Weekly Successes: Important Positive Developments Worth Noting
In Helsinki, Finland, an impressive milestone has been reached as the city has recorded no traffic-related deaths in the past year. This achievement is attributed to a years-long drive to make the city more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, a commendable "people-first" approach to mobility, as praised by Sara Mecatti of POLIS.
Meanwhile, in Iraq, the number of Iraqis experiencing material poverty has almost halved since 2011. The Iraq Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) assesses access to healthcare, education, housing, and food, providing a comprehensive view of the country's progress.
On a global scale, efforts to combat climate change are underway. Finland and Poland are drawing up plans to restore their wetlands, a move that not only mitigates climate change but also serves as a potential obstacle to Russian tanks. Peat bogs, which cover just 3% of the planet, hold nearly a third of the world's stored carbon, making their preservation crucial in the fight against global warming.
The marine world has also seen significant developments. A long-lost shark, the sailback houndshark, has been recorded again off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Scientists believe that this species is limited to a specific region in Astrolabe Bay, making its existence a second chance to save the "important marine biodiversity icon". The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the sailback houndshark as "data deficient", highlighting the need for further research.
In health-related news, a simple blood test can detect ovarian cancer in its early stages with an accuracy of 93%. This breakthrough could significantly improve survival rates for those affected by the disease.
Dietary choices also play a role in cancer risk. A comprehensive study has found that people who eat plant-based diets are less likely to develop cancer than meat eaters. Vegans were shown to have the largest overall reduction in cancer risk (24%) compared to meat eaters, while vegetarians on average had a 12% lower risk.
Efforts to reduce carbon emissions are also being made in the energy sector. Global investment in green energy projects reached a record $386bn in the first half of 2021, a 10% increase compared to the same period last year.
Finally, looking to the future, research suggests that solar arrays in space could potentially decarbonize Europe's energy grid by up to 80%. This innovative solution could pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
In education, South Korea and Austria have taken steps to limit the use of smartphones in schools due to growing evidence of a link between early use and poor mental health. The results from the Netherlands suggest that its ban on smartphones in school has made students more sociable, improved their focus, and boosted academic performance.
These developments highlight the ongoing efforts being made across the globe to address pressing issues such as climate change, health, and education, demonstrating the collective commitment to a better future for all.
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