Photo series: The Cruzada São Sebastião in Rio de Janeiro Photo series Thousands of people live cheek by jowl in the Cruzada São Sebastião housing project. The coronavirus pandemic has hit them especially hard. Most of them were already living under tough economic conditions and now many of them have lost their jobs. The Afro-Brazilian population has been disproportionately affected by the virus, with racism and inequality thrown into even sharper relief by the pandemic. This is also the experience of the residents of Cruzada São Sebastião.
After Ursula von der Leyen’s ambitious first State of the Union address: It’s time for EU action! Commentary European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s first State of the Union speech showed an ambitious and a strategic approach to the many crises hitting Europe and the world. However, words are not enough. They must be backed up by actions and coherent policy measures. Eva van de Rakt, Lisa Tostado, Martin Keim, Zora Siebert, Anna Schwarz, Joan Lanfranco
“All is not yet lost!” – A contemporary look at Amazonia Commentary The rain forest is going up in smoke – this is the impression given by the images that have been circling the globe for years. But the digital age means that they now travel faster than ever. There are fires in the Arctic, forests burning in Canada, Siberia, South East Asia and now in Amazonia. It is a cause for concern and incomprehension, as most people are now aware of the importance of the largest tropical forest on earth in climate change and protecting biodiversity. Barbara Unmüßig
How do we define Amazonia? Commentary Amazonia means many things to different people. Below is an overview of what Amazonia is, who lives here and why such large areas of it are being slashed and burned. Thomas Fatheuer
Why we need to rethink open data in Asia during Covid-19 Commentary In Asia, the pandemic has accelerated efforts to keep citizens informed through prompt and extensive data sharing. However, this new openness has also led to concerns regarding transparency, data protection, and democratic participation. Benjamin Zhou
More arrests and repression in Belarus Statement Further arrests and acts of repression in Belarus: Lawyer Maxim Snak arrested; Nobel Prize for Literature winner Svetlana Alexievich harassed – Pressure on Minsk and Moscow must be raised and activists in danger allowed into Germany. Dr. Ellen Ueberschär
Key Green Ideas for the Future of Europe Policy recommendations In the context of the Covid-19 crisis, the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union faces major challenges. Considering that the conditions and circumstances will constantly change, and that the EU will face increasing uncertainty and unpredictability, we need to reflect on how it should respond to vital challenges in the long term. Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue
European Green Deal: Europe’s (wo)man on the moon moment Commentary How can the European Green Deal, aimed at transforming the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, become a vehicle for gender equality and women’s empowerment? Eva van de Rakt, Lisa Tostado
Countering the Coronavirus Infodemic Event recording This #TechCovid19 event explored the narratives of coronavirus disinformation around the world and debated very timely issues: Where do we draw the line between opinion and fabrication? Where do the fake stories come from, how do they spread and what is their purpose? Most importantly: what can we do about this?
Countering the coronavirus infodemic Event recording The need for reliable information about Covid-19 is vital. Unfortunately, many false stories and myths are circulating about it. External state actors, domestic conspiracy theorists and hate groups as well as even some governments participate in spreading such disinformation. Numerous myths reach a huge audience on social networks because of the network’s recommendation algorithms. Where do we draw the line between opinion and fabrication? Where do the fake stories come from, how do they spread and what is their purpose? Most importantly: what can we do about this?
