In today’s edition of Squirrel News, youth climate action councils push legislation forward, US smoking rates fall to record lows and a UK charity uses boxing to help overcome eating disorders.
Youth climate action councils help enact environmental fixes
Across US cities, young people between the ages of 15 and 22 gather and organize to help fight climate change. Since 2019, they have planted thousands of trees, resurfacing bus kiosks and even influencing climate policy.
CivicLex, based in Lexington, Kentucky works to help citizens understand civics, how government operates and how they can directly influence local and national politics through participation.
Fewer and fewer American adults are consuming cigarettes, a new survey shows, with only one in nine of those polled reporting regular usage. This is roughly a 11% decrease since 2022.
While some regions already provide free birth control pills to women of certain age groups, Italy is set to expand its accessibility and make them free without restrictions.
Pope Francis to allow women to vote in Bishop’s meeting
Pope Francis has decided to give women the right to vote at an upcoming meeting of bishops, an unprecedented change that reflects his hopes to give women greater decision-making responsibilities.
A new drug that helps save babies with acute leukemia
A new drug that helps stimulate the work of the immune system has been found to be effective in increasing the survival rate of babies suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Biodiversity Credits as a means of boosting global conservation
A group of conservationists and policymakers are developing a novel approach to conservation that mirrors existing carbon credit schemes. This would attach economic value to reforestation and preservation.
A restaurant that helps released prisoners find their footing
All Square is a restaurant and social enterprise run by Emily Hunt Turner, a civil rights lawyer. It provides released prisoners with work, legal advice, housing and advocacy.
An English charity uses boxing lessons and interpersonal support networks to help young people deal with eating disorders, anxiety and other psychological issues.
The African choirs helping battle loneliness among elderly
African church choirs are partnering with English care homes to help residents socialise. Activities involve singing, dancing and conversing in an attempt to combat loneliness.