For the first time in over a century, wolverines were spotted in Mount Rainier National Park. The sighting serves as a testament to the ecological benefits of wilderness management.
Each week we summarize three pieces of news that give us hope for a greener, brighter future. If you’d like to have Hopeful Headlines sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our weekly newsletter!
Wolverines spotted at Mount Rainier National Park for the first time in over 100 years
By Jessica Flores, USA Today, August 20, 2020
- A recent spotting of a female wolverine and her two kits on Mount Rainier marks the first time in 100+ years this species has been seen on the mountain. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife believe there are only about 20 wolverines in the state.
- From the article: “Wolverines are rare in the U.S. with less than 1,000 living in the lower 48 states… Scientists say climate change is presumably a threat to the species.”
- Park superintendent Chip Jenkins claims the sighting is a sign that the park’s conservation efforts are proving beneficial.
Why it matters: First of all, wolverines are awesome. As an apex predator, they are a sign of a functioning ecosystem. Second, this is just more evidence that nature has an incredible ability to recover when given the chance!
Meet the orgs helping youth of color safely enjoy the outdoors, despite a pandemic
By Angely Mercado, Grist, August 21, 2020
- Organizations including Outward Bound Adventures, Nature for All and Latino Outdoors are creating opportunities for young nature enthusiasts of color to access the outdoors. While many have suspended in-person activities due to the pandemic, Outward Bound Adventures hosted a trip to Cottonwood Lakes in the Sierra Nevada mountain range with rigorous covid-19 precautions.
- From the article: “…Communities of color have disproportionately suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, they stand to benefit the most from opportunities like these.”
- In lieu of in-person activities, Nature for All is posting information about available outdoor activities in multiple languages. Latino Outdoors is urging its members to be active “even if it’s just encouraging people to participate in an activity like bird-watching at a particular time, so they can feel connected despite being physically apart.”
Why it matters: Spending time outdoors can provide mental and physical health benefits. However, skin color is often a barrier to access to outdoor spaces. These organizations are breaking down those barriers and inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts to do the same.
Exxon Booted from Dow Industrials in Major Embrace of Tech
By Sarah Ponczek and Katherine Greifeld, Bloomberg Green, August 24, 2020
- Exxon Mobile fell from the 30-stock index that makes up the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The removal made way for Salesforce.com, Amgen Inc. and Honeywell International.
- The fossil fuel giant was “the world’s biggest company as recently as 2011” and the longest serving member of the Dow.
- Exxon was worth $525 billion in 2007 and is now valued at around $180 billion.
Why it matters: Exxon stock has been falling steadily for the last 4-6 years, and is down 40% since January. Fossil fuel commodities simple aren’t a good bet, ecologically or financially.
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