In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about using a model of rewilding to reverse the desertification of Egypt’s Sinai region, a startup in Portland mentoring at-risk youth to guide them away from gun violence and crime, and Colorado’s new law hoping to make college applications fairer and more equitable.
Successful Loess Plateau forestation model to be replicated in the Sinai desert
The initiative aims to turn the barren and arid place into a green and fertile ecosystem, even going as far as to bring back rain to the desert.
Source: BBC
“Our biggest challenge? Lack of imagination”: the scientists turning the desert green
In China, scientists have turned vast swathes of arid land into a lush oasis. Now a team of maverick engineers want to do the same to the Sinai.
Source: The Guardian
Portland startup redirects at-risk youth towards green jobs instead of gangs
Small startup Leaders Become Legends mentor people involved in gun violence and connect them with hiring managers in the green energy industry, such as solar panel installation companies.
Source: NPR
Colorado has become the first state to ban legacy college admissions
The move hopes to level the playing field for applicants who don’t have family connections to prestigious universities and academic institutions, whilst also discouraging “admission after donation”.
Source: NPR
Exxon board to get its third climate activist member
The announcement of the new board member — who was nominated as part of a grassroots investor campaign — means that a quarter of board members are now climate activists.
Source: The New York Times
Scotland to build the UK’s largest electric vehicle charging hub
First Bus will install 160 charging points and replace 50% of its fleet with electric buses at Glasgow’s Caledonia depot.
Source: BBC News
Los Angeles trials free public transport for students
By offering fare-free transit to local students, the city hopes to reduce its carbon footprint and tackle the problem of notoriously gridlocked highways.
Source: Next City
Louisiana’s coastal communities are taking solutions into their own hands
Using a unique decision-making process spearheaded by those most affected by local flooding, community leaders are hoping to find innovative solutions quickly and efficiently.
Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful
Agroforestry campaign in Pennsylvania is cleaning up waterway pollution
A ground-up approach involving the planting of over 86,000 acres of riparian buffers appears to be a win-win for both farmers and local residents.
Source: Mongabay
“Reef stars” are encouraging new coral growth in Bali’s waters
Over 6,000 hexagonal steel structures have been installed in coral reefs across Bali, with the star bridging gaps in the reef where coral has died and supporting new growth.
Source: Reuters
Turkish pottery house revives traditional bird-friendly roof tiles
The unique design features a safe space for birds to shelter in, acting as a critical rest stop for the hundreds of migratory bird species who pass through the region annually.