Good Climate News #1 [10.30.23]
Turning Tides: Uncovering Stories of Renewal, Innovation, and Community Resilience
Welcome to the inaugural issue of "Good Climate News," your weekly dose of inspiring climate stories. While we live amidst a storm of environmental challenges, it's crucially important that we take time to bask in the rays of hope breaking through the clouds.
In this edition, we'll appreciate nature reclaiming abandoned golf courses, explore innovative advancements in renewable energy, and seek inspiration from community-driven actions across the globe. We'll end with actionable, sustainable challenges for the week and a question to think about.
Your reflections and actions are the heartbeat of this community–share them by hitting the comment button below or via email at Zenethica1@gmail.com.
Warm wishes,
Julian Cauzae
San Geronimo, California—photo from CNN
Spotlight Story: Abandoned Golf Courses Reclaimed by Nature
Golf courses–meticulously manicured, privately-owned playscapes for the affluent carved from living ecosystems and constantly at war with the processes of nature–are one of the clearest examples of the attitudes and actions that created our climate crisis.
They are attempts at asserting the wants of the wealthy over the needs of the many. Creating this illusion of control over nature demands an arsenal of resources, from constant watering, regular mowing, and habitual chemical treatments.
Cascade Valley, Ohio—photo from CNN
Ironically, it is the very cost of this forever war against nature that drives many golf courses out of business. Once abandoned, previously exiled trees, shrubbery, grasses, and animals reclaim these deserted arenas of leisure.
To me, this story is a vision of coexistence with the many forms of life we share this planet with. Recovery is slow, and balancing the needs of various creatures is difficult, but there is a way forward from our destructive past.
Yalukit William, Australia—photo from CNN
Headline Highlights
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Renewable Natural Gas–But With a Catch
Renewable natural gas–a semantic world salad–is methane captured from organic waste, such as leftover grains from breweries and food waste. This methane can then be used as fuel rather than released into the atmosphere as a potent greenhouse gas.
The good news about this article is that it recognizes that renewable natural gas is not "the" climate solution because no such thing exists. There is no climate magic bullet. There are, however, innovations–with pros and cons– that can help in specific contexts, such as "renewable natural gas" (who came up with this name??).
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Feathers Fueling the Future
In keeping with the theme of reusing waste products, it turns out that the millions of tons of chicken feathers left over from our industrial farming practices can be useful instead of just being burned as waste. Researchers discovered a method of repurposing chicken feathers by extracting keratin to forge ultra-fine fibers pivotal in fuel cell technology, which can generate carbon-free electricity.
What a time to be alive, amiright?
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Department of Energy Announces $18.5 Billion in Energy Savings
The DOE's "Better Buildings Initiative" has saved an impressive $18.5 billion since 2011 through energy efficiency improvements. Additionally, the thousands of public and private partners involved cut CO2 emissions by nearly 190 million metric tons–more than the annual emissions of 42 million cars. You know what they say, "Go Green, Get Money."
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Moloka'i's Community-led Renewable Energy Roadmap
Ho'omaika'i (congratulations) to Moloka'i for their example of bottom-up, community-driven energy planning! Shunning external actors, Moloka'i residents crafted their own roadmap, rooted in local values, towards 100% renewable energy. Let's learn from them and actively engage in how our communities' energy needs are met.
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Teresa Rojo Tsosie–The Native Catholic Teaching Youth About Climate Change
Teresa Rojo Tsosie's story demonstrates the challenging and beautiful process of engaging with our historical scars to move forward. Addressing climate change is an all-hands-on-deck emergency, urging us to humbly return to the feet of our elders to re-learn the wisdom we've spent centuries attempting to annihilate.
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Weekly Challenge: Meatless Monday
Pledge a day to plant-based meals. With the livestock sector accounting for 14.5% of global greenhouse emissions, a single meat-free day each week can dent the demand for meat, fostering a ripple effect of change. Plus, it's an opportunity to explore new recipes!
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Reflect With Me:
How does learning about positive climate initiatives make you feel about the future?
Engage With Zenethica!
Your stories, reflections, and feedback are the lifeblood of Zenethica. Please share your thoughts, questions, or topics you're curious about for future editions in the comments below or shoot me an email at zenethica1@gmail.com
In case you missed it…
The Climate Crisis is a Spiritual Crisis
Thank You
Thank you for sharing in the warmth of these glimmers of hope! Watch out for "Cauzae's Corner," a weekly Wednesday newsletter for our lovely paid subscribers.
Stay tuned for my next article, "Ignoring Noah," and until then, take care of yourself and seek opportunities to bask in the glow of hope in these dark times.
Warmest,
Julian Cauzae