Could science save our planet? Despite record temperature rises around the world, technological innovation and political collaboration might still restore the environment.
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Seven climate breakthroughs in 2024
Could science save our planet? Despite record temperature rises around the world, technological innovation and political collaboration might still restore the environment.
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This year has been the warmest year on record, with the planet on track to warm by more than 2C, but despite this, 2024 saw some good news:
China activated the world's largest offshore solar park, meeting the energy needs of 2.6 million people, and Brazil plans to restore 30 million acres of degradedReduced in quality. rainforest.
And Australia has promised to expand its sub-Antarctic marine park by 300,000km, a huge environmental win for the world.
Last year four beavers were released into the wild in Northumberland, and this year the mother gave birth to the first beaver to be born in England for 400 years.
In France, everyone now has to compost their food waste, and the scheme could be rolled out across the EU.
The Vatican City will become the eighth country in the world generating all its energy from renewable sources.
In September, 11 African nations joined forces to protect the Miombo corridor, one of Africa's most vital ecosystems.
Could science save our planet?
Yes! Scientific innovation matched with popular support can slow down and possibly even reverse environmental destruction.
No! Despite the increase in renewable energy, carbon emissions keep rising, global temperatures too, and the next US president plans to drill for more oil.
Seven climate breakthroughs in 2024
Reasons to be cheerful: We all have a right to grieve the loss of a future free from the climate crisis, but we also have the opportunity, say many experts, to shape the future differently. Glossary
Degraded - Reduced in quality.