Opinion
Comment and analysis on today’s biggest issues from Edinburgh's world-leading experts.
The views expressed in this section are those of the contributors, and do not necessarily represent those of the University.
How tackling the impact of plastics on human health is in…
A Swiss summit is poised to decide the future of plastic. But not everyone agrees that there should be less of it.
What is the real cost of cutting international aid?
Slashing aid budgets causes harm in the short and long term. While the UK and elsewhere haggle over fractions of a percentage, lives are already being affected.
The multibillion-dollar industry of child sexual exploitation
The chilling reality of this profit-driven, highly lucrative industry is revealed by new findings from the University’s Childlight Global Child Safety Institute.
Future of AI: Learning from Google Translate’s flaws
Despite advances, machine translation tools like Google Translate still face significant accuracy issues. What can these early versions of machine learning tell us about the future of AI?
Why the Humanities must shape the future of AI
To avoid repeating the mistakes of the social media age, artists and their creative ilk must design AI. And quickly - time is running out.
Why AI is still a fragile and vulnerable technology
Forget super-intelligent robots. The immediate risk with AI is from bad actors exploiting its limitations.
Growth is the government’s goal, but is all growth the same?
The UK has made economic growth its goal. But by making GDP the ultimate metric of progress, are we stunting growth of more important things?
The formula for the perfect Christmas
What matters most to you in your Christmas celebrations? This formula invites everyone to reflect on what truly brings joy and meaning to their festive season.
Reflections on COP29
The billions committed to tackling climate change at the annual summit are still not enough. However, green shoots can be found elsewhere.
COP29 must renew momentum on the path to net zero
As the COP29 climate summit gets underway in Azerbaijan, it is important we recognise that the path to net zero will have benefits to our health as well as the environment.
ME – the origins of a modern medical ‘scandal’
Ignored, blamed, and sometimes left to die – those with ME remain hidden among society. Why is such a devastating disease continually dismissed?