Good Climate News #2 [11.06.23]
Shaping the Future: Celebrating Innovations and Grassroots Efforts in Climate Action
Welcome back to "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.
This week, we'll dive into students training to be conflict mediators, discover how tiny robots are helping bee conservation, and appreciate people taking the initiative to help save dying ecosystems. As always, we'll end with a moment of reflection and a weekly challenge that invites you to participate in the global movement for change.
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
AI Generated Image
Spotlight Story: MIT's Green Diplomats Are Mediating the Future
While headlines constantly talk about the monetary investments into clean energy projects nationwide, there's more to the energy transition than just throwing money at the problem. The energy transition is fundamentally about people–the people building the projects, the community members where they occur, and the citizens whose energy consumption is now cleaner. Crucial to managing the interests of all these parties are mediators, the overlooked but fundamentally crucial role behind the actual implementation of our energy transition.
Recognizing this, MIT launched a first-of-its-kind course training students to mediate disputes over clean energy development. Students combine classroom learning with real-world problem-solving, where they help negotiate actual clean energy development projects around the country.
AI Generated Image
As the billions of dollars injected into the energy transition via the Inflation Reduction Act begin creating projects, it's crucially important not to repeat the wrongs of past phases of energy development, where communities with the least amount of political and economic power were not consulted when dangerous fossil fuel infrastructure suddenly showed up next door.
Although clean energy is essential for the country and planet, we can not ignore the concerns of communities. As they grapple with changes to their landscapes, property values, concerns about wildlife, and rampant misinformation, people must be prepared to help create an energy transition that leads to a more environmentally sustainable and socially equitable future.
AI Generated Image
Headline Highlights
AI Generated Image
Bees and Robots
Here's some buzz-worthy news: Worcester Polytechnic Institute's robotics engineers are designing systems that could help bolster the pollination efforts of bees. The future need not be dictated by artificial binaries between "natural" vs. "man-made"--we can use human ingenuity to collaborate with nature's ingenuity.
AI Generated Image
How Olive Groves Stand Against Climate Change
We here at Good Climate News love a two-for-one climate solution, which is precisely what olive trees are. Not only do they have great potential for drawing carbon out of the atmosphere, but they give us some oil to cook with. 加油! (jia you–Chinese word literally meaning 'add oil', but in conversation, is used to express encouragement)
AI Generated Image
Faith Leaders Unite at Abu Dhabi Climate Summit
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."
AI Generated Image
Two Warriors' Quest for a Greener India
Two "green warriors" in India are not just talking the talk; they're planting the walk. Jadav Payeng and Shyam Sundar Paliwal are leading a grassroots movement to reforest their local environment, demonstrating the power we all possess to catalyze impactful initiatives in the little sliver of Earth we call home. We cannot wait for our societal leaders to create change for us–the transformation of the world is simultaneously a top-down and bottom-up endeavor.
AI Generated Image
An Oasis of Innovation in the Face of Drought
Southern California's water future is getting a boost from an unexpected place: the Mojave Desert. Here, the High Desert Water Bank is an ambitious project turning the arid landscape into a resource for resilience. By storing water in times of abundance, this initiative ensures that when the taps run dry, there's a backup plan. It's a pioneering approach that melds the ancient wisdom of water conservation with modern engineering, securing a more sustainable tomorrow.
AI Generated Image
Weekly Challenge: No-Spend Weekend
Challenge yourself and others to go a weekend without spending money, focusing on enjoying experiences that don't cost anything–both to limit consumption and also save some $$$. This inflation is no joke!
AI Generated Image
Reflect With Me:
What steps could you take to replicate a positive climate initiative in your community?
Engage With Zenethica!
Have you started a new eco-friendly habit or inspired a friend to join your climate action journey? Whatever it is, big or small, share your green stories with us. Your actions could be the spark that ignites change in our Zenethica community.
Email your stories to Zenethica1@gmail.com or drop a comment below to inspire and be inspired.
In case you missed it…
Good Climate News #1 [10.30.23]
The Climate Crisis is a Spiritual Crisis
Thank You
Stay tuned for upcoming articles, and remember to cherish the moments of positive change that light our way.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating these stories of hope and action. Join us for less than the cost of your daily coffee!
Warmest,
Julian Cauzae