New therapy bot helps children with autism perfect their social skills
Robotics startup LuxAI has created QTrobot, a bot designed to help children with autism learn valuable social skills.
Europe
France just banned smartphone use in schools
The new legislation means that students between the age of 3 and 15 will either have to leave their phones at home or keep them turned off during the school day.
France approves bids for solar power projects of 720MW capacity
The ground solar projects, which could provide power for around 100,000 homes annually, are part of the government’s plan announced in 2016 to add 3,000 MW of solar capacity to France’s energy mix by 2020.
5,500 U.K. churches are now using renewable energy
Churches are also shunning the most polluting fossil fuels in their investment portfolios, which are typically used to fund the retirement of clergy and upkeep of church buildings.
Lloyds Banking Group halts financing for new coal plants
Banking giant will no longer finance coal-fired power stations or thermal coal mines in support of Paris Agreement goals
McDonald’s and Starbucks are joining forces to build a fully recyclable, compostable cup of the future
Starbucks and McDonald are teaming up on sustainable cups and inviting all of their competitors in the industry to join in.
Disneyland to raise minimum wage to $15 per hour
As part of a deal with labor unions, the resort says it will immediately increase the current minimum of $11 an hour to $13.25. It’ll be at $15.45 in 2020.
Single-use plastic bag sales in England fall 86% since 2015
Campaigners are now calling for charges on plastic bottles and disposable coffee cups in the hope of producing a similar effect.
U.K. offshore wind power set to double as government confirms future auctions
The U.K. offshore wind energy industry is set to double after the country’s Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy announced long-term political support.
Spain reaches new record 45.8% renewable power in energy mix
The nation’s wind power contribution rose by 10% compared to the first six months of last year, whilst total renewable production increased by 8.5% year-on-year.