Santiago, Chile to purchase more than 700 electric buses in 2020
Chile just order 150 electric buses from BYD to transport people around its capital city of Santiago. Santiago intends to have its public transportation system fully electric by 2040.
Cities
Los Angeles, Atlanta among cities joining coalition to test universal basic income
The mayors of Los Angeles, Oakland, Atlanta, Georgia, Tacoma, Newark, Saint Paul, Jackson, Compton, Shreveport, and Stockton have joined Mayors For A Guaranteed Income, a coalition advocating for UBI policies, or the idea of giving out recurring cash payments to all individuals without any strings attached.
98% of South Korean local governments have declared a climate emergency
226 local government leaders across South Korea have declared a climate emergency. Their declaration emphasizes the roles and responsibilities local governments have in tackling climate change, noting that local governments are the ones who often make the first move in response to climate change impacts.
More than 70% of Londoners have changed usual mode of transport due to Ultra Low Emission Zone
London’s “Ultra Low Emissions Zone,” which was established on April 8, 2019, has led to major shifts in transportation patterns. Most of those now use public transportation or walk.
No-knock warrants banned in Louisville in law named for Breonna Taylor
The Louisville Metro Council has voted unanimously to ban no-knock warrants. The legislation was titled Breonna’s Law, in honor of Breonna Taylor whose death became one of the rallying points in protests against police violence.
Minneapolis City Council commits to dismantling Minneapolis Police Department
“We committed to dismantling policing as we know it in the city of Minneapolis and to rebuild with our community a new model of public safety that actually keeps our community safe,” Council President Lisa Bender said.
Several U.S. cities remove Confederate monuments following George Floyd protests
The ongoing George Floyd protests have prompted officials in several cities – including Birmingham, Alexandria, Fort Myers, and others – to remove Confederate monuments from public land.
Lancaster, California to build world’s largest renewable hydrogen plant
The plant will produce three times more hydrogen than any other facility in the world. Construction is set to begin in Q1 2021 and the plant should be operational by the end of 2022.
Seattle to permanently close 20 miles of streets to car traffic
The Stay Healthy Streets initiative started in April to provide more space for residents to get out of the house and exercise while maintaining social distancing. Mayor Durkan now says that the closures are permanent.
Abu Dhabi to build the cheapest solar farm ever
The current cheapest solar farm is owned by the UAE’s other major city, Dubai, which set the cost record in 2015 at 5.98¢/kWh and then broke it again in 2016 at 2.99¢/kWh. Abu Dhabi’s project crushes those marks at 1.35¢/kWh.