events can trigger tipping points in forests, lakes, lagoons and islands, scientists warn that more than 20% of the world’s ecosystems are at risk of collapsing due to human pressures and climate extremes.

War in Ukraine

What Ukraine dam breach means for the country’s counteroffensive and aid deployment

— The breaching of the Nova Kakhovka dam presents massive challenges for Ukraine as it launches its long-awaited offensive. The event is being discussed as a possible war crime and an act of terror, and is certainly going to influence events on the battlefield.

Environment

Plastic recycling is failing – How the world must respond

— Recycling is not enough to address the world’s plastic waste crisis. A more sustainable approach requires reducing production, reusing existing plastic, and finding alternatives.

Brexit

How did ‘taking back control’ of borders become record-high net migration?

— After Brexit, the UK has had fewer migrants from the EU, but they have been far outstripped by people coming from elsewhere.

COVID-19

Thousands of people in the UK are out of work due to long COVID

— Studies from multiple countries have found that long COVID is linked to an increased likelihood of not working. Here’s what’s happened in the UK.

War in Ukraine

What we know so far about reports of battles being fought across the border in Russia

— Early reports suggest pro-Kyiv and anti-Putin partisans have launched significant attacks on Russian soil.

Japan

G7 summit in Hiroshima will force world leaders to confront the continuing nuclear threat

— The heads of some of the most powerful countries in the world would be wise to listen to the devastating testimony of Hiroshima survivors.

UK Farmers

Food prices are rising but farmers’ profits are still small

— As a Downing Street summit discussed UK food crisis, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in supply chains, over 4 million people in the food industry struggle due to an unfair system with low wages and unequal marginal costs across the chain.

France

Emmanuel Macron: A French president whose populist tactics are derailing his own career

— French president Emmanuel Macron is facing a political crisis unprecedented in contemporary times.

Geopolitics

Why the West needs to offer Brazil, India, and South Africa a new deal

— Emerging powers like Brazil, India, and South Africa are unhappy with the current global power structure and seek more recognition and influence. The West should offer more incentives to these countries to support its stance on Ukraine.

Analysis

Why three-day weekends are great for well-being – and the economy

— The UK has nine public holidays in 2023, fewer than any EU country; combined with the recent spate of three-day weekends, there is a case for examining working hours. Four-day workweek trials worldwide have been a success, with positive impacts on well-being and productivity.

Migrant Workers

I’ve worked in precarious jobs for more than 10 years – here’s what unions should do to support migrant workers

— Since 2011, I’ve worked in more than 20 precarious workplaces in hospitality, manufacturing and logistics – and I have only seen a union once.

Gig Economy

“I’m always delivering food while hungry” – How undocumented migrants find work as substitute couriers in the UK

— Undocumented workers in the UK’s food delivery sector are at risk due to the misuse of the rider system. A stronger oversight is required to protect vulnerable individuals.

COVID-19

COVID is officially no longer a global health emergency – here’s what that means

— COVID no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, but we need to be better prepared for future pandemics.

War in Ukraine

Drone ‘attack’ on the Kremlin – Logic suggests a false flag to distract Russians ahead of Victory Day

— The drone ‘attack’ on the Kremlin remains shrouded in mystery. The logic suggests a false flag but here are some of the possible explanations.

Sudan

Questions about Wagner Group involvement in Sudan as another African country falls prey to Russian mercenaries

— The role of the Wagner Group in the Sudan crisis is not yet clear, but its mercenaries are reported to be involved in a number of African countries.