I'm a published writer with one book under her belt and more in progress. I'm a strong advocate for the rights and well-being of people and animals alike, including but not limited to volunteering at an animal shelter.
Germany is phasing out a weed killer linked to cancer in humans and a sharp decline in insect populations. This is an important step forward that will greatly benefit the environment. Thank Germany for heeding public concerns and phasing out this chemical.
Coal usage in the United Kingdom has reached an all-time low, with emissions totaling less than one percent. For years, coal dependency has been a problem due to the country insuring big coal companies. People have died from air pollution related health complications, and coal plants have ruined many green spaces. Thank the UK government for finally taking public concern about coal seriously.
A record number of countries voted to regulate the fishing of mako sharks, as well as 16 other species. Mako sharks are heavily endangered due to the demand for shark fin soup and the profits made from shark fishing. Thank those who oversaw this vote to protect this vulnerable species.
Wild otters in Asia have been devastated by the exotic pet market, but a new ban on the cruel trade in these persecuted animals could save them. Thank CITES for finally putting an end to the otter pet trade.
Cuba has drastically improved its fishing law to protect disappearing coral reefs. Reefs have been endangered for the past several years due to many factors, one of which is overfishing; these structures are vital to the survival and well-being of the ocean overall. Thank Cuba’s lawmakers for taking this important step to save these natural wonders.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is meeting to tackle the growing problem of wildlife biodiversity loss. After many years of pollution, agriculture, industry, and hunting destroying many wildlife species and bringing others close to extinction, it is about time this important first step was taken to preserve wildlife and protect biodiversity. Thank CITES for taking this important step.
President Trump has been barred by federal court from blocking his critics on Twitter. His demands to be able to do so were a major part of his war on free press and speech, a direct violation of the First Amendment, and he has been denied that privilege. Thank the Department of Justice for helping make this ban possible.
Thousands of species of Australian wildlife as well as many acres of woodland have been granted the legal protection they sorely need. Australia has a staggering record of extinctions and endangerment among many iconic and beloved species, and this bold action is a huge step in preventing more. Praise this important step in animal conservation.
The declawing of cats could soon become illegal in New York, making it the first statewide ban of the inhumane practice. This is the biggest step any state has taken in outlawing the unnecessary surgery. Praise this decision that will protect cats from this cruelty.
One of the world’s most polluted countries has announced plans to switch to wind energy. Using a highly powered battery, they intend to capture energy from over 200 turbines and harness it to phase out fossil fuels and reduce air pollution. Support this commitment to renewable energy sources.
YouTube is removing and banning all hateful content from its website, heeding consumer concerns about videos denying atrocities such as the Holocaust or issuing violent threats to certain groups. The site has been criticized in the past for turning a blind eye to such things, but now those who court controversy or seek to harm others will be denied such a voice. Thank the platform for taking user safety into consideration and banning hateful content.
An attempt to control women’s bodies has been eradicated in a bold move to protect the right to abortion. While this does not undo the creation and approval of these oppressive tactics, it is a step in the right direction and will hopefully lead to the repeal of further attacks. Thank those who fought this attack on reproductive freedom.
The near-extinct corroboree frog population may soon be restored, thanks to a bold conservation project. Thousands of corroboree eggs will be chilled and released into safe, disease-free conditions. Thank the Melbourne Zoo for this important step in preserving these amphibians.
Fracking tsar Natascha Engle has resigned after six months, thanks to the continued protest of fracking by environmental groups and the general public. It is hoped that her resignation will be a major step in the complete shutdown of the fracking industry. Thank the Extinction Rebellion environmental group for their protests, which led to Engle’s resignation.
Nearly 100 whales will be freed from a “whale jail” in Russia, thanks to demands from the Kremlin. The whales were slated to be sold to aquariums or Chinese buyers after having been illegally captured and kept in deplorable conditions. Thank the Kremlin for stepping in to save these creatures.
The state of Bavaria is becoming more bee-friendly, after a circulated petition gained nearly two million signatures. Europe’s bee populations have been declining rapidly over the last few years due to overuse of pesticides and the disappearance of flowering meadows, problems that will soon be addressed. Thank Bavaria for taking a big step in bee preservation.
The EU will officially ban the use of the fungicide chlorothalonil, the most used pesticide in the United Kingdom. The chemical has been linked to various forms of pollution and may be responsible for the decline in the world’s bee population. Praise this important step in cleaning up the UK’s pollution problem.
YouTube has removed thousands of video copies of the New Zealand massacre, as well as the shooter’s manifesto and warning. The rate at which the video spread throughout social media was alarming, horrifying thousands of users and leading to demands for all platforms to remove the videos; the call has finally been answered. Thank YouTube for listening to the demands of the public.
The Trump administration has been ordered to reunite thousands of children with the guardians they were forcibly separated from at the Mexican border. The racist and xenophobic policy was ended some time ago, but until now it did not include mending the families it had broken. Sign this petition to thank those who fought against this hateful policy.
Lancashire’s unspoiled natural areas are safe from a big energy firm’s fracking plans, thanks to the government rejecting the firm’s bid to open four new wells. Lancashire had previously suffered from earthquakes and tremors due to fracking, and the practice, as a whole, is one of the most dangerous ways of obtaining energy. Sign this petition to thank Lancashire’s government for putting a stop to fracking.
An animal welfare advocacy group has filed a lawsuit against the USDA, demanding a stop to their horrific experiments that kill at least 100 kittens and cats per year. While this is only the first step in stopping the experiments, it is an important one. Sign this petition to thank the White Coat Waste Project and to support their fight to protect innocent animals.
Animal testing has officially been banned in California, thanks to a unanimous vote by the State Assembly. This will be the fourth state to ban the unethical and dangerous practice that has harmed animals for years, even leading to deaths. Thank the California State Assembly for taking this important step.
Germany has agreed to slowly phase out their use of coal as a fuel, which promises a major positive impact on the Paris Climate Agreement as well as the quality of air worldwide. The country is the last in the region to rely so heavily on coal, which has made up 40 percent of their power. While 2038 is a long time to wait, their decision is still much appreciated. Sign this petition to thank Germany for phasing out coal.
Five London nurseries will receive air purifiers, thanks to a decision made by London’s mayor following reports of heavy air pollution in the city’s schools. This is only one step, but it is highly important, as many children in the past year have suffered pollution-related complications and even died from them. Sign this petition to thank Mayor Sadiq Khan for taking this step.
Rapper Chris Brown may face jail time for his purchase of a Capuchin monkey over one year ago. The sale and trade of wildlife as pets is unethical and inhumane, and it is a great relief to know that Brown will face consequences for his actions. Sign this petition to thank California’s government for acting to protect wild animals.
