To recap 2021, NewsForKids.net is taking a look back at some of the most interesting stories we’ve covered this year.
Today we’re looking at some of the positive stories that made the news this year.
All around the world, there are strong signs that the days of fossil fuels like oil and coal may be coming to an end, as the world shifts to power sources that are easier on the environment.
Zipline, a company which focuses on using drones to deliver medical supplies, is now delivering coronavirus vaccines to remote areas in Ghana. Soon the company will provide similar services in other countries, too.
A new vaccine against malaria has shown strong results in early tests in the African nation of Burkina Faso. More tests are needed, but it’s possible that the vaccine could wind up saving hundreds of thousands of lives every year.
In late March, the African nation of Eswatini celebrated something that people in many countries take for granted – hot water at health clinics across the country. The hot water is heated by the sun, and could save many lives.
The United States government acted quickly last week to create a new national holiday, Juneteenth. The name combines the words “June” and “nineteenth”. It marks the day in 1865 that slaves in Texas were told that they were free.
Dengue is a very painful illness spread by mosquitoes. In severe cases, dengue can even cause death. Now scientists appear to have found a way to limit the spread of dengue, by infecting mosquitoes with a germ called Wolbachia.
The LEGO Group has been working on a way to make LEGO bricks out of recycled plastic. The bricks aren’t ready yet, but the company says it’s making progress. Making bricks from recycled materials could cut pollution from the company’s bricks by 70%.
In July, Algeria became the last country in the world to stop selling leaded gasoline. The news marks a major step in improving the environment, and shows that the world’s countries can work together to solve environmental problems.
Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has announced that a huge new section will be added to the protected area of ocean around the Galapagos islands. The move will make one of the world’s largest marine reserves almost 50% larger.
The drug companies Merck and Pfizer have each come up with new medicines that can help protect people from the worst effects of the coronavirus. These medicines won’t replace vaccines, but could help treat people who get Covid-19.