26 Australian species conserved, robots save coral reefs, missing Black women bill considered

| Posted on February 24, 2023 |

Photo: René Riegal / Unsplash (CC0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, Australian conservation efforts are successful for 26 species, robots rebuild coral reefs, and Minnesota considers creating a first-of-its-kind office.

26 Australian species no longer need threatened listing

Research suggests that the species have recovered enough to no longer need special protection thanks to conservation efforts.

Source: The Guardian

Robots repair coral reefs in Australia

The company Coral Maker is using robots to transplant coral, normally a labor-intensive and time consuming process.

Source: Wired

Minnesota considers Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls

After passing in the state House, the first-of-its-kind bill still needs to be passed by the Senate and signed by the governor.

Source: The Root

Rights of same-sex couple recognised by South Korean court for first time

While gay marriage is not recognised in the country, ruling against the couple’s government health insurer is unprecedented for the Seoul High Court.

Source: BBC

Pittsburgh-area school incorporates children’s museum into design

Ehrman Crest Elementary and Middle School ditched traditional school design for a more interactive approach to education.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

Harvard Medical School blends climate education with clinical curriculum

The top medical school is joining the ranks of a growing number of schools incorporating climate change into their curriculum.

Source: Grist

California beach town bans balloons to reduce marine trash, protect animals

More US cities like Laguna Beach are considering these kind of measures to protect birds and other marine wildlife from the damaging effects of trash.

Source: The Guardian

Indigenous irrigation project reshapes water rights in southern Arizona

The Gila River Indian Community, also known as the Pima tribe, is once again filled with water through a project modeled after its historic canal system.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

New York garden rescues endangered orchids from dark side of global trade

Showcased behind the scenes of its orchid show, the New York Botanical Garden rescues orchids and other plants seized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Source: The Guardian

Residents gather to protect their Icelandic island’s baby puffins

In Heimaey, Puffling Patrol volunteers team up to help stranded young puffins reach the North Atlantic.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

#30: Zero-interest loans for Black homebuyers

Classic reparations may be a good idea, but financially they are not very sustainable. That’s why a congregation from the Bay Area introduced a zero-interest loan programme for Black homebuyers. In our new podcast episode, Susan Russell from the Black Wealth Builders Fund explains to us how it this can drive change.