Amsterdam’s planet-first economic model, mating pandas, indigenous rights in Brazil

Photo: Vlad Hilitanu/Unsplash

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about Amsterdam’s alternative economic model, pandas mating for the first time in a decade at a Hong Kong zoo, and a breakthrough in indigenous rights in Brazil.

City of Amsterdam to adopt ‘doughnut economics’ to balance the needs of both people and planet

Drawing from the seminal work of Kate Raworth, Amsterdam will be the first city to embrace this alternative economic model that ensures we live within the planet’s means.

Source: The Guardian

Stage-fright pandas mate for the first time in 10 years as quarantine offers them privacy

Ocean Park in Hong Kong was forced to close due to coronavirus, but this seemed to be the perfect opportunity for two shy pandas.

Source: ABC News

Indigenous group in Brazil win s a right of response to racist rhetoric by Bolsonaro’s administration

This unprecendented legal move allows the Kinja tribe to publish a letter of response on government wbesites ollowing a series of offensive statements made by government officials.

Source: Mongabay

Mutant enzyme has been engineered with incredible potential for the recycling of plastic bottles

Researches have reported that the enzyme could break down 90% of PET in 10 hours before building it back up again into a PET just as strong as from conventional plastic.

Source: Science

To combat the spread of conspiracy theories, WhatsApp tightens limits on forwarded messages

As coronavirus and 5G conspiracy theories gain traction, WhatsApp users lose ability to forward messages to multiple groups.

Source: CNN

Curriculum set up to help elderly people in Israel use technology during lockdown

Three tech innovators set up online lessons to help elderly Israelis navigate their way around whatsapp, zoom and google drive, so they can keep in touch with the outside world.

Source: BBC News

Thousands of British households will be paid for their daytime green energy use in order to boost the renewable sector

Wind and solar projects have been producing a surge in clean energy during the coronavirus lockdown.

Source: The Guardian

A UK based solar pump business is supplying farms with eco-friendly solar irrigation systems

The solar powered pumps ensure local water sources won’t run dry, supporting farmers across Africa, Asia and Oceania – 90% of whom rely on rainfall to water their crops.

Source: Reset

Neighbours with a 88-year age gap are swapping letters amid the lockdown in an attempt to combat loneliness

The penpals are protecting their mental wellbeing whilst adhering to self-isolation guidelines.

Source: The Guardian

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