Japan to add 17 GW of new solar by end of 2020
The Japanese solar sector grew from 13.6 GW at the end of 2013 to 48.6 GW by the end of 2017, making it one of the fastest growing solar sectors in the world.
Nations
This archive collects milestones and progress stories involving nations — countries and their governments — acting to improve lives, protect rights, or address shared challenges. From policy breakthroughs to international cooperation, these stories show what countries are doing right.
Commercial fishing banned across much of the Arctic
International agreement will protect vast areas of sea that have opened up as the ice melts.
North and South Korea begin removing landmines along fortified DMZ
In a statement, the ministry said the two sides agreed to remove all landmines in the so-called Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom within the next 20 days.
Pakistani government hires first transgender employee
The Pakistani federal government counts a transgender employee among its work force for the first time.
Germany launches world’s first hydrogen-powered train
Hydrogen-powered trains moved from concept to reality when two passenger trains began quietly serving real commuters across rural northern Germany — on routes too sparse to justify overhead electric lines, where diesel had been the only option. The trains emit nothing but steam and water, matching diesel on practicality, and other countries quickly began exploring the technology after seeing it work in the real world. The bigger challenge ahead is cost: green hydrogen remains significantly more expensive than diesel at scale, and the supply infrastructure is still maturing.
Ethiopia and Eritrea to sign peace agreement after two decades of hostility
On Tuesday, the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea reopened two land border crossing points for the first time in 20 years, clearing the way for trade between the two nations.
Ethiopia opens Africa’s first waste-to-energy facility
It is supposed to take 1,400 tons of waste daily which figure comes up to about 80% of refuse generated by Addis Ababa. It will go on to supply the capital with 30% household electricity needs whiles conforming to global standards on air emissions.
Ireland to raise carbon tax to help fight climate change
Taoiseach says move is necessary as part of climate change obligations.
Christine Hallquist becomes first transgender candidate to be nominated for a governorship by a major party in the U.S.
Christine Hallquist, a Democrat, won Vermont’s Governor’s primary.
Caribbean island of Dominica bans plastic and Styrofoam
The island nation has announced its aim to completely ban common plastics and single-use Styrofoam cups and food containers — effective January 2019.