Agenda articles

Rational polarization: MIT researchers on why reasonable people disagree

People can stand on opposing sides of an argument and both sides can be rational, research has found.

The Sámi people want Sweden to protect its reindeer. Here’s why

Over 10,000 reindeer have been killed by vehicles on Sweden's roads in the past five years. The Indigenous Sámi are calling for greater protection.

What's 'holistic health' and how does it relate to improved performance at work?

Companies and employers both benefit when workplaces consider health and well-being in a much wider sense, new McKinsey research shows.

How data and partnerships can help us improve heart health at scale 

The Novartis Foundation has launched CARDIO4Cities and AI4HealthyCities that use data to determine the root causes of cardiovascular disease in cities.

Why carbon dioxide removals are crucial to tackling hard-to-abate emissions

Carbon dioxide removals are crucial to offset the hardest to abate emissions. We highlight what the First Movers Coalition are doing to catalyse action.

Smoking bans: These countries are tackling tobacco use

Smoking bans are being introduced around the world to cut tobacco use and improve health. Portugal, Mexico and the UK are leading the way.

The Booker Prize 2023 has a winner. Here's a summary of the novel and a round-up of the runners-up

The Booker Prize 2023 has a winner - Prophet Song by Paul Lynch, set in a version of Ireland descending into totalitarianism.

Why understanding mineral associations is key to managing the critical minerals supply gap

There is huge demand for critical minerals and metals. Understanding the geological characteristics of metal production is key to managing the supply gap.

Eurasian Resource Group: Paving the way for a sustainable energy material supply chain

Benedikt Sobotka, CEO of Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), highlights the World Economic Forum’s distinctive capacity to facilitate robust cross-industry partnerships and multistakeholder cooperation, which is essential to accelerate the global energy transition and tackle climate change challenges.

Can COP28 move us towards a new food production model?

A new food system that meets demand and biodiversity and net zero targets is needed. Intensifying agricultural production in a sustainable way could help.

Climate economy models not fit for purpose, critics say - and other economy stories to read this week

Top economy news: Climate economy models under scrutiny ahead of COP28; Germany suspends budget talks and debt brake; Japan's negative interest rates to end?

Shared parental leave: Can assistance for new parents ever keep pace with reality?

Shared parental leave is becoming a reality in more places around the world, but the progressive policy often remains better in theory than in practice.