Pakistan to plant 10 billion trees, Congo’s children swap mining for education, social prescriptions

| Posted on August 20, 2021 |

Photo: Umar Khan/Unsplash (CC0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re looking at Pakistan’s mammoth campaign to plant over 10 billion trees in polluted cities, the introduction of free primary education in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and how the NHS is trialling a new approach to mental health support in wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Pakistan will plant 10 billion trees to cut pollution and bring fresh air to cities

The prime minister has announced plans to plant dense forests close to major cities, with the hope that they will act as carbon sinks and help to reduce smog levels.

Source: Reuters

Congo’s free primary education results in falling numbers of child miners

Since introducing free early-years education in 2019, the number of children enrolled in some school districts has risen by 75% – with many of these former child miners.

Source: Reuters

NHS trials “social prescription” approach to mental health care

Instead of prescribing specific drugs or medications, doctors are looking to recommend outdoor pursuits like Park Runs instead.

Source: Wired

Green steel: Swedish company ships first batch made without using coal

Hybrit sends steel made with hydrogen production process to Volvo, which plans to use it in prototype vehicles and components.

Source: The Guardian

South Korea set to grant legal status to animals

The move – which looks likely to pass in parliament next month – aims to deter cruelty and abuse inflicted on animals, with current legislation recognising them as objects rather than sentient beings.

Source: Reuters

Travelling vet teaches farmers to recognise and treat cattle disease

Recognising that many farmers are unable to travel to big cities for assistance, Dr. Balaram Sahu visits villages to educate local residents, with over 100,000 having attended his lectures.

Source: The Better India

Pop-up emergency shelters can be assembled tool-free in minutes

A New York-based architectural firm has developed portable flatpack tents, which could easily be utilised after natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes.

Source: Reset

Product design student creates a sanitary pad washing kit for refugees

The Looop Can is an eco-friendly portable kit that allows menstruating individuals to clean their pads in a simple, hygienic and discreet way.

Source: Dezeen

Brazil’s first transgender pastor: “All humans have flaws, being trans isn’t one”

In a country with shocking brutality against LGBTQ+ people, Alexya Salvador is using her faith to help others like her.

Source: The Guardian

Journalist Trauma Support Network helps those struggling with PTSD

A new programme offered by the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma in New York aims to unpack the occupational stressors experienced by journalists, offering tailored mental health support.