Features

The advantages of greater equality are clear – the more so as the negative effects of widening inequality in some countries become apparent. But how can we help turn the tide?

While it is clear that equality matters in terms of health and happiness, surprising new data reveals that it is also better for the environment – in the more equal rich countries, people on average consume less, produce less waste and emit less carbon.

A few fragments from the surprising history of equality. Cartoons by Ella Furness.

The political landscape may seem particularly bleak at present. But, if we stand back and look at the bigger picture, the dominance of rightwing populists and neoliberal policies is likely to be a temporary blip. The evidence is mounting that greater economic equality benefits all people in all societies, whether you are rich, poor or in-between. Once this is widely understood, politicians and policymakers will be forced to take note, as Danny Dorling explains.

Sand-dredging is big business, especially in Asia, where demand has sky-rocketed thanks to the booming construction industry. Rod Harbinson reports from Cambodia on an extractive industry that is mired in corruption and scandal, and meets some of those on the frontline of the fight against it.

The end of the battle against polio might be in sight, but violence and public mistrust are creating yet more obstacles. Laura Jiménez Varo investigates.

A round-up of inspired ideas and practices.

More and more young people are becoming homeless across the West. Catherine Yeomans reports on how to tackle the issue

Civil war, mental illness, poverty, gang violence: housing insecurity has many roots.

India's $15 billion grand project is already in trouble. Nimisha Jaiswal investigates

What do the numbers look like?

Sian Griffiths reports on a no-nonsense movement which is reshaping traditional solutions to chronic homelessness

With house prices and rents soaring, can there be a remedy to homelessness? Wayne Ellwood investigates.

Michiel Driebergen and Alex Masi meet volunteers providing much-needed psychological support in war-torn Ukraine.

Cyprus may want to determine its own future, but its geopolitical importance means that Britain and the US have other ideas. Darren Loucaides reports.

What would a free West Papua look like? Benny Wenda and Rex Rumakiek from the ULMWP – West Papua’s government-in-waiting – lay out their visions for a new country.

Join international movements to support the West Papuan freedom struggle.

How does living under the occupation affect the lives of ordinary West Papuans? Veronica Koman spoke to five current residents of West Papua to hear their stories.

‘The struggle is in the song, and the song is in the struggle.’ West Papuan musician Ronny Kareni explains the vital role of Melanesian culture in the fight for freedom.

Connor Woodman reveals the ties that bind transnational mining companies to the Indonesian occupation.