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Climate anxiety is a very real thing. There’s a seemingly endless supply of bad environmental news out there. As an environmental organization, we understand the very real issues posed by climate change better than some. We also understand that negative news tends to elicit stronger reactions in people than positive news. However, despite what the headlines might suggest, not all is bad in the world of our planet’s climate!
That’s why we’re stepping in to highlight the good in the world! We hope that these pieces of positive climate news help not only relieve some of those feelings of anxiety, but also leave you feeling assured, inspired and ready to take action.
So, without further ado, here’s the latest in climate wins:
1) Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Coral is a Biodiversity Time-Capsule
As the temperatures continue to rise worldwide, we have seen continuous heating of our oceans. While posing a threat for many creatures of the sea, it’s no secret that coral is particularly susceptible to rising temperatures. In the Mediterranean Sea in particular, coral reefs were believed to be rapidly declining due the region’s unique semi-enclosed geography, which causes it to warm 20% faster on average than the rest of the world’s oceans.
However, scientists have recently discovered coral thriving in the depths, demonstrating resilience against the region’s ongoing heatwaves. These living communities of coral give us hope for nature’s ability to adapt and heal, and hopefully eventually return the shallows of the Mediterranean to their former majesty.
2) California’s New Bill Isn’t Just Tough on Plastics
…it’s one of the toughest environmental bills this nation has ever seen! The Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act requires a slew of measures that will reduce the amount of plastic waste in our environment. By 2032, the bill requires…
- …100% of our state’s disposable packaging to be either recyclable or compostable.
- …a whopping 25% cut in plastic packaging (both by quantity and volume). Plastic food wrappers comprise the majority of ocean plastic pollution, so this is a huge win
- …that 65% of single-use plastics must be recyclable.
All in all, we personally are looking forward to plastic-free beaches and cleaner oceans!
3) One Small Step Toward Environmental Justice
Los Angeles is home to over 20,000 active, idle or abandoned oil wells – a major source of planet-warming emissions and a public health threat, since emissions from these wells have been linked to serious conditions like blood cancer and liver disease. They’re also a pretty stark example of environmental injustice. Numerous studies have shown past discriminatory zoning practices have resulted in many of these wells being concentrated in majority Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.
But some good news is on the horizon. Last week, the Biden administration announced it would release nearly $660 million from the bipartisan infrastructure bill to address abandoned oil wells in the US. This would be the second round of funds released from the bill, with the first round of $650 million used last year to plug approximately 3,000 wells across the country.
Of course, 3,000 is still a long way from 20,000. Nevertheless, each well plugged represents a significant reduction in the amount of unnecessary methane emissions spewed into the atmosphere, as well as an opportunity to provide an economic boost to communities transitioning away from fossil fuels in the form of just transition employment. And that’s always worth celebrating.
4) This New Wonder-Filter Captures 50% of Vehicle Emissions
We’ve saved the best for last! As you might be aware, carbon isn’t all that easy to remove from the atmosphere once it’s there – so the best strategy is to make sure it never gets there to begin with! Researchers have been working on an on-board carbon capture and storage system for freight transport vehicles that could reduce that vehicle’s carbon emissions by at least 50%.
With trucks and cars contributing around 10% of carbon emissions globally, this innovation has the potential to remove up to 5% of total emissions all by itself! Although some of the materials for this device – such as the specially-made filters – are not yet produced industrially, this innovation has great implications for carbon capture.
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While the challenges posed by climate change are real, it is essential to remember that positive change is happening. By focusing on these stories of hope and progress, we can inspire ourselves to continue the fight for a better future.
Join us in spreading climate positivity! Share your favorite positive climate science, policy changes or activism news with us at lastormwater@lacity.org!
