Canada bans conversion therapy
As of January 7, 2022 it will be a crime punishable by up to five years in prison to cause another person to undergo conversion therapy.
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United Arab Emirates is adopting a 4.5-day work week and a Saturday-Sunday weekend
The extended weekend comes as part of the UAE government’s efforts to boost work-life balance and enhance social wellbeing, while increasing performance to advance the UAE’s economic competitiveness.
United Airlines logs first-ever commercial flight powered entirely with biofuels
Made up of fats, cooking oils, and grease produced by the company World Energy, this “Sustainable Aviation Fuel” is said to emit 80% less carbon dioxide than traditional fuels.
Wind becomes largest source of electricity for first time in Turkey
Turkey has prioritized the security of its energy supply as one of the central pillars of its energy strategy, leading to efforts to boost investments in the clean energy sector.
Countries with regulations against industrially produced trans fats tripled over the past year
Forty countries now have best-practice trans fat elimination policies in effect, protecting 1.4 billion people from this deadly food compound, according to new WHO report.
12 international donors pledge $1.5 billion to support protection of the Congo Basin forests
The 500 million acres of forests may be the last significant land-based tropical carbon sink in the world, making the forests vitally important in the global fight against climate change.
ELLE becomes first major fashion magazine to ban fur in publication
The company’s decision extends across all 41 branches of the publication and will go into effect in 33 publications on January 1, 2022. The remaining 20 will adopt the policy on January 1, 2023.
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.
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.