Maine and Vermont ban plastic bags
Governors in Vermont and Maine signed bills on the same day that will ban plastic bags in their states in 2020.
Climate crisis
Zero carbon electricity overtakes fossil fuels for first time in the U.K.
Britain is set to achieve a historic milestone this year, with more electricity generated from zero carbon sources than fossil fuels.
Costa Rica bans use of Styrofoam containers
Costa Rican legislators approved the law that prohibits the import, marketing, and distribution of polystyrene containers.
Global renewable energy industry now employs 11 million people
IRENA reported that 11 million people were employed in the global renewable energy industry in 2018, up 6% from 2017.
Canada to ban single-use plastic as early as 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government will ban single-use plastics, which could include bags, straws and cutlery, in Canada in 2021.
Target commits to 100% domestic renewable electricity target by 2030
Target, the eighth largest retailer in the U.S., has committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030, including all domestic stores, distribution centers, and offices.
Vietnam to install 1 gigawatt of onshore wind power installed by 2021
The Global Wind Energy Council expects Vietnam will install 1 GW of new wind capacity by 2021 in a move it believes could solidify the country as a regional wind power leader.
U.K. government commits to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050
The U.K. is to enshrine a 2050 net zero emissions target in law, with an amendment to the Climate Change Act.
Washington State becomes first in the United States to allow human composting
The practice reduces the environmental impact and saves land from being taken up by cemetery plots and headstones.
Barclays commits to 100% renewable energy by 2030
The British multinational investment bank Barclays has entered RE100, a global initiative committing to source 100% renewable electricity for their global operations by 2030.