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Good News From the Month of June
As June wraps up, we are heading into peak summer weather in much of the northern hemisphere. With the summer heat intensifying, the frequency and severity of forest fires has also increased. This can be a discouraging time for anyone who cares about the environment and climate change (for the record, that should be everyone!). But in spite of major fires and other events dominating the headlines, there are still good things happening in the world, if you know where to look. We hope this month’s roundup of positive news stories gives you something to smile about, and reminds you that the most profound impacts happen as a result of good people taking action and using their voices to effect change.
1. One Tree Planted Celebrates 100 Million Trees Planted Since 2014
One Tree Planted proudly shared that in our 9th year, we have reached the incredible milestone of 100 Million Trees planted. Together with our global network of planting partners (854 and growing!), we planted these trees through 724 impactful projects, 1,035 planting events, and 140 Urban Forestry projects in 79 countries around the world.
From the simple action of planting trees grows complex benefits that reverberate across landscapes, creating profound and long-lasting benefits for nature and communities. As these 100,000,000 trees grow into maturity, they are restoring ecosystems that have been degraded by human and climate change impacts, supporting and healing communities with lasting social and economic benefits, providing habitat for threatened and endangered species, capturing carbon, and more.
Every planting project has its own unique challenges and impacts, but what holds true no matter where you go is that when done correctly, reforestation changes lives for the better. From restoring ecosystems that have been ravaged by wildfires to stabilizing riparian areas and protecting watersheds that provide drinking water for millions, our projects are making a powerful impact for nature and people around the world.
2. New EV Battery Paves the Way For a Greener Future
Electric vehicles have been around for a while, but with technological advances, they are gaining popularity as a means of sustainable transportation — and many car manufacturers are trying to meet the demand by making them accessible to everyone.
Toyota is among those that are trying to make electric cars simple and easy to invest in, and they are doing that by paving the way for updated battery technology. Toyota just announced a new electric car battery that could reduce charging time to under 10 minutes.
Often, charging time is a big hurdle for people who are considering investing in an EV. With this new technology coming our way, consumers will be motivated to invest in electric cars and make the world a little greener!
3. Net-Zero Law in Switzerland Is a Climate Victory
Many people in Switzerland are taking charge of their future by voting. Swiss citizens have voted in favor of a new climate law that will cut net emissions to zero by 2050.
In recent years, glaciers in Switzerland have been melting at a record pace, but this new law is a critical first step towards the country achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It was also a big win for the citizens of Switzerland, who were able to use their voices to help improve the environment for generations to come.
4. The World’s Only Urban National Park in Nairobi
A short distance outside of Kenya’s capital city is a green oasis that encompasses 117 square kilometers of open land for wildlife. Many charismatic wildlife species call this National Park home. Like many other parks, the Nairobi National Park faces many threats such as pollution, poaching, and more. But many experts say that an urban national park is a major benefit to the country.
Unlike other cities, Nairobi experiences lower pollution thanks to the National Park situated just miles outside of the city’s heart. Mature trees also help reduce the dangerous urban heat island effect, reduce ambient temperatures, absorb and retain water in the landscape, and more.
5. The Biden Administration Is Taking Steps to Protect Endangered Species
Over the years, human activity has put many plants and animals at risk of extinction. The Biden Administration took an important step in protecting these species and ensuring that ecosystems remain whole.
The administration has moved to restore select endangered species regulations, preserving habitats and protecting at-risk wildlife. This is a critical step towards preserving biodiversity and protecting our ecosystems for generations to come. While there is certainly more work to be done, this is a big win for US ecosystems!
6. Former Dumping Ground Is Now Farmland
In a Cleveland neighborhood, what once was an illegal dumping ground is now a food haven thanks to the help and leadership of local residents, supporting a community kitchen and farmer’s markets.
In 2011, Rid-All Green Partnership started small, and now it houses acres of sustainable farmland that impacts the local community in many ways. The entire food ecosystem eliminates food waste by turning it into compost that supports the farm and is sold to local community members.
This business also provides apprenticeship training for community members and creates local jobs that help support the economy. There are even specialized programs that help support and empower veterans and youth. Not only has this ecosystem helped impact local community members, but it also demonstrates what sustainable agriculture can look like.
7. Gender Equity and Food Security
As the climate continues to change, food insecurity is a major threat in some US territories. Across US island territories, gender equity and food security are coming together in a single movement as women fight to improve local food systems.
In the face of climate change, several women are coming together to ensure their communities remain resilient to the impacts. These women are attempting to find ways to grow local food systems to improve food security when food imports are just simply not enough, helping to improve schools and bring local food to communities in need.
We hope you enjoyed reading June’s good news stories as much as we enjoyed featuring them! Remember, there is good in the world, if you know where to look for it. And if you want to create your own good news, you can make a positive impact for the environment by planting treeswhere they are most needed.