Sustainability Weekly
Fridays are for…
Biodiversity Conservation, Artificial Coral Reefs, Sustainable Tourism, and more!
by Alli DiGiacomo
Happy Friday and last day of February! In this edition, we’ll explore the latest efforts to fund nature conservation, rethink the future of responsible travel, and highlight ways individuals and businesses can contribute to a greener world.
Also, day is Skip the Straw Day! The Coral Keepers have asked us all to ‘Tip the Glass’ rather than sip through a straw on this holiday, at the very least, and to consider doing away with the beverage accessories altogether, if possible. “Not only do these straws give off toxic byproducts when exposed to heat, but they also pose a physical risk to marine life that might try to eat them or they might get stuck in the blowholes or air passages of fish.”
Keep reading for sustainability news…
T H I S W E E K ’ S T O P S T O R I E S
UN BIODIVERSITY CONFERENCE ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE FOR NATURE CONSERVANCY
The 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference ended with a landmark agreement to direct $200 billion annually toward protecting nature and halting global biodiversity loss by 2030. The deal calls for developed nations to increase their financial commitments to developing countries, and calls for further study on the relationships between nature conservation and debt sustainability. There are currently 1 million species being threatened with extinction. Negotiations were shaped by the BRICS countries, with Brazil playing a pivotal role in balancing competing interests. “The compromise proved countries could still bridge their differences and work together for the sake of preserving the planet, despite a fracturing world order and the dramatic retreat of the United States from international green diplomacy and foreign aid under President Donald Trump,” wrote Louise Guillot at Politico. While the U.S. remained absent from talks, the agreement is a positive step toward meeting global conservation goals and strengthening international environmental cooperation.
THE WORLDS LARGEST ARTIFICIAL REEF BEGINS ITS JOURNEY TO THE COAST OF FLORIDA
The historic SS United States has departed Philadelphia on its final voyage to become the world’s largest artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast. After being prepped in Mobile, Alabama, the 1,000-foot vessel will be sunk near Okaloosa County, where officials hope it will transform into a thriving marine habitat and a premier diving attraction. With over 500 artificial reefs already in the area, the massive ship is expected to stand out, drawing scuba divers, charter fishing boats, and tourists, potentially generating millions in local revenue. The entire process, including cleaning, transport, and sinking, is projected to take over a year and cost more than $10 million. Officials view this as a unique opportunity to repurpose the once-record-breaking ocean liner into an ecological and economic asset for the region.
CAN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY BE SUSTAINABLE?
Sustainable tourism requires a fundamental shift in how destinations manage visitor influx and prioritize local communities over profit. As HBO’s White Lotus fuels a tourism boom in Koh Samui, concerns over environmental strain and resource depletion make a balanced approach more critical than ever. In an interview with Sarah Stodola emphasizes how governments need to take an active role in regulating tourism to prevent damage to local ecosystems, referencing the success of Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha as an example, which limits daily visitors to preserve its environment. “I think always prioritizing the local communities over the tourists is an important rule of thumb,” Stodola said, arguing that resorts should focus on regional tourism instead of encouraging long-haul travel with heavy carbon footprints. She also stresses the importance of shifting travelers' mindsets, urging them to adapt to local cultures rather than expecting destinations to cater to their comforts. By implementing strict visitor limits, enforcing environmental protections, and rethinking how tourism is marketed, destinations can be a part of a more sustainable industry that benefits both people and the planet.
MORE IN SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
What climate change means for bird flu — and the soaring price of eggs.
From Landfill to Legacy: Digital Tools Turn Construction Waste into Building Gold.
The Trump administration yesterday fired hundreds of workers across the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service, key agencies responsible for monitoring the changing climate and communicating extreme weather threats. The National Hurricane Center and the Tsunami Warning Center both operate under NOAA, and the layoffs come ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.
Apple is being sued for ‘carbon neutral’ claim on watches by a group of customers.
A team of scientists found that Northeastern U.S. salt marshes store 10 million cars’ worth of carbon.
Brewing beer creates a lot of waste, but what if it wasn’t wasted? How beer sludge is being turned into vegan milk and leather.
Farmers depend on climate data. They’re suing the USDA for deleting it.
Nearly every state failed on a nonprofit’s scorecard ranking their oversight of monopolistic utilities and policies for giving consumers control over energy systems.
Extreme heat can age you as fast as a smoking habit. A new study shows that exposure to high temperatures adds up to 14 months to older adults' cellular age.