$7,500 for Canada’s homeless, 30% of California reserved for conservation, one million new trees in Singapore

Photo: Amy Tran/Unsplash (CC0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a research project in British Columbia which overwhelmingly benifitted homeless people, the announcement of an executive order in California which will use a third of state land for conservation purposes, and Singapore’s plan to plant one million trees.

A research study in which homeless people were given $7,500 improved housing and food security

The project in British Columbia resulted in participants finding safe housing quickly and lowering rates of substance abuse.

Source: CBC

The California governor has issued an executive order reserving 30% of state land for conservation projects

Roughly 127,000km2 will be protected in order to boost biodiversity and prevent destruction of vulnerable ecosystems.

Source: Inhabitat

Singapore will plant over 1,000,000 trees by 2030 – and is starting with a 990 acre nature park

The planned reserve intends to serve as a refuelling site for migratory birds and a home to a variety of native species.

Source: Mongabay

A former refugee has created a video game to teach the world about the plight of displaced persons

Lual Mayen draws on his real-life experiences in Salaam, which allows players to donate to refugee camps across the globe.

Source: Posibl

Canada will ban single-use plastics by the end of 2021

The move comes as the environment minister pledges to “do better” concerning climate change.

Source: Phys.org

A new law in France aims to protect child social media influencers

The legislation aims to regulate the hours under-16s can work online, and also monitors what happens to their earnings.

Source: Posibl

A growing movement is encouraging counsellors to attend emergency mental health crises instead of police

As part of the conversation around criminal justice reform, activists are campaigning for such incidents to be handled in a more compassionate way.

Source: The Solutions Journalism Exchange

Creative initiatives are helping dairy farmers transition to the production of plant-based milks

The move comes as more and more US citizens are making the switch to vegan-friendly milk alternatives.

Source: The Solutions Journalism Exchange

An addiction treatment clinic on wheels is providing support for rural communities

Tonja Jimenez’s van brings lifesaving treatment to the northeastern corner of the state, where those with substance abuse issues are often left to fend for themselves.

Source: KHN

A movement is encouraging fairy tales and similar stories to be updated for the 21st century

After a survey suggested traditional “damsel in distress” plotlines were considered out of touch, a number of new children’s books are addressing this issue.

Source: BBC News

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