U.K. pledges £100m to global efforts to eradicate polio
Money will fund vaccination of 45 million children annually until 2020, when the world could finally be declared polio-free
Nations
Dutch airports to be powered by renewable energy from 2018
The Royal Schiphol Group has announced that all of its business units are set to run on sustainable power from the beginning of 2018.
Nepal outlaws custom of exiling women during their periods
The ancient Hindu tradition of Chhaupadi, whereby women are confined to animal sheds during menstruation to keep “impurity” out of the home, was banned by the supreme court in 2005.
Spain awards over 5GW of renewable energy projects
The government said it was forced to apply a clause offering more than the original 3GW because of high demand.
China is about to launch the biggest national Carbon Trading Scheme in the world
China aims to become a global leader in climate action by setting up the biggest Carbon Trading Scheme (CTS) worldwide as an attempt to meet 2030 peak emissions target.
Jordan repeals law allowing rapists to avoid punishment if they marry their victims
The decision is expected to be approved by the upper house, and then ratified by King Abdullah II.
China plans another 100 panda solar power plants worldwide
Panda Green Energy Group is in talks with Canada, Australia, Germany and Italy to launch more panda-shaped power stations.
Top military officials call on Trump to reverse transgender ban
A letter signed by 56 retired admirals and generals argues transgender military members must not be dismissed or forced to compromise their integrity.
Cameroon fights pollution by turning used plastic into jobs
Officials say the recycled slabs have already been used by the Yaounde city council for various projects and by the National Olympic sport committee in the construction of the national handball field.
FDA announces comprehensive regulatory plan to shift trajectory of tobacco-related disease, death
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a new comprehensive plan for tobacco and nicotine regulation that will serve as a multi-year roadmap to better protect kids and significantly reduce tobacco-related disease and death.