From two important international climate rulings to school children who can can choose a hike instead of detention: here’s our recap of the most important constructive news and stories from the past month.
Landmark UN court ruling: countries can sue each other on climate change
The International Court of Justice says that a healthy, sustainable environment is a human right, and nations have the right to seek redress for climate harms. First sought by law students from Pacific islands threatened by climate change, the ruling is not binding, but campaigners say it will still have far-reaching impact.
Countries must protect human right to a stable climate, court rules
The Costa Rica-based Inter-American Court of Human Rights says countries have a legal obligation to protect people alive today and future generations from the impacts of climate breakdown, including ‘urgent and effective’ actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions based on the best available science.
India reaches 50% non-fossil fuel power capacity ahead of 2030 target
India announced on Monday that non-fossil fuel sources now account for 50% of its installed electricity capacity, five years ahead of the country’s 2030 target under the Paris Agreement.
Solar power becomes leading source of electricity in California
Over the last year, solar power has overtaken all other sources to become the largest contributor to California’s electricity supply, something that’s expected to continue as the state expands its clean energy programme.
Eastern Europe makes strategic shift towards renewables
Amid rising concerns over Russian aggression, Eastern Europe is rapidly turning to renewable energy, with solar power leading the charge. Poland, notably, is outpacing the UK in solar panel deployment, despite having a smaller population and less than half the GDP per capita.
First-ever malaria treatment for newborn infants is approved
Switzerland’s drug regulator has approved the world’s first malaria treatment for newborn babies, which could potentially clear the way for the medicine to become available in parts of Africa where the life-threatening disease is endemic.
Suriname first country in Amazon region to eliminate malaria
After 70 years of mitigation efforts, Suriname has been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization. Success is attributed to the targeting of remote mining areas, universal access to expanded diagnostics, and distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito netting.
Lifesaving treatments prevent 230,000 children from contracting HIV each year
Each year, roughly 130,000 children acquire HIV, primarily through transmission from mothers living with the virus. Thanks to the introduction of antiretroviral therapy and other preventive measures, this number has dropped from over 500,000 25 years ago.
New IVF 3-person technique prevents genetic diseases that run in families
Newcastle University scientists report having saved eight families from passing on devastating genetic diseases via a new in vitro fertilisation method where the nucleus and extracted pieces of the mother’s egg, as well as the nucleus of the father’s sperm, are transplanted into an anonymous donor egg from a third person.
69 major US cities show homicides way down, crediting community engagement
Denver leads the way with homicides down 58% in this year’s first few months, but the city is one of many. Statistics show most immigrants arrested by ICE this year have no criminal record at all, and cities say investment in community intervention, anti-poverty measures, and the Biden administration’s funding of violence prevention have started to pay off.
Despite seeing roughly three homicides per 100,000 in the early 1990s, Italy is now safer than many of its European neighbours: since then, rates have fallen largely following intensified efforts from the Italian government to combat mafia-related deaths.
Sri Lanka’s suicide rates have fallen by almost two-thirds since the 1990s
As recently as 1996, Sri Lanka had one of highest suicide rates in the world, at three times the global average and four times the rate in countries such as the UK or the US. The biggest driver of this improvement? The banning of certain toxic pesticides.
London’s low-traffic zones cut deaths and injuries by more than a third
Based on comparisons of more than a decade of road casualty statistics between 113 London LTNs and other roads that did not have them, the report’s authors found that LTNs were associated with a 35% reduction in all injuries, rising to 37% for deaths and serious injuries.
National initiative in England launched to support healthier, greener travel
Twelve of England’s regional mayors have signed up to an unprecedented plan to create a ‘national active travel network,’ focusing initially on helping children to walk, cycle, or scoot to school safely. They have pledged to create a combined 3,500 miles of routes safely linking schools to homes, town and city centres, and transport hubs.
In a package of UK government measures to expand voting rights, citizens will be allowed to vote from the age of 16 by the next general election. Wales and Scotland had already lowered the voting age, so this move brings equity to young adults in the kingdom. The range of acceptable voter IDs is also being expanded.
Basic income study for teens shows growth in responsibility
Many studies of universal basic income show it improves health, education, and financial outcomes. In this first study targeting teens, most participants used extra money beyond their immediate needs towards future goals. They saved three times as much on average as US adults nationally and reported more confidence about long-term financial decision-making.
Homeless people in England given no-strings free cash in research trial
A group chosen randomly from people in temporary housing across England, who have experienced long-term homelessness, were given a “significant sum” in a government-funded trial with no restrictions on how to spend it. Participants reported it was life-changing, many using it not just for debts and rent but to seek training and job-seeking tools and to pursue dreams.
Lisbon introduces citywide reusable cup scheme, first EU capital city to do so
With an average daily use in the city of 25,000 cups, Lisbon hopes to greatly reduce plastic waste with the new system. Cup users will pay a 60-cent deposit and be able to return cups for a refund at one of 17 machines spread throughout the city. All participating establishments will get standardised “Lisbon cups” by October.
Sweden becomes first country to go fully cage-free for egg-laying hens
“After decades of determined work, there are no longer any hens kept in cages in Sweden,” said Project 1882, a global animal justice group that had long campaigned for the cause. Although the country does enforce stricter animal welfare laws than the broader EU, this move to cage-free farming happened without legislation requiring it.
Communities in England get right of first refusal on community assets
Under the new English Devolution Bill, community groups will have more power to purchase assets of local value like pubs, shops, and social hubs. The bill is intended to support local economies, give locals more of a voice in what is important to them, and preserve local businesses that would be vulnerable to developers.
In rural French villages with populations as small as 200, villagers are stemming rural exodus and building connections with volunteer-run food shops that fill a need in places where shops have all but disappeared. Shoppers say they are no more expensive than health food stores and are easy to get to for locals with mobility restrictions.
Community patrolling cuts crime rates in the Amazon by 80%, study shows
A recent study carried out in the Brazilian Amazon has found that patrolling efforts in two protected areas conducted by community-based volunteers were closely tied to a reduction in environmental crimes.
New breast cancer app with outreach saves lives of women in Pakistan
Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Pakistan, but social stigma often delays diagnosis and treatment. Now PinkDetect, a project that pairs a mobile app with education and outreach, is working to change that. It partners with door-to-door health workers who help women download the app and learn to monitor their own breast health.
Instead of detention, kids at one Maine school can opt to take a hike
At Morse High School in Bath, ME, a counsellor offers the option of an hours-long nature hike to kids who have been assigned to detention. She brings along her skills as a listener if any want to open up about their problems. Expending that energy outdoors can feel like the lesser punishment, but it takes work and time, and some students report it helps their mental health.
Nonprofit brings people together to share stories across deep divides
At a time of intense political division, when Americans report trusting their neighbours less, Civity is providing workshops for people to meet and build trust by sharing their personal stories. PBS’s Judy Woodruff visits one offered by a Rhode Island leadership group.
Bulgaria’s vulture population is on the rise after centuries of bird persecution
Major reintroduction efforts mean that Europe is one of the few places across the globe where vulture populations are growing. The birds play an essential role in ecosystems, feeding on dead animal remains and subsequently helping to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
