Scotland to provide free bikes to kids in need
The pilot projects will be launched officially in the first 100 days of the new Scottish government. They will trial a mix of ownership, loan, and subscription models in regions across the country.
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.
HBCUs across the U.S. clear student balances and cancel debt with federal funds
Federal stimulus funds have enabled the U.S. Department of Education to make significant investments in under-resourced colleges and universities through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, including more than $2.6 billion to HBCUs.
Argentina’s new trans employment law further protects LGBTQ rights
In June, the country passed a new law establishing a one percent quota for transgender people employed in the public sector, which means that one percent of all public sector jobs should be held by trans people.
U.S. EPA limits pesticide pollution into rivers and streams to protect Pacific salmon and trout
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finally acting to protect more than two dozen endangered West Coast salmon and steelhead species from pesticides.
Free education takes thousands of Congolese children out of mines and into the classroom
In 2019, the Democratic Republic of Congo became one of the last countries in the world to offer free primary education. The new scheme has now permitted four million children to go to school tuition-free.
India has restored nearly 50,000 acres of mangroves since 2010
India is now replanting its mangroves in one of the largest restoration programs in the world. Since 2010, the World Bank has supported the community-managed plantation of 20,000 hectares of mangroves in India.
Solar power in Australia outstrips coal-fired electricity for first time
The national electricity market reached a new milestone on Sunday, with solar power outstripping energy generation from coal for the first time since the market was set up two decades ago.
Israel is ending its ban on blood donation from queer men
Nitzan Horowitz, the out Minister of Health in Israel, proclaimed, “There’s no difference between one blood and the other. Discrimination against gays in donating blood is over.”
U.S. to erase student debt for those with severe disabilities
The Biden administration will automatically erase student loan debt for more than 300,000 Americans with severe disabilities that leave them unable to earn significant incomes. The move will wipe out more than $5.8 billion in debt.
First fossil-free steel delivered to Volvo cars in Sweden
HYBRIT — a joint venture between SSAB, Vattenfall, and mining company LKAB — aims to revolutionize a steel industry that, by some estimates, produces nearly 10% of all harmful greenhouse gas emissions.