Photo: Foto: Getty Images / Unsplash+
Today in Squirrel News, Amazon forest fires fall to the lowest level since records began, Kerala unveils an action plan to end snakebite deaths by 2030, and a Dutch student team has developed the world’s first solar-powered ambulance.
Forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon fell to a historic low in 2025 after peaking the previous year. A new report highlights the “psychological factor” among communities who feared a fire season like 2024 and therefore helped control any outbreaks. Data from the first quarter of 2026 also shows that deforestation is at its lowest-ever rate this decade.
Source: Euronews
Eight artificial canopy bridges installed in Alta Floresta, Brazil, have enabled endangered species to navigate safely across fragmented forest highways. The low-cost model is now set to expand to other Brazilian regions and neighbouring Suriname.
Source: Mongabay
The number of hungry people around the world is falling, but it’s still higher than pre-COVID levels, according to a new UN report. Asia and Latin America have made steady progress in recent years. In Africa, the long-running rise in hunger appears to have plateaued.
Source: Aljazeera
The state of Kerala has introduced a comprehensive plan to reach zero snakebite-related deaths and disabilities by 2030. The initiative establishes a tiered referral system, enhanced digital tracking of antivenom supplies, and 24-hour helpline supplies.
Source: The Hindu
A team of Dutch student engineers has unveiled what they believe to be the world’s first solar-powered ambulance. The vehicle relies entirely on high-efficiency solar cells to drive through rugged terrain while powering critical onboard medical equipment. Next month the ambulance will be tested in Kenya.
Source: RTE
With a clear majority, the French parliament passed a bill banning social media for children under 15. Exceptions will apply to platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp. How the ban can be enforced technically remains unclear.
Source: BBC
A former carpentry factory in a Swiss working-class town has been transformed to a vibrant community centre with affordable housing, a food court, and an events space. Famed for similar circular construction projects, architect Barbara Buser used 70% reclaimed materials and included future tenants in the planning.
Source: Reasons to be Cheerful
The Chilean island community of Catrumán restored its own water supply by replanting native forests and using natural filtration methods. Maintained through local collective work, the system has provided clean water for nearly seven years and serves as a model for other rural communities facing water scarcity.
Source: Econews
While many shorebird populations in North America are declining, the number of American oystercatchers has grown by 45% since 2008. A dedicated coalition of over 35 organisations spearheaded this recovery by safeguarding critical nesting grounds from human disturbance.
Source: AP
Germany’s former inner border has transformed into the “Green Belt”, a thriving, continuous ecological corridor. With a range of over 1,400 kilometres, this previously deadly buffer zone between the former East and West now serves as a safe place for thousands of endangered plant and animal species.
Source: DW
