In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a unique approach to addressing gun violence in Baltimore, the lessons the German city of Kiel can teach us in terms of sustainability, and six Roma elected to Slovakia’s parliament in recent elections – the highest number ever.
Baltimore community leads the way in gun violence reduction through CBT
Roca, an innovative programme with roots in Massachusetts, is pioneering a novel approach to curbing gun violence by reshaping the minds of potential shooters – employing cognitive behaviour therapy to steer young men towards safer choices.
The zero-waste city: what Kiel in Germany can teach the world
When it comes to recycling, Kiel has pulled ahead of the crowd, with its ban on single-use items, plans for leftover meals and innovative ideas for discarded human hair.
Slovakia election sees record number of Roma voted into parliament
In a historic electoral outcome, this achievement marks a significant step towards diverse political representation – with four of these elected officials hailing from the OLANO and Friends coalition, a party that enjoys substantial backing within the Roma community.
Ferret electricians and landmine-sniffing rats: the animals that work for a living
Sometimes the right person for the job isn’t a person at all – but an animal. A growing number of initiatives are realising the potential other species might hold when it comes to addressing some of the world’s problems, big and small.
Exploring nature-inspired solutions in the fight against forever chemicals
PFAS have permeated our environment in more ways than we can imagine – but researchers are drawing inspiration from nature and pioneering novel approaches to address this contamination challenge.
How Spain’s shepherds are learning to live with their old enemy
As wolf numbers surge, herders in the north of the country are relearning old ways to keep the apex predators at bay. In the pastoral settlements in the hills of northern Spain, shepherds are trying new strategies in an effort to coexist with these large carnivores.
Jamaica’s robust coastal ecosystem: a shield against climate challenges
The combination of wetlands and mangrove forests plays a crucial role in Jamaica’s climate adaptation strategy, serving as a resilient defense system against rising waters, powerful waves, and corrosive salt. Beyond their environmental significance, these coastal features also bolster the economic stability of local communities.
Bringing São Paulo’s rare trees back to life in “biodiversity guardian” nurseries
The nurseries collectively cultivate roughly 1.5 million native seedlings annually, enriching the city’s greenery. Among them, the Harry Blossfeld nursery stands out, fostering the growth of 270,000 seedlings representing over 200 tree species, including 22 at risk of extinction.
Indian farmers harness ice stupas as solution for high-altitude water storage
These towering, gradual-melting ice structures offer a promising solution to high-altitude water storage challenges, providing farmers with an ingenious method to combat drought by preserving water until it’s required for summer crop irrigation.
Austria offers free year of rail travel to every 18-year-old
As part of an initiative aimed at encouraging eco-conscious transportation, Austria’s Minister of Climate is granting young people in Austria three years to claim their free KlimaTicket from the government – with the clock starting on their 18th birthday.
