In this week’s New Statesman, we look at what the catastrophe in Japan means for that country and for the world. The climate-change expert Mark Lynas warns that global warming will soar if the world abandons nuclear power, and the former trader Alex Preston assesses the economic repercussions of the earthquake. Elsewhere, Susanna Jones, author of The Earthquake Bird, looks at the profound influence that Japan’s volatile geology has had on the national culture and psyche.
Also this week, Mehdi Hasan asks what impact the first major anti-cuts demonstration will have; the former lord chancellor Charles Falconer explains why Ed Miliband’s supporters should reject the Alternative Vote; and Helen Lewis-Hasteley talks to Frank Skinner about comedy and faith.
Also, don’t miss James Harkin on why the census shouldn’t define us, Mark Leonard on the new world disorder and Laurie Penny on the porn industry.