The majority of the stories we hear about relating to climate change are – quite rightly – negative.
The reason for this is that, without world leaders and fossil fuel corporations making big changes now, there’s little time to curb the inevitable.
But that’s not to say we aren’t making some headway in combatting the rise in carbon. In fact, there’s actually a lot of good happening that we often miss.
So, as a way to encourage you in your quest for carbon neutral living, here is some positive news about what’s happening to combat climate change.
1. Shell went to hell
This one might have been on your radar, but it’s definitely worth mentioning again. Global conglomerate, Shell, entered South African waters to start seismic blasting throughout the Wild Coast in the search of – can you believe it? – more fossil fuels.
Not only is the intended outcome ridiculous, the action itself is detrimental to marine life. The South African courts ordered Gwede Mantashe and BG International (a Shell subsidiary) to pay costs to the coalition of Wild Coast communities against this action.
Shell (or something similar) might be back, but they’re going to find even more kickback. This is the second big blow for Royal Dutch Shell, which was also ordered by a court to cut its net carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.
2. Solar comes to the fore
Installing a solar-powered system used to be reserved for the wealthy, but with more competition and more affordable technology, the price has dropped by 89% since 2019 – according to Our World in Data.
In 2009, it cost 223% more to build a solar farm as opposed to a coal plant. It’s now 177% more expensive to build a coal plant… another piece of information Mantashe should take to heart.
In fact, Cape Town is fast incorporating solar, with private providers being brought in to support the national grid, residents able to sell back excess electricity, and the first floating solar pilot project at the Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Works launched.
3. Plastic is being repurposed
The days for single-use plastic are numbered, which we’re seeing in all major retail chains, but innovative companies are now emerging to repurpose existing plastic for everyday use.
One Kenyan materials engineer, Nzambi Matee, founded Gjenge Makers which converts plastic waste into building products. The plastic is mixed with sand to create bricks that are actually five to seven times stronger than concrete.
They’re also incredibly lightweight, reducing transportation and installation costs.
4. Greenland’s staying ‘green’
Greenland, which is one of the countries already being notably impacted by climate change, has stopped all new oil and gas exploration despite a number of undiscovered oil deposits.
The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest of its kind after the Antarctic Ice Sheet, covering 80% of the country’s surface. In 2019, this lost 600 billion tonnes of ice, causing global sea levels to rise by 2.2mm.
5. The rise of the electric vehicle
Despite giving the world Elon Musk, a man who has been driving the development of electric vehicles in the United States for years, South Africa is still lagging far behind in this arena.
This is partly because of the cost of electric vehicles, but also a lack of recharging stations (a good business idea, Shell?).
But this is certainly set to change as more and more car manufacturers pivot (finally!) to electric vehicle design and development which will bring down the price.
In fact, in 2021, electric and hybrid vehicles outsold diesel in Europe for the first time in history – a milestone to celebrate.
Keep rejecting that plastic, minimising your water use, avoiding driving where walking or bike riding will do, and push government to make the changes that will actually make a positive difference to the planet.
*Sources: www.goodgoodgood.co.za, www.mg.co.za, www.capetown.gov.za
