The UK is redefining economic growth with Gross Inclusive Income (GII), a new measure that includes sustainability, well being, and non-monetary factors beyond traditional GDP.
Jon's gig guide for the week ahead
Another busy week in Luxembourg, find out more here!
10 Year Celebration for Important Local Venue
De Gudde Wëllen is turning 10 in style with a weekend of club nights and concerts!
IMS- Leading the Sustainability Movement in Luxembourg
Representing nearly 25% of Luxembourg's workforce, IMS ( Inspire More Sustainability) is recognized for its impact on uniting companies in Luxembourg around sustainable development. They foster collaborations among economic actors through impactful projects and open dialogue with private, public, and associative stakeholders. Listen to the interview with Sophie Öberg, their Deputy Director.
Reconnecting People and Nature for a Better Tomorrow with CELL
Citizens for Ecological Learning and Living is a community-driven organization dedicated to fostering sustainable lifestyles and environmental awareness. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on initiatives, they empower individuals and communities to reconnect with nature, adopt eco-friendly practices, and champion the health of the planet.
What's right: Norway apologizes to Sami people
Norway’s parliament has apologized to the Sami for decades of forced assimilation, marking a historic step. Alongside the apology, new measures will protect Sami culture, language, and land rights. While welcomed by the Sami, critics question economic impacts, and implementation remains under scrutiny. Get all the details on today’s “What’s right with the world”.
Does Gladiator II live up to the Original?
Jerome is not completely won over by the new Gladiator film but praises the visuals.
What's right: Paris protects babies from pollution
Paris is launching an inspiring initiative to support new parents and protect babies from pollution. Starting mid-2025, eco-friendly gift bags will be provided, including stainless steel baby cups, wooden toys, reusable cotton wipes, and non-toxic cleaning items. This effort aims to give infants a healthier start in life while promoting sustainable practices
What's right: no more cracks in concrete?
A research team at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia has combined civil engineering and their wish to cut back on textile waste by using textile waste and carpet fibres to create sustainable concrete. Their approach not only diverts clothing and carpet waste from landfills — which is urgently needed when it’s estimated that the world produces 92 million tons of textile waste every year — but it also makes for stronger concrete, reducing early-age shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30%.
This week's gig guide with Jon
Jon’s weekly gig guide recommending the best of another busy week in the Grand Duchy!
We STEM: empowering women in STEM
WeSTEM+ builds on the foundation laid by Girls in Tech Luxembourg, is focusing to encompass a broader range of STEM disciplines for everybody. Through technical programs, mentorship, workshops, and networking events, they strive to inspire and support the next generation of STEM leaders. Listen to the interview to find out more.
What's right: Young Scientist Challenge
A fourteen-year-old has won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Sirish Subash created a device called Pestiscand. It is a handheld device for at-home use to detect pesticide residue on produce without damaging the food. It measures the wavelength of light reflecting off of fruits and vegetables and uses a machine-learning model to analyse the data. Users download a phone app, point Pestiscand at the produce, tap the scan button and voilà, they see if their apple or spinach needs another rinse.
Smetnaki (Balkan Express 174)
Nominally, Smetnaki straddle the cross-section between ska, punk and funk. The band themselves insist that they are not bound to any specific genre. But listen closely and you'll hear jazz in all its forms. Check them out on this week’s Balkan Express
What's right: new Alzheimer's drug approved
European regulators have now approved a new Alzheimer's drug that they rejected in July. The drug is called Leqembi, brand name for Lecanemab, and is administered via a drip every two weeks. It is a protein that binds to amyloid beta, a substance that forms sticky plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. It is these plaques that are associated with cognitive decline in the disease.
A Bruno Mars Week (Top of the EU Pops 18-11-24)
Somehow, Bruno Mars made it to the top of four different European charts this week. And with two different colabs at that. Die With A Smile, with Lady Gaga refuses to go away and is atop the Belgian and Bulgarian chart. More importantly, his ATP, with Rosé took the top spot in Latvia and Lithuania, too.
What's right: one far-right conspiracy platform less
There is one far-right conspiracy platform less in the United States. The satirical media outlet The Onion has acquired the site Infowars.com. For years, the owner Alex Jones distributed lies and fake news to the public, earning millions of dollars by selling conspiracy theory merchandise like vitamins, diet pills, and gear for a supposed civil war.
What's right: World's largest coral discovered
Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral reef in the Solomon Islands, which holds centuries of ocean secrets. It measures 34 meters wide and five meters high, making it longer than the world's biggest mammal, the blue whale. It is made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color and it is so huge that it is visible from space.
Local Matters: Esch's mayor Christian Weis about civic participation
The city of Esch has introduced an online platform where citizens can easily request a meeting with a municipal officer or alderman. The initiative aims to strengthen the direct contact between the citizens and the politicians. In our interview on Local Matters, mayor Christian Weis (CSV) explains how the city of Esch aims to foster civic participation through this and other initiatives.
Join AWCL's Mission to Deliver Joy with Gifts for Kids in Need
The American Women's Club Luxembourg is back again this year collecting money for their 'Gifts for Kids' campaign.
What's right: zero emission in ocean freight?
Amazon, Ikea and about three dozen other companies that depend on ocean freight will invite shipping firms for the first time ever to bid on a contract in January to move their cargo on vessels powered by near-zero emissions e-fuels like e-methanol. The Alliance hopes to accelerate the ocean shipping industry's move toward net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.