Hopescrolling: The good news timeline
Matt Wright
The good news timeline
March 2024
22nd March
Ecologi partner, Trees for the Future (TREES), has been awarded with a World Restoration Flagship status by UNEP. TREES has planted tens of millions of trees annually across nine African countries, restoring over 41,000 hectares (enough to cover Manhattan seven times), including part of the Great Green Wall initiative.
22nd March
Germany experienced a record 10.1% drop in its emissions during 2023, in part thanks to its investment in renewable energy. Europeâs biggest economy is targeting a 65% emissions cut by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and recent progress suggests they are on track to achieve nearly 64%.
15th March
The EU Parliament has voted in favour of criminalising the most severe instances of environmental damage that are âcomparable to ecocideâ. Member states will have two years to mandate the new directive into national law.
15th March
Lidl has teamed up with the artist Smug, to recreate Botticelliâs Birth of Venus painting using 30,000 recycled bottle caps from its return scheme pilot. The 25ft mural was commissioned in celebration of the 253,000 bottles and cans which have been recycled in the first month of the supermarketâs return scheme pilot.
1st March
The UK has exited from the Energy Charter Treaty which allows oil firms to sue governments for pursuing climate policies, seeking billions in compensation for profit losses.
(BBC)
1st March
The European Parliament has passed new legislation aimed at restoring 20% of the EU’s land and sea. The new law establishes a target for the EU to restore a minimum of 20% of its land and sea territories by 2030 and all ecosystems requiring restoration by 2050.
February 2024
23rd February
The United Nations have announced seven new World Restoration Flagships. These initiatives exemplify excellent large-scale and long-term ecosystem restoration, embodying the 10 Restoration Principles of the UNDER. Weâre pleased to say that not one, but two of our partners have been selected as World Restoration Flagships this year!
23rd February
A disused mine in Finland is being converted into a gravity battery, capable of storing 2MW of power. The battery works by using excess power, such as from wind turbines on a windy day, to lift weights up a 530-metre auxiliary shaft. These weights can later be released to generate energy, effectively converting the winches into generators, providing either a short burst or a steady flow of electricity as required.
15th February
New research reveals that a record 25 million people globally took part in Veganuary in 2024, with nearly three-quarters of the UK population acknowledging awareness of the event.
(edie)
15th February
UK electric vehicle sales soar past the one million milestone, hitting 1,001,677 since 2002, according to the The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The SMMT also confirmed a 21 per cent increase in electric vehicle sales year-on-year.
9th February
A nationwide recycling initiative for plastic drinks containers and aluminium cans, has launched in Ireland. The scheme provides consumers with money off their supermarket shop in exchange for returning the empty plastic bottles and cans to vending machines across the country.
9th February
Ikea has successfully decoupled its emissions from financial growth, having reduced its climate footprint by 24.3% despite increasing revenue by over 30%. This reduction in its footprint is largely attributed to carbon-saving initiatives such as electric vehicles and renewable energy usage, and enhanced efficiency measures.
(edie)January 2024
26th January
The European Parliament has voted in favour of a proposal to ban greenwashing and misleading product information. In this important step forward, EU member states would ban the unsubstantiated use of certain environmental claims, like âclimate neutralâ or âenvironmentally friendlyâ.
(Edie.net)
19th January
In 2023, global renewable energy capacity soared by 50% to nearly 510 GW, largely due to expansions in wind and solar. The International Energy Agency (IEA) sees these figures as a âreal chanceâ to hit the COP28 goal of tripling global capacity by 2023.
19th January
Analysis shows that African elephant numbers have begun to stabilise in Southern Africa, Â after huge historic losses. This change reflects positive strides in Southern Africaâs conservation efforts, and underscores the effectiveness of connected protected areas over isolated parks in maintaining stable populations.
12th January
Scientists have launched a breeding and reintroduction programme in a bid to save the critically endangered Scottish wildcat. With only around 35 individuals left in the wild, models predict functional extinction by 2025. In the first phase of the plan, nineteen young wildcats have been released into the Cairngorms National Park to restore populations.
12th January
The UK’s reliance on fossil fuels for its electricity fell by 20% in 2023, to its lowest level since 1957. Experts have attributed this decline to a decrease in demand and an increase in the use of renewable energy, especially wind power.
(Sky News)
5th January
2023 was a record-breaking year for solar energy with China, Europe and the US all setting new solar installation records, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IEA). Additionally, solar power has now become the most economical electricity source in most countries, as the price of solar panels have dropped significantly.
5th January
Climate campaigners from Greenpeace and Uplift have launched two separate legal challenges to try and stop the Rosebank North Sea oil project. They argue that moving forward with the Rosebank development, the largest untapped oilfield in the UK, contradicts the UK’s legally binding climate commitments.
December 2023
8th December
COP28 commenced with an historic agreement to launch a loss and damage fund, with contributions from Germany, Japan, the UAE, UK, USA and others totalling around $430m (USD) for poorer countries who disproportionately feel the impacts of climate change.
(BBC News)
8th December
The critically endangered De Wintonâs golden mole has been rediscovered in South Africa after 80 years. Finding these moles is a challenge due to their elusive dune-dwelling lifestyles and as such they had not been spotted since 1937 – leading them to be labelled as a âlost species’.
(Euro News)Â
1st December
The birth of a Sumatran rhino calf in Indonesia has bolstered the critically endangered species, of which fewer than 50 animals remain. Delilah, a seven year old female Sumatran rhino, delivered her male calf who weighed 25 kilograms (55 pounds) on the 25th November.
(AP News)
1st December
A groundbreaking solar-covered canal, a first in the US, is expected to be built in Arizona. This innovative project aims to produce renewable energy and curb water evaporation in the parched state, and has been hailed as a step toward sustainability.
November 2023
24th November
China’s emissions are set to decline in 2024 thanks to a boom in clean energy adoption, largely due to record numbers of wind and solar installations.
24th November
Birmingham band, Filkinâs Drift, embarked on an 870-mile eco-tour along Walesâ captivating coast. Carrying gear on foot, their eco-musical journey promotes environmentally-friendly touring and sustainability.
11th November
The Prince of Wales unveiled the five inspirational winners of the annual Earthshot Prize this week in Singapore. The prize was awarded to a variety of fantastic organisations, including AcciĂłn Andina, an amazing initiative restoring forests all along the Andes mountain range that was co-founded by our partner Global Forest Generation alongside ECOAN.
(BBC)
11th November
Museums across the UK have committed to taking collective action against the climate crisis after the first-ever UK Museum COP was held at the Tate Modern. The sector has pledged to âengage audiences with the climate crisis and inspire them to take positive actionâ, as well as reduce its environmental impact.
3rd November
The GalĂĄpagos’ Española Island has seen a remarkable resurgence of giant tortoises, where their numbers have surged from a mere 14 to approximately 3,000, thanks to a successful, decades-long conservation effort.
3rd November
The Dogger Bank Wind Farm, located off England’s north-eastern coast, has successfully generated its inaugural power supply. This significant milestone marks a major step towards sustainable energy solutions, as the project harnesses the power of wind to contribute clean electricity to the UK grid.
October 2023
27th October
The EU is intensifying its efforts to combat microplastic pollution after successfully banning glitter. The new proposal seeks to cut plastic pellet pollution by 74% by 2030, showcasing the EU’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and its harmful impact on ecosystems.
27th October
In Somerset, a stretch of the Mendip Hills is to become a new âsuper nature reserveâ, helping to boost biodiversity in the area. The creation of this expansive reserve offers a vital sanctuary for wildlife, aiding in the protection of diverse ecosystems and contributing to the preservation of precious natural habitats.
(BBC)
20th October
The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe in Washington, USA, rejoices as salmon return to their ancestral waters after a century. This remarkable event signifies a powerful reconnection between the tribe and nature, highlighting successful conservation efforts and the revival of a vital ecosystem.
20th October
The US Department of Justice has deployed an environmental justice coordinator in each of its 94 local attorney offices, forming a formidable alliance to combat pollution in vulnerable communities. This significant move underscores a commitment to address environmental injustices and protect marginalised populations from the harmful effects of pollution.
(E&E News)
13th October
The article reports on a significant milestone in London, where the first baby beaver in 400 years has been born. This marks a remarkable comeback for these creatures, which were once extinct in the area. The event highlights successful efforts to reintroduce beavers and restore the local ecosystem.
(BBC)
13th October
Countries worldwide have pledged to raise $12 billion to fund coral reef protection. This collective commitment demonstrates a global effort to safeguard these vital ecosystems. The financial support will aid in conserving coral reefs, preserving marine biodiversity, and combating the impacts of climate change on underwater habitats.
(Reuters)
6th October
Brazil’s Supreme Court has upheld the land rights of Indigenous communities in a landmark decision, marking a significant victory for conservation. The ruling safeguards vital ecosystems and the rights of Indigenous people, setting a precedent for environmental protection and social justice in the region.
6th October
The High Seas Treaty, aimed at protecting biodiversity in international waters, moves closer to reality as 67 countries sign it. This milestone signifies global commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems and shows progress in international efforts to preserve the high seas and promote sustainability and conservation.Â
September 2023
29th September
A conservation initiative by African Parks is set to release 2,000 Southern white rhinos into the wild over the next decade. This ambitious effort aims to bolster rhino populations and protect these endangered animals in their natural habitat.
29th September
Groundbreaking achievement of the world’s first electric aircraft flight powered by a new liquid hydrogen technology, which sustained a three-hour flight. This development is a significant step towards sustainable aviation and reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry.Â
22nd September
Six young individuals, aged 11 to 24, are taking the worldâs largest climate legal action at the European Court of Human Rights. They seek to compel 32 nations to intensify emissions reductions due to their experiences in the 2017 Leiria wildfires, which claimed 66 lives and devastated 20,000 hectares of forest.
22nd September
15 Earthshot finalists were announced at New York Climate Week, including AcciĂłn Andina – co-founded by our Ecologi partner Global Forest Generation, as well as ECOAN. Find out more about the Ecologi supported reforestation project in South America here.
1st SeptemberÂ
Denmark has pledged to donate around $22 million to Brazil’s Amazon Fund, in order to fight deforestation. The announcement was made this month by the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jorgensen, along with his Brazilian counterpart, the Environment Minister Marina Silva.
(Reuters)
1st SeptemberÂ
The return of the takahÄ, a flightless bird standing around 50cm, to the mountains of the South Island has marked a big conservation victory in New Zealand. Eighteen of the birds were released in the Lake Whakatipu WaimÄori valley, onto alpine slopes that they hadnât roamed for the last 100 years.
August 2023
29th August
A new study led by Dr. Luis Mata from the University of Melbourne has revealed the amazing potential of boosting plant diversity in urban landscapes. The study finds that increasing plant variety can dramatically restore urban ecosystems, increase insect populations and boost biodiversity.Â
25th August
A new study suggests the benefits from clean air might be even greater than previously thought. Researchers have looked at the closure of a coal processing plant near Pittsburgh in the US in 2016, that produced coal-coke for steelmaking for about 100 years. The closure of the plant led to an immediate 42% decrease in emergency room visits for heart problems and further declines until the study was concluded.
(The Guardian)Â
22nd August
The United Kingdom recorded a major spike in solar panel and heat pump installations in the first half of 2023. There was a 62% increase in solar panel installations over the previous year, with almost 17,000 installations on average each month.Â
22nd August
Ecuadorians have voted to cease the development of new oil wells in the YasunĂ national park. The historic referendum will help protect nature in this part of Amazon, which is one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. With 90% of the vote counted, there was reportedly more than 58% in favour and 41% against.
15th August
Bangladesh conservation efforts see record number of olive ridley turtles this nesting season. Extensive conservation action and the awareness programmes in the local communities are the key reasons behind this success.
(Mongabay)
10th August
600,000mÂČ of Brazilian landfill restored to mangroves. This landfill was deactivated 11 years ago and through an environmental project the area has been replaced by greenery.Â
8th August
A new poll commissioned by the Energy and Climate Change Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has found that 70% of the public support the current target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. This is compared to just 18% who oppose the goal.
1st August
India and Bhutan have reported significant increases in their wild tiger populations. India’s tiger population has had an annual increase of 6%, while Bhutan recorded 131 tigers – up 27% from its last count in 2015.
(BBC News)
July 2023
31st July
The discount German supermarket chain, Penny, has raised the prices of nine products, mainly dairy and meat, to reflect their true cost on health and the environment. The week-long experiment will run across all 2,150 branches of the Penny chain.
24th July
Three Gorges Energy has successfully connected the worldâs first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine to the power grid. The MySE 16-260 wind turbine has a 260-metre diameter rotor, and can power about 36,000 Chinese homes with renewable energy.
21st July
A new study by researchers at Oxford University has found that if all regular meat-eaters in the UK cut just some of it out of their diet, it would have the same impact on the climate as taking 8 million cars off the road.
(BBC News)
20th July
Eight new seahorse hotels, made from biodegradable metal, have been installed in Sydneyâs harbour, providing much-needed homes for over 350 endangered Whiteâs Seahorses.
(Reuters)
20th July
Indigenous communities in the Lower Omo River Valley, Ethiopia, have taken on the ownership and management of the Tama Wildlife Reserve by setting up the Tama Community Conservation Area (TCCA). The TCCA spans 197,000 hectares, making it Ethiopiaâs largest community conservation area.
(Mongabay)
19h July
A new program in Hawaii is set to restore 120 miles of coral reef, to the west of the Big Island, which have been declining over the last 50 years. The program will include the building of a new research and coral propagation facility in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, benefitting the local community.Â
(Mongabay)
12th July
The European Parliament has voted to pass a new law to restore degraded natural ecosystems. This fiercely contested new legislation was narrowly passed with 336 votes in favour, 300 against, and 13 abstentions. The text will now be negotiated, with the aim to finalise before the 2024 EU Parliament elections.
(Reuters)
8th July
A huge phosphate rock deposit has been found in Norway, which has enough minerals to satisfy demand for batteries and solar panels for the next 100 years, according to Norge Mining, the company that discovered the deposit. Phosphate rock contains high levels of phosphorus, a key component of green technologies.
7th July
Spain is on course to generate over half of its power from renewable sources this year according to Rystad Energy forecasts. If it does so it will be the first of the top five European countries by power demand to accomplish the feat.Â
4th July
A scientific expedition in June has discovered two new deep-sea octopus nurseries, which are located in hydrothermal vent sites off the west coast of Costa Rica. They are two of only three known deep-sea octopus nurseries in the world.
June 2023
28th June
The Australian government is planning to put in place compulsory climate-related financial disclosure requirements for businesses and financial firms from 2024, according to a consultation paper released by the Australian Treasury.Â
(Fintech)
20th June
Icelandâs government has suspended this yearâs whale hunt until August 31. This is a result of animal welfare concerns following a monitoring report by the countryâs Food and Veterinary Authority, which found that the killing of the animals was in breach of the Animal Welfare Act.
20th June
United Nations members have agreed the first-ever treaty to protect ocean life in the high seas. The high seas include all water outside national boundaries and cover nearly half of the Earthâs surface. This historic treaty has been under discussion for more than 20 years.
14th June
LinkedInâs Global Green Skills Report 2023 has revealed that jobs linked to sustainability make up 33% of its job postings in the UK. But the growth in demand for green skills is outpacing supply, with only one in eight workers around the world having one or more green skills.
12th June
Devon’s Wildlife Trust is planting a temperate rainforest right here in the UK. It will take up to 100 years to grow, but will create a perfect home for rare birds, plants, fungi and all sorts of different wildlife.
(BBC News)
12th June
Co-op and the RSPB have teamed up on an ambitious three-year partnership to restore, protect and manage UK peatland. The project will initially focus on areas of RSPB-owned peatland inâŻScotland and Wales, equivalent to around 400 football pitches.âŻâŻâŻ
3rd June
Breweries in the US are using special techniques, originally developed by NASA, to capture the naturally produced carbon from the fermentation process and prevent it from entering the atmosphere.Â
1st June
New Zealand has launched its most ambitious emissions reduction project to date, with a historic switch from coal to renewable energy at the countryâs largest steel factory in Glenbrook. Itâs expected to remove emissions equivalent to 300,000 cars.
May 2023
31st May
A Ukrainian startup is making âpolystyreneâ out of mushrooms. Despite fleeing Ukraine when war started, S.Lab is now winning awards and securing customers for its innovative biodegradable alternative.
25th May
According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), investment in clean energy technologies is surpassing expenditure on fossil fuels. This trend stems from growing affordability and security concerns triggered by the global energy crisis. An expected USD 1.7 trillion will be invested globally in clean tech this year.
(IEA)
24th May
The Science Based Targets Network has unveiled the first science-based targets for nature, allowing companies to kick-start ambitious and measurable efforts for both climate and nature at once. This stems from a remarkable collaborative effort within the Network since the publication of the Initial Guidance for Business in 2020.
21st May
Spain is a leading global player in the movement toward renewable energy, and it just reached a new milestone. For a nine-hour working day last month, the country could power itself entirely through renewable energy.
16th May
According to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), utilising existing technologies while implementing substantial policy changes and market adjustments might reduce plastic pollution by 80 percent by the year 2040.
(UN)
11th May
MEPs have supported a proposed law aimed at enhancing the labelling and longevity of products while curbing deceptive claims. This new legislation intends to empower consumers by providing guidance towards greener options, while incentivising companies to make goods that are more durable.
11th May
The sighting of dolphins in the Bronx River indicates a positive shift in the overall health of the river’s ecosystem. This incredible progress is a result of the dedicated efforts of diverse groups working together to enhance water quality, restore habitats, and promote fisheries.
11th May
MEPs have supported a proposed law aimed at enhancing the labelling and longevity of products while curbing deceptive claims. This new legislation intends to empower consumers by providing guidance towards greener options, while incentivizing companies to make goods that are more durable.
4th May
The Wildlife Trusts and Clear Channel have joined forces to expand vibrant green-roofed bus stops across the UK. This innovative partnership, spanning five years, will make a real difference in conserving wildlife in urban areas.Â
April 2023
25th April
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest electric vehicle outlook, the demand for electric cars is reaching new heights. In 2023, electric vehicles are expected to make up 18% of global car sales, a big increase from the 4% observed in 2020.
25th April
Fossil fuel giants have faced a significant setback as the US Supreme Court has made a pivotal decision by refusing to hear their appeals in climate-related cases. With the worsening climate crisis, local governments have been actively pursuing legal actions against energy giants.
19th April
The European Parliament has just passed a groundbreaking law aimed at halting the import, sale, and export of products that contribute to deforestation within the EU. This is the first time that agricultural and forestry businesses will have to show that goods such as wood, rubber, leather, and palm oil are sourced without causing any harm to forests.
18th April
An incredible discovery has been made off the coast of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands â a vibrant coral reef teeming with marine life. During a scientific expedition, researchers traced this remarkable 1.2-mile-long reef to the summit of an underwater mountain formed through volcanic activity. Scientists had previously believed that only a single reef existed in this volcanic archipelago.
17th April
The world’s very first rewilding centre has officially opened its doors, providing access to the UK’s most extensive nature recovery site. Nestled in Glenmoriston, near the renowned Loch Ness, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre stands proudly on what used to be a deer-stalking estate.
13th April
The Clean Creatives campaign group has announced a significant milestone. More than 500 organisations and individuals from the advertising and PR industry have joined their cause by pledging not to collaborate with fossil fuel companies in various ways, including communications and recruitment.
