Each week we pick out a few news stories that give us hope for the fight against climate change. Take a minute to read about the positive action happening around you!
Oregon environmental groups, timber companies strike ‘extraordinary’ compromise, signaling end to November ballot fight
By Rob Davis and Ted Sickinger, The Oregonian/OregonLIVE, February 10, 2020
- Oregon environmentalists and timber companies reached a compromise to withdraw opposing ballot measures and work toward mutually agreed upon legislation.
- The compromise is between 13 timber companies and 13 environmental groups. The coalition seeks to update Oregon’s outdated logging parameters without harming the timber industry or damaging valuable natural areas.
- The article quotes Oregon Governer Kate Brown saying, “No one thought this could be done. And we are making it happen because people are tired of the endless wars at the ballot and in the courtroom.”
Cash-strapped farms are growing a new crop: Solar panels
By Maria Gallucci, Grist, February 18, 2020
- Farmers in northern Colorado are experimenting with “agrivoltaics” – installing solar panels among their crops – to supplement their income and improve crop diversity. The practice has been used in Japan for over a decade.
- Tests in Arizona and Massachusetts found crops like red chiltepin peppers, cherry tomatoes, Swiss chard and broccoli actually produced more when planted under solar panels.
- Per the article: “If these “solar-sharing” systems covered even less than 1 percent of the world’s cropland, they could produce enough solar power to meet the world’s annual energy needs, Higgins and other researchers said in an analysis last year.”
Delta commits $1 billion to become first carbon neutral airline globally
By Staff Writer, Delta News Hub, February 14, 2020
- Delta Air Lines announced a plan to commit $1 billion over the next 10 years to “mitigate all emissions from its global business going forward.” The initiative goes into effect on March 1, 2020.
- Delta cited carbon reduction, carbon removal and stakeholder engagement as focus areas for its climate plan. It is the first airline to commit to carbon neutrality.
- Per the report: “The aviation industry accounts for roughly 2 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Delta’s carbon footprint is its largest environmental impact, with 98 percent of emissions coming from its aircraft.”
Feature photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash.
