Nicki Minaj cancelled her concert in Saudi Arabia after pressure from human rights activists. This is a big victory and sets a precedent for other performing artists when they consider the venues that they play. Thank Nicki Manaj for her commitment to human rights.
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.
After Marshae Jones was shot in the stomach during a dispute, she tragically lost her unborn child. She was charged with manslaughter, triggering widespread condemnation. Thank the prosecutor for eventually dropping charges and keeping “the best interest of justice” the priority.
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 African elephant population is back on the rise, thanks to national and international conservation efforts. Programs empowering the African people and devaluing poaching have cut elephant deaths in half. Support these efforts and those who back them.
The census that says every American counts will not be infected by divisive politics. The opportunists who wanted to use a citizenship question as a weapon of oppression have failed. Applaud this Supreme Court-delivered win for equality and fairness.
One of the nation’s most polluted cities is launching its own Green New Deal. A renewed commitment to slashing carbon emissions and utilizing more energy-efficient measures could pave the way to a cleaner, healthier city. Applaud this bright spot of proactive progression in environmental wellness.
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.
Tens of thousands of ex-felons in dire need of a new beginning can now embark on a better path with a voter registration card in hand. This is a promising turn in the fight for the right to vote. Applaud the restoration of voting rights to former felons in search of a second chance.
Exotic animals will no longer be allowed to perform in circuses, thanks to a citywide ban. This is a life-changing decision for many exotic animals who live their lives in cages and are subjected to abuse and neglect. Thank council members for their dedication to animal welfare.
A fresh water lake has nearly recovered from its pollutant infestation, thanks to recently planted wetlands. This is only the beginning for local environmental advocates, though, as they continue their fight to save their town’s fresh water supply. Support these dedicated advocates as they take a stand against pollution.
Thirty-seven seal pups were saved from unfathomable brutality and inhumane exploitation at the hands of eight accused animal traffickers. They happily returned to their homelands following rehabilitation. Celebrate this success and thank those who fought so valiantly to free these pups.
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.
Endangered Insects could be brought back from the brink of extinction, thanks to three dogs and a group of dedicated researchers. The dogs were successfully trained to detect the insects in their natural habitat, garnering data that could effectively save the species. Support this important step towards conservation success.
Often called the “World’s Tallest Trash Heap,” Mt. Everest suffers every year from excessive hiking pollution. This spring, Nepal’s government sent a team of 14 to clean it up. Hauling out three tons of waste (and counting) is no small feat; let them know we value their efforts.
New York has taken an important step in tackling its air pollution problem. An encouraging by-product could be the improved health of millions of citizens. Celebrate this needed win for the environment and for public health.
Inhumane euthanasia is now considered animal cruelty, following the recent allegations of a shelter freezing four kittens to death. This means that anyone who tortures an animal in the name of mercy can be prosecuted and punished. Praise this advancement that will bring justice for innocent animals.
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.
Americans are being priced to death by the drug companies that often become their lifeline. Applaud efforts to end pharmaceutical price gouging and its inhumane extortion of human life.
A Missouri school district will be adding additional propane school buses to its fleet after seeing a significant reduction in air and noise pollution over the last five years. Propane, unlike diesel and gasoline, is a clean burning fuel which creates a cleaner and healthier environment for all. Praise this school district for taking a chance on this alternative fuel source.
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.
Adidas is continuing to be a role model in eco-friendly manufacturing. Most recently, they have pledged to reduce their CO2 emissions, eliminated plastic bags in their retail stores, and made plans to utilize recycled polyester. Praise their dedication to a healthier planet.
President Trump has waged a war against environmental progress, but his efforts at deconstructing previous protections suffered a significant blow. Commend the judicial system for striking down illegal offshore drilling.
