In today’s edition of Squirrel News, read how four countries have decriminalised suicide in the past year, a charity hopes to create a ring of trees around London and ancient animal breeds aid wildfire prevention in Spain and Portugal.
‘It’s a huge sign of progress’: the battle to decriminalise suicide
In at least 17 countries, suicide remains a criminal offence – a ‘huge barrier’ to mental health care. As Ghana becomes one of four countries to overturn its law in a year, others could follow.
Ancient animal breeds aid wildfire prevention in Spain and Portugal
To combat wildfires, Spain and Portugal are recruiting endangered Garrano horses and European bison to naturally clear vegetation, reducing fire risks.
Text alerts prove effective in preventing California’s heat-driven blackouts
As summer heat threatens California’s power grid stability, a system of mobile alerts urges residents to conserve energy, successfully helping to prevent rolling blackouts.
Australia eyes extending parental leave with superannuation benefits
Australia is rekindling an effort to boost financial stability for new parents by adding superannuation to extended paid parental leave. The plan comes alongside proposed taxation reforms for better housing affordability.
The United States is spurring EV battery recycling via the Inflation Reduction Act, encouraging local production and reducing dependency on overseas supply chains.
Reviving housing affordability through a co-op expansion
In response to soaring rents and isolation, a cooperative housing model founded in the ’60s, once primarily for students, now addresses housing affordability for broader demographics.
Summer camp elevates reading skills for kids of color
A learning centre addresses the reading fluency disparity among students of colour with a free, literacy-focused summer camp. The programme ensures no backsliding in reading skills during summer, while preparing students for the new academic year.
Student-led project fighting period poverty earns charity status
The Pachamama Project, now a recognised charity, combats period poverty globally through reusable sanitary pads. It delivers to ten countries including Lebanon, Greece and Pakistan.
