Photo: Dylan de Jonge / Unsplash (CC0)
In this edition of Squirrel News, new open-source software based on seismic wave soil testing could revolutionise farming, successful immunisation for measles has saved 59 million lives this century, and affordable plug-in solar units are helping save household energy costs.
The energy wave technology that can measure down to the Earth’s crust, is being applied by a scientific team to analyse and map the world’s soil health in a method much less destructive and more accurate than the current way of digging holes. A nonprofit is developing a free app using it that could be life-changing for farmers.
Source: The Guardian
They knew a revolution in the understanding of soil could change the world. Then came the idea of using seismic waves to monitor the health of soil and ‘take the guesswork out of farming’. The Guardian journalist who co-founded the Earth Rover Program says they felt like they had found the holy grail of agriculture.
Source: The Guardian
The World Health Organization has released a report showing 59 million lives saved worldwide through successful immunisation, but a surge in new cases reveals gaps. Most of the recent surges are in wealthier countries where death is less likely and vaccination rates are down.
Source: WHO
In a unique model, Connecticut’s public bank for green economy acceleration is initiating, developing, and funding solar projects for schools, cities, and low-income housing. Revenue generated is recycled into other green energy and environmental justice projects. It is a model other states with green banks could follow.
Source: Canary Media
Rooftop solar installations can be expensive for homeowners and impossible for tenants. Small units that just plug in make solar energy easy and accessible. Already widespread in Germany, the movement is gaining momentum in the United States.
Source: PBS
With no action on minimum wage at the national level, 19 US states and 49 cities and counties will raise their minimum wage by the end of 2026. Levels will range from $13.50 to $18.35, in contrast to the $7.25 federal minimum, according to a report from the National Employment Law Project.
Source: Stateline
The Pacific Forest Trust signed over ownership of almost 900 acres bordering Yosemite National Park to the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, who were expelled from it in the late 1800s. The tribe regains culturally significant land, water protection rights, and stewardship of a key wildlife migration corridor.
Source: Native News Online
Straightening rivers to create better farmland in Tennessee worsened the soil’s tendency to erosion and flooding. When unusually bad flooding in 2010 created an opportunity to return land to its natural state, the state and a conservation group formed Middle Fork Bottoms State Park, now teeming with wildlife and offering natural flood protection.
Source: Reasons to be Cheerful
Amanda Nguyen started ‘Rise’ after being raped as a university student. Its goal is to pass laws establishing rights for sexual assault survivors worldwide. The first survivors’ bill of rights law passed in the US in 2016. Since then, the group has worked to pass laws in 104 countries and is a blueprint for sustainable advocacy.
Source: Vogue Singapore
BBC’s Myra Anubi looks at one programme teaching kids to empathise and another on how to recognise disinformation as future tools for a less divided world. Think Equal started in response to a horrific sexual assault with the goal of helping 3- to 6-year-olds learn empathy early, and Shout Out UK teaches teenagers political literacy.
Source: BBC
