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Are 'sponge cities' enough to curb climate-fuelled floods?

Kim Harrisberg

April 18, 2023 |

Context |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

The design firm Arup calculates cities' ability to retain water through nature and helps them implement other solutions to flooding, like building rain gardens or public messaging strategies, depending on individual needs.

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South Africans say apps step in where government fails

Kim Harrisberg

August 17, 2022 |

Thomson Reuters Foundation |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: South Africa

Apps are providing vital services when the South African government is unable to do so. From informing citizens of power cuts to filling in potholes and seeking mental health, these citizen-build resources are addressing community issues and even creating employment opportunities.

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Trees, tech and people help Mozambican park reverse nature losses

Kim Harrisberg

July 05, 2022 |

Thomson Reuters Foundation |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Mozambique, Goinha

Gorongosa National Park is a leader in community-driven conservation efforts. Last year, surrounding communities planted more than 260,000 coffee trees and 20,000 indigenous trees. The park has also led to employment for 1,500 locals, in an effort to protect the environment and keep the local economy afloat.

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Crypto power: Can solar boost cheap, green homes in S.Africa?

Kim Harrisberg

April 22, 2021 |

Thomson Reuters Foundation |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: South Africa, Cape Town

Watergate Estate is working on two issues in South Africa: affordable housing and renewable energy. The housing development is installing solar panels for its residents that are being bought by people all over the world using cash or bitcoin as a way to offset their own carbon costs. Not everyone agrees that gated communities like this are helping to fight social inequalities, crime, and unemployment, but about 470 people bought solar cells for the apartment complex and some residents say they feel safer in their community.

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With women-only transport, South African city tackles sexual abuse

Kim Harrisberg

January 18, 2021 |

Thomson Reuters Foundation |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: South Africa, Cape Town

To combat high rates of sexual violence in the Cape Flats neighborhood, an entrepreneur steeped in activism founded a women-only driving school. Hundreds of women have learned to drive without having to fend off assaults or harassment from male instructors, while gaining a skill that frees them from the risks inherent in taking public transportation or taxis. To tackle the latter risk, the same entrepreneur, Joanie Fredericks, recently started Ladies Own Transport, an all-female taxi service.

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Armed with trumpets, S. African men fight crime against women

Kim Harrisberg

September 30, 2019 |

Thomson Reuters Foundation |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: South Africa, Johannesburg

Volunteers patrol Soweto township streets, blowing vuvuzelas – the long, plastic trumpets of World Cup fame – to alert women that it is safe to commute to their train or bus stops. The male-led campaign is a response to high rates of street violence, much of it gender-based, and the failure of the police to respond effectively. Thousands of volunteers work in groups of up to 15 to provide the service, which police credit with lowering robberies and other street crime. The patrols often intervene when they witness violence.

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