E.U. Commission passes new laws to make large appliances easier to repair
The so-called “Right to Repair” law says spare parts should remain available for at least seven to ten years after the appliance has been sold.
Nations
E.U. to step up its support to Zimbabwe with a new package of €53 million
The new package will strengthen national health systems and promote equal access to health services, notably from a gender perspective.
India cancels plans for huge coal power stations as solar energy prices hit record low
India has cancelled plans to build nearly 14 gigawatts of coal-fired power stations – about the same as the total amount in the U.K. – with the price for solar electricity “free falling” to levels once considered impossible.
Murder rate in India drops steadily to lowest since 1963
The murder rate in India in 2017 was the lowest it has been in the last 54 years. With the exception of 1963, it has never been lower since 1957, the earliest year for which data on this rate is available.
Estonia joins 24 European countries in favor of net zero emissions by 2050
Estonia was one of four hold-out countries which blocked an EU-wide agreement for a carbon neutrality by 2050 target last June.
India replaces ten million conventional streetlights with ‘energy-efficient’ LEDs
These LED streetlights have helped the country to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 4.63 million tonnes annually.
Thailand to ban imports of high-tech trash, plastic waste
Southeast Asia nations fear they are the new dumping ground for the world’s trash after China banned the entry of several types of waste as part of a campaign against foreign garbage.
Norway will pay Gabon to preserve its forests
As part of a 10-year deal, Norway will pay $150 million to Gabon to battle deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Costa Rica produces 98.84% of its power from renewables in 2019
According to the National Centre for Energy Control, the Central American country has maintained the trend of keeping the annual share of the renewable generation above 98% since 2015.
Guatemala to ban plastic bags, straws, cups beginning 2021
The measure gives merchants two years to phase out bags, straws, plates, cups and containers made from plastic or plastic foam, and replace them with compostable items.