The Know Daily - Wednesday 5 March 2025

_{Read in 4m 29s ∙ Listening to Dua Lipa ∙}

Humberside Fire and Rescue became the first fire service in the UK to receive Menopause Friendly Accreditation, which includes dedicated menopause support, awareness workshops and workplace adjustments. This is a “major milestone” which will help to create a more inclusive environment and support staff wellbeing, according to a spokesperson from the fire service.

🌳 Backing biodiversity

Last week the UK outlined commitments to improving global biodiversity – here’s how that’s going to happen.

What was announced?
A partnership between all four countries of the UK to strive towards the 23 Global Biodiversity Framework targets by 2030.

These include:

• Reducing pollution

• Increasing the sustainability of food-based industries like agriculture and fisheries

• Managing invasive animal and plant species

• Restoring at least 30% of damaged land and ocean ecosystems

• Enhancing green spaces in urban areas to benefit wellbeing 

• Reducing overconsumption by consumers

• Sharing technical and scientific expertise with partners around the world

• Contributing towards a proposed total global fund of $200bn annually to support biodiversity conservation projects

Why now?
The plans were revealed at the reconvened United Nations Biodiversity Conference COP16, where UK representatives stressed the importance of international collaboration. It comes at a time when a World Wildlife Fund report determined a 73% loss in monitored wildlife species over the past 50 years.

What’s the reaction been?
Whilst the plans are “ambitious”, Natural England’s Chair Tony Juniper has said the conference means they will now “translate into action on the ground”. The sticking point of the previous convention regarding a global fund reached a “breakthrough”, according to MP Toby Perkins. Whilst this “offers a lifeline” to nature, balancing each country's financial commitment to biodiversity strategies will remain a key priority by sourcing additional funding from private and philanthropic backers.

📱Safer searching: Online Safety Act compliance escalates from this month, requiring platforms to reduce the risk of illegal content appearing.

• The bigger story: Emphasis will be placed on protecting children from harmful media and enforcing age limits on accessing services and apps. Companies will be fined if they do not undertake sufficient changes through the multi-phase rollout.

🎤 Cheerful character: Meet Lumo, the official mascot for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.

🐧 Glacial grounding: The world’s largest iceberg has come to a standstill after running aground and could offer some benefits to wildlife in its current location.

🏛️ Best buildings: The 2025 Pritzker Prize – architecture’s most prestigious recognition – was awarded to Liu Jiakun for his "understated" museums and public spaces. 

📝 Worker’s rights: There’s been some changes to the forthcoming UK employment rights bill – here’s a rundown.

🐟 Fish footage: This ‘fish doorbell’ in the Dutch city of Utrecht is helping marine life migrate by showing a livestream which allows viewers to open a lock and let wildlife pass through.

🚰 Crystal clear: These are the countries with the best-tasting tap water.

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Trivia answer: A) France’s Bayeux Tapestry viewing will close this summer as its housing museum undergoes renovations.

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