| Read time: 6 minute(s)

‘Carbon bomb’: What is the Willow project and why has Joe Biden approved it?

The United States has approved a major oil-drilling project on Alaska’s petroleum-rich North Slope – a move that environmentalists have slammed as a “betrayal.” The ConocoPhillips Alaska’s Willow project will produce an estimated 160,000 barrels of oil per day over the next 30 years. Burning this oil will produce 260 million tons of carbon dioxide, […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Debate of the WEEK: Can you really change your character?

IN THE NEWS: An age-old psychological myth has been busted, as scientists gather increasing proof that we can change our personality at will. It can feel like a lottery. Are you an extrovert? Congratulations! You have a greater chance of being happy. Are you conscientious? Brilliant! You have a higher life expectancy. But people who […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

DEBATE OF THE DAY: Is predicting the future a skill we can learn?

IN THE NEWS: Is predicting the future a skill we can learn? Another disaster has shaken some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Some think we can use science to predict and prevent them. On Friday 3 February, a Dutch researcher, Frank Hoogerbeets, tweeted out a map of southern Turkey. In the caption he wrote: […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Debate of the WEEK: Should we spend more time with our friends?

IN THE NEWS: Good relationships are the secret to happiness, say scientists. But more and more people today are spending the majority of their time alone. “Lumberjacks know the secret of happiness”. It is a bold claim. But according to a survey by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, lumberjacks are some of the happiest people […]

| Read time: 2 minute(s)

Chinese spy balloon flies over the United States

A suspected Chinese spy balloon has been flying over the United States for a couple of days, U.S. officials said on Thursday, in what would be a brazen act just days ahead of a planned trip to Beijing by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Fighter jets were mobilised but military leaders advised President Joe […]

| Read time: 2 minute(s)

From Samsung To LG, 12 Famous Brands & Their First Products.

Sony, Samsung, Colgate, all these brands have become household names. Along with being famous, they are also a symbol of trust. But how did they get there?Well, today we are bringing to you some of the most famous brands and the products they started with. 1. Sony was founded in 1946, its first product was […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Debate of the Day: Is inequality destroying planet earth?

THE NEWS: The world’s most powerful people were gathered in Switzerland. Some hoped to persuade them to clamp down on the top 1%. It is thought that Mansa Musa, emperor of Mali, was the richest man in history. In 1324, on a pilgrimage to Mecca, he brought so much gold with him that the value […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Debate of the Week:Will the protests succeed?

In THE NEWS: The people of China have been worn down by Covid-19 restrictions, censorship and economic woes. Now they want to take back control of their own lives. “We want to be citizens, not slaves.” That is the rallying cry of thousands of Chinese protesters who have taken to the streets in recent days. […]

| Read time: 4 minute(s)

Banksy for Ukraine

A series of brand new Banksy murals have been located across Ukraine, from Kyiv to Borodyanka. As ever with the Bristol street artist, their overt anti-war messaging and solidary with the people is clear. Using art as a political weapon has always been a core part of Banksy’s street art practice and activism. As the […]

| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Debate of the Week: Should we all refuse to watch?

THE NEWS: Qatar’s attitudes towards homosexuality, women’s rights and labour law violations are provoking international outcry. Now some are calling for a boycott of the World Cup. A fire-breathing spider made from fifty tonnes of steel. Seven glitzy new stadiums. Ice rinks just miles from beach clubs; theme parks next to circuses; light shows which […]