This week’s good climate news

With so much still to do to slow warming and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, it’s important to fortify ourselves by celebrating wins along the way.

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Green fields neatly lined in rows

Historic investment in agricultural climate solutions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture made a historic $2.8 billion investment in climate-smart agriculture on Wednesday — nearly triple the expected investment. The funding will help farmers lower emissions, build resilience and provide opportunities for historically marginalized producers, such as farmers of color and beginning farmers. 

The USDA will announce a second set of projects being funded later in the year. 

A blue whale swims in the ocean

Shipping shift slightly south saves whales

The world’s largest container shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company, is rerouting ships to protect endangered blue whales. The small 15-nautical-mile detour could reduce ship strikes of blue whales by 95%.

Since global shipping could increase by over 1,200% by 2050, this move could have massive implications for the future of the world's largest living animals. 

A wolf stands in the forest

New wolf pack in Oregon

Oregon wildlife officials confirm the state’s wolf population is increasing. A new family of wolves was identified in the northern Cascade mountains, increasing the number of known wolf packs in the area to three.

The wolf family was found on the reservation of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and consists of two adults and two pups — which is both the technical and fun term for a young wolf. 

A row of three windmills

Switching to renewables will save us trillions (with a t)

A new report from Oxford University finds that switching to renewable energy could save up to $12 trillion by 2050. That's over 10 times more than the wealth of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet combined.

The price of solar and wind power are falling at a rate of nearly 10% annually, making it cheaper to rely on clean energy sources. 

A city street is flooded

Aussies fight future flooding

After a destructive flood year, residents in New South Wales, Australia are teaming up to build disaster resilience. The now-formalized groups are training residents in mental and physical first aid, teaching practical skills and equipping residents to be more resilient to future events.

“We are turning that spontaneous energy into something more long term,” Jean Renouf, founder and chair of local charity Resilient Byron, said.

Let’s take action on climate together