No new coal plants planned for South America for the first time since the 1800s

No new coal plants planned for South America for the first time since the 1800s

When the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, South America had eighteen coal-fired plants on the drawing board, reflecting global uncertainty about the role coal would play in powering emerging economies. Today, that uncertainty has vanished. Coal, once perceived as a staple of industrialization and economic stability, has essentially vanished from the continent’s energy future.

Kurdistan Workers’ Party agrees to peace deal with Turkey, ending deadly 40-year conflict

The decision promises to put an end to one of the longest insurgencies in the Middle East and could have a significant impact in Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. In February, party leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999, urged his group to convene a congress and formally decide to disband. The call by Ocalan marked a pivotal step toward ending the decades-long conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since the 1980s.

Japan to begin clinical trials for artificial blood

For decades, a shrinking population and an aging society in Japan have led to fewer blood donors. This situation is especially dire during disasters or in remote regions, where matching blood types and storing donated blood are logistical nightmares. Recognizing this, researchers at Nara Medical University are developing a safe, effective artificial blood that could be administered to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Clinical trials begin this year, with practical use expected by 2030.

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein bans fur and wild-animal skins across its online marketplace

Shein’s updated ban covers any items made from the skins or feathers of all animals considered to be “exotic”, including ostrich feathers, alligators, and snakes. The decision comes after PETA noticed several third-party vendors offering real fur products and accessories made from exotic animal skins on Shein’s marketplace platform in 2024. Shein previously maintained a no-fur policy for its in-house brands; however, this policy did not extend to third-party sellers operating on its marketplace platform.

Wolves continue remarkable comeback in Northern California with three new packs

Though native to California, after 1924, a gray wolf was not documented in California until 2011, when a wolf known as OR-7 famously crossed the state line from Oregon. Since then, wolves have steadily reclaimed a presence in the state. In 2015, wildlife officials documented the first pack in California in nearly 100 years. Now, three new packs have been discovered in a remote region where the Sierra Nevada meets the Cascades.

Britain becomes the world’s first major economy to close all coal-fired power plants (2024 C.E.)

The U.K. was home to the world’s first coal-fired power station, opened in London in 1882. Now, it is the world's first major economy to stop using coal to generate electricity, after closing the lone remaining coal-fired plant in the country, a station known as Ratcliffe, near the city of Nottingham.

Humanity closes its last coal-fired power plant (2040 C.E. ???)

In a major milestone for climate action, all of the world's coal plants are closed in favor of cleaner energy alternatives. The achievement not only helps repair damaged ecosystems and stabilize planetary climate systems, but also saves millions of human lives due to improved air and water quality.

Support emergency relief in Gaza

From Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: According to the UN, at least 57 Palestinian children have starved to death since March 2. Today, we’re asking you to support World Central Kitchen, whose team has hundreds of trucks filled with aid ready to roll into Gaza to provide as many meals as they can to over 2 million Palestinians who have been living under the blockade. Donate.​

This week’s calendar

GET S*** DONE Work Group​ every weekday, 10:45am-12pm PT (online)
Bellingham Men’s Circle​ on Monday, June 2, 6-8pm PT (in-person)

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