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.
Laguna Beach bans balloons to protect marine environment
Last week, Laguna Beach, California — known for its surfers, waves, and rolling hills – caused a stir for its tight prohibition on the sale and use of balloons. The motion was passed by the municipal council last week, citing the risk of wildfires and the fact that balloons are a major source Read More...
Seattle becomes first US city to outlaw caste discrimination
Following a decision by the city council, Seattle has become the first city in the United States to outlaw caste discrimination. Councilwoman Kshama Sawant, who drafted the law, said the struggle against caste bias "is deeply connected to the fight against all forms of oppression". Proponents Read More...
EU bans new gas or diesel vehicle production by the year 2035
The European Parliament adopted a ban on the sale of new fossil-fueled cars and light vehicles by 2035 earlier this month. Following in the footsteps of California and New York, among other U.S. states, the European Union will now be one of the major car markets to compel a move to electric Read More...
Australia draws up plans for marine reserve the size of Germany
The Australian government intends to designate a marine reserve in the Southern Ocean the size of Germany, bolstering protections for millions of penguins and seals near Macquarie Island. Tanya Plibersek, the environment minister, stated that the government intends to increase the extent of the Read More...
Hawaii is the first US state to finally ban shark fishing
On June 8th, in honor of World Oceans Day, Hawaiian Governor David Ige signed nine measures into law, including one that will safeguard sharks and other marine life. Act 51 (House Bill 533) came into effect early last month. According to the new legislation, it is now against the law to Read More...
Tobacco companies in Spain now fit the bill for cigarette butt clean-up
Tobacco businesses will be obliged to pay for the cleanup of millions of cigarette ends discarded by smokers each year under new environmental legislation in Spain. The decision, which went into effect last week, is part of a package of waste-reduction and recycling efforts. It calls for the Read More...
The Senate is on the verge of enacting new protections for pregnant workers
After 10 years of effort, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which would mandate reasonable workplace accommodations to allow pregnant workers to safely work, is likely to pass. The Senate voted 73-24 to add it as an amendment to the must-pass omnibus government spending measure, and the Read More...
Two new DC public schools model net zero education
It goes without saying that we should be teaching our children about important environmental matters, especially excessive energy consumption and the need for energy efficiency. But what about the energy that a school itself consumes? While it is a rarely-thought-of area for improvement, new Read More...
Britain to wipe past conviction of consensual same-sex activity
In a news release published earlier last week, the British Home Office announced that any individual who has been convicted of consensual same-sex sexual activity under abolished laws in England and Wales will soon be able to have those records wiped. “It is only right that where offenses have Read More...
Most New Mexico residents can now benefit from free tuition
Facing exorbitant tuition fees, almost all students and families in the United States have no other choice than to borrow money and take on an increasing amount of debt that they can’t pay back. Finding ways to make tuition fees across the country more affordable is essential for those seeking to Read More...