Today in Squirrel News, major shipping nations agree on a historic greenhouse tax, New Mexico extends funding for free childcare after unequivocal success, and data from four nations shows that a turnaround is possible when democratic institutions have eroded.
First global tax on CO2 emissions from shipping industry agreed on
In a historic agreement Friday, most major shipping nations endorsed a fee of at least $100 per tonne of greenhouse gas emitted by ships. The fees will fund fuels and technologies required for a transition to greener shipping.
EU microplastic controls extended to include maritime shipping
Earlier EU legislation has targeted particles added to various products, but this is the first to hold businesses accountable for accidental pollution. Maritime freight was originally exempted, but recent incidents of plastic pellet spills washing up on beaches put greater pressure on lawmakers to make the change.
New Mexico made childcare free, lifting 120,000 people above the poverty line
The state, which has long ranked worst in the US for child wellbeing, became the first and only in the country to offer free childcare to a majority of families. The programme, which has also lifted childcare providers out of poverty with higher wages, has paid off so well that legislators recently extended its funding.
Four countries recently demonstrate democratic decline can be reversed
Data from Brazil, Thailand, Poland, and Zambia showcase once more the possibility that a trend of autocratisation in democratic countries can be stopped and the tide turned in the direction of democracy.
Blood test could detect Parkinson’s disease before symptoms emerge
Using the same PCR technology used to diagnose COVID-19, researchers in the UK say the test is highly accurate and inexpensive. It would allow much earlier diagnosis and therefore timely interventions and the potential for improved outcomes for patients with Parkinson’s.
Gamechanging’ breast cancer pill to be offered on NHS in England and Wales
In trials, the new pill combined with hormone therapy extended the time that some advanced breast cancer patients had before disease progression by 3.1 to 7.3 months. About 3000 women in England and Wales could benefit, and researchers hope Scotland will also expedite approval.
Largest community-owned solar project in Scotland approved on Isle of Arran
The solar project recently approved for Glenkiln Farm is a project of Aran Community Renewables and a local community trust. Glenkiln is already home to a hydroelectric station, an affordable housing programme, and other projects with goals of energy independence, keeping young people on Aran and attracting new families to the island.
Cleverly funded LA housing project makes luxury apartments affordable
The LA Housing Authority is using unique financing to turn luxury Woodland Hills apartments into a project with 1/3 low-income units and 2/3 middle income units while retaining luxury features. Partial reliance on private bond investors and the lack of property tax on housing authorities has allowed a new model the authority hopes to replicate.
Home DIYers and locally sourced businesses make drones for Ukraine
A former dancer, a hobby cross-stitcher and a biophysicist are among the many Ukrainians who have taught themselves how to make drones and are working in small-scale, often home workshops. A bigger drone manufacturer has moved to using all parts sourced in Ukraine, saying this is a time when Ukraine needs to rely more and more on itself.
Cambodian monks harness social media to teach nonviolence to youth
The Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970s has left a legacy of intergenerational trauma and a cycle of violence in families. Once targets of the genocide, Cambodian monks are partnering with UNICEF and reaching young people via TikTok, Facebook, and other social media to help break the cycle.
