Reading the news these days can be downright depressing no matter what your source might be. I have even heard people refer to it as “doom-scrolling”, talk about a real downer.
Don’t get me wrong we are certainly seeing climate fuelled disasters, rising global temperatures, resource depletion and astronomical waste. Not to add the fact that we aren’t moving fast enough on these issues. But before you let it get you down, remember that pessimism and cynicism breed inaction and with out action, things will only get worse. On the other hand I believe optimism leads to action and action leads to real change.
We can’t loose sight of the progress that is happening now or in the recent past. It’s an uphill battle but we are making strides in the right direction. I sure hope these 10 reasons make you feel more optimistic about environmental progress. Like I mentioned, if you’re more optimistic, you’re more likely to care and make a difference.
10 Reasons to Feel More Optimistic About Environmental Progress
A world energy crisis is speeding up the transition to renewable
The energy crisis sparked by Russia’s war on Ukraine led countries to find new energy sources. This absolutely terrible war has forced the hand of countries to make the switch. many had plans to switch to renewables in the future but had little political will in the past. Nothing like a crisis to make things happen fast. The International Energy Agency projects that in the next five years, the world could add as much new renewable energy as it did in the past two decades, nearly doubling total global capacity. Renewables are now on track to overtake coal as the largest source of electricity in the world by early 2025.
The US passed its most progressive climate law ever
The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August, kicked off $370 billion in new spending on tax credits and incentives to support energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric vehicles, protecting forests, and other climate action. This could cut US emissions, one of the worlds biggest producers by 40% by 2030.
The corporate world is waking up to the role they play
Sure some Mega-Corps are going about their greedy ways but many are realizing the problem in their approach. Whether it’s purely for cost saving on materials or truly trying to be better corporate citizens, they can no longer ignore that the world’s resources are finite. Not only are customers asking for better practices, now some companies are leading the way. For example, Patagonia is now claiming that the planet is its only shareholder. Not only is their leadership paving the way for better business but they are also shaming any company that isn’t putting their best foot forward.
Single use plastic bans are springing up worldwide
Whether it’s at home in Canada or across the world in India or even the EU, governments across the world are enacting laws that ban single use plastic. I think they can take these laws even further but it sure is a good start.
Electric is becoming mainstream
Electric vehicle sales reached a record high last year, and are still growing. Nearly 10% of new car purchases globally are now electric or hybrid. In Norway, where strong government policy has supported Electric Vehicles, that number has jumped to more than 90% and they are an oil rich country. Another significant change in recent years has been the switch to electric vehicles in the commercial transportation segment, whether it’s trains or delivery vehicles. Electric transport trucks are on their way too.
The circular economy is gaining steam
Second hand clothing and thrift shopping aren’t the only things that are trendy these days. People and businesses are figuring out that it’s better to be circular. Things are being produced according to the 4 principles of the circular economy. Designed to be Zero Waste, 2 types of industrial ingredients (disposable and durable, disposable should biodegrade and durable should be reused), sustainable industrial cycle (for example energy used to manufacture should be renewable) and last but not least customers are users not consumers (companies will want the materials back when you’re done with them). Some states are enacting laws that require companies to take back any waste they produce, forcing them to be better corporate citizens.
World leaders are agreeing to protect biodiversity
188 governments gathered in Montreal for the UN COP 15 summit. COP 15 resulted in the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) on the last day of negotiations. The GBF aims to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems and protect indigenous rights. The plan includes concrete measures to halt and reverse nature loss, including putting 30 per cent of the planet and 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems under protection by 2030.
More cities are favouring walking and biking over cars
This is even more important than electric vehicles since the key to emission reduction is actually the reduction part, not just substitution. Cities the world over are realizing that it is much better to have less cars. Downtown cores are switching their focus to pedestrians and cyclists over cars. Not only is it good for the environment, but it is a better experience for all. In Paris, streets that were filled with cars a decade ago are now filled with bikes and pedestrians.
New materials are being developed
For the longest time, things have been built with traditional building materials. You know the classics: wood, metal and concrete. These days, students are looking at natural processes to develop new materials. For example the MIT Media Lab created panels made from natural silk, they are looking way beyond traditional materials that have a huge impact on the planet. Concrete is even being redesigned to be emissions free.
Last but not least, people are favouring quality over disposable junk
People are just strait up tired of buying disposable junk. I sure feel that way, I would rather pay more for something thoughtful, long lasting and repairable then something I know will just end up in the landfill. Better quality is a better investment, for so many reasons.
In the end
Despite our progress, there is an urgent need to move faster. I believe the changes made in the next 10 years are crucial to a liveable planet for all.
We can all play a part, no matter how small our efforts are. Little changes by many can add up to make a big difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”
Margaret Mead
Did the 10 reasons to feel more optimistic about environmental progress put you in a better headspace? If so, take that new perspective and translate it into action.
“be the change you wish to see in the world”
Gandhi
I get that it can be overwhelming but you can do it if you start small, get used to a new habit, then try another. Before you know it, you will be the change-maker you aspire to be.
Here are some other posts to get you started:
Sustainability through Fewer and Better Things
Daily Zero Waste Kit and Essentials
Top 10 + items found in coastal or beach cleanups and how to rid them from your life
3 Easy steps to Reduce Your Waste, as Every Little Bit Counts
50+ Easy Resolutions to Reduce your Environmental Impact
Intention Before Impulse- Simply Buying Less but Better
Easy Swaps to Keep Beaches and Oceans Clean
Easy Zero Waste Laundry, It’s a No Brainer
Phone Cases that won’t Poison the Planet
Stop Caring for One Day, Earth Day is Every Day
Ripples turn into waves and before you know it, the growing swell leads to a better world.
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Thanks for reading,
Pat
Pat is a Ski Patroller/Avalanche Technician with a keen interest in design and sustainable living due to a longtime passion for the outdoors. Seeing glaciers melt, seasons change, summer skies full of smoke and beach pollution first hand, motivate him to make a difference.
As Yvon Chouinard Founder of Patagonia says “If you are not part of the solution, you are still part of the problem”.