China announces planting of Belgium-sized forests and expanded national parks
14,000 square-miles of new forest will go up every year, particularly in drought-prone regions of the North and West.
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.
Assisted dying is rapidly becoming legal and accepted – currently in 11 countries and 10 U.S. states
Since 2015, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, the Netherlands, Colombia, Germany, Austria, Portugal, five Australian states, ten American states, and D.C. have legalized assisted dying.
New Zealand becomes first country in the world to fully legalize drug checking
The new law allows individuals to test the safety of illicit substances at festivals and other locations without the fear of legal repercussions.
Chile elects its first transgender official to their national legislature
Trans woman and activist Emilia Schneider became the first trans person to win an election to the Chilean legislature this week.
Jaguar populations in Mexico are growing, a sign that conservation strategies are working
The first surveys to count jaguars in Mexico revealed a 20% increase in the population from 2010 to 2018, up to 4,800 animals.
Indonesia declares largest manta ray sanctuary in the world
Indonesia, a nation that has been the world’s largest fishery for sharks and rays for decades, has announced legislation that will fully protect all manta rays within its nearly 6 million square km exclusive economic zone.
Portugal becomes fourth E.U. country to stop using coal plants
The Pego plant located 90 miles northeast of Lisbon stopped generating over the weekend, as Portugal became the fourth E.U. country to stop burning coal to produce electricity.
U.S. Education Department announces $2 billion of student loans will be cancelled within weeks
Borrowers who are pursuing public service student loan forgiveness will be able to count previously ineligible student loan payments, get credit for late student loan payments that were late, and more.
India greatly enhances solar module manufacturing incentive
India has increased its incentive package for solar module manufacturing by a factor of 5, to $3 billion. This scheme is part of India’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in renewable power equipment.
Ecuador will expand the marine reserve encircling the Galápagos Islands
The current Galápagos Marine Reserve covers 133,000 square kilometers. The extension protects an additional 60,000 km2, protecting an important migration route for hammerhead sharks and leatherback turtles.