Stanford becomes first university in the U.S. to go 100% renewable energy
Stanford will become “first research university to use 100% renewable electricity” by summer 2022, even after a wildfire burned one of its solar farms.
Civil society
CRISPR therapy for rare blood disease delivers “life-changing” results
Targeting a pair of rare genetic blood diseases, the experimental therapy has so far been 100 percent effective in all 22 patients treated.
Veteran homelessness in the U.S. decreased by nearly 50% between 2009 and 2018
Many veterans have connected with rapid re-housing through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. In 2015 alone, the SSVF program helped nearly 100,000 veterans and about 35,000 children remain in their homes or quickly exit homelessness,
Two million acres of Bolivian Amazon preserved in new protected area
Fundación Natura Bolivia, the indigenous people of the Bajo Paragua forest, and Selfless by Hyram have joined forces to hold the line on deforestation in the Amazon, announcing the creation of the 2.05-million-acre Bajo Paragua San Ignacio and Concepcion Municipal Protected Areas.
Iberian Lynx claws its way back from extinction thanks to conservationists
Spain’s Iberian Lynx is the world’s most endangered species of felines. But conservation efforts have successfully increased the cat’s numbers tenfold since 2002, with 1,100 Iberian Lynx living in the wild at the end of last year.
Nepal nearly doubles its wild tiger population since 2010
In an amazing show of progress for wildlife, Nepal is on track to become the first of the world’s countries to double its wild tiger population since 2010.
Renewables were the world’s cheapest source of energy in 2020
Almost two-thirds of wind and solar projects built globally last year will be able to generate cheaper electricity than even the world’s cheapest new coal plants, according to a new report from IRENA.
British Methodist Church allows same-sex marriage in ‘momentous’ vote
A vote to change the definition of marriage at the Methodist Conference on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed by 254 in favor with 46 against.
Museum in Dubai is first in the Arab world to exhibit Holocaust memorial
According to the museum’s founder, Ahmed Obaid AlMansoori, the opening of the museum is timely, as parts of the Middle East region open up and there is an effort being made towards normalizing relations between countries.
America’s first transgender suicide hotline is up and running
The new hotline is staffed entirely by transgender people and dedicated to addressing and supporting members of the trans community in mental health crises.