Each week find a round-up of selected resources, news stories, and commentary related to global ethical issues and positive solutions.
(Note: There won’t be a What’s New Wednesday for next week due to the holidays.)
Here’s some news to know for this week:
- Via Futurism: World Bank to significantly reduce financial support for fossil fuels
The World Bank has announced that it “will no longer finance upstream oil and gas” after 2019. The plan does include a caveat for “exceptional circumstances,” such as when there is a “clear benefit” for the poorest countries. - Via International Business Times: Study implies link between air pollution and “delinquent behavior” in youth
A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests a link between living in areas with higher levels of air pollution and “increased delinquency or bad behaviour among young people.” The study says that toxic particles can “damage brain structure and neural networks” and is especially harmful to developing brains. - Via Refinery29: Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo to go fur-free
Michael Kors (which recently acquired Jimmy Choo) has announced that the companies will no longer use animal fur, phasing it out by the end of 2018. Kors said, “Due to technological advances in fabrications, we now have the ability to create a luxe aesthetic using non-animal fur.” Kors joins other fur-free fashion companies, such as Gucci, Armani, and Hugo Boss. - Via Reuters: E-waste worldwide at new high, while recycling rates still low
A UN-backed study noted that e-waste rose to a record 45 million metric tons in 2016, up eight percent from 2014. And while “raw materials for scrap were worth an estimated $64.61 billion,” only about 20 percent of electronic waste is being collected and recycled. - Via NY Times: FCC votes to repeat “net neutrality” rules
In a 3-2 vote, the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal regulations that “prohibited broadband providers from blocking websites or charging for higher-quality service or certain content.” Internet service will also no longer be regulated as if it were a utility. Several states and other entities are considering legal action. - Via CBC News: Grizzly bear hunts to end in BC, with exceptions for First Nations
British Columbia will be ending the hunting of grizzly bears in the province. First Nations will still be allowed to kill the bears “in accordance with Aboriginal rights.” There are an estimated 15,000 grizzly bears remaining in BC. - Via Tech Crunch: Twitter to begin enforcing new rules around violence, hate, abuse
Twitter announced that it will begin enforcing new rules designed to reduce “abuse, hate speech, violence, and harassment.” The company will be looking for tweets that threaten physical harm or violence, as well as accounts connected to entities that promote violence against people. The new rules will not apply to military or governments, and there will be “exceptions for groups that are engaged in peaceful resolution.” - Via The Scientist: Study implies link between fracking and low-birth weight in human babies
A study published in Science Advances noted that human mothers who lived “within one kilometer of active [hydraulic fracturing] sites” in Pennsylvania had a “25 percent greater chance” of giving birth to “underweight” babies. The connection didn’t seem to appear beyond two miles. - Via NY Times: At least 6,700 of Myanmar’s Rohingya have been killed in the last few months
A recent survey by Doctors Without Borders concludes that at least 6,700 of Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim community, including more than 700 children under age five, have been killed in the last few months (from March – October 2017). Reports note occurrences of executions, gang rapes, and burnings. Since August, more than 645,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar to seek refuge in Bangladesh.
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The post What’s New Wednesday 12-20-17: News & Resources for Educators & Solutionaries appeared first on Institute for Humane Education.