Good news for people
Global life expectancy has increased, especially in Africa
Over the past three decades, global life expectancy has increased by 6.2 years, due to reductions in leading killers like chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, and cancer. Eastern sub-Saharan Africa had the largest net increase, gaining 10.7 years, followed by South Asia, with 7.8 years, thanks to steep declines in deaths from diarrhoeal diseases. IHME
A landmark moment for intersex rights
In a historic vote, the UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution to combat discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against intersex people. It’s estimated that 1.7% of the world’s population is born with intersex traits, and activists are now focused on using the resolution to lobby for legislation and improve medical and mental health services. UN
America to close gun show loophole
Under a new ruling, dealers who sell weapons at gun shows or online will face the same requirements as gun stores, including federal licenses and background checks on would-be buyers. With an estimated 23,000 individuals engaged in unlicensed gun dealing in the US, the new measures will impact tens of thousands of gun sales per year. Reuters
Ghana’s free high school policy is working
In 2017, Ghana made high school free for all students following an election campaign, and over the next four years the country spent $392 million on implementing the policy. It worked. For both girls and boys, the policy increased the completion of senior high school by 14.9%. The Conversation
Democracy wins in Senegal
More on what might be the best world politics story of 2024 so far. Despite attempted delays and imprisonments by the former president, Senegal pulled off a free and fair election and a peaceful transfer of power to Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The victory was secured by young voters, indicating the rise of a new political class that will play a key role in democratic trends. Vox
“2024 is the biggest global election year in history and the future of democracy is on every ballot.”
EU votes for abortion as a fundamental right
The EU parliament has approved a proposal to include access to abortion in its Charter of Fundamental Rights, with 336 votes in favour and 163 against. While the resolution is a significant first step, it requires the green light from all 27 member states in order to take effect. Euro News
Nepal achieves unprecedented decline in poverty
National household survey data from the Nepal Living Standard Survey 2022/23 shows a large decline in poverty, from 25% to just 3.6% between 2011 and 2023 (using the 2011 National Poverty Line). The prosperity gap and inequality also decreased over the same period. World Bank
Rwanda is on track to light up every household
Over the past 15 years, Rwanda has significantly increased its electricity access from 6% in 2009 to 75% as of March 2024. It’s one of the fastest expansions in the world and is thanks in part to investment in renewables and off-grid solutions like solar home systems. The country has also connected 100% of healthcare centres and 84% of schools and small businesses. World Bank
A roundup of global health news
Between 2011 and 2021, the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths across Africa decreased by 44% and 55%, respectively, and the number of TB deaths decreased by 26%. Nigeria is the first country in the world to roll out the 'revolutionary' new Men5CV vaccine for meningitis. A portable X-ray machine is helping the Philippines combat tuberculosis. Morocco has also reduced its under-five mortality rates from 81 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 17 in 2022. Clinics are starting to offer AI model-supported mammograms to help detect cancer earlier than standard methods. The Gambia has completely transformed its health system by registering more than half its population and issuing national health insurance cards.
More good news you didn't hear about
India plans to transition from a minimum wage to a living wage by 2025 to ensure all basic needs are met. How Jamaica halved its debt in just 10 years. The Netherlands has upgraded prison healthcare to address mental health disorders. Kenya has increased access to electricity from 5% to 71% in the past 25 years. An historic victory for the protection of civil rights activists in Colombia. Kosovo rolls out the HPV vaccine. The incredible story of how Egypt won its battle against Hepatitis C. A new rapid diagnostic test to ramp up the fight against cholera. Early childhood interventions have benefited 14 million mothers and children in Senegal through education and nutrition services. Western Australia has extended its provision of free period products to public primary schools. Find out more about the legislative reforms that made Spain a pioneer in combating gender violence.
Good news for the planet
The US just prioritised conservation on a tenth of its land
The Department of the Interior has introduced a rule prioritizing conservation, recreation, and renewable energy over traditional resource extraction on public lands, representing a seismic shift in the management of roughly 245 million acres of public property, one-tenth of the nation's land mass. WaPo
Suspension of Chinook salmon fishing in Yukon River
Canada and Alaska have agreed to a seven-year moratorium on fishing Chinook salmon in the Yukon River. Last year only 15,000 fish reached Canadian spawning waters; the new agreement has a target of 71,000 Canadian-origin fish reaching their spawning grounds each year for the next seven years. CBC
Deforestation in Brazil keeps declining, despite fires
Over the past year, forest loss in the Brazilian Amazon hit its lowest level since May 2019, totalling 5,010 square kilometres. The decline continues even as fires and hotspots increase due to severe drought, particularly in Roraima. One of the biggest drivers of the change? Community peace building. Mongabay
Paris is officially a cycle city
A recent survey has found that cyclists now outnumber motorists for trips from the outskirts of Paris to the city centre, a huge change from just five years ago. The revolution is thanks to an increase in cycleways and numerous anti-motoring measures, including the closure of some major roads to motorists. Forbes
New EPA regulation to limit pollution from chemical plants
A new EPA rule will force over 200 chemical plants across the US to reduce toxic air pollutants to decrease cancer risks for nearby residents. It’s the first regulation in nearly two decades to target ethylene oxide and chloroprene, which are used to sterilise medical equipment and make rubber for shoes. The new measures will reduce an estimated 6,200 tons of toxic pollutants each year. NYT
EPA sets limit for ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
The EPA has set new drinking water standards to reduce exposure to PFAS, a group of human-made chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer and other health conditions. It’s the first time a drinking water standard has been set for a new contaminant since 1996 and is expected to reduce PFAS exposure in drinking water for about 100 million people. Washington Post
Peru announces largest conservation concession
The new Cotuhé Conservation concession in Peru will protect 198,743 hectares of Amazon rainforest, securing a bio-cultural corridor that benefits local communities. The concession also safeguards the buffer zone of Yaguas National Park, home to the largest number of normal and black jaguars in the country and some of the last populations of Amazonian manatees. Andes Amazon Fund
South Africa bans captive breeding of lions and rhinos
The controversial practice of breeding lions and rhinos in captivity has finally been banned in South Africa, following more than a decade of advocacy. The move will also end the commercial exploitation of lions, including ‘canned’ hunts, which release tame big cats into small enclosures for hunting. Bloomberg
NY is suing the world’s biggest meat company
New York is suing JBS, the world's largest meat company, for misleading customers on its climate commitments. The company’s lack of concrete emission reduction steps and misleading claims make it a fraud case with high chances of success. It’s part of a wave of lawsuits against big businesses for greenwashing sustainability claims. The Guardian
A 50-year project to restore the wetlands of the California coastline
The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project will restore over 15,000 acres of tidal wetlands after 150 years of commercial salt production. Since 2003 the project has recovered over 3,000 acres of shoreline, while keeping some of the man-made salt ponds to support the ducks and shorebirds that rely on them. Reasons to be Cheerful
More music for those who will listen
Certified forests in the Congo Basin have increased populations of gorillas and forest elephants. France and Brazil announce a $1.1 billion green investment plan for the Amazon rainforest. Brazil’s Cerrado grasslands, a megadiverse savanna biome, is the main beneficiary of a COP26 initiative to end deforestation. Norway and Canada create new emission control areas in their Arctic waters to reduce harmful pollutants from shipping vessels. Former gold miners are helping restore parts of the Peruvian Amazon destroyed by illegal mining. How an English castle became Britain’s first stork breeding ground in 600 years. A UK rewilding network is restoring 155,248 hectares of land and 506 square kilometres of seabed. A 20-year tree-planting project in central Victoria has transformed degraded farmland into a lush paradise. The Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming is buying up privatised land as a home for wild bison.
Saving the world is cheaper than ruining it
If we're correct, it will be an epochal moment. Nobody alive has seen a permanent and sustained decline in greenhouse gas emissions. It will be the most important moment in climate politics since the Paris Agreement, proving that fossil fuels are being replaced and creating a huge boost to the speed of the clean energy transition. The symbolism matters here: once people see that it can be done, the transition will take on an aura of inevitability.
Clean energy accounted for 10% of global GDP growth in 2023
Did someone just say 'pillar of the economy'? The US achieved 2.5% GDP growth, partly driven by clean energy manufacturing investments. In the EU, clean energy accounted for nearly one-third of GDP growth, and in China clean energy contributed 20% of its 5.2% GDP growth, via clean power capacity and electric vehicles. PV Tech
Swiss women win landmark climate battle
The European Court of Human Rights has sided with over 2,000 Swiss women in a case against the Swiss government, ruling that it violated their human rights by not adequately addressing climate change. The court supported the argument that the government's lack of action on climate change had a negative impact on the women's lives and future well-being. Reuters
Another insurer bites the dust
Zurich, the eighth-largest insurer in the world, will stop underwriting new oil and gas projects and will no longer support clients looking to expand in metallurgical coal mining. The company will also work with high-emitting corporate customers to reduce their carbon footprints. Bloomberg
California's record 100% wind, water, and sun run continues
It just keeps on rolling. On 30 of the last 38 days, over 100% of grid demand has been supplied for hours a day by clean energy sources. Geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind have all played a part. The state plans to add 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035 to get the grid close to 100% all the time. Independent
Texas is now getting more electricity from solar than from coal
Last month, solar energy surpassed coal in electricity production for the first time, with coal's share dropping below 10% and solar surging above 10%. The state's open market for power plant developers, along with abundant wind and sunshine, means clean energy provided 47% of Texas' electricity in Q1 2024. Canary
The US is close to no more new fossil-fuelled electricity
For the first time since the mid-20th century, over 95% of this year’s planned new electric-generating capacity in the United States is zero-carbon. Pause for a moment and take this one in. The data is essentially saying that from here on out, it's all clean. 'A new phase of decarbonization is upon us.' White House
India announces the largest solar farm on Earth
Khavda, India, is spread over 538 square kilometers and is capable of generating 30 GW of clean electricity—enough to power entire nations. The mind-blowing ambition of the plan is part of the Adani Group's efforts to align with India's goal of generating 500 GW of electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030. NDTV
A big zero-carbon commitment from the world's biggest shipper
Maersk is converting all its container ships to methanol in an effort to become climate-neutral. Methanol is a greener fuel choice that could revolutionize the shipping industry, which accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Maersk aims to reach net zero emissions by 2040 by using green methanol. DW
China's EV sales climb to over 40% in March
The slowdown: a lot of what passes for journalism on EV sales right now is just repeating what was written somewhere else about a slowdown instead of looking at the data. So here's some data: EVs hit 42% of sales in China in March, representing a 30% year-on-year increase for EVs there. It looks very likely that April is heading for 45% share. CNEV
Significant upgrades to EV batteries are coming
In the works for decades, these changes are likely to mean that by 2030, gas vehicles will cost more than their electric equivalents, some EVs will charge as quickly as filling up at a gas station, and super long-range EVs will make the phrase 'range anxiety' seem quaint. WSJ
What's the opposite of doomscrolling?
EU carbon market emissions fell by a record 15.5% last year as renewable power soared. Four West African states (Chad, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo) have launched a $311 million solar project in Sierra Leone. Spain's electricity was 78%, 84%, and 85% clean in January, February, and March 2024, respectively. Renewable power purchase agreements market volumes in Germany nearly quadrupled in 2023. Germany's onshore wind power construction permits reach new quarterly record in early 2024. Brazil deployed the fourth-highest volume of solar in the world last year, behind only the US, Germany, and China. The EU has adopted new rules requiring solar installations in public and non-residential buildings. A first look inside the high-tech recycling machine in the United States that’s gobbling up the equivalent of 250,000 dead EV batteries a year. CATL is now selling a lithium iron phosphate battery for trucks with a guarantee of 1.5 million kilometres and 15 years. Chile is building a massive new 1,350 km transmission line, the third HVDC line on the continent of South America.
Indistinguishable from magic
The first jetsuit Grand Prix kicks off in Dubai
Say hello to the newest sport on the planet. Each racer wears an array of seven 130 hp jet engines controlled by hand-throttles. After that, the pilots use the three thrust vectors to gain lift, move forward, and try to stay above ground level while negotiating the course, faster than anyone else. Flying, of course. New Atlas
Physicists just captured the first-ever image of an electron crystal
The team used high-resolution scanning tunnelling microscopy to image the crystal, which is made entirely of electrons. The experiment, conducted in very cold temperatures and low-density conditions, is the first to directly image this behaviour since it was theorized in 1934. New Scientist
Scientists just figured out how to make paracetamol from trees
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have invented a way to manufacture paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) from trees instead of petroleum. Their new process converts and extracts the precursor chemical p-hydroxybenzoate (pHB) from the lignin in the cell walls of poplar and palm trees, and is reportedly cheap, efficient, and scalable. Anthropocene
Engineers invent a new, light-based computer chip
Researchers at Tsinghua University in China have developed a revolutionary new artificial intelligence chip that uses light instead of electricity to process data. Dubbed Taichi, the chip is reportedly over 1,000 times more energy-efficient than Nvidia’s high-performance H100 GPU chip. IE
CAR-T therapies are starting to show promise beyond blood cancers
Earlier this year, researchers reported stunning results in 15 patients with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. CAR-T is also being tested as a treatment for solid tumours, heart disease, ageing, HIV infection, and more. As the number of people eligible for CAR-T therapies increases, so will the pressure to reduce the cost. MIT
Tiny 'salt-sized' sensors mimic human brain
Researchers at Brown University have built a wireless communications system that mimics the brain using an array of tiny silicon sensors. Each sensor, the size of a grain of sand, acts as a wireless node that sends a 'spike' signal to a central receiver to decode the information. The work is part of a 'new wave of brain-machine interfaces' that could change the lives of severely paralysed people. IEEE Spectrum
That's it for this week, we'll see you in the next edition.
With love,
Gus and Amy
