Good Climate News—Vol. #8 (April 8, 2024)
Good Climate News—Vol. #8 (April 8, 2024)
Empowering Change: From Renewable Breakthroughs to Everyday Energy Wisdom
Happy Monday! Here’s your weekly dose of Good Climate News, where we share stories of innovation, inspiration, and impact happening around the world—plus a quick sustainability tip and a fun trivia question!
Trivia Question: Which city is known for having implemented extensive bike lanes and is often referred to as the ‘Bike Capital of the World’?
A) Amsterdam
B) New York
C) Beijing
D) Copenhagen
Find the answer at the end of the newsletter and see if you got it right!
AI Generated Image
Spotlight Story: Renewable Revolution: U.S. Soars in Solar and Wind Energy Expansion
(Click here to read full story)
Most of us rarely think about where the electricity that powers our phones and light our homes comes from, and it’s easy to feel like there’s been little progress in using more green energy. But, especially compared to a decade ago, renewables–particularly solar and wind power–have grown at a staggering rate. Last year, renewable energy accounted for 22% of the nations’ electricity, driven in part by an eightfold increase in solar capacity and substantial rise in wind energy production.
This transformation, driven in part by the Inflation Reduction Act, isn't just about numbers; it's a reflection of our collective effort to move towards more sustainable energy sources. The IRA’s role in promoting solar and wind energy investments has been a game-changer, and a reminder of how policy can translate into tangible difference in the world. Of course, we still have a long way to go, but it’s important to celebrate the progress made so far and build on the growing momentum towards a more sustainable future!
Headline Highlights
AI Generated Image
Innovative Finnish Sand Battery Powers Sustainable Future
(Click here to read full story)
In an over-complicated world, we shouldn’t forget that simplicity can be innovative. This is at least one lesson we can learn from the world’s largest sand battery, coming online soon in southern Finland. This tall tower of sand absorbs the heat from excess solar and wind energy, and releases it when needed. With a capacity of 100MWh, it ensures that the town of Pornainen can rely on clean energy, even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.
AI Generated Image
Walmart Beats Project Gigaton 6 Years Early
(Click here to read full story)
Walmart has met its Project Gigaton goal six years early, cutting out a gigaton of emissions from its supply chain—nearly equivalent to Japan’s annual emissions. This achievement underscores the potential that large corporations have to drive meaningful change. Through partnerships with thousands of suppliers, Walmart demonstrated that sustainable practices can be integrated across extensive networks, setting a new benchmark for corporate responsibility in the fight against climate change.
AI Generated Image
Sustainable Empowerment: Nigerian Women Breaking Barriers
(Click here to read full story)
Ms Grace Oluwatoye has been a familiar name in her community, making herbal tea from moringa leaves for over two decades. She’s also a passionate women’s empowerment advocate, a combination that led to an unexpected discovery in 2015. While leading a tour of women through her moringa plantation, she discovered the trees contained ethanol. Recognizing the potential for developing biofuel from these trees, Ms Oluwatoye planted thousands of trees and developed a biofuel stove, an alternative to the traditional, smoke-emitting firewood stoves. She then distributed these stoves to 120 women, aiming to cut down the health risks from smoke and the physical strain of collecting firewood. Ms Oluwatoye’s story is a beautiful reminder of the impact we can make in our community’s lives.
AI Generated Image
Faith Inspires Climate Action in Gainesville Communities
(Click here to read full story)
In Gainesville, the concept of “creation care” is gaining momentum, with more individuals turning to faith as a catalyst for environmental action. Inspired by her Baha’i beliefs, Sue Blythe founded an interfaith climate group, bridging diverse faiths for a common environmental cause. Gainesville is also home to the Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD), which brings faith-based groups together to respond to natural disasters in Alachua County. These organizations not only embody the spiritual commitment to preserving the earth present in many traditions, but also highlights the role faith can play in mobilizing community-led climate action.
Sustainability Tip
AI Generated Image
Tip
To eliminate "energy vampires" in your home, make sure to unplug devices like gaming consoles, microwaves, and chargers when they're not needed. Although it might appear trivial, these gadgets can significantly drain energy in standby mode, accounting for up to 10% of a home's energy consumption.
Trivia Answer
If you answered Amsterdam, you are correct! Amsterdam is often called “The Bike Capital of the World”! (Source)
Thanks for tuning into this week’s Good Climate News! We hope these stories have brightened your day and inspired you to join us in making a positive impact. Don’t forget to send in your trivia answer for a chance to be featured next week. Stay optimistic, stay green, and we’ll see you next Monday with more good news from around the world!
In case you missed the most recent Zenethica article…