In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about the first central European country to legalise same-sex marriage, the UN’s adoption of a treaty aiming to reverse the loss of marine biodiversity, and how Serbia removed thousands of unregistered weapons – including rocket launchers – from the streets.
Estonia becomes first central European country to legalise same sex marriage
Estonia’s government approved the new law on Tuesday, with the bill receiving 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament.
Source: Reuters
UN adopts historic treaty to protect high seas
In a move welcomed by environmental groups, the deals aims to help reverse the loss of marine biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
Source: Deutsche Welle
Serbian gun amnesty collects 13,500 weapons
Following two mass shootings in the space of 48 hours, Serbian authorities declared a one-month amnesty period for citizens to hand over unregistered guns – resulting in the return of thousands of weapons including rocket launchers.
Source: NBC
First Nations bring back oak prairie from brink of extinction
With rapid urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and destroying over 95% of the ecosystem, communities are working to restore and preserve the remnants under the guidance of Indigenous peoples.
Source: Mongabay
Air purification towers could tackle India’s pollution problem
The fan-powered devices can purify air within a radius of 200-500 metres in enclosed spaces, with the architects behind the invention believing their project can be scaled up to clean big public spaces, neighbourhoods and even entire cities.
Source: CNN
Low-carbon powder made from waste soil has concrete-like properties
Gnanli Landrou’s building material has sparked major interest from the European construction industry, with architects already planning to use it to build structures.
Source: BBC News
“Hempcrete” could help countries reach their net zero goals
With sustainable materials in high demand as the construction industry seeks to decarbonise, renewable resources with carbon-capturing properties are becoming more attractive.
Source: BBC News
Death from overwork: young Koreans rebel against culture of long hours
Hard graft is ingrained in South Korean society, but when the state proposed a 69-hour week, it was forced to back down as millennials and gen-Zers reject traditional working practices.
Source: The Guardian
Nonprofit reunites separated families at the Mexico-US border
The eighth annual Hugs Not Walls event underscores the need for racial justice and more comprehensive and compassionate immigration policies.
Source: Next City
Ghana’s female footballers are shattering the stigma of mental health
With only 2% of people living with mental health conditions in Ghana receiving treatment, the movement opens up a conversation around the narrative of silence surrounding the issue.