Men emit more carbon than women due to cars and meat consumption
A new study finds that men in France produce 26% more greenhouse gas emissions than women from transport and food, largely due to higher red meat consumption and car use. Even after adjusting for income, education, and calorie needs, men’s emissions remain 6.5–9.5% higher.
The study links these habits to traditional gender norms associating masculinity with cars and meat. Researchers argue this carbon gap mirrors the impact seen between income levels. The findings may help explain why women express more climate concern and adopt greener habits, suggesting that cultural attitudes play a major role in emissions behaviour.
Microsoft lays off 6,000 employees despite strong earnings
Microsoft is cutting nearly 3% of its workforce—around 6,000 jobs—as part of a broader restructuring to streamline management and boost agility. The layoffs, affecting staff across all levels and regions, follow earlier performance-based cuts in January. This marks Microsoft’s largest layoff round since early 2023, when 10,000 jobs were cut.
Despite strong quarterly earnings and consistent Wall Street outperformance, the tech giant says the changes are necessary to stay competitive in a shifting market. CFO Amy Hood emphasised the focus on “high-performing teams” and reducing management layers to drive efficiency.
Period pain and mental health undermine women’s careers
Research by Superdrug Online Doctor reveals that 42% of women say period pain has hindered their pay or promotion, echoing the 43% affected by pregnancy. Among 16–25-year-olds, 64% report menstrual symptoms stalling career growth. A third work through severe pain, often in silence, fearing judgment.
Sectors like HR and marketing see the worst impact. Meanwhile, women over 55 lose the most workdays to mental health issues, driven by stress and anxiety. With 65% of female sick days linked to mental health, experts urge better workplace support and flexibility, including potential menstrual leave allowances.