Europe is increasingly dismantling its aging dams to restore river ecosystems, driven by the unprofitability of old hydroelectric structures and the ecological benefits of free-flowing rivers. The removal of dams on Finland's Hiitolanjoki River has led to the return of salmon and other species, while similar efforts across Europe and the US highlight the growing movement to remove obsolete barriers. The European Commission's Nature Restoration Law aims to enhance river connectivity, and successful projects in France and the US demonstrate the positive environmental and social impacts of dam removal. However, concerns remain about new dam constructions in other parts of the world, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to hydropower and river conservation.

Local activists in northern Italy are opposing the renovation of the Monte San Primo ski resort, arguing that climate change makes such investments unsustainable. They advocate for using funds to support sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The article highlights the broader issue of climate change's impact on winter sports, with many ski resorts in Italy facing similar challenges. Experts emphasize the need for diversification and sustainable practices in mountain tourism.

Migrants traveling along the Balkan route face significant risks of drug addiction due to the widespread and uncontrolled distribution of psychotropic drugs in refugee camps. Many migrants, like Hassan, receive medications such as Xanax without understanding their effects, leading to potential addiction. Activists and healthcare workers highlight the over-prescription of these drugs, often used to keep migrants calm in overcrowded camps. The lack of adequate healthcare facilities and the socio-economic challenges in countries like Greece and Serbia exacerbate the issue. Efforts by NGOs and volunteers aim to address the problem, but the misuse of psychotropic drugs remains a significant concern along the migration route.

San Giovanni a Teduccio, a neighborhood in Naples, Italy, is leading an equitable energy transition with a solar panel project that provides low-cost, clean energy to 20 families. This initiative is part of a broader national and EU effort to promote renewable energy communities, aiming to reduce energy poverty and foster community cohesion. The project, supported by organizations like Legambiente and Fondazione Famiglia di Maria, has inspired similar efforts in the U.S. and is expected to expand, creating green jobs and democratizing energy access.

In Milan, a city with a strong culture of speed and work, traffic congestion is a significant issue, ranking as the fifth most congested city globally. The cycling community, including activists like Davide Branca of Massamarmocchi and Ilaria Lenzi of the Clean Cities Campaign, is advocating for better cycling infrastructure and safety measures. Despite an increase in cycleways and public transport, cyclists face dangers such as high-speed traffic, poorly parked cars, and a lack of continuous bike lanes. Recent research from the Politecnico of Milan indicates that cycling accidents are on the rise, with a significant proportion involving motor vehicles. Activists have organized protests under the 'Sai che puoi' campaign, calling for the municipality to implement urban planning for a car-free future, including a well-connected bike lanes network and 30km/h speed limits. The push for safer, slower streets aligns with the EU's goal of zero road deaths by 2050 and reflects a broader vision to redesign the city for people, prioritizing sustainable mobility and public spaces.

Researchers are working to restore seagrass meadows in Dale Bay, Wales, as part of Project Seagrass, a U.K.-based charity. Seagrass meadows, vital for marine biodiversity and carbon sequestration, are under threat from pollution, coastal development, and climate change. Efforts in Virginia since 1997 have successfully restored seagrass, boosting local marine life and demonstrating the potential for carbon storage. Project Seagrass aims to expand restoration efforts in the U.K. and globally, emphasizing the interconnectedness of coastal ecosystems and the importance of seagrass for food security and climate mitigation.

San Giovanni in Galdo, a small village in Molise, Italy, is offering free holidays to promote sustainable tourism and revitalize the area. The initiative, part of the 'Regalati il Molise' project, aims to create a hospitality network by opening abandoned houses to tourists. The project has received significant interest, with over 9,000 requests for free holidays. Visitors are encouraged to connect with nature, enjoy local products, and experience the village's hospitality. The initiative has fostered deep relationships between tourists and locals, contributing to the sustainable development of the region.

Repair cafés, such as the Malvern Hills Repair Café, offer a space for people to bring broken devices for potential repair. Roman Iwanczuk, a retired electrical engineer, is a frequent participant. The Restart Project, a UK charity, and the broader 'Right to Repair' movement advocate for policies that ensure products are durable and repairable. The UN’s Global E-waste Monitor 2020 highlights the growing e-waste problem. The EU is considering a Scoring System on Repairability, and the UK has introduced new repairability rules. France has implemented a repairability index. However, repairers face challenges like the scarcity of spare parts and lack of manuals. The Restart Project also supports local initiatives to fix and donate electronics to those in need.

Libreria Acqua Alta, a Venice bookshop founded by Luigi Frizzo, faced significant damage during an unprecedented high tide in November 2019. The flooding caused extensive destruction to the store's inventory, leading to a loss of over 10,000 books. The city's tidal monitoring service, Centro Previsioni e Segnalazioni Maree, had predicted a lower tide level, but the actual tide exceeded expectations, causing widespread flooding. The MOSE project, designed to protect Venice from high tides, faces criticism for not accounting for future sea level rise due to climate change. Despite the tragedy, the bookshop received overwhelming support from volunteers and donations, with some damaged books being transformed into art by design student Maria Vittoria Miccoli and her colleagues.