In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about Ethiopia’s plan to plant at least 6 billion trees during this year’s rainy season, a crowdfunding campaign making the French media more democratic, and a German city that has created a model to adapt itself to the needs of its older residents.
Crowdfunding campaigns are fighting to democratise the French press
With only nine individuals owning over 90% of French media outlets, readers and employees are launching a fundraising initiative to limit the power and influence of major shareholders.
German city launches a “Department of Future Aging” to become dementia-friendly
Arnsberg has become something of a prototype for age-friendly cities, allowing its older residents to thrive in an environment that understands and responds to their needs and desires.
Berlin student designs a wind-powered street lamp that reduces light pollution
Tobias Trübenbacher’s creation features an integrated wind turbine that produces its own renewable energy, and only lights up when it is actually needed.
Google’s new AI tool helps identify skin conditions
Based on thousands of images uploaded by patients, the tool is able to spot skin, hair and nail conditions – and send an alert to users when it decides they should get something checked out by a doctor.
A campaign to have mug shots removed from the internet is gaining traction in the US
A growing community of activists are fighting to have booking photos taken down – with images remaining available online and open to the public even after charges have been dropped.
Community reusable cup scheme unites Hampshire village
The initiative is just one of several introduced – such as a nappy library and a local renewable energy project – after Overton parish council declared a climate emergency in 2019.
Zimbabwe’s female comedians are disrupting the patriarchy
An increasing number of women are taking to the stage in Zimbabwe, using comedy as a tool to have uncomfortable conversations around their treatment and society’s expectations of them.
New York greenlights a floating pool that will clean the East River
The + Pool uses an extensive network of filtration membranes, which not make water for the pool itself safe, but will also clean up to 600,000 gallons of river water every day.
