Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Good News Round-up for Week 1- July 2017

by Nomad

Starting this month, as a regular feature, I would like to offer a round-up of some recent  good news. For the sake of our sanity, it is important that we do not too bogged down in the mire and muck of the Trump age. It's easy to forget that the gloom is not global.
Here are five positive diversions.

While the Trump administration rejects its leadership role in the climate change crisis, the burden of safeguarding environment will now fall on other countries.

Even though it is an incredibly challenging task for a nation of 1.371 billion people, China has already stepped up to the plate.
For example, the city of Shanghai is launching a campaign to encourage Chinese and foreign companies to actively pursue sustainability initiatives, promote China’s sustainability targets, and showcase the city’s achievements in innovation, business environment, and sustainable development.

Innovative plans are also being drafted for the construction of Liuzhou Forest City in southern China. According to its designers, this will be one step in tackling China's air pollution problem. When completed the city is expected to absorb 57 tons of airborne pollutants, and produce around 900 tons of oxygen every year.


Plans for China's first 'city of trees' take root

With such limited space, how can cities be designed to feature more greenery? China is thinking outside the box: vertically Construction has begun of China's first 'forest city'. It will see offices, houses, hotels, hospitals and schools entirely covered by plants and trees.



China isn't alone. India has made its own statement.
More than 1.5 million volunteers were involved in a tree-planting campaign. By any measure, it was an impressive success and resulted in the planting of more than 66 million trees in just 12 hours

Under the Paris Agreement, India committed to increasing its forests by five million hectares before 2030 to combat climate change.

India just planted 66 million trees in 12 hours

Volunteers in India planted more than 66 million trees in just 12 hours in a record-breaking environmental drive. About 1.5 million people were involved in the huge plantation campaign, in which saplings were placed along the Narmada river in the state of Madhya Pradesh throughout Sunday.


The diet of wax worms was accidentally discovered by Spanish researcher, Federica Bertocchini.
Those cute little buggers like to chow down on plastic. Crazy about the stuff. This little quirk of Nature could be a game changer when it comes to the worldwide pollution problem.

Plastic-eating caterpillars could help get rid of the world's waste

Plastic is fantastic. It's cheap, durable, and doesn't react to the usual organisms that break down organic matter. This has made it incredibly useful for the packaging industry, but has also led...


Now, moving away from good news about the environment, let's take a look at two types of heroes.

Oklahoma resident Army Sergeant Stephen Florentz, even before his death six months ago, was a hero. According to one source, he had served as a helicopter medic in Vietnam. In addition to that, he was wounded in battle in Asia and earned a purple heart before returning to the U.S. Years later, Florentz volunteered to serve one year in Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Storm.

Two dozen families will remember Florentz for being a hero in another capacity.
As part of his legacy, his $2 million bequest to Central Oklahoma's Habitat for Humanity- the largest donation that they have ever received- will ensure that 25 families have a roof over their heads.

25 Deserving Families Will Have New Homes, Thanks to This Veteran 

A late Army sergeant and Purple Heart recipient has left behind an awe-inspiring legacy of philanthropy. When Sergeant First Class Stephen Florentz passed away in December, he left his $2.25 million estate to the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity - which is the largest donation that they have ever received.


Very often, heroes are people who just happen to be at the right place at the right time.. and decide to act. 
That's what occurred when Gray Davis, a 31-year old ballet dancer, literally leaped into action to save the life of a homeless man. 
He told reporters:
"People were screaming to get help. But nobody jumped down. So I jumped down."
That remark encapsulates what being a hero is really all about. It didn't even seem to occur to him not react.

Ballet Dancer Becomes NYC Subway Hero

Not all heroes wear tights-but New York City man Gray Davis does, in his job as a dancer with the American Ballet Theater. Davis, 31, sprang into action after a homeless man was pushed onto subway... 


If any of you would like to handle this feature for me, or would like to contribute article ideas or sources, be sure to get in touch with me using the contact form on the sidebar.