Youth activists sue 33 countries over climate change, Ghana’s bamboo bikes, fighting water poverty in Nigeria

Photo: Maksym Kaharlytskyi/Unsplash

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about Portuguese youth activists holding governments accountable for the climate crisis, a Ghanaian initiative providing schoolchildren with free bamboo bikes, and an interactive map using data to combat water poverty in Nigeria.

Portuguese youth activists are holding the governments of 33 countries accountable for climate change

Six young people have filed a case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, citing a lack of tangible policies.

Source: Deutsche Welle

An initiative in Ghana is providing children with free bamboo bikes in order to aid their school commute

The company recycles wheels, gears, brakes and handles from steel bikes, whilst using fast-growing bamboo for the remaining 80% of the bike.

Source: Posibl

An online platform in Nigeria is combatting water poverty using an interactive map

The open source tool is working to highlight key areas lacking access to clean water or basic sanitation

Source: Global Citizen

An aid project is providing hospitals in Kenya with solar panels in order to stabilise their electricity source

The initiative means that incubators for newborns are fed with a constant supply of energy, potentially saving many lives each year.

Source: Global Citizen

A company in the UK is giving classic cars an eco-makeover

By replacing diesel-hungry engines with electric batteries, the cars are given a second and greener life.

Source: Euronews

Scientists have invented artificial skin that can feel pain

The breakthrough could drastically improve the lives of those living with prosthetic limbs or skin grafts.

Source: Futurism

UK care homes are using robots in order to reduce loneliness

The machines are able to hold simple conversations, and studies have shown that they have a positive effect on the mental health of residents.

Source: The Guardian

A new filtration system can efficiently remove steroid hormones from water

Hormones from contraceptives and medical substances have previously been able to sneak through traditional water treatment plants due to their particle size.

Source: Eurekalert

Vegan leather made from mushrooms is increasingly in popularity as an eco-friendly alternative

The production process involves fewer toxic chemicals in comparison to resource-intensive animal leather creation.

Source: The Conversation

A choreographer in South Africa is using dance to empower children

Thabile Buthelezi’s dance lessons – combined with career guidance and mentorship – instill confidence in young people in her community.

Source: Global Citizen

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