Today on Squirrel News, a German professor is leading efforts to reforest the Sahara in Mauritania, South Korea begins its first 4.5-day workweek pilot to improve work-life balance, and Sweden’s chemical-free seed treatment is offering eco-friendly pest control.
How a German professor plans to grow millions of trees in the Sahara
A German scientist is looking to turn part of the Sahara desert into forest. Through the Sahara Renaissance Project, he’s aiming to green an area in the Mauritanian desert the size of Wales – and change the landscape throughout North Africa in the long run.
Gyeonggi province launches South Korea’s first 4.5-day workweek pilot
Gyeonggi province is piloting South Korea’s first 4.5-day workweek across 50 companies, reducing working hours without any pay cuts to improve work-life balance and address declining birth rates.
Chemical-free seed treatment wins over farmers in Sweden and beyond
ThermoSeed, a chemical-free pest control method using steam, is gaining traction among skeptical farmers in Sweden and Norway by offering comparable yields to chemical treatments while improving environmental and working conditions. Its creator now aims to expand to Asia.
Largest electric school bus fleet in the US to support California’s power grid
A startup has launched the first all-electric school bus fleet in Oakland, using 74 buses as grid batteries to reduce emissions and support the power grid during peak times.
EU mandates airlines to monitor climate impact of jet engine vapour trails
Under new EU climate rules, airlines must report the estimated climate impact of vapour trails from jet engines, which contribute to global warming alongside CO2 emissions.
The removal of four dams on the Klamath River marks a major victory for Indigenous tribes as this will help restore the river’s natural flow and allow salmon to return to their historic spawning grounds.
Scientists revive Arizona’s Santa Cruz River using treated wastewater
By adding treated wastewater to the dried-up Santa Cruz River, scientists have restored biodiversity, bringing back nearly 150 species of fish, birds, and insects.
New UK book-swapping platform turns old reads into new gems for indie bookshops
Bookloop offers a sustainable way to trade used books for credit while supporting independent booksellers, benefiting authors, bookstores, and the environment.
‘Living tractors’ revive post-industrial wetlands and boost biodiversity
Conservation projects are getting help from water buffalo, known as “living tractors,” to restore biodiversity in post-industrial landscapes. By clearing invasive plants and creating habitats, these gentle giants support ecosystems and species from frogs to birds.
Otters and innovative planting revive threatened kelp forests
A year into the otter reintroduction programme to control urchins that harm kelp, conservationists are also planting lab-grown kelp in raised beds above urchin reach. These efforts aim to restore vital kelp ecosystems while predator populations recover.
