From the world’s unstoppable shift towards clean energy to innovative methods to outsmart government censorship, here’s a run-through of some of the most exciting and important stories from our October editions.
UN adopts new global rules to protect the planet from toxic chemicals
The directives include combatting the illicit trafficking of chemicals and waste, establishing national legislation, and the gradual elimination of highly toxic pesticides in agricultural practices by the year 2035 – aiming to protect both people and the planet.
IEA reports the the global transition to clean energy is “unstoppable”
The International Energy Agency has released a report predicting a monumental shift towards renewable energy sources, estimating that renewables are poised to contribute to 50% of the world’s electricity supply by the year 2030.
Global solar power tipping point achieved, study shows
Solar power is on the cusp of dominating the global energy mix. Its path to prominence suggests a cleaner energy future, but addressing barriers like funding in low-income countries remains crucial to achieving zero-carbon power systems.
Solar power beamed from space could help meet the world’s growing energy needs
Beaming green solar energy from space is no longer science fiction; it’s becoming a reality as countries race to harness this virtually limitless power source, potentially transforming the energy landscape.
European Union lawmakers approve significant reduction in pesticide usage
The European Union’s Committee on Environmental Affairs has passed a resolution to establish mandatory objectives aimed at curtailing pesticide usage, with a specific goal of achieving a 50% reduction by the year 2030.
EU implements ban on added microplastics in consumer products
The European Commission has enacted a new set of regulations aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution found in common items – including toothpaste. The new law outlines specific requirements, the timeline for their implementation, and the potential impacts on both industries and consumers.
Sponges that combat microplastics unveiled by scientists
Scientists have developed biodegradable sponges made from starch and gelatin that capture up to 90 percent of microplastics in water. These sponges have versatile uses, from wastewater treatment plants to home washing machines.
Groundbreaking bionic arm signals a leap forward in amputee rehabilitation
The innovative technology seamlessly melds the bionic arm with the wearer’s skeletal structure, establishing a direct connection to the nervous system through implanted electrodes in nerves and muscles.
Addressing social isolation: Northern Europe’s collective effort
A comprehensive pan-European initiative spanning seven countries in Northern Europe is actively combating social isolation through the promotion of inclusion.
Community solar projects are set to surge in popularity in the UK
Five community energy collectives in England and Wales have joined forces to acquire seven solar farms. This collaboration is poised to catapult the community solar sector, infusing approximately £20 million into local communities and stimulating a 20% expansion.
Hyderabad’s 23km solar-covered cycle track is a bright path to savings
In a big step towards sustainable urban infrastructure, the Healthway Cycling Track – a sprawling 23-kilometer route along the Outer Ring Road – is much more than just a recreational amenity.
Stockholm to ban most gas and diesel vehicles from city centre
Gas and diesel vehicles will be history in most of Stockholm’s city centre by the end of 2024 as the city pioneers a low-emission zone to combat air pollution. The move ensures that only electric and Euro 6 standard vehicles will navigate the urban core.
Austria offers free year of rail travel to every 18-year-old
As part of an initiative aimed at encouraging eco-conscious transportation, Austria’s Minister of Climate is granting young people in Austria three years to claim their free KlimaTicket from the government – with the clock starting on their 18th birthday.
New report shows significant drop in young driver fatalities in the US
Since 2003, fatal crashes involving a young driver have plunged by 38%, while deaths of young drivers dropped even more, by about 45%.This remarkable reduction can be attributed to a combination of factors, including shifts in driving habits, technological advancements, and educational efforts.
Boston’s high school dropout rate falls by over 50%
The city of Boston serves as a blueprint exploring the effectiveness of high school reengagement centres – a now proven and scalable solution that paves the way for more students to discover their path to a diploma.
Baltimore community leads the way in gun violence reduction through CBT
Roca, an innovative programme with roots in Massachusetts, is pioneering a novel approach to curbing gun violence by reshaping the minds of potential shooters – employing cognitive behaviour therapy to steer young men towards safer choices.
Financial literacy classes gain traction in more US states
In an educational shift towards practical life skills, many states are introducing financial literacy courses, with the potential to yield significant benefits for students grappling with mathematics.
Denver’s $1,000/month experiment cut homelessness, study shows
A social experiment in Denver provided direct cash assistance to hundreds of residents. The results, though preliminary, show reduced homelessness, improved mental health, and increased access to stable living conditions.
LA introduces a unique housing initiative to tackle homelessness faster
The nonprofit Brilliant Corners is collaborating with Los Angeles County’s Department of Health Services to establish an innovative approach reminiscent of a real estate agency, specifically tailored to assist the unhoused population.
How cities can redefine urban green spaces on a tight budget
Amidst rising urban green space costs, cities like Hayward, California, have cracked the code to create stunning public parks without breaking the bank.
The zero-waste city: what Kiel in Germany can teach the world
When it comes to recycling, Kiel has pulled ahead of the crowd, with its ban on single-use items, plans for leftover meals and innovative ideas for discarded human hair.
The rise of job sharing is helping parents keep their careers on track
Job sharing has emerged as an effective means for not only post-parental leave returnees, but anyone looking to work part-time hours within the framework of a full-time role.
A pink dinosaur is the unexpected privacy shield for Chinese youth
In a digital age where online privacy is a growing concern, a new trend has emerged among thousands of young people in China: the alias “Momo.” The pseudonym lets them express themselves more freely online, serving as a defense against harassment and privacy intrusion on platforms like Douban and Xiaohongshu.
Across the globe, a number of new initiatives are being launched to help those at risk of suicide get the help they need – from support patrols along Ireland’s River Shannon to proposed legislation in the US letting individuals with mental health challenges to proactively add their names to a do-not-sell list for firearms.
How one unique initiative is redefining fatherhood, childcare in Nigeria
In rural Nigeria, cultural norms had hindered fathers’ involvement in child care and maternal health. But through father-to-father support groups, men are now championing proper child nutrition and child-rearing practices.
Creative platform transforms caregiving through patient biographies
When Jay Newton-Small’s father moved into assisted living with Alzheimer’s, she realised that caregivers needed more than paperwork to understand patients’ lives. Her solution, MemoryWell, fosters empathy and enhances care by sharing patients’ life stories with caregivers.
Grassroots initiative shows how to coexist with the forest giants
In a village in Indonesia, human-elephant conflicts were endangering both locals and Sumatran elephants. However, a decade-long effort led by villagers has turned this community into a model for peaceful coexistence.
How a First Nations nature reserve became a model for the world
Thirty years ago, when the people of Haida Gwaii blockaded logging roads in British Columbia, few foresaw the result – the remarkable Gwaii Haanas agreement that has reshaped how to manage contested areas.
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