In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we take a look at Tasmania becoming carbon negative, the new White House press secretary breaking two barriers, and big goats making a difference in the fight against poaching in Zimbabwe.
White House announces first African-American, LGBTQ+ press secretary
Karine Jean-Pierre will be the first black person as well as the first openly gay press secretary for a US administration. Currently serving as deputy press secretary, she will take over as the Biden Administration’s lead press relations officer next week.
Municipal authorities in the so-called European noise capital will start fining citizens whose vehicles break the legally permitted noise level. Sensors with microphones and cameras are being installed around the city.
Simple way to prevent water waste makes big difference for Kenyan farmers
Farmers are more conscientious in their water usage after the government installed irrigation meters. Previously, every farm paid a flat-fee water bill. Now upstream farmers don’t waste so much water, helping their downstream counterparts.
Bahamas taking the lead in underwater carbon offsetting
The Caribbean government is one of the first to start an offsetting program to store carbon in the ocean. Home to more than 1,600 square miles of marine ecosystems, the Bahamas are launching a “blue carbon” credit program this year.
Canadian initiative protects firefighters from burnout
Firefighting is a physically testing job but also one with significant risks for mental health. A Canadian wildfire service has recently adopted a preventive approach to mental health, helping firefighters recognise and deal with stress and trauma through peer support.
The Texas university offering generous aid to ensure students stay enrolled
At the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley 90% of students are Hispanic and many are first-generation. The institution has low tuition fees and offers generous financial aid to make sure no one drops out due to financial difficulties.
Restaurant owners invested in their employees and it payed off
Despite the food service industry’s cutbacks during the pandemic, the owners of the bistro Bell’s in California changed their business model to a prefixed menu. This enabled them to raise wages for their workers and increase profit.
Nigerian radio show brings justice to abuse victims
Silent Voices helps women in abusive or exploitative situations and lets them tell their story. Supported by pro bono lawyers, women who contact the show are able to get the justice they deserve.
Drought-hit farmers in Zimbabwe often turn to poaching wild animals in search for food. An EU-funded project gives farmers big male goats, raising their incomes by selling the bigger goats they breed.
