Basic Income Earth

It’s happening! The countdown to the 2026 BIEN Congress, landing in Philadelphia 27–29 July, has officially begun.

Irish inshore fishermen are calling for a basic income-style support and a climate compensation fund to offset income losses from quota cuts and environmental pressures that threaten livelihoods and the viability of small-scale fishing communities. zurl.co/R3rBV

A Rural Basic Income Promotion Coalition has been launched in South Korea’s Gyeongnam region. The coalition, made up of farmers and fishers groups, is calling for rural basic income pilots to be institutionalised and expanded nationwide. zurl.co/NV40L

Tomorrow, March 18th, @ 6 PM ET, live from New York City. Watch on the 2WAY platform & YouTube a discussion on automation nation, AI, Jobs, and the Case for UBI zurl.co/tMSJ8

In Scott Santens' latest article, he states that modern wealth and productivity, especially from technology and AI, are built collectively over generations, and UBI would distribute a share of those gains to all, ensuring everyone benefits. zurl.co/Fsk2O

Drawing on evidence from Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts pilot, the performers’ union Equity is calling for Scotland to pilot a Basic Income for Artists ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections. The proposal would address unstable incomes in the sector. zurl.co/GzDZw

Michael Tubbs, founder of the Mayors for a Guaranteed Income coalition, has defended guaranteed income, arguing that direct cash support is “a lifesaver” for many Americans struggling with rising costs, responding to criticism from White House officials. zurl.co/YLHpu

On Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts pilot, one participant describes how the €325 weekly unconditional payment allowed artists to focus on creative work, reduce financial stress, and contribute to cultural life. zurl.co/fOWOH

Peter Diamandis shared a conversation with Yang, suggesting society may have a 1–3 year window where UBI could act as a bridge during rapid AI disruption, while Scott Santens’ advocacy continues to amplify public debate on unconditional cash policies. zurl.co/WPAh1

U.S. states are exploring rules to limit how artificial intelligence is used in certain jobs amid growing concerns about automation’s impact on workers. The policy debate comes as AI-driven layoffs and job displacement fuel renewed calls for a UBI. zurl.co/JWtZz

Indianapolis is expanding its guaranteed income initiative with new $500 monthly payments for low-income households. Funded through a $2.5 million program, the initiative will support 125 households through 2028, providing no-strings-attached cash. zurl.co/T7obT

South Africa is beginning funding talks for a new Basic Income Support (BIS) grant. Consultations will begin with the National Treasury to secure funding. The redesigned grant is intended to support job-seeking, training, and small business opportunities zurl.co/2BWCd

A letter in Guelph Today states that basic income could advance gender equity. It notes financial insecurity can trap some women in unsafe situations and limit independence. The cash support could strengthen economic stability and expand personal choice. zurl.co/UXO8C

Andrew Yang warns that AI could displace millions of white-collar jobs within the next 12–18 months, calling it a “jobpocalypse.” says a universal basic income should be part of the policy response to support workers through this shift. zurl.co/9y19Q

Wales has published the 2025–2026 annual evaluation report on its Basic Income for Care Leavers pilot. The report presents qualitative insights from participants and professionals about experiences, well-being, autonomy, and financial decision-making. zurl.co/8D7Ds

South Africa is considering a permanent Basic Income Grant, building on its extended Social Relief of Distress (SRD) programme. The government has extended the temporary SRD grant through 2027 and is working on policy options for a basic income grant. zurl.co/N1QUK

Indianapolis’ IndyEast Guaranteed Income Initiative is distributing a monthly $500 to low-income residents. The program is aimed at reducing eviction risk and strengthening financial stability in the face of high rent and cost-of-living pressures. zurl.co/y4ndO

Our March newsletter edition for the UBI piloters' Network is out! Here we share findings, best practices, and collaborations across UBI pilot efforts worldwide. Access and join our network through the link. zurl.co/DxSvL

Registration is now open for the BIEN 2026 Congress, the global gathering on unconditional basic income. Prospective attendees can sign up to participate in discussions, presentations, and networking with researchers, advocates, and policymakers. zurl.co/34iKf

Los Angeles has launched a targeted guaranteed basic income pilot called STAY SAFE to support transitional-aged youth and survivors of intimate partner violence with $1,000/month for 2years. The program builds on the city’s earlier BIG: LEAP initiative. zurl.co/ZDJYM

The official site for the BIEN 2026 Congress is now live. It provides details on dates, venue, themes, speakers, and registration for the global gathering of researchers, advocates, and policymakers focused on basic income and related policy innovations. zurl.co/EJ5EG