105 countries pledge to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030
The Global Methane Pledge announced at COP26, commits signatories, including the US, Japan and Canada, to reducing their overall emissions by 30% by 2030, compared with 2020 levels.
Nations
This archive collects milestones and progress stories involving nations — countries and their governments — acting to improve lives, protect rights, or address shared challenges. From policy breakthroughs to international cooperation, these stories show what countries are doing right.
Benin becomes the first West African country to legalize abortion
Before, abortion was only permitted if the pregnancy endangered the life of the pregnant woman, was the result of rape, or was conceived in an incestuous relationship.
Senate confirms Beth Robinson, the first out lesbian U.S. circuit court judge
Robinson has been an associate justice on the Vermont Supreme Court for the past ten years, where she also made history as the state’s first out LGBTQ supreme court justice.
More than 100 countries pledge to end deforestation by 2030 at COP26
In the first major deal to come out of the COP26 climate talks, more than 100 countries have pledged to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. The signatories hold more than 85% of the world’s forests.
World leaders promise to end deforestation by 2030
The countries who signed the pledge – including Canada, Brazil, Russia, China, Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the U.S. and the U.K. – cover around 85% of the world’s forests.
Spain to ban advertising for unhealthy foods targeted at children
According to a 2019 study, which is based on surveys of children aged six to nine, 40% of Spanish minors are above their recommended weight.
Ten countries now generate almost 100% renewable electricity
Albania, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Iceland, Namibia, Nepal, Norway, and Paraguay all now generate more than 97% of their electricity from renewable sources.
New Zealand swears in first Indigenous Māori Governor-general
Before being sworn in as New Zealand’s first Māori Governor-general last week, Dame Cindy Kiro forged a career in academics, holding various leadership roles at many New Zealand universities.
U.S. issues first passport with non-binary “X” gender marker in historic move
The X gender marker will become a part of the routine passport application process in early 2022.
‘Landmark decision’ gives legal teeth to protect environmental defenders throughout Europe
It is the first ever internationally-agreed tool to safeguard environmental defenders and marks an important step in upholding the universal right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.