Today on Squirrel News, we’re taking you through a landmark climate ruling by a European court, new water safety standards in the US, and a new subscription model for solar panels.
European Court supports Swiss women in climate litigation
In a historic decision, the European Court of Human Rights recognised climate change’s infringement on personal rights, siding with a group of Swiss women who argued their government’s inaction on climate policies violated their human rights.
Source: BBC
EPA sets first-ever federal limits on ‘forever chemicals’ in US drinking water
The Environmental Protection Agency’s groundbreaking regulation in the US targets six specific PFAS compounds, requiring water systems to monitor and eliminate these pollutants to protect millions from associated health risks.
Source: NPR
Spanish startup introduces subscription-based solar panels
SolarMente enables Spanish homeowners to install solar panels without any upfront costs through a subscription model. The approach aims to eliminate initial financial barriers and promises cost savings from day one.
Source: Euronews
Maersk commits to methanol for cleaner shipping by 2040
To address the significant pollution from container ships, Maersk has committed to converting its entire fleet of 700 vessels to methanol fuel by 2040. This move paves the way for more sustainable global shipping practices.
Source: Deutsche Welle
Women lawmakers push for family-friendly reforms in public office
Facing a lack of mom-friendly support in government roles, female legislators like Elizabeth Bennett-Parker are advocating for changes such as on-site daycare and child care campaign funding.
Source: CS Monitor
First Black-owned autonomous grocer innovates to address food deserts
After being turned down by Shark Tank investors, the founders of Nourish + Bloom, the first Black-owned autonomous grocery store in the US South, are expanding their high-tech solution to combat food deserts.
Source: Bloomberg
Harlem-based company elevates school dining in Philadelphia
Challenging the stereotype of uninspired school cafeteria food, Red Rabbit has introduced appetising and nutritious scratch-made meals for free in two Philadelphia charter schools.
Source: The Philadelphia Citizen
Delhi’s ‘Garbage Cafes’ offer meals for plastic
In an effort to combat the escalating plastic waste crisis in Delhi, ‘Garbage Cafes’ have been established, where individuals can exchange collected plastic for free meals.
Source: Reasons to be Cheerful
Karachi’s ‘Stories on Wheels’ fosters literacy with a mobile library
Facing a staggering 77% illiteracy rate among 10-year-olds in Pakistan, the ‘Kahaani Sawaari’ project in Karachi brings storytelling and books to underserved communities through an ice-cream cart turned mobile library.
Source: The Guardian
Global initiatives address illiteracy with creative solutions
With over 700 million adults globally unable to read, creative approaches such as Bangladesh’s portable classrooms, a literacy app in Somaliland, and a UK volunteer teaching method are significantly helping advance literacy.