As we wrap up the week at Squirrel News, we’re highlighting the Democratic Republic of Congo’s plan to create the world’s largest protected tropical forest reserve, the introduction of free transit prescriptions, and solar power overtaking coal for the first time in the EU.
DR Congo to establish the world’s largest tropical forest reserve
The Democratic Republic of the Congo wants to protect 108,000 square kilometres of rainforest by connecting three existing national parks to form a 2,800-km-long ‘green corridor’. The Congo Basin is the second largest tropical forest area in the world after the Amazon and absorbs around 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 every year.
Solar power overtakes coal in the EU for the first time
Solar power has generated more electricity than coal for the first time across the EU. Although this result exceeds expectations, experts warn that keeping this momentum will mean a continued effort and investment across the board.
Michael Bloomberg steps up to fund UN climate body after US withdrawal
Alongside other US climate funders, Michael Bloomberg’s philanthropic organisation announced Thursday that it will provide financial support to cover the US contribution to the United Nations climate body’s budget, addressing the shortfall created by Trump’s withdrawal.
Biden sets records with diversity of judicial appointments
Alongside Senate Democrats, over his four years in office, Biden nominated judges from a wide range of backgrounds: a sharp contrast to the approach taken by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The good news: it can’t be undone, as judges are for life.
While the link between transit and health might not seem obvious, convenient public transit not only encourages physical activity – like walking to and from bus stops – but also means better access to health resources such as doctor appointments.
With fast fashion fuelling an surge in textile waste – and the often toxic chemicals that come with it – new tech is turning heaps of discarded or unwanted clothing into fresh, ready-to-wear pieces. For example, Swedish company Circulose processes old textiles and fabric to produce a material that can be used to manufacture brand new clothing.
The capsule wardrobes made from clothes destined for landfill
A pilot project has redirected over 2,000 garments destined for landfill into 100 customised clothing parcels for domestic abuse survivors. Distributed through 14 referral agencies, these curated ‘capsule wardrobe’ parcels are listed by each woman’s size, style, and cultural or religious needs.
Engineer creates app to support people with endometriosis
Endo45 is an app designed to support fellow “endometriosis warriors” with practical tools, symptom tracking, and evidence-based strategies. The app provides personalised action plans targeting four key areas: immune, gut, nervous, and hepatic system dysfunction.
Milpamérica: a social network rejecting Musk’s algorithm
Over 74 land defenders from different First Nations have launched an online platform they describe as free from “racism and neoliberal discourse.” The purpose of this space is to share stories from across Mesoamerican lands and their diasporas.
How “artists and elders” bridges the generation gap
In response to the widespread isolation caused by the pandemic, the “Artists and Elders” project was created to link up artists with older adults in their communities.