In today’s recap of our favourite solutions-oriented stories from June, we’re taking a look at highlights including the first climate change lawsuit to reach trial, the largest school feeding initiative in the African diaspora, and a groundbreaking collaboration granting university degrees to incarcerated students.
Young activists take Montana to court over climate inaction
After suing state officials three years ago for failing to take decisive action against global warming, the case is the first climate change lawsuit to reach trial.
Kenya unveils Africa’s largest school meals program
The ambitious initiative aims to eradicate the distressing issue of hunger and ensure that primary school children receive daily nourishing lunches, eliminating the burden of food insecurity.
Yale and UNH collaboration grants first degrees to incarcerated students
Established in 2021, this pioneering partnership between the ivy league institution and the University of New Haven has opened pathways for student-inmates to pursue a two and four-year college education.
Energy experts praised India’s move not to entertain proposals for new coal plants for the next five years. The country relies mostly on dirty fuel for electricity and aims to reach to reach net zero emissions by 2070.
Finnish city pilots world-first deposit scheme to combat textile waste
The city of Lahti’s groundbreaking initiative aims to incentivise the concept of textile recycling, addressing the huge environmental impact of fabric waste.
Canada implements ban on animal testing for cosmetics
While industry groups consider the move as primarily symbolic, it acknowledges that Canadian companies have already transitioned away from animal testing, making the ban a testament to existing practices.
Ambitious project in Hawai’i set to restore 120 miles of coral reefs
The Ākoʻakoʻa initiative combines the forces of science and culture to breathe new life into the reefs west of the Big Island, which have been in decline for the past 50 years.
The Netherlands to install free sunscreen dispensers in over 100 locations
With skin cancer the most common form of the disease, the move aims to help raise awareness of the importance of protecting skin against harmful UV rays.
Following two mass shootings in the space of 48 hours, Serbian authorities declared a one-month amnesty period for citizens to hand over unregistered guns – resulting in the return of thousands of weapons including rocket launchers.
#musicmetoo is revealing abuse of power in Germany’s music industry
As an offshoot of the project #deutschrapmetoo, the platform wants to expose incidents of sexual violence within the business, helping survivors find justice and campaigning for structural change.
A new social search engine aims to change how women interact online
Diem hopes to emulate “real-world sharing” between women – such as conversations over dinner tables or private group chats – whilst validating their experiences.
In a collaborative effort, Scandinavian studios Henning Larsen and White Arkitekter are spearheading the design of Stockholm Wood City, an ambitious project that aims to become the largest mass-timber development globally.
“Hempcrete” could help countries reach their net zero goals
With sustainable materials in high demand as the construction industry seeks to decarbonise, renewable resources with carbon-capturing properties are becoming more attractive.
Low-carbon powder made from waste soil has concrete-like properties
Gnanli Landrou’s building material has sparked major interest from the European construction industry, with architects already planning to use it to build structures.
Ukrainian startup creates mushroom-based alternative to polystyrene
In response to the plastic waste crisis, a Ukrainian startup has developed a biodegradable replacement for polystyrene, which takes 500 years to break down. The 100 percent biodegradable material fully decomposes in only 30 days.
Portland’s “feel-good densification” is a sustainable solution to the housing crisis
Three years after the city council tossed out 60-plus years of low-density mandates by voting for housing reform that ended single-family zoning, hundreds of news homes have been created – easing pressure on the market.
Students convert school grounds, providing a model for healthier cities
An inspiring initiative is tackling inequality in green spaces across the United States. By empowering students to take ownership of their environment, this effort sets the stage for healthier and more inclusive cities.
School-based free clinics are boosting US students’ mental health
The centres offer free services – from flu shots and physicals to contraceptive care and talk therapy – that students without insurance can access without a trip to the doctor’s office. In many cases they are the only care options for vulnerable children.
Tennessee to deliver free surprise books to 200,000 kids
A Tennessee initiative aims to provide books to 200,000 children during their summer break. With many students lacking books at home, this programme is welcomed by families and educators alike, as it addresses the need to promote literacy.
A school’s adoption of the ‘Feeling Friends’ curriculum proves transformative as students experience remarkable improvement in their mental health. Find out how this approach is making a positive impact on young minds.
Walk-and-talks help men open up about mental health struggles
Amidst the reality of working in a declining industry, Earl John Charlton is using his experience of homelessness and addiction to support to men in Northern England, letting them know that it’s OK not to be OK.
Ex-prisoner launches nonprofit to help incarcerated people start art careers
Having spent several years in jail himself, founder Jesse Krimes knows first-hand how artists who lose access to art practices while incarcerated frequently struggle to get it back after being released.
Experimental MDMA study transforms a white supremacist’s extremist beliefs
After taking part in the psychedelics-assisted therapy trial, a former white nationalist leader radically reversed his outlook and declared “love is the most important thing”.