From a successful climate lawsuit in Switzerland and democratic change in Senegal to a law school student who earned his degree in prison: here’s our recap of the most exciting and important stories from our April editions.
European Court supports Swiss women in climate litigation
In a historic decision, the European Court of Human Rights recognised climate change’s infringement on personal rights, siding with a group of Swiss women who argued their government’s inaction on climate policies violated their human rights.
Greece bans bottom trawling in marine protected areas, a European first
Greece announces a move to ban bottom trawling in its marine protected areas by 2030, aiming to protect biodiversity and combat the climate crisis. This marks the first complete prohibition of this destructive fishing practice in European marine sanctuaries.
Indigenous Pacific leaders advocate for legal personhood for whales
The Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative promotes the legal recognition of whales as persons with inherent rights – such as having a healthy environment to allow the restoration of their populations.
The largest-ever restoration effort spanning the Mediterranean
The initiative, known as the Agadir Commitment, focuses on rejuvenating areas ravaged by wildfires. With a commitment to restoring eight million hectares by 2030, approximately two million hectares have already been saved since 2017 – roughly 500 times the area of Athens.
Thanks to the construction of a large number of cycleways, the journey from the suburbs to the city centre, particularly during peak hours, has seen a big transformation.
Nigeria takes lead in meningitis fight, introduces world-first vaccine
Nigeria has made history as the first nation to introduce the Men5CV vaccine against meningitis. Situated in one of Africa’s meningitis hotspots, Nigeria saw a 50% surge in annual meningitis hyperendemic cases last year.
New mosquito nets prevented 13 million malaria cases, global NGO reports
With the distribution of 56 million cutting-edge mosquito nets across Nigeria and 16 other nations in sub-Saharan Africa, the initiative – spearheaded by the Global Funds to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria – has successfully thwarted an estimated 13 million malaria cases and 24,600 deaths.
New blood test improves cancer detection in low-income countries
Researchers have developed a cost-effective blood test that significantly improves cancer detection rates in low- and middle-income countries, where diagnostic facilities are scarce.
Portable diagnostic kits help the Philippines in tuberculosis fight
In the Philippines, innovative suitcase-sized diagnostic kits enhanced by AI technology are being deployed to combat tuberculosis, the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
Senegal embraces democratic change with election of reform-driven president
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s ascent from from prison to presidency heralds a new era of reform and transparency in governance, amidst national calls for change and stability.
Two countries in Europe are now powered by 100% renewable energy
The renewable energy movement is making new strides with seven countries – including two European nations, Albania and Iceland – relying exclusively on renewable sources for their electricity needs.
‘Solar balconies’ are helping drive urban renewable energy shift
Over 400,000 balcony solar systems have been installed in Germany, offering apartment residents a simple and efficient way to produce their own electricity and participate in the energy transition.
Thailand senate advances bill for same-sex marriage
Thailand’s Senate has passed the first reading of a bill legalising same-sex marriage. This brings Thailand closer to becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to acknowledge such unions.
India’s ‘right to life’ to include protection against climate change
In a prominent ruling on environmental issues, the Supreme Court of India has extended the interpretation of an individual’s “right to life” to encompass safeguarding against the adversities of climate change.
US to close loophole that allows gun sales without background checks
The notorious “gun show loophole” allows the sale of thousands of firearms without stringent federal background checks. Under new laws, approximately 23,000 vendors will be reclassified as licensed firearms dealers, subjecting gun sales at shows and online platforms to thorough background checks.
Historic nursing home reform in the US sets staffing standards
The US is introducing a federal rule establishing minimum staffing levels in nursing homes, marking the most significant sector reform in decades and aiming to significantly improve care conditions.
Childcare workers enjoy free housing benefits in Connecticut programme
Child care in the United States faces a significant crisis marked by exorbitant costs for parents and inadequate wages for caregivers. In Connecticut, a new solution is being implemented to address this issue by offering rent-free housing for individuals dedicated to caring for young children.
AI tech deployed in LA to support those at risk of homelessness
With homelessness at record levels in the United States, LA County’s AI tool spotlights those at risk, providing them with advice and financial support.
This app empowers users with lifesaving alerts on unsafe pills
Since the launch of Berlin’s first drug-checking service last year, demand has surged for reliable information on substance safety. Now, the KnowDrugs app is harnessing this vital data, providing users with real-time updates on drug-checking results not only in Germany but also across borders.
BLOQS: The UK’s first open-access, pay-as-you-go concept factory
By breaking down traditional barriers, these spaces offer an open-access, pay-as-you-go model, making advanced manufacturing technology affordable to all. With a free initial sign-up, members simply pay a daily rate for the machinery they require, alongside optional flexible office and storage space.
In an effort to combat the escalating plastic waste crisis in Delhi, ‘Garbage Cafes’ have been established, where individuals can exchange collected plastic for free meals.
Karachi’s ‘Stories on Wheels’ fosters literacy with a mobile library
Facing a staggering 77% illiteracy rate among 10-year-olds in Pakistan, the ‘Kahaani Sawaari’ project in Karachi brings storytelling and books to underserved communities through an ice-cream cart turned mobile library.
For many adults facing shame or stigma surrounding their illiteracy, turning to unconventional methods is becoming more and more common. One of the most unexpected allies? TikTok.
He got a college degree in prison. Now he’s off to a prestigious law school
Since leaving prison in December 2023, Benard McKinley, 39, has been busy preparing for huge next steps. McKinley is the first person from Northwestern University’s Prison Education Program to be accepted into any law school, including Northwestern’s, which boasts a 4% acceptance rate.
Therapy school boosts mental health for Delhi’s marginalised youth
Project Phoenix, a one-year preventative mental health programme, offers help to children from Delhi’s most under-served communities, including slums, children’s homes, and red light districts.
Community peacemaking: a key to forest preservation in the Amazon Basin
Brazil and Colombia are showing tangible progress in slowing deforestation rates in the Amazon River basin. Recent data from the University of Maryland reveals remarkable reductions of 36% and 49% in deforestation rates between 2022 and 2023 in Brazil and Colombia, respectively.
In our new podcast episode, we continue our conversation about history with a special guest and a special project in which Jonathan’s father recently rediscovered the story of a German-Jewish couple who left Germany during and after World War II and became very well-known in the US – but remained almost unknown in Germany.
