In today’s edition of Squirrel News, the world’s highest court issues an unprecedented ruling that allows climate-harmed countries to sue for reparations from other countries, a new app coupled with outreach to women in Pakistan aims to reduce breast cancer fatalities, and a random group of homeless people in England given no-strings cash grants use it to improve their lives.
Landmark UN court ruling: countries can sue each other on climate change
The International Court of Justice says that a healthy, sustainable environment is a human right, and nations have the right to seek redress for climate harms. First sought by law students from Pacific islands threatened by climate change, the ruling is not binding, but campaigners say it will still have far-reaching impact.
How flood-ravaged Boston took on the climate deniers — and won
Prone to flooding and vulnerable to rising sea levels, Boston is nonetheless on track to be one of the world’s most climate-resilient cities. As climate action is being defunded at the federal level, Boston is embracing it with more than 100 coastline protection projects planned or underway.
New breast cancer app with outreach saves lives of women in Pakistan
Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in Pakistan, but social stigma often delays diagnosis and treatment. Now PinkDetect, a project that pairs a mobile app with education and outreach, is working to change that. It partners with door-to-door health workers who help women download the app and learn to monitor their own breast health.
Homeless people in England given no-strings free cash in research trial
A group chosen randomly from people in temporary housing across England, who have experienced long-term homelessness, were given a “significant sum” in a government-funded trial with no restrictions on how to spend it. Participants reported it was life-changing, many using it not just for debts and rent but to seek training and job-seeking tools and to pursue dreams.
Homelessness in Los Angeles down for second year in a row
Homelessness in the US overall increased 18% so far this year, but in the same period it decreased 4% in LA. The city has struggled with high levels of homelessness since the 1980s, but the decreases last year and even more this year could indicate that measures to improve the situation are starting to make a difference.
500-bike giveaway in Milwaukee as part of “Black on the Block” week
JAY Academy, a nonprofit supporting Milwaukee’s African American community, started giving away 100 bikes five years ago at its annual Juneteenth event and has increased that number by 100 each year. Board member Eric “Shake” Adams started the programme after noticing a lack of bikes in the city’s underserved neighbourhoods.
Tweak to mosquito genome prevents malaria transmission in new study
Researchers in North Carolina found that altering just one amino acid in the genetic chain of mosquitoes makes them highly resistant to the disease, thus preventing transmission. In future trials, the genetic change can be inserted as a “cassette” into the wild mosquito population to keep it from being further altered by natural mutations over time.
Ownership of US mobile homes by residents allows more climate protection
Prefab homes are the cheapest form of unsubsidised housing in the US, but they are vulnerable to extreme weather and overheat at high temperatures. Becoming a cooperatively owned mobile home community instead of renting gave residents of Comunidad Nuevo Lago the freedom to green their environment, plant trees for shade, and start planning other protections against climate change.
Once extinct in Denmark, white storks are making a comeback
Conservation efforts and changing migration patterns are bringing the White Stork back in Denmark, where it was declared extinct in 2008. Watchers spotted the highest number of nestlings this year since 1986. Storks Denmark is making sure they have enough food, knowing the survival of the nestlings is critical to the storks’ return next year.
Giant troll sculptures want to teach humans how to better care for the earth
In the “Trail of a Thousand Trolls” project, a Danish recycle artist and volunteer team make 25 giant trolls a year out of discarded pallets, old furniture, and wine barrels. 170 are already hidden in forests around the world. But six young trolls form a travelling exhibit to teach people how to better live so as not to destroy the planet.
