Top 5 posts for the week of September 30 to October 6, 2018
1) Against All Odds, Mountain Gorilla Numbers Are on the Rise
From only 242 animals to more than 1000, the Mountain Gorillas made famous by Dian Fossey and her unending dedication to protecting them are making a slow and steady comeback. The gorillas are threatened by deforestation from business interests and human poaching for food. Through education and a policy of giving back to local communities, the Fossey Fund integrates local people into their programs ensuring they benefit from the existence of these creatures.
2) Cleveland Commits To 100 Percent Renewable Energy By 2050
Historically a center for manufacturing and processing of resources due to it’s location on the South shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland, Ohio may be one of the least likely cities to adopt 100% renewable energy. While lofty, that is their goal and they are making efforts to attain it by 2050. It is important to note that there is little wiggle room in statements by Cleveland’s Chief of Sustainability Matt Gray: “When we say that, that’s everything. That’s what residents are using, that’s what businesses are using – industry, government, the whole city.”
3) Wellness is apparently the new green
In building design, traditional metrics like energy efficiency are well known and respected for their obvious payback. Increasingly, the occupants of these buildings are also being considered. Choices around the best type of materials, HVAC and other environmental considerations that impact humans are becoming more important and the positive effects are quantifiable. As part of the multi-trillion dollar wellness industry, this trend is becoming more noticeable than ever.
4) See the Climatorium, Denmark’s big bet on tackling climate change
The Climatorium is a new convention center in Denmark purpose designed to track climate change, promote businesses that would help mitigate it and provide a platform for these companies to meet and grow. A consortium of 31 companies and 19 partners have contributed funds to help to the project with intent to place Denmark in the lead of the world’s new efforts to reduce climate change.
See the Climatorium, Denmark’s big bet on tackling climate change
5) Teenager Is on Track to Plant a Trillion Trees
At age 9, Felix Finkbeiner decided to plant trees to combat climate change. Experts agree, that large scale reforestation may be the only way our species can actually make progress against the effects of man made global warming. Now, at age 19, he and his foundation have planted an astonishing (more than) 14 billion trees in more than 130 nations and have moved the goalpost farther out – they intend to plant a trillion trees. 1000 Billion trees is no small number. It is the equivalent to 150 trees for every person on the planet. With tree planting ambassadors numbering over 55,000 people, Felix may achieve his goal and buy our planet some more time.
