Environment news on earth day
Happy Earth Day! Here are some recent environment news updates to celebrate:
Climate Change
- Record-breaking heatwaves: 2020 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. (Source: NASA)
- Arctic ice melting: The Arctic ice cap has lost about 75% of its thickness since the 1980s, with severe consequences for global sea levels and ecosystems. (Source: NASA)
- Climate protests: Global climate strikes and protests continue to grow, with millions of people demanding action from governments to address the climate crisis. (Source: BBC)
Conservation and Wildlife
- Endangered species: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that 1 in 4 species are threatened with extinction, with habitat destruction and climate change being major drivers. (Source: IUCN)
- Plastic pollution: A new study finds that plastic waste in the world's oceans has increased by 8% since 2015, with devastating impacts on marine life. (Source: Science)
- Wildlife corridors: Conservation efforts are underway to create wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats and allow species to migrate and adapt to climate change. (Source: National Geographic)
Sustainability and Renewable Energy
- Renewable energy growth: Global renewable energy capacity has grown by 10% in the past year, with solar and wind power leading the way. (Source: International Energy Agency)
- Electric vehicle adoption: Electric vehicle sales have surged, with many countries setting targets to phase out internal combustion engines. (Source: BloombergNEF)
- Circular economy: Cities and companies are embracing circular economy principles, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption and production. (Source: World Economic Forum)
Policy and Governance
- Climate agreements: The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, with countries setting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve this goal. (Source: UNFCCC)
- Sustainable development goals: The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritize environmental protection, poverty reduction, and social equity. (Source: UN)
- Green infrastructure: Governments are investing in green infrastructure, such as green roofs, green spaces, and green buildings, to mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve air quality. (Source: World Green Infrastructure Network)
These are just a few examples of the many environment news updates from around the world. As we celebrate Earth Day, let's continue to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and its natural resources.