Good News Notes: “Healthy marine ecosystems are essential for human well-being, and millions of people around the world rely on coral reefs for food, protection, recreation, medicine, cultural connection and economic opportunities. So, the decline of coral reefs is not just an ocean-lover’s issue; it’s also a global problem that requires collaborative action. “The situation…
Experts Optimistic Coral Reefs Will Survive
Good News Notes: ‘“Coral reefs are amazing and beautiful, and we must conserve them,” Sam Purkis, chair of the department of marine geosciences at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, told VOA. Although coral reefs only cover 0.1% of the ocean floor, they are a lifeline for the planet. With…
Endangered ʻĀwikiwiki Vine Reintroduced During Planting Ceremony on Lāna‘i
Good News Notes: “A planting ceremony was held at Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi on Thursday with Pūlama Lānaʻi to commence the launch of a botanical preservation project to reintroduce the federally endangered ʻāwikiwiki plant to the area around the resort. ʻĀwikiwiki, also known by its scientific name Canavalia pubescens, is a perennial vine with dark purple to pink…
Critically Endangered Sumatran Orangutan Is Pregnant with ‘Extremely Rare’ Twins
Good News Notes: “The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is preparing to welcome two new additions from a “critically endangered” species. A 12-year-old Sumatran orangutan named Menari is pregnant for the first time, and she’s expecting twins, thanks to a successful breeding match with the zoo’s male orangutan Jambi. She’s expected to give birth in…
Census: Once-endangered Kirtland’s warbler population stable
Good News Notes: “The once-endangered Kirtland’s warbler is maintaining healthy numbers. State and federal officials reported Monday on the latest census of the songbird. It nests primarily in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula as well as the Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin and Ontario. The population was estimated at 4,490 following the June survey. That’s down slightly from the…
Bats and a changing climate: How scientists are helping an endangered species
Good News Notes: “Bats are not an unusual sight around San Antonio and South Texas. In the heart of the city, bats are known to hang out under the Camden Street bridge, among other places. Farther north, the Bracken bat cave is a popular tourist spot for those who’d like to spot more than a…
Popular perennial flowering plants can attract diverse mix of pollinators
Good News Notes: “Popular species of perennial flowering plants vary widely in their attractiveness to pollinators, but homeowners and landscape managers who select certain perennial cultivars can support a diverse community of pollinators in their own backyards, according to a new study from a team of Penn State researchers. Insect pollinators are critical in agriculture…
Bill would ban sale of single-use plastic water bottles at New York state parks
Good News Notes: “The sale of single-use plastic water bottles would be banned at state parks in New York under proposed legislation announced Friday by two state lawmakers. The bill, which is yet to be formally introduced, would bar the sale of plastic water bottles at any site managed by the state Office of Parks,…
Electric Vehicles Are Not Zero Emissions – But They Are Much Greener Than Fossil Fuel And Hydrogen
Good News Notes: “Now that COP26 is almost upon us, there is a lot of visibility for climate change-related stories in the mainstream UK news. But thanks to the many vested interests in the energy sector, there is also a lot of misinformation flying around, particularly on social media. One of the most frequent myths…
Clean Energy Will Lower Household Energy Costs – Center for American Progress
Good News Notes: “Fossil fuels are driving up consumer energy costs, in part as a result of the industry’s exposure to the very climate disruptions it is continuing to worsen. These rising costs are yet another great reason to invest in clean energy now. Yet in a darkly ironic twist, fuel prices have been used…