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.
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.
‘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.
Spain bans harassment of women entering abortion clinics
The legal changes mean that anyone harassing a woman going into an abortion clinic will be committing a crime that can be punished with up to one year in prison.
Sweden becomes world’s first country to include emissions used to produce imported goals in its climate targets
Greta Thunberg has long argued that rich countries need to take responsibility for and reduce emissions from imported goods.
Greece builds Europe’s largest double-sided solar farm
The installation of this bifacial solar farm is part of Greece’s aim to double its installed capacity from renewables to approximately 19 gigawatts by 2030.
Reswirl creates world’s first zero-waste, fully recyclable toothbrush
The company offers these brushes through a subscription service. Used brushes are returned in provided pre-paid packaging to be recycled.
Scotland’s forests are the largest they have been for 900 years
The share of Scotland that is forested has increased from 6 percent a century ago to around 18 percent today.