Electric Vehicles are becoming more popular!
Consumer demand for electric vehicles is rising thanks to better technology, lower prices, and government subsidies.
In 2010, there were just 17,000 electric cars on the world’s roads and now there are over 7.2 million.
USA is rejoining the Paris Agreement & taking Climate Action
The USA is the 2nd leading GHG emitter next to China, so having them commit to the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming by 2°C (goal of 1.5°C) is a huge win.
Biden pledges to make climate policies and environmental regulations, including vehicle emissions standards and controls on methane emissions from oil and gas.
Increase of Renewable Energy Around the Globe
In 2020, electricity generated by wind and solar rose 14% & accounted for 10% of all electricity.
In the U.S., renewable energy output increased by 5% since 2019.
China is investing in wind energy and solar power capacity, projected to more than 1.2 billion kilowatts by 2030.
In 2021, India is expected to be the largest contributor to renewable energy, investing in $6 billion in solar.
Less Noise Pollution & more Whales!
In the North and Southern Hemisphere there’s been more Humpback and Blue whale spotting this year than over the last 50 since populations have been near extinction from hunting.
Ocean noise is thought to effect how whales communicate, behave and migrate. The results of a quieter ocean since the pandemic may lead to healthier and less stressed marine mammal populations.
Orca whale spottings have increased off the shores in B.C., and an offshore hydrophone station west of Vancouver Island recorded a 16% decrease in noise power.
Ocean Panel Nations commit to their Waters
14 world leaders commit to 100% sustainable ocean management and vowed to combat overfishing, invest in reducing pollution, and set aside 30 percent of its national waters as marine protected areas by 2030.
Combined, these 14 countries comprise 40% of the world’s coastlines and will help solve the global challenges of pollution, overfishing and climate change.
This new climate action agenda will help produce six times more food from the ocean, generate 40 times more renewable energy, and lift millions of people out of poverty.
