Across the continent, a construction boom is driving record demand for a core constituent of cement – limestone – resulting in the utter destruction of unique and fragile ecosystems.

Australia has long exiled asylum seekers on the remote island of Manus. Now ‘free’, the men suffer violence, depression and isolation. If not for whistle-blowers like Behrouz Boochani, their plight might never have been known

Medical training has reduced maternal and infant mortality rates in rural Laos. US president’s decision to cease funding UN body behind the programme, over accusation it backs forced sterilisations in China, could undo all the good work

Thaksin Shinawatra considered legalising marijuana, and recently a justice minister aired same idea, amid mounting evidence of its medicinal benefits. If it happened, it could be a game changer for drug policy in Southeast Asia

As rising sea levels threatens its existence, the Pacific nation – one of the lowest-lying countries in the world – is preparing to evacuate its population, writes Per Liljas. Pictures by Jonas Gratzer.