Could Colombia be the first oil-rich country to ditch fossil fuels?
The South American nation’s left-wing government has announced it will not approve any new oil and gas exploration projects as it seeks to shift towards a more sustainable economy. In June last year, ex-rebel Gustavo Petro won Colombia’s presidential election after one of the most contested campaigns in the...
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England set to ban some single-use plastics
In a long-awaited step towards reducing pollution, the British government is poised to phase out certain products and replace them with biodegradable alternatives. Two years ago, the extent of Britain’s plastic waste problem came to light. Though the nation claims to be a world leader in tackling this kind of...
Thousands of displaced children in Mali have no legal identity
Since 2012, disruption in Mali has killed thousands who’ve gotten caught in clashes between security forces and jihadist fighters. According to the UN, the war has displaced nearly 500,000 people including children. A new report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) says 148,600 displaced children in Mali do not...
Global pollinator losses linked to excess fatalities
According to a new study, insect declines are resulting in reduced yields of healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, and nuts which is causing an estimated 500,000 early deaths a year. In 2019, the first Global Scientific Review of insect populations was released. It disclosed, to the dismay of the entomological community,...
Africa’s Gen Z demanded COP27 tackle climate emergency
At this year’s COP27, young African climate activists demanded for actions and not words. Africa has been the worst hit by the effects of climate change. This year's Young Africa session revealed adaptation and funding as priorities to curb the climate emergency. According to the UN, more than 30...
San Francisco launches income programme for trans community
The city’s GIFT pilot program sets a new benchmark for tangible inclusive legislation. San Francisco has become one of the first cities in the world to launch a guaranteed income program designed to protect trans residents. The Guaranteed Income for Transgender People, or GIFT, will grant trans applicants up to...
Uganda closes schools early due to Ebola surge among children
Uganda is battling its eighth Ebola outbreak, caused by Sudan ebolavirus. According to World Health Organization data, more than 65 deaths have been recorded including more than eight school children. Uganda has been facing both environmental and health catastrophes this year, putting thousands of lives in danger. Six Ugandan districts have Ebola cases, including the capital, Kampala. Last week, all primary and secondary schools across Uganda closed as a result of...
Tobacco companies to be billed for clean-up of cigarette waste
Under new environmental regulations in Spain and Ireland, they will be forced to pay for part of the costs associated with ridding the streets of the millions of butts smokers discard annually. In June, the World Health Organisation released a comprehensive report outlining the destructive effects of the tobacco industry on the planet. Every year, cigarette manufacture costs the world some 600m trees, 200,000 hectares of land, and 84m tonnes...
Climate impact labels are encouraging people to eat less meat
According to a new study, information on food packaging that indicates the level of planet-heating gases emitted during production can persuade consumers against carbon-heavy meal options. Of the many things we can do to reduce our carbon footprints, switching to a plant-based diet is pretty high up in terms of effectiveness. This is because agriculture is a major contributor to the climate crisis and foregoing the 83% of all land required...
31 children have been found working in US meatpacking plants
Packers Sanitation Services Inc. has been accused of ‘oppressive child labour’ after children ages 13-17 were found cleaning warehouses overnight. The US Labor Department has sought an injunction against Packers Sanitation Services Inc. after 31 young children were found cleaning meatpacking plants across the Midwest. Officials say the children were being forced to carry out illegal work – including the cleaning of dangerous industrial equipment – during night shifts. According to the...
