Climate change is gradual. A little warming here, some ice melting there. It is easy to see how much change has occurred when we look at a decade. It’s no surprise that scientists have called it a climate catastrophe due to the scale of the destruction. There is also hope on the other side of the spectrum. There are many new information and innovations that offer hope for the planet’s future. Here are 11 top environmental news topics over the past decade.
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1. All signs point to our tipping point
Let’s start with what is bad. It is terrible. Nearly every measurement of Earth’s health shows the needle in the red area. All of these indicators are well-established: raging wildfires; unprecedented flooding; mass destruction from tornadoes; increased frequency of hurricanes; higher ocean temperatures; record-breaking heatwaves.
Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, which can lead to rising waters, flooding, and soil erosion. Also, less ice in the ocean means less sunlight reflection. Open oceans reflect heat from the sun rather than absorb it, accelerating the waters’ warming.
In short, the planet’s ecosystems are being destroyed and its surface is becoming less beautiful. The negative effects have a direct impact on human, plant, and animal life.
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2. Understanding wildfires of the west
California is on fire and there is bad news. While the Golden State is in the news for its community-destructing wildfires, Oregon and Nevada, as well as other parts of the west, are also feeling the heat from wildfire danger. There isn’t much good news. The worst will still be due to drought and water shortages.
However, the past ten years have taught us a lot. This information has sparked conversations across communities in the western U.S. with home and business owners, government officials, and non-profit organizations. Neighborhoods are now creating evacuation and fire prevention plans.
The wildfire crisis has also facilitatedtechnology innovationssuch as the development ofBreezoMeter, which tracks wildfires. Inhabitat also covered DroneSeed, which is an innovation that allows faster and safer reforestation after a fire.
3. Temperatures will continue rising
Although it sounds depressing, it is actually a crisis. Even the best-case scenarios are not optimistic when we consider the world’s climate goals and the current level of success. While climate change action is the key to the equation, environmentalists still struggle with getting everyone on the same page. To counterbalance climate change deniers, there are many individuals, inventors and businesses doing their part to help.
4. Renewable energy investment
It was a lot doom and gloom. Take a deep breath. There are many things we can celebrate in the last decade. Renewables have become smaller, more efficient and cleaner thanks to battery technology. Solar panels, for example, are lighter, more cost-effective, and easier to install than they were ten year ago. Similar improvements are being made in wind, hydro (including wave energy), and geothermal energy.
California also mandates that all new construction must be powered by solar power. A multitude of countries with warm climates are now embracing the idea of investing in the sun’s power. The advancements have made it more affordable to build residential homes and tiny homes off-grid.
5. Youth movements are in the news
It has been many decades since the youth movement was so united on a single topic. They are the future of our planet and they know that. Organizations like the Sunrise Movement are not content to wait for their parents to fix it. They are demanding environmental protections in large numbers.
6. Ocean cleanup
Since many years, community beach cleanups and plasticrecycling efforts are ongoing. It’s great for those whose communities are affected by trash that washes up on the beaches or is left behind from visitors. The real problem lies beyond sight. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has become an oceanic magnet for trash floating in the Pacific Ocean. Ocean Cleanup is a successful initiative to combat this problem. It uses machines that filter the water and bring the garbage home for proper disposal. To help divert waste from the ocean, the company also offers a river version.
7. 3D printing
It used to take half a year to print a small figurine on a slow-moving machine. Now, it is possible to 3D print parts and entire houses with ease. The technology is here for the long-term. It has the potential to preserve natural resources, reduce site impact and address the housing crisis. About 40% of the planet’s CO2 emissions are caused by the construction industry. It is therefore crucial to find solutions to environmental challenges.
8. E-highways
Although they aren’t yet widespread, they are functionally and efficiently. To reduce emissions, Sweden and Germany have both begun to introduce e-highways. It is very simple in design. The highway charges cars and trucks as they travel along it. E-highways, which are scaleable, could reduce pollution from vehicle emissions, which is a major source for greenhouse gases.
9. Innovative materials
Companies around the world are continually developing new materials to replace harmful leather production. When shopping, look out for apple leather, banana leaves, seaweed, hemp, and other natural materials.
10. Tesla and other EVs
In the last decade, the electric vehicle market has seen a boom. Although batteries are becoming more efficient and longer-lasting, they are also less toxic. The greatest advancement in electric vehicle technology is Tesla’s superchargers, which address range insecurity for EV owners.
11. Indoor urban gardens
Crowdfunding sites are full of innovative indoor gardening systems. This is because people support it. As urban housing becomes more compact, so does the availability of small-scale indoor gardening. Check outLetPot,HamamaandMicroPodto name a few.
Via KQED, Green Matters, Inside Climate News
Images via Pixabay & Pexels