Switching on the news can be all doom and gloom, which just isn’t our vibe. Which is why we give you that much needed serotonin boost with some good news stories from the eco-friendly world each and every month.
This April we cover rare birds nesting in the UK (and where to watch a live streaming chick cam), exciting news in the world of seaweed, some exciting moves from governments when it comes to net zero, our favourite new band of eco superheroes, and some lovely news about Sir David Attenborough.
Let the good vibes roll…
Ospreys produce first egg on Britain’s South Coast in 200 years
Ospreys were once a common bird of prey across Western Europe but in the 1800s became locally extinct. In Poole Harbour, Dorset, the first breeding pair have produced an egg, a good sign that the population will begin to recover.
Fancy some cute osprey chicks? There’s a live web cam for you to check on their progress. A chick is expected, if the breeding has been successful, from early May onwards.
The Seaweed Academy opens
The UK’s first dedicated facility for the seaweed industry has just opened its doors in Scotland.
Seaweed farming has a low carbon footprint, needs minimal land-based infrastructure, and uses no fresh water.
Seaweed is expected to be a key crop when it comes to a “protein shift” from meat-based products, with some seaweed crops hitting about 30% protein, but at the moment the majority of the production is in Asia. This academy means that Britain can explore new sustainable food sources that don't need to rack up air miles.
NEW NATURAL HISTORY GCSE LAUNCHES
Ever thought, “why didn’t they teach us this at school?”, whether it’s how to file your taxes or how to save the planet, we’ve all been there.
From 2025, students will be able to get a GCSE qualification in Natural History which will cover areas such as climate change, sustainability and environmental challenges such as lack of biodiversity.
What’s great about this is that that generation will be empowered with education and school based learning to impact real change in the not too distant future.
NOTHERN IRELAND'S ASSEMBLY HAS PASSED A CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION COMMITTING TO NET-ZERO BY 2050
Northern Ireland has passed a substantial environmental bill which would put the country on a path to net zero by 2050. Ireland is set to reduce their emissions by 45% in the next eight years. Carbon is one thing, but the bill also addresses other harmful greenhouse gases such as methane which is set to reduce by 46% by 2050.
This will mean major reforms to the farming and transport industries in the country in the next few years.
SWEDEN SET TO BE THE FIRST COUNTRY TO TARGET CONSUMPTION-BASED EMISSION CUTS
At the moment, a lot of the targets countries and businesses create are localised. However, Sweden’s political parties have agreed to include imported goods within their climate targets.
Incorporating overseas emissions targets is complex, but this way of thinking could make a substantial impact. Globally, 22% of CO2 emissions come from goods made in one country and consumed in another, so Sweden could start leading the way in terms of thinking differently about cutting carbon. We love to see it!
THE ANTI-GREENWASHING UNIT ARE HERE
Yep, like a squad of superheroes the UN has announced its High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities. Shame about the name, but we love this important initiative which has created a team of 16 experts from around the world who will create a way of standardising and developing a real net zero framework for businesses globally.
Let’s say no to greenwashing!
WHALE HELLO THERE
Pardon the pun, but we couldn’t resist. Whales and other marine life are an overlooked solution to climate change according to the University of Cambridge.
Research at the Centre for Climate Repair (CCRC) at Cambridge University has found that whales are biological pumps that circulate nutrients when they feed and digest food. This circulates from the very top of the ocean’s surface right down to its murky depths.
The hope is that more whales will lead to more biodiversity beneath the sea, meaning that excess carbon can be stored within the plants that live at the depths of the ocean.
The little mermaid and her friends are coming to the rescue!
DAVID ATTENBOROUGH IS CHAMPION OF THE EARTH
Everyone’s favourite grandpa they wish they had, conservation campaigner and documentarian, has been named by the UN as Champion of the Earth.
Accepting the award he stated: “Fifty years ago, whales were on the very edge of extinction worldwide. Then people got together and now there are more whales in the sea than any living human being has ever seen,” he said. “We know what the problems are and we know how to solve them. All we lack is unified action.”
Clearly the impact of Sir David has been monumental, and long may that impact continue.
FEELING PRETTY BUZZED?
We hope your serotonin has been well and truly boosted with our monthly positive news bulletin. Remember to check in again next month for all the positive nuggets in the world of eco-friendly lifestyles and climate action for May.
We’ve learnt that seaweed is high in protein, whales going about their daily business could save our oceans and play a key role in tackling the climate crisis, where we might be able to see some rare chicks make their first appearance, and that Sir David Attenborough is king of everything (well, Champion of the Earth).
Got a great news story to share? Let us know in the comments below!