It’s not all doom and gloom. Here are some positive stories in the news this month.
Bison are back!
Once close to extinction, bison populations are being restored in the US – an effort led by Indigenous tribes who have managed herds and introduced legislation. Bison are a keystone species, so this is a win for the whole ecosystem.
Source: Washington Post
India starts banning single-use plastics
India has banned single-use items including plastic cups and straws as a starting point to reduce plastic pollution. In a country with a population of close to 1.4 billion people, this could be the beginning of an important change.
Source: NPR
Fin whale populations have rebounded
The largest gathering of fin whales ever documented was found on a recent expedition to Antarctica. The whales were nearly hunted to extinction, but their numbers have recovered.
Source: New York Times
US electric car sales cross tipping point
The US has just become the latest country to pass the tipping point of electric car sales, according to Bloomberg. Analysis shows that when electric vehicles account for 5% of all new car purchases, it signals the start of mass adoption. Europe and China have already passed the 5% mark. Canada, Australia and Spain are set to pass the tipping point this year, too.
Source: Bloomberg
Algae can ‘grow’ a new kind of cement
Researchers have found that a new kind of cement can be created by algae. Cement production produces 7% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Using algae to form the limestone used for cement instead of taking it out of quarries will drastically reduce the impact of cement on the environment.
Source: Associated Press
