despite everything, human beings are wired for empathy

Most about today's world might indeed point toward an opposite truth, but according to a 2013 study from the University of Virginia, human beings are hardwired for empathy toward one another – the process of putting ourselves in an other's shoes is in our very being. The research showed that our ability to relate to people who are close to us is in fact what informs our own sense of self, guiding our so-called moral compass and impacting our decision making on a daily basis.

It is very much the reasoning behind why charity and donation still prevail today; why activism is stronger than ever. Why against all odds and in the toughest of realities, people continue to brave their circumstance and help one another to reach a better life. It may not always seem obvious, but the forces for good and change are strong in our current political and societal climate, and our empathy toward one another is what leads us to stick together for the better.

Let's not forget that humanity is more powerful than political fads and international feuds. That our commonality will always win over our differences. That politicians and governments come and go – but we stay. And that deep inside, apparently, we're built to care more than we are to hate.

The world is waking up to climate action, but it's not yet enough

Climate change and in response climate action has perhaps been the single biggest movement around the globe. No matter where you are from, what you believe, your economic status or what political aisle you vouch for, climate change will impact us all. And in turn, climate action has affect each and every one of us.

From street protests to school strikes and the current airport action taking place in London's City Airport, those coming together to raise awareness of rapid and dangerous climate change are making serious waves.

FairPlanet joined the Global Climate Strike from September 20-27, and Extinction Rebellion's climate protests at Trafalgar Square in London, which have begun on October 7.

But before we celebrate the power of these movements hold we must look toward to the reality they are opposing; the ignorance of those at the top and the damage created on a monumental scale by global corporations.

It is said that a mere 100 companies are responsible for 71 percent of global CO2 emissions. In response, a new Greenpeace petition is calling on people from across the globe to pressure advertisers to drop oil and gas companies’ ads and sponsorships.