Smorgasbord of tasty good news nuggets to help ensure it's a sunny day.
Tiger Renaissance
In 2006, tiger populations in India reached a record low of around 1,400. Since then, they've more than doubled, reaching well over 3,000 last year, according to the country's latest census, says CNN. The resurgence of Indian tigers represents a triumph for conservationists and a ray of hope - and a reason for optimism - for other countries struggling to boost wildlife numbers.
What Traffic?
Lisbon has become the latest European city to bar through-traffic from its city centre. The plan, which will run for a three-month trial period, could also help Lisbon reach its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. It's one of 122 cities in Europe that have pledged to achieve that goal, says Bloomberg.
Climate Co-operation
Despite tensions over spy balloons and Taiwan, it's good to hear that Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua has invited his American counterpart John Kerry to China, boosting hopes that the world’s two biggest emitters can renew their cooperation on climate change. The two veteran diplomats spoke virtually last week as the US hosted the Major Economies Forum on climate. During this talk, Xie issued an invitation to Kerry, the former US secretary of state told Foreign Policy magazine. “My hope is that out of these discussions we get back to where we were two years ago because we must be able to cooperate together on this issue”, Kerry said.
Equal Cabinet
New Zealand cabinet reaches gender equality for the first time. MP Willow-Jean Prime, who is of Māori descent, was recently promoted as cabinet minister. There are now 10 women and 10 male members in the cabinet for the time in the nation's history. "It is nice to have a cabinet that reflects the New Zealand population," Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said, calling it a "good milestone to reach".
British Folk Art
Are church kneelers the most practised (and overlooked) British folk art of the past 90 years? Yes, says Elizabeth Bingham’s book Kneelers. Bingham is an authority on Anglican church canvas-work kneelers, and in her lovely book she traces their history from their beginnings in 1930s Winchester, through their zenith after the coronation of Elizabeth II, to the present day, in which a dedicated few keep the tradition alive. Kneelers celebrate and memorialise every aspect of life, not only the religious - though Bible stories do feature - and this makes them both touching and surprising.
Plastic Bans
Over 100 countries now have a full or partial ban on single-use plastic bags, and it's starting to work. In combination with levies and taxes, numerous countries are seeing significant declines in plastic bag use, and the impact is visible on the ground too. “It’s really, really encouraging to see those numbers trending down," Clean Ocean Action told EuroNews.
"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." Robert Swan
On this Day
4 May 1780: American Academy of Arts & Science founded in Boston. Founding members: James Bowdoin, John and Samuel Adams.
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Musical Mood Booster
Double bass quintet plays the Pink Panther theme tune.