Deforestation fell 26% in Colombian Amazon last year
“This is really dramatic,” conservationist Rodrigo Botero told The Guardian. “It’s the highest reduction in deforestation and forest fires that there has been in two decades.”
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U.S. destroys last of its Cold War chemical weapons
After over three decades of effort, the United States has destroyed the last of its chemical weapon stockpile that once consisted of 30,000 tonnes of deadly chemical agents in explosive munitions and storage containers.
Nepal’s Supreme Court orders government to register same-sex marriages
Justice Shrestha’s interim order will allow same-sex couples and other LGBTQ+ couples to legally register their marriages immediately, while the government prepares legislation to amend the civil code and formally legalize same-sex marriage.
Japanese Supreme Court rules in favor of trans employee in landmark bathroom case
The unanimous ruling came after a 50-something trans woman – who chose to remain anonymous – sued the Economy and Trade Ministry for relegating her to the men’s restroom or a women’s bathroom two floors away.
Medical abortion pill to become easier to access across Australia as restrictions scrapped
The MS-2 Step mifepristone medication was previously only allowed to be prescribed by a doctor with specialist certification and then provided by a pharmacist registered to dispense the product.
Arizona governor greenlights over-the-counter birth control
Arizonans 18 and older will soon be able to go to their local pharmacy and purchase oral contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription.
U.K. to pardon women convicted of homosexuality
The British Home Office is expanding a program that pardons people convicted of any offense related to homosexuality. Previously, the program was only available to men, but it is now open to women.
Kenya’s KCB Group to provide 100% financing for riders to acquire 100,000 electric motorcycles
In a major boost to Kenya’s nascent electric motorcycle and tuk-tuk sector, Kenya’s largest bank has partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research to roll out a program that is expected to create over 150,000 new green jobs over six years.
The U.S. FDA releases first-ever guidelines for psychedelic medicine
The Food and Drug Administration has published a 14-page draft document that appears to be responsive, providing scientists with a framework to carry out research that could lead to the development of psychedelic medicines.
41 countries implement mental health and resiliency training for healthcare workers
Project HOPE has created and implemented a training program on mental health and resiliency that has reached over 100,000 healthcare workers since the start of the pandemic.