Cranes returning to Ireland after 300 years
Once common in Ireland, the destruction of their habitat, being hunted for meat and predators such as foxes saw them become extinct some time between 1600 and 1700.
Good News Links
Alabama removes anti-LGBTQ language from sexual education curriculums
Previous legislation in Alabama was discriminatory towards LGBTQ individuals and required that curriculums emphasize “that homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public.”
Hyundai commits $7.4 billion to build electric cars
On May 13, the company announced it plans “to invest $7.4 billion in the U.S. by 2025 to produce future EVs, enhance production facilities, and further its investments in smart mobility solutions.”
New Australian marine parks protect area twice Great Barrier Reef’s size
The two parks will be established around Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean to the northwest of continental Australia. The new parks cover 740,000 square kilometers (286,000 square miles) of ocean.
The U.S.’s annual coal consumption in 2020 was lowest since 1965
In the US, coal power plants experienced the country’s lowest annual coal consumption since 1965, and the fossil fuel is expected to reach levels last seen in the 19th century in coming years, reports Bloomberg.
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.
Schools across the U.S. will soon serve Impossible Foods plant-based meat
To introduce these new cafeteria menu items, Impossible Foods will launch a pilot program at schools across the nation this month.
The state of New York prohibits single-use mini toiletry bottles in hotels
The new law means that hotels will be required to switch to larger, refillable dispensers. This will lead to a reduction in plastic bottles and unused liquids that are discarded.
U.S. approves 800-MW Vineyard Wind as its first major offshore wind farm
The Vineyard Wind 1 project will feature dozens of the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbines, which will work together to generate enough electricity for up to 400,000 homes.
Belgium melts down and recycles 22,000 guns
This is the third time the Belgian police force has worked with the steel firm ArcelorMittal to recycle firearms—with this particular operation taking three days to complete, according to Reuters.