The Fight Against FGM Is Accelerating — Rate Falls from 1 in 2 to 1 in 3 in a Decade
WHO reports FGM rates have fallen from 1 in 2 to 1 in 3 in a decade, with half of all progress since 1990 achieved in the last 10 years.
Svalbard's Polar Bears Are Adapting — Getting Fatter and Healthier Despite Shrinking Ice
Norway's Svalbard polar bears are getting fatter and healthier despite sea ice loss, adapting with new food sources — but long-term questions remain.
San Francisco Makes Childcare Free — And Other US Cities Are Following
San Francisco offers free childcare for families earning under $230,000, joining NYC and New Mexico in a growing US movement toward universal provision.
The Evidence Is in Our Hair — A Century of Proof That Environmental Regulation Works
Archived hair samples spanning 100+ years show lead exposure collapsed after EPA regulations — tangible proof that environmental rules save lives.
America's Murder Rate Just Hit a 125-Year Low
U.S. homicide rates fell 21% in 2025, reaching potentially the lowest level since 1900 — a dramatic reversal from the 2020 spike.
Lab-Grown Immune Commanders Could Democratise Cancer Therapy
UBC scientists have grown helper T cells from stem cells for the first time, potentially unlocking affordable, off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy.
Hot Sand, Cool Planet — Finland's Sand Battery Goes Industrial
Finland's first industrial sand battery produces fossil-free steam for a brewery, cutting energy bills by 70% and tackling the hardest sector to decarbonise.
Portugal Powers Past 80% Renewable Electricity — Topping the EU
Portugal generated 80.7% of its electricity from renewables in January 2026, topping the EU and recovering from last year's blackout.
Colombia's Forests Are Breathing Easier — Deforestation Falls 25% in a Year
Colombia reports 25% less deforestation year-on-year as its Conservar Paga programme pays thousands of families to protect forests.
Ireland Becomes First Country to Make Basic Income for Artists Permanent
Ireland becomes the first country to make a basic income for artists permanent, after a pilot generated €100m in benefits from €25m invested.
San Francisco Makes Childcare Free — And Other US Cities Are Following
San Francisco offers free childcare for families earning under $230,000, joining NYC and New Mexico in a growing US movement toward universal provision.
The Evidence Is in Our Hair — A Century of Proof That Environmental Regulation Works
Archived hair samples spanning 100+ years show lead exposure collapsed after EPA regulations — tangible proof that environmental rules save lives.