Today on Squirrel News, we delve into Canada granting the mineral-rich Arctic region of Nunavut control over its valuable resources, Cameroon’s groundbreaking initiative: the world’s first malaria vaccine programme for children, while environmental activists celebrate a victory in Thailand following the successful implementation of new laws aimed at fighting air pollution.
Nunavut assumes control of mineral-rich region resources in historic agreement
Canada officially granted the expansive Arctic territory of Nunavut autonomy over its vast reserves of gold, diamonds, iron, cobalt, and rare metals. The signing of a devolution agreement in the capital city of Iqaluit marks a significant milestone, letting Nunavut directly manage and collect royalties from its resources.
Cameroon launches world-first malaria vaccination programme for children
Unlike previous vaccine rollouts, this initiative specifically focuses on children, paving the way for a new era where being routinely vaccinated against malaria becomes the standard rather than the exception for the younger generation on the continent, where 95% of global malaria-related fatalities occur.
Thailand’s Clean Air Act targets pollution at the source
In 2023, approximately two million people in Thailand sought medical treatment due to the adverse effects of air pollution. After years of advocacy by environmental groups to address the kingdom’s escalating smog crisis, the country’s Cabinet has officially approved the new legislation.
History made in Taiwan with nation’s first openly LGBTQ+ legislator
In a big move for LGBTQ+ representation, Taiwan marks a significant milestone with the election of Huang Jie as the country’s first ever openly LGBTQ+ legislator.
Reinventing the eel: first lab-grown eel meat revealed
Rampant overfishing has caused eel populations to plummet and prices to soar, and wild freshwater eels are now at risk of extinction due to overfishing. However, their meat can now be cultivated from cells, providing the delicacy guilt-free.
Indigenous communities are building independent broadband networks
Approximately 20% of individuals residing in tribal areas face a lack of broadband connectivity, prompting Native nations to take matters into their own hands by constructing their own independent broadband networks.
Instagram introduces Nighttime Nudges to encourage healthy teen sleep habits
When teens spend more than 10 minutes scrolling through features like Reels or direct messages, the app will suggest that they wrap up their session and go to bed. These nudges will automatically appear on teens’ accounts, and users won’t have the option to disable this feature.
Horse logging resurfaces as sustainable solution for tree felling in South Wales
In a bid to clear infected trees from the woodlands of Fforest Fawr near Tongwynlais, south Wales, Natural Resources Wales is turning to the age-old practice of horse logging. Departing from modern machinery, this ancient yet sustainable forest management technique, employed for millennia, will now utilise horses to remove timber affected by larch disease.
Nonprofit organisation BookSmiles brings stories to kids in “book deserts”
The nonprofit currently distributes around 70,000 free books within the local community every month and aims to increase that number to 100,000. Unlike larger book donation initiatives that operate through mail services, BookSmiles concentrates its efforts primarily in the region.
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