Michael Bloomberg launches $500 million campaign to end coal
UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action Michael Bloomberg has announced Beyond Carbon campaign to close the United States’ fleet of coal plants and halt new gas plants.
North & Central America
Oakland in California decriminalizes magic mushrooms and peyote
The city council’s vote directed law enforcement to cease investigating and prosecuting individuals for using or possessing drugs sourced from plants, cacti, and mushrooms.
Canada launches Climate Action Incentive Fund
The fund will deliver up to $218 million in its first year (2019-2020), funded from the Canadian federal carbon pollution pricing system.
Mexico City drops gender-specific school uniforms
“Boys can wear skirts if they want and girls can wear trousers if they want,” Mexico City Mayor Claudia Mayor Sheinbaum said.
Illinois to legalize marijuana sales, expunge criminal records for pot crimes
State lawmakers gave final approval to the bill Friday and Gov. JB Pritzker said he will sign the measure, which make Illinois the first state to legalize marijuana sales via its legislature.
Colorado governor signs bill defelonizing single-use drug possession
Under the newly passed law, those caught with small amounts of drugs would face a misdemeanor instead of a felony charge.
34 black women graduate from West Point, in the most diverse class ever
The 2019 class of graduates included a record number of Black and Hispanic women.
52% of Canadians likely to buy an electrified vehicle within 5 years
In a survey, 52% say they are likely to buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle in the next 5 years.
California lawmakers approve bill to give workers full pay for family leave
The legislation would give workers in the state 100% of their wages when on family leave.
Atlanta to create United States’s largest food forest for public
The move would result in the city’s first food forest and the largest of its kind in the country.