Puerto Rico to shut down all coal-burning power plants by 2020
Coal-burning power plants will get the axe in 2020, and all other coal-burning in Puerto Rico will be eliminated by 2028.
Caribbean
Puerto Rico bans gay and transgender conversion therapy for minors
The governor of Puerto Rico signed an executive order on Wednesday banning so-called conversion therapy for gay or transgender minors on the island.
Puerto Rico passes 100% renewable energy by 2050 legislation
The law will bring lower cost electricity to the island and promote a network of distributed microgrids that will help avoid the prolonged power outages that followed in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
11.9 GW of wind capacity installed in the Americas in 2018
Total installed wind capacity in North, Central, and South America increased to 135 gigawatts (GW) in 2018 with the addition of 11.9 GW of new wind capacity, an increase of 12% on 2017.
New Caribbean alliance drives $6 billion clean energy funds to replace diesel
A new Caribbean coalition, led by some of the world’s clean energy heavyweights and bankrolled, in part, by international lending institutions will channel $6 billion to transition the region to renewable energy.
Jamaica to run on 50% renewable energy by 2030
Jamaica set to run on 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, up from the previous 30 per cent target.
$1bn pledged to support climate resilience in the Caribbean
A coalition of 26 Caribbean nations is joining forces to drive forward low-carbon and climate-smart solutions.
Caribbean island of Dominica bans plastic and Styrofoam
The island nation has announced its aim to completely ban common plastics and single-use Styrofoam cups and food containers — effective January 2019.
Trinidad & Tobago decriminalizes homosexuality In landmark court case
A judge ruled that the country’s buggery laws were “not reasonably justified” in regards to adult consensual acts.
Cuba ends foreign travel permits for its citizens
Cuba previously saw people attempting to leave the country as traitors or enemies of the revolution.