Locust invasion solutions, supermarket staff given emergency worker status, water conservation in India

Photo: Sergey Pesterev/Unsplash

In this issue of Squirrel News, we’re talking about supercomputers with the ability to halt the locust invasion decimating East African crops, the classification of supermarket staff as emergency workers in the US, and a duo in India who are saving millions of gallons of water using a very simple method.

A supercomputer developed in Kenya has the potential to end the locust invasion destroying parts of East Africa

The machine is able to predict weather patterns, which subsequently create ideal breeding conditions for locusts.

Source: Global Citizen

Supermarket workers have been given emergency worker status in Minnesota and Vermont

This classification entitles the workers to government-supported childcare, so they can continue to provide vital services during the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: Mother Jones

A duo in Kolkata are saving the city millions of gallons of clean water by installing and repairing roadside taps

Vijay Aggarwal and Ajay Mittal’s Fix For Life initiative aids water conversation and provides safe drinking supplies for approximately five million residents.

Source: The Guardian

An e-waste recycling app hopes to clean up Cairo’s streets

The Egyptian capital has struggled with the fly-tipping and littering of electronic waste for years, but this innovative new service aims to tackle the issue.

Source: Reset

A photojournalist’s non-profit organisation is raising awareness of the impact of child marriage has on young girls

Stephanie Sinclair’s Too Young To Wed highlights the struggle of child brides worldwide,

Source: Global Citizen

The humpback whale population in southern Chile has increased by 375% since 2003

Once hunted to the brink of extinction, the Francisco Coloane Marine Park has reported an increase from 40 to 190 individuals in their territory.

Source: Mongabay

A skateboarding scheme has dramatically increased school attendance in one of India’s poorest states

The program in Madyha Pradesh has doubled the number of low-income students attending school in exchange for skateboarding lessons.

Source: The Guardian

A movement aiming to prevent evictions amid the coronavirus pandemic is spreading to several US states

Eviction freezes, foreclosure pauses, and utility shut-off deferrals are increasing as city leaders rally around those at risk of homelessness due to loss of wages.

Source: Citylab

A Canadian company are tackling waste from single-use chopsticks by upcycling them into sustainable decor and housewares

ChopValue hasa repurposed over 25 million chopsticks, saving them from being sent straight to landfill.

Source: Inhabitat

A gender statistician in Kenya is ensuring women are being counted to combat inequality

Caroline Gatwiri Mutiwiri’s campaign is making sure that women are given the same access to essential resources, as well as starting conversations about gender inequality and women’s rights.

Source: Upworthy

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