Top climate scientists frustrated

Happy Sunday!

It’s the second Sunday of May, and in many countries that means it’s Mother’s Day today! It was also Mother’s Day a couple of days ago in Mexico and other parts of Latin America on 10 May. So to all the mothers who read this newsletter, we hope you had an amazing day! 💐 

For anyone with us for the first time, welcome to Voyage Green News! We provide a weekly dose of news and inspiration for a sustainable life. 💚 

♻️ This week’s sustainability news

380 top climate scientists are terrified about our future

What’s happening: A survey of hundreds of the leading climate experts found that 77% of respondents believe global temperatures will reach at least 2.5C above preindustrial levels, 42% think it will be more than 3C, while only 6% think the target limit of 1.5C will be achieved.

Why it’s happening: To conduct this survey, The Guardian contacted every available lead author or review editor from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), founded by the United Nations in 1988 to address concerns about global heating. The IPCC was tasked with producing a comprehensive review and recommendations, which it has done six times. Thousands of climate experts have been convened to produce these reports, so they are some of the most informed people about climate change.

Why it’s important: The predictions of these climate experts are grim. While the scientists agree that a lower peak climate temperature is theoretically achievable, they are not seeing enough action being taken. They are feeling incredibly frustrated that all the IPCC reports they have produced have not resulted in enough changes required across the world to bring about the target limit of 1.5C. They hold fears for the future with the potential for starvation, wars over resources, and mass migration. The 1C of heating has already brought about an increase in extreme weather, and rising to 2C will make such events exponentially more likely. If it does rise to 2.5C - 3C, as the scientists are predicting, it’s almost impossible to forecast the devastation this will cause. While the 1.5C target is looking increasingly unlikely, every tenth of a degree closer to that target will make a material difference to almost every person on this planet.

📖 Read the full article: We asked 380 top climate scientists what they felt about the future…

Microsoft employees speak out

What’s happening: Microsoft employees pushed the company to implement industry-leading climate goals in 2020, but some are now resigning as a result of the company’s lucrative contracts with fossil fuel companies. Over the past seven years, Microsoft has announced dozens of new deals with oil and gas companies aimed at unlocking new reserves, improving production, and increasing profits.

Why it’s happening: After their 2020 announcement that they would be implementing a target of being carbon neutral by 2030, Microsoft introduced an internal carbon tax and invested in clean energy and carbon capture projects. But they also announced various new partnerships with fossil fuel companies in subsequent years. Despite continual efforts by employees to make Microsoft more accountable, the focus on AI and using their technology to ensure “the future of oil and gas exploration and production is brighter than ever” was the final straw.

Why it’s important: Employees with knowledge of how big tech companies like Microsoft facilitate the continued operation of the fossil fuel industry can be important advocates for change. Employees must bring internal pressure to bear on companies to produce and adhere to real commitments that tackle climate change.

📖 Read the full article: Microsoft employees spent years fighting the tech giant’s oil ties

🌐 Travel to Mexico

Discover the amazing Cenotes Santa Barbara

Incredibly beautiful cenotes: Explore many natural wonders while also tasting some delicious local food at this magical complex in Yucatan.

😇 People doing great things

World Central Kitchen (WCK) returns to Gaza

Continuing important work despite tragedy: WCK staff and volunteers returned to Gaza recently, one month after seven of the charity organisation’s aid workers were killed by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). They served one million meals in Gaza during their first week back, and have now provided over 46 million plates of food via hot meals and food kits since they first responded to the conflict.

⭐️ Weekly inspiration

Ambitious renewable energy target for trains in Europe

Eurostar’s promise: Power all trains with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030; achieved in the Netherlands since 2017 based on wind power.

New batteries an alternative to dependence on lithium

Sodium-ion batteries are here: Natron Energy launched its first-ever commercial-scale production of the batteries at its plant in Michigan.

$500 billion in funding over the next 10 years

To address transportation pollution: Congressional Democrats introduced the Build Green Act to fund public transport and green infrastructure in U.S.

Energy-efficient bricks keep waste out of landfill

And reduce energy bills: Engineers at RMIT in Melbourne, Australia have invented bricks with scrap materials normally destined for landfill.

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