Greece bans LGBTQ conversion therapy
Psychologists or other health professionals now will need a person’s explicit consent to perform such treatment and face fines and a prison term if they violate the law.
Europe
Germany makes renewable energy cheaper for households and businesses
The legislation effectively removes the renewable levy added to power bills and as a result, an average German family can look forward to saving approximately 300 euros per year.
New Northern Irish law will recognizes coercive control as a criminal offense
This crime is a huge problem in Northern Ireland, with statistics showing an instance of abuse occurs every 17 minutes in the country.
Portugal is opening Europe’s biggest floating solar park this year
Built on Western Europe’s biggest artificial lake, the shiny floating island of 12,000 solar panels is part of Portugal’s plan to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Spanish government to launch free LGBTQ+ helpline for advice and support
The service is set to be free, accessible in multiple languages and will be available 24/7, all year round.
England to ban glue traps in ‘momentous victory’ for wildlife
Protected and endangered species including hedgehogs, birds, bats, and pet cats have been known to sustain injuries in glue traps, many of which are fatal.
‘Radical’ solar technology breakthrough allows energy to be stored for up to 18 years
A pair of Swedish scientists designed a microchip that stores solar energy in liquid, and shipped it to China where three months later it was converted into electricity.
Zurich begins to turn off natural gas networks
The current shutdown in Switzerland’s biggest city is due to be completed in 2024 with more areas of Zurich set to see the end of natural gas between now and 2040.
Landmark DNA study finds 58 new mutations that cause cancer
The landmark findings from a massive study of more than 12,000 cancer patients offer researchers a trove of new resources to guide future studies on tailored cancer treatments.
Denmark announces aggressive carbon tax
Companies that do not pay for their pollution in the EU quota system now must pay DKK 750 per ton of CO2 they emit.