Cyclists now outnumber motorists in London
The number of motorists has fallen by 64% since 1999, while the number of climate-friendly cyclists has increased by 386%.
Citizens
Puerto Rico’s first community solar project goes live
The town of Adjuntas has completed the island’s first cooperatively managed solar microgrid. The system includes 700 solar panels mounted on seven buildings in the town’s central plaza and a 1 MWh battery storage system.
Staggering 79% of new cars sold in Norway in 2022 were electric
There are now more than 600,000 EVs in Norway. In 2017, the country pledged to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2025. The government also has exempted new EVs from purchase tax and sales tax.
A historic number of LGBTQ candidates in the U.S won their elections this year
According to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, a record of at least 340 out LGBTQ people won – beating 2020’s record of 336 for the most in US history.
Millennial fathers in the U.S. spend more quality time with children than in previous generations
Fathers in the U.S. have a growing preference for spending time with their children over working. According to Pew Research, dads spend three times more time with their children than two generations ago. Most of these men now see being a good father as central to their identity.
Prevalence of dementia is declining among older Americans
The age-adjusted prevalence of dementia declined from 12.2 percent of people over age 65 in 2000 to 8.5 percent of people over age 65 in 2016—a nearly one-third drop from the 2000 level, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
Meat consumption is falling significantly across Western Europe
A French research company interviewed more than 4,000 adults across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. More than 50% reported having reduced their meat consumption in the last five years largely for environmental, animal welfare, and personal health reasons.
Kenya’s Kuruwitu corals make remarkable recovery, thanks to local conservation drive
In 2005, residents of the area took the unprecedented step of setting aside a 30-hectare Marine Protected Area (MPA). Seventeen years on, the area has made a remarkable recovery.
Kenya’s coastal communities launch groundbreaking programs offering carbon credits for mangrove conservation
Launched two years ago, this first-of-its-kind initiative, known as Mikoko Pamoja (‘Mangroves Together’), raises money for its mangrove conservation by selling carbon credits to people and organizations eager to shrink their carbon footprint.
Kenyan engineer invents method to turn plastic waste into sturdy construction bricks
Nzambi Matee’s Nairobi-based company, Gjenge Makers, produces a variety of different paving stones, which are already being put to use to line sidewalks, driveways, and roads.