Jerry Brotton's new book uncovers the ways in which seemingly simple coordinates shape the way we perceive our world, cultures and politics The original iconic photograph of the Earth taken from Apollo 17 in 1972 had Antarctica at the top. That NASA decided to flip the image is one of the many remarkable facts that you discover in this marvellous examination of how we … [Read more...] about Review: Four Points of the Compass by Jerry Brotton
Brazil: key facts about the world’s fifth-largest country
Discover Brazil's vast history – from World Cup wins to political turmoil – along with a deep dive into its geography, economy and culture Spanning a whole host of landscapes – from the Amazon rainforest, the bustling cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, to the iconic Copacabana beach, Brazil is home to more than 220 million people and a diverse range … [Read more...] about Brazil: key facts about the world’s fifth-largest country
The importance of maps with Alastair Bonnett
Alastair Bonnett talks about his latest book, 40 Maps That Will Change How You See The World – and why we are living in a golden age of mapping One of the first ideas that Alastair Bonnett wants to dispel is that we live in an age when maps are becoming less important, that we don’t use them and we barely understand them. ‘Quite the opposite,’ says Bonnett as we talk … [Read more...] about The importance of maps with Alastair Bonnett
Dubai freak rainstorm was far too big to be caused by cloud seeding
The Dubai downpour was a 'perfect storm', says scientist who worked on cloud seeding in the Gulf Some years ago, I found myself making my way up the narrow stairs of a Learjet on a sultry runway in a deserted airport near the South Africa-Mozambique border. The humidity was there to taste – the air thick with it. The weather radar was showing a fast-developing … [Read more...] about Dubai freak rainstorm was far too big to be caused by cloud seeding
Mums for Lungs wants wood-burning stoves outlawed
A campaigning group of mothers is calling for a ban on wood-burning stoves as evidence mounts on their threat to health It started as a group of mums shocked and concerned to discover they were living in the UK’s most polluted streets. Just five days into 2017, Brixton Road in Lambeth, London, had exceeded the legal limit for levels of toxic air pollutants for the entire … [Read more...] about Mums for Lungs wants wood-burning stoves outlawed