In today’s edition of Squirrel News, Colombia moves into a regional leadership role in indigenous rights with official recognition of the right to self-governance, a newly launched ship runs entirely on battery power and is four times bigger than its predecessors, and a bridge made from upcycled fire hoses makes a safe crossing for Dusky Langurs in Malaysia.
Colombia formalises Indigenous self-government, leads region in rights
Where other Latin American countries have given land titles and rights to Indigenous groups, Colombia has taken the step of officially recognising full self-governing authority of Indigenous communities. The move sets a precedent in the Amazon region that could help protect the forest.
‘World’s largest’ electric ship launched by Tasmanian boatbuilder
At 130 metres long, Hull 096 is the biggest battery ship in the world, 4 times larger than any previous marine EV. It runs entirely on battery power and will operate between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. The manufacturer Incat says it is their most complex project to date and they hope to build as many sustainable ships as possible.
Green methanol plant opens in Denmark, a first for greener shipping
The world’s first commercial e-methanol plant will produce the greener shipping fuel at a scale that helps bring down the cost, the biggest obstacle to its wider use. Container ships can refuel at the facility, with fuel produced from renewable energy and CO2 captured from biogas, rather than traditional methanol produced from fossil fuels.
Portion of energy from coal in Poland dips below 50% for the first time
A recent report from energy think tank Forum Energii shows coal use in Poland has dropped 30% in the last decade and in April provided less than half of the country’s energy. Meanwhile renewables’ portion is rising, covering 77% of electricity used in April’s peak hour.
The Bradford Pennine Gateway to be one of England’s biggest nature preserves
The 1,274-hectare (3,148-acre) reserve links eight nature sites within the Bradford and South Pennines region and will protect rare wildlife such as adders, curlew and golden plover. Approximately 90% of the area comprises UK priority habitats including peat bogs, heathlands and wetlands.
US farmers fought back to restore deleted climate data and won
After farmers successfully sued the government, the US Department of Agriculture has pledged to restore the climate data it deleted. Farmers say they depend on information like climate maps, forest conservation, federal funding and clean energy programmes for decision-making in the face of climate risks.
Tile whipping’ in the Netherlands: a sport that turns sidewalks into gardens
Started as a competition during the pandemic to encourage the creation of wild spaces in urban areas, ’tile whipping’ is now a national pastime and social activity where neighbours and friends join forces to replace large swathes of pavement tiles with gardens and greenery.
Study finds gardening linked to higher cognitive functioning in older seniors
Researchers in Edinburgh examined longitudinal data following 550 Scots born in 1921 until age 79 and determined the activity of gardening to have been a promoter of cognitive health regardless of income. education or health factors.
Oregon programme supports Latino growers with education and access
The regenerative farming and land access programme offered by Oregon non-profit Adelante Mujeres already has 400 graduates. Offered entirely in Spanish, it teaches methods for preserving healthy soil, managing pests, and marketing produce, supporting a community that faces obstacles of language, access, and lack of financial resources.
Upcycled fire hose bridge helping Malaysian monkeys safely cross roads
With urban spaces in Malaysia growing, the Dusky Langurs face danger crossing busy roadways to get from one forest fragment to the next. Now old fire hoses are finding new purpose in the construction of Malaysia’s first monkey bridge.
