Today on Squirrel News, Australia appoints its first anti-slavery commissioner to address forced labour and exploitation, the UK approves subsea cables to share green energy across Europe, and Swiss architects set new standards in sustainable design with a reusable, demountable timber sports hall.
Australia appoints first anti-slavery commissioner
With an estimated 41,000 people living in modern slavery across Australia, former senator Chris Evans has been appointed as the country’s first anti-slavery commissioner. Evans will lead efforts to address forced labour, deceptive recruiting, and exploitation of vulnerable migrant workers.
UK subsea cable projects approved to boost green energy, cross-border power sharing
The UK has approved five new subsea cables connecting Britain’s offshore wind farms to power grids in Germany, Ireland and Northern Ireland, supporting millions of homes with green electricity. This is part of Britain’s plan to become a net exporter of green electricity in the decades ahead.
Swiss architects design demountable timber sports hall for sustainable reuse
A Swiss architecture studio has created a sustainable timber sports hall for the University of Zurich that can be fully dismantled and repurposed. Designed for minimal environmental impact, the building can be relocated, reused, or naturally biodegrade.
Manufacturing has been making a comeback in US towns and cities
Drawn by lower rents and lower cost of living, new factories have been appearing in smaller US communities in the wake of the pandemic. Priority and investment from the Biden administration has made possible this first full recovery of factory jobs following a recession since the 1970’s.
With thousands of cyclists injured or killed annually in US traffic alone, a new smart helmet integrates turn signals, brake lights, and crash detection technology to improve rider safety. The product also features sensors and app-connected alerts.
Arizona Court of Appeals upholds anti-dark money law
In an important victory for finance reform, the judges upheld Arizona’s recent law requiring disclosure of campaign contribution sources. Advocates were “overjoyed” at this win for informed democracy and say the ruling will discourage further challenges.
Native oysters thrive after reintroduction in Scotland
After a century-long absence due to overfishing, native oysters are thriving in Scotland’s Firth of Forth, with an 85% survival rate among 30,000 reintroduced oysters. The restoration effort aims to improve water quality and boost marine biodiversity.
Veterans with PTSD reclaiming their lives with help from service dogs
Dogs 4 Valor connects veterans suffering from anxiety, depression and other PTSD symptoms with service dogs that are helping them to get outside, be around people and just feel happier.
Australian landowners restore farmland to native forest to support endangered wildlife
In north-east Victoria, Australia, landowners are replanting thousands of native trees to transform former farmland into forest, creating critical habitat for endangered species like the gang-gang cockatoo.
A new generation of UK farmers is opening their land to the public, offering activities like nature walks, yoga, and forest schools to connect people with nature. These initiatives help support farm income, improve community wellbeing, and promote environmental sustainability.
