Climate change continues to disrupt life across the world. In France, more than 1,000 firefighters are battling the country’s worst blaze in decades. Canada faces epic wildfires on both coasts, while regions such as Quebec remain on notice due to dry conditions. This week, a study in Nature Ecology & Evolution revealed heat extremes have caused a 25% to 38% reduction in the abundance of tropical birds. Colorado evacuated a prison threatened by one of the largest wildfires in the state’s history, and China is still recovering from a recent bout of extreme floods.
Motivated by the steady escalation of climate disasters, vulnerable communities have sought legal protections against carbon polluters—and in late July, climate advocates from island nations declared victory following a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that countries can be held legally responsible for their greenhouse gas emissions. Arthur Wyns, former senior advisor to the United Arab Emirates twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties presidency, and Swathi Manchikanti, a climate adaptation and health expert at UNICEF, unpack how the ICJ’s ruling could propel intergenerational justice and environmental stewardship, offering young people another tool to secure a livable planet.
Next, Facundo Manes, an Argentine congressperson, neurologist, and neuroscientist, leads a of group researchers and policy experts to explain how proactive investments in brain health can reduce the incidence of mental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and unlock trillions in economic value.
To wrap up, Demewoz Haile, Kassandra L. Harding, and Michael Brauer from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation assess whether processed meats, sugary drinks, and trans fats are safe at any level of consumption.
Until next week!—Nsikan Akpan, Managing Editor, and Caroline Kantis, Associate Editor
