At the Copenhagen climate change conference next week, world leaders will negotiate who should make the biggest sacrifices to lower their emissions. The prevailing theory is that countries such as China and India should lead the effort, because they churn out the most greenhouse gases. But as a new report points out, this argument denies an essential fact: That much of those emissions are because of exports to developed nations like the United States.
As the United States begins to emerge from the Great Recession, many have begun to question the economic consensus this country has pursued so vigorously for the past thirty years. Fundamentally, this consensus assumes an unhindered market will achieve the best outcome for both society and the economy.
A post-secondary degree has become increasingly essential for success in the current economy. However, given that financial aid has not kept pace (pdf) with the skyrocketing costs (pdf) of higher education, getting that college degree has become much more challenging. The government has a clear role to play in making higher education accessible for all qualified students. In addition to providing the funds, the government can also help students manage (and insure against) the risks presented by post-secondary school.
Small farms have been on the out for decades as younger generations leave town for urban lifestyles with more financial promise. But as we have seen recently in Michael Pollan's books (The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food) as well as the work of so many others, the tragic consequences of agribusiness have spurred a reactionary movement, which is now in full swing. The demand for sustainably produced and organic food is going up, and as a result of this increasing awareness, young people are moving back to the farm. And they're changing how it's done.
During the State of the Union Address late last month, President Barack Obama announced that he will work with Congress to revise the U.S. Military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy, which has been in place since 1993. The law acknowledges that gay and lesbian personnel can be dismissed from the military should their sexual preference be revealed.
I followed much of the Amanda Knox case from the United Kingdom--the home of the murdered Meredith Kircher--and would like to add my two cents to the discussion.
The feud between Conan, Leno and NBC has captured the nation's attention with its high-stakes, blame game drama. But what I find most fascinating is the way it illustrates the rift between America's young and old generations.
With IRA's and 401(k)'s garnishing the most attention in the investment community, investors forget about the value offered from opening a good old-fashioned brokerage account. Most questions submitted by young professionals to the talking heads for leading money magazines and news channels deal with contributions to retirement accounts because that is what has been drilled into their psyche at an early age. Everyone hears "make sure you contribute to your 401(k) when you get that job" or "the tax breaks for contributing to an IRA are wonderful." And you know what, that advice is really good and I do recommend contributing as much as you can to your retirement accounts, but you need to diversify your investment accounts just like you diversify your investments in those accounts.
With any disaster comes opportunity. And while it is difficult to see any silver lining right now through the oil-slicked, devastated waters of the Gulf of Mexico, something good may come of the spill. It may help stop a highly problematic piece of legislation--the American Power Act, better known as the cap-and-trade bill.
Some young professionals who are overwhelmed by the economic issues facing the nation are turning to the Tea Party to find a solution, said Tim Kraulidis, the state coordinator for the Illinois Tax Day Tea Party Movement.
When Elena Kagan was nominated as the 112th Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, women leaders rejoiced. If she is confirmed, there will be three women on the Supreme Court for the first time - quite a measure of how far women have come.
As North America and Europe face their coldest winters in decades, many climate change deniers are taking the opportunity to do their best Nelson Muntz impression.
Well, as one might suspect, the science behind global warming is not actually that simple. I won't discredit myself by pretending I understand the science, but I will direct you to this US News and World Report article, which gives some explanation. Interestingly, the article avoids the conclusions I initially jumped to: extremes and variability.
Recently, I wrote a blog for Mother Jones about the new Sherlock Holmes flick. It wasn't about Robert Downey Jr.'s celebrity comeback, or Jude Law and Sienna Miller's tumultuous relationship. It was about the (possibly) homosexual relationship at the center of the film, and what it revealed about America's attitudes toward sexuality and masculinity. As an example, here was one commentator's response: "Awww, come on folks--I think they scooped TMZ [the online gossip rag]! Unfan."
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled (pdf) that corporations should be allowed to spend freely in political elections. The decision will have a profound impact on how candidates are elected, starting with the Congressional campaigns in the fall. And the reactions have been heated.
General Stanley McChrystal, by way of his civilian-centric strategy for the war in Afghanistan, is experimenting. Thirty-nine female Marines are poised to deploy as "attachments" with an all-male infantry for the express purpose of gaining the trust of Afghan women. After training at Camp Pendleton, located just south of Los Angeles, the Marines will travel to rural villages in Afghanistan's most violent province.
College students around the country are now anxiously awaiting the results of their applications for summer internships. Once a rare added bonus for students, internships have become a standard component of the college experience. And most college students would attest that the need to find substantive summer work each year is crucial.
Winter has arrived and whether you plan on making the most of the snowy season at a popular ski resort, escaping to a warmer destination, or attending a winter festival, you'll definitely want to get the most from your travel budget. And with the holiday travel price hikes behind us now is a great time to find some deals when you book your winter getaway.
Last week the Obama administration released its Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) and the President signed the new START (strategic arms reduction treaty) with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. This week, leaders from more than 40 nations have convened in Washington, D.C. for the Nuclear Security Summit to discuss global nuclear risk and a strategy for controlling insecure nuclear materials. YPNation spoke with William Schirano, an international security consultant based in Washington, D.C., about these recent events.
How do you, as young professionals, manage your household finances? Who is the saver and who is the spender? Do you fight over money? A 2008 survey by Parade Magazine found that money was the leading cause of marital fights. And rightly so. There was no class in high school or college titled, "How to manage money in a relationship." So when it comes to figuring out finances, it's literally trial by fire. And the fire can cause burns.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner. But that doesn't mean you have to run and hide from the sappy Hallmark side of the holiday. There are ways to celebrate love--whether its with your friends, your family or your 'better half'--without getting swept up in the hype.
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