Emily Kitazawa, Author at Shortform Books

Why the Modern Space Race Is More Relevant Than Ever

Is the modern space race still happening? Why is it so relevant in 2022? What does the future hold for space travel? Existing space programs have produced marvels from GPS to water purifiers to the robotic arms that perform brain surgery. The modern space race promises even more, including a network of satellites to monitor climate change and maybe even the ability to generate solar power in space to be used on Earth. Keep reading to find out why the modern space race has the potential to change how you live on Earth.

How a Traumatic Childhood Can Alter Your Beliefs

What are some of the effects of a traumatic childhood? How does it shape you as an adult? According to holistic psychologist Nicole LePera, traumas in childhood take many forms, including feeling unloved or powerless as a child. LePera found that those who experienced such feelings in childhood displayed certain self-destructive patterns as adults. Keep reading to learn how a traumatic childhood could still be impacting you as an adult, according to LePera.

Business and Climate Change: Good (& Bad) Responses

How does climate change affect business? What are the dangers of extreme weather? How are businesses responding? Many businesses are committing to sustainability policies to help delay the climate change problem. These policies range from serious emission-reduction programs to headline-seeking PR stunts, but some are too little, too late. Read on to learn how business and climate change are connected, including how corporations are responding.

Is the Current Labor Shortage Due to Jobless Benefits?

Why is there a labor shortage? What’s causing the shortage of workers? Could jobless benefits be the cause? As the economy starts to recover from the pandemic, some analysts contend that unemployment benefits are so generous that they discourage work. Many recipients make more through their benefits than they did in their previous jobs, so observers argue they have little incentive to seek work. Keep reading for our analysis of the current labor shortage and what factors are to blame.

Is Pandemic Unemployment the New Normal?

What is the current state of pandemic unemployment? How did expiring pandemic benefits affect the worker shortage? According to analysts, long-term changes brought about by the pandemic—including early retirements by millions and a changed attitude toward work—won’t likely reverse once the virus is totally under control. As society copes with the lasting impact of the pandemic, the labor shortage continues to be an issue in the workforce. Keep reading for an overview of why pandemic unemployment might be here to stay.

Will Inflation Go Back Down? Economists Warn of Vicious Cycle

Will inflation go back down eventually? What’s causing it to rise? When do economists predict it will end? Until recently, many felt inflation would relax once the pandemic-induced supply and demand imbalances aligned. But some now acknowledge that even if inflation is caused by the pandemic, the pandemic is nowhere near over—and neither is inflation. Read on to learn if inflation will go back down soon or, if not, how long it will last.

Why Can’t Businesses Find Workers, Even Now?

Is there a reason why businesses can’t find workers in 2022? What factors are contributing to the worker shortage? Many economists expected the labor shortage to end once unemployment benefits expired and schools reopened. Instead, it looks like the shortage is deepening. The shorter-term changes caused by Covid-19, like location mismatches and childcare issues, may still take years to resolve. Keep reading to find out the specific reasons why businesses can’t find workers these days.

4 Ways to Adapt to Climate Change—Experts Explain

What are the best ways to adapt to climate change? Why do experts say we need to begin adapting now? Climate change-driven heat waves, flooding, and droughts are plaguing the globe. What’s worse, the extreme weather events are exceeding climate scientists’ projections—which suggests we’re unprepared for what’s to come. Keep reading to learn the four ways experts recommend we adapt to climate change now.

Electric Car Battery Disposal Pollution: A Dirty Little Secret

Does electric car battery disposal cause pollution? What are the risks of battery disposal? How can society solve them? With revolutionary technology comes revolutionary challenges, and these mostly pertain to the central feature of electric cars: their batteries. In the far future, these challenges could cause environmental threats and manufacturing challenges that will change the way the industry operates. Keep reading to learn about electric car battery disposal, pollution, and what needs to change.

3 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself, Based on Psychology

What are some proven ways to feel better about yourself? Which ways do psychologists recommend? In his book, Learned Optimism, Martin Seligman suggests three ways to feel better about yourself by focusing on others. Seligman says that, by focusing your attention outward, you can feel better about yourself on the inside. Read on to learn Seligman’s three actionable ways to feel better about yourself.