In The News

A Need to Hear “I Don’t Know” More: New Statesman

Amelia Tait September 28, 2019
Many in the world are far too certain and free with opinions even when lacking evidence. “’I don’t know’ is a phrase that is sorely needed in modern discourse,” suggests Amelia Tait for New Statesman. “In a world of push notifications, populism and prolifically tweeting presidents, it is easier than ever to feel overpowered by the news.” Many complex issues require nuanced responses that go far...

Chubb Will No Longer Invest in Coal: Truthout

Elana Sulakshana September 24, 2019
Insurance industries provide coverage against disaster to all types of industries, complex equipment and operations. Swiss insurance company Chubb has announced that it will no longer underwrite risks related to construction and operation of new coal-fired plants. Chubb “will not underwrite new risks for companies that generate more than 30% of revenues from thermal coal mining … [and] will phase...

“We’ll Be Watching You”: Thunberg’s UN Speech

September 23, 2019
Global leaders are failing youth, and 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg addressed 60 world leaders at the UN Climate Action Summit about the need for urgent action on climate change, warning “we’ll be watching you.” Her assessment was concise, blunt and searing: “People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you...

Global Backlash on Vaping: Reuters

Aditya Kalra and Aftab Ahmed September 22, 2019
India banned the sale of electronic cigarettes and warned of an “epidemic” among youth. India and China, emerging economies with more than 1 billion people, represent the largest potential markets. “The ban cuts off a huge future market from e-cigarette makers at a time when the number of people smoking worldwide is declining,” reports Reuters. “The ban also covers the production, import and...

Asia and Aramco Attack: Wall Street Journal

Stephanie Yang and Benoit Faucon September 22, 2019
Drone and missile strikes at the oil infrastructure of Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich eastern province put oil-thirsty Asian countries under pressure. These strikes on Sept 14 reduced the global oil output by almost 6 percent and increased the global oil price by 15 percent two days later. The United States has placed sanctions upon Iran and Venezuela in recent years, and Asian countries, including...

Climate Strike Spans Continents: Financial Times

Sarah Provan, Philip Georgiadis, Camilla Hodgson, Myles McCormick, Adam Samson September 20, 2019
Millions of students and their supporters are protesting to demand immediate action from political leaders on climate change, ending the reliance on coal and other fossil fuels. Protests are scheduled in about 3,000 cities and more than 160 nations. Many businesses lend their support, with one group ringing fire alarms, responding to an early call of activist Greta Thunberg’s: “I want you to act...

Destinations for Migrants: OECD

September 19, 2019
Migration was up 2 percent for OECD countries in 2018, with 5.3 million new permanent migrants. European OECD nations combined receive the most permanent migrants; the United States is the top destination followed by Germany. Asylum seekers have declined, and most are from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Venezuela. Countries continue to adjust migration procedures, with caps and ceilings, preference...