In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we delve into the momentum behind car-free cities, South Africa’s legalisation of cannabis use, and “Ocean Shitty”: the city taking action to become the US’s first zero-waste travel destination.
The places bringing the vision of a car-free city to life
The notion that cars are essential in majors cities is proving difficult to dispel – but more and more urban areas are seeing the benefits of reduced car usage.
Despite New York’s delay in implementing its congestion reduction strategy, the success of congestion pricing in other cities demonstrates its effectiveness and growing popularity.
South Africans can now legally grow and use cannabis, marking a significant shift in the country’s drug policy. The next challenge lies in legalising its trade.
US cities push for accelerated green transition through home power plants
Cities across the United States are trying to speed up their transition towards green energy by prompoting the concept of power plants within homes. With the support of new funding opportunities, the U.S. government predicts a potential tripling of distributed battery systems by the year 2030.
91-year-old man receives England’s first artificial cornea
The surgery essentially involves a contact lens being attached to the eye with a single stitch and secured by a gas bubble. Medics hope one day artificial corneas could reduce the need for human cornea donations.
The vacation destination hoping to the US’s first zero-waste resort town
For years, littered beaches plagued with discarded food, cigarette butts, and plastic waste marred the landscape – leading locals and tourists to dub the area “Ocean Shitty.” The environmental nonprofit Go Green OC is taking action by, for example, spearheading a citywide compost programme – so far the team has diverted over 650,000 pounds of food waste.
Ancient air cooling solution resurfaces amid India’s record-breaking heatwave
India’s relentless summer heatwave has sparked a resurgence in an age-old technique of chilling water in terracotta vessels. This traditional method, once confined to household use, is now inspiring adaptations like modern cooling towers and architectural screens to combat the extreme temperatures.
With heat waves intensifying worldwide – and claiming the lives of over half a million individuals annually – the need to take advantage of tech solutions has never been more pressing. A growing number of emerging technologies can help mitigate the most extreme effects of heatwaves, optimising existing solutions and developing brand new ones.
Building community amid religious doubt in Nigeria
Navigating doubts about one’s faith can feel isolating – especially in societies deeply rooted in religious traditions. Recognising this struggle, a group of young Nigerians have come together to establish a supportive community for individuals grappling with similar uncertainties.
Exploring brotherhood and belonging: the summer camp for trans men
Transgender men often grapple with unwarranted shame – both self-imposed and projected by their LGBTQ peers – surrounding authenticity in their masculine identity. Camp Lost Boys, an annual summer retreat catering to trans men, provides a safe space for community, camaraderie, and a positive redefinition of masculinity.
