Green news 2018
Here are some of the top green news stories from 2018:
- Renewable Energy Hits Record High: In 2018, renewable energy accounted for 26% of global electricity generation, a record high. Solar and wind power were the leading sources of renewable energy, with solar power growing by 22% and wind power by 15%.
- Electric Vehicle Sales Soar: Electric vehicle (EV) sales reached a record high in 2018, with over 2 million EVs sold worldwide. China was the leading market, accounting for over 50% of global EV sales.
- Climate Change Reports Released: In 2018, several major climate change reports were released, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C and the National Climate Assessment (NCA) report from the United States.
- Paris Agreement Update: In 2018, the Paris Agreement on climate change entered into force, with over 180 countries signing on to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Green Bonds Reach Record High: Green bonds, which are bonds specifically used to finance environmentally friendly projects, reached a record high of $155 billion in 2018.
- Sustainable Agriculture Gains Momentum: In 2018, sustainable agriculture practices, such as regenerative agriculture and agroforestry, gained popularity as farmers and consumers sought to reduce the environmental impact of food production.
- Coral Bleaching Crisis: In 2018, coral bleaching events were reported in many parts of the world, including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, due to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification.
- Wildfires and Heatwaves: 2018 was marked by devastating wildfires in California, Greece, and other parts of the world, as well as record-breaking heatwaves in Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Electricity Grid Modernization: In 2018, many countries began to modernize their electricity grids to accommodate the increasing use of renewable energy sources and to improve grid resilience and efficiency.
- Green Infrastructure Investments: Governments and companies around the world invested heavily in green infrastructure, including green roofs, green walls, and urban parks, to mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.
These are just a few of the many green news stories from 2018. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, sustainable development, and environmental protection, it's likely that 2019 will bring even more exciting and important green news stories.