It’s June already, and as we get closer and closer to World Ocean Day, it’s also important to look back on the important progress that has already been made this year. Here are some exciting climate headlines from the month of May!
Week of 5 May:
Meet the climate hackers of Malawi
On tiny farms they’re testing creative ideas to stay ahead of the cascading threats — heat and drought, cyclones and floods — transforming their world. Learn more here.
How an Indigenous group is keeping Indonesia’s rain forest alive
As global deforestation continues, empowering Indigenous peoples such as the Kajang is emerging as a key way to protect the world’s rain forests. Learn more here.
Maryland embraces gradual transition to zero-emission trucks and buses
Maryland lawmakers have approved a measure requiring that manufacturers gradually ensure that zero-emission vehicles make up a growing share of trucks and buses sold in the state. Learn more here.
Danish wind pioneer keeps battling climate change
Henrik Stiesdal helped design the first modern wind turbines. A thousand patents later, he’s a green tech entrepreneur rolling out new innovations. Learn more here.
Week of 12 May:
Students occupy schools and universities across Europe in climate protest
Twenty-two institutions have been shut down as part of proposed month-long campaign. Learn more here.
U.S. E.P.A. proposes first limits on climate pollution from existing power plants
It’s the last in a string of major regulations proposed by the Biden administration to sharply cut the greenhouse gases produced by the United States. Learn more here.
Ecuador strikes a landmark deal to protect the Galápagos, and save cash
Ecuador announced a record-setting deal on Tuesday designed to reduce its debt burden and free up hundreds of millions of dollars to fund marine conservation around the Galápagos Islands. Learn more here.
Brazil’s president returns 800 square miles of Indigenous land to its original caretakers
The move bars non-Indigenous from any economic activity in the area and prohibits mining and logging without permission. Learn more here.
Week of 17 May:
Aruba considers enshrining the ‘rights of nature’ in its constitution
If lawmakers and the Kingdom of the Netherlands sign off, the ecologically rich island would become the second country to recognize that nature has inherent legal rights. Learn more here.
How solar power is keeping Lebanon’s lights on
Rooftop solar panels are offering the promise of a more normal way of living in Lebanon amidst an unsteady electricity supply – for those who can afford it. Learn more here.
Environmentalists aim to block gold mine near Yellowstone — by buying it
The $6.25 million deal is meant to permanently protect land bordering the iconic national park from mining. Learn more here.
‘World’s largest ocean restoration project’ designed for Dubai
Dubai Reefs bills itself as the world’s largest ocean restoration that, if successful, would create a home for more than one billion corals and 100 million mangrove trees. Learn more here.
Week of 26 May
New marine protected areas open doors for Indigenous communities and climate restoration
For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples in Haida Gwaii have been stewards of the land they have lived on. Thanks to the First Nations, their marine ecosystems are finally being protected and restored. Learn more here.
As India’s electrical grid strains, rural hospitals and clinics find reliable power in rooftop solar
The rapidly developing technology can ensure the provision of modern health care in remote and rural communities. Learn more here.
Big polluters’ share prices fall after climate lawsuits, study finds
Fossil fuel companies register drop in value after litigation or unfavourable judgments. Learn more here.
An oil refiner leans on manure to provide a greener future
Varo Energy, a Swiss provider of gasoline and diesel, is charting a path to lower carbon energy by relying on farm waste and used cooking oil. Learn more here.
With World Ocean Day coming up next month, 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! If you’re interested in supporting 30×30 and protecting our lands, waters and oceans, share why!