China will open its huge FAST telescope to scientists globally
The “Sky Eye” parabolic dish is the world’s largest Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) used for spotting pulsars and other energetic astronomical targets.
International cooperation
E.U. leaders agree to cut emissions by 55% of 1990 levels by 2030
The deal was reached after the EU agreed on a $2.2 trillion budget Thursday evening that includes funds for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
14 countries commit to ocean sustainability initiative
Governments from 14 countries responsible for 40% of the world’s coastlines and 20% of global fisheries have committed to sustainably manage their national waters by 2025 and encouraged all other nations to join them by 2030.
New Africa alliance aims to tackle deadly COVID ‘infodemic’
The Africa Infodemic Response Alliance (AIRA), brings together 13 international and regional organizations, together with fact-checking groups which have expertise in data and behavioural science, epidemiology, research, digital health and communications.
WHO rolls out plan to rid world of cervical cancer, saving millions of lives
The strategy involves vaccinating 90% of girls by the age of 15, screening 70% of women by the age of 35 and again by the age of 45, and treating 90% of women identified with cervical disease.
450 public development banks pledge to align with Paris Agreement
The first Finance in Common Summit gathered the world’s 450 public development banks to address recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in line with the principles of sustainable finance. In a joint declaration the Banks pledge to align financing decisions with the Paris Agreement on climate change.
School enrollment for girls around the world has risen from 73% to 89% since 1995
A new report from UNESCO shows great progress globally in girls’ education since 1995’s Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment by 189 countries to advance the rights of girls and women.
Childhood Hepatitis B cases drop 80% worldwide in last three decades
Due to a highly effective global vaccine program, the proportion of children under five who are chronically infected with Hepatitis B has plummeted significantly—to just under 1%. This is down from around 5% in the pre-vaccine era (the period between the 1980s and the early 2000s), according to new estimates from the World Health Organization.
Nine major countries to collaboratively grow zero-emission commercial vehicle systems
Noting the climate, economic, jobs and health benefits it would bring, Canada, China, Chile, Finland, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden agreed to work collaboratively to grow zero-emission commercial vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure and deployment at home and globally.
The Climate TRACE Coalition will use AI to track the entire world’s carbon emissions in real time
A new alliance of climate research groups called the Climate TRACE Coalition has launched an effort to make real-time carbon emissions tracking a reality. They’re aiming to have it ready for COP26 in November 2021.