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.
United Kingdom
Dole and Piñatex are partnering to scale up vegan leather production
Piñatex turns pineapple leaves into vegan, petroleum-free leather products. Now, Piñatex will have access to waste leaves from Dole’s Philippines farm, one of the largest pineapple plantations in the world.
Major U.K. science funder to require grantees to make papers immediately free to all
UKRI developed the new policy because “publicly funded research should be available for public use by the taxpayer,” says Duncan Wingham, the funder’s executive champion for open research.
British Methodist Church allows same-sex marriage in ‘momentous’ vote
A vote to change the definition of marriage at the Methodist Conference on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed by 254 in favor with 46 against.
Landmark G7 agreement pledges 870 million COVID-19 vaccine doses
The Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations’ commitment to immediately share at least 870 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, supporting global access and helping to end the acute phase of the pandemic.
New study shows psychedelic mushrooms are as effective as antidepressants
Psilocybin performed about as well as the SSRI escitalopram as a treatment for moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder, according to a new double-blinded, randomized experiment.
Eighteen million trees to be planted around Glasgow
An urban forest of 18 million trees, is to be planted around Glasgow over the next 10 years. The number of trees being planted is equivalent to 10 trees per resident.
U.K. recognizes animals as sentient beings
Some of the issues addressed include banning e-collars (which deliver electric shocks), restricting glue traps, banning people from importing most hunting trophies, banning live animal exports for fattening or slaughtering and keeping primates as pets.
Queen Elizabeth II announces U.K. government will ban conversion therapy
While the practice has been discredited by every major medical association, the religious right continues to promote the technique despite the increased risk of suicide and depression by participants.
U.K. closes major loophole on plane and ship emissions
The U.K. has established an important international precedent, being the first major economy to account for its airline and shipping emissions under its carbon budget.