By Rose Morrison, managing editor of Renovated
At times, climate news can feel hopeless. Stories of dangerous trends, natural disasters and endangered species are all too common and very discouraging. Luckily, there is also good news to recognize.
Acknowledging environmental wins helps encourage progress. With that in mind, here are 10 inspiring climate-related headlines from 2024 that can provide hope amid the climate crisis.
1. U.K. Phases Out Coal Power
One of the most significant environmental moments of the year came in October when the United Kingdom closed its last coal plant. The nation had already significantly reduced its reliance on this fossil fuel — coal accounted for just 2% of its electricity in 2020 — but now, no consumer power comes from it.
While the U.K. is not the first country to move away from coal-powered electricity, it is a significant instance of this shift. The nation was an early leader in adopting coal during the first industrial revolution. It’s also a major economic powerhouse, so its transition proves that larger economies can reasonably abandon fossil fuels.
Some British industrial processes still use coal. However, these are fading, too, and the removal of this dirty energy source from the national grid is a major step forward.
2. Renewables Outpace Fossil Fuels
In 2024, solar and wind energy overtook fossil fuels for the first time in the European Union. Electricity from these sources grew to an impressive 30% in the first half of the year, while electricity from fossil fuels generated only 27% of electricity in the same period. Hydropower, nuclear power and other sources made up the remaining 43%.
This was the second consecutive year with record-breaking renewable gains in the EU, a trend that could continue if member states can keep up the momentum.
As wind and solar power grow, renewable energy is becoming increasingly competitive. A larger scale means lower prices, encouraging further adoption. These trends helped the EU mark this moment in history in 2024 and could drive additional progress in the years to come.
3. Global Biodiversity Framework Fund Gains Investment
Climate support is also growing outside of renewable energy. In October, eight governments pledged a total of $163 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). The support brings the fund’s members up to 12 contributors, signifying growing interest in protecting biodiversity.
The GBFF invests in projects to defend biodiversity in nations that may be unable to contribute enough resources to the cause on their own. Since its launch in 2023, it has funded projects in 24 developing countries.
New supporters of the GBFF include Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, the U.K. and Quebec. Early supporters include Canada, Japan, Luxembourg and Spain. While the impact of this additional funding has yet to be seen, it should help fight extinction and preserve vulnerable ecosystems.
4. U.S. Protects Western Arctic From Drilling
In the U.S.-front news, the White House finalized rules to protect sensitive areas in the western Arctic from oil and gas operations. The newly strengthened regulations limit drilling and other industrial processes in 13.3 million acres of Alaskan coastline and waters.
The western Arctic has an abundance of natural resources, but drilling to access them can disrupt its sensitive wildlife. With this codification, polar bears, caribou and other vulnerable species will now have greater security in the region, as corporations will not be able to use it as freely. The regulations also specify management requirements to preserve the area’s biodiversity.
These protections mean the administration has protected more than 41 million acres of sensitive land and water across the country during the past four years. Additional steps are still necessary to ensure wildlife can thrive in the future, but this trend shows promising progress.
5. Scientists Discover Electric Potential in Plants
This year has also seen significant breakthroughs in environmental technologies. In one instance, researchers discovered that it is possible to produce electricity from plants without disrupting the ecosystem. The secret lies in plants’ natural hydraulic processes.
Fluids move throughout plant stems similarly to industrial hydraulics. Just as mechanical versions convert hydraulic force into mechanical energy, new technologies could convert plant hydraulics into electrical power. Unlike industrial systems, though, which require daily inspections to remain operational, plant-based energy harvesting would be passive and need little interference to generate electricity.
The technology needs more research and development before it is ready for large-scale use. Still, the discovery highlights that the world has yet to tap into renewable energy’s full scale or potential.
6. Samsung Makes Solid-State Battery Breakthrough
Samsung announced the production of solid-state electric vehicle (EV) batteries in 2024. This technology promises longer ranges, faster charging times and greater safety over conventional cells — but it has been experimental until now. The company plans to mass-produce these new batteries as soon as 2027, making this cutting-edge technology a practical reality.
Samsung’s solid-state batteries could deliver up to 621 miles of range between charges, making EVs far more appealing to consumers. One potential downside is the cost of the battery cells. To begin, the batteries will go in “super premium EVs.” However, costs could naturally fall over time. Additionally, increased competition could impact prices — LG is also in the process of developing solid-state batteries by 2030.
7. States Limit Neonic Pesticides
Several states have passed or introduced eco-friendly legislation this year. Most notably, Washington became the 11th state to restrict neonicotinoid pesticides, and other legislatures implemented similar regulations throughout 2024.
Neonicotinoids, also called neonics, are a significant factor behind the recent decline of pollinator populations. New York was the first state to restrict neonicotinoid-treated seeds in 2023, but several others have followed suit this year.
Vermont and Illinois are also seeking to ban neonicotinoid-treated seeds in agricultural production. Connecticut and Hawaii introduced bills to ban them in most noncommercial and residential uses.
Such trends could preserve crucial bee and other pollinator populations going forward.
8. Hawaii Makes Progress on Ambitious Climate Goals
Neonicotinoid bans are not the only climate steps Hawaii took this year. The Aloha State made impressive progress toward its environmental goals in 2024, including deriving 36.17% of energy on O’ahu from renewables. The city hopes to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, but Hawaii’s projects span much further.
Hawaii unveiled its Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) in March 2024, outlining 17 environmental actions to meet climate targets. These include streamlining public transit to reduce road emissions, electrifying public vehicles, expanding micro-mobility and planting one million native trees.
All 17 measures should deliver measurable greenhouse gas reductions by 2030. In addition to fighting climate change, the legislation aims to boost public health, create jobs and improve water quality. How well it will meet its goals is uncertain for now, but the projected savings are impressive.
9. U.K. Government Solidifies Clean Energy Plans
Government bodies outside of Hawaii clarified their road to a greener future, too. On December 13, 2024, the U.K. revealed its pathway to ensure clean energy by 2030 — in this case, meaning clean sources produce at least as much power as the U.K. consumes.
Six years is not a long time to achieve such significant improvements, but the roadmap details how it is possible. The government plans to invest roughly £40 billion (over US$50 billion) each year between 2025 and 2030. Much of the funding is going toward renewable infrastructure, but grid upgrades to support clean electricity delivery and market reforms to keep costs accessible will also play a role.
The initiative hopes to achieve 43-50 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity, 27-29 GW of onshore wind, 45-47 GW of solar and 23-27 GW of battery storage. While these are lofty goals, the U.K. did succeed in moving away from residential coal, so significant change is possible.
10. National Old-Growth Amendment Gains Steam
Some environmental movements in 2024 have yet to produce results but signify a positive trend. For example, the National Old-Growth Amendment aims to protect old-growth forests in the U.S.
The Department of Agriculture first introduced the amendment in 2023, but it opened the proposal to suggestions and updated it throughout 2024. After receiving 7,300 public comments over the year, the Old-Growth Amendment now has a clearer direction and evidence of support for greater protections. Revisions include provisions to ensure future forest growth, acceptable deviations to prevent wildfires and clarifications of common misconceptions.
Regulators hope to implement the plan by 2025. When it goes into effect, the Forest Service will have clearer, tighter guidelines on how to manage old-growth forests to protect these vital ecosystems in the face of greater climate threats.
Credit: Mario Vaden (talk · contribs) – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Off2riorob using CommonsHelper.
Source
The World Made Major Environmental Strides in 2024
We still have a long way to go to stave off the worst effects of climate change. While ongoing action is necessary, governments, organizations and private citizens have made significant steps toward a better future throughout 2024.
Recognizing these efforts may prove critical in inspiring others to pursue similar goals. With more widespread involvement, the world may gain ground in the fight against climate change.
About the Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and has been writing in the construction industry for over five years. She’s most passionate about sustainable building and incorporating similar resourceful methods into our world. For more from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.