Why Our Cities Need More Trees: The Environmental and Social Benefits

Why Our Cities Need More Trees: The Environmental and Social Benefits

Lewis Saint Victor II
Environmental Policy

Trees are an essential part of the natural world and play a vital role in our lives. They provide us with the oxygen we need to breathe and the wood we use for fuel and building materials. Trees also help to regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen. In addition, trees provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and are an essential food source for many animals. Trees can also have some social and psychological benefits. They can provide a sense of beauty and tranquility and serve as a gathering place for communities. Finally, trees can have economic benefits, increasing property values and making neighborhoods more attractive. Trees are an essential part of our environment and lives, and we should do everything we can to protect and preserve them.

Socrates and Censorship

Socrates and Censorship

Matthew Xiao
Ethics

Socrates is hardly the person one would conjure up when it comes to censorship. Yet in Book Two of Plato’s Republic, Socrates proposes a strikingly authoritarian education system, expurgating the works of Hesiod and Homer and allowing the youth to hear only tales that glorify the gods. He advocates for strict censorship in the education of the “guardians,” who are entrusted with the vital responsibility of safeguarding and governing the city. This approach, aimed at curbing independent thinking in favor of unquestioning acceptance, appears contradictory to Socrates' reputation as a champion of truth, raising the question of whether his education plan should be interpreted as a sincere proposal or a form of ironic critique.

Economics of Labor in Brazil

Economics of Labor in Brazil

Karnik Aswani
Economics

Labor economics is a field of economics that studies the labor market and the relationships among workers, employers, and institutions involved in the production process. It is concerned with aspects such as the allocation of labor, wages, employment, working conditions, and other factors that impact the labor market. In Brazil, the labor market is characterized by significant challenges, including high levels of informality, low wages, inequality, and a shortage of skilled workers in some sectors. Moreover, Brazil's population of over 213 million people is the fifth largest globally, and it affects labor supply and demand in various economic sectors. Some of the various sectors would be agriculture, manufacturing, services, construction, mining and energy, and information technology. The government plays a crucial role in addressing these issues by enacting labor laws, policies, and programs that safeguard workers' rights, promote formal employment, and reduce labor market disparities. Brazil has experienced several economic crises in recent years, resulting in high unemployment rates and a decrease in formal employment. The government's response to these crises has been pivotal in mitigating their effects on workers and the labor market.

Inside the Mind of a Psychopath

Inside the Mind of a Psychopath

Sbeyde Herrera
Science & Nature

Whether we recognize the psychopath as the serial murderer in a film or the unexpressive character in a book, we have a harder time acknowledging them in our real world. Psychopathic individuals can be hard to recognize in a world crawling with mental illnesses because, unlike the physical symptoms we see in severe mental illnesses, such as hallucinations, agitation, or hostility, psychopaths do not completely manifest signs of any physical sort. So then, what are the distinctive personality characteristics that set psychopaths apart, and what causes them? 

Polarization: Causes and Conflict in an Increasingly Divided Nation

Polarization: Causes and Conflict in an Increasingly Divided Nation

Julianna Hess
Political Theory, Political Process

If you live in the United States, polarization is a term you may have heard often regarding American politics. In politics, polarization refers to the large divide between American voters that puts them on opposite ends of the political spectrum. This divide reflects voters’ values and affects how voters perceive the opposing party, as well as how they are represented in Congress (Fiorina, Abrams, 2008). With the rift between Democrats and Republicans being bigger than it’s ever been, it can be difficult for democracy in the United States to function correctly, bringing consequences to policymakers and the American people. Polarization is a reality in American society today, that is caused by internal and external factors influencing Congressional decisions and American voting habits. These factors include characteristics of Congressional and political processes, the pressure to conform to partisan demands from both voters and legislatures, media presence, monetary support, and economic inequalities that hinder policymaking, social cohesion, and the accurate representation of American voters in Congress. Despite the many causes of polarization and the resulting hindrance to democracy, polarization can be diminished through the recognition of harmful partisan attitudes, and corrective action through governmental processes that encourage cooperation and compromise between parties. 

The Protecting Kids on Social Media Act and Age Verification

The Protecting Kids on Social Media Act and Age Verification

Cristina Ortiz
Politics, Public Policy

In an era of political polarization, a group of senators has joined forces in an effort to protect children online. As technology continues to advance and the digital world becomes increasingly pervasive in our lives, protecting our youngest users has become a priority for lawmakers. In response to increasing concerns over the influence social media has on children, four senators have proposed the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act of 2023. If this bill is passed, children under the age of 13 would be prohibited from using social media platforms unless their guardian provides consent. However, the efficacy of age verification is still a significant problem. The efficacy of age verification, or lack thereof, leads to questions from the opposition over the bill’s ability to protect our younger users from the dangers of social media. 

The Economic Impact of Ride-Hailing Apps on the Taxi Industry

The Economic Impact of Ride-Hailing Apps on the Taxi Industry

Fathima Gafoor
Economics

Imagine strolling the bustling streets of a metropolitan city and needing to travel to different places. Aside from subways, you have two options: hail a taxi, or use your phone to book an Uber/Lyft. Undoubtedly, many people would choose the latter. With just a click away, transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft have skyrocketed in popularity, providing consumers with an affordable and convenient way to get around to places. Unfortunately, these services have also had a negative impact on the traditional taxi industry, leading to a loss of jobs, and increasing the risk of monopolies in the transportation industry.

Pirate Econ 101

Pirate Econ 101

Cerine Benayoune
Economics

Disney thinks it has pirates figured out. A peg leg, a hook for a hand, a flashy moustache that swirls at the tips, and a parrot attached to their shoulder that you can tell is evil because it has angled eyebrows – all a necessary part of the uniform. That is about as far as Disney can take its pirate representation without being slammed with lawsuits by concerned parents, because the real pirates were more than just clumsy crew members who were always tripping over their own feet and bickering with children. They were violent and cruel. But most of all, they were clever. Their behaviours were not a result of unchecked impulses and potential undiagnosed psychopathy, but rather a result of calculated thinking and appliance of strategic acts that can be analysed today using modern economic theories. 

Hayek: An Overview

Hayek: An Overview

Thomas Mann
Economics

September 1945 contained multiple defining events around the world. In Germany, the Allies solidified control over their occupation zones. In Asia, the Allies rounded up Japanese forces. In the United States, factory workers began striking due to the postwar economic downturn. Lost in the shuffle is the publication of a 12-page journal article in The American Economic Review by an Austrian immigrant to the United Kingdom. The article’s author would change the economies and politics of the UK and the U.S.

Infrastructure Development in India: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Ahead

Infrastructure Development in India: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Ahead

Karnik Aswani
International Affairs

Infrastructure development is crucial for promoting economic growth in developing countries, and India is a prime example of this. Over the years, India has achieved significant economic growth, largely attributed to its investment in infrastructure. Among the critical infrastructure, transportation, energy, digital, housing, water, and education stand out as the most important ones in India. The government has launched various initiatives to improve the quality of these infrastructures, such as the Digital India program to promote digital infrastructure and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to improve access to affordable housing. Additionally, the Jal Jeevan Mission and Ayushman Bharat programs aim to provide clean water and healthcare facilities, respectively, while the Samagra Shiksha program focuses on improving education infrastructure. Investment in these infrastructures is vital for ensuring sustained economic growth and development in India.

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