Don’t worry, there’s some good news to brighten your day too. Here are positive stories that will make you smile.
Namibia
— Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, provides 99% of its population with drinking water despite severe shortages. The world’s first direct potable reuse plant produces 5.5M gallons daily, meets 35% of the city’s water needs and complies with WHO guidelines.
UK Economy
— New research shows that universal basic income (UBI) could save the NHS billions by preventing mental and physical health problems. UBI could also boost the economy and reduce inequality.
Climate Change
— A British farmer donated £100,000 to fund a meeting of Brazil’s Indigenous people in the Amazon, motivated by his climate concerns, his near-death experience with COVID-19, and his respect for Indigenous wisdom.
Amsterdam
— Migrants in Amsterdam work at a repair centre that saves clothes from waste. The centre offers training and support to workers and aims to open more sites in the UK.
Borneo
— A group of women from two villages in Indonesia are fighting forest fires and promoting sustainable agriculture in their communities. The ‘Power of Mama’ is empowering women and protecting the environment in Borneo.
Stats
— The Global Liveability Index has given us insights into the quality of life in cities worldwide. Vienna, Copenhagen, and Melbourne took the top spots, while UK cities saw a decline. Meanwhile, Asian cities are on the rise, hinting at a shift in the global landscape.
LGBTQ Rights
— Iceland has passed a new law that bans conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people and imposes harsh penalties for violators. The law makes Iceland one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly nations in the world.
Renewable Energy
— The California Institute of Technology has demonstrated wireless transmission of solar power from space to Earth for the first time. This could enable uninterrupted renewable energy for the world.
Analysis
— The UK has nine public holidays in 2023, fewer than any EU country; combined with the recent spate of three-day weekends, there is a case for examining working hours. Four-day workweek trials worldwide have been a success, with positive impacts on well-being and productivity.
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