Sri Lankan Supreme Court clears path to decriminalize homosexuality
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has given the green light to a bill seeking to decriminalize homosexuality in a move hailed as a “historic development” by campaigners.
Nations
Brazil’s President Lula recognizes six Indigenous lands, and says more to come
After years of stalling due to opposition by the two former presidents with the country’s Indigenous policies, they are the first Indigenous lands to be demarcated since 2018.
Sweden to build world’s first permanent e-road by 2035
The first of its kind in the world, the e-motorway that charges EVs while they drive may lead to an expansion of a further 3,000 km of electric roads in Sweden by 2045.
Japan approves first abortion pill
Japanese activists have been pushing for years for approval of the pills, with similar medications made available decades ago in other countries as Japan lagged ever further behind.
Mexico approves mining reforms to protect environment, Indigenous people
Under the new reform, Indigenous communities will receive 5% of a mining operation’s profits. Concessions will no longer be granted in areas with water shortages or in protected areas.
India aims to turn 90 airports carbon-neutral by 2024
Cochin International Airport has already been deemed the first ‘green airport’ in the world, for which it was awarded the ‘Champions of Earth’ award in 2018, the United Nation’s highest environmental honor.
E.U. lawmakers approve world’s first carbon import tax
At the core of the broader EU package is a so-called “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism” (CBAM), which seeks to incentivize non-EU nations to increase their climate ambitions.
New Zealand cabinet reaches gender equality for the first time
Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime, who is of Māori descent, was recently promoted as a cabinet minister. There are now 10 women and 10 male members in the cabinet for the time in the nation’s history.
E.U. parliament passes historic law forcing companies to track deforestation
A new law, passed with an overwhelming majority by the European Parliament, requires companies to demonstrate their products aren’t sourced to deforested land or land with forest degradation, or else risk heavy fines.
Germany to ban new gas and oil heating beginning in 2024
A recently approved bill stipulates that any heating system installed in new or old buildings after January 1, 2024 must be 65% based on renewable energy.