Today’s Solutions: May 16, 2024

Policy Making

Strong public policy leads to more cohesive, resilient, and sustainable societies. In this section, find out about the latest legislations from around the world aimed at making our world a better place.

British Columbia

British Columbia decriminalizes small amounts of drugs to reduce deaths

Opioid-related deaths linked to fentanyl have more than doubled in Canada over the last five years. British Columbia has been one the hardest-hit regions, with deaths spiking during the Pandemic, and has asked for federal permission to decriminalize drugs.  The government is now launching an Read More...

Chicago internet

Chicago Connected gave internet to 64,000 children in need

When the Pandemic hit and students went home for school, many lower-income families were disadvantaged due to a lack of reliable internet. In Chicago, many students in lower-income neighborhoods couldn’t get their work done, so the city decided to take action.  In March 2020, the city started Read More...

G7

G7 countries plan to stop fossil fuel development overseas

Environmental and energy ministers from the world’s largest economies agreed to stop funding any overseas fossil fuel development by the end of 2022. This will cut off investment in high carbon pollution programs that threaten the world from meeting its climate targets. The G7 countries Read More...

Greenwashing

Watchdogs zero in on greenwashing financial institutions

Individuals and companies around the world are looking to invest with their conscience and only support eco-friendly enterprises. Many fund managers noticed the rise in popularity of funds in line with ecological, social, and governance (ESG) principles and embellished how green they Read More...

someone picks up littered cigarette butts on the beach

This recycling program in Catalonia aims to rid streets and beaches of cigarette butts 

The Catalan government has launched a clever plan to rid their streets and beaches of cigarette butts. As an added plus, the plan has provided a small source of income for the homeless. According to the environmental organization Ocean Conservancy, cigarette butts are the most plentiful type of Read More...

Drinking Water

Massachusetts sues 15 companies for contaminating drinking water with PFAs

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a widespread health concern. These forever chemicals have been linked to thyroid disease, kidney damage, and certain cancers. They take a very long time to break down in the environment, and many manufacturers knew about the risks but still Read More...

Auckland, New Zealand skyline

New Zealand announces plan to help families buy greener cars

While most of us know the long-term environmental and economic benefits of switching from a gasoline-powered car to a cleaner hybrid or electric vehicle, the upfront costs of making such a change can make it difficult for many to actually make the swap. That’s why New Zealand’s Prime Read More...

Video Game Union

Activision Blizzard workers vote in industry’s first union

Video game makers may create and sell fun-filled entertainment products, but Activision Blizzard has been bogged down in suits and bad press for unfair working conditions. The makers of games like Overwatch and Call of Duty are accused particularly of fostering a “frat boy” culture where sexual Read More...

British Farm

UK bill could fast-track gene-editing and improve food security

As we deduce more about the future with the changing climate, it becomes clear that secure and reliable food production will be a challenge. Gene-edited products could be a big help in making climate-resilient crops and securing our food supply.  A bill on genetic technologies before the UK Read More...

Pickup truck city

Washington DC proposes charging higher fees for bigger trucks

Large pickup trucks’ popularity keeps growing in the United States and not just for hauling. Bigger and bulkier trucks are often used as normal cars, even new heavy-duty models like the Ford F-250 which gets 15 miles per gallon and is almost two feet taller than an average sedan. Not only do Read More...