First couples wed as Swiss same-sex marriage law takes effect
The first same-sex marriages came about nine months after 64.1% of voters backed the “Marriage for All” law in a national referendum.
Europe
This archive covers progress stories from across Europe, spanning the U.K., Scandinavia, the E.U. and beyond. Readers will find reporting on health, climate policy, social welfare, science and more — drawn from nearly 1,200 articles tracking real gains made by communities, governments and researchers throughout the region.
In world first, The Netherlands caps flights at major airport to cut pollution
The new policy, set to take effect at the end of 2023, is the world’s first to limit flights for environmental reasons.
Polish court rules that four “LGBT-free zones” must be abolished
“Today’s decision… is a great victory for democracy, human rights and respect for people,” Poland’s Campaign Against Homophobia wrote in a social media post.
Airbus flies first helicopter with both engines burning 100% green fuel for the first time ever
The recent test flight is part of Airbus’ policy of reaching certification of 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030 for both commercial aircraft and helicopters.
Revolutionary new photoimmunotherapy lights up and wipes out cancer cells
Experts are predicting that this new photoimmunotherapy will be the world’s fifth major cancer treatment following surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
E.U. extends carbon market to shipping and road transportation industries
Polluters will have to pay for all greenhouse gases they pollute — CO2, methane and nitrous oxide — when sailing within the EU and 50% of voyages outside of the bloc.
Energy Dome launches world’s first CO2 battery energy storage facility in Sardinia
These “CO2 batteries” can store renewable energy over long periods and release it quickly, at less than half the cost of big lithium batteries.
England is turning 99,000 hectares of land into nature recovery projects
The initiative consists of five large-scale projects to boost biodiversity, tackle the climate crisis, and expand public access to nature.
German lawmakers approve minimum wage increase
Some 6.2 million workers in Germany are set to benefit from a minimum wage increase to to €12 ($12.90) per hour – an increase of €2.18 per hour effective on October 1.
Finland is the first country to pass a legally binding carbon negativity act
Finland’s parliament recently passed a new Climate Change Act which legally binds it to its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2035 and negative emissions by 2040.