Finland commits to be carbon neutral by 2035
Finland will go carbon neutral by 2035, under a coalition deal published on Monday, setting one of the world’s earliest timelines for reaching that mark.
2019 C.E.
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.
‘Humanity’ added as a religion option on Kolkata college admissions forms
Bethune College, has decided to do away with the heterogeneous clubbing of different religions together under ‘other’ and introduced another ‘Humanity’ for all people who feel restricted by the limited options.
U.K. creates “Blue Belt” marine protected area twice the size of England
An area nearly twice the size of England will become a “blue belt” of protected waters after the government created 41 new marine conservation zones.
E.U. and Bill Gates launch €100m clean energy innovation fund
The European Commission, European Investment Bank and Breakthrough Energy Ventures have launched ‘Breakthrough Energy Ventures Europe’: a €100m fund to support investments in clean energy.
New Zealand ‘wellbeing’ budget focuses resources on vulnerable populations
New Zealand’s Labour coalition government has unveiled its “world-first” well-being budget which offers billions for mental health services, child poverty, and family violence.
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.
Philippines passes law requiring students to plant 10 trees to graduate
The law formalises a tradition of planting trees upon graduation, which is also hoped to simultaneously combat global climate change.
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.
Brazil’s top court votes to make homophobia and transphobia crimes
Six out of 11 judges voted to consider discrimination against gays and transgender people equivalent to racism.