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The Conversation

Islam
Pope Francis encouraged Christian-Muslim Dialogue and helped break down Stereotypes

Pope Francis encouraged Christian-Muslim Dialogue and helped break down Stereotypes

The Conversation

By Craig Considine, Rice University (The Conversation) – Pope Francis’ pontificate marked a distinct shift in the Catholic Church’s engagement with the Muslim world. While his predecessors fostered dialogue and tolerance, Francis sought more active engagement with Muslims, particularly in the Middle East. Francis framed his efforts around the “culture of encounter,” which he explained […]

Climate Crisis
Climate Breakdown: Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat will make for a Hot, Smoky Future

Climate Breakdown: Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat will make for a Hot, Smoky Future

The Conversation

By Stephanie Cleland, Simon Fraser University (The Conversation) – In recent years, Canadians have been subjected to both severe wildfire smoke and extreme heat events, as evidenced by the record-breaking 2023 wildfire season and the 2021 heat dome. Western Canada in particular has a long history of wildfires and heat waves, and with climate change, […]

Bill of Rights
From the Chinese Exclusion Act to pro-Palestinian Activists: The Evolution of politically motivated Deportations

From the Chinese Exclusion Act to pro-Palestinian Activists: The Evolution of politically motivated Deportations

The Conversation

By Rick Baldoz, Brown University (The Conversation) – The recent deportation orders targeting foreign students in the U.S. have prompted a heated debate about the legality of these actions. The Trump administration made no secret that many individuals were facing removal because of their pro-Palestinian advocacy. In recent months, the State Department has revoked hundreds […]

Psychology
Gratitude comes with Benefits: Overcoming Negativity in Times of Stress

Gratitude comes with Benefits: Overcoming Negativity in Times of Stress

The Conversation

By Monica Y. Bartlett, Gonzaga University (The Conversation) – A lot has been written about gratitude over the past two decades and how we ought to be feeling it. There is advice for journaling and a plethora of purchasing options for gratitude notebooks and diaries. And research has consistently pointed to the health and relationship […]

Bill of Rights
If Permanent Resident Mahmoud Khalil can be Deported for Political Speech, the 1st Amendment is at Risk for All

If Permanent Resident Mahmoud Khalil can be Deported for Political Speech, the 1st Amendment is at Risk for All

The Conversation

By Erin Corcoran, University of Notre Dame The Trump administration has revoked the visas of more than 1,000 foreign university students since January 2025. Many of the individual cases that have made headlines center on foreign-born university students who participated in Palestinian rights protests. In early March, the federal government arrested, detained and began deportation […]

Christianity
Three Ways Pope Francis influenced the Global Climate Movement

Three Ways Pope Francis influenced the Global Climate Movement

The Conversation

By Celia Deane-Drummond, University of Oxford The death of Pope Francis has been announced by the Vatican. I first met the late Pope Francis at the Vatican after a conference called Saving Our Common Home and the Future of Life on Earth in July 2018. My colleagues and I sensed something momentous was happening at […]

Climate Crisis
South Africa’s Ambitious Renewable Energy Masterplan involves Solar Manufacturing

South Africa’s Ambitious Renewable Energy Masterplan involves Solar Manufacturing

The Conversation

By Ricardo Amansure, Stellenbosch University (The Conversation) – About 85% of South Africa’s electricity is produced by burning coal. The country’s move to renewable energy means that the coal industry will be phased out. To this end, the South African cabinet recently approved the country’s first renewable energy masterplan, which sets out what’s needed to […]

Iran
Mideast Peace Depends on an unlikely Trump-Iran Nuclear Deal

Mideast Peace Depends on an unlikely Trump-Iran Nuclear Deal

The Conversation

By Simon Mabon, Lancaster University For the second week in a row, senior officials from the United States and Iran will get together to take part in talks about the Iranian nuclear programme. It’s the second round in the latest negotiations – the first having taken place in Oman on April 12. But recent statements […]

Climate Crisis
South African Court said no to new Coal-fired Power: what’s behind the Ruling

South African Court said no to new Coal-fired Power: what’s behind the Ruling

The Conversation

By Melanie Murcott, University of Cape Town (The Conversation) – Three South African environmental and climate justice organisations took the South African government to court in November 2021, to challenge the authorisation of new coal-fired power as part of the country’s energy mix. Three years later, the court ruled that the government’s new coal plans […]

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