In today’s edition of Squirrel News, Denmark offers to pay for ‘loss and damage’ to countries vulnerable to climate change, a number of UK firms are keen on keeping a four-day work week model, and the UK is seeing more bus stops buzzing with life.
Denmark to pay developing countries for climate damage
In a first among UN member states, Denmark makes a dedicated pledge to provide funding for ‘loss and damage’ to vulnerable nations severely impacted by climate change.
Because it works, several UK firms plan to make four-day work week permanent
Among the drawbacks of adopting a four-day work model is that it does not suit all employees. However, a recent survey shows, the pros outweigh the cons.
Connecticut mandates schools to teach climate change beginning next year
The move comes against the backdrop of a growing prevalence of eco-anxiety among youth. Including lessons on the human-caused climate crisis in the curriculum helps students understand its complexity and may motivate them to take action.
‘A living, breathing building’: the rise of resilience centers amid extreme heat in the US
Emergency shelters don’t adequately protect residents. Enter community spaces – centers built to withstand climate disruptions and offer long-term preparedness.
California’s new parking law seen as a win for housing, climate
California gets rid of parking mandates for new housing and commercial developments near transit. This will encourage more people to use public transportation in addition to promoting affordable housing.
Car use in Paris falls, number of cyclists rises tenfold
Efforts to put the brakes on car use are paying off as use of public transportation has also risen. Upcoming road measures include a so-called peaceful zone, where car traffic will be banned, with some exceptions.
A ‘loan to own’ programme offers easy access to e-bikes
Low-income participants in San Diego County who agree to ride an average of five miles per day, document rides and share them for a study are given free access to e-bikes. Candidates are qualified to own the bicycle after two years of successful completion.
A village of tiny homes tackles chronic homelessness
A nonprofit addresses chronic homelessness in Central Texas by providing affordable tiny homes. “It has become the largest community-based model in the country lifting homeless men and women up off the streets into community and home,” the group says.
Recycling bamboo chopsticks into sustainable furniture
Every year, billions of pairs of chopsticks are produced and along with it comes an environmental cost. So that at least millions of these wouldn’t wind up in landfills, an engineer figured out how to put the materials to good use.
Buzz stops: bus shelter roofs turned into gardens for bees and butterflies
Bee bus stops first appeared in the Dutch city of Utrecht. Now the UK is planning for more than 1,000 and there is growing interest across Europe and in Canada and Australia.
