While the news is often gloomy, we wanted to celebrate the end of 2022 with a non-exhaustive list of the most encouraging events for the future of our planet. You know TreeBike's commitment to the environment, so here are the five good climate news stories of 2022.
A great way to end the year!
1. The reappearance of some species
Welcome back friends! The European Wildlife Comeback report observes the return of certain wild species in Europe over the last four decades. Fifty species are listed in the report, including wolves, bears, bison, loggerhead turtles, Eurasian otters and wolverines (also known as Gulo Gulo or the Goose).
2. Finland sets an example
In June, Finland adopted the most ambitious climate policy in the world. It announced that it was aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035. It is hoped that this will inspire other countries to follow suit.
3. Universal chargers in the European Union
The European Union has decided to require manufacturers to harmonise all connectors. This means that all phones will be able to be charged with the same charger in Europe. Even the giant Apple will commit to playing along! This news would save a lot of waste. Electronic cables generate between 11,000 and 13,000 tonnes of waste per year.
4. Banning climate-sceptic ads on Google and YouTube
Last October, Google and YouTube struck hard by banning the monetisation of climate-sceptic content and ads. The digital giants decided to ban content that "contradicts the well-established scientific consensus on the existence and causes of climate change". With this decision, Google and its subsidiary are going to war against the misinformation raging on the Internet.
5. The European Union's biodiversity strategy
The European Union has put in place a comprehensive, ambitious and long-term plan to protect nature and reverse ecosystem degradation. The strategy aims to put biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030.
This is our round-up of the good green news.
We hope we've given you plenty to look forward to as 2022 draws to a close, and look forward to being part of a better future for our planet.
Happy New Year to all! The TreeBike team.