Citizen observers prevent violence, Wales gives away trees, Portugal quits coal

Jonathan Widder | Posted on December 6, 2021 |

Photo: Héctor Emilio Gonzalez / Unsplash (CC0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about citizen observers in Honduras who helped ensure safe and democratic elections, the Welsh government offering a tree to every household, and Portugal becoming the fourth EU country to stop using coal plants.

Honduran citizens midwife peaceful birth of a new democracy

In a country destabilized by military interventions in politics, citizen volunteers ensure a bloodless transition to popular rule.

Source: Christian Science Monitor

Welsh government to combat climate change by distributing trees to its citizens

In a drive to combat climate change, Welsh households will be encouraged to plant trees by being gifted a tree apiece.

Source: BBC

Portugal dumps coal

Environmentalists celebrate as Portugal abandons the use of coal energy in favour of greener options.

Source: AP News

International agreement reached to protect endangered North Atlantic sharks

Several stakeholder countries agree on legislation against the overexploitation of big marine wildlife.

Source: Canada’s National Observer

Pioneer green flight from Chicago to Washington DC uses sustainable fuel

The shift to cleaner fuels in the aerospace sector passed another milestone last week when a United States airliner took to the skies with one of its two engines running completely on Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Source: New Atlas

Sewage sludge to fuel Barcelona buses

The Spanish metropolis is set to go green as it prepares to use an ingenious type of alternative energy to fuel its public transport system.

Source: Euronews

Bionic eye proceeds along the path to human trials

Hope surges for people with certain types of blindness as scientist are working on sight-restoring artificial eyes.

Source: New Atlas

Oklahoma woman adopts novel approach to nurturing and empowering children

Gardening for Growth: American educationist Heather Rippy teaches children conflict resolution and critical thinking skills with the aid of agriculture.

Source: Christian Science Monitor

The Romanian drama festival held by prisoners

Since 2009, prison inmates have participated in an annual drama festival that aims at reforming as well as preparing them for re-entry into society.

Source: AP News

Changing lives by phone, US Navy ship named after Harvey Milk

In our new podcast episode, we’re talking about a buddy system for homeless people via phone, an exchange programme connecting high schoolers from diverse backgrounds, and a new US Navy ship named after gay rights activist Harvey Milk.