From the EU’s ban of plastic waste exports to bikes helping Ugandan girls get an education, here’s a run-through of some of the most exciting and important stories from our November editions.
EU agrees to ban exports of waste plastic to poor countries
The EU has reached a landmark agreement to cease shipping plastic waste to non-OECD countries by mid-2026. This would help address concerns about environmental harm and human health.
Breakthrough gene therapy restores hearing in deaf Chinese children
A specially engineered virus designed to introduce replacement DNA into the inner ear cells responsible for sensing vibrations is able to relay sound signals to the brain. As a result, several children who have been deaf since birth are now able to hear.
Parkinson’s patient able to walk 6km without problems after spinal implant
The first patient to receive a spinal implant to treat advanced Parkinson’s disease has described experiencing “a rebirth” after the treatment allowed him to walk again without falling over.
DRC offers free maternity care to cut death rate among mothers and babies
Pregnant women across the Democratic Republic of the Congo are to be offered free healthcare in an effort to cut the country’s high rates of maternal and neonatal deaths. Women in 13 out of 26 regions in the country will, by the end of the year, be entitled to free services during pregnancy and for one month after childbirth.
New Jersey mayor adopts strategic approach to end traffic fatalities
In Hoboken, Mayor Ravi Bhalla has spearheaded initiatives to revamp city intersections, implement dedicated bike lanes, and reduce traffic speed. The outcome? Over six years without a single pedestrian fatality.
Dominica creates world’s first marine protected area for sperm whales
The tiny Caribbean island of Dominica is creating the world’s first marine protected area for one of Earth’s largest animals. Nearly 300 square miles of waters on the western side of the island that serve as key nursing and feeding grounds will be designated as a reserve.
First solar-powered canal project underway in Arizona, a U.S. first
Arizona sets a pioneering example in renewable energy by initiating the construction of the first solar-covered canal in the United States, a project designed to generate clean energy while significantly reducing water evaporation in the drought-stricken state.
Second UK company appoints the natural world onto its board
An interiors company has become the second in the UK to actively involve the natural world in shaping its business strategy, taking environmental impact into account throughout the decision-making process.
EU enacts law setting methane emission caps for fossil fuel imports
This move aims to compel global suppliers to take decisive measures to mitigate leaks of this potent greenhouse gas. Urgent reductions in methane emissions within this decade are deemed essential to avert the dire consequences of severe climate change.
After clean energy surge, China’s carbon emissions to decline from 2024
China, the world’s top polluter, is poised to see a structural decline in carbon emissions from next year, a result of an unprecedented surge in clean energy investments, surpassing government targets.
Dengue rates drop in Colombia as modified mosquitoes take flight
Dengue fever incidence in three Colombian cities has significantly decreased following the release of modified mosquitoes. These Wolbachia-infected insects present an ‘encouraging’ solution in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases.
South Africa to introduce shared parental leave after landmark judgment
In a groundbreaking decision, South Africa’s high court mandates shared parental leave, making it the first country in Africa to do so. The ruling allows parents to jointly decide how to allocate four months of parental leave.
Tech giants join forces in initiative to combat online child abuse
Major tech companies, including Google and Meta, unite under the ‘Lantern’ programme, a cross-platform effort designed to identify and prevent child abuse online by sharing crucial data and intelligence.
A simple, cost-effective solution to enhance pedestrian safety
Cities across the US are increasingly adopting ‘daylighting’ at intersections, a strategy proven to improve visibility and reduce pedestrian accidents.
Irish town’s under-12s smartphone ban sees boost in children’s mental health
In response to growing concerns about the potential adverse effects of smartphone use on children’s mental health, an Irish town started a voluntary pact involving the entire community. After eight months, positive indicators suggest its success, prompting the government to adopt it as a model nationwide.
US university breaks barriers with graduation of incarcerated students
Northwestern University celebrates the graduation of its inaugural class of incarcerated students, marking a historic moment in U.S. higher education accessibility.
Hairdressers in West Africa bridge mental health therapy gap
In West and Central Africa, where mental health care is scarce, hairdressers are undergoing mental health training to provide support and a safe space for clients in need.
Bikes are helping girls in rural Uganda get an education
Every year in Uganda, 30,000 girls face the reality of dropping out of school, primarily due to the formidable challenge of accessing education. One organisation is making a impact by equipping these girls with bicycles, ensuring they can overcome the barriers that once hindered their path to education.
French firm develops first e-bike that doesn’t need batteries
The Pi-Pop e-bike uses supercapacitors instead of conventional batteries, minimising the environmental impact of production and offering an efficient energy storage solution for daily commuting.
All-terrain chairs make outdoor spaces inclusive for individuals with disabilities
From Minnesota to California, states are championing inclusivity by offering all-terrain chairs in their parks, enhancing recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Western states unlock state-owned lands to tackle housing crisis
In the face of housing shortages, Western states are turning to state-owned trust lands to develop affordable housing solutions. In Colorado, a 3.5-acre tract will be transformed into 80 units of affordable housing.
The modern construction industry is built on cement, with factories and public buildings, commercial space and apartment buildings, and homes fashioned out of it. But cement production is helping destabilise the climate, and has poor durability. Bioarchitects in Mexico think they have a solution.
“A treasure beneath our feet”: How the Dutch went down the toilet looking for heat
Sewage waste is now being seen as a reliable heat source for millions of homes in the Netherlands. Experts believe sewage warmth could play a major role in the transition away from fossil fuels.
Fika, four-week holidays – and zero overtime: Sweden’s stunningly healthy work culture
From wellbeing allowances to generous parental leave to a bonus in your pay packet when you take a break, the Scandinavian country has a lot to teach the rest of the world.
Colombia’s capital wants to curb machismo. A mobile school where adult men can learn the basics – from changing nappies to dealing with jealousy – is providing a platform for men to engage in open conversations through educational videos, an emergency hotline and more.
Rwandan entrepreneur creates card game to challenge mental health stigma
In a bid to combat the stigma surrounding mental health, a creative entrepreneur from Rwanda has unveiled Deeper Conversations, an inventive card game comprising 55 carefully designed cards.
New research defies expectations of a dementia surge, revealing a decline in new cases in developed regions. Improved cardiovascular health and the idea of “cognitive reserve” are believed to play key roles in this unexpected positive trend, according to experts.
Kenya makes 13th November nationwide tree planting day a public holiday
The announcement comes as part of Kenya’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. Current forest cover stands at about 7%, but the government has set aside more than $80m this financial year as part of its effort to increase it by over 10%.
Revitalising West Bengal: the remarkable return of forests
Decades ago, the lush greenery in this region of India disappeared, ushering in heat waves and drought. The transformative effects observed upon the return of these forests underscore the rejuvenating impact of reforestation efforts.
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