Polish court rules that four “LGBT-free zones” must be abolished
“Today’s decision… is a great victory for democracy, human rights and respect for people,” Poland’s Campaign Against Homophobia wrote in a social media post.
Reuters
Colombia elects first Black woman vice president, Francia Marquez
Marquez is a celebrated environmental activist whose opposition to gold mining in her home municipality of Suarez saw her receive the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2018.
Vietnam develops ‘world’s first’ African swine fever vaccine for commercial use
African swine fever, one of the most devastating livestock diseases, was first detected in Vietnam in February 2019 and forced the country to cull around 20% of its hog herd last year.
Same-sex partners in Croatia can now legally adopt children
Zagreb’s Administrative Court ruled on April 21 that same-sex couples should not face discrimination in state adoption, according to the Rainbow Families Association (RFA).
Greece bans LGBTQ conversion therapy
Psychologists or other health professionals now will need a person’s explicit consent to perform such treatment and face fines and a prison term if they violate the law.
Levi Strauss & Co. to reimburse abortion travel for employees
The apparel company best known for its jeans is the latest U.S. company to offer the benefit as various states clamp down on access to abortions.
U.S. forgives 40,000 student loans, provides aid to 3.6 million more
The government said it was addressing “historical failures” to communicate to borrowers all the benefits they were eligible for in federal student loan programs.
Portugal’s floating solar energy auction sets world record negative price
EDPR’s winning bid was a negative price, meaning it will pay the Portuguese electric system 4.13 euros for each megawatt hour it generates over 15 years.
Global wind and solar growth on track to meet climate targets
Renewables can grow enough to limit global warming to 1.5C if the 10-year average compound growth rate of 20% can be maintained to 2030, according to climate think tank Ember.
Dutch bank ING ends financing for new oil and gas projects
The bank has also said it will target a 50% increase in lending for renewable energy by 2025, building on strong growth in 2021, when financing grew 26% to 7.3 billion euros.