Each week find a round-up of selected resources, news stories, and commentary related to humane living, global ethical issues, and positive solutions.
Here’s some news to know for this week:
- Via National Geographic: Gabon creates new ocean reserve
Gabon has created “Africa’s largest network of marine protected areas.” It includes provisions about sustainable fishing and hopes to help marine ecosystems adapt to climate change. - Via NY Times: Parents talk to their boys and girls differently, and it matters
Several recent studies show that mothers and fathers use different language and framing when talking to their sons vs. their daughters, in ways that influence their social, emotional, and academic health. - Via Quartz: Gender-neutral preschools may help reduce gender stereotypes, bias
A new study indicated that kids in a gender-neutral preschool were “more likely to play with unfamiliar children of the opposite gender, and less likely to be influenced by culturally enforced gender stereotypes.” - Via US Energy Information Administration: US wind and solar hit 10% of electricity generation
For the first time, wind and solar exceeded 10% of total electricity generation in the US. In 2016 that number was 7%. - Via DW: Climate change is increasing forest fires around the world
A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists notes that there is strong evidence that climate change has increased the number of wildfires worldwide, as well as the scale and duration. - Via Huffington Post: Nevada’s legislature passes several women-friendly bills
Nevada’s legislature, which is 40% women, passed several bills supporting women’s rights and health, from workplace accommodations for pregnant women and “tax-free tampons,” to funding a new family planning program for low-income residents. - Via OPB: Oregon first US state to recognize non-binary identities for driver’s license
Oregon has become the first state in the US to allow its citizens to choose “not-specified” as a gender option at the DMV. - Via NPR: Lead found in baby food
In a new report, the Environmental Defense Fund reveals that there were detectable levels of lead in 20% of the baby food samples they tested over a period of 10 years. The CDC considers “no level of lead” safe.
The post What’s New Wednesday 6-21-17: News & Resources for Educators & Solutionaries appeared first on Institute for Humane Education.