The Netherlands is writing LGBTQ rights into its constitution
The Netherlands’ lower chamber of the legislature voted 124-26 to add “sexual orientation” to the list of protected categories in its constitution.
2020 C.E.
Gabon’s legislature repeals the ban on homosexuality
Last week, the National Assembly in the central African nation voted in favor a bill that would legalize homosexuality. This past Monday, the Senate passed the law. President Ali Bongo is expected to sign it.
Vermont becomes first U.S. state to ban throwing food waste in trash
Residents are now required to compost any unfinished food—including inedible scraps like peels, egg shells, and pits—in their yard or through a professional compost facility.
Sephora pledges to give 15% of shelf space to Black-owned brands
The 15 Percent Pledge is calling on retailers to make space on their shelves for Black-owned brands. Sephora proved their commitment to the cause by becoming the first brand to officially endorse the Pledge.
Germany to abandon all coal energy by 2038
Germany’s Bundestag passed a bill banning coal as a power source. The country will abandon nuclear energy by 2022 and coal by 2038, and will aim for 55% cuts in GHG emissions by 2030 over 1990 levels.
Companies cancel Atlantic Coast Pipeline after years of delays
Duke Energy Corp. and Dominion Energy Inc. are abandoning the proposed $8 billion pipeline—which aimed to carry natural gas 600 miles through West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina and underneath the Appalachian Trail
The virtual Tour de France will allow female competitors for the first time
The Tour de France was delayed until August 29 due to the pandemic, but a virtual version of the race will begin as scheduled in July. The virtual race will include women for the first time in the event’s history. Organizers also plan to have an in-person large-scale female race by 2022.
Global oil demand and CO2 emissions likely peaked in 2019
According to Norwegian energy consultancy DNV GL, global oil demand and carbon dioxide emissions probably peaked in 2019 as the COVID-19 pandemic will have a lasting impact on both.
U.S. federal judge suspends Dakota Access pipeline over environmental concerns
A federal judge has sided with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and ordered the Dakota Access pipeline shut down until a more extensive environmental review is done. It must be emptied no later than August 5, 2020.
India sees new record-low tariff in 2GW solar bid
The price of solar is falling fast in India, making it even more economically competitive. Solarpack submitted a record-low bid to develop 300 MW of capacity at US¢3.16 per kWh. The previous low in India was US¢3.27 per kWh.