Positive News - Week of Aug 19, 2024
We're excited to introduce a new blog series: "Positive News of the Week." In a world where negativity often dominates the headlines, it's essential to highlight uplifting stories that inspire and remind us of the goodness around us. We'll share heartwarming tales of kindness, community support, environmental breakthroughs, and outdoor adventures that spark joy and connection every week, so be sure to check back regularly for your dose of positivity!
Join us as we celebrate the stories that foster positivity and keep our spirits high! Rest assured, we are committed to focusing on the bright side and spreading some good vibes in the outdoor community and beyond!
An Unstoppable Shift: Renewable Energy Generation Investment Increases
Global investment in renewable energy has surged, with renewable sources now accounting for a record 30% of global electricity production in 2023. This shift, driven by significant increases in solar and wind power, highlights the growing dominance of renewables over fossil fuels despite regional disparities and ongoing challenges in the transition to a fully renewable energy system.
Extracting Lithium from Seawater
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new method to efficiently extract lithium from seawater and other dilute sources using specially engineered iron phosphate particles. This breakthrough could help meet the rising global demand for lithium, essential for electric vehicles while reducing environmental impact and reliance on traditional, more resource-intensive extraction methods.
Canada’s Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration Program
The Canadian government has announced over $623,000 in funding to support monarch butterfly habitat restoration in southern Ontario. This initiative includes various projects aimed at improving breeding and migratory habitats, increasing the availability of native seeds, and supporting broader biodiversity and ecosystem restoration efforts. This funding is part of Canada's commitment to halting biodiversity loss and combating climate change.
Florida is Building a Freshwater Reservoir the size of Manhattan
Florida is constructing a massive freshwater reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, covering 10,100 acres, to restore the Everglades' natural water flow, reduce harmful discharges, and supply clean water to millions in South Florida. While the project faces challenges like agricultural runoff and climate change, it is a critical component of the broader Everglades restoration effort to enhance water management and reduce algae blooms.
U.S. Signals New Support for Global Plastics Reduction
The Biden administration has shifted its stance and supports global efforts to limit plastic production through the United Nations plastics treaty. This move aligns the U.S. with other countries advocating for reduced plastic pollution. However, it faces opposition from the plastic industry, which argues that the focus should be on recycling and reuse rather than production limits.
Massachusetts to Phase out Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Firefighting Gear
Massachusetts has enacted a law to phase out PFAS, harmful "forever chemicals," in firefighters' protective gear by 2027. The new regulations aim to reduce the risk of cancer and other health issues linked to these chemicals, marking a significant step in protecting firefighters' health and safety.
Solar Power and Battery Storage Lead New Utility-Scale Electricity in U.S. for the First Half of 2024
In the first half of 2024, solar power and battery storage dominated new utility-scale electricity generation in the U.S., accounting for 59% and 21% of the total new capacity, respectively. This surge is primarily driven by significant projects in Texas, Florida, and Nevada, highlighting the accelerating transition toward renewable energy and the potential for record-breaking annual solar and battery storage capacity.
Acres of Solar Panels Are Replacing One of the Nation’s Largest Coal Plants
In Minnesota, the shift from coal to solar power is accelerating, with solar energy now providing more electricity than coal for the first time. This transition reflects a broader trend in the state towards renewable energy, driven by economic factors and environmental concerns. However, challenges remain, including maintaining grid reliability and managing the costs of the energy transition.
Birdfeeders Reveal Vast Urban Bird Diversity
A study reveals that urban birdfeeders support a surprisingly diverse range of bird species in cities, challenging the notion that urban environments are poor habitats for wildlife. The research highlights the importance of birdfeeders in maintaining bird diversity and suggests that they play a crucial role in supporting urban ecosystems, even as cities continue to grow.
In Montana’s Northern Plains, Swift Foxes Are Back from the Brink
Swift foxes, once nearly extinct in Montana’s Northern Plains, have remarkably recovered thanks to extensive conservation efforts. The species' resurgence is credited to collaborations between state agencies, Native American tribes, and private landowners working together to restore habitats and reintroduce the foxes. This success story is a testament to the power of cooperative conservation initiatives in bringing species back from the brink.
