This is the premium edition of Fix The News, a weekly roundup of good news, mind-blowing science, and the best bits of the internet. If someone forwarded this, you can subscribe here. One third of your subscription fee goes to charity. Check out the TED talk. Listen to our podcast. Buy a gift subscription. Book Gus for a talk. If you need to unsubscribe, there's a link at the end.
Good news for people
Sierra Leone outlaws child marriage
In a landmark decision, Sierra Leone’s parliament just passed a historic bill criminalizing child marriage, a major victory for campaigners in a region that has the highest prevalence of the practice in the world. The West African country is home to 800,000 child brides, half of whom were married before the age of 15. The new bill includes a hefty fine or jail terms of up to 15 years for perpetrators.
Chad eliminates its first neglected tropical disease
The WHO just recognised Chad as the 51st country to eliminate human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) as a public health concern, surpassing the halfway mark towards the global target of 100 countries by 2030. Chad’s health minister said 'this achievement results from years of dedicated efforts by our health workers, communities, and partners.' WHO
Brazil becomes the largest country to decriminalize marijuana
The Supreme Court voted to remove criminal penalties for possession of up to 40 grams—a decision that will take effect within days and stand for the next 18 months. It makes the nation of 203 million the largest to take such a measure and the latest sign of a growing global acceptance of the drug medicine. AP
HIV researchers and activists hail 'the best news ever'
Results from a large clinical trial in Africa showed that a twice-yearly injection of a new drug gave young women total protection from the virus. Gilead has committed to making large quantities available to low-income countries as soon as it receives regulatory approval. 'I got cold shivers. After all our years of sadness, particularly over vaccines, this truly is surreal.' NYT
Gavi outlines plan to save eight million lives between 2026 and 2030
The Vaccine Alliance says it will protect 500 million children during the next five years, reflecting an ambition to vaccinate the next billion children in half the time it took to reach the first billion between 2000 and 2020. The US, France, Spain, the private sector, and philanthropic organisations have already pledged at least $2.4 billion towards this goal. Gavi
Significant global progress in eliminating trans fats
A new progress report has found that WHO-recommended policies for global trans fat elimination have been adopted by 53 countries—covering 46% of the world’s population—a significant increase from 6% in 2018. These policies could prevent 66% of the annual deaths linked to trans fats intake, equating to about 183,000 lives saved each year.
Japan is considering free school lunches nationwide
A recent government survey showed that 43% of municipalities already offer or plan to offer free school lunches in order to reduce financial burdens on households and estimated that it would cost about ¥510 billion ($3.2 billion) annually to extend this initiative countrywide. Japan Times
20 years of progress towards gender equality in research
Elsevier's 2024 Gender Report analysed women's participation in research and innovation across 18 countries and 2 regions, revealing that globally, women constitute 41% of researchers, up from 28% in 2001. Grant funding for women rose from 29% in 2009 to 37% in 2022, and women now comprise the majority of active researchers working on some UN SDG research areas.
Expanding electricity connectivity in East Africa
At least one million poor Ugandan households will get a free electricity connection after the government received a $638 million loan from the World Bank; in Kenya, the government plans to connect 566,000 more households to electricity as part of its goal for universal access by 2030; and in Malawi, solar-powered lighting facilities are making electricity affordable for low-income households.
Namibia strikes down colonial-era laws against same-sex relationships
Windhoek’s high court declared the crimes of 'sodomy' and 'unnatural sexual offences' as 'unconstitutional and invalid' following a case brought by LGBTQ+ activist Friedel Dausab. This is the latest court victory for the Namibian LGBTQ+ community: in June 2023, the court recognised same-sex marriages performed abroad between Namibian citizens and foreign spouses. France 24
More good news you didn't hear about
The number of active mobile money accounts globally grew from 13 million in 2010 to more than 640 million in 2023. Liberia’s new war crimes court could bring long-overdue justice to civil war victims. Mexico’s president-elect upgrades the national science council and puts a woman at its helm. The Mekong Malaria Elimination programme reports an astonishing 43% decrease in malaria cases in just one year. US traffic deaths are declining, even as people drive more. In Cambodia, the government’s Nutrition Project is enhancing access to quality health and nutrition services, and a new Water Security Project will improve supply and reliability for over 113,000 people. A UNICEF report reveals a 13% drop in children facing severe food poverty in Nigeria. Trans women in Colorado prisons will receive improved care and housing following a historic class action. Massachusetts' millionaire tax has already brought in $1.8 billion for schools and roads. That's billion, with a b.
If it bleeds, it leads
It looks like homicide rates in 2024 in the United States are on track to fall to their lowest level since the Beatles did their first tour of America. According to multiple data sources, there's a lower chance of being murdered today than in almost any time in the last 60 years. There's no pointing fingers and saying this is due to under-reporting, either; homicide rates are pretty unequivocal.
It's great news! The media are going to go nuts over this, right? Violent crime consistently ranks as one of the country's main concerns, so everyone—from both the left and the right—has reason to celebrate. Our American readers can all look forward to an avalanche of stories about how inner cities are becoming safer, heated debates on cable news about whether it's because of the economy or better law enforcement, and endless TikToks about the return of peace, love, and flower power.
After all, the news tells us what's happening in the world...
...right?
Good news for the planet
Marine conservation zones in South China Sea
Over a million hectares of conservation areas called refugia have been established to protect the the biodiversity of the South China Sea, which supports nearly four million people in the surrounding region. "Six countries are now integrating the refugia approach into their national policies. And coastal communities around the region have become protectors of the species they depend on.” UN Biodiversity
This is the world’s first Key Biodiversity Area
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in the Republic of the Congo—a critical nature site that has been largely unaffected by human activities—has become the first site in the world to be given this status, due to its high ecological integrity. Covering 4,000 km2 of lowland rainforest, the park has never been logged, contains no roads, and boasts wildlife that has had little to no contact with humans. WCS
Amur leopard protection in Siberia
North Korea and Russia are rekindling an old flame: science cooperation. In an initial step, the two countries are banding together to conserve the rare Amur leopard. Last month, Russia and China made a pact establishing the Land of Big Cats, a 1.75-million-hectare transboundary reserve for Amur leopards and Siberian tigers. MNR
First cohort of the American Climate Corps sworn in
A modern-day twist on the Civilian Conservation Corps, 9,000 people will be deployed in the coming weeks to restore landscapes, erect solar panels, and work on environmental projects across America to create a greener future. It's expected that more than 20,000 young people will join during the programme’s first year. Grist
Forests in Ukraine are thriving in the wake of disaster
After the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam disaster last year, experts predicted the bottom of the reservoir would turn into a desert. The opposite happened. Young willow forests sprouted, growing to 4.7 m tall in less than a year! About 40% of the land is now covered with forests of willow and poplar thickets that were native to the area before the reservoir was created. Transitions
Utah scientists achieve breakthrough in waterbody restoration
The team at BlueGreen Water Technologies has developed a process, now being tested at the Mantua Reservoir in Utah, which oxidizes the algal blooms, knocking out the algae, which settles to the bottom. Testing at Mantua Reservoir safely sequestered 13,000 tonnes of algae, largely restoring the reservoir. KSLTV
Colorado bans 'forever chemicals'
New legislation will ban the sale of products containing PFAS. Starting in 2026, the sale of cleaning products, cookware, dental floss, menstruation products, and ski waxes that contain the chemicals will be banned, and companies will be required to put disclosure labels on PFAS clothing. Colorado is one of 28 states that have adopted policies on PFAS. CBS
Another big Indigenous conservation victory in Canada
The Inuvialuit have signed a new agreement to safeguard almost 850,000 hectares of the Yukon’s northeast coast. The Aullaviat/Anguniarvik Traditional Conservation Area will protect wildlife like the Porcupine caribou herd, polar bears, and migratory birds while preserving Inuvialuit traditional activities. APTN
Rare seabird returns to Chilean island
After decades of absence, the Peruvian diving petrel has returned to Pajaros Uno Island following a dedicated effort to eliminate invasive rats. Conservationists played audio recordings of bird calls, which enticed breeding pairs back to their former nesting grounds. The island is also a critical breeding ground for Peruvian boobies, kelp gulls, and the vulnerable Humboldt penguin. earth.com
Recovery of fish populations in European waters
The latest assessment points to the best sustainability results so far. Fish stocks in the Northeast Atlantic, on average, are within healthy ranges, while fishing mortality rates in the Mediterranean and Black Seas have hit their lowest levels. There’s still work to be done in the Baltic Sea, but measurements are in place to ensure four out of ten stocks are no longer targeted. European Commission
Indigenous fire stewardship gains ground in Canada and California
Forestry companies and governments across Canada are starting to incorporate controlled burns, also known as 'good fire,' which have been used by Indigenous communities to maintain healthy forests and prevent the spread of wildfires. Other jurisdictions, like fire-prone California, have passed laws that remove liability for Native American tribes conducting controlled burns. Vancouver Sun
More music for those who will listen
The Iron Law of Environmental Improvement: why didn't they do this sooner? British Columbia has designated 10 new conservation areas in Clayoquot Sound, protecting over 76,000 hectares of old-growth forest, and will also ban open-net pen salmon farming within five years. New Zealand has enforced ‘stringent’ regulations for surface longline fishing after onboard cameras revealed 3.5 times more albatrosses were being caught than expected. California will help return tribal lands as part of the Klamath River restoration. The octopus fisherman protecting Portugal’s largest reef. A volunteer group in Guernsey has removed about 25 tonnes of an invasive plant from the coastline. Vermont has passed some impressive legislation to protect its natural heritage from bee- and bird-killing pesticides. The reinvention of Buenos Aires Zoo into an eco-park that treats injured animals and houses the largest biobank in South America. How the local community of Mnemba Island saved their Indian Ocean coral reef. Thanks to decades-long work, flamingos are returning to Everglades National Park in Florida. In the Brazilian Amazon, the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous people have built almost 30 ‘canopy bridges’ across roads to save wildlife.
Solarpunk is a valid belief system
Global solar installations set to increase by 50% in 2024
New forecasts from solar industry research outfit Bernreuter predict that global solar installations are on track to reach up to 660 GW this year. That's up by around 50% compared to last year, which was almost double the year before. Just to put this into perspective:
In 2004, it took one year to install a gigawatt of solar PV globally.
In 2010, a month.
In 2016, a week.
In 2023, a day.
In 2024, 12 hours.
China's carbon emissions still on track to fall this year
Coal power, which accounts for the bulk of China’s carbon footprint, fell 4.3% in May compared to last year. Hydro power jumped 39% after heavy rains, and output from large solar farms rose by 29%. Coal's decline has since accelerated, dropping 13% year-on-year in the first half of June. Bloomberg
China will reach its wind and solar goals years ahead of schedule
Wind and solar capacity reached 1,130 GW in April and will hit 1,200 GW later this year—six years ahead of schedule. It's hard to overstate the scale and speed of this transition. As we have repeatedly said in this newsletter, China is by far the most important country when it comes to climate change, and it's moving quicker than anyone expected. Caixing + Ember
Sunny solar summer solstice
Lots of good stuff happens on the summer solstice, the longest day in the northern hemisphere, which happened last week. According to Ember, because most of the planet's solar panels are installed in countries north of the equator, the world had enough solar power capacity to generate 20% of its midday peak electricity needs on the solstice, up from 16% last year. Reuters
'Watershed moment' in UK fossil fuel fight
Environmental advocates in the UK notched a huge victory for decarbonization last week. A court has overturned the county-level approval to develop an oil well near a London airport, saying local officials had unlawfully not factored in the emissions impact of using the oil. One of the involved lawyers calls the ruling 'a huge boost to everyone involved in resisting fossil fuel projects.' Reuters
Youth plaintiffs in Hawaii reach historic climate deal
A climate lawsuit brought by 13 children in Hawaii against the state and its transportation agency over tailpipe emissions has led to a historic settlement agreement. Arguing state officials were infringing on their state constitutional right to a healthy environment, the youth group’s deal requires the state to form a plan for net-zero transportation emissions by 2045. The Verge
Geothermal energy gets a big boost from California
Enhanced geothermal is one of the most hopeful things in the energy space right now. Fervo Energy—which has spent seven years perfecting lower-cost drilling techniques, just announced its largest contract to date, a 15-year deal to sell 320 MW of climate-friendly power to Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest utility companies. Canary
Alberta shuts down last coal plant
The Canadian province of Alberta once relied almost entirely on coal-fired electricity; in 2001, coal constituted 80% of provincial power supply. Now its coal era is over, years earlier than experts predicted, due to the shutdown of the province’s last coal generator. But it's bittersweet news, since the plant will continue as a fossil gas-fired facility. CBC
Denmark becomes first in the world to put carbon tax on agriculture
For some, it’s easy (or maybe convenient) to forget how much damage the agricultural sector, and specifically meat production, causes in the climate fight. But starting in 2030, Denmark is going to make meat producers and eaters take notice with their wallets. The country has become the first to establish a carbon tax on livestock, amounting to $43 per tonne of carbon dioxide.
Philippines goes big on solar canals and irrigation
President Marcos recently inaugurated the Philippines’ largest-ever solar-powered irrigation system, with over 1,000 solar panels pumping water to 350 hectares of rice paddies. This system is also the first to be built atop an irrigation canal to minimize both water loss and land use, and it will soon be joined by 152 additional solar irrigation systems currently under construction. PV Magazine
Next stop? California.
What's the opposite of doom-scrolling?
The world's largest fossil fuel exporter is slowly weaning itself off black rocks and dinosaur gas at home. Coal does, in fact, quit: US coal plants are offline about 12% of the time due to maintenance or failure. Over 300,000 new clean energy jobs have been created in America thanks to the IRA, mostly in Trump-voting states. California’s appetite for fossil gas is plummeting, Southern California adopts a landmark rule to electrify industrial heat, Oklahoma outshines (well, actually, outblows) its rival states in the clean energy transition, and New York breaks ground on its largest-ever offshore wind project. Kia just notched another new global electric vehicle sales record, and Volkswagen is investing $5 billion in Rivian for next-generation electric vehicles. In Canada, Indigenous communities are now the largest asset holders of clean energy projects after utilities and the Crown. The Philippines’ solar and wind policies are making the country a regional renewables leader. Malaysia commits to ending coal power. One of the less-talked-about benefits of the clean energy transition? It will relax geopolitical tensions.
Indistinguishable from magic
Researchers discover the first animal that doesn't need oxygen
Scientists have discovered a common parasite surviving without a mitochondrial genome, living and thriving without the requirement to metabolize oxygen, something never before observed in nature at this biological scale. The discovery has the potential to help scientists better understand how life adapts to anoxic environments, and how it might work on other worlds. Science Alert
First rock samples from the dark side of the moon
The first rock samples ever collected from the dark side of the moon have landed safely on Earth after China’s Chang’e 6 capsule touched down in Mongolia. In what turned out to be a flawless mission, the capsule has brought back kilograms of lunar regolith of unusually valuable origin and may help further our understanding of the moon’s birth and evolution. Nature
German robots are now exploring the seabed for toxic WW2 bombs
A new German-backed robotic crawler is being piloted along with other systems to find and remove toxic and dangerous WW2 bombs and chemical weapons slowly decaying on the ocean floor. The project is part of a wider €100m programme with a mission to clean up the toxic legacy of war in the Baltic Sea. BBC
High-speed internet now available in a backpack, almost anywhere
Starlink has released a new mini form-factor of their larger residential system. The new mini still manages 100 Mbps despite being the size of a small laptop, weighing just 1.53 kg, and consuming a fraction of the power of the full-size system. The Verge
Antique wheat may hold valuable DNA for future crop breeding
DNA contained in the century-old collection of wheat may hold the keys to developing future wheat variants with reduced fertilizer requirements, higher yields, or more environmental resilience. The collection is potentially a 'gold mine' of genetic diversity with significant agricultural implications. Science
New blood test could predict Parkinson’s seven years before symptoms
A new test focuses on eight protein biomarkers that have proven effective in predicting the likely onset of Parkinson’s disease, potentially a significant breakthrough in identification. The test was 100% effective as conducted in the trial, with the potential to accurately predict Parkinson’s disease up to seven years in advance. Parkinson’s News Today
New treatment enables gene editing treatment f0r cystic fibrosis
A US-based research team has developed an IV treatment process that allows gene editing treatment to be delivered safely and more effectively to the target location within lung stem cells. Improved cell targeting may improve patient outcomes without increased risk or treatment complexity. ARS Technica
The world’s first decarbonized wind turbine foundation
Energy operator Valorem and construction firm Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies have just poured the first wind turbine foundation made from 100% decarbonized concrete without sacrificing strength or inducing additional complexity in design or logistics. The 630 m3 concrete foundation contains no clinker, a carbon-intensive cement binder, a world-first. Renew Economy
The information superhighway is still out there
Fairy tales aren’t for the faint of heart. Did you know that in the original "The Little Mermaid," her bargain with the sea-witch results in a desperate choice: die when the sun rises after the wedding night or murder her beloved in his bridal chamber? Likewise, the stories compiled by the Grimm Brothers include men who chop young women up into pieces, a father who lusts after his own daughter, and many, many characters who make deals with the Devil himself. Today, children are only familiar with the sanitised versions of these stories, but Haley Stewart argues that it shouldn't be that way. Plough
“It is the mark of a good fairy-story,” J. R. R. Tolkien writes in his essay “On Fairy-Stories,” “that however wild its events, however fantastic or terrible the adventures, it can give to child or man that hears it, when the ‘turn’ comes, a catch of the breath, a beat and lifting of the heart, near to (or indeed accompanied by) tears.”
Who's the late-night GOAT? The answer is obvious.
Sorry, Jared Diamond. It looks like his widely-referenced morality tale of Easter Island's collapse didn't happen after all. New research contradicts the idea that people used up the island’s resources and died horribly, instead showing that there's good evidence a small society lived there sustainably.
'The first time I had this insight that this is the way forward was when I saw the serotonin molecule right next to the LSD molecule. The similarity between them really convinced me that, when people are having these altered states of consciousness on psychedelics, what they’re really experiencing is one molecule binding to another molecule. And that to me was profound because it said everything that we think of as consciousness, everything that we think of as spirituality, everything that we think of as ego, everything that we think of as vision is just molecules.' Quanta
And finally... a reminder from one of the all-time greats.
That's it for this edition, thanks for reading, we'll see you next week!
With love,
Gus and Amy
