In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re wrapping up the week talking about Denmark’s plan to plant one billion trees and dedicate 10% of its farmland to reforestation, Minnesota’s largest coal plant making the switch to solar energy, and a pledge from eight countries to outlaw corporal punishment for children.
Denmark to plant one billion trees and turn 10% of farmland into forest
Danish lawmakers announced their plan to plant one billion trees and repurpose 10% of the nation’s farmland into forests and natural habitats over the next 20 years. The initiative aims to curb fertiliser use and marks what the government has described as “the most significant transformation of Denmark’s landscape in over a century.”
Currently delivering 220 megawatts (MW) of clean, affordable solar power to the grid, Sherco Solar will eventually reach a massive capacity of 710 MW. The remaining two phases of the project are set to come online in 2025 and 2026.
Woman has world’s first double lung transplant done by a robot
The technique – which builds on minimally invasive surgery – is designed to shorten hospital stays and speed up patient recovery times. Nearly a month after the operation, the recipient is just days away from being discharged from hospital.
Kyiv doctors carry out world-first surgery to save newborn with rare heart defect
Ukrainian specialists in Kyiv successfully corrected a life-threatening heart defect in a newborn immediately following a cesarean section, the Center of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery announced yesterday. The procedure was the first cardiac surgery conducted in a womb-like operating environment, designed to treat the infant’s congenital condition.
MIT to waive tuition fees for families earning under $200,000
As of Autumn 2025, families with incomes under $100,000 will see all housing, dining, and fees covered, along with an allowance for books and personal expenses. This is an expansion of MIT’s current policy, which waives tuition for families earning under $140,000 and covers fees for those making less than $75,000.
Maine doubles down on climate action with updated plan
The new plan builds on efforts to expand clean energy, cut carbon emissions, and renew the state’s focus on key solutions like managing food waste, creating sustainable housing and transportation systems, and shifting away from fossil fuels.
Women in construction build support networks in male-dominated field
As more women join the skilled construction trade, research suggests that they’re building strong support networks within the traditionally male-dominated world of labour unions.
Exiled journalist creates lifeline TV for Afghan women
Hamida Aman, an Afghan journalist now living in exile in Paris, has launched an educational TV programme aimed at women and girls in Afghanistan. As the Taliban tightens its grip on women’s freedoms, the programme is gradually becoming an important link to the outside world for many.
The Washington county gathering place bridging political divides
For more than three decades, this group in a politically diverse town has been meeting to talk about politics. While open to all, the conversations are mostly attended by older adults who value the opportunity to have their beliefs challenged face-to-face. Historically, the group leaned liberal, but last year members made a concerted effort to invite Republicans to the table.
