Results for Opinion

If there are any geologists in millions of years, they will easily be able to pinpoint the start of the so-called Anthropocene – the geological age during which humans became the dominant influence on our planet’s environment. Wherever they look, they will find clear evidence of its onset, in the form of plastic waste. Plastic is a key material in the world economy...But plastic already is creating massive global environmental, economic, and social problems.

Emmanuel Macron’s victory in the French presidential election [May 7] could be mistaken for the plot of a novel that no publisher would accept. And then the one who finally does, finds himself with a runaway bestseller ... a young man, practically unknown a year ago, accedes to the presidency of France. ...Now begins the open combat between those who believe that freedom lives and those who have already buried it. Bernard-Henri Lévy

Artificial Intelligence is the next technological frontier, and it has the potential to make or break the world order. The AI revolution could pull the “bottom billion” out of poverty and transform dysfunctional institutions, or it could entrench injustice and increase inequality. The outcome will depend on how we manage the coming changes.

Women need policies that support their active participation in the emerging green economy, including better education, skills training, and protections against workplace discrimination. Because the clean-energy industry is so new, it could help draw women into non-traditional higher-paid jobs like engineering. Enabling all citizens to meet their economic potential – will require active efforts to promote women’s social and political inclusion. Closing the gender gap is the right thing to do for women and the planet. It is also smart economics. Let’s not miss this opportunity. By Isabella Lövin and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

On April 22, scientists from around the world will mark Earth Day by participating in an unprecedented “March for Science.” The aim of the march will be to “celebrate and defend science at all levels – from local schools to federal agencies.” It is important to understand why the usually sedate community of scientists will take to the streets in a global demonstration of concern.

I frequently travel overseas, and invariably my foreign friends ask, with varying degrees of bewilderment: What in the world is going on in your country? Here is what I say. By Joseph S. Nye.

With the exception of launching a nuclear war, it is hard to think of anything a US president could do that is liable to harm more people than last month’s order canceling rules issued under former President Barack Obama to freeze the construction of new coal-fired power plants and shut down many old ones. President Donald Trump’s order followed his pledge to rescind stricter fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks, and his announcement that he wants to slash spending on climate science. By Peter Singer.

Should Casinos be allowed in Tonga? Matangi Tonga asked five members of the public for their opinions in a random survey.

What has happened to the Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva and his government? It's a question that many people have been asking after the Tongan Parliament ended its 2016 session on Thursday, 27 October.