Several overlooked advancements in 2024 brought encouraging developments for climate change and nature conservation.
In short:
- The UK shut down its last coal-fired power plant, symbolizing a major shift toward cleaner energy.
- Renewable energy capacity surged globally, with China leading the expansion due to cost-effective solar power.
- Legal personhood was granted to ecosystems like Ecuador's rivers, New Zealand's mountains Brazilian ocean waves, enhancing environmental protection.
Key quote:
"Legal personhood provides the understanding that nature and living non-human beings should be understood as subjects – with intrinsic value and interests."
— Jacqueline Gallant, lawyer at NYU's Earth Rights Research and Action program
Why this matters:
Amid dire climate challenges, these breakthroughs show that policy shifts, renewable investments legal innovations can drive meaningful progress. They offer a roadmap for sustaining ecosystems and reducing fossil fuel reliance worldwide.
EHN’s ‘Good News’ roundup from years past:
