Happy Monday. 👋
Welcome back to another episode of the Grumpy Optimists, your weekly chance to realise the planet isn’t all screwed, and perhaps you’re not alone in your hope for a better world.
Sometimes, I know what to write here, but tonight, I don’t, so I reckon we just get into the rest of the blog. What do you reckon? Okay let’s go.
👀 Articles to read
🧑🏻🌾 Natwest and Tesco joining forces to help farmers decarbonise. The initiative aims to tackle one of the biggest issues we face in tackling the climate crisis, funding for decarbonisation. The bank will offer financial assistance and preferential rates on finance to help farmers invest in renewable energy sources and fossil fuel-free heating or cooling systems. This will include things like access to preferred suppliers and potential volume discounts on assets like solar panels and heat pumps.
🏦 UBS launches net zero-aligned ETF. UBS Asset Management has introduced the S&P 500 Climate Transition ESG UCITS ETF. This is the first ETF to track a climate transition index based on the S&P 500 universe, which aligns with net zero and improves ESG profile. It complies with the EU’s Climate Transition Benchmark label and excludes companies involved in controversial weapons and fossil fuels, aiming for a net zero-aligned solution.
🌱 80% of global investors have sustainable investment policies. A study by Deloitte and The Fletcher School showed that 79% of global investors now have ESG investment policies, a substantial increase from 20% five years ago. Interestingly, U.S. investors are actually ahead globally, with 83% having ESG policies, up from 27% five years ago, surpassing European counterparts at 75%.
🪵 Logging declines in Brazil and Colombia. Tree losses due to deforestation were down 39% in the Brazilian Amazon, partly due to political changes. However, increased tree felling, fires in Bolivia, Laos, and Nicaragua, as well as wildfires, offset some of these gains globally. It’s not a fully optimistic story, but it shows the importance of the political systems we put in place.
🌸 Biodiversity net gain applies to small developments in the UK. We’re living in a climate and nature crisis. It’s not all just about greenhouse gas emissions. From April 2nd in the UK, any new development will have to enhance biodiversity compared to previous conditions, benefiting residents, communities, and nature. With nature embedded in the decision-making process from day one, we’ll see more projects that are better for the planet
🚲 Cyclists outnumber motorists in Paris. Policies from increased cycleways, more taxes on cars and restricting SUV access have led to a significant increase in cycling in Paris, particularly from the suburbs to the city. It’s not just lycra-clad professionals, either. It’s normal people using a bike to get to work and to move around the city. As an avid cyclist and now lime bike convert, seeing people cycle around cities fills me with a lot of joy.
🍺 35 US breweries come together to support Earth Day. Project Earth to Beer, started by Eric Steen in the US, challenges breweries to create beers using sustainably sourced ingredients and donate the proceeds to a nature-focused charity of their choice. As somebody who works with many UK breweries with my company Zevero, I love this initiative.
🛍️ Ethical shopping is on the rise in the UK, despite inflation. Despite increasing prices, stagnating wages, and a bar of dairy milk now costing 95p, British consumers increasingly prioritise ethical shopping. In 2022, consumers spent 16% more on Fairtrade products than the year before. In my opinion, there’s been an increase in access to resources and education to help consumers understand how to ensure funding and fair prices go back to the growers, not just conglomerates.
💰 Biden gives bank for green projects. The Biden administration unveils a $20 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the largest non-tax investment in the 2022 climate law. The funding will contribute at least $14bn to low-income areas, communities of colour and regions affected by the transition to renewable energy.
🏃🏻 Just cool stuff
I was going to include this in my outro, but I just think it’s too cool not to share. Running is one of my favourite activities on the planet. It gives me freedom and the ability to think and helps my anxiety leave my body. I also like to do stupid stuff, like run marathons on my birthday or run to Brighton, but this is just mental. Russ Cook, aka the Hardest Geezer, has just run the entire length of Africa. It’s a crazy achievement that shows that if you work hard, persevere, and put your head down, you can achieve so much. You can watch all his YouTube videos here too. Bloody good stuff.
That’s all for this week folks. This was written after a busy weekend of working away and watching potentially the worst quality game of football I’ve ever seen at AFC Wimbledon, we love lower-league football. I’ve been repeatedly listening to Palace’s new album and I think you should too.
Got this far? Why don’t you leave me a little like, a share with a friend or just say ah, this is a nice way to start the week in your head, (it makes me justify the late Sunday evenings to get you positive climate news).
George, the Grumpy Optimist 💚