Why This Matters:
A Snapshot of Current Environmental News.
The news is always an emotional rollercoaster: There are highs, there are lows.
We’re sharing these tidbits of climate news to highlight the importance of action.
If we can inspire just one individual, or one business, to get involved in climate action … this post’s mission is accomplished.
Here’s a very quick snapshot of some recent environmental happenings from across the globe.
Wind, Solar ... Coal.
“Solar and wind and other clean sources generated 38% of the world’s electricity in 2021. For the first time, wind turbines and solar panels generated 10% of the total.”
According to climate think-tank, Ember, last year, 50 countries got more than a tenth of their power from wind and solar sources. This is great news and a positive step.
The countries switching to wind and solar fastest last year were:
– The Netherlands,
– Australia, and
– Vietnam.
All three have moved a tenth of their electricity demand from fossil fuels to green sources in the last two years.
Vietnam saw extreme growth in solar energy, which rose by 300%+ last year alone.
However, in the same breath: An increase in the demand for electricity last year (possibly due to more folk working from home. The demand for electricity last year alone was equal to adding a new India to the world’s grid!) saw a surge in coal power.
Coal power saw an increase in 2021 of 9%. That’s the biggest increase since 1985!
One suggested reason was an increase in gas prices, where coal costs remain stable and low.
But hope is not lost:
‘Despite the coal resurgence in 2021, major economies including the US, UK, Germany, and Canada are aiming to shift their grids to 100% carbon-free electricity within the next 15 years.’ (BBC)
Winter Tornados
Winter tornadoes are an increasing possibility, and climate change could be the cause.
In the US this year, in March alone, there were approximately 270 touchdowns reported. This is more than double the seasonal average. Episodes were also very intense.
This year, the March tornado tally in the US is closer to the average occurrences seen through April and June.
The cause for these early happenings? High temperatures, abundant humidity and rotating winds.
At this time, the connection between climate change and tornados is unclear. However, early studies show that the location and the timing of tornados is tied to climate change.
These seasonally early touchdowns could be an indicator of what’s to come later in the year, with signs pointing to tornado amounts increasing in the south and decreasing in the plains. (CBC)
A Pledge
Biodiversity, globally and in Canada, is declining at a rate unprecedented in human history.
In early April, Newfoundland and Labrador committed to accelerate the creation of new protected areas in the province.
In recognition of the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation efforts that can support broader environmental goals and climate change resiliency, the provincial and federal government agreed to:
- Establish Eagle River Watershed protected area, in consultation with Indigenous communities, by 2025;
- Negotiate a memorandum of understanding by the end of 2022 to assess the feasibility of a South Coast Fjords national marine conservation area and consider an adjacent national park in the Burgeo region; and
- Agree to advance marine conservation opportunities on the Labrador Coast in partnership with Labrador Indigenous communities.
“Community matters. Seeing different communities and agencies pulling together to halt biodiversity loss gives hope and instills optimism.” (The Government of Canada)
A 4 Billion Euro Investment
This April, Germany announced plans to invest nearly €4 billion in ‘natural climate protection‘.
The country’s economy and climate ministry also presented a package of measures on April 6 aimed at speeding the expansion of renewable energy.
Germany’s economy and climate ministry presented a package of measures to speed up the expansion of renewable energy, as the need to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on Russian fossil fuels adds urgency to its green transition plans.
(Reuters)
Tougher Rules Imposed
The European Commission has proposed tougher rules to cut down on pollution.
Under the restructured measures: factories and mines would face tougher limits to secure permits in a move that could also affect livestock farms. (World Health)
Extreme weather events tied to global warming:
While a correlation was hard to pinpoint initially, scientists have tied climate change to the amped-up the rains that pounded southeastern Africa and killed hundreds of people during two powerful storms. (ScienceNews)
The weather system which triggered the floods, led to in excess of 300mm of rainfall being dumped over a 24-hour period on 11 April. The amount of rain that fell on one day alone was equal to about 75% of South Africa’s average annual precipitation. (BBC)
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