Our monthly roundup of steps – big and small – towards making the world a better place.
The US passes major climate bill
The Inflation Reduction Act includes US$374 billion worth of energy and climate provisions, such as tax credits for electric vehicles and clean energy project incentives. President Joe Biden described it as the “biggest step forward on climate, ever.” It’s certainly the biggest financial commitment made by the US to fight the climate crisis. The possible greenhouse gas reductions resulting from the bill amount to France and Germany’s combined annual emissions or 2.5% of current global emissions.
Source: Bloomberg
The Great Barrier Reef is recovering
The largest coral reef system on Earth has lost more than half its coral over the past 30 years. But there’s some good news! Parts of the Great Barrier Reef appear to be in recovery, with coral cover higher than when monitoring began 36 years ago.
Source: Australian Institute of Marine Science
H&M sued over sustainability claims
H&M is being sued over its sustainability marketing. New York City resident Chelsea Commodore has filed a lawsuit alleging that H&M “misrepresented the nature of its products” under the label ‘conscious choice’, which states that clothes are made from at least 50% sustainable materials. The lawsuit is a move against greenwashing in the fast fashion industry.
Source: Quartz
Ecuadorian government works with Indigenous groups on conservation
The Amazonian Platform for Forests, Climate and Human Wellbeing is a collaboration between the Ecuadorian government and Indigenous groups. This is the first time that a provincial Ecuadorian government and Indigenous communities have signed an agreement to work together on tackling deforestation. The project will include protection and restoration of degraded areas and sustainable forest management and activities, incorporating Indigenous knowledge of land management.
Source: Euronews
UK company introduces flight-free business travel planner
Flying for business accounts for 30% of air travel in Europe, so UK-based travel startup Byway has introduced a flight-free planning tool to help businesses reduce their carbon footprints while travelling across the continent. The service includes train and boat bookings, accommodation, suggested activities and stop-offs, on-demand WhatsApp support and a disruption refund guarantee.
Source: Byway
South African coal producer plans US$730 million investment in wind farm
South Africa is one of the world’s worst coal polluters. So it’s good to hear that coal producer Seriti plans to invest US$730 million in a 450-megawatt wind farm. This follows the company buying a 51% stake in Windlab Africa’s wind and solar energy assets. The moves suggest coal producers may finally be looking towards a greener future.
Source: Reuters
