Story Archive
A dirty trade: The real cost of shipbreaking
Ships drive global trade but what happens when they’re no longer seaworthy? In shipbreaking yards, every nut, bolt and sheet of metal can be recycled. Bangladesh is the top destination for old ships and it recycles up to 3 million tons of steel annually. However, dismantling these giants comes at a heavy price. Who should be held accountable for the dangers and destruction caused by shipbreaking?
Villagers helpless as the sea devours their roads and homes
On January 12, 2025, residents of Kampung Pengkalan Maras in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, woke up to devastation. Powerful monsoon waves wiped out roads, destroyed homes, and ruined businesses. For over a decade, villagers have watched the sea creep closer—but in recent months, erosion has accelerated at an alarming rate. Now, many fear government action may have come too late. Could breakwaters and other protective measures have saved their community?
The Malaysian village that is being swallowed by the sea
This village in Terengganu, Malaysia, has seen its beach recede over the past 10 years, but in recent months - the coastal erosion has accelerated rapidly. The sea is encroaching on their graveyard, their shops, homes, and their beloved surau (prayer hall). Villagers worry that without concrete action, the sea will soon claim whatever remains.