Ethanol: Brazil’s sugar-based biofuel built on labor abuse

Ethanol is seen as key to the global switch to cleaner energy. But in one of the world's top producers, Brazil, concerns over slavery in the supply chain are rising - along with the heat that workers must contend with

Can artificial intelligence help close gender gaps at work?

Tech startups say their AI systems can interrupt biases in hiring and promotion, but experts warn that algorithms are no silver bullet

'The woods next door': U.S. community forests take root

The country is seeing a growing trend in green spaces governed by local residents, bringing conservation, educational benefits and income to urban and rural communities

EXPLAINER: How COP26 pushed 'just transition' up the global climate agenda

New financial support and a scuffle with developing countries over ending coal power at the Glasgow talks grabbed attention for the need to ensure a socially fair shift to greener economies

As Colombia mulls easing abortion law, teen mothers pay high price

Most of Colombia’s teenage mothers struggle to continue their studies or find well-paid work, a pattern played out in much of Latin America

Could making climate change a rights issue help boost action?

A growing number of climate litigation cases demonstrate how climate change is increasingly seen as a human rights issue

Indonesia's batik-makers turn to mangroves as demand grows for eco-dyes

Mangroves serve as barriers against tsunamis and providing important ecosystems for fish and crabs in Indonesia, while they absorb carbon dioxide emissions

UN, other agencies aim to standardise measurement of environmental impacts

Regulators are looking at ways to replace a patchwork of voluntary social and environmental disclosure rules to tackle "greenwashing" by organisations eager to present themselves as ethical

Banks must put climate risk at core under proposed global rules

Pressure is building on banks to play a more active role in helping global economies transition to a net-zero economy by 2050

OPINION: How encryption can shield the most vulnerable

From LGBT+ people to journalists, strong encryption is crucial for making the Internet safer for everyone

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