Switzerland overwhelmingly reaffirms marriage equality in national referendum
Final figures are reflecting that nearly two of every three Swiss voters supported the measure, despite conservative efforts to stoke outrage and overturn the law.
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.
San Marino votes overwhelmingly to legalize abortion
Around 77.30% of voters in the tiny European nation approved the measure which would make abortion legal in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
England will be first country to require new homes to include EV chargers
All new homes and offices will have to feature “smart” charging devices that automatically charge vehicles during off-peak periods. New office blocks will need to install a charge point for every five parking spaces.
Brazil and Chile become world’s first countries to fully approve methane-busting feed additive for cows
Just a quarter teaspoon of Royal DMS’s Bovaer per cow per day consistently reduces burped methane emission by approximately 30% for dairy cows and even higher percentages (up to 90%) for beef cows.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grants all benefits to those discharged under ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Veterans who were discharged because of their gender identity, sexual orientation or HIV status will now receive the full range of veterans’ benefits including home loan guaranty, pension benefits, health care, and more.
European Parliament passes historic resolution to end all animal experiments
The vote was nearly unanimous – 667 to 4. The motion aims to prioritize the shift towards scientific methods that do not involve animals, including for research, regulatory testing, and education.
China to stop building coal plants abroad
China is the largest public financier of overseas coal plants. Last week, an alliance of 35 NGOs pressed the Bank of China to end the financing of such projects outside China in order to combat climate change.
Canada announces $340 million investment to support Indigenous-led conservation
More than half of the investment will go towards supporting new and existing Indigenous Guardians initiatives as well as the development of Indigenous Guardians Networks for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
Ethiopia moves to become Africa’s clean energy hub with $40 billion investment
Ethiopia unveiled a $40bn roadmap to build 71 power projects over the next ten years. Of those projects, 16 are hydro-power, 24 wind, 17 steam, and 14 are solar.
France makes birth control free for everyone under 25
The free contraceptives offered include the pill, IUDs, contraceptive patches, and other methods composed of steroid hormones. Doctor’s visits for birth control prescriptions will also be free.