California commits to 100% renewables by 2045
California will source 100 per cent of its power from renewable energy, including solar and wind power by 2045.
Good News Links
Illinois passes automatic voter registration
With the unanimous passage in both the Illinois House and Senate of automatic voter registration (AVR) legislation, it is safe to say this particular reform is moving along rapidly with bipartisan support.
ExxonMobil shareholders revolt to force climate action
ExxonMobil failed to fend off a shareholder rebellion over climate change, as investors with 62.3 percent of shares voted to instruct the oil giant to report on the impact of global measures.
Church of Scotland apologizes for its historical discrimination against lesbian and gay people
The Kirk’s general assembly, meeting in Edinburgh, instructed officials to consider changes to church law that would allow ministers to preside over same-sex-marriage ceremonies.
Countries signed to UN-brokered illegal fishing treaty meet for first time
Participants at the week-long event in Oslo, which began today, are from the more than 46 countries that have endorsed the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA).
Denmark’s DONG Energy divests from fossil fuels in favour of renewables
Danish wind energy giant DONG Energy announced its plans to divest its upstream oil and gas business for $1.05 billion.
Russia starts largest renewable energy auction in bid for jobs
Russia is pressing ahead with its biggest-ever auction for renewable energy, seeking to award contracts to purchase 1.9 gigawatts of clean electricity.
Belgium abolishes forced sterilization for transgender people
Lawmakers voted in favor of a draft law on Wednesday which will no longer require transgender people to undergo sterilization or a mental health diagnosis in order for their preferred gender to be legally recognized.
Plans for 13.7 GW of coal power in India axed
“For the first time, solar is cheaper than coal in India and the implications this has for transforming global energy markets are profound.”
Taiwan court rules same sex marriage is legal, a first in Asia
In a first for Asia, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage on Wednesday, punctuating a yearslong campaign by advocates for gay rights.