We’re closing the week talking about Colombia’s decision to create a first-of-its-kind protected area for isolated Indigenous groups, the European towns tackling food waste by giving away chickens, and the Brooklyn nonprofit that shows how storytelling can improve seniors’ survival rates.
Colombia establishes historic protected area for isolated Indigenous groups
In a first-of-its-kind move, Colombia has designated a 2.7-million-acre territory in the Amazon Rainforest to protect uncontacted Indigenous peoples between the Caquetá and Putumayo Rivers. The Yuri-Passé people, who live in the region, have faced mounting threats from illegal mining and organised crime.
California neighbourhood first in US to earn wildfire-resistant certification
A new 64-unit development by KB Home near San Diego is set to become the first community in the United States to meet the new Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood standard.
Renewables dominate global power growth in 2024 at 92.5% of new capacity
A total of 585 GW of renewable capacity was added, pushing global renewable power capacity to 4,448 GW. This 15.1% annual increase means 2024 was a record year for growth, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
UK carbon emissions fell by 4% in 2024, official figures show
The UK’s carbon emissions fell by 4% last year, according to official figures. Provisional statistics show UK territorial greenhouse gas emissions were 371m tonnes carbon equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2024, down from 385 MtCO2e in 2023. Emissions were also 54% lower than they were in 1990.
How district heating can speed the switch to clean energy
District heating is sometimes talked about like some kind of unattainable utopia, but in the Swedish capital these low-carbon heating networks are not special. In Sweden, most residential heating and hot water comes from pooled resources and heating networks.
Massive Attack concert sets record with 98% cut in carbon emissions
Partnering with climate experts from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, the band slashed energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 98% compared to similar performances, according to a newly published report.
Illinois gives back stolen land to state’s first federally recognised tribe
Nearly 1,500 acres of land in southern Dekalb County, originally owned by Chief Shab-eh-nay of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, have been returned to the tribe thanks to a law signed by governor JB Pritzker.
The European towns handing out free chickens to tackle food waste
For years, towns in France and Belgium have been distributing free chickens as part of efforts to cut back on food waste, and the idea may be gaining traction elsewhere.
How Grandpas got together to help kids and improve their health, too
Retirement can be a lonely transition, especially for older men who once defined themselves by their careers. Grandpas United is stepping in to change that: one of their elder-led programmes, JumpStart for Dads, supports young fathers, while another teaches young children everything from how to shake hands properly to winning at Connect 4.
Storytelling for seniors “improves survival odds by 50%”
Each week at the Brooklyn-based nonprofit, participants join a Zoom session where a facilitator asks prompts like, “What’s the most memorable historical event you’ve experienced?”. Members take turns sharing their stories, with the option to record them for a digital archive or to pass along to loved ones.
