C James,
As 2020 draws to a close, many of us are taking time to reflect on a difficult year. But looking back can also remind us what progress we’ve made and give us hope for the new year, when the days will be getting longer and we’ll find new opportunities for positive change.
Here are a few of this week’s hopeful stories that I didn’t want you to miss during this time of reflection.
All major U.S. and Canadian banks rule out drilling in Arctic Refuge
With an announcement this week, Scotiabank joins a growing list of financial institutions that have committed to not financing oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This means that all major banks in Canada and the U.S. have now ruled out providing financial assistance to companies that plan to drill in the refuge.1
New species discovered
Scientists have published exciting findings from an expedition into the wild cloud forests of Bolivia, including descriptions of 20 newly discovered species and the rediscovery of some species thought extinct. The expedition revealed unique frog and snake species as well as the return of a butterfly that hadn’t been recorded for nearly 100 years.2
100 percent of new U.S. power capacity in October came from renewables
Amidst a strong year for wind and solar, a new report found that clean renewable energy technologies accounted for all of America’s added power capacity to the electrical grid in October, a promising sign for the potential of renewable energy in the U.S.3
Electric vehicle rebates extremely successful in New Jersey program
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced that it was ending Phase One of the state’s electric vehicle (EV) rebate program early due to the program’s success. This program was designed to spur EV demand and increase the number of EVs on the road, and its early completion shows it has done just that.4
For more good news you might have missed this week, check out our Good as News project.
Thank you,
Steve Blackledge
Senior Director, Conservation America Campaign