Today in Squirrel News, we’re talking about wind and solar energy overtaking coal for the first time in China; 400-plus workers becoming owners in a 99-year-old UK bakery chain; and a dance teacher in Berlin starting ‘cuddle parties’ as an antidote for loneliness and lack of human contact.
No country in the world emits more greenhouse gases than China. Now, the country’s energy transition has reached an important milestone. In the first quarter, the output of wind and solar power plants surpassed that of combustion plants for the first time. The latter primarily include coal plants.
New climate tracker releases first data, shows small shift in right direction
Climate TRACE collects data from 660 world locations, tracking emissions in almost real time and will publish results monthly. Developed by a collection of experts, NGOs and universities to combat greenwashing of climate statistics. They say declines so far this year are small but could mark a turning point.
400-plus workers become owners in 99-year-old UK bakery chain
Parsons Bakery in the southwest UK has been family-run since 1926. The family has now established a trust, giving the entire staff of the now 50-bakery chain controlling interest in the company in an effort to keep the chain independent and community-based.
Harvard expands financial aid, tuition now free for families earning under 200K
Honoring its 400-year commitment to open access to higher education, Harvard University has made tuition free for households making less than $200,000 a year, which is 86% of US families. For those earning under $100,000, books are also free.
Georgetown Law students putting pressure on US law firms that gave in
Even at risk of losing summer work opportunities, first-year law students created a spreadsheet to track which big law firms have given in and cut deals with the current US government, and which firms have fought back against threats to their businesses. That way students, who wish to, can make informed choices about where to work.
No more “pay-to-stay” fees eliminate millions in prisoner debt in PA county
The commissioners of the county that includes Harrisburg, Pennsylvania voted last fall to eliminate the biggest of prison fees that leave prisoners with crippling debt. Because the fees target the most disadvantaged, they rarely actually benefit the state but make reintegration truly difficult, advocates say.
Many small steps in solving the problem of plastic food packaging
BBC’s Ruth Alexander and The Food Chain radio podcast look at various solutions and challenges, talking to companies, designers, and retailers who are working towards more sustainable ways to package food.
New tech by and for the blind: An AI mobility device and a tactile tablet
BBC’s Emma Tracey, herself blind, tries out a device prototype that presents an alternative to canes or guide dogs and uses AI to avoid obstacles. The finished version, due out later this year, will “speak” and “hear” for navigation and learn from all its users. She also tries Braille Doodle, a device for children learning Braille that allows for drawing.
Wildlife is returning to the natural spaces of the Eaton area fire
Volunteer naturalists had cameras set to track the diversity of wildlife before the fire in an area adjacent to where so many houses burned. They have new equipment in place now and have observed the first mountain lion and other wildlife returning. Residents say they see it as a sign of hope.
Cuddle parties are safe spaces for platonic touch, a loneliness antidote
Touch is a proven biological and emotional need that studies show, not only feels good and healthy, but can actually prevent catching viruses. Started by a dance teacher in Berlin, “Mush” parties are for people to cuddle, “embracing a culture of touch positivity” that starts out with learning consent signals for “no” or “yes”.
