HPV vaccine cutting cervical cancer by 87% in the U.K., shows new study
Cancer Research UK described the findings as “historic”, and said it showed the vaccine was saving lives.
United Kingdom
Indigenous peoples to get $1.7bn in recognition of role in protecting forests
The money will support the capacity of indigenous peoples and local communities to govern themselves collectively, assist with mapping and registration work, back national land reform and help resolve conflict over territories.
Psychedelics linked to lower heart disease and diabetes risk in new study
“The findings suggest that lifetime classic psychedelic use is associated with lower odds of having had heart disease or diabetes in the past year,” lead study author and Oxford sociologist Otto Simonsson.
New cancer treatment destroys tumors in terminally ill head and neck cancer patients
In a landmark trial, a cocktail of immunotherapy medications harnessed patients’ immune systems to kill their own cancer cells and prompted “a positive trend in survival.”
Seven nations launch initiative to end new coal power
The Compact calls on nations to halt the construction of unabated coal-fired power generation projects by the end of this year. Initial signatories include Sri Lanka, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Montenegro, France, and the U.K.
Aberdeen University decides to divest from fossil fuels
The move, coming just weeks away from the U.N. COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, makes the university, which lies in the heart of Europe’s “oil and gas capital”, the 90th in the U.K. to commit to divestment.
London’s largest private taxi company to go all electric by 2023
Addison Lee operates London’s largest private taxi fleet with more than 4000 cars in service. It says all of them will be electric by the end of 2023 and it will provide over 20,000 emissions free rides per day.
Scottish Highlands to be transformed by major rewilding project
The Affric Highlands initiative will involve planting trees, restoring peat bogs, connecting wildlife habitats and restoring river corridors over 500,000 acres.
Scotland becomes the world’s first country to require LGBTQ+ history in schools
While the new curricula were created, in part, for students to get a more well-rounded education, the Scottish government also hopes they will reduce bullying.
Christian leaders call for climate action, issue unprecedented joint statement
In a statement, the heads of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion appealed to COP26 delegates to take action “for the sake of the earth which God has given us.”