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.
Record production of sun and wind power in 2022
2022 marked a record year for renewable energy. Last year, solar and wind power made up a whopping 12% of the world’s electricity, up from 10% in 2021 and 5% in 2015. The global transition to a 100% clean economy is well underway, as renewable energy is expected to grow in production once again this year.
While coal use also grew, the 1.1% increase was slower than expected.
EPA proposes new pollution limits
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed new limits on tailpipe pollution to deliver cleaner air while creating jobs and saving people money.
The ambitious proposal expects two-thirds of all new cars and passenger trucks to be all-electric by 2032, which will cut billions of tons of climate pollution and reduce health-harming pollution.
Lake Tahoe has clearest waters in almost half a century
Lake Tahoe’s waters are the clearest they have been in 40 years, and scientists attribute the increased clarity to zooplankton, which have rebounded since almost being wiped out in the 1960s. The microscopic critters act as a natural cleanup crew and eat particles that impact the lake’s visibility.
This new discovery supports scientists’ hypothesis that food chains have a huge impact on lake clarity.
Illinois to build largest solar array in US
One of the largest solar farms in the U.S. is being built in Illinois, demonstrating that even less sunny states can benefit from solar energy. With 593 megawatts, the project is set to power both the Midway and O’Hare Airports, two water purification plants and Chicago government buildings.
This will aid in Chicago's goal of 100% renewable energy in city buildings by 2025.
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