As the week wraps up, we’re talking about how deforestation in Colombia has dropped by a third in early 2025, violent crime rates in the US are seeing a sharp decline, and Japanese scientists have developed a new ocean-safe plastic that breaks down within hours.
Deforestation in Colombia falls by 33% in early 2025
Deforestation in Colombia dropped by a third in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the environment ministry announced Thursday. Officials credited local communities and tougher enforcement against environmental crimes for the decline, particularly in protected areas of the Amazon.
According to the Real-Time Crime Index, a research project analysing data from over 380 police departments covering nearly 100 million people, murders dropped nearly 22% in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year. Overall violent crime is down about 11%, and motor vehicle theft has declined by more than 26%.
Japanese scientists create ocean-safe plastic that breaks down in hours
A team of researchers in Tokyo has developed a plastic that dissolves in seawater within just a few hours, potentially shaping a new tool to tackle ocean pollution and protect marine life.
Australian startup MicroTau has created a drag-reducing adhesive film designed to be applied to the exterior of aircraft, possibly improving fuel efficiency.
Italy passes landmark animal welfare law targeting cruelty and dogfighting
The Italian Senate has passed Bill AS 1308: a new law tweaking Italy’s criminal and procedural codes to more effectively prevent and punish offences against animals, including the violent crime of dogfighting.
Colombia moves to protect children orphaned by femicide with new law
Under the legislation, minors will receive state support until they turn 18, with extended benefits up to age 25 for those pursuing higher education or living with disabilities. The law also covers funeral expenses and guarantees free access to mental health services.
Free school meals to cover additional 500,000 children in England
Starting in September 2026, all children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household income. Under the current rules, families must earn less than £7,400 a year to qualify.
Inclusive classrooms improve outlook for Nebraska’s special ed students
In Nebraska, students with disabilities are learning alongside their peers in general education classrooms, and it’s making a difference: test scores are improving, and graduation rates are on the rise.
As energy prices soar across Spain, Barcelona is helping residents through its energy advising points located throughout the city. Staffed by trained advisors, these centers aim to tackle energy poverty, boost home efficiency, ensure access to basic utilities like heating and hot water, support jobseekers, and promote energy independence.
Reefs made from human ashes could revive British seabeds, says startup
A British startup, Resting Reef, is redefining what a cemetery can be by turning the ashes of humans into memorial reef structures. Resting Reef uses aquamation, an alkaline process for cremation, to combine pet or human ashes with crushed oyster shells and concrete into a material proven to improve marine growth.
