This week’s good climate news

With so much still to do to slow warming and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, it’s important to fortify ourselves by celebrating wins along the way.

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Two bulbous brown bears bulking up on salmon in a running stream

Happy Fat Bear Week to you and yours

Our favorite time of the year is back! Brown bears in Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve spent all summer feasting on salmon and packing on the pounds to prepare for winter hibernation. And now one will be crowned the winner of the annual Fat Bear Week.

Voting on your favorite, fattest bear will be open until a winner is crowned on Oct. 11. May the fattest bear win! 

A koala hangs on a branch in a tree

Aussies making a koality effort to protect endangered species

At least 30% of Australia’s land will be allocated to protect and conserve its endangered species. Australia has lost more mammal species compared with other continents, but this 10-year effort could bring animals like the iconic koala back from the brink.

The "zero extinctions" plan includes focusing on 110 species and 20 places deemed highest priority and best chance at survival.

A circuit board with wires connected to it

Michigan spending big bucks on EV batteries

An economic development board in Michigan approved a $400 million investment to scale up electric vehicle battery production. The plan includes two battery factories that will create 4,500 good-paying jobs.

“We are in global competition to make sure that Michigan stays on the cutting edge of auto manufacturing,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

Food scraps being put to use in composting

Reduce, reuse, recycle into a stable climate

A new Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives report finds deploying zero-waste strategies like composting and recycling could slash emissions from the global waste sector by 84% — equivalent to removing all U.S. cars from roads. 

Seoul, South Korea, could serve as a model city as 96% of its organic waste being collected is separated and used for composting. 

Battery storage sitting in front of solar panels and wind turbines

Largest U.S. hybrid power plant now open 

The largest hybrid renewable plant in the U.S. just opened in Oregon. This landmark project combines solar and wind power, plus battery storage, which can provide electricity to 100,000 homes. 

This is only the fourth hybrid power plant in the U.S., and the combining of wind and solar allows for more a more consistent electrical output.

A delivery driver speeds along on an electric bike

Rest and recharge for delivery workers in NYC

There are 65,000 restaurant delivery workers in New York City and many use electric bikes. A $1 million federal grant could make it easier for these workers to warm up, charge their e-bikes and rest between orders. 

Construction on these  hubs, which will occupy vacant newsstands and other community spaces, is expected to begin in the next few months.

Let’s take action on climate together