As we kick off a new month, it’s time to delve into our February recap! From landmark environmental protection laws making strides in Europe to the establishment of an LGBT-friendly mosque in Marseille, we’re moving into March with a lot to celebrate.
Zimbabwe’s cabinet has decided to eliminate the death penalty, a remnant of British colonial legislation, opting for extended prison terms to deter serious crimes.
Despite a dramatic rise in violent crime in 2020, recent analyses show a significant decrease across various U.S. cities, challenging widespread public beliefs of increasing crime rates.
England launches scheme requiring builders to offset environmental impact
England introduces a biodiversity credit scheme, mandating all new construction projects to improve natural habitats. The policy aims to offset environmental impacts by requiring a 10% net increase in biodiversity for each project.
EU criminalises environmental damage ‘comparable to ecocide’
The European Union has adopted a new law that treats most serious cases of ecosystem destruction as a criminal offence. This legislation compels EU countries to implement strict punishments, including prison sentences.
Eco-friendly search engine plants landmark 200 million trees
Through its unique model that contributes to reforestation with every search, Ecosia provides internet users with a straightforward way to make a positive impact on the environment.
Connecticut announces plan to become first US state to eradicate medical debt
Eligibility extends to state residents with medical debt constituting 5% or more of their annual income, or those with a household income reaching up to 400% of the federal poverty line, approximately $125,000 in 2024. Qualifying individuals will receive notification by mail this summer, without the need for an application.
Prescription meal kits combat diabetes epidemic in California
With over half of Stockton, California’s residents grappling with diabetes or prediabetes, a prescribed meal programme emerges as a promising solution to drive positive change in the community.
Exoskeleton helps individuals with mobility challenges to walk and stand
The exoskeleton – developed in Italy and known as Twin – aids those who have lost partial or complete use of their legs in their journey towards unassisted mobility, through guided movements and support during rehabilitative therapy.
Prosthetic limb device enables users to ‘sense’ temperature difference
Swiss-Italian study finds MiniTouch can help people with amputations feel whether objects are hot, cold or in between. The device allows people with amputations to experience such natural temperature sensations using their prostheses.
Michigan overturns decades-old ‘right-to-work’ anti-union law
Michigan has become the first state in nearly six decades to dismantle its anti-union legislation – marking a profound shift in the state’s labour policies. Research shows that such laws, aimed at stopping unions, actively contribute to the suppression of workers’ rights.
Australia’s ‘right to disconnect’ legislation clears Senate
Australia’s Senate has approved a new law granting employees the right to avoid responding to supervisors’ “unreasonable” texts, emails, or calls outside of working hours, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating “someone who is not being paid 24 hours a day shouldn’t be penalised if they’re not online and available 24 hours a day.”
Greece is first Orthodox Christian country to legalise same-sex marriage
Same-sex couples will now also be legally allowed to adopt children after Thursday’s 176-76 vote in a rare display of parliamentary consensus. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had championed the bill, saying it would end a “serious inequality for our democracy”.
Dublin implements city centre driving ban to combat traffic, pollution
Dublin joins a growing list of European capitals by prohibiting through-traffic in its city centre. The initiative will redirect non-destination traffic to outer beltways, paving the way for pedestrian-friendly zones and a significant 60% reduction in urban traffic.
Denver offers cash incentives for bike commuters to meet climate goals
The pilot programme aims to not only promote the well-known benefits of reduced emissions and increased physical activity but also provides monetary incentives to residents who choose bikes over cars.
New EPA regulations aim to curb lethal air pollution in the US
The Biden administration has implemented stricter limits on hazardous air pollutants, with the Environmental Protection Agency estimating that the new rule is poised to avert 4,500 premature deaths each year.
Changing US zoning rules emerges as “blueprint for housing affordability”
In an attempt to tackle the ongoing housing crisis, cities across the US are exploring proactive approaches, including allowing increased density in downtown areas and along transit corridors, eliminating parking requirements, and permitting the construction of accessory dwelling units – secondary dwellings on the same lot.
Revitalising urban spaces: the cities replacing concrete with nature
Across the globe, cities are increasingly reclaiming unnecessary expanses of concrete and asphalt, ushering in a transformation where nature flourishes in their stead.
Austin’s basic income experiment aids in housing, food security
Austin’s guaranteed basic income pilot, providing $1,000 monthly to low-income families, has shown promising results in reducing housing and food insecurity among participants.
Washington tribes adopt Icelandic model to address teen drug crisis
In response to the rising opioid crisis among teens, Washington tribal leaders are implementing the Icelandic Prevention Model, a community-based approach proven to drastically reduce substance use among youth in Iceland.
New Zealand to ban ‘forever chemicals’ in cosmetics
New Zealand announces a ban on harmful ‘forever chemicals’ in cosmetics by 2026, addressing growing concerns over their indestructibility and links to severe health issues.
Startup launches seaweed-based packaging to combat single-use plastics
California startup Sway introduces a compostable seaweed packaging solution, aiming to replace 30% of single-use plastics in the retail sector. This approach promises to reduce landfill waste and support a circular economy.
Mexico designates 20 new protected zones spanning 2.3 million hectares
The newly established protected areas comprise national parks, sanctuaries, and regions safeguarding flora and fauna. The zones are situated in states such as Quintana Roo, Oaxaca, Zacatecas, Chiapas, and eight others – including the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of California.
Dominican Republic regreens a fifth of its territory in a decade
The Dominican Republic has regenerated 18% of its degraded lands within a decade through community-driven reforestation efforts, enhancing biodiversity despite ongoing challenges from climate change and development pressures.
The mosque in Marseille catering to the queer community
In an effort to provide a safe and inclusive space for Muslim members of France’s LGBTQ+ community, Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed has established a mosque in Marseille.
Brazil’s first all-women samba school dances to its own beat
Women have always been closely involved in Rio’s samba schools, not just as tailors and sparkly samba muses but also as musicians and participants in the creative process. The first women-only samba school aims to change that.
Soccer’s role in El Salvador’s transition: from turmoil to unity
Since 2019, El Salvador has seen a big decline in violent crime – but the process of rebuilding trust extends beyond statistical improvements. Community members are leveraging their shared passion for soccer to bridge divides and foster unity between all segments of society.
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