Story Search Results

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 2267 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Kenya embraces solar to meet energy needs

Andrew Wasike

November 25, 2016 |

Deutsche Welle (DW) |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Kenya

In order to meet the needs of the country, Kenya is slowly moving away from costly and environmentally damaging energy sources to solar powered energy. Farmers and medical clinics alike are seeing the benefit both from a financial and practical standpoint, as they embrace solar installations that help them do business even better.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Students, Families Who Can't Afford Internet in the Bronx

Sarah Gonzalez

November 23, 2016 |

WNYC |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

In an era when success in school and the workplace is so heavily reliant on internet access, almost 20 percent of New York City households still lack internet access at home. Fortunately, the New York City Housing Authority is taking steps to address the issue by providing solutions such as installing free hotspots, distributing complimentary Wi-Fi equipment, and even parking digital vans outside of public housing complexes so that residents can easily and freely access computers, printers, and the Internet.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Canada moves ahead on carbon taxes, leaving the U.S. behind

Peter Fairley

November 21, 2016 |

MIT Technology Review |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada

The United States has refused to institute a carbon tax, but Canada has agreed to a carbon tax in all provinces by 2018. The carbon tax has received support across party lines, however, some elections remain to see if the carbon tax favoring candidates are elected.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How to House Us All: A Tyee Reader

Chris Wood

November 21, 2016 |

The Tyee |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada, Ottawa

Throughout Canada, the available housing is insufficient to meet the needs of its residents: many homes are too expensive, unsafe, or unavailable. To address this problem, the Canadian government has sought feedback from citizens in the “Let’s Talk Housing” program. The feedback has shown many excellent models for progress, including tiny homes, partnerships with faith groups, and creative transit use. The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association is also supporting Ottawa in making more affordable housing possible.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Art of the Protest

Tina Rosenberg

November 21, 2016 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

With a major political party taking over the presidency, most governorships, Congress, and state legislatures, the minority party can feel powerless. However, there are effective ways to organize protests including using humor, acting locally, and intense planning strategies.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Cash Cards For Syrian Refugees

Sahar Zand

November 20, 2016 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Lebanon, Beqaa Valley

In a creative twist, Syrian refugees are being given cash cards to spend as they wish rather than being given food boxes or in-kind donations. Agencies and refugees themselves say that it gives them dignity and choice, which are important in the survival process. It was also much more efficient and cheaper to distribute money than buying food. This podcast cites a study done to prove its efficacy, talks to a couple refugee families, and notes that results could vary from country to country.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How Mysuru became India's ‘cleanest city'

Patralekha Chatterjee

November 17, 2016 |

Citiscope |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: India, Mysuru

Mysuru has become a gleaming example for solutions to India's vaster struggles with solid-waste management, toilet construction, sanitation strategy, public outreach, and other measures. The city uses a decentralized model that leverages a mix of municipal resources, NGO leadership, civil society, and cooperation from proud residents and businesses.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How Raton got its groove back

Staci Matlock

November 15, 2016 |

Small Towns Big Change |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Raton, New Mexico

By investing public money, developing a branch of a local community college, and encouraging locals to invest in their own hometown, the small city of Raton, New Mexico has begun to turn their economic hardships around. City officials have looked beyond cyclical extraction businesses like coal mining in order to think about long-term financial success for their community members.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Cities Closely Watching Chicago's Version of a Fitbit

Tod Newcombe

November 15, 2016 |

Governing |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Already a model for the 'Smart City Trend', Chicago is now continuing its innovative streak by launching an "urban sensing" project, which will gather, analyze and publicize sensory data on the city’s air quality, traffic flow, and hyperlocal weather conditions. These sensors will not only provide the public with immediate and practical information about traffic, air and weather safety, but also guide city planners’ in designing energy efficient infrastructure.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Rural economies get high on legal cannabis

Leah Todd Lin

November 15, 2016 |

High Country News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Trinidad, Colorado

Many small towns in Colorado who have previously struggled economically are now benefitting from the legal marijuana industry. The marijuana sales tax is helping towns pay for infrastructure and development efforts. However, local officials are wary of becoming too reliant upon this industry, as it may not be sustainable. For the time being, towns are using their extra tax dollars to build up their communities.

Read More
Go to Original Story