In the last Squirrel News update ahead of the weekend, we delve into Spain’s recent decision to prohibit short-haul domestic flights, the French Senate’s move to constitutionally safeguard women’s right to abortion, and Finland’s achievement in cutting its suicide rate by half.
Spain bans domestic flights with comparable train journeys
Spain has announced a new measure to prohibit domestic flights when a train journey of under two and a half hours is available as an alternative. The ban will exempt flights connected to hub airports facilitating international routes.
French Senate passes constitutional amendment ensuring right to abortion
The development marks a pivotal step towards fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to safeguard reproductive rights, a response to the recent restrictions on abortion rights witnessed in the United States.
It is now often known as the ‘world’s happiest country’, but Finland used to have one of the highest suicide rates in the world. From alcohol to antidepressants, here are the changes that made the difference.
FDA announces ban on certain ‘forever chemicals’ in US food packaging
PFAS has been associated with various health issues, such as alterations in immune and liver function, obesity, diabetes, specific cancers, and reduced birth weights. Companies are already under growing pressure from state bans to eliminate PFAS from consumer products.
Several EU nations already hitting 2030 sustainable energy targets, study claims
The recent ranking indicates big strides among EU countries in achieving their 2030 sustainable energy targets. Sweden emerged as the frontrunner, closely followed by Denmark, Estonia, and Austria – with the study also highlighting a narrowing “green gap” between individual EU countries.
$7 billion allocated for solar initiatives in low-income communities
Managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Solar for All initiatives aims to extend the benefits of small-scale solar and solar-plus-storage systems to low-income households and disadvantaged communities.
New approach to charcoal production saves Uganda’s last forests
In a bid to preserve Uganda’s dwindling forests, a series of women-led conservation initiatives are introducing innovative methods to produce charcoal by repurposing waste instead of relying on traditional wood sources.
New app offers global directory of LGBTQ+-owned businesses
Everywhere Is Queer, a comprehensive app featuring a searchable map and directory, connecting users with LGBTQ+ owned businesses and services worldwide and helping individuals find safe and inclusive spaces.
Recycled oyster shells are restoring the Alabama coast
As the Gulf South oyster reefs face depletion due to the impacts of climate change, Alabama is embarking on an innovative initiative to restore its coastal ecosystems. The state is leveraging recycled oyster shells, transforming them into the foundation for oyster gardens that can help rejuvenate and sustain the region’s marine habitats.
A new approach to therapy in France: museum visits
Le Hamo, a new initiative in France, is redefining mental health care beyond conventional art therapy – reflecting a broader nationwide effort in France to integrate art, culture, and in-person museum visits into personalised care plans.
