Today in Squirrel News, public awareness leads to ‘heartening’ environmental progress in Australia, tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans switch to clean energy, and former loggers in India volunteer to protect the forests.
Scientists report 30% reduction in plastic pollution on Australia’s coast
CSIRO researchers say efforts to raise public awareness have quickly led to improvements in the environment.
Source: The Guardian
Puerto Rico homes, businesses turn to clean energy
Puerto Ricans take it upon themselves to produce their own clean energy by installing solar panels as they continue to face unstable electricity supply. The effort has been on the rise after Hurricane Maria struck in 2017.
Source: Canary Media
Activists hail Biden’s use of security powers to boost clean energy
President invokes Defense Production Act to increase production of solar panels, building insulation and other equipment. Over 3.3m homes are seen to switch to solar energy yearly by 2024.
Source: The Guardian
U.S. to boost green jobs, curb emissions by plugging old oil & gas wells
As many as 120,000 jobs could be created by stopping abandoned oil and gas wells leaking climate-warming methane into the atmosphere.
Source: Good Good Good
Women on the front line of labour movement
Women continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic amid unfair labour practices. In an attempt to break out of the situation, more and more women are leading labour movements.
Source: The 19th
Düsseldorf non-profit provides housing through art
A non-profit in West Germany is making good use of art to provide permanent homes to those who need these the most. On top of that the housing project helps those struggling with an addiction or mental health issue.
Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful
Entertainment-education soap operas sparking social change
A U.S. non-profit addresses societal issues by equipping soap opera viewers and listeners with knowledge. One radio drama which aired in Nigeria has reportedly led 1.1 million people to adopt family planning methods.
Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful
Jewish roots: the Kent farm cultivating Jewish principles of land stewardship
As Europe’s only Jewish farm faces closure, its founder explains why reviving Judaism’s ancient precepts of sustainable agriculture and conservation has never been more urgent.
Source: The Guardian
‘I see this money as not mine’: the people giving away fortunes from slavery and fossil fuels
What would you do if your inherited wealth was built on slavery, fossil fuels or came at the price of neglect? Meet the guilty rich who want nothing to do with their money.
Source: The Guardian
‘Like killing my children’: former loggers now defend Assam’s forests
Illegal logging is robbing Indians of food, medicine and even saffron to dye monks’ robes. Now local people are fighting back.
Source: The Guardian
Eco-school in India protects pupils from deadly heat, sand storms
As India swelters, one eco-school serves as a refuge from dangerous heat and sandstorms. The building, which hosts 400 pupils, is powered by rooftop solar panels, among other features.