Chile to become the 31st country to recognize same-sex marriage
The new law removes restrictions on same-sex couples around parentage, adoption rights, and assisted reproduction.
Today (2017 C.E. - 2025 C.E.)
India achieves target of 40% power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources
At COP 21, as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions, India committed to achieving 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030.
Spain approves new law recognizing animals as ‘sentient beings’
Animals will no longer be able to be seized, abandoned, mistreated, or separated from one of their owners, without having their well-being and protection taken into account.
Botswana decriminalizes homosexuality
Botswana’s Court of Appeal has declared the government’s appeal unsuccessful, effectively decriminalizing homosexuality in the country, a big win for the LGBTQ+ community.
Landmark ruling blocks mining in Ecuadorian forest, citing rights of nature
Ecuador’s constitutional court has blocked plans to mine copper and gold in Los Cedros, a protected cloud forest, ruling that the plans violate the rights of nature.
China announces planting of Belgium-sized forests and expanded national parks
14,000 square-miles of new forest will go up every year, particularly in drought-prone regions of the North and West.
New York City opens the U.S.’s first safe injection site
The sites, intended to reduce overdose deaths, will serve as a safe place for drug users to inject heroin and other drugs under the supervision of medical professionals.
Researchers disable long-targeted gene behind spread of major cancers
Princeton University researchers have discovered what they call a “silver bullet” in the form of a compound that can disable the gene that allows most major cancers to metastasize in mice and human tissue.
District government in Indonesia formally recognizes indigenous clan’s rights to its ancestral lands
The decree is the first of its kind in Sorong, West Papua province. It moves the Gelek Malak Kalawilis Pasa clan closer to having its rights officially recognized by the central government.
Assisted dying is rapidly becoming legal and accepted – currently in 11 countries and 10 U.S. states
Since 2015, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, the Netherlands, Colombia, Germany, Austria, Portugal, five Australian states, ten American states, and D.C. have legalized assisted dying.