Today’s Solutions: November 01, 2024

Good Governance

What does good governance look like? In this good news section, we share international examples of good governance, from efforts directed at the protection of civil rights to initiatives aimed at the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

European Parliament

EU votes to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars starting 2035

The European Union’s goal is to slash 55 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles by 100 percent by 2035. As part of this ambition, the European Parliament has voted to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035. This vote Read More...

Yosemite

US unveils plan to ban single-use plastic in national parks

Plastic pollution is so prevalent that harmful plastic particles can even be found in drinking water. Robust action on a national scale is needed to stop the flood of plastics into natural environments.  Wednesday, on World Oceans Day, the White House announced its plans to phase out single-use Read More...

Sheep and cattle on farm looking into the camera lens

New Zealand plans to charge cattle burps to cut emissions

Cow and sheep burps are huge emitters of methane — which is over 80 times more efficient than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere. But while livestock is the main contributor to the agriculture sector’s emissions, they are often excluded from emissions trading plans. Soon, that will no Read More...

Gov. Kathy Hochul makes announcement

New NY bill raises age to buy and own semi-automatic rifles

In the wake of multiple mass shootings, there’s been a lot of serious discussion concerning who should have access to guns. Earlier this month, New York’s legislature decided to ban anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing or possessing a semi-automatic rifle.  What is a semi-automatic Read More...

Close up of Stud Beef grazing on grass in a field in Australia.

4 policy strategies to reduce the environmental cost of meat

Many food systems have a detrimental effect on the environment, especially when it comes to the cattle industry. Cheap meat does not reflect its true price when it comes to its negative cost to our planet. So how can we bring meat products up to their true cost without hurting the pockets of the Read More...

Baltimore Internet

Baltimore aims to expand public internet access with city-owned network

State and local governments are coming to appreciate the internet for what it is: an essential utility. With much of the workforce working from home and children going to school online, reliable internet is vital for workers in all sectors of the economy.  In the wake of successful programs Read More...

American Solar

US pushes through solar panel imports while helping boost production

A tariff investigation by the Commerce Department has stalled the expansion of the United States solar industry. This was a look into whether or not Chinese solar manufacturers were improperly funneling parts through other Asian countries.  Determined to meet its clean energy and climate goals, Read More...

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Canada announces legislation to freeze handgun sales

In response to the frequent and horrific mass shootings that are plaguing the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced new legislation to tighten gun control laws in Canada. The new bill will make it illegal for Canadians to buy, sell, transfer, or import handguns Read More...

Aerial view of observation tower with Finnish flag among blue lakes and green forests in summer Finland.

Finland is the first country to pass a legally binding carbon negativity act

Many countries are putting forth considerable efforts to fight climate change and reach ambitious targets of net-zero emissions. However, Finland has decided to take it up a notch. Finland’s parliament recently passed a new Climate Change Act which legally binds it to its commitment to Read More...

Compost

California is making composting a statewide practice

Composting is an easy and fun way to cut down on our carbon emissions while making our own fertilizer. Despite this, a lot of green waste like vegetable scraps and lawn trimmings wind up in landfills. Here they rot and release methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Read More...