Climate Wins That Don’t… Suck
Photo by Donny O’Neill
We’re here to pause your doom scroll by bringing you climate wins that offer a much-needed dose of optimism. From the U.S. stepping up to improve its electric vehicle charging network to NASA’s state-of-the-art satellite tracking greenhouse gasses, these stories highlight real progress happening around the country. With wind energy overtaking coal and the millions invested in safeguarding clean drinking water, these wins remind us that our mission for a healthier planet is gaining momentum. It’s time to celebrate the progress that’s happening right now!
The U.S. Plans to Support the Global Plastic Treaty
The U.S. just made a major power move to reduce plastic pollution! In a bold shift, the U.S. is now backing a global treaty to reduce new plastic production and eliminate harmful chemicals, joining forces with over 60 “high-ambition” countries, co-chaired by Norway and Rwanda. This move puts the U.S. on the right side of history, taking a stand against plastic giants like Saudi Arabia and China, who prefer to focus on recycling instead of upstream change. With treaty negotiations happening in Busan and South Korea later this year, all eyes are on this global push to reduce plastic production at its source. Environmental groups are cheering the shift as a game-changer, while industry critics worry about the future of manufacturing—but for the planet, this is a big win.
NASA created a satellite to detect greenhouse gasses from space
NASA is taking climate solutions to new heights—literally, with its latest satellite launch, the Tanager-1 equipped with cutting-edge imaging spectrometer technology developed over four decades at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. The satellite will scan the Earth from space, detecting methane and carbon dioxide emissions down to the level of individual facilities and equipment, anywhere in the world. And here’s the best part: all this data will be publicly available, meaning we’ll have a precise view of greenhouse gas producers globally. This will allow decision-makers to drive action to cut emissions.
Biden-Harris Administration Awards $25.5 Million in New Grants to Combat Impact of Climate Change on Drinking Water Infrastructure
The Biden-Harris administration just dropped some serious cash—$25.5 million, to be exact—to help protect drinking water from the impacts of climate change. Thanks to the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program, 16 small, underserved, and disadvantaged communities across the country will get funding to boost their water systems through upgraded infrastructure including replacing aging water pipes, and emergency generators and water lines. It’s the first time the EPA has rolled out grants under the Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, and these 16 inaugural communities are getting an upgrade—without having to wait for the next natural disaster to strike.
Wind Beat Coal Two Months in a Row for U.S. Electricity Generation
Wind power just blew past coal in a big way! According to the Energy Information Administration, for two months straight—March and April—wind turbines across the U.S. cranked out more electricity than the coal plants, marking a historic shift in energy. Did you know coal plants are the dirtiest energy source accounting for 40% of global carbon emissions? This statistic is about to be slashed, thanks to clean energy alternatives, and analysts predict this is just the beginning. Wind energy is expected to power around 35% of all electricity in the U.S. and Canada by 2050.
Biden Administration awards $521 Million in grants to build EV charging network
The Biden administration is powering up America’s electric vehicle (EV) future with a $521 million investment in EV charging infrastructure, sparking a crucial shift toward widespread electric vehicle adoption—a key strategy in slashing greenhouse gas emissions. This effort will deliver over 9,200 new charging ports, including $321 million for 41 community projects and $200 million for 10 high-speed charging corridors. The White House has committed to hit 500,000 charging ports across the nation, bringing us closer to a cleaner, greener future—one charge at a time.
We love celebrating climate victories! Want to stay informed and empowered with the latest climate updates? Dive into our Climate Advocates Guidebook—your go-to resource for essential tools, insights, and knowledge to keep your climate IQ sharp.
Author: Stacie Sullivan
Stacie always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the ski industry from a young age, having first clicked into skis at the age of 4 and writing her 8th grade career project on being a professional skier. While her dreams of becoming a professional athlete didn’t quite pan out the way she planned at […]
