In today’s edition, we’re covering a new agreement among WHO member states on preventing and managing future pandemics, Nepal’s push for electric vehicles and cleaner air, and a sharp decline in disposable vape use in the UK as a nationwide ban approaches.
WHO member states reach deal on how to tackle future pandemics
The legally binding pact signed between 194 member states includes prevention measures, as well as details on how to fairly and ethically share drugs and vaccines between wealthier and poorer countries.
How a drive for electric vehicles is cleaning up Nepal
With air pollution causing a fifth of deaths in Nepal, growing EV use could add nearly three years to Kathmandu residents’ lives. Nepal’s government has set ambitious targets for wider take-up of EVs, with the aim that 90% of all private-vehicle sales and 60% of all four-wheeled public passenger vehicle sales will be electric by 2030.
The rise of all-electric, climate-ready neighbourhoods
Roughly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US stem from everyday household energy use, from heating and cooling to cooking and powering appliances. The good news: a growing number of new housing developments are ditching fossil fuels altogether.
Hawai’i turns surfboard waste into building blocks for new homes
In the midst of a severe housing crisis, the island nation is turning to increasingly creative solutions. Maui architecture firm Hawai’i Off Grid takes the waste from surfboard building, such as polystyrene foam offcuts, to create cinder block-like forms for construction.
Man-made ice towers help quench northern Pakistan’s thirst
By spraying water into the air during subzero temperatures, the liquid freezes midair and forms giant artificial glaciers. These ice towers then slowly melt in the spring, delivering water to the villages below.
Using ancient Himalayan water temples to solve today’s water crisis
The naula (a traditional water source) has begun to flow stronger thanks to a few methods: digging contour trenches, reforesting with native, water-retaining species and restoring catchment areas uphill.
While happiness levels are stagnating or declining in many parts of the world, Iceland is bucking the trend. There are a couple of ideas as to why this is the case – and most lie in the country’s famous social safety net.
Bartering systems can save money, build relationships and enrich life
In hard times, people often build bartering networks trading everything from food or crafts to professional services. Sometimes called solidarity economics, it’s an economic strategy and mutual support system that can also improve social networks.
The sporting schemes helping refugees feel at home
In Seville, refugees are joining local rowing crews, while in southern England, a football coaching programme is helping to address barriers between young people and the police.
