THE BRIEF [Jan 22-28'24]
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Climate 🎉
References: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6].
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‼️News you can’t miss
Here’s one important scary/bad (🙀), good (😻), interesting (😼) and fossil (💩) news item.
🙀 The propane industry is trying to dupe you
😻 EU achieve 8% reduction in emissions YoY 2023
😼 Why we need stories about progress
💩 Exxon sues to keep activist shareholder off agenda
This week’s highlights
[#solarinsects] — A study conducted at two solar energy sites in Minnesota found that the restoration of native grasses and wildflowers led to an increase in insect populations, including pollinators. The researchers observed an increase in native plant species diversity, flower abundance, and the abundance and diversity of native insect pollinators. The findings suggest that properly sited solar-pollinator habitats can contribute to biodiversity conservation and provide pollination services to adjacent agricultural fields.
[#oldfood] — The U.S. global food security envoy is promoting a return to traditional African crops, such as cowpeas, cassava, and millets, instead of focusing solely on staple grains. These "opportunity crops" are more nutritious, climate-resilient, and embedded in African culture. The initiative aims to increase agricultural productivity and address food insecurity and rising costs. Critics raise concerns about seed production, chemical use, and the well-being of small farmers. The effort is still in its early stages but has the potential to be revolutionary in addressing food security and climate change.
[#progress] — Highlighting stories of progress is valuable for several reasons. Firstly, it creates momentum for more positive change by showing that efforts are working. Secondly, it demonstrates that seemingly unachievable goals can be reached, inspiring action. Thirdly, past progress provides valuable lessons to improve current situations. Fourthly, pointing out successes puts pressure on leaders to deliver similar results. Lastly, to solve problems, it is important to move forward with forward-looking solutions rather than reverting to the past.
That’s it for this week folks!
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See you all next week 👋