Estonia’s parliament approves same-sex marriage
It’s the first central European country to do so. It is a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has invoked the West’s “moral degeneracy” as one justification for his war against Ukraine.
2023 C.E.
Spain to get majority of electricity from renewable energy in 2023 for first time ever
Spain will become the first of Europe’s five highest energy-consuming countries to pass this symbolic 50% marker.
Apple has contributed over $200M to Racial Equity and Justice Initiative since 2020
Apple has reported that REJI’s education grants have reached more than 160,000 learners, while committing over $50 million to HBCUs and Hispanic-Serving Institutions, since it launched in 2020.
Japan expands the definition of rape after years of protest
Japan’s parliament passed legislation to redefine rape as nonconsensual sexual intercourse – removing the provisions regarding use of force – and raise the age of consent from 13 to 16.
Germany hands back centuries-old masks to Colombia
The wooden objects are highly revered by the country’s Indigenous Kogi mountain people, and their return is the latest in a string of cultural restitutions by Germany and other European nations.
Rooftop solar capacity grew nearly 50% worldwide in 2022
Installed rooftop solar grew from 79 gigawatts to 118 gigawatts worldwide last year and is projected to reach 159 gigawatts by the end of this year.
Israeli researchers reach ‘breakthrough’ in fight against skin cancer
The researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer believe that their discovery could contribute to the development of a vaccine against melanoma.
Indigenous communities take ownership of what is now Ethiopia’s largest community conservation area
Indigenous communities in the Lower Omo River Valley of southwestern Ethiopia have taken ownership and management responsibilities of the Tama Wildlife Reserve area following legislation passed earlier in 2023.
Combo therapy trial achieves 94% remission rate for Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The trial was so successful the U.S.’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) ordered it be halted early so that the FDA could expedite approval of the therapy to treat stage 3 and 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Minnesota becomes 23rd U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana
Under the measure, people with marijuana convictions will have a chance to clear their records by automatically expunging low-level convictions and establishing a review board to determine eligibility for higher-level offenses.