In the last edition of Squirrel News for the week, we’re exploring Finland’s public health institute reporting a 66% decrease in teenage abortions from 2000 to 2023, a new electoral amendment bill aiming to prohibit electoral donations and gifts in South Australia, and a faster-than-anticipated decline in ozone-harming gases.
Finland cuts teen abortion rate by 66% with education and free contraception
Finland’s public health institute THL has reported that teenage abortions decreased by 66% from 2000 to 2023. The decline is attributed to the country’s initiative providing free contraception to adolescents and implementing mandatory sex education in schools.
Source: Reuters
South Australia introduces bill to ban political donations from elections
The state’s electoral amendment bill announced on Wednesday night will ban electoral donations and gifts to registered political parties, members of parliament and candidates. In exchange, the state will provide funding to allow parties and candidates to contest elections, run campaigns and promote political ideas.
Source: The Guardian
Harmful gases destroying ozone layer falling faster than expected, study finds
International efforts to protect the ozone layer have been a “huge global success”, scientists have said, after revealing that damaging gases in the atmosphere were declining faster than expected. A study has found that atmospheric levels of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, harmful gases responsible for holes in the ozone layer, peaked in 2021 – five years ahead of projections.
Source: The Guardian
Suriname upholds rights of Indigenous communities against land loss
The ruling comes amidst concerns over the potential loss of 535,000 hectares (1,322,013 acres) of rainforest to agricultural development. The court ruled that the government cannot allocate land without obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from affected communities.
Source: Mongabay
In-person voting in Colorado jails gains pace following new legislation
In the wake of new legislation, several counties across Colorado are gearing up to introduce in-person voting within their persons. The initiative has already seen promising results in Denver – where incarcerated voter turnout has increased.
Source: Colorado Newsline
Planned Parenthood for incarcerated men comes to SoCal jails
In Southern California, a new sex education curriculum is changing how men in prison view and understand consent, birth control, whilst challenging traditional notions and ideas of masculinity. This initiative aims to foster informed decisions and positive behaviours among this often-overlooked demographic.
Source: Yes! Magazine
How London’s low-traffic areas are prioritising people over cars
Low-Traffic Neighborhoods employ simple methods like street planters, gates, or surveillance cameras to divert traffic from local streets. This keeps main roads clear whilst minimising noise and air pollution near homes – with exemptions for cyclists, emergency vehicles, waste trucks, and Blue Badge holders.
Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful
Adults doubted us. We found a way to shrink emissions at our school anyway
When temperatures creep past 90F in Oakland, California, the mini air-conditioning units in the classrooms can’t keep pace. So the middle schoolers in Melrose Leadership Academy’s chapter of the climate justice group Youth vs Apocalypse started doing some extra homework: they researched, planned and proposed installing a heat pump on campus.
Source: The Guardian
Local greenhouse cotton could emerge as the future of denim production
G-Star Raw, a leading Dutch denim brand, has teamed up with researchers to cultivate cotton for their denim products in local greenhouses. This approach offers a glimpse into a sustainable future for fashion – one of the world’s most polluting industries.
Source: Fast Company
The scientist mixing concrete and coral to safeguard against hurricanes
Diego Lirman, a marine biologist, is spearheading efforts to defend Florida’s shores and coral reefs from the damaging impacts of climate change. His approach hopes to build and develop coastal resilience whilst also preserving fragile marine ecosystems.