Israel and Palestine: Divergent Histories of Travel and War

November 20, 2024

One year after the Oct. 7 attacks, Israel and Palestine’s respective travel landscapes reveal just how differently the two countries are experiencing the ongoing war.

A street vendor in Jerusalem. Ronen Marcus. CC BY 4.0

Boasting ancient holy sites like the Western Wall and natural attractions like the Dead Sea, Israel brands itself as a popular travel destination for both the spiritual and the secular tourist. In 2023, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism reported over 32 million travelers. Palestine, meanwhile, saw 2.5 million visitors between January and early October 2023, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. While disparate, these numbers reflect a larger pattern in the long history of travel to the region.

Before the Zionist movement (an effort to create a Jewish state through colonization) emerged in the late 19th century, trips to historic Palestine, “the Holy Land,” were almost exclusively religious in nature. After several failed attempts to create a Jewish state, Zionists set their sights on historic Palestine due to the area’s alignment with the biblical land of Israel. To bolster their efforts, Zionists turned to tourism, recognizing that travel to Palestine could help boost immigration and help establish a Jewish presence in the majority-Arab region. Further, Zionists gathered that if they kept promoting tourism, they could perhaps convince secular visitors that this Jewish presence was inherently more valuable and historic, thereby granting it a perception of legitimacy and therefore protection. Desiring to entrench themselves in Palestine, Zionists spent the early 20th century advertising access to biblical Jewish sites, propaganda that continues to prove effective even after Israel’s establishment in 1948.

Posters promoting travel to historic Palestine. (L) 1936. (R) 1940s. CC BY 4.0

Israel enjoys a lucrative tourism industry, seeing more than 32 million travelers and $5 billion in revenue in 2023 alone, according to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. However, following the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks, these numbers plummeted. Flights to Israel were canceled as international airlines and government officials raised safety and security concerns. Traveler rates dropped accordingly. “When the war began, everything stopped,” Israeli tour guide Moshe Benishu said, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. “Not a single tourist arrived in Israel.” Reuters reported 99,000 traveler entries to Israel for the rest of October 2023 and just 39,000 that November. To put this slump into context, the number of monthly entrants into Israel before Oct. 7, 2023, averaged above 300,000.

In recent months, Israel has seen its traveler rates partially recover, tallying 68,100 tourist entrants in February 2024 and 79,500 in March. “Since the beginning of 2024, 400,000 tourists entered the country,” Keren Setton reported for The Media Line in May 2024. During the same January-May period in 2023, Israel saw two million entrants. But still, the monthly rates of 2024 so far mark an increase compared to the last quarter of 2023. “We Israelis are good at reinventing ourselves,” Benishu said. Slowly but surely, things are returning to form in Israel. The same cannot be said for Palestine.

Since the onset of the war, Palestine’s territories, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, (both occupied by Israel since 1967) have been devastated with next-to-no reprieve. As of Sep. 29, 2024, Palestinian health authorities have attributed more than 41,500 Palestinian deaths to Israel’s air and ground campaign in Gaza alone, though violence in the West Bank has spiked as well.

Casualties in Gaza. Saleh Najm and Anas Sharif. CC BY 4.0

Infrastructure, too, has been decimated in Palestine. With hospitals, water/electric systems, houses and schools reduced to rubble, entire Palestinian communities have been destroyed and families killed in scores. As David Leonhardt summarized for The New York Times, “Israel has dropped 2,000-pound bombs on densely populated neighborhoods” with little consideration for less fatal alternatives.

Destruction in Gaza. Saleh Najm and Anas Sharif. CC BY 4.0

As mentioned previously, the West Bank enjoyed a burgeoning tourism industry before Oct. 7. Despite Israel’s control over the flow of travelers, the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities still reported 2.5 million visitors to the occupied enclave between January and early October 2023. Since then, however, the West Bank has not been able to recoup even 1% of this number, with the region’s tourism sector currently experiencing losses of around $2.5 million every day. In Bethlehem especially, where “tourist dollars” are “the cornerstone” of the economy, according to Haaretz, the financial hit has severely strained people’s livelihoods. “Life has been hell,” said Palestinian merchant Mahmoud Falah Sleiman. “The situation was bad even before the war started, but it was better than now. We were able to pay for electricity, food, water.”

In the Gaza Strip, tourism has been virtually nonexistent since 2007 — a consequence of Israel’s land, air and sea blockade imposed after Hamas took root there. Before Israel’s occupation of the region in 1967, Gaza was a hotspot for traveling Egyptians and Lebanese merchants. But after 1967, and especially since the 2007 blockade cut off food, water and humanitarian aid from Gaza’s two million citizens, (conditions some have likened to “collective punishment” and an “open air prison”) there’s been next-to-no tourism. Given the mass destruction of life and infrastructure in Gaza since Oct. 7, there won’t be anytime soon.

Bella Lui

Bella is a student at UC Berkeley studying English, Media Studies and Journalism. When she’s not writing or working through the books on her nightstand, you can find her painting her nails red, taking digicam photos with her friends or yelling at the TV to make the Dodgers play better.

Dry Spell: Drought Endangers Lives Across South America

November 20, 2024

With rainfall still scarce, Colombia has begun taking drastic measures to conserve what little water they have left.

The parched earth characteristic of a drought. Pmau. CC BY-SA 4.0

2024 has been one of the driest years in Colombia’s history. The summer months are usually the rainiest in the country, but this year has seen an alarming lack of precipitation and a drastic reduction in rivers and reservoirs. As the country slowly dries up, officials have started implementing policies to ration water, which will only become more severe as the drought continues.

In the last three months, the Chuza Reservoir (one of the largest in Bogota, Colombia) has lost a huge portion of its water supply. During the 2023 dry season, the reservoir was reduced to 58% capacity; as of mid-September 2024, it dropped to just 36%. This led to the second implementation of water rationing this year (the first was enacted in April 2024) but as rainfall remains scarce, these regulations have grown even more stringent. Currently, citizens are prohibited from washing their cars, irrigating gardens, and using fountains or other water decorations. However, as water supplies continue to dwindle, the city has also enacted a system by which residents will have to spend 24 hours without water once every nine days.

Colombian officials have stated that the nation’s only real hope is the return of regular rainfall. Reservoirs cannot fully recover without precipitation, and without reliable water stores, cities will be forced to reduce their water consumption even further. The severity of this drought has also inspired fears of reaching “Day Zero,” the point at which a city’s water supply falls below the necessary amount to support daily life. As of Oct. 10, 2024, Bogota’s Chuza Reservoir is just 7% above this cutoff point.

Columbia is not the only South American country experiencing drought. The majority of the continent is drying up, generating a variety of other crises, including a drastic increase in wildfires. Additionally, the Amazon River is experiencing an alarming dry spell, jeopardizing the lives of the communities that depend on it for food and water. Endangered species such as river dolphins are also threatened by the mass evaporation, which has reduced the river to about 10% of its previous size.

Although officials have stated that there is little that can be done for Bogota (and Colombia at large), several nonprofits around the world have taken action to provide aid for affected civilians. These include WaterAid, a company that focuses on providing clean water for underprivileged communities. During this drought, their efforts are more needed than ever. Interested parties can donate to their various projects here. Another such organization is Water Fund Bogota, which focuses specifically on restoring and maintaining natural sources of clean water like rivers and lakes.

Ryan Livingston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.

The Direction of Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom Movement

November 13, 2024

With tensions high domestically and internationally, women both inside and outside of Iran are cynical that things will change.

A mural in support of the Jin, Jiyan, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom) movement. Herzi Pinki. CC BY 4.0

For many in Iran, history can be broken up into two epochs: before 1979 and after. Women, in particular, find significance in this demarcation because Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution brought the expansion — and then constriction — of their rights. These tensions surrounding women’s role in Iranian society came to a head in 2022, when the widespread Woman, Life, Freedom movement put them on global display. But the Woman, Life, Freedom movement didn’t spawn out of nowhere, and it’s important to look at its past when considering its future.

Women at the 1979 International Women’s Day protests in Tehran. Mohammad Sayad. CC0

Prior to the Iranian Revolution, women saw their rights and opportunities gradually expand as part of the country’s modernization efforts. The state wanted to Westernize itself, and this manifested in women being mandated (sometimes violently) to not veil themselves, per a 1936 decree. But the revolution saw the nation shirk its Western influences — thanks in large part to women. While some mobilized public demonstrations, others acted as nurses and first responders. Few fought in guerilla conflicts, but many wore hijabs to protest the monarchy's 1936 ban on veils, linking modest dress with the revolution’s vision of a new Iran.

However, after the revolution succeeded and the pro-Western monarchy was overthrown for an Islamist theocracy, women’s roles became more limited. In an interview I conducted with Iranian Circle of Women’s Intercultural Network steering committee member Ruja Kia, she affirmed, “Adding the religious components of private life to the law of the land never makes things easier for women.”

The revolution placed nearly all Iranian state power in the role of “the supreme leader,” where it still remains today. As both a religious and political authority, the first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, sought to curb women’s post-revolution rights and professional opportunities in favor of a return to traditional domesticity. Further, after revolutionaries associated modesty with the new Islamic Republic, Khomeini mandated women to cover themselves with hijabs. What had once been a symbol of dissent and autonomy became a violently imposed law.

The 1979 hijab mandate notably came under international scrutiny in 2022, following the death of Mahsa Amini. Iran’s Guidance Patrol, or morality police, arrested Amini for an “improper hijab.” She died in their custody three days later — officially of a heart attack but allegedly of police brutality (In our interview, Ruja Kia also noted that Amini was Kurdish, an Iranian ethnic minority that often faces discrimination).

A man protests in support of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement following Amini’s death. Ilias Bartolini. CC BY 2.0

Amini’s death sparked mass protests — not only in Iran but also around the world. Internationally, the rallying cry was “woman, life, freedom,” a translation of the Kurdish feminist slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi.” For its criticisms against the compulsory hijab, the morality police and the Islamic Republic in general, the Woman, Life, Freedom movement has been intensely repressed by Iran’s current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian security forces have killed more than 500 demonstrators and arrested thousands across the country.

“I say explicitly that these [Woman, Life, Freedom] riots and this insecurity were a design by the US and the occupying, fake Zionist regime [Israel],” Khamenei said in 2022, as reported by Al Jazeera. On a broader scale, Khamenei believes that the hijab is a religious and therefore, moral obligation. He further contended that gender equality is a Western plot designed to weaken Iran: “[The West] feel[s] that [Iran] is progressing towards full-scale power and they can’t tolerate this.” Because of and in spite of Khamenei’s deadly response, the Women, Life, Freedom movement gained international prominence, making the future of women’s rights in Iran an unavoidable and salient issue in the recent election.

Two women attend a Woman, Life, Freedom protest wearing past versions of the Iranian flag. Taymaz Valley. CC BY 2.0

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s newest president, campaigned on a reformist platform, asserting a desire to steer the nation toward greater peace. Now, after taking office in July, he has a chance to do so. For many nations that have tensions with Iran, having the moderate Pezeskian in office is cause for cautious optimism. Inside Iran’s borders, however, women are still reeling from the pushback Woman, Life, Freedom received two years ago and are thus more cynical about the promise of Pezeshkian’s election. “Although we might see more moderate approaches in bigger metropolitan areas, women across the rest of Iran will stay controlled by family customs and norms,” said Ruja Kia.

As the only reformist in a field of six candidates, Pezeshkian’s positions on women’s rights stood out as the most progressive. Frequently invoking his daughter, a chemist, and the memory of his late wife, a gynecologist, he spoke of increasing women’s presence in the professional sector: “A woman is not a servant at home,” Pezeshkian wrote on X.

Regarding the mandatory hijab, Pezeshkian has expressed support for relaxing the mandate: “The behavior of Iranian girls will not change. Just as the previous [1936 laws] could not forcibly remove the hijab from the heads of our women, you cannot force them to wear the hijab by passing a law,” he wrote in another X post. But some, like Kimia Adibi, the President of UC Berkeley’s Iranian Students’ Cultural Organization, believe that Pezeshkian’s words are empty promises. “[Pezeshkian’s] not actually pushing for women’s freedom and change because if he were, he never would’ve been allowed to run,” Adibi said to me. “Anyone who’s an actual radical reformist and believes in women’s freedom and not forcing the mandatory hijab… like, they’re not even going to make it to the candidacy level.”

A woman at a Woman, Life, Freedom protest. Matt Hrkac. CC BY 2.0

Pezeshkian’s parliamentary record shows that he’s supported restrictions on women’s rights in the past, and alongside the posts he made calling for women’s rights, he also posted to X, “All of us move towards dignity and power according [...] to the general policies of the supreme leader.”

For Iranian feminists, the zeitgeist has not shifted. While it’s not impossible, they say, for Pezeshkian to achieve some reform — “little shifts,” as Adibi put it — so long as religion and politics remain married to an ultimate authority who violently rejects gender equality, women’s rights in Iran will not improve much under the new president.

A Woman, Life, Freedom protest sign in Kurdish, English and Persian. Pirehelokan. CC BY 4.0

“I’ll speak for myself,” Adibi said, “but I think most Iranians are not super optimistic about the direction of women’s rights under this president. And they won’t be under the next president, or the next president, under however many presidents until the supreme leader is removed from power.”

When speaking with an admin from the Instagram account @irans.feminist.liberation, I found this feeling re-affirmed. “The future for women and minorities in Iran remains bleak,” she said, “unless there is significant internal pressure for change.

Bella Liu

Bella is a student at UC Berkeley studying English, Media Studies and Journalism. When she’s not writing or working through the books on her nightstand, you can find her painting her nails red, taking digicam photos with her friends or yelling at the TV to make the Dodgers play better.

The Truth about Geisha Tourism in Japan

November 13, 2024

Japan’s geisha have survived war and the turn of the century — unruly travelers may be the dying art’s final blow.

A geisha-in-training looks out at Gion, Kyoto. Satoshi-K. CC BY 2.0

With her milky-white oshiroi, silky kimono and glossy bouffant, the geisha’s dramatic flair has left a lasting impression within the cultural imagination of Japan. Geisha, Japanese female entertainers, are regarded as icons of their country’s rich artistic heritage — it’s often said they exist in a sphere separate from the rest of us, in the dreamy, gossamer “flower and willow world.” However, from serving as factory workers during World War II to being popular (and controversial) visitor attractions today, there’s more than meets the eye to these revered performers, and they’ve come a long way from their medieval origins.

“Japanese women in reading and writing” by Katsukawa Shunshō. The New York Public Library. CC0

In Japanese, the word “geisha” literally translates to “art person.” Indeed, traces of the geisha tradition can be traced back as early as Japan’s Heian period in 794, when the country began to place a larger emphasis on poetry and beauty. This newfound appreciation for the fine arts set the aesthetic stage for the geisha’s forerunner, the courtesan, to come onto the scene. Courtesans were female performers well-versed in song, dance, conversation — and sex. Sex work proliferated throughout Japan as men illicitly sought connections outside of their wives, who were still held to Confucian ideals of virtue and modesty. In the 1600s, however, the ruling samurai outlawed prostitution to “clean up” Japanese society, confining sex work to “yūkaku,” or “pleasure houses.” But boxing courtesans out of mainstream society did not kill the industry — rather, consolidating these trained performers gave rise to a new, distinct culture of art and ceremony.

Yūkaku evolved into spaces of entertainment, with women increasingly making their trade in song, dance and music rather than sex. A former prostitute first called herself a “geisha” around 1750, and many women followed suit. It is important to note that although many (both consensually and nonconsensually partook in sexual exchanges, geisha were not sex workers then and are not today. Geisha instead focused on being entertaining hostesses and conversationalists for their upper-echelon clientele and adept in traditional arts like the tea ceremony, calligraphy and flower arranging.

The increasing popularity of geisha persisted well into the 19th century as the profession organized into a highly structured working class involving exclusive apprenticeships and patronages. Training started at a young age, as early as six years old (some children were sold by their parents to geisha houses or “okiya”). Girls spent years as “maiko,” or geisha-in-training, rigorously learning the traditional arts before making their debut. Old-fashioned courtesans declined in popularity as wealthy men increasingly found company in geisha, whose public perception became glamorized as a result. Until World War II.

Like nearly every aspect of Japanese life, the geisha industry was irreversibly changed by WWII. After leaving to aid in the war effort, many “maiko” did not return to their “okiya” after the war, instead choosing to remain in their industrial jobs. With the onset of WWII, becoming a geisha was no longer a girl’s only way out of poverty. Geisha dispersed, and the few that remained grew increasingly protective over their traditions. Some aspects of the trade changed — the training age was raised from six to 16, for example. But this general reclusion from Westernization and modernity contributed to geishas’ decline in the mid-20th century as men shifted their preference to other female entertainers like models and bar girls. But geisha remain popular among travelers, even receiving a popularity boost among Western audiences from Arthur Golding’s (in)famous 1998 novel “Memoirs of a Geisha.”

Two geisha with a businessman. Herb Gouldon. CC0

There are still dozens of geisha districts, or “hanamachi,” across Japan that travelers can visit to experience traditional geisha entertainment and hospitality. In Tokyo, travelers can sample sake and listen to a “samisen” performance, while in Niigata, they can watch “geigi” dancing. But recently, geisha have called out visitors for overstepping boundaries, citing predatory behavior ranging from unsolicited photography to sexual harassment. As a result, Japan’s geisha mecca, Gion, banned non-residents from parts of the region this past March.

“There will be a fine of 10,000 yen [$67 USD]” for nonresidents caught wandering Gion’s streets, Kyoto district official Isokazu Ota told the Associated Press. “Kyoto is not a theme park.”

As COVID precautions have been lifted over recent years, it’s as if people have forgotten how to act now that they can travel again. Several countries have reported instances of traveler misbehavior since easing travel restrictions. Some popular destinations have even implemented tourist bans of their own. However, Japan’s situation is unique as the misbehavior concerning geisha is rooted in a historic misconception laden with sexist undertones.

Geisha are not sex workers. This widespread misunderstanding largely originates from World War II, as men returned home and spoke of their dalliances with “geisha girls.” Given that geisha were and are prohibited from offering sexual services, these men were likely talking about prostitutes and not actual geisha. But by conflating geisha with sex workers, these men began a lasting hypersexualization of geisha, degrading the women and debasing their culture in one fell swoop. Although some geisha did have sexual relationships with their clientele — both by choice and coercion — the misconception that all geisha did so still persists. These lingering sentiments contribute to the harmful thinking and behavior seen today, with visitors believing that it’s okay to treat geisha like zoo animals because they exist to please others, specifically men.

In truth, there has been debate in recent years surrounding the sustainability of Japan’s geisha industry regarding its perceived incompatibility with feminist ideals. Some argue that geisha entertainment is contingent on the male gaze and that its business model is thus outdated and problematic.

“I had clients slip their hands through the side openings of my kimono to fondle my breasts, and when in private rooms they’d open the hems of my kimono so as to touch my crotch. ” ex-geisha Kiritaka Kiyoha wrote on X. “When I told the house mother about these incidents, she directed her anger at me, saying I was at fault.”

When considering their job description at face value, geisha are not inherently feminist. They wear intricate makeup, they learn art and conversation — all to please men. While there may be a self-empowerment aspect to it, they are ultimately catering to and capitalizing off of male interests. But therein lies the paradox: they are capitalizing. Geisha are some of Japan’s most financially independent women. Yes, perhaps this independence wouldn’t be possible without men there to buy their company, but geisha represent a distinctly female tradition of economic self-sufficiency, a feminist ideal some Western countries are still aspiring toward.

Of course, as Kiyoha reminds us, geisha being a time-tested practice doesn’t justify the predatory behavior that props it up: “I would like you to consider if [abuse and harassment] is truly what one would call traditional culture,” she continued on X.

Gion’s traveler restriction is intended to protect geisha and restore dignity to their traditions, but there’s also a fear that it will expedite what many view as the dwindling profession’s inevitable extinction. It’s estimated a mere 1,000 geisha are still practicing in Japan, a far cry from its pre-WWII peak of 80,000. This steady decline, coupled with the bans, leaves many wondering where geisha and their dying art go from here.

“I don’t want the geisha occupation to disappear,” Kiyoha said, but “the industry should rebuild, oriented in a better direction.”

Geisha walks through Kyoto. Tawatchai Prakobkit. CC BY 2.0

Geisha are enigmatic by design, and it is crucial that the public remain interested in the culture and history underlying their time-honored trade. But more than relics of a bygone era, geisha are cultural guardians, and they are people. If/when travel to geisha districts opens back up, it is important to remember that their shroud of mystery is not an invitation for travelers to poke and prod and investigate — there are ways to learn about the culture without violating these women’s boundaries.

Tourism Set to Reopen in North Korea

October 25, 2024

The controversial and most isolated country plans to resume tourism this December.

Panoramic view of Pyongyang. Joseph Ferris III. CC BY 2.0

After five years, North Korea is set to reopen its doors to foreign tourists. The country closed its borders in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but plans to welcome visitors again starting in December. Currently, only the northern city of Samjiyon will be open. Known for its winter activities, Samjiyon is still undergoing reconstruction. Located near the Chinese border and close to Mount Paektu—a sacred mountain claimed to be the birthplace of Kim Jong-Un’s father—Samjiyon was established in 2019. The town, which Kim describes as an “idealist socialist village”, was likely built with forced labor disguised as “volunteers”, given North Korea’s history of enslavement and trafficking. While Samjiyon is reopening, the capital city of Pyongyang has remained closed to tourists.

U.S. tourism to North Korea has been prohibited since 2017, following the death of Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student who was imprisoned in North Korea for stealing a propaganda poster. Warmbier traveled to North Korea with a tour group in 2016 and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. He was released 17 months later and died in a U.S. hospital just six days after returning home in June 2017. U.S. law reserves the right to revoke citizens’ passports upon attempted entrance into North Korea. While everyday citizens are forbidden from entering North Korea, visitation is not entirely banned, as the U.S. occasionally grants validation passports to professional journalists, Red Cross representatives and other citizens whose jobs serve national interests. South Koreans are the only nationality directly banned from North Korea, as the neighboring countries have been in a state of war since 1950. Today, approximately 5,000 Western tourists visit North Korea each year. Tourists from Russia and China—countries harboring more “friendly” relations with North Korea—are expected to make up the majority of foreign tourists.

Between 2010 and 2017, Americans could travel to North Korea year-round. Many have shared their experiences in Pyongyang through YouTube videos, articles and blog posts. As noted by several American tourists, self-guided tours are not an option in North Korea; itineraries are strictly followed. A recurring theme throughout these tours is the guides’ continual stress on their solidarity to the country's leaders, particularly Kim Jong-Un. The North Korean government uses tourism as a tool to showcase the country’s self-reliance, prosperity, talent and citizen happiness by guiding visitors through monuments, schools and museums.

View of Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang. (stephan). CC BY-SA 2.0

Increased tourism could potentially lead to heightened political tensions. Many countries discourage travel to North Korea, not simply due to the inherent dangers, but because tourism revenue supports Kim Jong-Un’s regime rather than the local population. As of 2020, it was estimated that 60% of North Korea’s population lived below the poverty line. If tourism resumes, North Korea could earn nearly $200 million—a significant amount for a country with an economy largely isolated from international trade and exports. Koryo Tours, the most popular gateway to North Korea, is a travel agency based in Beijing that provides group tours to the country, sharing its history, politics, and culture. The tours are capped at twenty people per group, and tour leaders are claimed to have a “passion and interest for the country.” The debate surrounding the ethics of traveling to North Korea remains ongoing. As of now, we are left to observe what the future holds for one of the world’s most isolated countries.

Agnes Volland

Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.

Mistimed Migrations: Climate Change is Disrupting Birds

October 25, 2024

The rising global temperature is having some strange effects on the migratory patterns of birds around the world.

A flock of redwing blackbirds in Kansas. Jerry Segraves. CC0

Warming temperatures, glacial melts, ocean acidification and dozens of other crises are all clamoring for the attention of the global public. Although many are already exhausted by the near-constant onslaught of bad news, there’s still one more factor to add to the pile.

An astonishingly high number of bird species are annual or semiannual migrators, heading from cold to warm weather to follow their insect prey during fall and winter. While far from the only animal to migrate, birds are perhaps the most famous ever to do it. Now, scientists are discovering the ways in which climate change has even managed to wreak havoc on their yearly vacations.

Although birds migrate annually, their departure and arrival times vary based on weather conditions. Their exodus does not follow an arbitrary determination of season but simply begins when the weather turns cold. Scientists have argued that rising global temperatures are causing spring to arrive earlier in the year. This change has a few effects on the more transitive part of the world’s bird populations.

Studies conducted on 90-year-old data have suggested that birds are now leaving later in the year, as warm weather lingers well into the fall. This means that birds frequently arrive too late for peak insect season, missing out on the food they have come to rely on for the winter. This also disrupts their egg-laying patterns, resulting in birds breeding further north and gradually shifting the population.

Other migratory birds have been traveling far from their typical homes, with some traditionally “tropical” birds appearing much further north than they have ever been documented. Between this location shift and delayed egg-laying, scientists have suggested that migratory changes could cause many bird species to run out of land to migrate to in the next few decades.

More recent studies have shown a rising variance in departure times compared to 23 years ago. Researchers attribute the abnormality on the East Coast to substantial atmospheric disturbances called Rossby waves, which shift warm air from tropical areas up north to the poles while returning cold air down towards the equator. As temperature changes occur worldwide, these waves have become weaker over time as the poles warm.

Other scientists have suggested a connection between the recent increase in severe weather events and migration disruption. In 2023, a pair of flamingos was spotted in a small Ohio town after being blown off-course by a hurricane. These birds typically travel from Cuba to the Yucatan Peninsula, but after being swept up in the storm, around 150 were documented across the southern United States. Similar natural disasters disrupting migratory patterns have cropped up in recent months as what experts have called “the worst hurricane season on record” kicks into high gear.

Birds are one of the most iconic and beautiful animals in the world, and their annual migrations are seen as a symbol of seasonal change and the arrival of autumn. However, with the climate in crisis, even a seemingly consistent rule of nature is thrown into turmoil. In the next few decades, some scientists have hypothesized that birds might run out of room and simply stop migrating altogether.

Casting Lines and Breaking Barriers: Women Redefining Fishing

October 18, 2024

Creating global change by empowering women through fishing.

Woman holding a fish she caught offshore fishing in Rhode Island, USA. Courtesy of Take Me Fishing.

Many of us have nostalgic memories of learning to fish with our grandparents. They took us to the pond, put the bait on our hook, and gave us our first casting lesson. However, there is a noticeable disparity between male and female children who continue their fishing experiences. According to a study by The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), only 19% of female anglers between the ages of 13-17 continue fishing after age 12 opposed to 30% of their male counterparts. Additionally, the RBFF found that only 19% of women “see themselves” represented in the fishing industry. As of 2024, 37% of all anglers in the United States are female-identifying—the highest number on record.

In August 2024, I proudly joined those numbers. I was lucky enough to accompany a crew of fisherwomen on an excursion with Take Me Fishing (TMF) in Rhode Island. TMF is a nonprofit that creates opportunities to introduce women to fishing by providing resources and hosting educational events.

My time on the water was spent learning the ropes of offshore and flyfishing. After cruising ten nautical miles out to sea to try my hand at offshore fishing, I learned some valuable lessons in resilience. Admittedly, I spent a good portion of the day leaning across the vessel, seasick. However, the excitement and upbeat spirit of other eager fisherwomen made it all worth it. By the end of the day, I could confidently set up my own pole, bait a hook, and even handle some of the gnarly-looking sea creatures we caught.

The next day, I swapped my action rod for a fly rod. With instruction from a kind guide, I began getting the hang of flyfishing's active nature. Mimicking the motions of an insect on the water, there was something both peaceful and powerful about handling a rod. I felt I truly could have spent days out on the shore. When it was time to pack up, I realized I could easily see flyfishing becoming a regular part of my life.

After two days on the water, I felt more confident and mentally rested than I had in weeks.

A young girl fishing in Rhode Island. Courtesy of Take Me Fishing.

Studies provided by the RBFF found that female anglers were 25% more likely to feel that they were in good health than non-anglers. Additionally, 1 in 5 women anglers believed that fishing has allowed them to accomplish anything they put their mind to. Women being excluded from traditionally male-dominated sports has a direct effect on their health and confidence. Nonprofit organizations like Take Me Fishing help to bridge this gap by offering inclusive fishing opportunities for those new to the sport.

Women on a fishing boat in Rhode Island. Courtesy of Take Me Fishing.

It would be remiss to ignore the fishing disparity between races. Of the 57.7 million Americans who went fishing in 2023, only 5.2 million identified themselves as Black and 6.3 million as Hispanic.

While these numbers are pulled from data taken within the United States, the lessons are transferable worldwide. Women experience inequality in sports around the world. Having personally experienced the immediate benefits of fishing as a woman, I can attest that getting young girls and women out on the water can have a lasting effect on our world. When organizations work to bring opportunities and awareness to these communities, it will help create change on a global scale.

To Get Involved:

Take Me Fishing provides fishing opportunities and events throughout the United States. Further resources can be found with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, Outdoor Foundation and Sports Fishing Restoration.

Cait Kontalis

Cait is a Chicago-based Greek-American but spends most of her year floating around the globe. She holds a B.A. in Communications and a M.A. in Nonprofit Management. Her favorite destinations include visiting her homeland in Greece and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Cait is also a powderhound, taking to ski slopes in the Rocky Mountains and around the globe.

The Human Cost of Sustainable Energy

October 16, 2024

While wealthy nations and corporations benefit from the shift to renewable energy, the poorest and most disenfranchised communities are left to suffer the consequences.

As the demand for renewable energy increases, industrialized countries are racing to obtain metals like lithium, cobalt, zinc, manganese and nickel. These metals are used to make batteries, solar panels and wind turbines—technologies that will ideally enable a transition away from fossil fuels. However, procuring and processing the materials necessary to support these sustainable infrastructures comes with a price that is often overlooked: the human and environmental toll of mining these resources is anything but sustainable for communities worldwide.

Continents rich in these resources— like Africa, Latin America, and Asia—are facing a surge in mining activities, which has in turn led to widespread human rights violations and environmental degradation, particularly among Indigenous communities. According to the Transition Mineral Tracker, there have been 631 human rights abuse allegations against companies involved in the extraction of transition minerals between 2010 and 2022, with 46% of the allegations originating in South America.

Lithium Mine in Argentina. EARTHWORKS. CC BY-NC 2.0

Human Rights Watch has documented a litany of abuses in mining sectors, from child labor and hazardous working conditions to chemical pollution and forced displacement. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the world's biggest producer of cobalt, a critical component of lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from electric vehicles to smartphones. Child labor remains an issue in the DRC, with more than 40,000 children working in the hazardous conditions of the Katanga province’s cobalt mines, according to data from the United Nations.

These children, victims of trafficking and of necessity, are subjected to horrendous conditions, including frequent mine collapses and prolonged exposure to toxic dust. Their work is grueling, often lasting for 12 hours a day, with little to no protective gear. Some children work with their bare hands. Many suffer from chronic health problems, such as respiratory issues and musculoskeletal disorders, as a result of the substandard working conditions.

Cobalt Mining Site. Fairphone. CC BY-NC-SA

Adults suffer in the mines as well, laboring in slave-like conditions. Cobalt mining tunnels often reach lengths and depths far greater than the legal maximum of 98 feet, an already dangerous level. Poor regulation, governance and lack of incentive to adhere to the law means tunnels can reach lengths of up to 295 feet, a level that threatens extreme risk of collapse, landslides and death for miners.

Conditions underground are hot and dusty, as miners rely on generators for oxygen during their 12-hour shifts, six days a week. Though cobalt is toxic to touch and breathe, miners are constantly exposed to the substance. Exposure to polluted water and air can lead to several health problems, including respiratory illnesses, skin conditions and even cancer. In some mining areas, the rate of birth defects and infant mortalities has increased, raising alarm among local and international health organizations.

Cobalt Miners in the DRC. The International Institute for Environment and Development. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The environmental impact of mining is another major concern. The mining industry has ravaged the landscape of the DRC. Millions of trees have been cut down and the air surrounding the mines is hazy with dust and grit. The mining process often involves the use of hazardous chemicals to separate the desired minerals from the ore. These chemicals can seep into the soil and water, contaminating local water supplies and agricultural land. “In this stream, the fish vanished long ago, killed by acids and waste from the mines,” one Congo resident reported of his childhood fishing hole. In some cases, mining operations have dried up rivers and lakes, devastating local ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

The expansion of mining activities often causes the displacement of entire communities, whether by pollution or force. Data from the Business & Human Rights Resource Center points to widespread violations of Indigenous peoples’ rights—such as forced relocation, water pollution and denial of access to traditional land—as well as attacks on human rights defenders and workers’ rights abuses. In countries like Indonesia, Peru, Columbia and Bolivia, mining operations have displaced Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands. These displacements not only disrupt the social fabric of communities but also erode cultural identities that are deeply tied to the land.

In many cases, those who resist displacement or speak out against mining abuses face retaliation. In Indonesia, local officers were accused of breaching police ethics through the use of intimidation tactics, carrying around weapons to compel people to leave their ancestral village. There have been numerous reports of police violence and arbitrary arrests of activists who oppose mining projects. In Colombia, a mine was built within the sacred territory of the Embera people, without any consultation with Indigenous locals. The community faced forced displacements, the territory was militarized, and leaders who spoke out about human rights violations became targets of harassment.

As the demand for green energy continues to rise, companies that rely on these materials must ensure that supply chains are free from exploitation. This includes due diligence, supporting fair labor practices, and investing in cleaner and more sustainable mining technologies. Governments also have a role in regulating the mining industry and protecting the rights of vulnerable communities. Stronger international regulations, greater transparency and accountability are essential in preventing abuses and ensuring that the beneficiaries of the green energy transition are not limited to corporations.

GET INVOLVED

GoodWeave: Founded in 1994 by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, GoodWeave is a leading nonprofit organization in the fight to stop child labor in global supply chains. The institution partners with companies and local producer communities to bring visibility to hidden supply chains, protect workers’ rights, provide assurance that products are free of child or forced labor, and support exploited children.

Good Shepherd International Foundation: Good Shepherd International Foundation works to support women, girls and children living in vulnerable and impoverished conditions. They protect and promote the rights of people affected by poverty, human trafficking, child labor, and other human rights violations in over than 30 countries.

Global Witness: Global Witness works to hold companies and governments accountable for ecological destruction and the failure to protect human rights. The organization campaigns to end corporate complicity in environmental and human rights abuses, end corporate corruption, hold companies in the natural resource sector to the law, and protect activists standing up to climate-wrecking industries.

Rebecca Pitcairn

Rebecca studies Italian Language and Literature, Classical Civilizations, and English Writing at the University of Pittsburgh. She hopes to one day attain a PhD in Classical Archeology. She is passionate about feminism and climate justice. She enjoys reading, playing the lyre, and longboarding in her free time.

Stopping AAPI Hate: Checking in on the Lead Asian Hate Prevention Group

October 10, 2024

With Anti-Asian hate on the rise, see what Stop AAPI Hate is doing to combat it and how you can help.

A Stop Asian Hate demonstration in Washington, DC. Elvert Barnes. CC BY 2.0

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States saw a dramatic increase in anti-Asian hate crimes and attacks. According to the FBI’s data reports, the number of recorded hate crimes exploded to 424 in 2020, up almost 175% from 2019. A survey by the Pew Research Center showed 1 in 3 Asian Americans knew someone who had been attacked or threatened because of their race. Many believed that Sinophobic rumors placing the origin of the COVID-19 virus in China fueled this sharp increase in violence.

Out of this crisis arose the organization Stop AAPI Hate. Initially meant to document anti-Asian hate in the US, Stop AAPI Hate has become a full-fledged advocacy group. The organization has several ongoing campaigns, such as the wildly successful No Place for Hate movement. The group also advocates for policy changes (such as a law in California that aims to prevent harassment on public transit), working to strengthen civil rights protections across the board. In 2023, Stop AAPI Hate fought to stop a potential Texas law that would prevent AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) immigrants from purchasing houses.

More recently, Stop AAPI Hate has moved towards bolstering the confidence and security of AAPIs across the country. In May 2024, a national survey by the organization showed the value of pride and supportive narratives in combating the fear spread by hate crimes. In response to this data, Stop AAPI Hate has announced a new program, Spread AAPI Love, which aims to foster supportive and celebratory connections between AAPIs across the country.

Stop AAPI Hate’s progress has been somewhat restricted by a seemingly unending rise in anti-Asian hate. The organization’s annual survey this year revealed that almost half of all AAPIs in the US were subject to some form of racism or hate. In 2024, there have been a number of reports documenting anti-Asian violence. In February, a man assaulted a Filipino woman on the street in New York. In April, a Massachusetts man ran over a Vietnamese man with his car. In August, a 26-year-old Korean girl calling for medical assistance was instead shot dead by police. The government has acknowledged these crimes and the systems preventing them from being properly reported, but bureaucracy has prevented true justice.

Stop AAPI Hate is doing its best to call attention to these cases as instances of anti-Asian violence continue to rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although they have made great progress, their mission is far from complete.

How You Can Help

Stop AAPI Hate is always accepting donations and support, both in general and for their specific campaigns. Many other organizations also dedicate themselves to stopping the spread of hate, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Red Canary Song, and the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum.

Why Oil Rigging is So Bad for the Environment

October 10, 2024

Posing significant risks to both human health and the environment, the impact of oil rigging could threaten potential ecological, social and economic devastation if left unaddressed.

Oil rigs operate everywhere—along highways, on remote islands, in the middle of the ocean, maybe even next door to your own home. Over the years, the oil industry has caused considerable environmental harm, generating air and light pollution while disrupting wildlife habitats and migration patterns. A report by The Guardian revealed that 17 of the 20 biggest carbon emitters are oil companies, with household names like Chevron, Mobil, and Shell making the list. Contributing to carbon emissions and climate change, oil rigs are directly linked to environmental damage.

As of 2022, the oil and gas industry controlled over 34,000 leases on public lands, totaling over 23.7 million acres. The industries also held leases on over 12 million acres of public waters. Gas and oil companies have been repeatedly accused of unethical practices, including defrauding taxpayers and compromising employee safety. Between 2008 and 2017, there were more than 1,500 oil rig-related deaths in America. Pollutants generated by oil and gas wells are also linked to health problems like asthma, heart damage, stunted growth and premature death. The pipelines and steel platforms used in oil rigging disrupt wildlife habitats, causing distress to animals like deer and buffalo displaced by land development. Given these issues, stricter regulations are necessary. Currently, environmentalists are urging the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to revise oil and gas regulations and hold oil companies accountable for misconduct. Oil companies have a history of abandoning wells without proper cleanup, avoiding royalty payments (federal law requires companies to pay landowners a percentage of profits from sales accrued), and failing to address unsafe working conditions. Oil rigs leak tons of pollutants into the environment, degrading the air and water humans and animals depend on to survive. Solutions include using less toxic organic and biodegradable additives in oil rigging and converting gas-operated equipment to electric or solar.

Oil district in L.A. USC Digital Library. CC0

Urban oil rigging has contributed to pollution in major cities like Los Angeles, operating in close proximity to schools, parks and malls. In the 1920s, Los Angeles was a major player in the global oil industry. However, as local opposition grew due to spills and deteriorating air quality, oil companies began to obscure the reality of their operations. They began to disguise production facilities within buildings and set up oil islands off the Long Beach coast. With many active wells located in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in South Los Angeles, oil drilling has disproportionately affected BIPOC communities. It wasn’t until Jan. 23, 2024, that the LA County Board of Supervisors voted to ban new oil extraction and phase out existing rigs.

Production and gas prices have a dependent relationship: when production increases, gas prices tend to fall, and when production decreases, gas prices usually drop. In the first half of 2023, the number of new wells increased by 12% (624 wells) compared to the same period in 2022. No U.S. president has slowed down the oil boom. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the candidates’ stances regarding the oil industry’s environmental, social and economic impacts will be important.

The pervasive presence of oil rigs, especially offshore and in urban areas, underscores the extensive environmental damage wrought by the industry. As politicians confront oil’s complex legacy, the future of regulation will depend on balancing environmental expectations with economic realities.

Is Climbing Everest Ethical? Why the World’s Highest Peak is in Danger

September 11, 2024

Pollution and overcrowding are making it increasingly controversial to climb the world's highest summit.

Tourists photographing Everest. Peter West Carey. CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, attracts thousands of mountaineering tourists each year. Each of these travelers takes on significant personal risk, however, as climbers ascend the mountain its limited oxygen and the cold can lead to life-threatening conditions including frostbite, exhaustion and altitude sickness. Although approximately 4,000 people have successfully reached the top, Mount Everest continues to claim victims. The death toll varies annually; eighteen climbers died on the mountain in 2023 alone. Over the last century, more than 330 people have died on Everest. Not only is climbing Everest dangerous, but it has also become the subject of an increasingly controversial debate. A surge in climbers has led to overcrowding and significant pollution, with tons of waste left behind each season.

Climbing Everest has become more accessible in recent years, with 90% of climbers now participating in guided tours. These tours, often guided by members of the local ethnic Sherpa population, allow tourists without professional climbing experience to ascend Everest.. The two most popular routes, the Northeast Ridge and the Southeast Ridge, are now notoriously crowded during climbing season in April and May.

Climbing Everest is costly. An $11,000 permit is required from the government, and total expenses typically range from $30,000 to $100,000. Despite the high costs, the revenue generated from this tourism does not substantially benefit the local community. The Nepalese government claims that Sherpa guides may earn around $6,000 per trip, cooks $2,500, and lead Sherpa guides up to $10,000. However, many believe that the Sherpa mountaineers are underpaid relative to the risks they undertake. Efforts are also underway to mitigate the environmental impact of Everest expeditions. Climbers are now required to pay a $4,000 deposit, which is refunded upon their return if they collect eighteen pounds of garbage. The economic debate surrounding Everest is nuanced. Though some argue that the Nepalese government should limit how many people can climb Everest yearly, the country relies significantly on Everest tourism for economic income.

Government officials assembled at Everest. Mark Horrell. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Everest has been dubbed “the world’s largest rubbish dump” due to the substantial waste accumulated over the decades. The Himalayan mountains are ecologically sensitive, and while the exact amount is unclear, thousands of tons of waste have been discarded on Everest. The mountain has also become a macabre resting place for deceased climbers. Roughly 200 bodies, many belonging to native Sherpa guides who died on the mountain, still remain on the path, and mountaineers must walk over them to reach the summit.

Get Involved:

Mount Everest Biogas Project aims to eliminate human waste at Everest, as well as convert waste into renewable energy (methane), which can be used to power local communities. Learn more about their work and donate here.

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC),founded by the local Sherpa people, aims to manage waste in the Khumbu Region. Learn more about their work here.

Agnes Moser Volland

Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.

Zambian Women Fight Poaching with Jewelry

August 27, 2024

Mulberry Mongoose, a Zambian woman-run jewelry shop, turns poaching snares into art.

South Luangwa National Park. Thomas Fuhrmann. CC BY-SA 4.0

Located just 15 minutes from the South Luangwa National Park's main gate in Zambia, Mulberry Mongoose is not just a jewelry brand; it's a movement of conservation, empowerment and creativity. The enterprise's business model is to transform poachers' snare wires into intricate jewelry. The workshop team is composed of 80% women and 100% locals born and raised in Zambia, and has become famous for its innovative methods of production. So far the company has raised over $150,000 for conservation. The story of Mulberry Mongoose is a testament to the power of turning adversity into art, with the motto of "creating beauty from brutality."

Original Snare Necklace. Courtesy of Mulberry Mongoose.

The shop was founded by the English entrepreneur Kate Wilson, who married Dave, a native of Zimbabwe. Before meeting her husband she had never stepped foot on African soil, but given his passion for the African bush, she ended up moving with him to South Luangwa. It was there that she realized her perspective of Africa was fundamentally flawed. Inspired by her own Zambia journey of self-actualization and realization, she decided to set up an ethical craft business that reflected her core values of growth, discipline, care, transparency and joyful bravery.

South Luangwa National Park is famed for its wildlife, having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in Africa. Like many parks in Africa, it struggles to protect its wildlife against poachers. Snare traps are an especially brutal method of hunting used by illegal wildlife poachers. They are the biggest killer of iconic wildlife in Southern Africa, killing tens of thousands of animals each year, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes and wild dogs. The traps are set by areas of high wildlife movement such as watering holes to catch antelopes, which are consumed by locals mainly for purpose of selling it on the illegal bushmeat trade. Unfortunately, snare traps are dreadful tools of destruction, they also do not discriminate, and often other animals can trigger the snare, leading to a slow and painful death by strangulation, dislocation, or near decapitation Without veterinary intervention, the animals are certain to perish.

Snare wire traps are collected by rangers and stored in containers across the continent. Mulberry Mongoose has been granted special permission to access the containers. Its team carefully extracts, untangles and cuts the wire into strips, which are then transformed into the materials they use to create their signature jewelry, a process requiring incredible strength and precision. This transformation not only prevents the wires from causing further harm but also turns them into symbols of hope and resilience.

Snare Chain Necklace with White Pearl. Courtesy of Mulberry Mongoose.

The team worked with a Mfuwe carpenter to train the shop’s female artisans to work with the difficult materials. Grace Mwanza, one of the artisans, told National Geographic how the skills she learned at her job enabled her to build her own house. “The process requires incredible strength,” said Kate Wilson, the business’ founder. “We course through nearly 5 steel drill bits per week!”

The project supports conservation efforts as well as local communities. Mulberry Mongoose gift bags are made with colorful chitenge material bought from businesswomen and turned into beautiful gift pouches by Mfuwe tailors. Its artisans use unique materials bought from local entrepreneurs, such as hand-carved wooden beads, seeds, vintage coins, and farmers’ feathers to ensure that their designs are authentically African and benefit their rural communities, while also showcasing the unique beauty of the African bush and the dexterity and ingenuity of African artisans. A portion of the proceeds from their jewelry sales go to NGOs dedicated to protecting wildlife and supporting rangers. The shop has removed 27,000 snare traps from circulation and transformed over 164,000 feet of snare wire into works of art.

Rhino Conservation Snare & Vegetable Ivory Bracelet. Courtesy of Mulberry Mongoose.

The Mulberry Mongoose team is renowned for its passion and hospitality. You can drop into their "Shop Less Ordinary: between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. any day of the week. Visitors will receive a warm welcome and a free guided tour of the team's purpose-built workshop and learn their story of conservation, female empowerment, rural African employment and ingenuity. You can even try coiling or hammering poachers’ snare wire yourself! Their shop is a beautiful space with an extraordinary variety of designs, worn by the likes of supermodel Doutzen Kroes, businessman Richard Branson, former president Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“On a typical day, a package will leave our shop for the Mfuwe airport, where the truck drives by a watering hole for hippopotamus and a natural basin where giraffes and elephants meet,” said Wilson. “It may take a bit longer to receive our jewelry, but I want to take people on the journey of why we do what we do—to conserve the species of this pristine wilderness we call home.”

TO GET INVOLVED

ulberry Mongoose: Visit the website to learn more about Mulberry Mongoose’s team and story and to shop online. If you are lucky enough to travel to the South Luangwa you can visit the shop itself to learn firsthand from the passionate members. Their site also includes an online shop, with the proceeds benefiting the local community and conservation efforts. They ship orders from their remote workshop anywhere in the world in under 14 days. They also stock ethical retail businesses including conservation shops and safari boutiques. Last you can follow them on Instagram or Facebook as Mulberry Mongoose.

Conservation South Luangwa: This organization’s mission is to work with community and conservation partners in the protection of the wildlife and habitats of the South Luangwa ecosystem. Their goal is to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife and habitats in South Luangwa under the custodianship of the Zambian people. Their site includes information about getting involved and donating.

Zambian Carnivore Programme: This organization seeks to conserve Zambia’s large carnivores and the ecosystems they reside in through science, action and strengthening local leadership. ZCP hopes to create restored and thriving ecosystems that are collaboratively conserved by local communities, scientists and policy-makers through evidence-based approaches. Its website includes information about getting involved and donating.

Conservation Lower Zambezi: Conservation Lower Zambezi is an NGO committed to the conservation of wildlife and the environment in Lower Zambezi, Zambia, and was founded in 1994 to provide support to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and help it fulfill its mandate to mitigate threats to wildlife from poaching in the region. The organization's website has information about getting involved and donating.

Political Tourism in America’s Swing States

August 23, 2024

Volunteers play a crucial role in mobilizing key electorates by traveling to swing states, whose voters will ultimately decide the presidential election.

Protestors rally in front of the Capitol in DC. Ted Eytan. CC BY-SA 4.0

With the U.S. presidential election fast approaching, politically minded Americans are turning their attention to swing states, where Democratic or Republican victory often hinges. Volunteers play a crucial role in these states, engaging in grassroots efforts to sway voters and educate communities on policies and candidates. This is often achieved by speaking with locals directly, typically through door-to-door visits, made possible through non-profits.

Organizations such as Common Power and the Swing States Action Fund aim to mobilize Democratic voters by providing clear information on when, where and why to vote. Common Power, based in Seattle, allows volunteers to either travel to swing states or contribute remotely through activities like writing postcards and making calls. Common Power allows you to choose volunteer opportunities based on location, activity or date. For the 2024 general election, their tentative travel dates are from September to November, with most trips lasting five days. You can sign up for State Teams here, and the volunteer travel guide is available here. Volunteers travel in teams and take part in a virtual training event before their trip. The estimated total cost for a five-day State Team trip is $2,500 (includes lodging, meals, and transportation). However, volunteers are typically responsible for their own transportation, so the final cost can vary depending on their starting location. The Swing States Action Fund operates a little differently; the organization specializes in encouraging recent graduates or retirees to relocate to swing states. They then connect these individuals with a network of volunteers involved in outreach efforts like voter drives and postcarding. These organizations are crucial in combating voter suppression, especially in historically BIPOC communities, ensuring fair access to the democratic process. Organizations like the Progressive Turnout Project pay volunteers, offering up to $125 for completing a door-knocking list, which typically takes about three hours. The Progressive Turnout Project organization operates in key swing states such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

Map of swing states (in gray and light colors) in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. A Red Cherry. CC BY 4.0

Overcoming voter suppression has roots tracing back to the 1950s. During the Civil Rights Movement, volunteers traveled to Southern states to confront segregation and rally Black community members to participate in voting. In the South, Black individuals faced barriers such as poll taxes, rigged literacy tests and fraud when attempting to register. In June 1964, the Freedom Summer Project aimed to register a significant number of Black voters in Mississippi. This effort eventually led to the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark legislation that outlawed racial discrimination in the electoral process. Despite this progress, however, voter suppression continues to persist in the South today. In 2021, Georgia and Florida enacted SB 202 and SB 90 respectively, imposing stricter voter identification requirements, particularly for those voting by mail.

Following Kamala Harris's nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate, her campaign claims a recent surge in support, particularly in key swing states such as Florida, Pennsylvania and Georgia. Volunteers will take direct action through advertisements, demonstrations, and fundraising, as well as by encouraging individuals to submit opinions to government officials.

Fighting FGM: Meet the Woman Activist Standing Up to Mutilation

August 21, 2024

Meet Ifrah Ahmed, the brave woman taking a stand against a brutal practice that still affects millions of women.

Ifrah Ahmed speaking at a training workshop in Mogadishu, Somalia. AMISOM Public Information, CC0

FGM, or female genital mutilation, is the violent and forcible removal of the external female genitalia. This practice usually takes place at a young age, as the belief systems of those who promote FGM believe it to be the best way to preserve a woman’s “purity.” Although modern medicine has proven that there are no benefits of any kind connected to the practice, women around the world continue to suffer from the procedure.

FGM opens the door to a variety of immediate and long-term health complications, including infections, diseases and potential complications during childbirth. The mental effects are also damaging; according to the limited number of studies investigating the psychological impact of FGM, the vast majority of women who have been mutilated by the procedure exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD, among other disorders.

Although FGM has been condemned as a violation of human rights and globally banned by the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2012 a number of countries still engage in the practice. While cases of FGM are concentrated mostly in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, instances have also been documented in Latin America, Asia and eastern Europe. Since 2012, the WHO has been working with local organizations to devise more effective ways to enforce the global ban. In the meantime, however, over 230 million women have undergone FGM, with more being mutilated every day. The victims of this procedure have started to take action into their own hands.

Enter Ifrah Ahmed. As a young girl in Mogadishu, Somalia, Ahmed was subjected to FGM. In 2006, she escaped from the Ethiopian War and made her way to Ireland, where her doctor struggled to understand what had happened to her. In the following years, Ahmed discovered that FGM, despite its near ubiquity in Somalia, was entirely absent in Ireland. This drove her to begin speaking out against FGM, becoming one of the first women to publicly share her experience with the mutilation.

In 2010, Ahmed established the Ifrah Foundation, an NGO devoted to the total elimination of FGM around the world. There are many misconceptions regarding FGM (groups who practice it make use of parents’ ignorance to sell the procedure), such as the belief that it provides benefits for the woman or that it is required under Islamic law. Ahmed, through the Ifrah Foundation, has worked tirelessly to deconstruct these misunderstandings.

The Ifrah Foundation has collaborated with several international nonprofits such as UNICEF, UNFPA and Amnesty International. The organization has also formed partnerships with various governmental agencies on legislation addressing FGM. Additionally, in 2018, Ahmed collaborated with the Global Media Campaign to end FGM to release a short documentary detailing a 10-year-old girl’s death as a result of complications from FGM.

Today, Ahmed works to promote her cause in her home country of Somalia, where she was appointed the Gender Advisor to the Prime Minister in 2016. She is also the Human Rights advisor to the Somali government. In these positions, and with the help of the Somali prime minister and the Ifrah Foundation, Ahmed managed to implement an FGM abandonment program across the entire country.

How You Can Help

Readers who wish to contribute to the Ifrah Foundation can do so here. The Foundation has recently begun a new campaign titled “Dear Daughter," which focuses on educating and empowering women against genital mutilation. Interested readers can visit the campaign and make donations here.

Long, Strange Trip: Psychedelic Drug Use and Legalization

August 6, 2024

With psychedelic drug reform still underway, research indicates that microdosing may be useful for medical and therapeutic treatment.

Capitol Records Cover. Daniel Yanes Arroyo on Flickr. CC BY-NC 2.0

In the 1960s, psychedelic drugs became central to counter cultural identity, as they were believed to expand human consciousness and helped inspire the era’s writing, art and music scene. Their acceptance only went so far, however, the war on drugs led to the ban of psychedelic drug use in 1968. These drugs include psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy, molly), and LSD (acid). But recent studies show that psilocybin may be used to treat alcohol and tobacco dependence, as well as mood disorders like anxiety, depression and OCD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already declared psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy,” with growing evidence for its efficacy in treating cases of depression that have proven resistant to psychotherapy and traditional antidepressants.

Psilocybin mushrooms. Mushroom Observer on Wikipedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0

Some argue that the legalization of psychedelic drugs would be positive, with regulated companies outcompeting the black market and manufacturing safer drugs (e.g., there would be little risk of products being laced with fentanyl). The status of drug policy reform varies across the U.S. Some states—including Washington, Texas and Connecticut—are actively studying the medical effects of psilocybin. In California, several cities, including Oakland, Santa Cruz, Arcata, Berkeley and San Francisco, have already passed resolutions to decriminalize the possession of psychedelic drugs, excluding peyote. The use of peyote in Native American ceremonies and sacraments is protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution as a form of Free Exercise of Religion. Despite this, the supply of Peyote is severely limited, to the point of being listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List. In several states, including New York, Florida and Utah, legislators have introduced bills to legalize psilocybin for clinical use that ultimately failed to pass. Psychedelic drugs remain illegal under the Controlled Substances Act at the federal level in the U.S.

Legislation varies even more worldwide, but many countries have less stringent laws than the United States. In Australia, MDMA and psilocybin may be prescribed for PTSD for depression. In the Bahamas and British Virgin Islands, psilocybin is legal to possess but not to sell. In Mexico, citizens cannot be prosecuted or charged if psilocybin is used for spiritual or religious purposes. Most of Europe has either decriminalized or deregulated aspects of the use or trade of psychedelic drugs, including countries like Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The definition of “decriminalization” varies, but usually implies that one can possess a certain amount of a substance avoiding fines or other penalties, despite it being illegal.

While concerns regarding the safety of psychedelic drugs are and will continue to be raised, statistics show that emergency room visits related to psilocybin and LSD are infrequent. Legalizing psychedelic drugs would signify for advocates a stride toward personal autonomy, enabling individuals to make informed choices about what they put in their bodies. This shift mirrors a growing global interest in investigating the therapeutic and medical potential of psilocybin, prompting a reevaluation of 20th century policies.

Aboriginal Australians: Ancient Roots and Modern Struggles

July 30, 2024

Centuries after British Settlement and mass destruction of their culture, Aboriginal Australians continue to be discriminated against by the Australian government.

Aboriginal Men in 2011. Steve Evans. CC BY 2.0

Aboriginal Australians have experienced systemic disadvantages throughout Australia’s history. Noted as one of the oldest Indigenous communities living outside of Africa, Aboriginal Australians led an advanced lifestyle in precolonial times. According to an article in The Conversation, Indigenous Australians are noted for “establishing complex religions, burying their dead with elaborate rituals, engaging in long-distance trade, making jewelry, and producing magnificent works of art” when Europe was still home to Neanderthals.

The ancestors of Indigenous Australians migrated to the continent from Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Numerous studies investigating the Indigenous group conclude that Aborigines have lived in Australia for approximately 65,000 years. Across the country, Aborigines speak more than 250 distinct languages. There are two classifications of Indigenous people in Australia—the Aboriginal peoples and the Torres Strait Islanders. Aboriginal Australians are those whose ancestors lived in mainland Australia before the arrival of European colonists, whileTorres Strait Islanders have traditionally lived in an archipelago between the continent and Papua New Guinea to the north.

Over time, Australia’s Aboriginal presence has fallen to just 3% of the national population due to colonization and legal restrictions. When British Settlement began in 1788, 750,000 to 1.25 million Aboriginal Australians were living in the country at the time. The British brought epidemics, land seizures, and violent conflict, subjecting most Aboriginal Australians to poverty and massacres. According to National Geographic, “[t]hough the term ‘genocide’ remains controversial, people related to the continent’s first inhabitants are widely considered to have been wiped out through violence.”

From 1910 to 1970, the Australian government created assimilation policies for Aboriginal Australian children, resulting in the Stolen Generations. Successive administrations took Indigenous children away from their families and put them into adoptive families or institutions, forbidding them from speaking their native languages or even keeping their original names.

Today’s Aborigines still face various hurdles as a result of settlement, one being accessible maternal healthcare. Edie, an Aboriginal woman interviewed by BBC, explains her recent involvement with a movement called Birthing on Country following the birth of her fourth child and observations about the dearth in Indigenous mother healthcare in Australia. Her colleague and co-director of the Molly Wardahuha Research Centre Yvette Roe explains that the organization is, “a concept with key elements: when we talk about ‘Country,’ we’re talking about ancestral connection to the country where we’re born. We’re talking about 60,000 years of connection to the land and sky.” Lack of proper maternal care for Indigenous mothers results in them being three times more likely to die during childbirth than non-Indigenous mothers, and their babies almost twice as likely to die in the first year. The maternal health crisis reflects general disparities that exist for Australia’s Indigenous population. Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people face high levels of discrimination, unemployment, poor housing and poor education compared to their counterparts. Concentration in remote locations has also limited access to life-saving services.

Additionally, Aboriginals continue to fight for general recognition and restitution by the Australian government. As the only country in the Commonwealth of Nations country to not make a treaty with its Indigenous population, Australia's Parliament attempted to recognise Aboriginals in its Constitution and create an Indigenous advisory board that would weigh in on national, relevant issues along with Parliament. In the fall of 2023, Australia rejected the referendum. While most of the Indigenous voters were in favor of the referendum, 60% of Australian voters said no. The Aboriginal community took a week of silence and reflection following the decision. In the Queensland Parliament, the "Path to Treaty Act 2023" was legislated with an 88 out of 92 member majority. Truth and Treaty Queensland described it as a, “Historic piece of legislation … the Act provides the legislative framework for the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute to be established.”

Since the late 1700’s, Aboriginal Australians have struggled at the hands of foreign settlers. Whether it is maternal healthcare or incorporation into Australia’s Constitution, their rights and needs have been and continue to be disregarded in numerous ways across the country.

TO GET INVOLVED

Australians are encouraged to get involved with their local Aboriginal communities by attending community events and participating in local Aboriginal tours. Residents can also explore local Aboriginal Land Councils to learn about what actions are currently being taken in their communities. Creativespirits.info explains what land councils do to help Indigenous Australians and has a comprehensive list of Aboriginal land councils in Australia. Activist groups such as Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) and Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) are actively working to help remediate the injustices Aboriginals are facing across Australia.

Aanya Panyadahundi

Aanya is a student at the University of Michigan studying sociology and journalism on a pre-law path. She loves to travel the world whenever she can, always eager to learn more about the different cultures and societies around her. In her free time, she likes to play the violin, ski, and listen to podcasts.

Fanning the Flames: Heat Waves Across America Set to Get Worse

July 30, 2024

An unending barrage of heat waves has pummeled North America in 2024, with climate change the likely culprit.

The sun rises on another 100-degree day in California. Pixabay. CC0

Climate change is an ongoing and severe crisis that is affecting all parts of the globe in different ways. From rising sea levels to increasingly chaotic weather patterns, every part of human society is at risk of some adverse effects.

North America has been suffering droughts on the west coast and frequent hurricanes and tornadoes on the east, but the entire continent is united in facing historically high temperatures. Almost the entire month of July has seen a solid string of heat waves, appearing in every corner of the continent. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these heat waves have become far more frequent in the last few years, rising from two waves yearly in the 1960s to around six annually in the 2010s. In addition, heat waves have become more intense over the last few decades, with temperatures in Mexico and Central America brushing 125 degrees Fahrenheit in a historic first. Las Vegas also recently witnessed a record-breaking 115 degree day on July 12th, topping off a seven-day streak of broken records.

And these heat waves are only set to continue. As of the time of writing, heat waves are expected to renew their assault on the west coast, with temperatures projected to reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and effect Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, Idaho and California. In 2023, Las Vegas never dropped from 100 degrees during the entire month of July, while this year’s forecast suggests that the average will have risen to 103 degrees by the end of the month. In addition, July 20th saw parts of Florida setting daily temperature records at around 97 degrees. This is a solid increase across the board for this time of year, with those same parts of Florida sitting at around a mean temperature of 84.9 degrees last year.

The biggest immediate threats presented by the rising temperatures, however, are wildfires. Hot and dry conditions naturally portend fires, and the already dangerous wildfire seasons in California and Canada have only gotten worse as the heat steadily increases. As of July 21st, several wildfires are raging in Oregon and western Canada, and incoming thunderstorms are predicted to make things substantially more difficult for the firefighters struggling to contain the blazes.

Although official statements stop short of absolute certainty, the vast majority of organizations are pinning the blame for these heat waves squarely on climate change. A series of incidents—the rising frequency and intensity of heat waves across the globe over the last few years, reports from 2022 about sidewalks melting in Europe, and 2023's historically devastating Canadian wildfire season—have raised concerns about the damage climate change can do even in the short term. That 2024's heat waves have been worse are suggestive of what is to come.

According to the Canadian Climate Institute, climate change has been proven to raise the frequency of severe heat waves, as well as slowing them down and causing them to linger over certain areas. Additionally, a statement released by the World Weather Attribution suggests that wildfire risk has become significantly higher as a result of climate change, making 2023’s wildfire season in Quebec close to 50% more intense.

It is becoming increasingly clear how rapidly climate change is altering the planet. Heat waves have been increasing in severity for the past few years, with 2023 setting global heat records and 2024 looking to blow even those historic numbers out of the water. These events are becoming increasingly common as time goes on, and it is possible that global average temperatures will rise five degrees by 2050, and around 10 degrees by the end of the century. Even the deviations we’re experiencing now are severe, but it looks like the world is going to get even hotter—and fast.

UAE Activists Sentenced on Terrorism Charges

July 23, 2024

The United Arab Emirates has sentenced 43 activists to life in prison for their alleged participation in terrorist organizations.

Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi. Thomas Galvez. CC BY 2.0

In 2024, the UAE tried 84 defendants for terrorism charges for "co-operating with al-Islah" and money laundering, individuals human rights groups have determined are activists and not terrorists. Al-Islah is considered to be the Emirati version of the Muslim Brotherhood, a pan-Islamic organization declared a terrorist group by the Emirates. In 2014, the UAE passed Terrorism Law No. 7. The law defines terrorism as, among other things, “stirring panic among a group of people” and “antagonizing the state,” a broad definition that makes it possible for peaceful dissent to be labeled terrorism. “Terrorist organizations” are defined as groups that act to create “direct or indirect terrorist outcome regardless of the … place of establishment of the group or the place where it operates or exists, or the nationality of its members or places.” Along with the passage of the law, the UAE state news agency announced that the cabinet had “approved a list of designated terrorist organizations and groups in implementation of Federal Law No. 7 for 2014.” Muslim organizations that operate legally in the United States and Norway were included on the list.

On July 10, 43 of the defendants were sentenced to life in prison, while 10 received 10 to 15 years in prison. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, insist that the defendants are innocent and that the UAE is abusing its justice system to punish activists, government critics and democracy advocates for forming an independent advocacy group in 2010. In the UAE, these groups mainly advocate for freedom of expression and assembly, the right to a healthy environment and workers' rights, as well as an end to arbitrary detention, torture and the death penalty.

The indictment, the charges, the defense lawyers and the defendants' names have all been kept secret by the government. They are known only partially through leaks. One of the known defendants, Ahmed Mansoor, is on the Board of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) and the MENA Division Advisory Committee for Human Rights Watch, and was arrested on charges relating to his human rights activities. Another, Mohammed al-Roken, is a human rights lawyer who was arrested on charges related to his peaceful criticism of the Egyptian and Emirati authorities. Yet another three, Nasser bin Ghaith, Abdulsalam Darwish al-Marzouqi and Sultan Bin Kayed al-Qasimi, are academics.

The mass sentencing marks the UAE’s second-largest trial of this nature. The proceedings and the verdict were criticized for the lack of transparency and fairness, along with various other allegations of violations of justice, including but not limited to torture, solitary confinement, withholding evidence from lawyers and the removal of key witnesses. Joey Shea, a UAE researcher at Human Rights Watch, called the sentencing a “mockery of justice”, saying, “The UAE has dragged scores of its most dedicated human rights defenders and civil society members through a shamelessly unfair trial riddled with due process violations and torture allegations.”

Authorities launched the new mass trial during COP28, the international climate gathering held in Dubai in 2023. The case had been ongoing since 7 December 2023, yet the UAE only acknowledged the trial was taking place a month after human rights groups and journalists first uncovered and reported it. A number of the defendants had already spent ten years behind bars after being convicted in 2013 for their alleged involvement with the Justice and Dignity Committee, a branch of the al-Islah movement. This has sparked protests that the Emirati authorities are violating the principle of double jeopardy, which prohibits trying people twice for the same offense after receiving a final verdict.

The mass trial reflects a broader trend of the UAE using its anti-terrorism laws to stifle dissent and suppress political opposition. Devin Kenney, Amnesty International’s UAE Researcher, said in a statement, “Trying 84 Emiratis at once, including 26 prisoners of conscience and well-known human rights defenders is a scarcely disguised exercise in punishing dissenters…This case should be the nail in the coffin of the UAE’s attempts to disguise its horrendous human rights abuses behind a progressive façade.”

The UAE government, however, has staunchly defended its judicial process, maintaining that the convictions were based on solid evidence of terrorism-related activities. Officials have argued that the country’s stringent laws are necessary to combat extremism and ensure national security. The court ruled that those convicted “have worked to create and replicate violent events in the country, similar to what has occurred in other Arab states—including protests and clashes between the security forces and protesting crowds—that led to deaths and injuries and to the destruction of facilities, as well as the consequent spread of panic and terror among people.”

Critics argue that the country’s use of anti-terrorism laws to quash political dissent is part of a wider pattern of repression. They point to other cases where activists, journalists and opposition figures have been detained and sentenced under similar charges, calling for greater scrutiny of the UAE’s legal practices and human rights record. The recent trial is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and justice in the UAE and the broader Arab world. The international community’s response to this case will likely shape the future of human rights advocacy in the region and beyond, as activists continue to call for greater transparency, accountability and fairness in the UAE’s judicial system.

TO GET INVOLVED

Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center: Emirates Detainees Advocacy Centre (EDAC) is a non-profit organization founded in 2021 by a group of human rights activists to support detainees of conscience in the UAE and shed light on their cases. Their website contains important information on cases in the UAE.

Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a global organization whose mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of these rights. Their website provides information on their projects and how to join their organization.

Human Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an organization that investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world. They work to protect the most at risk, from vulnerable minorities and civilians in wartime to refugees and children in need. They direct their advocacy toward governments, armed groups and businesses, pushing them to change or enforce their laws, policies and practices. HRW's website provides information on their projects and how to join the organization.

Big Brother is Watching: China’s Social Credit System

July 22, 2024

The nuanced nature of China’s social credit system has sparked global debate.

People walking through crowded streets in Shanghai. Rawpixel. CC0 1.0

Amid social and political turmoil, many are fascinated by order, hierarchy and control. One of China’s long-term goals is technological self-reliance, reflected in the country’s controversial social credit system. Millions of citizens are defined by and reduced to a numeric value, which is generated as their daily interactions and purchases are closely monitored. The system was predominantly economic—similar to a FICO score—until 2004, when President Jian Zemin expanded the system by adding a social aspect. The current social credit system was formally introduced in 2014, and by 2022, 80% of China’s cities, counties and regions had instituted some version of it.

The social credit system varies geographically. Some citizens receive a numeric score between zero and 1,000, while others are marked by a letter score from A to Z. The system is divided into four categories: business, social, government, and judicial. It operates punitively, rewarding citizens for good behavior and punishing them for bad behavior. A drop in one's score can come from traffic violations, littering and gossiping, while good deeds like donating to charity and assisting the elderly can increase it. The more points accrued, the more preferential treatment one receives, including discounts and travel perks. However, if a citizen's score is too low, they can be prevented from traveling or landing work. In 2019, millions of Chinese citizens were banned from buying plane tickets due to low social credit scores. China’s social credit system has been compared to the Black Mirror episode "Nosedive," which depicts dystopian society in which one’s worth is defined in relation to their portrayal on social media.

Surveillance equipment. Rawpixel. CC0 1.0

The government claims that the social credit system was instituted to “build trust” amongst citizens. However, the lack of privacy and blacklist perpetuated by the system has sparked global concern. Even by criticizing the government, your social credit score is lowered, and in some cities, the government pays citizens to report good or bad behavior. Recent studies suggest that the portrayal of China’s social credit system in the media is exaggerated. According to the MIT Technology Review, the system primarily functions as a comprehensive record of data, documenting companies’ financial histories. It is therefore less important as a single score than as a record.

The social credit system is only one aspect of government surveillance in China. The country’s firewall limits internet searches, and there are at least 200 million surveillance cameras installed that can use facial recognition software. China’s government operates without rule of law, leading to the abuse of power. Surveillance capitalism ultimately poses a threat to individual autonomy and democratic governance. The question remains as to how far it will spread in the coming years.