Sustainability Weekly
Fridays are for…
Celebrating Earth Month, Oceans, Human Rights Wins, the American Climate Corps, and more!
by Alli DiGiacomo
Happy Friday and last week of Earth Month! I hope people got the opportunity to celebrate Earth Day at some point this week. Thank you to everyone who came to CTA’s Earth Week 2024 events! As you process what you learned at the Climate Museum, or tend to your new propagations, take a moment to reflect on your impact on earth and the environment, as well as the role you play as a design professional as we dive into May!
It is important to remember when I say “celebrate,” that Earth day wasn't originally intended to be a “celebration” of the environment. In 1970, 20 million Americans (10% of the population at the time) rose up because the state of our air, water, and wildlife suffered and demanded an outcry. Since then, April 22nd has served as an organization effort, awareness campaign, and a call for change.
This Saturday, check out the Earth Fest at the Museum of Natural History. From 10am - 4pm it is free with museum admission.
Keep reading for more of this week’s sustainability news!
T H I S W E E K ’ S T O P S T O R I E S
SCIENTISTS ARE TRYING TO COAX THE OCEAN TO ABSORB MORE CO2
Scientists are exploring efforts to enhance the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) as a means to combat climate change. This is called marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) process, and techniques such as sinking biomass like wood chips or algae, increasing and enhancing seawater alkalinity, and using alkaline rocks for carbon storage. Each of these methods have different complexities but they all increase the ocean's ability to sequester CO2 and mitigate ocean acidification caused by CO2 absorption.
Although there are concerns about the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of mCDR techniques, private investors and governments are still continuing to invest in mCDR technologies. It's important to realize that while mCDR holds promise, it should not detract from urgent actions to reduce emissions from fossil fuels and deforestation. Scientists argue the need for further research, regulatory frameworks, and careful consideration of the environmental impacts of mCDR.
SWISS WOMEN WIN LANDMARK CLIMATE CASE AT EUROPE TOP HUMAN RIGHTS COURT
In a landmark ruling, Europe's highest human rights court found the Swiss government guilty of violating its citizens human rights by not taking sufficient action to address climate change. The case was brought by more than 2,000 Swiss women known as KlimaSeniorinnen. It highlighted the government's failure to meet emissions targets and establish a national carbon budget. The court's decision, expected to set a precedent for future climate litigation, emphasized the obligation of governments to combat climate change to prevent harm to current and future generations. The verdict establishes a binding legal precedent for the 46 countries that are signatories to the European Convention on Human Rights, indicating their duty to take substantive action on emissions reduction. Failure to do so could result in further litigation and potential financial penalties.
THE AMERICAN CLIMATE CORPS IS NOW HIRING
The Biden administration has opened applications for the American Climate Corps, aiming to hire 20,000 people in its first year. President Biden announced 273 positions across various environmental projects nationwide, such as coastal conservation in Florida, installing solar panels, rebuilding wetlands, and stream restoration in Montana. The program addresses the climate crisis and creates job opportunities for young people, reminiscent of FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps.
In New York City, there are 6-month Green City Force Service Corps Member positions available. If you know anyone between the ages of 18-24 that currently lives in a NYCHA or low-income housing that would be interested, they can apply here. “Service initiatives respond to needs in public housing communities, cultivating and distributing fresh produce, building sustainable green infrastructure, and reaching residents with programs. Initiatives also include visits and services with partners.”
MORE IN SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
Nature is now an official music artist.
13 million acres in Alaska will be protected from new oil & gas.
More people care about climate change than you think
World's fastest wireless EV charger unlocks 100 kW parking spots
The Biden-Harris Administration announces $37 Million from the Investing in America Agenda to clean up legacy pollution in Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri.
In Vietnam, farmers reduce methane emissions by changing how they grow rice.
Spain plans to ban domestic flights where you can take a train in under two and half hours.
“Nature once determined how we survive. Now we determine how nature survives.”