Thailand bans coral-damaging sunscreens in marine parks
The Thai Department of Conservation said four ingredients commonly found in sun creams were shown to destroy coral larvae, obstruct coral reproduction and cause reef bleaching.
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.
Sierra Leone abolishes capital punishment
The decision to abolish capital punishment is a significant step forward for fundamental human rights in Sierra Leone and will be especially beneficial to women and girls found guilty of murdering an abuser.
U.S. FDA allows automatic ‘generic’ swap for brand-name insulin
The move will allow pharmacists to automatically substitute the cheaper version, just as they do with generic pills for other kinds of drugs. It could save diabetics and health plans millions of dollars annually.
Nepal nearly doubles its wild tiger population since 2010
In an amazing show of progress for wildlife, Nepal is on track to become the first of the world’s countries to double its wild tiger population since 2010.
Indonesia sees lowest rates of deforestation in 30 years
In 2020, Indonesia, home to one third of the world’s tropical rainforests, achieved its lowest forest-loss rates since monitoring began, totaling a 75% drop year-over-year.
Biden administration will create non-binary X gender marker for U.S. passports
The State Department just announced that non-binary people will have an option for the gender marker on their U.S. passports and that transgender people will be able to correct the gender marker on their passports without “medical certification” that they are transitioning.
130 countries agree to global minimum corporate tax rate
130 countries around the world — including, crucially, China and India — agreed on a 15% minimum corporate tax rate to combat tax dodging. Any profitable firm with revenues over $24 billion will be included from the start, with that number expected to decline to $12 billion in time.
Iran provides free education to thousands of illegal migrant kids
Based on figures provided by the Eduction Ministry, last school year, Iran offered free education to about 560,000 foreign students, the majority of them Afghans.
WHO declares China malaria-free after 70 years of efforts
China has become the 40th country to be declared malaria-free. It has not had an indigenous case for four years.
Mexico’s supreme court decriminalizes recreational use of cannabis
The decisive 8-3 ruling comes after advocates pushed for decriminalization as a means to reduce drug-fueled cartel violence in the country.