A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked
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The global landscape of environmental and climate action is experiencing a transformative phase, marked by significant milestones and innovative initiatives. Recent reports indicate that global climate pollution may have peaked, thanks to the growing influence of clean technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. However, the persistent rise in atmospheric CO2 levels highlight the urgency for further emission reductions.
In a significant move, the Biden administration has issued an executive order to phase out single-use plastics from federal procurement by 2035, signalling a commitment to tackling plastic pollution. This initiative aims to promote reusable, compostable, and recyclable products, albeit with some criticism for not addressing the overall increase in plastic production. Meanwhile, cities worldwide are increasingly recognising their pivotal role in global diplomacy. They are using science diplomacy to address shared challenges, from biodiversity to digital rights, as demonstrated by initiatives like Montréal's efforts at COP15 and the establishment of hubs like Barcelona’s SciTech DiploHub.
In the Amazon, Indigenous and local communities are at the forefront of environmental advocacy. The Pan-Amazon Social Forum in Bolivia highlighted the importance of respecting Indigenous land rights and ending fossil fuel subsidies to protect the region's unique ecosystem. This forum highlighted the need for a "just energy transition" that aligns with the local communities' values and knowledge. Similarly, Indigenous wisdom, particularly in Australia, offers valuable insights into sustainable practices and resilience, advocating for its inclusion alongside Western scientific knowledge in climate discussions.
The resilience of nature is also evident in the aftermath of the Russian strike on Ukraine’s Kakhovka reservoir. The area, once devastated, is now teeming with new life, showcasing nature's ability to regenerate. On a different note, the beloved board game Catan has introduced a new version, "New Energies," incorporating climate change themes to foster awareness and dialogue. Additionally, the Sounds Right initiative by the Museum for the United Nations UN Live recognises NATURE as an official artist, using natural sounds to generate royalties for biodiversity conservation. This diverse array of initiatives and observations reflects a growing global consciousness about the urgent need to address environmental and climate challenges.
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Experts believe that there is a 70% chance that emissions will start falling in 2024 if current clean technology growth trends continue and some progress is made to cut non-CO2 emissions though if Donald Trump is elected, this could add 4 billion tons of U.S. climate pollution. As one of the world’s largest countries with a rapidly growing economy China will play a key role in reducing carbon emissions where expanding solar and wind generation has covered 90% of the growth in electricity demand in China in the year to March 2024. Read more…
Advocates for a circular economy hope that the recent executive order from the Biden administration will be the beginning of the end for single use plastics which given the federal administration is the largest consumer organisation in the world, will have far reaching impacts. Single use plastics have multiple negative environmental impacts across the supply chain and this new legislation will not only address those impacts but incentivise reusable and alternatives while addressing both the waste and climate crisis. Read more…
The worlds cities share many challenges. To address them, they need to develop science diplomacy. City-level governments are often the ones who can transform commitments into concrete action. The City of Montréal to support biodiversity at the recent COP15 conference created ‘The Montréal Pledge’. The aim is for cities to implement 15 tangible actions towards pursuing and accelerating their efforts to preserve ecosystems. Data and analysis, and a proper understanding of the global interconnections in which cities are involved, will give them a better grasp of their future. Read more…
Climate change is just one of several human-driven forces that has, over the last century, caused about 20 % of the Amazon to be lost. So what will it take to save the Amazon? The answer almost certainly entails listening to those bound to its fate – the indigenous rainforest inhabitants. Increasingly these indigenous people are having their voices heard at a number of high-profile forums. “Without the Amazon there is no solution to the climate crisis. Without a solution to the global climate crisis, it will not be possible to save the Amazon”. Read more…
And it is not just the Amazon that needs saving, there is Australia’s fragile native hinterland which is extremely vulnerable to extreme weather and bush fires. Here too it is possible to tune into the native indigenous people, the Aborigine, who have gained intimate Knowledges of the continent through long-term observations and holistic thinking. They have connections to their traditional estate, known as Country, spanning thousands of generations. As climate change worsens, Indigenous peoples can offer valuable insights into sustainability and resilience. Read more…
Inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places, so why not take inspiration from enduring species to inform our own climate resilience? The humble mesquite tree boasts many remarkable adaptations making it better suited to survive weather extremes, from hot and dry summers to being buried alive beneath dunes. The humble mesquite tree soldiers on, serving local wildlife and providing a source of food and wood for human consumption. Indeed, we could all learn a lesson from this hardy, versatile tree. Read more…
Seeing silver linings amid the tragedy of war is incredibly difficult, but some continue to admire the miracle of nature despite circumstance. A sterile reservoir which stood for nearly 100 years was brought down by Russian missiles, but the real winner was the local ecosystem. The gifts returned to the former Kakhovka reservoir include endangered sturgeon, ancient archaeological sites, and a dense forest forming a front-line against the Russian threat. But in wartime, many are more concerned about sourcing drinking water and securing food. So where to from here? Read more…
A new version of the popular board game Catan, called "New Energies," introduces climate change themes. Players balance renewable energy and fossil fuels while addressing pollution and climate events. Designed in consultation with sustainability researcher Erik Assadourian, the game aims to make climate conversations fun and engaging. Despite a complex setup, it fosters discussion and awareness about climate action. The game maintains a neutral stance on climate politics, allowing players to win using either green or fossil fuel strategies while encouraging a shift towards sustainability. Read more…
The Museum for the United Nations’s UN Live has launched the Sounds Right initiative, recognising NATURE as an official artist on streaming platforms. This initiative allows NATURE’s sounds—like birdsong and rain—to generate royalties, with 50% of these funds supporting biodiversity conservation. Artists using NATURE’s sounds will credit it in their music, featured on a “feat. NATURE” Spotify playlist. Supported by EarthPercent and conservation organisations, the initiative aims to raise over $40 million for environmental projects in biodiversity hotspots over four years. Read more…
This week we have the following innovation articles we hope you find interesting:
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