Illinois governor clears thousands of marijuana convictions
Illinois’ governor granted more than 11,000 pardons for low-level marijuana convictions, describing the step as a first wave of thousands of such expungements.
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Israel green lights hundreds of wind turbines in north
Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz vowed that Israel will move into a coal-free era of power production by the end of 2025, five years earlier than originally targeted.
Palau becomes first country to ban ‘reef toxic’ sunscreen
The International Coral Reef Foundation said the banned chemicals were “known environmental pollutants – most of them are… incredibly toxic to juvenile stages of many wildlife species”.
Tunisia becomes the first Arab nation to offer sex education in schools
Tunisia will become the first country in the Arab world to introduce sex education at schools, the executive director of the Tunisian Association of Reproductive health said.
U.K. renewables outperform natural gas for first quarter ever
In the third quarter of 2019 renewable energy sources provided a record 38.9% of the country’s electricity — exceeding natural gas for the first time ever, which provided 38.8%.
Endangered mountain gorilla population continues to rise
According to a new census, the mountain gorilla population in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has increased. Overall, the global wild population is now estimated at 1,063.
Mattel commits to use sustainable materials in toys and packaging by 2030
In an expansion of its Environmental Sustainable Sourcing Principles that were announced in 2011, Mattel plans to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics materials in both its products and packaging by 2030.
Audi accelerates electric vehicle plans with $12 billion investment
By 2025, Audi says that it will have “more than 30 electrified models in its product range” and “20 of which will be fully electric.”
Mainland Spain registers first coal-free day
Mainland Spain went coal free from 23:50 local time on 13 December until 21:20 on 15 December — making 14 December the first day of no coal burn since records began.
World Health Organization reports 60% drop in cholera in 2018
“The decrease we are seeing in several major cholera-endemic countries demonstrates the increased engagement of countries in global efforts to slow and prevent cholera outbreaks and shows the vital role of mass cholera vaccination campaigns,” said the WHO Director-General.