Image Credit: solar power station green electricity panel view For the first time in history, solar energy has surpassed coal in the European Union’s electricity generation mix. In 2024, solar power accounted for 11 percent of the EU’s electricity, while coal fell below 10 percent, according to Ember’s European Electricity Review. This shift marks a…
Image Credit: romk123rf/123rf.com In Michigan, researchers are exploring the potential of the sweet crabapple, or Malus coronaria, to safeguard the future of commercial apple production against climate change. The sweet crabapple blooms weeks later than popular apple varieties such as Honeycrisp and Fuji, allowing it to avoid the damaging effects of spring frosts that threaten…
Image Credit: jessicahyde/123rf.com The recent announcement by the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and reduce international climate funding has raised concerns about the future of global climate initiatives. The decision has particularly impacted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the primary organization responsible for facilitating international climate negotiations and…
Image Credit: A closeup of a man’s hands in the air with copy space between them In a significant advancement for the British deaf community, the University of Edinburgh’s Scottish Sensory Centre has successfully developed and approved 400 new environmental science terms in British Sign Language (BSL). This initiative aims to facilitate discussions around climate…
In rural Texas, a novel approach to managing vegetation at solar farms is taking root as thousands of sheep are employed to graze beneath solar panels. At SB Energy’s expansive 4,000-acre solar project in Milam County, approximately 3,000 sheep are replacing traditional gas-powered mowers, presenting an eco-friendly alternative that aligns with the goals of renewable…
Image Credit: rabbit75123/123rf.com New York has enacted the Climate Change Superfund Act, becoming the second state in the U.S. to hold major fossil fuel companies financially accountable for their role in the climate crisis. The law, signed on December 26, aims to impose a collective $3 billion annual fee on oil and gas corporations responsible…
Image Credit: dejwish/123rf.com Belfast is set to become the first city in Ireland and the UK to eliminate single-use plastic cups in entertainment venues, marking a significant step in environmental sustainability. The initiative, spearheaded by the Venue Sustainability Forum and supported by Visit Belfast, aims to transition major and grassroots venues to reusable cups over…
Image Credit: moostu/123rf.com As Los Angeles begins its recovery from the recent wildfires that devastated neighborhoods and displaced thousands, a critical concern is emerging: ensuring safe drinking water for residents returning to their homes. Areas such as Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena are grappling with potential water contamination that poses serious health risks. Wildfires disrupt…
Image Credit: twinsterphoto/123rf.com As of January 1, California has officially banned the use of most polystyrene foam food containers, marking a significant development in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat plastic pollution. This legislation targets common items such as clamshell containers and cups, often referred to as “Styrofoam,” and aims to eliminate up to 3.9…
Image Credit: tifonimages/123rf.com Chicago has achieved a significant milestone as the city enters 2024, with all 411 municipal buildings, including City Hall and libraries, now operating entirely on renewable energy. This initiative is a critical component of the city’s broader climate strategy and serves as an example of sustainability efforts nationwide. The transition to renewable…
