10 million reasons to be optimistic for 2018
For our final blog of 2017, we wanted to share some examples of organisations and initiatives which we have been inspired by this year.
Together, they represent 10 million reasons to be optimistic for 2018 and...
Highlight the power of focusing on 'solutions' over 'problems'
Show some of the ways we can make the changes needed to live within our planetary boundaries and social thresholds
With best wishes for the festive period - from all the team at Article 13
The largest marine reserve in the world comes into effect in Antarctica, covering 1.55 million KMs
In December, the largest marine reserve in the world in the Ross Sea came into effect in Antarctica, protecting one of the last remaining stretches of ocean not impacted by human activity, and home to up to 10,000 species. Thank you to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the EU.
Liuzhou Forest City will have 1 million plants cover the city
Set to be built by 2020 in southern China’s mountainous Guangxi area, Liuzhou Forest City will have over 40,000 trees and 1 million plants covering every building. Each year the trees will absorb 10,000 tons of CO2 and 57 tons of pollutants. The plants will also decrease the average air temperature, create noise barriers and boost biodiversity. Thank you to Stefano Boeri Architetti and the future inhabitants of Liuzhou.
There are now more than 2 million electric vehicles on the road around the world
More than 750,000 Electric Vehicles were sold worldwide last year, with most new cars in Norway are now electric or hybrid and countries such as France committing to 100% electric cars by 2025.
1.5 million volunteers in India plants 66 million trees in 12 hours
In July, more than 1.5 million volunteers in India planted more than 66 million trees. This initiative was part of India's commitment under the Paris Agreement to increasing its forests by five million hectares before 2030 to combat climate change.
Plastic Bank – 1 million people ask for a new solution to plastic waste
Plastic Bank, formed in 2013, pays people to collect plastic waste and take it to recycling markets. The plastic then goes to a recycling center and ultimately is sold to corporate clients. . Thanks to David Katz, founder of Plastic Bank and the 1 million social media supporters who have asked brands to support Plastic Bank & Social Plastic.
A record 3 million people were able to obtain treatment for hepatitis C over the past two years
There has been a 5-fold increase in the number of countries developing national plans to eliminate life-threatening viral hepatitis over the last 5 years," says Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO's Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme. These results bring hope that the elimination of hepatitis can and will become a reality.