Youth journalism, climate progress and the next Book Club book
Urban Landmark
The Fenix Museum in Rotterdam, designed by Ma Yansong’s MAD Architects, is a cultural space dedicated to the theme of migration. A sculptural, double-helix steel staircase symbolises movement, choice, and human journeys.
The building is MAD’s first European project and the first European museum designed by a Chinese firm. An exhbition on the work of Ma Yansong’s work can be seen at the Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam until the 21st of September. See more about the architect here and about the museum here
Youth Journalism
A group of 15-year-olds has launched The Iris, a student-run newspaper that tackles serious topics like climate change, politics, and identity. The paper avoids clickbait headlines and speaks directly to its generation’s concerns with clarity, honesty and nuance.
In a media landscape full of noise, they’re choosing signal over spectacle. Their work is gaining attention, and shows that the next generation of journalism is defining their own route. Read more here
Search Engine Overhaul
At its 2025 I/O conference, Google introduced a major shift in its search engine: “AI mode,” which gives users direct, conversational answers instead of traditional link lists. This change, designed to compete with ChatGPT and other AI agents, risks reducing traffic to websites and undercutting Google’s own search ad business, which brought in $50 billion last quarter.
Google is eating its own business model by prioritizing AI-driven experiences that reduce user reliance on search ads, a bold but risky move to stay ahead in the AI race. The shift marks a turning point where preserving dominance in AI takes precedence over protecting its traditional revenue engine. Read more here
Led The Culture Lead
Gen Z is creating offline communities, such as run clubs, chess nights, and queer line dancing, as a way to fight loneliness and reclaim real connection. While these spaces offer joy, safety, and intimacy, brands are increasingly trying to co-opt them for marketing, but have to be careful not to miss the point and undermine the trust that made them thrive.
If brands choose to be present, it is important to show respect, listen, and support without taking over. Participation must come with care, these spaces aren’t marketing assets, they are cultural ecosystems. Read more here
Climate Progress
The EU is close to meeting its 2030 goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55%, largely thanks to progress in the energy sector. Critics warn that the drop is partly due to economic slowdowns, and warn that sectors like agriculture and transport are still lagging.
For 2040 the EU is preparing to set challenging targets, but pressure and division from industries and farmers show the difficulty of turning climate ambition into real action. You can read more here
OvN Foresight Book Club
For our next OvN Foresight Bookclub session on June 30th, we’ll read Beautiful Shining People by Michael Grothaus, a near-future novel set in Tokyo. The book explores the ethical and societal impact of artificial intelligence and raises questions about identity, surveillance, and truth in a world shaped by advanced technology.
The book is a sci-fi novel that will help us imagine tomorrow’s world. It is a human take on a future where AI and power intersect, and we think it is a great starting point for our own reflections on what’s at stake. More about the book here and sign up here