In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about the WHO’s approval of the first malaria vaccine for children across Africa, pro-tree campaigners who are lobbying for green canopy cover in their districts, and how one woman is passing Hawaiian Sign Language to a new generation.
WHO gives the go-ahead for the first malaria vaccine in Africa
In a historic move, children across the African diaspora are set to be vaccinated against the deadly mosquito-borne disease, potentially saving tens of thousands of lives every year.
A deaf woman is saving Hawaiian Sign Language from extinction
Linda Yuen Lambrecht is helping to preserve generations of history, heritage and wisdom through her classes – whilst fighting native language erasure and globalisation in the meantime.
Austria is set to introduce a new carbon tax next year
The new legislation aims to reform the country’s tax system as part of efforts to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with money returned to residents as part of a “climate bonus”.
Germany opens world’s first plant for clean jet fuel
The non-profit organisation Atmosfair will produce carbon-neutral jet fuel in the northern German region of Emsland, creating green jobs as well as eight barrels of synthetic kerosene per day.
Woman successfully treated for depression with electrical brain implant
With the technology previously having treated Parkinson’s and epilepsy, the neuroscientific advance gives hope to those whose mental health conditions can’t be helped with medication.
Birmingham to become a super-sized low-traffic neighbourhood
The city council plans to divert car traffic from city via a ring road, while providing more buses and cycle lines to make green transport safer and more accessible.
A grassroots scheme is making Costa Rica’s remote tourist spots accessible
Monteverde’s Ruta Eléctrica is Latin America’s only grassroots charging network, created to reduce “range anxiety” – the fear that an electric car won’t be able to reach its destination.
Red Flag Laws are stopping incidents of violent gun crime before they start
Community member Alyssa Shaw guides local residents through the process of obtaining a temporary extreme risk protection order for loved ones at risk of hurting themselves or others.
Surfing is helping a young generation of Liberians move forward from civil war
With many young people dealing with the double blow of the Ebola outbreak and violent conflict, a surfing initiative offers respite and a distraction to their problems.
