Happy July! With World Ocean Day being celebrated worldwide on 8 June, this past month has been full of so many uplifting stories and updates to remind us all of the wonderful work being done around the world.
Week of 1 June
Minnesota emerges as the Midwest’s leader in clean energy transition
In its most recent legislative session, the state leapfrogged Illinois to become the regional front-runner in equitable clean energy transition efforts. Learn more here.
France will spend €2 billion to double bike lanes, expand cycling
The French government announced a €2 billion plan to expand cycling infrastructure as part of a broader effort to encourage people to ditch their cars. Learn more here.
Solar investment set to overtake oil production and attract over $1 billion a day in 2023, IEA says
Global investment in energy is slated to hit roughly $2.8 trillion in 2023, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency. Learn more here.
SunZia Southwest Transmission Project receives final federal approval
After more than 15 years, the nation’s largest clean energy transmission project has been given the green light. Learn more here.
Week of 8 June: Highlights from World Ocean Day
World Ocean Day: Young Global Leaders outline what we need to do to protect the sea
“When we highly protect ocean areas, life returns spectacularly.” Learn more here.
Volunteers mark World Ocean Day with cleanups
People link hands along São Conrado beach for a symbolic group hug with the sea in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. The Route Brasil environmental organization called for people to gather for the event to draw attention to ocean pollution. Learn more here.
EU ratifies WTO’s fishing subsidies agreement on World Ocean Day
The European Union has become one of the first World Trade Organization (WTO) members to ratify the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Learn more here.
World Ocean Day: the top Seascape stories of the past year
As World Ocean Day rolls around again, it is hard to believe how much has happened since the last one. Here are some of the stories we have covered over the past 12 months. Learn more here.
Week of 15 June:
Youth climate trial kicks off in Montana
The case was brought on behalf of 16 young people between the ages of two and 18 when the litigation began. Learn more here.
“We each have a commitment to the community”: Solar resilience in a Puerto Rico town
Residents in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, have built the island’s first community-owned solar microgrid. Learn more here.
How South Korean food waste is turned into feed, fuel or fertilizer
When wasted food rots in landfills, it pollutes soil and water — and warms the planet. Here’s how one country keeps that from happening. Learn more here.
Rooftop solar grew nearly 50 percent globally last year
Overall, installed rooftop solar grew from 79 gigawatts to 118 gigawatts last year and is projected to reach 159 gigawatts by the end of this year. Learn more here.
Week of 21 June:
Protecting marine life also benefits the people nearby, study finds
A study of marine-protected areas off the Central American coast found that people living close to these areas had better food security and greater household wealth. Learn more here.
Countries on front lines of climate change seek new lifeline in Paris
Hundreds of representatives from about 80 countries are gathering in Paris to talk about rebuilding a monetary system many say is ill-suited to a changing planet. Learn more here.
State, plaintiffs deliver closing remarks in landmark Montana youth climate change trial
Plaintiff: ‘This is an opportunity for everyone, for our state to be a leader.’ Learn more here.
UN adds new disclosure requirements for upcoming COP28
Watchdog groups call the change a “baby step” toward reform, while UN chief Antonio Guterres says climate action must start with the fossil fuel industry, “the polluted heart of the climate crisis.” Learn more here.
As always, we hope these headlines reminded you of all the action taking place around the world! If you want to see more posts like this, check out our social media pages on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook or subscribe to our monthly newsletter!