Throughout human history we have had an ambiguous relationship with water; we treasure it and our lives depend on it. We have traveled oceans and seas to reach destinations. We have harnessed tidal power using underwater turbines that generate electricity, and we need fresh water for our food systems. Yet it has also threatened us […]
Putting greed before sense and sustainability?
A year ago, I reflected on the forthcoming Brexit negotiations and focus on fishing rights. Now, the deal is done. The desensitised UK fishing industry, which is responsible for only 0.12% of the overall economy, feels betrayed. But the real disaster of overfishing, illegal fishing and plastic ghost gear left in oceans killing wildlife was […]
Fishing Rights
The EU and UK are prioritising fishing rights in the trade negotiations after Brexit. I would much rather see fishes’ rights being prioritised. Fishing is morally bankrupt. The quota set by the EU barely take into account the severe overfishing that causes fish ‘stocks’ (i.e. populations) to become vulnerable, with some species being threatened or […]
A pig’s life
Rescued pigs at a UK sanctuary, (c) Jasmijn de Boo While the world is embroiled in human scandals, prolonged political and geo-economic breakdowns, wars and worse, the crises in the natural world and those affecting animals farmed for food are huge. Yesterday, we learned that a quarter of the world’s pig population will die of […]
Climate inaction or a shared appetite for a better world?
Overshadowed by Brexit, and much more trivial, news, last week, the world was presented with a groundbreaking climate message. The social cost of climate change The landmark IPCC special report, published on 8 October 2018, is more alarming than any previous climate report. Not only must we limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, […]
Remembering Tom Regan, from an empathy perspective
With sadness, I learned that Professor emeritus of philosophy, Tom Regan, has died at the age of 78 on February 17, 2017. Regan is famous for his 1983 book The Case for Animal Rights, and he authored numerous other books and papers on animal rights philosophy that have significantly influenced the modern animal rights movement. […]
What could Brexit mean for veganism?
Before the referendum I shared my personal view outlining reasons to Remain in the EU, and I was hopeful that a small majority would back staying in. Unfortunately, the result of the Referendum on 23 June was marginally in favour of leaving. The political establishment is in disarray, but I prefer not to comment, as […]
In or out, that’s the question (on ‘Brexit’)
What ‘Brexit’ means for animals – a personal view At a live comedy night recently, the topic under discussion was immigration. Plucking up courage, I announced to the comedians and listening audience that I was an economic migrant. They didn’t really know what to say, because I ‘looked’ just like them, and I almost talked […]
Mallorca – my number 1 vegan holiday destination
Sun, sea and island parties are the images that immediately spring to mind when thinking of the beautiful Balearic islands and particularly, Ibiza and Mallorca. But the islands offer so much more. While the beaches are indeed one of the main attractions, we can now enjoy fantastic vegan food everywhere whilst naturally getting our Vitamin […]
Vegan in the Caribbean
Coconuts, beaches, sun, the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea… I have been privileged to be staying on St Kitts for nearly 4 weeks. Sadly, I’ll be flying back to the UK tomorrow evening. It’s been a great opportunity to work remotely with the world’s best office view (see below) and have time to relax, have […]