Massive climate funding announced

Happy Sunday!

UN talks are currently taking place in Ottawa, Canada, for the world’s first global treaty to cut pollution from plastics. It’s expected to be ready for signing next year and could be the most significant environmental treaty since the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015. Perhaps unsurprisingly but nevertheless depressingly, 196 lobbyists from the fuel and chemical industries are attending the talks, a 37% increase on the last round of talks. As global investment pours into clean energy, plastics is seen as a lifeline for the fossil fuel industry. BP for example expects demands for plastic to represent 95% of net growth in oil demand from 2020 to 2040. The lobbyists obviously want to protect their industries’ profits, so let’s hope the other attendees are able to overcome their influence and create an ambitious treaty that addresses the whole lifecycle of plastic.

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♻️ This week’s sustainability news

Earth Day celebrated with major U.S. announcements

What’s happening: The Biden Administration celebrated Earth Day on 22 April with the announcement of funding for two major environmental initiatives. The first is $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects serving 900,000-plus households in low- and middle-income communities. Funds will be distributed to 60 recipients including state and Tribal governments, and non-profit organisations.

The second is nearly 2,000 positions being offered across 36 states as part of the American Climate Corps green jobs training program. The positions start in June at organisations focused on clean energy. Participants will also have access to pre-apprenticeship training via a new partnership with the North American Building Trade Union.

Why it’s happening: Biden pointedly went after the presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during his announcements, pointing out that his ‘MAGA’ fanatics deny climate change exists. The Biden-Harris administration is doing their best to appeal to younger voters and those concerned about climate change ahead of November’s elections. The idea of the solar power funding program, called ‘Solar for All’, was originally part of a bill sponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders. This bill was eventually folded into the Inflation Reduction Act, the landmark climate law signed in August 2022.

The American Climate Corps was created by Joe Biden last year using his executive authority after it was blocked in Congress by Republicans and questions about its cost. It was modelled on the Civilian Conservation Corps, created in the 1930s by President Roosevelt as part of the New Deal, and will eventually employ more than 20,000 young adults who will plant trees, install solar power, and do other conservation-related work.

Why it’s important: The additional funding for low- and middle-income communities is especially welcomed as the high installation costs of solar power has been curbing its growth. Biden pointed out in his announcement that low-income households currently spend up to 30 percent of their pay on energy bills, and introducing solar power can save these households up to $400 per year. Transitioning more people onto solar power will therefore help people with their living costs and boost spending in local communities, while reducing reliance on the fossil fuels causing climate change.

Young people who complete work with the American Climate Corps will be eligible for a streamlined path to federal climate-related jobs. They will also be working in former coal mining and power plant communities in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, bringing the benefits of clean energy to some people who have suffered the most from past energy practices.

🌐 Travel to Northern Cyprus

Historical and natural wonders

Read our travel guide: Discover an unforgettable journey of hidden historical gems, local charms, and beautiful Mediterranean views in the northeastern region of the island of Cyprus.

😇 People doing great things

Music streaming royalties for the planet

Listening to nature pays for the planet: The Museum for the United Nations - UN Live announced the launch of Sounds Right, a music initiative to recognise the value of nature. Classic sounds from nature, such as ocean waves, wind, and bird songs, will be recognised under the artist title of ‘NATURE’ on major music streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. By listening to this music, conservation and restoration projects will be funded from the royalties earned. Global artists are releasing new tracks or remixing their hits to feature NATURE. The artists include a collaboration between David Bowie and Brian Eno, Ellie Goulding, UMI with V of BTS, and more.

⭐️ Weekly inspiration

Citibank’s financing of environmental injustices

Mock hearing held: Advocates from across the Americas held a mock trial in New York demanding that Citibank cease its funding of fossil fuel projects.

Call for a climate-change tax on billionaires

Presented at G20 meeting: The proposed climate tax from Nobel-prize winning economist Esther Duflo suggests taxing corporations and billionaires for funds that will be directly sent to the poorest countries most at risk.

The U.S. may have finally figured out high-speed rail

Work begins on the $12 billion project: Linking Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the first high-speed rail service in the U.S. may provide a model for more.

Solar balconies are booming in Germany

Smaller system attracts apartment dwellers: Requiring one or two panels plugged into a wall socket, they can be bought online and installed easily.

Wellington brings back the birds

Decades of work pays off: Local bird species were threatened with extinction in the 1990s before conservation efforts brought them back to thrive.

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