Tunisia becomes the first Arab nation to offer sex education in schools
Tunisia will become the first country in the Arab world to introduce sex education at schools, the executive director of the Tunisian Association of Reproductive health said.
Nations
U.K. renewables outperform natural gas for first quarter ever
In the third quarter of 2019 renewable energy sources provided a record 38.9% of the country’s electricity — exceeding natural gas for the first time ever, which provided 38.8%.
Mainland Spain registers first coal-free day
Mainland Spain went coal free from 23:50 local time on 13 December until 21:20 on 15 December — making 14 December the first day of no coal burn since records began.
Germany bans gay conversion therapy for minors
Germany is banning gay conversion therapy for minors saying the practice that purports to make patients straight has no scientific basis and often causes psychological harm.
Cambodia to teach LGBT+ issues in schools to tackle discrimination
Children in Cambodia will receive lessons on LGBT+ issues from 2020 in a bid to wipe out bullying and discrimination in the socially conservative country.
France bans two US pesticides, citing risk to bees
A court banned the products from US group Dow AgroSciences, on the grounds that their containing sulfoxaflor was harmful to bees’ nervous systems.
Saudi Arabia is dropping gender rules for restaurant entrances
Saudi Arabia is ending the requirement that restaurants have two separate entrances: one for families and women and another for unaccompanied men.
Ireland unveils plan for 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030
Ireland has published its long-awaited Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, unveiling details on how the country will increase its share of renewable energy to 70% by 2030.
Zambia halts mining permits in pristine wilderness
Besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is 1,500 square miles of classic African bush (about half the size of Yellowstone).
United States enacts animal cruelty bill into law, making it a federal felony
Animal cruelty has officially become a federal felony after President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan bill, Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, into law.