sustainability & sustainable living
Credit: Mr.Jub/BigStock Photo ID: 237212287

"Ecovillages" around the globe are a realistic glimpse of a sustainable future

The writers explore how communities prioritize sustainability through advanced agricultural techniques and community-focused living.

Stephanie Hanes and Sara Miller Llana report for The Christian Science Monitor.


In short:

  • Experts indicate a significant rise in ecological communities globally, reflecting a shift towards integrating sustainable practices into everyday life.
  • From projects in Africa to former mine sites turned into permaculture sites, in Barbados, the number of "ecovillages" in the Global Ecovillage Network has skyrocketed from 440 a decade ago to over 10,000 last year.
  • For example, Martina Wiedemar and Joao Almeida are developing Gandum Village in Portugal, integrating solar panels, earthen buildings, and regenerative agriculture to promote sustainable living.
  • The project aims to engage the public by offering residency options and community activities, emphasizing the accessibility and appeal of eco-friendly lifestyles.

Key quote:

"This place is an example that a sustainable life can be beautiful. It can be easy. It’s not just a hippie thing."

— Joao Almeida, co-founder of Gandum Village.

Why this matters:

These innovative models offer a glimpse into how communities can fundamentally reshape living standards to be more sustainable by integrating eco-friendly practices into daily life. Read more: Climate, justice, and the deep roots of regenerative farming.

huge plume of black smoke
Credit: Christian Ferrer/Flickr

Georgia’s chemical fire exposes the risks of disasters colliding in a warming world

A massive fire at a Georgia chemical plant forced thousands to evacuate and raised serious questions about America’s readiness for overlapping natural and chemical disasters as climate change intensifies.

Hana Kiros reports for The Atlantic.

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Joseph Winters reports for Grist.

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Trump’s return may derail California clean air rules

A Trump victory has put key California clean air regulations at risk, including a ban on new gasoline car sales by 2035, as the state awaits U.S. Environmental Protection Agency waivers that the Biden administration hasn’t approved.

Tony Briscoe reports for Los Angeles Times.

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Following his election victory and a GOP Senate majority, President Donald Trump may dismantle climate policies that have helped curb U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, raising concerns about the future of U.S. climate action.

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Donald Trump’s victory signals a shift away from U.S. climate commitments, including plans to expand fossil fuel production, dismantle environmental protections and withdraw from the Paris climate accord.

Marianne Lavelle reports for Inside Climate News.

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Trump victory could reshape US energy policy

Donald Trump’s presidential win signals a shift toward traditional fossil fuels, potentially undercutting Biden-era climate policies like the Inflation Reduction Act.

Peter Behr and Brian Dabbs report for E&E News.

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