Lebanon becomes first Arab country to legalize cannabis farming for medical use
Cannabis has long been illegally farmed in the fertile Bekaa Valley and government now hopes to turn it into a legal billion-dollar trade
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.
Austria shuts down last coal-fired power plant
Austria has shut down its last coal-fired power plant as part of a plan to end the use of fossil fuels for energy production by 2030.
Seychelles to build world’s largest salt-water floating solar plant
The 5MW solar plant will require 13,500 solar panels, which will be built across 40,000 square meters of water. It is expected to commence in July.
E.U. to allow markets to sell insect-based foods in ‘breakthrough moment’
In the next few weeks, the European Union’s Food Safety Authority is expected to classify several types of insects as safe for human consumption.
Pakistan enacts largest social assistance program in nation’s history for COVID-19
The $1 billion program, which aims to cover 12 million families, is meant to assist them to “buy rations so that they don’t go hungry.”
Wales announces plans to ban single-use plastics by 2021
Plans to ban a wide range of single-use plastics have been confirmed by the Welsh Government. Plastic straws, cotton buds and balloon sticks are among the items set to be outlawed or restricted by 2021
Iranian government makes medical services free for all COVID-19 patients
The Iranian Health Minister said that uninsured and underprivileged patients should not pay for the healthcare services and the costs will be compensated by the national health insurance system.
Portugal grants migrants and asylum-seekers citizenship rights during pandemic
Portugal has temporarily given all migrants and asylum seekers full citizenship rights, granting them full access to the country’s healthcare until at least June 30.
Seychelles extends marine protection area to twice the size of Great Britain
The move fulfills the country’s long-standing pledge to safeguard 30% of its marine waters.
Coronavirus home testing to be made available to millions in the U.K.
Millions of 15-minute home coronavirus tests are set to be available for delivery to people self-isolating, according to Public Health England, in a move that could restore many people’s lives to a semblance of normality.