As we kick off a new month, let’s look back at our favorite uplifting news stories from July! This edition covers a range of inspiring events – from breakthrough stem cell therapy advancements to a historic reduction in Indonesian poverty levels to the UK electing its most diverse parliament ever, there’s a lot to talk about this month.
Global emotional well-being on the rise, new report reveals
Contrary to fears about deteriorating youth mental health, the Gallup report’s topline results are encouraging. Worldwide, positive emotions reached a score of 71 out of 100 – the highest since the pandemic began – while negative emotions decreased for the first time since 2014.
Indonesian poverty rate hits record low as inequality narrows
Indonesia’s poverty rate has reached a historic low this year, dropping to 9.03% in March, surpassing the previous record of 9.22% in 2019. At the same time, the Gini coefficient – a measure of inequality – has also hit its lowest point in over a decade.
Baltimore sees big drop in violent crime: homicides down 36% in 2024
Non-fatal shootings also saw a drop of approximately 30%, suggesting a clear trend of diminishing violence across the city. These figures follow a 20% reduction in homicides the previous year.
Stem cell therapy shows breakthrough against type 1 diabetes
Early results from clinical trials suggest that an experimental stem cell therapy could potentially transform the treatment of type 1 diabetes by restoring insulin production in patients.
Labour’s ‘rooftop revolution’ to deliver solar power to millions of UK homes
The plans will see millions more homes fitted with solar panels in order to bring down domestic energy bills and tackle the climate crisis. The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, also took the decision to approve three massive solar farms in the east of England that had been blocked by Tory ministers.
Children’s sugar consumption halved since tax announcement, study finds
The tax, which came into force in April 2018, has been so successful in improving people’s diets that experts have said an expansion to cover other high sugar food and drink products is now a “no-brainer”.
UK makes history with most diverse parliament ever
Britain’s newly elected Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is set to lead a parliament that marks a historic milestone in diversity. Following a decisive electoral triumph on Thursday, which ended 14 years of Conservative leadership, Starmer will preside over a parliament that is not only more ethnically diverse but also boasts a record number of female representatives.
San Francisco launches world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry
San Francisco introduces the Sea Change, the world’s first fully hydrogen-powered commercial ferry, reducing emissions by replacing diesel with hydrogen fuel cells.
In June, thirteen young plaintiffs in Hawaii successfully sued the Department of Transportation, pushing for urgent action on climate change. The settlement mandates rapid expansion of public transit, new bike lanes, and electric vehicles – with discussions now taking place on the future of clean transportation in Hawaii.
Fewer workers are earning low wages in the United States
The percentage of U.S. workers making less than $15 an hour has dropped significantly, from 31.9% two years ago to just 13% now, according to new data from Oxfam.
Philadelphia programme aims to fill the gap for Black teachers
To address the underrepresentation of Black teachers in the US, the Center for Black Educator Development offers specialised pathways for high school and college students.
New Swedish parental leave law allows grandparents to be paid for childcare
Under this new law, parents have the option to transfer a portion of their parental leave entitlement to their child’s grandparents. According to the Social Insurance Agency, a couple can transfer up to 45 days of leave, while a single parent can transfer up to 90 days.
Within a cluster of mobile genetic elements, researchers at Arc Institute have uncovered an RNA-guided system. This new discovery has the potential to facilitate modular and programmable DNA insertions, excisions, and inversions.
Guinea worm disease has been almost completely eradicated in humans
In 1989, the WHO reported over 890,000 cases globally. According to recent data, only 14 human cases were documented in 2023 – and none so far in 2024.
Breakthrough nasal spray shows promise in combating Alzheimer’s
Researchers have developed a nasal spray targeting the harmful build-up of tau proteins in the brain, which has shown to improve cognitive function in mice. This treatment could offer a non-invasive solution for Alzheimer’s disease.
Common blood-thinning drug newly shown to neutralise cobra venom
Snakebites kill roughly 138,00 people a year. A multi-nation team of scientists have found that an inexpensive and commonly prescribed drug could be an antidote to cobra venom.
A growing number of countries are moving away from the death penalty
Nearly three-quarters of the world’s nations have now either abolished the death penalty outright or do not practice it. As of December 31st 2023, 112 countries have abolished it for all crimes, 9 only for ordinary crimes, and 23 countries have effectively abolished it in practice – bringing the total number of countries that have effectively abolished the practice to 144.
Global human rights standards see big improvements over the past century
According to data from Varieties of Democracy, human rights protections have grown significantly across all global regions over the last 100 years. An updated index, which measures human rights on a scale from 0 (fewest rights) to 1 (most rights), shows that every region scored notably higher in 2023 compared to a century ago.
How grassroots activism transformed child abuse laws across the US
While policymaking typically involves collaboration among various groups, sometimes it takes a single person to drive real change. Erin Merryn, a social worker from suburban Chicago who herself survived childhood abuse, became that catalyst. Her advocacy has led to the passage of Erin’s Law in 38 states, mandating child abuse prevention education in schools.
“Her Initiative”: Women in Tanzania breaking the poverty cycle
According to the UN, 60% of Tanzanian women live in poverty. “Her Initiative” is working to empower women through technology and digital inclusion, helping them to aqcuire tech skills, start businesses and become financially independent.
Zimbabwe’s grandma-centric mental health approach expands globally
In Zimbabwe, a unique mental health therapy centered around elderly wisdom is gaining international attention, with its practices gaining traction in countries such as the United States.
Denmark prescribes ‘culture vitamins’ to boost mental health
In the Scandinavian country, a unique approach to addressing mental health is gaining traction: ‘culture vitamins’. Instead of traditional treatments, doctors are prescribing cultural activities – such as theatre trips, museum visits, and group readings – to combat anxiety, stress, and depression.
The Bike Chicago programme is distributing free bicycles to underserved communities – a climate-friendly strategy that not only improves active transportation but also supports equity.
Breathing new life into America’s ‘left-behind’ counties
The counties in America once labelled as “left behind” – mainly former manufacturing hubs that faced tough times at the start of the century – have made an impressive comeback. Over the past three years, they’ve been adding jobs and new businesses at a rate not seen since the Clinton era.
Boosting student confidence with lunchtime haircuts
Carey Knox, an intervention specialist at Turner Elementary School, has made it his mission to boost social-emotional learning amongst students. His approach includes teaching self-awareness, self-management, and social skills through regular check-ins to support their overall well-being.
Initiative trains volunteers to ensure no one dies alone
The No One Dies Alone movement trains volunteers to provide companionship for people in their final hours. Now expanded into a registered charity, the initiative also addresses social isolation by supporting individuals at various stages of life.
