New COVID “Omicron” Variant: What You Need to Know
A new COVID variant (classified by the WHO as “Omicron”) has emerged. Here’s what you need to know. Per CNN, the “discovery of a new and potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant by South African health authorities has sparked a forceful reaction across the world, with a number of countries banning travelers from several southern African countries.” Here’s what you need to know.
COP26: What Happened and What’s Next?
Last Sunday, November 14th, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) came to an end with a commitment to accelerate Climate Action in order to keep alive the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. The outcome document, known as the Glasgow Climate Pact, calls on 197 countries to report their progress towards more climate ambition next year, at COP27, set to take place in Egypt. Here are the key takeaways listed below.
Consumers Increasingly Seek Sustainable Products
Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable products and they overwhelmingly support Sustainability and brands that “deliver on the pursuit of purpose and that drive a culture of sustainable innovation are the frontrunners”. Per the World Wildlife Fund: “Globally, the popularity of online searches for “sustainable” products increased by…
Global Hunger Increases: COVID-19, Conflict, Climate Disasters Undermine Progress Towards SDG2 (Zero Hunger)
The Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger aims to “end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture” by 2030. Global progress towards achieving Zero Hunger has been steady over the last few years — with some great achievements such as the proportion of the global population who are undernourished has decreased from 15% in 2000-2002 to….
Cryptocurrencies in Africa: Advantages and Disadvantages
Cryptocurrencies are rising in popularity across Africa. According to data from US blockchain research firm: Chainanalysis, monthly cryptocurrency transfers rose by 55% in 2020 with South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria leading in digital currency usage. Hyperinflation, economic instability and a predominantly young population are amongst the many reasons for growing cryptocurrency usage in Africa. Despite increased use of digital currencies across Africa, the consensus around…
Lebanon: Examining the Financial & Economic Crisis
The current financial and economic crisis in Lebanon is grabbing the world’s attention. Lebanon has been sinking into a severe economic crisis since 2019. The country’s caretaker Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, appealed to the international community and the United Nations on July 6 to intervene and prevent unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. This comes after the recent report by the World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor (LEM) on June 1 that…