Why the biggest pledges on emissions are from the smallest countries

In hopes of saving their countries, many small nations are making big promises on cutting emissions.

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Politics & Current Affairs
  • Several small countries have joined a pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2050, despite the difficulties.
  • While the larger countries have promised some emissions cuts and funding for green energy, they have yet to match the pledges of the small countries.
  • Several studies have found that poorer countries will be hit harder by climate change than the richer ones.
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Researchers: Voting machines can be easily hacked

As it turns out, hacking an election isn't as hard as you'd think.

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Politics & Current Affairs
  • A group of hackers has demonstrated that many common voting machines are easily compromised.
  • The group presented their findings to Congress, where election security is increasingly a serious concern.
  • The question of how secure voting machines are isn't new, but the current political climate gives it new meaning.
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Study: Ending the racial wealth gap would add a trillion dollars to the economy

America's racial wealth disparity is entrenched, with devastating effects. What if we got rid of it?

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Politics & Current Affairs
  • A new study shows that the wealth gap in the United States is still here, huge, and affects every aspect of our economic lives.
  • The authors explain that narrowing the gap would increase GDP size substantially.
  • The study also reminds us that little will change without major policy changes.
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Sign of the times: School designed to limit impact of mass shootings

With little progress on other avenues to preventing mass shootings, one firm has employed architecture to save students.

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Politics & Current Affairs
  • A school in Michigan is being remodeled in a way to minimize the effect of a shooter should the worst happen.
  • It features limited sight lines, bullet proof windows, and doors that can be locked at the push of a button.
  • Some research casts doubt on how effective the plans will actually be.
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