In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about Bogota’s switch to greener forms of transport, the installation of Spain’s first solar energy pavement, and how Ethiopian communities have nearly eradicated an often-forgotten tropical disease.
Bogota’s truck drivers are ditching their vehicles in favour of electric cargo bikes
With thousands of deaths caused by the city’s air pollution every year, the move aims to clean up the city’s air by boosting access to green transport.
Community-led efforts have almost eliminated Guinea worm disease
Whilst the tropical disease has not yet been fully eradicated, Ethiopia’s rural communities have reduced cases by 50% – with access to safe and clean water being the answer.
“Magnet fishing” is cleaning up Scotland’s waterways
Part environmentalism, part treasure-hunting, magnet fishing has attracted a tight group of enthusiasts around Glasgow who cast their lines out for grenades, knives, cannon balls – and shopping trolleys.
Vancouver supports sex workers through pop-up vaccination clinic
With a large number of sex workers excluded from standard vaccination campaigns, this specially designed outreach clinic saw 99 vaccinations in a single day.
Citizen juries might hold the solution to climate change in the UK
A number of groups across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales are building consensus, gauging community perspectives and finding answers to local environmental problems.
Campaigners are protecting and regenerating Vietnam’s mangrove forests
As mangrove forests stand as a reliable natural barrier to the damaging impacts of climate change, activists in vulnerable regions are working to preserve existing plantations and create new ones.
Portland jail is transformed into homeless shelter and mental health services centre
The former Wapato Correctional Facility has taken a step back from the controversial prison industry in the US, instead offering support and compassion for those in difficult circumstances.
Associação Maracanã is empowering young girls through football in Cape Verde
With women’s soccer still being considered taboo on the island nation, a non-profit organisation is tackling this perception by offering sports training to girls from low-income families.
