Quiet environmental progress in 2024 offers hope for climate action

Several overlooked advancements in 2024 brought encouraging developments for climate change and nature conservation.

Isabelle Gerretsen, Martha Henriques, Katherine Latham, Lucy Sherriff Jocelyn Timperley report for BBC.

In short:

The UK shut down its last coal-fired power plant, symbolizing a major shift toward cleaner energy.
Renewable energy capacity surged globally, with China leading the expansion due to cost-effective solar power.
Legal personhood was granted to ecosystems like Ecuador's rivers, New Zealand's mountains Brazilian ocean waves, enhancing environmental protection.

Key quote:

"Legal personhood provides the understanding that nature and living non-human beings should be understood as subjects – with intrinsic value and interests."

— Jacqueline Gallant, lawyer at NYU's Earth Rights Research and Action program

Why this matters:

Amid dire climate challenges, these breakthroughs show that policy shifts, renewable investments legal innovations can drive meaningful progress. They offer a roadmap for sustaining ecosystems and reducing fossil fuel reliance worldwide.

EHN’s ‘Good News’ roundup from years past:

www.bbc.com

Coal mining operation featuring yellow rock trucks and excavators as well as one orange excavator in the center.

Credit: Dominik Vanyi/Unsplash

As Trump boosts coal, opponents warn of higher costs and more pollution

The Trump administration is using emergency powers and subsidies to keep U.S. coal plants running. Market analysts believe no coal plant closures are likely during President Donald Trump's term.

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Quiet environmental progress in 2024 offers hope for climate action

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