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A Cheap Fix for Climate Change? Pay People Not to Chop Down Trees

Brad Plumer

July 20, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Uganda, Hoima, Kibaale, Western Region

In a randomized experiment in western Uganda, scientists demonstrated the effectiveness of paying rural farmers not to chop down trees since deforestation contributes to CO2 emissions worldwide. They studied for two years the declines in forest cover between a control group (no payment) and the participant group (paid). Building on a United Nations project in which wealthy nations pay poorer ones in an attempt to equalize the costs of responding to climate change, the outcome of the project proves the existence of a low-cost environmental policy solution to stemming rising global temperatures.

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How Iceland became the most stone-cold sober country for teens in Europe

Jesse Hyde

July 20, 2017 |

Deseret News |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Iceland, Reykjavík

The Youth Iceland program has lowered rates of teenage alcohol abuse not by counseling teens to say no to drinking, but by providing opportunities to establish a healthy life and relationships. The program entailed investing money in school programs, providing money to families to participate in these programs, and pushing for parents to spend more time with the children.

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Taking Guns Off the Streets, $100 at a time

Claire Martin

July 10, 2017 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

As professor of medicine and gun-violence researcher Dr. Garen Wintemute notes, gun buyback programs are sometimes perceived as ineffective: attracting only older and non-violent gun owners, for instance, and in some cases leading people to use the cash to buy superior firearms. But after Gun by Gun, a violence prevention nonprofit, successfully raised prodigious sums through a customized funding campaign, this perception is changing. The nonprofit has used more than $100,000 of nationally-sourced individual donations to create demonstrably sustainable, more successful buyback programs across California.

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Rethinking Homeless Shelters From the Ground Up

Krutika Pathi

June 28, 2017 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The homeless population in NYC stands at the highest number since the Great Depression. The Bowery Residents Committee has suggested changes to how shelters emerge, run and are funded. With a focus on results-based funding, the BRC advocates for the prioritization of impact on the people served. It rewards locations that demonstrate a high ratio of people moving in to those returning; "building to the function" of helping people re-enter society; and eliminating private landlords.

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Why a $10,000 Philly tax break got almost no takers

Jane M. Von Bergen

June 21, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, the city enrolled out a program that offered companies a $10,000 tax credit. The catch? Hire former prisoners who have crime records. To the surprise of the city, the program tanked. Now, the city created a similar, but revised program “ the Fair Chance Hiring Initiative.”

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Creating “Better Buildings” With Solar Energy

Anne Cosgrove

June 12, 2017 |

Facility Executive Magazine |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Richfield, Minnesota

With the prices of solar technology dropping and the opportunity to save drastically on energy usage and costs, businesses and organizations across the country are investing more in solar infrastructure for their buildings and facilities. The Better Buildings Initiative of the US Department of Energy is helping by providing guidance and documenting effective approaches and financing for renewables installations - from hotels, to schools, to big box retail.

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The Philanthropy World Is Embracing Impact Investing

Ben Paynter

June 05, 2017 |

FastCompany |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Redwood City, California

The resources needed to tackle some of the world's most pressing social and environmental problems - from poverty to climate change to inequality - are generally far beyond the reach of governments and traditional philanthropies. Fortunately, the private sector is taking an increasing role in social entrepreneurship through the practice of impact investing. Organizations and individuals alike are investing funds into meaningful, scalable projects that are generally proven to also provide a return; a win-win for everyone that generates sustainable change.

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How New York Is Building the Power Grid of the Future

Leslie Kaufman

May 25, 2017 |

Inside Climate News |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York

New York is determined to become a national leader in the renewable energy sector, and they are leveraging numerous approaches to help integrate better and more environmentally conscious technologies into the grid. The multi-faceted approach includes updating laws and regulations to be more renewables-friendly, hosting competitions to foster entrepreneurship and creative solutions in the field, piloting new technologies, and creating better incentives for utility companies.

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How Cities Fought the White House, and Won, in the 1980s

Brentin Mock

May 24, 2017 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Baltimore, Maryland

In 1986, the city of Baltimore battled the Reagan administration over its local anti-apartheid ordinances—and won. How they prevailed may have important lessons for cities trying to resist Trump today; from his policies regarding immigration to climate change.

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Research Says ‘Voucher' Programs Can Help Students

Tammy Worth

May 23, 2017 |

Flatland |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Kansas City, Kansas

The Catholic Education Foundation in Kansas City has provided nearly $600,000 in scholarships to approximately 300 low-income students to give them the choice to choose where they want to go to school. Because it is funded by businesses through tax-deductible contributions, it is a contentious issue by involving public money. The program has found over time that although the difference in test scores between private and public schools is modest, the real benefit of the program is helping families make informed choices about their education without access being an issue.

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