In today’s edition of Squirrel News, Florida makes use of fire to avoid more catastrophic wildfires, Catalonia aims to fight plastic pollution with a new scheme, and solar panels on new buildings may soon be mandatory in the EU.
Cigarette butt recycling scheme aims to stub out waste in Catalonia
Cigarette butts are among the many hazardous wastes that end up in ocean. But the Catalan government is keen to put an end to marine plastic pollution through a measure which could also lend a hand to the homeless.
Florida literally fights fire with fire for environment, public safety
As wildfires across the world become intense by the day, Florida is leading the pack in prescribed fire operations. The method is used to steer clear of piles of fuels such as dead leaves and fallen trees.
The EU wants to fast-track its green transformation process amid the climate crisis and in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A number of proposed measures are supposed to end dependency on Russian gas including the Solar Rooftop Initiative.
Netherlands to ban new fossil fuel-centric heating by 2026
The Dutch government wants hybrid heat pumps to become the standard in home heating systems from 2026. An official stresses that using less natural gas is good for the climate and better for everyone’s wallet.
How San Francisco pioneered a low-tech measure against climate change
Food scrap recycling is underway in California following a new law. A couple of decades ago San Francisco offered a composting program to all its residents, allowing it to reduce harmful methane emissions. Check out why the city’s practices remain worth emulating.
The government introduces the Clean Car Upgrade programme under its emissions reduction plan. This will help low and middle-income households convert their gasoline-powered cars to hybrid or electric vehicles.
To fight systemic racism, British Columbia introduces new legislation
The Anti-Racism Data Act is aimed at identifying and eliminating systemic racism in government programmes and services and paving the way to a more just and equitable province, according to the government.
Scientists discover way to catch solar energy that escapes the earth
Scientists at the University of New South Wales are working on nighttime solar power. The researchers say it is an ultimate dream of renewable energy as it allows uninterrupted power generation.
It’s an uphill battle for the poor to get equal treatment in the criminal justice system, but three individuals seek to change the narrative and make sure people from marginalized communities stand a chance in court.
