Author: Grace Liu ‘23
We’re here again with some more good news this week! As we head back to campus or gear up for the new semester at home, we can all use a bit of environmental positivity. I hope that the following tidbits can provide some hopeful insights and inspiration to be mindful of our relationship with the planet this coming year.
- Climate campaign helps people cut carbon in 2021: Around this time of the year, many people are struggling to keep their new year’s resolutions. While most resolutions are focused on personal goals such as productivity or weight loss, the campaign “Cut a Tonne in ’21” encourages people to decrease their carbon footprint rather than (or in addition to) their waistline. The project is endorsed by the United Nations, and the web tool Giki Zero helps participants estimate their carbon footprint as well as gives actionable steps to reduce emissions over the course of the year.
- Climate efforts keep children healthy: According to a new study, a climate initiative in the Northeastern U.S. has been shown to have a positive impact on childrens’ health: the reduction in air pollutants has likely reduced rates of childhood asthma, autism cases, preterm births, and low birth weights. As a result, the researchers estimate that this reduction in health issues has saved between $191 million to $350 million. The benefits mostly come from reduced nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions, which react in the air to form harmful PM2.5 particles.
- Bowhead whales make a comeback: According to a recent NOAA report, bowhead whale populations are rebounding to pre-commercial whaling numbers. These Arctic baleen whales were nearly hunted to extinction starting in the 1700s for their blubber, oil, and whalebone. However, the ban on whaling—in combination with habitat management—has allowed some populations to recover, making them one of the only successful conservation stories in the warming Arctic.
Thank you for reading this week’s summary of positive environmental updates. We wish everyone a relaxing break and we’ll see you next week for some more good news! Until then, feel free to get in touch if you want to share some Good News with us!