This Is Why

LEDs were supposed to be one of the great environmental success stories: a revolutionary technology that uses a fraction of the energy of traditional light bulbs. But have they really saved the world?
In our new podcast Stuff Matters, economics and data editor Ed Conway takes an object, cracks it open and reveals the world shaping forces hidden inside.
Each episode follows a trail of ideas that stretches beyond the object itself, uncovering far reaching economic powers that shape how we live.
Along the way, Ed meets fascinating characters, from brilliant inventors to Latin American revolutionaries. He dives into their personal stories and reveals how they’ve changed the course of industries and economies.
Because when you look closely enough, even the simplest things turn out to matter more than you think.
Follow Stuff Matters to never miss an episode.

He’s the former Marine who served in the special forces, climbs mountains for fun, and now could hold the keys to Downing Street.
Following an astonishing interview on Sky News, Al Carns quit as Armed Forces minister over doubts the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan was going to be fully funded.
It was yet another blow for a prime minister still reeling from the resignation of his defence secretary John Healey earlier on Thursday.
Carns, nick-named ‘Action Man’ because of his military background, has already hinted at his leadership ambitions. Could he now potentially join the likes of Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting in challenging Sir Keir Starmer?
Sky’s Mhari Aurora is joined by political correspondent Amanda Akass to discuss Carn’s career, and how likely a contender he is for the country’s top job.
Have you got a question? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Americans are finally feeling the pinch due to Trump’s war in Iran, with inflation surging to a three-year-high.
There’s no end to hostilities in sight, and with the Strait of Hormuz – which handles a fifth of global oil and gas supplies – still closed, it looks like prices will continue to rise.
With any economic pain the US experiences amplified across the pond, how will the UK cope with yet more financial upheaval?
Plus, what does this all mean for Trump’s presidency ahead of the mid-term elections in November?
Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky News’s business and economics reporter James Sillars.
Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk

The riots which brought mass disorder to the streets of Belfast on Tuesday night weren’t just a reaction to a brutal stabbing in the city the night before.
According to Professor Ian Acheson, they were also an expression of the rage and anger felt by a divided community ignored by politicians and policy makers.
The violence has been rightly condemned after houses were set alight and police cars attacked.
But Professor Acheson – an expert in counter extremism – argues it shouldn’t come as any surprise that tensions over migration and social deprivation have once again boiled over.
Mhari Aurora spoke to the author and journalist.

Swindon. The epicentre of the global drone industry? As unlikely as it might seem, the Wiltshire town could soon be just that.
But instead of taking advantage of the cutting-edge weaponry being developed in the area, the UK is falling behind in the deployment of this potentially decisive technology.
Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have shown just how vital drones are in modern warfare – used as they are to such brutal effect on the front line.
But while the US and Ukraine are buying British, the Ministry of Defence has yet to commit to large-scale investment in our own drone capabilities.
So, why is the UK dragging its feet? And how vulnerable does that leave the country at this time of increased global volatility?
Mhari Aurora speaks to Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes.
Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk