Scotland becomes first country to require schools to teach LGBT curriculum
Scotland has become the first country in the world to require its public schools nationwide to add LGBT history and inclusion to their curriculums.
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.
New study finds U.K. public in favor of cigarette-style plastic warnings
A new independent study, carried out by Sky Ocean Rescue, has found that there has been a shift in the public’s perception of plastic.
U.K. Government announces new plastic tax
The U.K. Government has announced a world-leading new tax on plastic packaging in the autumn Budget.
Dyson to build new electric car in Singapore
The huge plant will be ready from 2020 ahead of the project launch of the new car in 2021, Dyson said.
European Parliament approves ban on single-use plastics
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to enact a complete ban on some single-use plastics, such as drinking straws and disposable cutlery, across the European Union.
HSBC U.K. Pension Scheme invests £250 million in renewable energy
The pension scheme will focus its renewable investment on solar plants and wind farms and will generate enough clean electricity for the entire population of Oxford.
U.K. government announces plans to ban plastic straws, cotton-buds, and stirrers
The U.K. government has laid out plans to prohibit the distribution and sale of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
E.U. teams up with Bill Gates to launch $115.2 million clean energy investment fund
In a statement Wednesday, the Commission said the 100 million-euro ($115.2 million) fund would be used to help “innovative European companies develop and bring radically new clean energy technologies to the market.”
Mayor of London announces £5 million funding for public water fountains
The Mayor or London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a £5 million fund to implement more public water fountains.
Amazon signs deal for 100% renewable electricity in their U.K. buildings
The solar panels are expected to generate the equivalent amount of electricity required to power over 4,500 U.K. homes and will reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 6,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.