Today on Squirrel News, the EU now treats severe environmental damage as a crime, adopts a groundbreaking ecosystem restoration law, and a New Zealand firm unveils woodchip-powered EV battery technology.
EU criminalises environmental damage ‘comparable to ecocide’
The European Union has adopted a new law that treats most serious cases of ecosystem destruction as a criminal offence. This legislation compels EU countries to implement strict punishments, including prison sentences.
The European Parliament has passed a landmark law aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems across the EU. The new legislation, which sets ambitious targets for restoring land and sea areas by 2030 and 2050, now awaits final approval from EU member states.
The UK’s net zero sector saw a 9% growth in 2023, significantly outperforming the broader economy’s 0.1% growth, driven by the surge in green businesses and job creation.
New Zealand firm innovates with woodchip-powered EV batteries
CarbonScape is transforming forestry byproducts into sustainable synthetic graphite for electric vehicle batteries, offering a greener alternative to traditional graphite production and reducing reliance on Chinese supplies.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine goes tuition-free
While it doesn’t address the broader issue of high college costs in the US, a $1 billion gift makes tuition at NYC’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine free, allowing students to focus on their medical careers without the burden of debt.
Brazilian food banks turn imperfect produce into hunger solution
In Brazil, where over 40% of food is wasted yet millions face food insecurity, Sesc Mesa Brasil’s network of food banks is tackling the issue by redistributing unsold or imperfect produce to those in need.
World’s first zero-waste restaurant sets standards in sustainable dining
Silo, the pioneering zero-waste restaurant, reimagines waste management in the food industry through practices like fermentation and composting, turning potential waste into valuable resources.
In the face of significant energy infrastructure damage due to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine is making strides toward rebuilding with a focus on renewable energy sources, including the completion of wind power plants and the incorporation of solar panels in community projects.
Formerly homeless guides bring tourists on ‘alternative walking tours’
An organisation called Invisible Cities trains formerly homeless individuals to become city tour guides, offering them a fresh start and a new purpose while enriching tourists’ experiences with hidden narratives of the city.
‘The Last Repair Shop’ wins Oscar, highlights LA’s music education lifeline
Oscar-winning documentary “The Last Repair Shop” shines a light on a unique initiative that repairs and donates musical instruments to students. This film champions the role of music in education and celebrates the unsung heroes dedicated to nurturing the next generation’s dreams.
