California passes a law that allows college athletes to get paid
Gov. Gavin Newsom passed SB 206, also known as the Fair Pay to Play Act, that allows college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness.
2019 C.E.
Norway will pay Gabon to preserve its forests
As part of a 10-year deal, Norway will pay $150 million to Gabon to battle deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Costa Rica produces 98.84% of its power from renewables in 2019
According to the National Centre for Energy Control, the Central American country has maintained the trend of keeping the annual share of the renewable generation above 98% since 2015.
Mattel launches groundbreaking gender fluid, customizable doll line
Mattel’s research has concluded that today’s kids generally don’t want what toys they are expected to play with to be dictated by their gender.
Social Progress Index indicates humanity’s well-being has improved five years in a row
Since 2014, Social Progress Imperative publishes an annual index of over 150 countries, scoring them across 51 indicators. Each year has shown improvement on the global average.
Timberland clothing brand to plant 50 million trees over five years
Over the next five years, Timberland plans to plant 50 million trees. Partnering with nonprofits, the company will begin with projects in Haiti, China, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Tanzania, and Mali.
Burger King removes plastic toys from kids’ meals in the U.K.
Burger King claims the initiative will save 320 tonnes of single use plastic every year. This move will help them reach their 2025 goal to make all packaging 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable.
Global solar power capacity projected to grow by 17% in 2019
The International Energy Agency expects to see growth in solar of over 17% and capacity of 115 gigawatts (GW) by year’s end.
Guatemala to ban plastic bags, straws, cups beginning 2021
The measure gives merchants two years to phase out bags, straws, plates, cups and containers made from plastic or plastic foam, and replace them with compostable items.
IKEA will produce more energy than it consumes by 2020
IKEA will generate more renewable energy before the end of 2019 than the energy its stores use. Ultimately, it plans to be climate-positive by 2030.