In our last update before the weekend, we delve into some exciting social initiatives: A Dutch city tests a bold debt cancellation programme for struggling families, Queensland decriminalises sex work, and Belgian nursing home residents find joy on the dance floor.
Dutch city pilots radical debt cancellation scheme for poor families
The Dutch city of Arnhem is going to cancel the debts of some of the poorest families in the Netherlands in an attempt to break a health-crushing downward spiral and give people a fresh start. Earlier this month, municipal officials began knocking on doors in the Immerloo II district, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the Netherlands, offering to pay off problem debts.
Sex work decriminalised in Queensland after decades of campaigning
The move aims to combat discrimination and exploitation within the industry by abolishing existing criminal charges related to sex work and implementing comprehensive protections for workers.
US to reclassify marijuana as “less dangerous drug”
While the reclassification doesn’t directly legalise recreational use, it paves the path for reduced penalties, increased private investments, and tax advantages. Prohibition of the drug has also been blamed for exacerbating racial inequality in the US justice system.
G7 commits to phasing out unabated coal power by 2035
Although the accord provides flexibility for countries with substantial coal dependencies and permits the continued operation of power facilities equipped with carbon-capture technology, the agreement marks a significant stride towards environmental sustainability.
Nature-based solutions emerge as key climate strategy for EU’s urban centres
With a majority of Europe’s populace living in urban areas, cities stand at the forefront of climate change impacts. 91% of these cities are turning to nature-based solutions to combat the escalating environmental crisis.
Ecuador startup uses conveyor belts to clear plastic from rivers
In a move to stop plastic from infiltrating waterways, a new programme in Ecuador is employing conveyor belts to swiftly extract plastic debris from river before they have a chance to reach the ocean. Additionally, the initiative is actively engaging in measures to deter polluters from contributing to river contamination.
Chronotrains unveils new tool to simplify eco-friendly travel planning
The interactive map is stepping in as a game-changer for sustainable travel: offering a solution to the limitations of platforms like Google Maps, the tool reveals the distance your potential train journey can take you within eight hours from any European city.
New York City’s libraries waved goodbye to late fees three years ago. Librarians citywide have noted a surge in bookworm activity since the policy change in October 2021, with a notable increase in borrowed materials, newly issued library cards, and programme attendance across the three library systems.
How sponge cities could change the way we handle rain
Amsterdam is home to 45,000 sq metres of ‘blue-green’ roofs, which absorb rainwater and allow it to be used by building residents to water plants and flush toilets.
