The article discusses the Colombian Presidential election, highlighting Gustavo Petro as the current frontrunner and potential first leftist leader in the country's history. Petro, a former militant guerrilla, is gaining popularity despite his past, indicating a shift in the Colombian public's willingness to engage with its violent history. The piece also touches on Petro's vice-presidential running mate, Francia Márquez, an Afro-Colombian woman who has faced assassination attempts and represents historically oppressed communities. The article further explores the consequences of the 2016 peace process with the FARC, which left a power vacuum now being filled by organized crime, leading to increased deforestation and violence against land rights defenders. The author suggests that peace is the only way forward for Colombia, drawing parallels with South Africa and Northern Ireland, and emphasizing the importance of peace for environmental conservation.

The article by Jonathan Bonfiglio discusses the precarious state of democracy in the United States, highlighting voter suppression and the potential for civil unrest following the upcoming election. It reflects on the impact of the last four years, where lying by politicians has become normalized and suggests that this trend will not vanish even if the current leader loses. The author mentions global leaders like Bolsonaro, Duterte, Boris Johnson, and Victor Orbán, indicating a worldwide shift towards brazen leadership. The piece emphasizes the importance of integrity in the electoral process and suggests that the upcoming election is a critical test for the concept of democracy itself, urging readers to hope for less tumultuous times.

Pedro Uc Be, a Mayan writer and activist, is at the forefront of resistance against colonialism and extractivism in the Yucatan Peninsula. In an interview with Jon Bonfiglio, Managing Editor at Plastic Oceans International, Uc Be discusses the environmental crisis from a Mayan perspective, emphasizing local issues such as deforestation and water contamination. He highlights the inseparability of social and environmental justice, criticizing the elitist nature of the mainstream environmental debate and advocating for a pluricultural discourse at the community level. Uc Be also touches on the historical resilience of the Mayan people and the emergence of a new Mayan consciousness through cultural expression. The article also notes Uc Be's opposition to megaprojects like the Tren Maya and his experiences with threats of violence due to his activism. Indigenous land rights defenders in Latin America face increasing danger, with record rates of killings.

The article, titled 'Sailboat in the Woods', is a narrative about Conrad Grillo, a 53-year-old man living in north Vermont who is preparing his 42ft aluminium junk rig sailboat, Tla Hla, for an ocean voyage. The boat, currently in the woods, symbolizes Grillo's dreams and his resistance to a sedentary life. The article delves into the concept of the 'Wanderlust Gene' and criticizes the media's portrayal of genetic determinism. It explores the idea that some individuals are driven by values and aspirations that transcend practicality, likening them to outliers who embrace difficulty and risk. The piece reflects on the societal implications of accepting defeat and the importance of maintaining hope and effort in the face of challenges. The article concludes with a postscript by Grillo, emphasizing the value of learning from the past and the pursuit of self-sufficiency. The narrative is accompanied by images from Joshua Cogan, an Emmy Award-winning photographer.

The article discusses the unique biodiversity and geography of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Colombia, highlighting the La Sierra Artist Residency founded by Nina Arias. The residency aims to foster a link between art, nature, and community wellness, emphasizing environmental education and ecological consciousness. La Sierra Artist Residency has become a member of the BlueCommunities initiative, which supports locally led conservation efforts. The article also touches on the region's indigenous communities and their concept of 'aluna,' which contributes to their resilience and custodianship of the environment. The author, Jon Bonfiglio, praises the creative engagement promoted by La Sierra and its partnership with Plastic Oceans International in the BlueCommunities project, which aims to inspire global action for conservation.

The article discusses the unique circumstances surrounding the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, highlighting the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the state of the economy, and the significance of race and gender equality in the electoral process. It examines the potential consequences of either Donald Trump or Joe Biden winning the presidency, with a focus on the economy, Supreme Court appointments, the Black Lives Matter movement, gender equality, immigration policies, and the international landscape, particularly in relation to China, Russia, and traditional U.S. allies. The piece suggests that the outcome of the election will have long-lasting effects on these areas, with Trump's America First approach contrasting with Biden's potential to re-engage with global alliances and address domestic issues differently.

The article profiles biologist Luis Antonio Góngora Dominguez and his conservation work with sea turtles in Seybaplaya, Mexico. Known locally for his animal rescue efforts, Luis has a particular focus on the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles. He patrols the beaches, identifying and moving turtle eggs to incubators to protect them from predators, and releases the hatchlings at sunset to increase their survival chances. The article touches on the impact of the pandemic on local activities and reflects on the broader implications of conservation work for humanizing society. It also mentions Luis's personal interests, including heavy metal music and tattoos of marine life. The author, Jon Bonfiglio, is a Latin America Correspondent and co-founder of Ninth Wave, an organization dedicated to ending plastic pollution and fostering sustainable communities.