Nicaragua signs the Paris climate accord, leaving only two countries to not sign the pact
That leaves Syria as the only nation never to have signed on; the US joins war-torn Syria as one of only two nations currently opposed the agreement.
2017 C.E.
Solar Bitcoin founders launch blockchain project to disrupt global energy markets
This blockchain project aims to leverage digital currency in order to boost the generation and consumption of renewables and allow for decentralized energy trading between utilities, producers grid operators, and consumers.
Israel’s Knesset votes to raise monthly minimum wage
“Raising the minimum wage to NIS 5,300 is a direct continuation of our work in favor of narrowing gaps and strengthening the working population,”says Finance Minister.
The world’s first floating wind farm is now producing energy in Scotland
Hywind Scotland, situated in Buchan Deep, is the world’s first floating wind farm, with its five six-megawatt turbines now generating electricity.
Bloomberg pledges $64M for anti-coal initiatives
Billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg is making a new $64 million commitment to environmental groups’ efforts to shut down coal-fired power plants and replace them with cleaner forms of electricity generation.
Playboy features first transgender playmate
Playboy Magazine is making history next month. Lakshmi Singh talks to French model Ines Rau, the first transgender woman to appear in Playboy magazine’s coveted centerfold spot.
Australian state of Victoria to ban single use plastic bags
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the government will ban single use plastic bags “as quickly as we can”.
California becomes first state to legally recognize a third gender
SB 179 helps people of all gender identities be their authentic selves.
California passes first cleaning product chemical disclosure law in U.S.
On Sunday, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Senate Bill No. 258, otherwise known as the Cleaning Products Right to Know Act.
European spending on energy efficient building technologies in 2026 to near $112 billion
The European market for energy efficient building technologies is expected to grow from $83.5 billion in 2017 to $111.9 billion in 2026.