In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about the Peruvian government’s decision to create an enormous protected area for uncontacted tribes in the rainforest, a Texas city’s innovative and successful approach to ending chronic and veteran homelessness, and the passing of a bill banning for-profit prisons in Washington state.
Peru establishes first reserve for uncontacted Indigenous peoples
The 2.7 million acre protected area aims to protect tribes deep in the Amazon rainforest, and comes after a 17-year-long campaign spearheaded by anthropologists and conservationists.
A Texas city has ended chronic and veteran homelessness
By creating named lists of unhoused people, Abilene officials were able to support individuals on a case-by-case basis, acknowledging difficulties unique to each person’s situation.
Washington state governor approves bill banning for-profit jail facilities
The use of private prisons has long been deemed controversial, with the passing of the measure following a growing number of US states turning away from institutionalised incarceration.
The Netherlands is set to ban all carbon-emitting delivery vehicles by 2025
As of 2025, only zero-emission delivery vehicles will be permitted in urban areas across 14 cities, with local authorities across the country instructed to come up with a logistics plan for these zones.
France to offer 2,500€ towards an e-bike as a trade-in for older cars
The new climate bill hopes to encourage a move away from polluting old vehicles, with cargo e-bikes recommended for those who often need to transport goods.
India’s “solar man” is helping villagers move away from kerosene-based power
Santipada Gon Chaudhuri’s campaign to bring clean energy sources to remote Himalayan villages has resulted in over 100 homes and businesses making the green switch.
