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.
Pollution
China reassigns 60,000 soldiers to plant trees in bid to fight pollution
China has reassigned over 60,000 soldiers to plant at least 32,400 square miles of trees by the end of the year, which is roughly equivalent to the size of Ireland.
Germany to close all 84 of its coal-fired power plants by 2038
Germany, one of the world’s biggest consumers of coal, will shut down all 84 of its coal-fired power plants over the next 19 years to meet its international commitments in the fight against climate change, a government commission said.
65 countries and counting ratify the Kigali Agreement to reduce HFCs
The world has taken an important step to drastically reduce the powerful greenhouse gasses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol coming into force.
Google announce global expansion of Street View cars that map air pollution
The Google Maps Street View cars will be equipped with Aclima’s sensor node which will generate snapshots of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, among others, which can be used by scientists to combine with other data to develop air quality models.
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.
Scottish greenhouse gas emission rates ‘halved since 1990’
Government statistics show levels in 2016 were 49% below the 1990 baseline, with a 10.3% drop on the previous year.
E.U. to ban bee-killing pesticides
EU countries voted on Friday for a near-total ban on insecticides blamed for killing off bee populations, in what campaigners called a “beacon of hope” for the winged insects.
Baltimore mayor signs bill banning foam containers
The bill signed Thursday gives businesses 18 months to stop using containers made from this material, commonly called Styrofoam.
E.U. Parliament approves new measures to create a circular economy
“By 2025, at least 55% of municipal waste (from households and businesses) should be recycled. The target will rise to 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035.”