This week’s good climate news

With so much still to do to slow warming and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, it’s important to fortify ourselves by celebrating wins along the way.

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Close up of an electric car being charged

Spain’s first electric battery plant on its way

As part of Spain’s €10 billion electric vehicle initiative, automaker SEAT set plans for the country’s first electric battery plant. The Spanish company will also electrify its two existing car plants, plus the investment will allow Spain to produce international and domestic EVs.

“This project will democratize access to sustainable mobility in Europe with electric cars made in Spain,” SEAT President Wayne Griffiths said.

A koala who honestly looks pretty annoyed to be having his picture taken clings to a tree

Environmentalists in Australia expand koala protection

Two Australian environmentalists offer more than just eucalipservice when it comes to protecting koalas, purchasing almost almost 4,000 hectares of koala habitat for conservation. The Australian Wildlife Conservancy will manage the site.

This purchase offers a rare and extraordinary opportunity to restore habitats for several species.

High-up overhead view of a parking lot filled with cars

Solar panels will soon cover all French parking lots 

New legislation in France will require all large parking lots to be covered with solar panels. This clean energy investment is part of President Emmanuel Macron’s goals to increase France’s solar energy tenfold.

All parking lots with at least 80 spaces, old and new, will have a solar panel covering in the next five years. Larger lots, more than 400 spots, have to add a solar array within three years. 

Flare on a methane smoke stack

New global pledge to cut methane 

The U.S. and European Union announced a plan to target methane emissions, building on last year’s joint agreement to slash methane emissions 30% by 2030. The nations will take domestic and international action to end routine venting and flaring, plus require companies to plug existing leaks.

The agreement comes out of COP27, the annual United Nations climate conference.

The skyline of New York City

Big midterm win in NY to fight climate change

Voters in New York backed a huge environmental win in the midterm elections. This $4.2 billion environmental bond will build resilience to future climate risks and finance coastal restoration projects and water quality improvement.

At least 35% of the $4.2 billion will be spent in under-resourced communities which are disproportionately impacted by climate change.

Let’s take action on climate together