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.
Sustainability
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.
G20 agree to reduce marine plastic
The agreement promised to “promote a comprehensive life-cycle approach to urgently and effectively prevent and reduce plastic litter discharge to the oceans.”
Costa Rica bans use of Styrofoam containers
Costa Rican legislators approved the law that prohibits the import, marketing, and distribution of polystyrene containers.
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.
Michael Bloomberg launches $500 million campaign to end coal
UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action Michael Bloomberg has announced Beyond Carbon campaign to close the United States’ fleet of coal plants and halt new gas plants.