Climate Victories to Cheer About in 2023

While the changes we see in our everyday lives may be daunting, it is important to stay positive and remind ourselves that good things are happening, too. Renewable energy has been at the forefront of climate researchers and scientists for years, and we are beginning to see the benefits.

Electric cars and busses are becoming more popular, as are homes powered by solar energy, as these green technology becomes more efficient and cheaper. Even rental car companies are offering more electric car options. Accessibility and affordability are extremely important for consumers to consider adopting renewable choices, and we are seeing an increase in adoption as prices drop. Again this year, the renewable share of total energy consumption in the U.S. grew. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewables accounted for 21.3 percent of total energy use. Add nuclear energy, which has pros and cons, but accounts for 18.2 percent of total energy usage, and that's 39.5 percent of total U.S. energy that does not produce carbon dioxide.

Carbon sinks, such as forests, absorb CO2. I was happy to read that deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest decreased 22 percent this year, as efforts have been effective to more carefully protected the rainforest. Also, according to the BBC, the European Union has taken big steps to become more forest friendly. And as I have written before, there are simple ways we can help reforest our planet, such as the organization One Tree Planted, where you can plant a tree for $1.

Even though 2023 was full of climate victories, there is obviously much more work to be done. Climate scientists believe 2023 will very likely be the hottest year on record. So 2024 presents another opportunity to strive for a better future. Whether it's converting your home to renewable energy, recycling, taking shorter showers, starting a local campaign, such as a trash clean up, starting an environmental club at your school, using public transportation, composting, eating cleaner, and shopping greener, all of it adds up. Leading by example is one of the best things you can do to help create a cleaner, greener planet.

Thanks for reading! I hope you have a happy and healthy new year!

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/monicasanders/2023/12/29/climate-victories-of-2023-and-hopes-for-2024/?sh=19436c2d16c3

https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3

https://onetreeplanted.org

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231214-nine-breakthroughs-for-climate-and-nature-in-2023-you-may-have-missed https://www.npr.org/2023/12/28/1221827923/2023-hottest-year-record-climate-change