Edinburgh Impact

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.

Why we need to SHAPE innovation

Image shows an elderly woman sat down, laughing besides a robot.
For technological innovation to be our salvation, we need to bring social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy (SHAPE) into research much earlier on.

Kids awaiting neurodivergent diagnoses need more help

Upset child covers ears in classroom
Many neurodivergent children across the UK are waiting for up to three years for assessment and diagnosis. More must be done to provide early support for these children.

Russia’s war against its own future

Close up of Vladimir Putin's face
One year on from its invasion of Ukraine, how has the conflict affected Russia's view of its leaders and place in the world? Disinterest is rife, dissent is scarce, and a dictatorship is settling in.

Food price rises could see millions go hungry in 2023

Aerial view of combine harvesters operating in a field
Soaring fertiliser costs could see food prices rise further in 2023, leading to millions more people being undernourished. Is this the end of an era of cheap food?

Governments need to begin fighting climate change at home

Protesters at COP27 hold banners calling for rich countries to pay for climate change
Leaders need to do more to signal that the only future is a green one. Otherwise the financial sector will have an excuse to continue to bet on fossil fuels.

How a low-expectation COP both surprised and disappointed

COP27 may have delivered a fund for the most vulnerable countries, but it also buried the goal of limiting warming to 1.5C and wounded the 2C target too.

What will a successful Qatar World Cup look like?

General view of stadium in Qatar during world cup opening ceremony
Thirty-two nations have travelled to Qatar to bring home football’s ultimate prize. The tiny Gulf state has little chance of winning, but its goals go beyond sporting success.

Annual Covid boosters should be like the flu shot

A person receives a vaccination from a nurse.
An yearly jab ahead of winter could become as routine as treating the flu. For the world to live alongside Covid-19 and to protect the most vulnerable, it is the most sensible option.