In today’s edition of Squirrel News, police step aside to let neighbourhood respond to low-level street crime, a Ukrainian startup creates a mushroom-based alternative to polystyrene, and a school successfully uses animal characters to help children talk about feelings.
Organisation experiments new approach to low-level street crime
A New York neighborhood is allowing neighbors, not the police, to respond to low-level street crime in an attempt to redefine law enforcement and reduce arrests.
San Francisco offers new strategy to address homelessness
San Francisco introduces the HEART program, diverting non-emergency homeless calls away from the police to a dedicated street crisis team. The city aims to reduce the number of unsheltered homeless by 50% in the next five years.
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.
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 per cent biodegradable material fully decomposes in only 30 days.
Ireland has opened its first Dutch-style roundabout. This innovative layout provides a safe space for active travel by separating cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.
Bangladesh adopts climate financing to mitigate climate change impact
In the face of escalating climate change impacts causing devastating losses of crops and homes in rural Bangladesh, local and international organisations are implementing solutions like insurance and microfinance to provide financial protection.
Finland wildlife agency reports record number of Saimaa seal pups
Finland’s state-owned wildlife agency announces a milestone in conservation efforts, as it has recorded a total of 100 pups of highly-endagengered Saimaa seals.
Black barber launches credit union to address racial wealth gap
A Black barber takes a proactive step in bridging the racial wealth gap by establishing Arkansas’ first credit union in over 26 years, providing an inclusive financial institution.
Scientists use ‘acoustic lures’ for environmental conservation
With the alarming decline of sonic biodiversity, scientists are employing innovative methods, such as using “acoustic lures,” to entice and guide species, boosting habitat restoration.
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.
