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Singapore's abandoned bikes show how not to regulate the sharing economy

Leon Voon

July 18, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Singapore, Singapore

The tale of bike-sharing in Singapore sheds light on how governments can predict and manage technology changes in the future. Three bike-sharing startups quickly dominated the market, raised money, feared impending regulation, and then left Singapore. Had the government utilized better forecasting, by paying more attention to reports and the external environment, maybe the problem of countless deserted bikes could have been avoided. For now, the government can note its regulatory mistakes and prepare better for future technology.

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How Rwanda Tidied Up Its Streets (And The Rest Of The Country, Too)

Amy Yee

July 18, 2018 |

NPR |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Rwanda, Kigali

In Rwanda, "Umuganda" is compulsory community service once a month—citizens 18-65 must all clean up their local community. The rule is enforced by police officers who may stop citizens and force them to work on the spot. Though it's compulsory, one of the side effects is community pride.

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The unlikely partnership that's saving lives in the desert

Sean Ryon

July 18, 2018 |

NationSwell |

Multi-Media |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Tucson, Arizona

Humane Borders trying to take death out of the immigration equation by providing water stations on private land along the U.S. border. The faith-based organization is also collaborating with Border Patrol agents to help spread word of the dangers of crossing the border without documents.

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The Private Cities of Honduras

Luis Fajardo

July 18, 2018 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Honduras, San Pedro Sula

To attract foreign investment, Honduras is creating privatized cities with Western-style laws and foreign judges. The development initiative is bringing in money and creating jobs, but the enclaves are tailored to please private companies and may undermine Honduran sovereignty and social cohesion.

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It Takes Consultation to Help a Village

Rachel Cernansky

July 17, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Liberia, Harlandville

To succeed at international development, consult the locals. It seems obvious, but too many failed development projects show community buy-in is not the biggest priority. Two groups are leading the way to change this. Village X and Spark MicroGrants rely on locals’ opinions to direct projects that are actually needed and desired, creating better long-term outcomes for the communities in which they operate.

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Somaliland Uses Phones to Help Improve Schools

Doreen Aijambo

July 16, 2018 |

Al-Fanar Media |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Somaliland

Similar to other countries in Africa, Somaliland is using technology to better education. There, an estimated 150,000 parents use a free-mobile messaging tool to communicate about school conditions with the government. The capital of Somaliland engages in “community scorecards,” a mobile survey of thousands of students and their parents regarding their schooling.

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How San Francisco sends less trash to the landfill than any other major U.S. city

Katie Brigham

July 14, 2018 |

CNBC |

Multi-Media |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

San Francisco is aiming to achieve zero waste by 2020. Thanks to the implementation of public policy that made recycling and composting mandatory and a focus on city-wide awareness, however, the Californian city has already been able to divert 80 percent of its waste from landfills. It diverts more waste from landfills than any major city.

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Bugs and Birds: New Residents of a Greener Madrid

Jaime Velazquez

July 13, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Spain, Madrid

With a little strategic planning, cities can nurture biodiversity in the urban environment. “Sometimes, small actions can bring incredible results,” says Antonio Morcillo, deputy director for conservation of green areas and urban trees in Madrid. The city is allowing the Manzanares River to flow, spontaneous vegetation to grow, and opening hundreds of birdhouses and insect hotels to counteract habitat loss.

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Conserve Energy on Summer's Hottest Days With a Text

Eben Bein

July 13, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Providence, Rhode Island

Shave The Peak is an online tool that helps people cut their emissions use by informing them of peak energy times during the hottest days in the summer. The tool started as a mass email and a text sent out to 100 environmentally concerned citizens before expanding. “For now, we have to educate and involve citizen advocates using short-term projects so we can eventually create long-term change.”

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California slashes emissions, hits major greenhouse gas goal years early

David Baker

July 12, 2018 |

San Francisco Chronicle |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, California

Due in large part to the expanded use of renewable energy and decreased use of natural gas, California was able to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly and ahead of their scheduled goal.

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