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.
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.
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.
The Netherlands says “no” to fossil fuel greenwashing ad campaign
The Dutch Advertising Code Committee is ordering multinational oil and gas company, Shell, to stop ads that dubiously claim customers can make their fuel purchases “carbon neutral” by paying for carbon offsets.
Mexico is first country in North America and 41st in the world to ban animal cosmetic testing
The new law also forbids the manufacture, marketing, and import of cosmetics that have been tested on animals in other countries.
Scotland joins growing global movement towards a four-day workweek
Scotland plans to launch a trial four-day workweek. Workers will have their hours reduced by 20%, but won’t suffer any loss in compensation.
China steps in to regulate brutal ‘996’ work culture
Many workers in China currently work more than 300 hours a month, far exceeding legal limits. Now, the Chinese government is stepping in to curb these abusive practices.
Serbia foregoes lengthy, costly permits for rooftop solar panels
The Serbian government has completely flipped on solar permitting, going from extremely difficult to unbeaten ease and convenience, promising to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy in the country,
China bans written exams for six- and seven-year-olds as it retools education system
Beijing on Monday banned written exams for six- and seven-year-olds, as part of sweeping education reforms aimed at relieving pressure on pupils and parents in China’s hyper-competitive school system.
Algeria becomes world’s last country to officially end use of leaded gasoline
The world is officially rid of one particularly insidious fossil fuel that for decades was a major cause of public health problems in developing countries, especially in Africa.
Thailand releases inmates following ‘Kratom’ decriminalization and erases their criminal records
Over 10,000 offenders and inmates are being released from prisons following the legalization of the plant “Kratom” in Thailand. Legally, these prisoners will be considered as having never committed an offense.