CONTENTS
THE BIG STORY
/ U N S P L A S H
S A N D R A K A A S
THE SEA
15 Who owns the sea?
The ‘freedom of the seas’ has become a licence to exploit, pollute and abuse. But if strong enough, a new ocean treaty – now being discussed – could save the seas for our common future, writes Vanessa Baird.
21 Climate regulator
22 Deep-sea dilemma
Mining of the deep sea-bed is on the cards and the damage would be permanent. Marine biologist Diva Amon explores the conundrum it poses.
25 The sea – THE FACTS
26 How to fight illegal fishing
Success! Aïda Grovestins reports from West Africa where coastguards, marine activists and fishers have joined forces to arrest Chinese and European trawlers.
29 Marine gene rush
A handful of richer nations own nearly all the patents on marine life. Marine scientist Robert Blasiak explains the implications – and what needs to happen now.
31 Oceania
Poet Karlo Mila goes swimming.
32 Who is militarizing the South China Sea?
Accusations are flying, between China, its neighbours and the US. Mark J Valencia assesses their conflicting territorial claims.
34 High seas, low deeds
Slavery, murder, abandonment. Where human rights do not reach.
4
CURRENTS
Stories making the news 8 Inside the DRC’s Ebola crisis
Plus: Borderlines 9 Introducing Libya’s Khalifa Haftar
Plus: Seriously? 10 Italy sued by big oil 10 The anti-publisher revolt in the US 10 Honduran caravans in motion
Plus: Sign of the Times 12 Coal is in the air
Plus: Open Window 13 Bolsonaro vs the Amazon
Plus: Reasons to be Cheerful
REGULARS
6 Letters
Plus: Why I…
7 Letter from Dhaka
Parsa Sanjana Sajid’s acquaintance with an Urdu poet reveals the deep waters of identity and prejudice.
38 Country Profile: Tanzania
40 Cartoon History
We look at the life of Thomas Sankara – a Burkinabé revolutionary and President of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987.
44 The Debate
Can the European Union be reformed? Hilary Wainwright and Grace Blakely beg to differ.
53 Southern Exposure
A striking ‘observation in blue and red’ by Brazilian photographer Bruno Carachesti.
58 Temperature Check
Should public money be funding fossil fuels? Absolutely not, says Danny Chivers.
60 The Interview
Bangladeshi photojournalist Shahidul Alam talks to Subi Shah about his notorious arrest and why it has not deterred him from criticizing the government.
72 Hall of Infamy
US national security adviser to Trump, John Bolton, is put under the spotlight.
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