In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re diving into some exciting news: smoking rates around the world are dropping significantly, the EPA has unveiled new projects that are set to cut US greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1 billion metric tons by 2050, and Colombia’s president has just signed a bill to ban bullfighting.
During the 20th century, smoking skyrocketed – but by the 1980s, it took a nosedive. Initially, it seemed like poorer nations might follow the same pattern as they grew richer, but smoking rates have dropped there too.
How $4 billion in government funding is cutting climate pollution in the US
The EPA’s recently announced projects aim to slash the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1 billion metric tons by 2050 – which is like cutting out the annual energy use of 5 million homes for 25 years.
Colombia’s president signs historic bill to ban bullfighting
Colombian President Gustavo Petro made a landmark decision by signing a bill to ban bullfighting across the country. This move further shrinks the number of places worldwide where the centuries-old practice remains legal.
Car shuttle trains could be Europe’s hidden gem for eco-friendly travel
Imagine hopping on a train in Vienna and waking up on the Croatian coast, all in just 14 hours and with no need for overnight hotel stays. This is possible with car shuttle trains, which offer travellers a convenient and sustainable way to get from one destination to another.
Oregon programme gives every new family a free home visit from a nurse
In Oregon, new parents are getting a helping hand with a no-cost home visit from a trained nurse. This is Oregon’s way of tackling one of the highest infant and new mother death rates among wealthy countries. Typically, after birth, many families in the US rely on brief, infrequent check-ups at the pediatrician’s office.
San Manuel tribe enlists goats to tackle fire risks
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has put hundreds of goats to work, protecting tribal land and nearby properties from brush fires. The goats munch on dry brush and grass that could otherwise fuel wildfires: a recent blaze was significantly slowed down when it hit an area cleared by these goats earlier this year.
How the Vietnamese community in North Carolina is supporting Afghan refugees
North Carolina has the largest community of Vietnamese Montagnards in the world. Now, as Afghan refugees settle in Greensboro, they’re finding valuable guidance from those who’ve been in their situation before.
