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It is written that “Enannatum, ruler of Lagash,” slew “60 soldiers” from Umma. The battle between the two ancient city-states took place 4,500 years ago near where the great Tigris and Euphrates rivers come together in what is today Iraq. The matter in dispute? Water. More than four...
We are inundated these days with ominous news on the extent and pace of climate change and the associated predictions of the looming catastrophe it carries with it — the ubiquitous planetary cry of the next generation who will soon inherit the Earth. A rallying cry seemingly to “save human...
The assumption is that what works in wealthy countries can work anywhere. Advancements in the science of building design for earthquake resilience are enabling the development of high-rises and now “supertall” buildings in earthquake-prone areas like Japan. Design processes, scenario and...
Accusations of irrationalism, leveled against those in favor of climate change policies, make up the single most prominent argument. Research on climate change communication by radical-right actors, be they party or non-party, anti-liberal or anti-democratic, is still in its infancy. Indeed, so...
In this edition of the Interview, Fair Observer talks to Arek Sinanian, a climate expert. The science is clear on climate change. Looking back at this past year, we've witnessed how climate change has manifested in more extreme weather, from record-breaking hurricanes, storms and flooding to...
Why these European elections were different: three key insights from Germany. After years of disinterest and declining turnouts, last week’s European elections were full of suspense and surprises. In Germany, the elections were an unprecedented triumph for the Greens. More than 20% voted for...
When it comes to agricultural technology, business opportunity is filling the void left by political inertia. Last month, Extinction Rebellion activists around the world triggered days of protests to end what they call criminal inaction by the world’s governments on climate and ecological...
In this edition of The Interview, Fair Observer talks to Satu Hassi, Finland's former environment minister. Finland is a country of fascinating and stark contrasts — long and glittery summer nights and short, snowy winter days, the midnight sun and the winter darkness. The country earned its...
The Green New Deal as proposed makes the right diagnosis, but the wrong prescription for government action on renewable energy. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey’s Green New Deal has sparked an important and overdue debate about America’s energy future. The core...
What has prompted more than a million young individuals around the world to mobilize into a civil march for action on climate change? “We have a climate emergency” was the overwhelming chant echoing through the streets of Waterloo, in Canada’s Ontario province, on March 15. An estimated...
War-ravaged eastern Ukraine is facing an ecological disaster that could become a “second Chernobyl.” When it comes to US provision of weapons to foreign fighting forces, there is no shortage of unintended and dangerous consequences. From Libya and Iraq to Afghanistan and Mexico,...
