OPINION COMMENTARY:
As climate finance lags behind global needs, the untapped potential of $950 billion in idle Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) could be transformative. Rajan Mehta, Harvard ALI Fellow 2022, explores how rethinking SDR use might unlock new funding for climate action and carbon removal.
OPINION COMMENTARY:
This year’s January 6 Joint Session of Congress to count electoral votes seemed uncontroversial. However, ALI Fellow Rex VanMiddlesworth examines how Congress quietly made a critical decision about the counting of electoral votes that may have a much larger impact in future presidential elections.
Wildfires, floods, and heat waves are intensifying, yet the failure to plan for climate extremes will result in mounting losses and crises. Alice Hill, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, argues that resilience starts with clear communication, forward-looking policies, and tough decisions.
OPINION COMMENTARY:
Despite a national mental health crisis, access to care remains a significant challenge, particularly in underserved areas. The PSYPACT initiative offers a crucial solution, enabling licensed psychologists to provide telehealth and temporary in-person services across state lines. Virginia Gleason, ALI Fellow ’22, examines the urgent need for the eight states and three U.S. territories still restricting access to vital mental health care.
How can businesses integrate human rights and sustainability into their core operations? Former German Human Rights Commissioner Markus Löning shares insights on the EU’s game-changing directive and discusses the journey towards corporate accountability in an exclusive interview by Mattias Bosch, ALI Fellow ’23.
ALI Fellow Elliot Davis '22 explores Poet Laureate Ada Limón's groundbreaking project, You Are Here: Poetry in Parks. Launched at Cape Cod’s National Seashore, this initiative brings poetry to public spaces in seven national parks, merging words with nature to inspire creativity, reflection, and a deeper bond with our planet.
Corporate sustainability faces a crossroads amid political backlash against diversity and climate initiatives. A Trump return could roll back progressive policies, but market forces may resist. The key question: Will sustainability falter, or will global corporate leaders and financial markets continue to drive it forward, recognizing its strategic business value, especially in tackling climate change?
In 2023, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, led by Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum and Mayor Karen Bass, exceeded their goal of rehousing 17,000 people — bringing over 21,000 indoors. ALI Fellows Belinda Juran ‘20 and Paige Warren ‘21 interview Dr. Adams Kellum to explore how innovative programs like Inside Safe and master leasing, fueled by unified government efforts, are transforming the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles.
OPINION COMMENTARY:
As corporate America faces pushback on diversity efforts, the Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) leads the charge for change. President and CEO Alfonso David outlines how reshaping economic opportunities and strengthening democracy for marginalized communities fosters inclusive growth and safeguards democratic values in the face of global challenges.
From empowering independent candidates to safeguarding electoral processes, discover how two Harvard ALI Fellows — Maryfrances Metrick ’17 and Rex VanMiddlesworth ‘23 are tackling vulnerabilities and building resilience in American electoral systems.
