Inspiring Developments in LGBTQ+ Laws, Plastic Waste and Voter Solutions!
What we are doing
Welcome to this week's edition of our Positive Sustainable News newsletter! Each week, we bring you inspiring stories of progress, innovation, and resilience from around the globe. From groundbreaking medical achievements to significant advancements in sustainability and social justice, we hope these updates fuel your optimism and encourage action within your own communities.
Updates
We're thrilled to share that we had a successful board meeting to discuss our upcoming fundraising efforts. One exciting proposal on the table is an art auction! This initiative aims to celebrate creativity while supporting our mission. If you're an artist or know someone who might want to contribute, we'd love to hear from you. Message any member of our team to get involved.
How You Can Help
We want to share this positivity with as many people as possible. If you believe in our mission, please help support us by sharing this newsletter, donating, chatting in our Discord server, or by volunteering. You can find links to all of these at Activism-Network.org! Thank you for your support!
Good news for Earth
Our commitment to environmental progress continues as we monitor pressing ecological issues, stepping in with resources and support to preserve and restore vital ecosystems.
Thailand Implements Ban on Plastic Waste Imports to Combat Toxic Pollution
As of January 2025, Thailand has enacted a law prohibiting the import of plastic waste, aiming to reduce toxic pollution and environmental degradation. This decision follows years of advocacy by environmental groups and positions Thailand among several Southeast Asian nations rejecting plastic waste from developed countries. The effectiveness of this ban will depend on strict enforcement and global cooperation to address the broader issue of plastic pollution. The Guardian
China Has Reduced Sulfur Dioxide Emissions by More Than Two-thirds in the Last 15 Years
China has dramatically reduced local air pollution levels — particularly in its biggest cities — in the last decade. One rapidly declining pollutant is sulfur dioxide (SO2), which generates smog and can cause acid rain. Its primary source is coal burning. Putting emissions limits on coal plants and introducing desulphurization technologies that remove SO2 from smokestacks were critical drivers of this decline. Our World in Data
China has reduced sulphur dioxide emissions by more than two-thirds in the last 15 years - by Hannah Ritchie on Our World in Data
Public Buildings in Chicago Now Run on 100% Clean Energy
Starting January 1, Chicago became one of the largest U.S. cities to run entirely on 100% renewable energy for its city-owned buildings, including its airports. This milestone is the result of a five-year agreement with Constellation, which will supply the city's electricity needs with renewable sources, primarily from Swift Current Energy's massive Double Black Diamond solar installation in Illinois. This shift will reduce Chicago's annual carbon emissions by over 290,000 metric tons, supporting the city's ambitious goal to cut emissions by 62% by 2040. With the potential for additional renewable energy sources like rooftop solar, Chicago is making significant strides in its commitment to clean energy and sustainability. Environment America
New Year, New Right Whale Babies
As we welcome the new year, there is hope for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale population with the birth of three new calves. Two calves were spotted just before New Year's Eve, born to resilient mothers, Blackheart and Caterpillar, both of whom have survived numerous challenges, including entanglements and boat strikes. These new births are a bright spot in a difficult year, following the tragic deaths of five right whales in 2024. The survival of these calves is crucial for the species' recovery, and the birth of a calf to a younger mother is a hopeful sign for the future, as it may encourage more right whales to give birth at younger ages. While challenges remain, these new arrivals offer a glimmer of optimism for the species' survival. Environment America
Humans with Humanity
We remain vigilant in supporting efforts to combat inequality and champion human rights, responding swiftly with compassion and assistance whenever we can.
India's Female Voters Surpass Male Turnout, Signaling Positive Democratic Engagement
In India's 2019 general election, female voter turnout exceeded that of males for the first time, a trend expected to continue in the 2024 elections. This shift is attributed to factors such as increased literacy, media exposure, and targeted political mobilization efforts. Despite this progress, women in India still face challenges in broader political engagement and representation. Nonetheless, the rising female voter turnout reflects a significant advancement in women's participation in India's democratic process. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Photo by Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) on Unsplash
Argentina's Poverty Rate Falls to 36.8%, Marking Significant Improvement
Recent reports indicate that Argentina's poverty rate has declined to 36.8% in the latter half of 2024, a notable decrease from the peak of 52.9% recorded in the first half of the year. This improvement is largely attributed to a significant reduction in inflation and a partial recovery in wages. Despite this progress, experts caution about persistent structural poverty and ongoing challenges for low-income populations. Buenos Aires Times
Pentagon Reaches Historic Settlement to Restore Benefits for LGBTQ+ Veterans Discharged Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
The U.S. Department of Defense has agreed to a landmark settlement to review and potentially upgrade the discharge statuses of over 30,000 LGBTQ+ veterans who were expelled under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) policy, which was in effect from 1993 to 2011. This settlement, pending approval by U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero, aims to streamline the process for affected veterans to amend their discharge paperwork, facilitating access to benefits such as healthcare, loans, and tuition assistance. The agreement acknowledges that the constitutional rights of these service members were violated, marking a significant step toward rectifying past injustices and restoring honor to those who served. Rolling Stone
Medical Debt Will No Longer Affect Your Credit report
A significant consumer protection measure was announced by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on January 7, 2025, which will prevent medical debt from appearing on credit reports. The new rules aim to shield individuals from the financial consequences of medical debt, a burden affecting an estimated 100 million Americans. By banning credit agencies from including medical debts and prohibiting lenders from using medical information to assess borrowers, the regulations are expected to increase credit scores for many, with an estimated average boost of 20 points for those affected. This step is part of the Biden administration's broader effort to address the crisis of healthcare debt, which often forces people to sacrifice essential living expenses. Although the rules face potential opposition and legal challenges, they represent a major victory for consumer rights and financial stability for those struggling with medical expenses. NPR
Glimpse of Tomorrow
As technological advancements shape our world, we actively seek ways to leverage innovation for social good, helping bridge the gap between access and opportunity.
UK Introduces Legislation to Criminalize Creation of Sexually Explicit Deepfakes
The UK government has announced plans to make the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images and videos a criminal offense. This initiative aims to address the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to produce non-consensual explicit content, predominantly targeting women and girls. The forthcoming legislation will be part of the Crime and Policing Bill, introducing new offenses for taking or sharing intimate images without consent, with perpetrators facing up to two years in prison. This move underscores the government's commitment to combating online abuse and protecting individuals from the harms associated with deepfake technology. Engadget
UK Woman Cancer-Free After Pioneering Liver Transplant for Advanced Bowel Cancer
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, 32-year-old trainee lawyer Bianca Perea from Manchester has been declared cancer-free following the UK's first liver transplant for advanced bowel cancer. Diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in November 2021, which had metastasized to her liver, Perea underwent extensive treatments, including targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Her remarkable response to these treatments led to her being listed for a liver transplant, which was successfully performed in the summer of 2024. Post-transplant assessments have shown no signs of active cancer cells, offering renewed hope for patients with similar conditions. Sky News
Blue Origin Set to Launch this Week
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is set to launch for the first time on January 14, 2025, marking a major milestone for the company and challenging SpaceX’s dominance in the space industry. Standing 30 stories tall, New Glenn aims to rival SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Starship rockets with its larger payload capacity, making it a formidable player in satellite constellation launches. The success of this mission could pave the way for Amazon's Kuiper internet constellation, directly competing with SpaceX's Starlink. With a focus on reusable technology and national security missions, New Glenn represents an exciting step forward in the development of sustainable, commercial space endeavors. Reuters
New Glenn’s flight vehicle upended at LC-36 (January 10, 2025). - Photo from Blue Origin
Thank you for being part of our journey toward a more sustainable and equitable world. Your support and engagement mean the world to us. Let's continue to celebrate progress and work together to create positive change. See you in the next edition! 🌍✨
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