Short News
Success for fast growing fish
A non-profit organisation has spent 30 years breeding an improved version of the fish species tilapia. The new fish grows 85% faster, helping feed more people.
Protection for Easter Island sea
Chile has created a huge new marine protection area around Easter Island. The area is meant to protect many species, including 27 at risk of extinction.
Girls flock to schools in Asia
Just 20 years ago, 35.8 million girls in South East Asia did not attend school. Latest data from 2014 show this number has now dropped to 11.3 million girls.
Pineapple leather invented
A leather substitute can now be produced from pineapple leaves. The new material could replace leather for more environmentally friendly shoes and handbags.
Colombia protects coast and ocean
Colombia is more than doubling the size of its World Heritage Malpelo sanctuary. The area is home to a wide variety of birds and marine species.
Algeria completes destruction of landmines
Algeria has now completed the destruction of its last stockpile of antipersonnel mines. The once mine-affected country is now completely free of these weapons.
Forests spreading fast in France
Forest cover grew rapidly in France since 1990, going up by an average of 102,000 hectares a year. Almost a third of the country is now covered by woodland.
New milestone against AIDS
For the first time, more than half the world’s HIV patients now have access to vital medicine. The number of AIDS deaths have been nearly halved since 2005.
Vote to ban nuclear weapons
122 nations of the UN have voted to ban nuclear weapons. The nuclear armed nations did not participate, but the idea is to put pressure on them to disarm.
Cheaper batteries boost cars
The cost of batteries for electric cars has dropped by 77 percent since 2010. This is important because the battery is a big factor in the price of these cars.
New hope for world’s biggest stork
Thanks to guarding of nest sites in Cambodia, stork chicks were successfully hatched in 175 nests of world’s biggest stork: the endangered greater adjutant.
Fewer suicides worldwide
The global suicide rate has been slowly decreasing. In the year 2000, around 12.2 out of every 100.000 people committed suicide annually; it’s now down to 10.7.