From the first tax on emissions of shopping worldwide to new approaches against loneliness and depression: here’s our recap of the most important constructive news and stories from the past month.
First global tax on CO2 emissions from shipping industry agreed on
In a historic agreement Friday, most major shipping nations endorsed a fee of at least $100 per tonne of greenhouse gas emitted by ships. The fees will fund fuels and technologies required for a transition to greener shipping.
EU microplastic controls extended to include maritime shipping
Earlier EU legislation has targeted particles added to various products, but this is the first to hold businesses accountable for accidental pollution. Maritime freight was originally exempted, but recent incidents of plastic pellet spills washing up on beaches put greater pressure on lawmakers to make the change.
WHO member states reach deal on how to tackle future pandemics
The legally binding pact signed between 194 member states includes prevention measures, as well as details on how to fairly and ethically share drugs and vaccines between wealthier and poorer countries.
“Social prescribing” research launched across eight European countries
Unlike traditional medical prescriptions, social prescribing is an approach to healthcare that connects patients with trained professionals known as link workers. These workers, in turn, help them access community activities and services such as art and gym classes, financial advice workshops, and befriending sessions.
Solutions journalist Julia Hotz has spoken about social prescribing on our podcast before. In our new episode she returns to talk with us about the book she has written on the subject in the meantime: “The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.”
Woman becomes first UK womb transplant recipient to give birth
The development will offer new hope to women born without a womb or whose womb fails to function. Three more womb transplants have been carried out in the UK, with medics hoping the recipients of those wombs will have babies.
Tiny injectable pacemaker that dissolves could mean safer surgery on newborns
Researchers at Northwestern in Chicago have developed a temporary pacemaker that requires no surgery. Smaller than a grain of rice and injectable by syringe, it is a non-invasive solution to situations like heart surgery in newborns, when it takes about a week for the heart to repair. After the period of use, the biodegradable device is absorbed into the body.
Mortality in India of children under five down 70% in the last 25 years
A UN report released last week cited India among five countries as exemplary in reducing child mortality, saying they are “bringing the world closer to an end to preventable child deaths”. India credits its investment in the healthcare system.
Thailand has officially banned smacking as a form of punishment for minors, falling in with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which has been in effect since 1990.
Kenya on track to hit full electricity access by 2030
Access to electricity in the country rose from just 37% in 2013 to 79% in 2023, with urban areas seeing full access. The rise in universal access coincides with a shift towards clean energy tech, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest review.
No country in the world emits more greenhouse gases than China. Now, the country’s energy transition has reached an important milestone. In the first quarter, the output of wind and solar power plants surpassed that of combustion plants for the first time. The latter primarily include coal plants.
Plastic pollution along Australian coast down 39% according to new study
A recent study from Australia’s national science agency found plastic waste in coastal areas is down more than a third compared to ten years ago. Campaigners say there is much more work to be done, but the study identified the prevalence of different types of waste by area which could help further mitigation efforts.
New Mexico made childcare free, lifting 120,000 people above the poverty line
The state, which has long ranked worst in the US for child wellbeing, became the first and only in the country to offer free childcare to a majority of families. The programme, which has also lifted childcare providers out of poverty with higher wages, has paid off so well that legislators recently extended its funding.
In response to potential government attacks on free speech, scientific research, and federal funding, 14 US universities comprising the “Big 10 Alliance” have created a NATO-like agreement where an administrative attack on one would be an attack on all.
Pro bono legal defense network formed for fired federal workers
A coalition of unions and civil rights groups announced Wednesday the formation of Rise Up, a legal defense network of over 1000 lawyers in 42 states offering pro bono legal help to federal workers targeted by DOGE and the Trump administration.
400-plus workers become owners in 99-year-old UK bakery chain
Parsons Bakery in the southwest UK has been family-run since 1926. The family has now established a trust, giving the entire staff of the now 50-bakery chain controlling interest in the company in an effort to keep the chain independent and community-based.
Universal basic income doesn’t reduce employment, but makes people happier
The results of a long-term study released on Wednesday suggests that participants of the scheme saw a significant improvement in their overall wellbeing and mental health, but were no more likely to leave their jobs, reduce their working hours or see a decline in work-related income than those outside the programme.
Bikes outnumbering cars in City of London 2 to 1, biggest rise recorded
Cycling journeys in the City of London have increased by 57% within two years. The rise has been driven in part by a huge increase in ridership of dockless e-bike sharing services in the city.
Athens first micro-forest is planted to help beat the heat
Summer temperatures in Athens frequently top 40°C and the “urban heat island” effect only intensifies that. In an action long overdue according to planners, recently elected mayor Doukas has embarked on an initiative to plant 5000 trees. This micro-forest park in one of Athens’ most dense neighbourhoods is the first step.
Vacant lots on Detroit’s East Side to become giant Sequoia forest
Volunteer arborists are planting saplings from an ancient tree archive in a pilot project in Detroit, “The Giant Sequoia Filter Forest”. Under threat from wildfires in their native California, Detroit could be a safe haven for the giants that could live thousands of years, giving shade and better air quality to the city.
The disused Paris railway track turned into a green space for wildlife
Inside the French capital’s ring road, the Petite Ceinture, a disused circular rail line, now abounds with nature trails, shared gardens, and even urban farms.
“Friendship benches” to offer free mental health support in Sussex
The scheme involves a wooden park bench being placed in a public space with a listening ear, in the shape of so-called “grandparents” to anyone passing. Recent analysis found that the model saw an 80% reduction in depression and suicidal ideation, and a 60% increase in clients’ quality of life.
Farmers face one of the highest rates of suicide. The solution is in their land
The LandLogic Model is a new way to train healthcare providers that uses farmers’ relationship to their land to identify and treat depression, anxiety and other emotional issues within a notoriously hard-to-reach population.
Learning to coach football is empowering women prisoners in Africa
The Football for Reform programme started in Sierra Leone, but its popularity and success have led to programmes in other African nations. BBC’s Africa Daily speaks to the founder, a trainer and prisoners about the difference this is making to women and society.
Eating out group in Maine addresses social isolation in older men
When a volunteer group, Harpswell Aging at Home, noticed too many men living alone, not getting out, and not eating well, they started a circle of men dining out together. A group like this has particular value, with older men often slower to ask for help and as a group, at higher risk for suicide.
Cuddle parties are safe spaces for platonic touch, a loneliness antidote
Touch is a proven biological and emotional need that studies show, not only feels good and healthy, but can actually prevent catching viruses. Started by a dance teacher in Berlin, “Mush” parties are for people to cuddle, “embracing a culture of touch positivity” that starts out with learning consent signals for “no” or “yes”.
