Target commits to 100% domestic renewable electricity target by 2030
Target, the eighth largest retailer in the U.S., has committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030, including all domestic stores, distribution centers, and offices.
North & Central America
This archive covers progress stories from North and Central America, spanning the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the nations of Central America. Readers will find reporting on health, environment, community resilience, and policy advances across the region.
Washington State becomes first in the United States to allow human composting
The practice reduces the environmental impact and saves land from being taken up by cemetery plots and headstones.
Canada bans the captivity and breeding of orcas, dolphins and other whales
The Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, first introduced in 2015, outlaws the practice, as well as the trade, possession, capture and breeding of cetaceans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Colorado becomes first state in the United States to cap price of insulin
Diabetics in Colorado who use insulin to control their blood sugar levels won’t pay more than $100 per month for the drug starting in January.