Today on Squirrel News, Spain introduces a bill requiring public corrections to address disinformation, a programme helps students understand both sides of divisive histories like Israel-Palestine, and volunteers plant 750,000 trees in Australia to protect an endangered bird and restore ecosystems.
Spain introduces new law to address disinformation
Spain has introduced a bill requiring digital platforms and high-profile influencers to publicly correct false or harmful information. The law aims to curb the spread of disinformation by making it easier for citizens to request corrections, strengthening accountability.
Teen abstinence from drugs and alcohol hits record high in the US
A national survey shows record numbers of US teens abstaining from alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. Experts suggest the sustained decline gives an opportunity to study effective prevention strategies and promote healthier youth behaviours.
Divisive histories often go untaught in schools, this programme bridges the gap
Many schools avoid teaching contentious topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict, leaving students with limited understanding of critical global issues. A charity addresses this gap by providing tools and methods that help students examine both sides.
EU governments back stricter shipping rules to curb plastic pellet pollution
After a 26-tonne plastic pellet spill devastated Spanish beaches, EU governments have agreed on new shipping regulations to reduce microplastic pollution. The plan enforces stricter safety standards and hefty fines to prevent similar environmental disasters.
Breakthrough tech turns body heat into renewable energy for wearables
Researchers in Australia have developed a flexible, low-cost film that converts body heat into electricity, paving the way for sustainable wearable devices. This innovation opens possibilities for powering smartwatches, personal cooling systems, and more.
Using thousands of mirrors to focus sunlight, China is reviving concentrated solar power with molten salt storage that generates electricity even at night. This approach could bridge renewable energy gaps and reshape how solar power is harnessed globally.
Solar power brings healthcare to remote communities in Kenya
Rural areas in Kenya often lack access to healthcare, making it difficult to store and deliver essential medicines. Solar-powered mobile clinics and vaccine refrigerators are closing this gap through life-saving treatments that reach even the most isolated regions.
Cows, horses, and satellites join the fight against wildfires
With wildfires becoming more frequent and severe, new solutions are emerging. Grazing cows and horses help reduce fire-prone vegetation, while advanced satellite technology enables rapid detection and response to outbreaks.
Restored wetlands heal reef and empower Indigenous youth
Once choked with invasive weeds, Queensland’s Mungalla wetlands, known as the ‘kidneys’ of the Great Barrier Reef, are now thriving. It is filtering harmful runoff and supporting reef health while creating jobs and training for Indigenous youth.
Volunteers restore habitat for endangered bird by planting 750,000 trees
In Australia, farmers and volunteers have planted 750,000 trees to address habitat loss and support the critically endangered regent honeyeater. The Regent Honeyeater Project is building tree corridors that benefit not only the bird but also other wildlife and sustainable farming practices.
