Solar was E.U.’s biggest source of power for the first time ever in June 2025

Solar was E.U.’s biggest source of power for the first time ever in June 2025

At least 13 E.U. countries saw solar output hit a new monthly high in June, according to an analysis from energy think tank Ember. Solar amounted to more than 40% of generation in the Netherlands and 35% in Greece. Meanwhile, coal generated just 6% of electricity, a new monthly low. Fifteen E.U. countries are now coal-free, including Austria, Belgium, and Ireland. Analysts say that the June surge in solar power helped Europe weather a brutal heat wave.

Colombia’s Constitutional Court issues landmark ruling in favor of Indigenous communities exposed to mercury contamination

The contamination, caused by gold mining, affects key rivers and fish consumed by the communities, with mercury levels found up to 17 times above safe limits. The ruling suspends new gold mining licenses in the Yuruparí macroterritory until intercultural dialogue is held and a remediation plan is established. The court also mandated regular monitoring and inclusive implementation, with biannual hearings and Indigenous participation, marking a judicial precedent for Indigenous-led environmental justice and the protection of ancestral knowledge.

Flint, Michigan at last replaces corroded pipes after lead crisis

Flint’s lead crisis began in 2014, when the city began drawing water from the Flint River instead of from Lake Huron. The river water was more corrosive than the lake water, and the city failed to take the steps needed to prevent lead from leaching into drinking water. In 2017, a federal court ordered the city to replace all lead pipes within three years. Eight years later, the project is finally complete. State officials told a federal court this week that the city has excavated more than 28,000 properties in search of lead water lines and replaced nearly 11,000 pipes.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation initiative to allow sexual assault survivors to track rape kit status

As early as 2026, sexual assault survivors, health care facilities, law enforcement agencies, forensic science laboratories, and attorneys’ offices in Kansas will be able to track the status of a sexual assault evidence kit, also known as a rape kit, through an online system. Kansas is among the last states in the country to adopt such a system.

South Africa to ban highly toxic pesticide Terbufos

In a decision welcomed by advocacy groups and researchers, South Africa’s Cabinet has approved a ban on the import of Terbufos, a highly toxic pesticide linked to the deaths of six children in a South African township in October 2024. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) called the decision “a historic milestone in the realization of critical socio-economic rights, including the right to health, clean water, a safe environment, and adequate food.”

Weekly reflection

Hi beautiful people,

This has been a big week. We experienced an unexpected death in the family last weekend, and both my sons had their birthdays this week. So with all that, this edition is a bit slimmer than usual. Hopefully back in full next week!

Love,
Peter

Peter Schulte Purpose coach Bellingham WA USA About | Instagram | Donate