“The lifestyle most in keeping with the planet is the lifestyle that most closely resembles what we call poverty.” In this public letter to his sons, Louis B. Jones encapsulates his journey after reading Limits to Growth, focusing on the subsequent panic concerning our trajectory towards an uninhabitable world and the realisation that the more disadvantaged we are, the better our actions, from a sustainability perspective. In this mantra, designed to reduce an abundance lifestyle, Jones does highlight one element that needs to be in high supply: good humour. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
