As the week comes to a close, we’re talking about a last-minute UN funding agreement to protect biodiversity across the globe, the abandoned coal mines being repurposed as opportunities for green energy storage, and the first astronaut with a disability cleared for a space station mission.
Nations reach milestone UN deal on global nature funding
After a series of intense negotiations in Rome, the UN struck a hard-won agreement to finance the protection of global ecosystems and wildlife. The plan, finalised after a year of deadlock following unsuccessful talks in Colombia, lays out a financial framework to raise and allocate the billions needed for essential biodiversity protections.
Old coal mines are turning into the energy storage of tomorrow
Former coal mines are finding a new path as “gravity batteries”, providing a sustainable energy solution whilst acting as a lifeline for communities that once depended on coal.
How caverns of hot water are warming Swedish cities
In Vasteras, where winter temperatures can plummet to -20°C, staying warm isn’t a nice-to-have for its 160,000 residents. Vasteras relies on district heating via a man-made cave system, where instead of individual home boilers, a central power plant generates heat.
First astronaut with a disability set to take on space station mission
After losing his right leg in a motorbike accident at 19, John McFall turned to running, winning multiple medals for Great Britain in sprint events. Now, his next challenge will take him beyond the running track: into space.
More than 100,000 African seeds put in Svalbard vault for safekeeping
More than 100,000 seeds from across Africa have been deposited in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the world’s repository for specimens intended to preserve crop diversity in the event of disaster.
Sussex to launch UK’s first climate justice undergraduate degree
The BA course, called “climate justice, sustainability and development”, will begin in 2026. The university says it will equip students with a blend of expertise in climate politics, activism and environmental human rights. The university says this will be combined with the practical green skills needed to drive change.
Machine turns rubble into bricks to rebuild homes for displaced Ukrainians
With an estimated 3.6 million people still internally displaced across Ukraine, providing safe and stable housing remains a big challenge. Australia-based nonprofit Mobile Crisis Construction is stepping in: thanks to their mobile block factories, reconstruction efforts are speeding up.
The Jordanian medics bringing prosthetic limbs to Gaza
According to the WHO, one in every 100 people in Gaza has sustained a life-altering injury due to Israel’s ongoing bombardment of the region. With most residents unable to leave the strip for medical care, a team of Jordanian medics has entered Gaza to provide war victims with prosthetic limbs that are designed for quick and easy attachment.
Arizona’s old shipping containers become homes for foster youth
In 2024, Arizona auctioned off shipping containers previously used in its border wall project, making them available to nonprofits and government agencies for a flat rate of $2,000 each. Tucson-based nonprofit Wholistic Transformation took the opportunity to repurpose these units as housing for young adults aging out of the foster care system.
Pakistan’s trans community find new opportunities at culinary school
For transgender students at a unique culinary school in Pakistan, the classroom is more than just a place to learn skills and master cooking: it’s a path to a better and more stable future. The free programme launched in Lahore began with 25 trans students, with a second group of 25 joining on 1st February.
