In today’s edition: London’s ULEZ scheme has reduced toxic air pollution and the fatalities that come with it by approximately 40%, the United States Senate approves the country’s largest housing affordability bill in decades, and Chilangas FC is giving visually impaired women the chance to play football in Mexico City.
Elizabeth Jacyshyn-Owen
Refreezing the Arctic, tobacco use in India halves, flamingoes make a comeback in Türkiye
In today’s edition: Canadian researchers succeed in rethickening melting Arctic ice, India sees the use of tobacco by its adult population drop by 50% in two decades, and over 5,000 flamingo chicks hatch in a former “climate disaster hotspot”.
French Polynesia protects 30% of its waters, HPV jab sees “near zero risk” of cervical cancer, drug diversion schemes
In today’s edition: the government of French Polynesia announces an expansion of its ocean protections, young women now have “close to zero” risk of death from cervical cancer thanks to HPV vaccination, and drug diversion schemes cut reoffending rates much more than traditional prosecution, according to a new study.
Colombia passes first bill in Latin America to end FGM, China’s EV boom sees fewer deaths, London’s Tree Ring
In today’s edition: Colombia takes a large step towards banning the practice of female genital mutilation, China’s adoption of low-emission vehicles results in a big drop in premature deaths linked to pollution, and plant showcase sites are helping to create a ring of trees around London.
First binding employment standards for gig workers, Ethiopia goes electric, Uganda’s Youth Desks
In today’s edition: the UN’s International Labour Organization has agreed to adopt the first-ever binding employment standards for gig workers, Ethiopia sees a sharp rise in the number of electric vehicles on its streets, and a city-run Youth Desk is giving young people in Uganda a say about their future.
World’s mangrove forests are healing, researchers reverse “permanent” nerve damage, India’s $2 vision aids
In today’s edition: new data show that the world is gaining more mangrove forest than it’s losing, Cambridge scientists uncover the hidden mechanism that blocks nerve repair, and a charity is making eye health and good vision accessible to all across India.
Malaria deaths in Papua New Guinea drop by 92%, US smoking rate hits all-time low, cancer care breakthrough
In today’s edition: fatalities from malaria are plummeting in Papua New Guinea thanks to a comprehensive national strategy, the United States sees its adult smoking rate reach its lowest-ever level, and an experimental cancer jab eradicates entire tumours in patients within the confines of a new trial.
Groundbreaking genomic test for breast cancer, Brazil’s 40-hour workweek, the Netherlands changes approach to litter
In today’s edition: a genomic test could help millions of breast cancer patients avoid chemotherapy in favour of more effective and less taxing treatments, Brazil’s lower house voices overwhelming support for a reduced working week, and a Dutch company is offering free poffertjes to patrons under one condition: they hand over cigarette butts.
Portland’s billion dollar climate fund, sharp drop in forever chemicals, Virginia bans assault weapons
In today’s edition: Portland’s mammoth climate fund drives clean energy projects, PFAS levels drop sharply in wildlife, and Virginia becomes the latest US state to officially outlaw assault weapons.
UN backs climate crisis ruling, Hungary limits PM terms, rural US students are increasingly attending college
In today’s edition: the UN has overwhelmingly voted to adopt a resolution arguing that countries have a legal obligation to address climate change, Hungary’s new government puts forward a constitutional amendment to limit prime ministers to a maximum of eight years in office, and a US-wide movement is raising the number of rural college students attending university.
Clean energy deal for Africa, global battery capacity skyrockets, new study repairs nerve damage in MS
In today’s edition: a multi-billion euro clean energy deal is set to accelerate Africa’s switch to low-carbon power, the world is installing grid batteries at a faster pace than anyone anticipated, and scientists may have discovered a way to repair the nerve damage caused by multiple sclerosis.
Baltimore sees least homicides in 50 years, Indiana prison lets mothers keep newborns, arts slow biological aging
In today’s edition, Baltimore sees its lowest monthly homicide total in more than 50 years, Indiana Women’s Prison lets eligible mothers stay with their newborns in a nursery unit instead of being separated, and new research suggests that engaging with the arts may help slow biological aging and support healthier longevity.
