MyEnviroMind

A species for us or a species for all? For decades, the ability to genetically modify organisms has roused ethical debate. Yet scrutiny over these debates reveals a worrying trend; more people are supporting a pro-GMO stance on the grounds of solving sustainability issues, before considering whether more ethical and sustainable alternatives exist. Recently in the world of GM, scientists have managed to create “surrogate sires” (Ciccarrelli et al., 2020, p.1). These are sterilised male animals who act as vessels for the production of sperm donated to them from another male carrying a desired trait.  The technique involves using CRISPR-Cas9 technology - a game-changing gene editing tool that can knock out the male fertility gene in sires and make them sterile. Sperm-producing stem cells can then be transplanted into surrogate sires, enabling them to carry traits from the donor. Male mice, pigs, goats and cattle have all been subject to the technology, but so far only surrogate mice h...

Eating disorders can be tricky to manage at the best of times. However, recent changes to day-to-day life have amplified the difficulties for many who struggle with eating disorders. This is reflected in demand for the Helpline service run by BEAT, the UK’s eating disorder charity, increasing by 97% in the past six months compared to the same period last year. Lockdown has been a struggle for us all, but for those with eating disorders, feelings of isolation, uncertainty and a lack of control and structure can manifest in dangerous coping strategies. At least, this has been my experience and those of several other wonderful people I am currently living with in an inpatient ward. I am not yet ready to share my story as it is very personal and I am still going through recovery. However, I feel a strong need to speak up about what I see as an ominous tragedy unfolding before our blind eyes, and it will not quieten down unless we shed a light on the battles that many of us have been facin...

With COVID-19 tearing apart our social calendar, we look with even more enthusiasm towards what few events remain open for live streaming. One of the UK’s cultural highlights going digital during this pandemic is the BBC Proms, an annual celebration of orchestral music from London’s Royal Albert Hall. However, controversy has been sparked over the BBC’s decision to strip the lyrics from Rule, Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory , choosing to play orchestral versions instead. Why? Well it has been alleged that the conductor of this year’s finale, Dalia Stasevska, thought COVID-19 restrictions would provide a good opportunity for change. For these songs, with their rousing melodies and rhythmic tunes, contain an uncomfortable message. As the hearty chorus chime together with “Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves! Britons never, never, never shall be slaves,” audiences resurrect Britain’s defiance to falling under French rule during the Second Hundred Years War during which this s...

Could it actually be happening? Could the government be acting on scientific advice? It seems so!  For in light of growing evidence that obesity increases one's risk of dying after contracting COVID-19, the Prime Minister has unveiled a new strategy to tackle obesity levels in England. On a side note, I think this encouraging in terms of the climate movement, for it means we can continue to hope for stronger climate action so long as activism remains founded on credible scientific knowledge. Nevertheless, the government’s response has not avoided controversy. With plans to use campaigns to encourage people to “eat better” and “live healthier”, I worry that action will paradoxically facilitate the development of eating disorders among the population. Exercise and 'healthy eating' is always promoted as the goal, the yellow brick road to a happier place. Yet there can be too much of a good thing. I have seen far too many people close to me become obsessed by numbers; at first ...

The news headlines on Sunday the 14th June, 2020. Violence and "thuggery" has broken out overnight as far-right "counter-protestors" clashed with police. Meanwhile, #BlackLivesMatter (BLM) protests continue to be largely peaceful throughout the UK, abiding by the principles of civil disobedience.  I'm just going to say it clear and outright - there is no place for the violent behaviour carried out by these self-proclaimed “statue defenders.” Quite frankly, I am ashamed to associate myself with those who raged and pelted and “defended” the colonial histories I share with them as a British citizen. Rather than being defended, Britain's colonial legacy must be acknowledged, taught in schools and countered. Consequently, I will not give ‘counter-protests’ any more acknowledgement in my blog. However, if any individuals from these protests would like to come forward and peacefully discuss their opinions with me, I will gladly engage and try to seek more of a mutu...