Tokyo begins issuing same-sex couples partnership certificates
Some hope this may be a step towards the whole of Japan embracing equality. It is currently the only country in the G7 group of developed nations which doesn’t recognize same-sex unions.
Cities
Local officials remove permit for controversial Philippine gold mine
Local activists have hailed the revocation of the permit as a victory in a decades-long campaign against the mine.
Tokyo to require that new homes have solar panels from 2025
The move will make Tokyo the first prefecture in Japan to require that solar panels be installed on all new houses.
San Francisco decriminalizes psychedelics
City lawmakers have unanimously approved a measure calling for the decriminalization of psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca.
Seattle offers utility pole EV chargers to city residents
Residents who live within city limits can request to have a public electric vehicle charging station installed in front of their home or residential property. Installations are expected to begin early next year.
Indigenous group and locals in Colombia sign agreement to protect sustainable livelihoods and culture
A coexistence agreement signed between the Nukak and local campesinos is bringing the Indigenous community closer to returning to their territory.
Ousted anti-mining mayor heads back to Philippine city hall after landslide win
After being stripped of her post for vigorously opposing mining in her community, a local official in Palawan has won in landslide victory in the country’s May 9 elections.
North Texas city to become first in the U.S. to offer free healthcare
Ferris, Texas, about 20 miles south of Dallas, will use money from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide free physical and mental healthcare to all residents.
Austin becomes the first Texas city to experiment with ‘guaranteed income’
Under a yearlong, $1 million pilot program, the city will send monthly checks of $1,000 to 85 needy households at risk of losing their homes.
Egypt to build world’s first climate-positive, net-zero city
The new city, Nexgen, to be located east of Cairo, will produce more food and energy than it consumes.