Today on Squirrel News, Greater Manchester follows Finland’s lead to reduce homelessness, Louisville’s tree project has been linked to better health, and Germany’s freedom hotel gives exiled journalists a safe space.
Manchester’s ‘housing first’ pilot aims to lead UK in eradicating rough sleeping
Inspired by Finland’s approach to homelessness, Greater Manchester’s ‘housing first’ pilot has housed over 400 people with no conditions attached. Mayor Andy Burnham plans to expand the initiative, aiming to make the region the first in the UK to fully adopt this model.
For the first time, Norway has more electric cars than petrol-driven models on its roads. Generous tax breaks and incentives, funded by the country’s oil wealth, have propelled the shift, positioning Norway to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2025.
Louisville’s ‘Trees as Medicine’ sets new standards for urban health
A groundbreaking study in Louisville, Kentucky found that planting 8,000 trees in urban neighbourhoods reduced residents’ inflammation levels by up to 20%, lowering risks for heart disease and cancer.
Century-old wheat ‘goldmine’ could help feed the world
Scientists have found 60% of genetic diversity missing in modern wheat varieties, limiting their resilience to climate change. Tapping into these old varieties could lead to stronger, higher-yielding crops to help feed a growing global population.
Bakers bet on better bread as a climate change solution
At the Breadlab, researchers are exploring diverse wheat varieties to develop crops more resilient to extreme weather. By increasing genetic diversity in the fields, they aim to help farmers adapt to climate change while improving bread quality.
Electric restaurants hold the recipe to reducing fossil fuels in cities
As cities push to cut emissions, electric kitchen equipment is emerging as a solution for restaurants traditionally reliant on natural gas. With improved technology and lower costs, chefs are embracing electric alternatives.
What if we get it right? A new vision for tackling climate change
In her new book, marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explores how success in addressing climate change could reshape fields like farming, architecture, and finance.
How some homes survived Hawaii’s deadliest wildfire: lessons from Lahaina
Amid the devastation of Lahaina’s 2023 wildfire, certain homes remained standing thanks to fire-resistant building materials, metal roofs, and cleared vegetation. Experts say these strategies, combined with defensible space around homes, can significantly reduce the risk of destruction in future wildfires.
