Think global, eat from the microwave
+ Learning to love the Killers (maybe) and 36 Ways to Live Differently (#408)
In case you've missed it: Kate Darling took over this newsletter on Sunday and guest-curated an issue helping you make sense of AI applications.
Some personal news, largely unrelated to this newsletter: I just started a new job, as project lead for a Climate Lab that Swiss indie publisher Republik is launching. Our goal will be to explore and develop initiatives and products needed for journalism to step up in the climate crisis — working closely with the community and anyone interested. If that sounds interesting to you, sign up here and we'll be in touch.
And now what you've been really waiting for: this week's recommendations.
1. Notes on Progress: An environmentalist gets lunch
Hannah is an environmentalist. She prepares all her food in the microwave, eats Avocados from Mexico and Bananas from Angola — in fact, it's rare that any of her food is produced locally. Sounds confusing? It's because she goes by the data, and our intuitive sense of what's sustainable is often at odds with reality. A thought-provoking piece on what it means when «doing your bit» doesn't feel like doing your bit. (If you like Hannah's work, here's the Weekly Filet she guest-curated)
Works in Progress
2. Africa’s Ukraine Dilemma
When Russia invaded Ukraine, 17 African countries declined to back a UN resolution condemning the attack. Still today, most African countries yet have to take a strong stance on the war. Why is that? It's complicated. (In case you need a refresher on where all the countries mentioned in this article are, you know I've got you covered.)
3. We had such trust, we feel such fools
The author lost her 13-year-old daughter due to a dreadful series of mistakes doctors and nurses made in hospital. Even though you know from the beginning how the story ends, you can't help but hope it ends differently at every turn it takes. A heartbreaking story, a fantastic piece of journalism.
Merope Mills