Each week we find three headlines that give us hope for the future of our planet. Some weeks are tougher than others to find examples of good news – this was definitely one of those weeks. Nevertheless, we’re inspired by South Korea’s intention to adopt a Green New Deal. Especially amidst its massive and impressive response to coronavirus.
South Korea’s ruling political party becomes East Asia’s first to announce Green New Deal manifesto
By Greenpeace International, Greenpeace, March 16, 2020.
- South Korea is the first East Asian country to embrace a Green New Deal that will achieve a carbon-free society by 2050.
- Greenpeace Soeul campaigner Jinsun Lee said South Korea is among the “top seven CO2 emitting countries in the world. The ruling party finally recognises its responsibility to not only tackle the climate urgency but also boost the domestic economy while battling this crisis.”
- The legislation includes a carbon tax, shutdown of coal funding and “large scale investment in green energy infrastructure.”
Coronavirus has caused a bicycling boom in New York City
By L.V. Anderson, Grist, March 13, 2020.
- New York City’s DOT reported a 50 percent increase in bicycle traffic between Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens, due likely to unseasonably warm weather and the coronavirus.
- Citi Bike bike share program reported a 67 percent increase from last year’s ridership data.
- The city is seeing a 15 percent drop in rush hour traffic, giving more space to bike lanes and bikers.
Californians Want to Stop Burning Gas in Their Homes
By Rachel Golden and Matt Vespa, Sierra Club, March 13, 2020.
- A survey by FM3 indicates 70 percent of Californians prefer “electric appliances powered by clean electricity instead of fossil gas.”
- The poll also shows support for policymakers encourage a transition away from gas.
- Per the article: “Support is not just from Democrats, who poll at an approval rating above 90 percent for these electrification measures. Nearly 60 percent of Republicans support workforce development for building electrification, and a majority of Republicans support creating new rebates to lower the upfront costs of electric appliances like heat pumps.”
