Botswana decriminalizes homosexuality
Botswana’s Court of Appeal has declared the government’s appeal unsuccessful, effectively decriminalizing homosexuality in the country, a big win for the LGBTQ+ community.
Nations
This archive collects stories from Good News for Humankind involving nations — countries and their governments — as key actors in progress. Across 1,807 articles, you’ll find reporting on policy wins, international cooperation, and measurable improvements in health, climate, rights, and more.
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.
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.
China makes billion-dose vaccine pledge to Africa to help overcome the coronavirus pandemic
China will donate a billion vaccines, advance billions of dollars for trade and infrastructure, and write off interest-free loans to African countries to help them recover from the pandemic.
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.
Ukraine to plant one billion trees over the next three years
The country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, made the announcement only a few days after the end of the COP26 climate negotiations.
New ‘988’ suicide prevention hotline in the U.S. will now include texting option to make it easier
Last year, the FCC established 988 as a nationwide phone number for Americans to connect with mental health crisis counselors. Soon, people will be able to text 988 for emergency service.
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.
Kenya’s Indigenous Ogiek partner with government rangers to restore Mau Forest
Three years ago, community members started working with the Kenyan Forest Service to restore the forest complex and promote sustainable livelihoods. Volunteers have now planted more than 60,000 native trees within the forest,
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.