Thousands in the U.S. were saved between 1990 and 2012 as air pollution declined
Between 1990 and 2012, particulate matter and organic aerosols significantly declined in the United States, saving thousands of lives.
Nations
U.K. scientists claim they found a drug that significantly reverses memory loss
A team at Lancaster University in the U.K. has discovered that a drug designed to treat type 2 diabetes may hold the key to fighting the memory loss that accompanies Alzheimer’s disease.
Indian Government launches the world’s first floating solar power program
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), which is administered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of India (MNRE) has invited expressions of interest to build 10,000 MW of floating solar PV over the next three years.
Transgender individuals may now openly join the U.S. military
Starting today, transgender individuals may openly join the U.S. military, this despite stiff opposition from President Trump.
China institutes unprecedented ban on the import of plastic waste
China’s “National Sword” policy banned the import of most plastics and other materials headed for that nation’s recycling processors, which had handled nearly half of the world’s recyclable waste. The move was an effort to halt a deluge of soiled and contaminated materials that was overwhelming Chinese processing facilities and causing environmental havoc. Within one year, China’s plastics imports plummeted by 99%, leading to a major global shift in where and how materials are being processed and incentivizing less wasteful behavior around the world.
Syria signs Paris climate agreement
Syria’s decision brings to 197 the number of nations signed up to the landmark 2015 pact on global warming, the first in more than 20 years of UN negotiations to bind both developed and developing countries to a clear limit on temperature rises.
Myanmar to raise minimum wage
The authorities are exerting efforts to increase the minimum pay rate as workers are struggling with the rising cost of living in their daily lives.
U.S. report says humans cause climate change, contradicting top Trump officials
Directly contradicting much of the Trump administration’s position on climate change, 13 federal agencies unveiled an exhaustive scientific report that says humans are the dominant cause of the global temperature rise.
South African cabinet approves $1.43 an hour national minimum wage
Credit ratings agencies have said a minimum wage could help stabilise the labour market and reduce the number of costly strikes in Africa’s most industrialised economy.
U.S. signs deal with Denmark to expand offshore wind energy cooperation
A new deal calling for further cooperation in the offshore wind energy sector has been signed by the US and Denmark, thanks to a fairly positive view of wind energy within the Trump Administration, according to recent reports.