Writing this blog while in the middle of a global pandemic seems strange. A constant stream of coronavirus related news stories have taken over our airways, online spaces and even conversations with friends and family - taking our minds off COVID-19 feels out of the question. But other news, other big decisions and natural events, haven't stopped happening. There are some stories about our environment which have brought a smile to our faces recently (sorry, not the dolphins in Venice -fake news) and some others which are important stories that have flown under the radar. Here are some environmental wins and other news from around the world you might have missed.
A Win at Standing Rock!
The Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes both got a win recently when a US judge ordered a review of the permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline. The pipeline was approved and operating since 2017. Well, until now. The US District Court found that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had not "adequately discharged its duties," in relation to the Environmental Impact Statement and that the effects on the environment and local Tribes was likely to be 'highly controversial.' Tribe chairman Mike Faith said: "After years of commitment to defending our water and earth, we welcome this news of a significant legal win".
The tribes will finally get a full review of the impacts of oil spills from a portion of the pipeline running under Lake Oahe in the Missouri River, a half mile from the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. https://t.co/E6tRTrOFYD
— Sierra Magazine (@Sierra_Magazine) April 2, 2020
The court hasn't yet ruled on whether it will shut down the entire project while waiting for the new EIS. While this doesn't mean the project will be shut down completely, it does mean there is a chance the new EIS could shut down the pipeline completely. Fingers crossed.
Great Barrier Reef Bleaching
The Great Barrier Reef has faced its 3rd mass coral bleaching in less than 5 years and warmer ocean temperatures appear to be the catalyst. The coordinator of the Coral Reef Watch, Dr Mark Eakin, reported in The Guardian, that there was a risk that mass bleaching seen along the length of the Great Barrier Reef in 2020 could mark the start of another global-scale bleaching event.This is devastating. At this rate, there's no chance for corals to recover.https://t.co/V0dXU0azEP
— Australian Geographic (@ausgeo) March 26, 2020
A 2019 study found bleaching in 2016 and 2017 had caused the numbers of new baby corals produced in 2018 to crash by 89%. There are also concerns that this could impact the Great Barrier Reef's World Heritage status. It was scheduled to be discussed at a UNESCO meeting in June which is likely to be postponed.
Write to your MP about this if you're in Australia - we can't let them forget about the Reef or our climate. Here's our guide on how to write to your MP.
Climate Activism Goes Online
Activists have been cancelling rallies and demonstrations all over the world but this doesn't mean they're stopping their fight for our planet. Many groups, such as Fridays for Future, are advising people to stay off the streets. However, they've encouraged people to use their social media profiles to post photos of them digi-striking!
In a crisis we stand together and help each other, this is the time when humanity has to be stronger and United than ever. Let's help each other. Stay at home. #schoolstrike4climate #ClimateStrikeOnline #DigitalStrike #FridaysForFuture @Fridays4future @GretaThunberg pic.twitter.com/kwG7qIPRRj
— Nakabuye Hilda F. (@NakabuyeHildaF) March 27, 2020
Many groups are looking at how they can utilise their online platforms more effectively. Check out 'We The Planet', an international youth led campaign that is planning digital events to celebrate earth day on April 22.
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We're so excited to present to all of you, our campaign We The Planet 🌏❤! Now as our international family has gotten bigger, we thought we would explain what We The Planet is, what we aim to do and how we plan on doing so❗ Swipe ➡️ to find out all about We The Planet 😉 If you have any more questions, comment below and we will answer them 💪 See you on April 22nd and until then Spread The Word 🔊❤🌏 #WethePlanet #YOURCHANGEOURCHANGE
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Within 30 years, oceans can be thriving again!
A major new scientific review in the journal Nature has reported that the world's oceans can recover within 30 years. There is no doubt humanity has caused much harm to the world's oceans and the animals that call it home. But the ocean is strong and successful conservation projects have proven this! Scientists say the ocean can bounce back to its former glory by 2050 if we protect large areas of the ocean, move to sustainable fishing models and control pollution alongside measures to tackle the climate crisis at large. And there are already success stories with sea otter numbers rising in western Canada and humpback whale populations growing!
Australian Government locks in 10 more years of native forest logging
More bad news for the environment coming out of Australia. We're sorry for bringing it up in a time where we all need our spirits lifted but it's important we still keep an eye on big government decisions, so we can hold them accountable.
This week in Australia the State Government in Victoria and the Federal Government agreed to lock in 10 years of logging of native forest. At the best of times, this is bad. But following the devastation of the bushfires, it feels like a particularly low blow. If you're in Australia, write to your MP about this and let them know that we are still ready to speak up for our environment! Here's our guide on how to write to your MP.
Quietly, at 7pm last night, the Labor Andrews Govt & Liberal Morrison Govt agreed to lock in 10 more years of native forest logging. What's more, we can't see any detail until Fed Parliament sits again in AUGUST! After what we lost in the bushfires this is unacceptable #springst
— Ellen Sandell (@ellensandell) March 31, 2020
With all attention elsewhere, it's important to keep an eye out for our environment!
Quick news bites for March
New Zealand: From July 2021, the national retirement savings program KiwiSaver announces it will divest from fossil fuels.
Germany: The search engine Ecosia announces it has planted nearly 1 million trees in Brazil, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania in the last month (February 2020).
Something to warm your heart
This man is sticking up posters around his city reminding us all that there's a light at the end of the tunnel!
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For the first time in ages I've had a strong impulse to design a poster that's NOT political... Human beings need physical affection, never more so than during a crisis. So it's a cruel irony of Covid-19 that distance itself is our best defence to protect the ones we love. This week I'll be sticking up these posters alone on empty streets. They're also available on my website. Take care and hold tight.
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It's a strange time. Climate-related news has taken a backseat during the current pandemic. It's so important to stop the spread of the virus and treat it with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. But we also need to think about the world we're going to find ourselves in afterwards.
Read this next: From The Economics Of Climate To Talking Trees: 7 Books That'll Help You Beat Boredom While Stuck At Home
