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Would mandatory voting work in the U.S.? Australia's success shows the way.

Dan Tucker

September 23, 2024 |

WBEZ |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Australia

Australia has compulsory voting, which means those who don’t vote in federal elections will face a small fine. After the policy was instituted in 1924, turnout for federal elections shot up from about 60% of registered voters to more than 90% and has never dropped below 89% in the century since. Proponents also say the system results in better representation that more accurately reflects the country’s demographics, and because more of the population votes, politicians must appeal to a broader electorate rather than focusing on ideological extremes.

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From wastelands to wetlands: The fight to save Sri Lanka's natural flood buffers

Zinara Rathnayake

September 21, 2024 |

BBC |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Sri Lanka, Colombo

Sections of the massive network of wetlands in Colombo, Sri Lanka, went from being overwhelmed by garbage to biodiverse ecosystems that are a critical part of urban planning and flood prevention. The government and community groups worked to clean them up, and keep them clean, so the wetlands can do what they’re naturally good at.

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Why electric restaurants could be the key ingredient for cities trying to ditch fossil fuels

Sam Brasch

September 13, 2024 |

Colorado Public Radio |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Denver, Colorado

Whether encouraged by government incentives and regulations, environmental impacts, or business benefits, restaurants are switching to electric cooking appliances like induction cooktops instead of gas-powered options.

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California farmers turn to agave amid drought conditions and climate change

Manola Secaira

September 09, 2024 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, California

Farmers and distilleries in California are building a market for agave, a drought-resistant crop used to make tequila and mezcal, in light of the state’s increasingly hotter and drier climate. Agave could help farmers sustain their livelihood as thirstier crops like almonds or avocados become less viable.

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Massachusetts cities are quickly embracing new emission-slashing building code option

Sarah Shemkus

September 03, 2024 |

Energy News Network |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Massachusetts

The Massachusetts state government introduced a new building code, called the specialized stretch code, to set new construction up for decreased fossil fuel use. It’s an opt-in code, so municipalities vote on whether to adopt it, and many have.

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Can Backyard Farming Fix Kampala's Food Prices?

Rhonet Atwiine

August 26, 2024 |

Solutions Now Africa |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Uganda, Kampala

Residents of Kampala, Uganda, are turning to various urban farming practices to grow their own food in light of rising food prices. Many of them grow enough excess that they're able to sell crops at local markets for additional income.

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Thriving together: Community School Pioneers Sustainable Learning Model for Children With Special Needs

Rhonet Atwiine

August 16, 2024 |

Solutions Now Africa |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Uganda, Katende

The Wisdom Hub Nursery and Primary School enrolls students alongside those who are differently-abled, allowing them to learn in the classroom together. The combined classroom approach teaches students to embrace diversity, nurturing an inclusive educational environment where each child can thrive. The Wisdom Hub opened in 2013 and has since seen over 300 children with special needs cross into secondary school.

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Sundarbans Adopts 'Rooftop Farming' to Thrive Amid Cyclone Challenges

Joydeep Dasgupta

August 05, 2024 |

News Sense |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: India

Farmers living near the coast in India are turning to rooftop farming as cyclones lead to flooding that makes agricultural fields unusable. The Association for Social and Humanitarian Action taught local women how to grow food in tubs or sacks with compost, and those farmers trained others.

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How Frankfurt Harnesses Local Wind Currents for Urban Cooling

Jana Randow Laura Millan

August 03, 2024 |

Bloomberg |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Germany, Frankfurt

Frankfurt is changing the way it designs its buildings to adapt to extreme heat. The city works with urban climatology researchers to ensure new housing and skyscrapers won’t impact the wind corridors that keep residents cool, and it promotes practices like installing green roofs.

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Need a new outfit? Try the library.

Claire Elise Thompson

June 26, 2024 |

Grist |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Dover, New Hampshire

A pilot project at the Dover Public Library in New Hampshire provided locals with an alternative to fast fashion by hosting a clothing library. Like borrowing a book, people could check out up to five occasion-wear garments, which are the type of pieces you might only wear once, for two weeks at a time.

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