Cambodia and Laos wipe out trachoma as a public health problem
Trachoma is an eye disease caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. It is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide.
Nations
Russian government approves bill on minimum wage hike
The Russian government approved the draft law on increasing the minimum wage from January 1, 2018, setting it in the amount of 9,489 rubles ($164.2)
U.S. household incomes rose to record in 2016 as poverty fell
The U.S. median household income rose to a record last year and the poverty rate fell, as steady economic growth helped improve the lot of more Americans.
China to join forces with Canada and EU to continue fight climate change despite Trump withdrawal
Environment ministers representing Canada, China and the European Union will co-host a meeting in Montreal later this month to advance implementation of the Paris climate change agreement.
Netherlands administration to include Minister of Climate Affairs
The Ministers pool of the Netherlands will reportedly be expanding as the new centered coalition takes office, adding a Minister of Climate Affairs and Environment.
Scotland to ‘phase out’ new petrol and diesel cars by 2032
Nicola Sturgeon outlined plans to “massively expand” charging points and set up pilot projects to encourage uptake of electric vehicles.
China sets up $500 million fund for developing world
China will contribute $500 million for a South-South cooperation assistance fund to help other developing countries deal with famine, refugees, climate change and public health challenges.
Kenya becomes latest African nation to ban plastic bags
Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mauritania and Malawi are among the countries that have adopted or announced such bans.
U.S. wind and solar power helped prevent up to 12,700 deaths
The lower carbon emissions were worth billions of dollars as a result of the avoidance of the range of problems caused by fossil fuels.
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