Record number of LGBT candidates running for governor in the United States
2018 is the first time in American history that more than one open LGBT person has won a gubernatorial nomination in any given year.
Good News Links
Taiwan orders 1.6 gigawatts of new offshore wind power
It’s expected that the new Taiwanese projects will be constructed by 2025, although they are still subject to acquiring the relevant permits and final investment decisions.
Europe’s first solar panel recycling plant opens in France
French water and waste group Veolia has opened what it says is Europe’s first recycling plant for solar panels as thousands of tonnes of ageing solar panels are set to reach the end of their life.
Germany to raise minimum wage to 9.35 euros in 2020
Germany plans to raise the minimum wage to 9.19 euros ($10.74) per hour next year and to 9.35 euros per hour in 2020
Development banks pump record $35 billion into climate finance
The six largest multilateral development banks spent $35 billion on climate financing in 2017, a 28 percent rise on the previous year and the highest since recording began in 2011.
Hawaii bans use of toxic pesticide chlorpyrifos
Hawaii governor David Ige signed a bill banning the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos, which has been linked to increased risk of learning disabilities, lower IQs, developmental delays, and behavior problems in children.
23 nations sign “Declaration of Ambition”, pledging to set tougher climate goals
More than 20 nations ranging from Germany, France and Britain to Pacific island states said they planned to “lead from the front” in setting new, tougher goals by 2020 to cut greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris climate agreement.
India energy minister flags massive 100GW solar tender – by far the largest ever
India’s energy minister R K Singh has flagged a massive solar tender of 100GW — by far the biggest in the world, as the fastest growing energy consumer turns increasingly to renewables to satisfy its enormous needs.
Renault to invest more than €1bn in French electric car plants
Renault will invest more than €1bn into four plants in France to increase its electric car production in the country.
Uber announces premium pay for drivers of hybrid & electric vehicles
The one-year pilot program gives drivers of electric vehicles in a handful of cities extra pay and incentives to drive an electric vehicle.