In the midst of scrolling for hours on TikTok, I am reminded that I can actually read about current events, which benefits not only my reading abilities but also increases my attention span from a 5 second cat video to a 5 minute news article (baby steps)!
As I thought about what I would like to research and share in this blog, I decided, why not switch out doom scrolling content for some positive news stories (colloquially known as “hopecore”)?
1. Globally, Wind and Solar Power have surpassed Coal as the biggest generators of electricity! Full Article: EuroNews – Rebecca Ann Hughes & Alexa St.John
The success and growth of solar and wind power this year, are proof that renewables can keep pace with non-renewable counterparts and global energy demands. This will allow for energy markets to reduce their reliance on polluting-type fuels and in the future transition to a fully renewable power grid.
2. Needing a few years out of the lime-light: this gecko species was rediscovered after being labelled extinct! Full Article: EuroNews – Gerald Imray
Two researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust found living specimens of the Blyde Rondavel flat gecko in South Africa in May of this year. The last recorded sighting was in 1991 (that’s over 30 years ago).
3. Major strides in meeting Calgary’s tree canopy goals!
Full Article: CBC – Andrew Jeffrey
As part of the national “Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program”, Calgary received a portion of the federal funding to help improve the local tree canopy and to fight climate change. A benefit of this federal program is that it aligns with Calgary’s own municipal Tree Equity initiative which focuses on bringing a greater density of trees to underserved neighborhoods.
Data shows that a number of neighborhoods across Calgary have a tree deficiency which leads to lessened quality of life, higher ambient temperatures, drier micro-climates, and an overall lack of biodiversity. Since 2023, the city has planted 200,000 trees, in-line with their goal of 930,000 trees planted by 2029.
