Friday 22nd July //
Positive news round-up
Ubuntu Thoughts / 5 Min read
July 22, 2022
Callum Berry
Content & Media Manager
Content & Media Manager
Hello readers! We hope you all managed to cope with the intense heat this week and stayed safe. We’ve got some great positive eco stories for you this week, so let’s jump right into it.
A whale of a time
Up to 150 southern fin whales have been filmed feeding together in a “thrilling” Antarctic spectacle, hailed by scientists as a sign of hope for the world’s second-biggest animal.
The species were driven to near-extinction by industrial whaling during the 20th century, which reduced numbers to around 1.5% of their original population size. To see such a large group together is a positive sign that one of the largest species on the planet is perhaps starting to recover in numbers.
The sighting aligns with scientific studies, which have shown fin whale populations slowly growing in size in recent years. However there haven’t been many sightings of these elusive creatures in large groups at their historic feeding grounds, making this video very rare.
The species were driven to near-extinction by industrial whaling during the 20th century, which reduced numbers to around 1.5% of their original population size. To see such a large group together is a positive sign that one of the largest species on the planet is perhaps starting to recover in numbers.
The sighting aligns with scientific studies, which have shown fin whale populations slowly growing in size in recent years. However there haven’t been many sightings of these elusive creatures in large groups at their historic feeding grounds, making this video very rare.
California’s landmark plastic law
California has passed a new law designed to phase out single-use plastics entirely.
The sunshine state’s plastic law is the most comprehensive of its kind, requiring all single-use packaging be recyclable or compostable by 2032, as well as demanding that companies reduce the amount of plastic in their packaging by 25%.
Signed by governor Gavin Newsom on the same day that the U.S. supreme court voted to limit the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate emissions to global dismay, it has been hailed as a transformative and trailblazing shift. California is America’s most populous state, with significant influence on other states—17 more are now following its lead on vehicle emissions. Hopefully the same can be done for plastic waste.
The sunshine state’s plastic law is the most comprehensive of its kind, requiring all single-use packaging be recyclable or compostable by 2032, as well as demanding that companies reduce the amount of plastic in their packaging by 25%.
Signed by governor Gavin Newsom on the same day that the U.S. supreme court voted to limit the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate emissions to global dismay, it has been hailed as a transformative and trailblazing shift. California is America’s most populous state, with significant influence on other states—17 more are now following its lead on vehicle emissions. Hopefully the same can be done for plastic waste.
Powering new energy
Old coal plants in America are now helping to deliver renewable power to the nation.
Many old and defunct coal-burning power plants across the country have for decades contributed to the climate catastrophe the planet is facing. However the good news is that they are already wired into the power grid.
When it comes to connecting customers to power plants, renewable energy projects often face significant barriers—from regulatory challenges to time constraints. By turning these ageing plants into renewable energy plants, utility companies can give redundant infrastructure a new lease of life. In Illinois alone, nine coal-burning plants have been lined up to become solar farms and battery storage facilities in the next three years, and similar things are happening in Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nebraska, Maryland and Minnesota.
Many old and defunct coal-burning power plants across the country have for decades contributed to the climate catastrophe the planet is facing. However the good news is that they are already wired into the power grid.
When it comes to connecting customers to power plants, renewable energy projects often face significant barriers—from regulatory challenges to time constraints. By turning these ageing plants into renewable energy plants, utility companies can give redundant infrastructure a new lease of life. In Illinois alone, nine coal-burning plants have been lined up to become solar farms and battery storage facilities in the next three years, and similar things are happening in Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nebraska, Maryland and Minnesota.
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We appreciate that all life on earth is under threat, so we’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it. Reducing the negative impact on people and the planet.
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We appreciate that all life on earth is under threat, so we’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it. Reducing the negative impact on people and the planet.
If you're looking to make a change in how you market your business, we'd love to chat. Find out more.
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