In world first, The Netherlands caps flights at major airport to cut pollution
The new policy, set to take effect at the end of 2023, is the world’s first to limit flights for environmental reasons.
Nations
India single-use plastics ban goes into effect
The country generates around four million tons of plastic waste per year, about a third of which is not recycled and ends up in waterways and landfills that regularly catch fire and exacerbate air pollution.
Germany abolishes Nazi-era law that criminalized doctors’ abortion ads
Despite this law rarely being used for decades, in recent years, anti-abortion activists began to use it to target doctors providing abortion services.
President Biden signs bipartisan gun control bill into law
The bill enhances background checks for gun buyers 21 years of age, provides billions for mental health services and closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole” to prevent convicted domestic abusers from purchasing a firearm for five years.
Japan withdraws funding for major coal projects in Indonesia and Bangladesh, effectively canceling them
Two planned coal-fired power plants, one in Indonesia and the other in Bangladesh, have had their funding withdrawn by the Japanese government, as part of Tokyo’s decision to no longer bankroll coal projects in either country.
Colombia launches largest ocean reef restoration project in the Americas
The project aims to grow one million fragments of coral and restore 200 hectares of reefs by 2023.
Greece offers subsidies for new eco-friendly appliances
Hundreds of thousands of households will receive brand new appliances – freezers, air conditioners, and fridges – which will reduce the total amount of energy consumption equal to that used by 100,000 people.
U.S. Department of Energy announces breakthrough in residential cold climate heat pump technology
Under this program, Lennox is committed to developing a new electric heat pump that will heat homes in colder climates with greater efficiency.
E.U. extends carbon market to shipping and road transportation industries
Polluters will have to pay for all greenhouse gases they pollute — CO2, methane and nitrous oxide — when sailing within the EU and 50% of voyages outside of the bloc.
Canada bans manufacture and import of single-use plastics
The ban includes checkout bags, cutlery, straws and food-service ware made from or containing plastics that are hard to recycle, and will come into effect by the end of 2022.