All Perspectives
Difference MakerTerumasa Akio saw poverty firsthand. Now his charity helps 400,000 children.A visit to a poor Thai village alarmed Mr. Akio. Now his Japan-based charity EDF-International helps thousands of children across Southeast Asia.
The power of patienceKids constantly test parents -- and often just to get a reaction. Whatever that reaction is, experts say, parental patience is essential.
Readers RespondReaders Write: Why renewable energy isn't the answer; minimum wage is a major threat to the countryLetters to the Editor for Oct. 20, 2014 weekly magazine:Berlet: Renewable energy won't solve the world's energy problems.聽Soule: Low minimum wages and a growing income gap are putting pressure on the economy.
Saving the humansThe late 20th-century shift away from whale hunting to whale saving didn't just help those endangered creatures. It was an historic human leap in the direction of environmentalism.
Readers RespondReaders Write: There is life after retirement; Political finance is a bipartisan issueLetters to the Editor for Oct. 13, 2014 weekly magazine:Weeden: Just because people retire doesn't mean they can't contribute to societyMcintire: Political聽finance聽is an issue we should all be worried about
Difference MakerLibby Weir turned her 'passion' for Africa into a life of serviceOver the past decade Libby Weir has adopted a struggling family in South Africa and built them a new home, established vegetable gardens, created a school library, run school vacation activities, and sponsored educational programs for adults.
Samoa's architects look to the past to boost climate resilienceIn Samoa and other Pacific island nations, which risk devastation from gale-force winds, flooding, sea surges, and tsunamis, a return to indigenous building styles could be the key to creating disaster-resilient communities of the future.
How worker-owned co-ops lift people out of povertyCooperative Home Care Associates has 2,300 workers who enjoy good wages, regular hours, and family health insurance. New York City is investing $1.2 million to encourage more co-op businesses.
Why the world is getting betterIncomes haven't improved everywhere over the last 20-30 years. But quality of life has improved everywhere, argues researcher and journalist Charles Kenny.
In a small Maine town, it took a community to build a libraryIn an effort similar to an old-fashioned barn raising, scores of people from Lincolnville, Maine, contributed their materials, labor, and know-how to create a privately funded library.
The 'country cousin' in us allFrom music to comedy, literature to reality TV, country culture has long amused, fascinated , and even educated Americans.
Readers RespondReaders Write: We all have a duty to help end domestic violenceLetters to the Editor for September 29, 2014 weekly magazine:Crawford: Everyone has a duty to help end domestic violence.聽
X-Prize taps the crowd to tackle global educationThe goal: Create software so exciting to use that kids will want to teach themselves to read and do math.
Difference MakerGeorge Wolfe brings to life the story of the US civil rights movementThe award-winning Broadway playwright, director, and producer spent six years carefully preparing exhibits for the new National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Young Rwandans build a nation of peaceAward-winning photographer Carol Allen-Storey traveled the length and breadth of Rwanda and found a new generation dedicated to forgiveness.
7 groups making communities more compassionateCommunity-focused citizen efforts can be effective ways for people to help each other, from housing the homeless to relieving debt to sharing goods or services.
Arctic greenhouse provides locals fresh produce year-roundA greenhouse聽in the northern Canadian community of Kuujjuaq, Nunavik is providing fresh local聽produce for residents of the Arctic region for the first time.聽The greenhouse will help improve local food security by extending the growing season past the summer months.
Kenyan teenager's simple device could stop elephant poaching19-year-old Mercy Sigey has developed a聽device that notifies park officials when poachers cross into animal reserves.
How the past can power the futureHydrocarbons play a crucial role in today's economy. They are also crucial in fueling the transition away from hydrocarbons.
Readers RespondReaders Write: Wildfires will eradicate our forests; the fatiguing fight against Islamic StateLetters to the Editor for September 29, 2014 weekly magazine:Keller: If we don't control wildfires, it will eradicate our forests.Frank: With new airstrikes in Iraq,聽the United States may be setting itself up for another costly and lengthy battle.
