Kazakhstan abolishes death penalty
President Tokayev signed a law on ratification of the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with the purpose of abolishing the death penalty.
Good News Links
European supermarkets discontinue selling Brazilian beef to protect the Amazon
Sainsbury’s in the U.K., Lidl in the Netherlands, and the Dutch retailer Alhold Delhaize were among the companies saying they would move away from stocking Brazilian beef.
New York City votes to electrify new buildings, ban natural gas
The legislation, which Mayor Bill de Blasio is expected to sign, requires electricity-powered heat and hot water in most new buildings under seven stories by 2024 and all other buildings in 2027.
Pittsburgh will become a dark sky city in 2022
Pittsburgh will follow the International Dark Sky Association’s new values-centered outdoor lighting guidelines and switch to lower wattage LED bulbs in streetlights, bridges, and other public spaces.
Wind power becomes Spain’s leading energy source for 2021
So far this year, renewable sources have contributed almost 47% of the country’s total consumption needs compared to less than 30% a decade ago.
France passes sweeping conversion therapy ban
Conversion therapy practitioners can face prison time and fines because “homosexuality and trans identity aren’t sicknesses that can be cured.”
First IVF corals successfully spawn on Great Barrier Reef
According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, coral IVF uses modern technology to breed and distribute corals so they have the highest chance of survival.
Uber and Opibus partner to deploy up to 3,000 electric motorcycles in Kenya by end of 2022
After the successful completion of a pilot program in Kenya, Opibus and Uber have announced a strategic partnership to scale the use of electric motorcycles in Africa.
Malta becomes first E.U. nation to legalize cannabis
Equality Minister, Owen Bonnici, said the “historic” move would stop small-time cannabis users from facing the criminal justice system and would help curb drug trafficking.
Tokyo becomes biggest city in Japan to recognize same-sex partnerships
Over 100 local governments in Japan now recognize same-sex partnerships, which grants the right to rent property together and to visit their partner in the hospital.