Today on Squirrel News: Renewable energy sources are set to surpass coal by 2025, Minnesota’s new green bank is funding a sustainable development with affordable housing, and a project in Namibia is tackling its housing crisis with homes made from mushrooms and weeds.
Renewable energy set to overtake coal in global electricity generation by 2025
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are projected to generate more than a third of global electricity by 2025 and surpass coal, according to the International Energy Agency. Soaring global demand is hastening the shift.
China’s carbon emissions plateau could signal a global turning point
China, the world’s largest greenhouse-emitter, is nearing a plateau in in its carbon emission thanks to significant shifts in its energy production towards renewable sources: “The implications for climate change could scarcely be greater.”
Student loan relief for additional 35,000 public sector workers
Further student loan debt forgiveness totalling 1.2 billion was annouced Thursday, as President Biden continues his work to overhaul the Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program.
Common blood-thinning drug newly shown to neutralise cobra venom
Snakebites kill roughly 138,00 people a year. A multi-nation team of scientists have found that an inexpensive and commonly prescribed drug could be an antidote to cobra venom.
Tiger populations rebounding in Thailand’s western forests
With population density more than doubled, camera-trapping data shows a steady recovery of tigers in Thailand’s Western Forest Complex. Lessons from the success could help conservation efforts nationwide.
“Her Initiative”: Women in Tanzania breaking the poverty cycle
According to the UN, 60% of Tanzanian women live in poverty. “Her Initiative” is working to empower women through technology and digital inclusion, helping them to aqcuire tech skills, start businesses and become financially independent.
Homes from Mushrooms grown on weeds to tackle Namibia’s housing crisis
A project in Namibia is using mushroom waste grown on encroacher bushes to create bricks for building. The effort aims to address housing shortages and offer a reduced carbon solution to removing this harmful species.