Sweden’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2045 written into law
Sweden has committed to becoming a net-zero carbon emission emitter by 2045, following a law passed in the nation’s parliament on Thursday 15 June.
Today (2017 C.E. - 2025 C.E.)
This archive spans the years 2017 through 2025, a period marked by rapid advances in clean energy, medicine, technology, and social equity. It collects documented breakthroughs, policy wins, and scientific achievements from the present era. If you want evidence that progress is real and ongoing, this is where to look.
Anglican church set to offer special services for transgender people
The General Synod, meeting in York, voted in favour of the move by 284 votes to 78. It was the second time in two days that it gave overwhelming support to motions seen as positive towards LGBT people, suggesting to some a significant change of mood.
U.N. conference adopts treaty banning nuclear weapons
The treaty — adopted by a vote of 122 in favour to one against (Netherlands), with one abstention (Singapore) — prohibits a full range of nuclear-weapon-related activities, such as undertaking to develop, test, produce, manufacture, acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, as well as the use or threat of use of these weapons.
Nepal votes in first local elections in 20 years
The people of Nepal have voted for representatives in municipal and village councils for the first time in two decades, a landmark moment in the country’s transition to democracy.
Seattle’s ‘democracy vouchers’ aim to amplify low-income voices
The city’s new “Democracy Voucher” program, the first of its kind in the US, provides every eligible Seattle resident with $100 in taxpayer-funded vouchers to donate to the candidates of their choice.
All Volvo cars to be electric or hybrid from 2019
Landmark move as first big manufacturer says it will stop making vehicles solely powered by internal combustion engine
Kenya is first in Africa to get latest generic AIDS drug
A generic of Dolutegravir (DTG), first approved in the United States in 2013, is being given to 20,000 patients in Kenya before being rolled out in Nigeria and Uganda later this year, with the backing of the health agency UNITAID.
Record 66 million trees planted in 12 hours in India
Under the Paris Agreement, India has pledged to increase its forests by 95 million hectares by 2030, costing around $6.2 billion.
Teen birth rates in the U.S. hit a record low
The rate of births among 15-to-19 year olds declined by 9% in 2016 compared to 2015 a record low for that age group, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control.
Parliament in Germany approves same-sex marriage
Lawmakers in Germany voted on Friday to allow same-sex marriage after a brisk but emotional debate in Parliament, setting the stage for the country to join more than a dozen European nations including Ireland, France and Spain in legalizing such unions.