Sustainability Weekly
Fridays are for…
Leopards, Conservation Efforts, Congestion Pricing, Coastal Conservation, and more!
by Alli DiGiacomo
Happy Friday and first week of May! May is known for its beautiful weather, as well as abundance of holidays and days of awareness. Today is Wild Koala Day and International Leopard Day. Leopards play an important role in maintaining the functioning and diversity of ecosystems. Conservation efforts such as habitat protection also benefit other species and ecosystem processes (read more on this below). A fun fact about leopards is their spots are called rosettes, and each rosette pattern is unique, similar to a human fingerprint. Anyways, in NYC the closest thing you will find to a leopard is probably your local bodega cat!
There are a ton of events happening around NYC this weekend, including Pickleball in Central Park, the Rooftop Garden Commission at the Met, Illumination NYC, and a lot more!
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
STUDY CONFIRMS CONSERVATION ACTIONS ARE EFFECTIVE AT REDUCING GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY LOSS
In positive news, a study spanning a decade has further confirmed the overall success of conservation efforts in slowing global biodiversity loss. Researchers analyzed 665 trials of conservation measures across different regions and species types, finding that these actions had a positive impact in two-thirds of cases. Success stories range from significant reductions in deforestation rates in the Congo Basin to doubled breeding rates of Least Terns in Florida due to predator management. Even when interventions didn't directly benefit targeted species, other species unintentionally thrived.
Despite these successes, the climate crisis, habitat loss, and invasive species continue to threaten biodiversity at an alarming rate, with extinction occurring 100-1,000 times faster than expected. While the Global Biodiversity Framework has a goal of slowing nature's decline by raising funds, current investment falls short of the target. Another note regarding this study is that it highlights disparities in conservation research and funding, including limited geographical representation from biodiversity hotspots in the Global South.
NYC BRACES FOR CONGESTION PRICING
On June 30th, New York City is set to implement the much anticipated congestion pricing plan, charging vehicles $15 or more to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. The goal of this policy is to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and generate $1 billion annually for public transit improvements. Under the plan, passenger cars entering the designated "central business district" will face a daily fee, while trucks and buses will pay higher rates. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft will incur surcharges.
It has sparked intense controversy and numerous lawsuits, with opponents citing concerns about its impact on commuters, businesses, and the city's recovery post-pandemic. Critics argue that despite its potential benefits, the tolls will disproportionately burden certain groups and harm industries like Broadway theater. While congestion pricing has succeeded in other cities like London, the unique challenges of Manhattan's densely populated and complex transportation system raise uncertainties. Supporters of the plan, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), emphasize its potential to alleviate congestion and fund crucial transit improvements. They argue that pricing road usage is essential to manage limited resources effectively.
TWO COLLEGE STUDENTS TURNED GLASS BOTTLES IN A DRINKING TOWN INTO A COASTAL RESTORATION STRATEGY
In New Orleans, college students Franziska Trautmann and Max Steitz recognized the lack of glass recycling options in a city known for its love of alcohol and drinking. Seeing an opportunity to both reduce waste and contribute to coastal restoration efforts, they founded Glass Half Full in 2020. Glass Half Full started out as a smaller scale, grassroots organization that involves collecting glass bottles, crushing them into sand, and repurposing them for various projects.
Glass Half Full quickly gained traction through crowdfunding and community support. Over the years, it has evolved into the only glass recycling facility in New Orleans, employing 15 staff members and expanding its services to include curbside pickups and additional locations in Baton Rouge and Birmingham.
The company's impact also extends beyond just recycling glass. Their crushed glass has been utilized in disaster-relief sandbags, terrazzo flooring, landscaping, and wetland restoration projects in Louisiana. Research conducted by Tulane University confirmed the ecological safety of their glass sand and gravel, complimenting their credibility and attracting further funding for expansion.
MORE IN SUSTAINABILITY NEWS
One-in-five new cars sold this year will be battery-powered
Satellite imagery and AI help uncover an Ireland-sized addition to global coral reefs.
1,000 creative agencies are rejecting work from Big Oil.
The Smart Pantry Offers Solutions for NYC Students Facing Food Insecurity.
Healing the world with comedy.