The Future of Climate Change: 5 Highlights in September 2021

“Future of Climate Change” is a monthly series: we choose 5 beautiful things that shaped the future of climate action and ecosystem protection in the past month.

If it makes the world a better place, we want to talk about it.

News on halting biodiversity loss, reducing carbon footprints, becoming carbon neutral, cleantech innovations, climate change solutions, and everything in between. 🌿

Plus, there’s SO MUCH GOOD happening (you just have to notice it!), we just had to include a Biodiversity & Sustainability Bonus at the end.

Let’s get started!

Climate crisis concern and awareness at the highest level in 30 years

In wake of the IPCC report (read our round-up of this report), polls find that concern over the climate crisis is now at an all-time high.

32% of Brits said they view climate change and environmental crises as a big issue for the country.

In fact - concern has risen by 16% from July. The more people care about CO2 levels and carbon emissions, the faster we can create positive change.

“Public concern about the environment has reached a historically high level this month, with the publication of the new IPCC report and reports of fires and flooding around the world,” said Mike Clemence, a researcher from the polling company. “But this jump in concern is built on a steady rise in the level of worry on this topic which has been building since around 2015.”

This data is only about Brits, but in some form, it applies to the whole world. Awareness is rising and people see the bigger picture. More people than ever are talking about carbon sequestration and carbon capture.

On to saving the world!

P.S. Single.Earth is hiring, come save the world with us!

The magpie-robin is the world’s first ‘digital species’ for conservation

The Seychelles magpie-robin is listed as endangered as there are only 460(!!) birds thought to be left. This means immediate action to save them and their ecosystems is crucial.

Why is selling a species as a digital nature collectible good?

Conservationists have been working hard for years to protect and save the magpie-robins.  Sadly, the funding is drying up and they’re now turning to innovative ideas to save the bird species from going extinct.

There’s new hope to help them become an animal saved from extinction through NFTs: they’re the world’s first digital species.

What is NFT?

The Seychelles magpie-robin is up for sale as a digital nature collectible, which is a very innovative way to raise funds for conservation efforts to save them.

The bird is being offered as a limited-edition non-fungible token (NFT) – a one-of-a-kind piece of digital content linked to an image or video – meaning that only 59 “digital twins” of the endangered species will be released for purchase.

The creation of this so-called digital bird can be used alongside rewilding schemes and habitat loss prevention programs to improve conservation efforts.

“As traditional sources of funding have dried up, we need innovative ways to support long-term programmes that are the backbone of successful conservation. This is just the beginning of experiments to find new income streams for conservation.” said the CEO of the program.

Watch (and learn from!) “Breaking Boundaries: the Science of Our Planet” by David Attenborough

Climate crisis is the new reality. The last IPCC report made it clear.

This means a need for information which

• shows how the crisis could be inverted
• is science-based
• is clear and understandable for everyone

This is exactly what the new “Breaking boundaries: the science of our planet” – by narrator Sir David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström – is about.

The climate change documentary explores the science behind the devastating effect humanity has had on Earth since the start of civilization.

It explains the harsh reality (and hopeful future!) through 9 planetary thresholds. Which, when exceeded, will make life on Earth no longer sustainable.

It focuses not on “Earth is in danger” but “the humankind is in danger”. After all, Earth has gone through countless catastrophes and it’s the humans who can’t live on a planet if balance is lost.

“This sounds awful, why should I watch it?” you may ask.

Even though it reveals horrors, it also explains in an easily understandable way how we can come out of the climate crisis.

“Cool! Where can I watch it?” It’s available on Netflix.

DHL plans the world’s first electric air cargo network and orders 12 electric planes

DHL promises a promising future! DHL Express has ordered 12 all-electric cargo airplanes to make their cargo business more sustainable.

The planes were ordered from Eviation and DHL claims the two are now making “aviation history” together.

DHL said they  “aim to set up an unparalleled electric Express network and make a pioneering step into a sustainable aviation future. Eviation’s Alice is the world’s leading fully electric aircraft, which enables airlines – both cargo and passenger – to operate a zero-emission fleet.”

First all-electric “Alice” freighters are set for delivery in 2024 and will carry 1200 kg up to 815 km. This will hopefully be followed by passenger flights, meaning you could soon soar through the skies on a carbon neutral electric plane.

UPS and DB Schenker are also working on getting electric-powered cargo aircraft. Electric aviation really is the future of global travel.

Sustainable (cargo) times ahead! ✈️

Mallorca marine reserve boosts wildlife and business

A marine protection area off the coast of Mallorca is proving beneficial to the wildlife and nature there.

Moreover, a study now finds it’s beneficial for business, too: the protected area delivered a big return on investment!

The Marilles study showed that the overall value of tourism, diving, and boating was high, not to mention the impact on biodiversity and habitat protection.

“The results of the study show the numerous social and economic benefits that come from protecting the sea,” said Aniol Esteban, the Marilles director. “Healthy seas and coasts are essential for a country’s prosperity. Spain is committed to declaring 30% of its waters as marine protected areas by 2030.”

It’s amazing to see more and more waters getting protected!

List of Biodiversity News

• Colorado records the first litter of gray wolf pups since 1940.‍
• UK to trial ‘highly protected marine areas’ in a win for ocean campaigners!‍
• Spain bans small boats from a stretch of water for two weeks after orca encounters.‍
• Beavers will soon be returned to British nature with legal protection.
• Amazing sightings of wildlife: wildcats have returned to the Netherlands after centuries and blue whales return to Spain’s Atlantic coast after 40 years!‍
• Bred-in-captivity tadpoles provide hope for Victoria’s threatened giant burrowing frog.
• Irish metal artist Randal Plunkett is rewilding his 650ha estate: no livestock, planting, sowing, or weeding.

List of Sustainability News

• Three climate-vulnerable Pacific nations have asked the world’s governments to agree to aim to make international shipping emissions-free by 2050
• Washington is the first US state to ban new fossil fuel infrastructure.‍
• Zimmer coal-fired plant in the US to close five years early!‍
• EPA will ban toxic pesticides on food products.‍
• Alaska Oil permits blocked by a federal judge.‍
• Chinese coal power investment slowing down with only 24 projects approved in the first half of 2021.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission approved a plan that requires certain companies to meet certain race and gender targets.
• There’s a new website for kids that explains climate change in an easily understandable way!‍
• Iron-Ore prices are low as China’s steel output slows.

Author note about the “Future of Climate Change” series: the climate crisis has become an inevitable part of our everyday lives, making it easy to get lost in Doomsday thoughts. In reality, attempts to halt climate change are happening all the time. The key is to notice them. That's what this series is about. Will you come back next month to read the new one?

〜

Single.Earth is on a mission to help preserve and restore existing ecosystems.

Pre-register as a landowner through the registration link.
Follow us for the latest news on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Join the community for Single.Earth insights and climate conversations: Earthsavers on Discord.

‍