Beijing opens new bicycle expressway
Researchers say infrastructure for bicyclists make roads safer for everyone, while reducing congestion and reducing carbon emissions.
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California becomes the first state in the U.S. to expand health coverage to undocumented residents
The plan will provide Medicaid coverage to approximately 90,000 undocumented residents between ages 19 and 25.
Canada to ban single-use plastic as early as 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government will ban single-use plastics, which could include bags, straws and cutlery, in Canada in 2021.
Target commits to 100% domestic renewable electricity target by 2030
Target, the eighth largest retailer in the U.S., has committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030, including all domestic stores, distribution centers, and offices.
New York City becomes first city in the United States to invest in female musicians
The New York City Mayor’s Office is addressing the underrepresentation of women in music by opening up $500,000 worth of grants to local female-identifying musicians.
Vietnam to install 1 gigawatt of onshore wind power installed by 2021
The Global Wind Energy Council expects Vietnam will install 1 GW of new wind capacity by 2021 in a move it believes could solidify the country as a regional wind power leader.
U.K. government commits to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050
The U.K. is to enshrine a 2050 net zero emissions target in law, with an amendment to the Climate Change Act.
Washington State becomes first in the United States to allow human composting
The practice reduces the environmental impact and saves land from being taken up by cemetery plots and headstones.
Canada bans the captivity and breeding of orcas, dolphins and other whales
The Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, first introduced in 2015, outlaws the practice, as well as the trade, possession, capture and breeding of cetaceans.
Judges in Botswana unanimously rule to decriminalize homosexuality
In the landmark ruling, the southern African nation’s High Court rejected sections of the penal code that criminalize same-sex relations and impose up to seven years in prison.