🌱 The Grumpy Optimists #75
How do we create the tipping points for climate action? Just some small changes in policy...
Happy Monday. 👋
Welcome back to your favourite climate newsletter. For those of you who are new here, The Grumpy Optimists is a weekly newsletter recapping and giving my perspective on the week of climate news and the things you need to know. The aim is to make you realise that the world isn’t screwed, we’re making progress and we have the opportunity to create change. If I can make some of you head into the week energised and inspired by what’s happening in the world then I and the planet will be a lot happier.
This week, we’re looking at how we create climate action tipping points, how a bin company is turning food waste into chicken feed and the latest scandal in the carbon market world.
Enjoy!
👀 Articles to read
📉 Could climate action be on the edge of a tipping point? A recent study suggests that small policy changes to electric vehicles, plant-based alternatives, and green fertilizers could be the tipping point for climate action. The study further demonstrates that as more investment is made in one area of climate action, there are positive impacts in other areas, ultimately helping us reach net zero faster. The Guardian provides an excellent summary of the study here.
Believing in a system that can be changed and that a better world is possible is the foundation of this blog and my attitude towards climate change. This is a great example of how policy can drive the changes we need.
🐣 New startup turns your food waste into chicken feed. Mill, founded by Matt Rogers, who co-founded smart home company Nest (acq. Google) wants to tackle food waste with technology. Mill’s bins dehydrate food waste and turn it into a coffee ground-like substance, the waste is then collected and aims to be used for chicken feed without the nasty smells.
The best part? Food waste isn't a glamorous topic, but companies like this demonstrate that the brightest minds are no longer creating products to make us click more ads, but to help address society's most pressing issues.
🛢️UN leader attacks fossil fuel companies. In contrast to last week when a fossil fuel CEO was elected to lead COP28, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called out fossil fuel companies for hiding research showing they predicted global warming (back in the 1970s).
✅ Colombia halts fossil fuel exploration. Colombia’s government announced it will not approve any new oil and gas projects to shift towards a sustainable economy. The announcement has been met with some challenges, mainly around the impact on the country’s economy.
🌴 Egypt already plants 3 million trees to combat drought. Egypt announced the “100 million trees” initiative in 2022 and already 3.1 million trees have been planted. The trees will provide green space, drought relief, and improve air quality. Some areas are planting fruit trees to improve food security.
🌳 More than 90% of rainforest carbon offsets are worthless, where does the offset market go now? Research into Verra, the world’s leading carbon standard by the Guardian and partners has revealed that over 90% of their rainforest credits have no impact. The news has caused shockwaves throughout the offset industry and will undoubtedly lead to more research. Shell this week announced that they will spend $450m a year on offsets, casting further doubt into the use of offsets in companies’ net zero plans. Verra denies the findings.
💭 What’s the takeaway? If there is one thing to take from this is that we need greater scrutiny and understanding of the carbon market. The era of dodgy accounting and carbon-neutral products via cheap offsets could be a thing of the past. What is without a doubt correct is the need for companies to invest in decarbonising their operations first, not just paying to pollute.
☕ What is the best coffee for the planet? The world consumes approximately 2 billion cups of coffee per day, (including my own contribution). However, recent research suggests that instant coffee and coffee capsules may have the lowest environmental impact. This is because up to 80% of the emissions from coffee come from the growing phase, and coffee pods have the lowest coffee-to-cup ratio. This is an interesting example of how we perceive waste and the true impact of certain products.
🏛️ Politicians want climate action but fear the consequences. A study of 118 city mayors found that many wanted to make bold steps to combat climate change such as banning gas stoves but fear they would put them out of a job. This is an interesting insight into what mayors think would help them tackle climate change.
🎙️ A podcast to check out
This is a brilliant podcast recommendation about optimism, optimism bias, how to influence people and how to become more optimistic and the changes it can make in your life.
“I PROMISE YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS” - My Mum*
📹 Videos to watch
Listen to Al Gore show his true feelings about climate change and the dominance of the fossil fuel industry.
The Grumpy Optimists 💚
*My mum didn’t really recommend this podcast but if you listen to the podcast you’ll know why I said this.