The Church of Scotland has voted to allow ministers to conduct same-sex marriages
The Church of Scotland has voted to draft new laws that would allow ministers to conduct same-sex marriages.
2018 C.E.
National Geographic launches multiyear initiative to reduce single-use plastics
National Geographic has announced a new, global commitment to tackle the problem of single-use plastics with the launch of Planet or Plastic?, a multiyear initiative aimed to reduce single-use plastic entering the world’s oceans.
Two thirds of E.U. cities have climate change plans
66% of EU cities have a mitigation or adaptation plan in place. The top countries were Poland — where 97% of cities have mitigation plans — Germany (81%), Ireland (80%), Finland (78%) and Sweden (77%).
E.U. bank to invest €300 million in Chinese climate projects
The €300 million investment, signed with the Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank), will be used on a range of climate projects, including sustainable transport, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water infrastructure.
Small minimum wage rises don’t cause job losses, Reserve Bank of Australia study finds
The study of increases in the minimum award wages is the first of its kind in Australia and provides a boost to unions’ argument in the Fair Work Commission for a $50-a-week increase in the minimum wage.
America’s incarceration rate is at a two-decade low
The nation’s incarceration rate has declined every year since 2006 and is now at its lowest point since 1996.
Brazil’s solar capacity expected increase by 358% in 2018
Brazil now has 320 MW of distributed solar generation, a sector which grew 270% in 2016, 304% in 2017, and is expected to increase by 358% in 2018.
Maryland becomes 11th state to ban ‘gay conversion therapy’ for minors
Maryland Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan, a Republican, signed the Youth Mental Health Protection Act into law on Tuesday, making the state the 11th to ban gay conversion therapy for minors.
Seattle passes new tax on city’s biggest companies to combat housing crisis
The tax will raise $45 million a year over the five-year life of the tax to build more affordable housing and support services for the homeless.
Church of Ireland to end investments in fossil fuel companies
The Church of Ireland has voted to exclude fully companies with a turnover of greater than 10 percent from fossil fuel production, by 2022.