If the news is not always rosy on the ecology side, some still allow you to rejoice punctually. NOWU, a partner of France Info, spotted several of them in March on the energy, ocean and even cinema side. We take stock in the column “1 planet, solutions”.
The treatment of ecological issues is generally pessimistic. However, studies show that while it is important to communicate about the seriousness of the situation so that everyone is aware of it, it is also necessary to communicate on the possible solutions and allow those who absorb this information to come away with a glimmer of hope, especially if the goal is to create change.
Once is not custom, here it is a series of good green news spotted last March.
A historic treatise on the high seas
Discussions started in 2004, nearly 20 years ago, have finally led to a treaty on the high seas. It concerns areas more than 370 km from the coast and which until then were not governed by any rules.
This treaty provides, for example, that States must equitably share potential revenue from the activities carried out in these areas with less developed countries, and from create marine protected areas.
Coal demand falls in the UK
Coal demand is at its lowest since 1757 across the Channel: it fell by 15% in 2022. The war in Ukraine and the gas supply difficulties raised fears of a strong comeback of this highly polluting fossil fuel, but this did not happen.
This is thanks in particular to the higher than normal temperatures this winter, but also to the increase in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Cinema goes green
The National Cinema Center finances a good number of French productions. It now requires production companies that receive its subsidies to provide carbon footprints of supported works.
Today, it is estimated that a film generates on average as much CO2 as 750 Paris-New York return trips, according to Leslie Thomas, secretary general of the CNC or Center National du Cinéma, who spoke in Challenge. But it is precisely to assess more precisely the extent of these emissions that these carbon balances will be requested, as well as to raise awareness among players in the sector.
A long-awaited new train line for 2024
The cooperative transport company Railcoop has set itself the goal of resuscitating certain abandoned train lines. In 2024, she will reopen the Lyon – Bordeaux line which had been abandoned by the SNCF about ten years ago because it was not profitable enough.
Railcoop believes that the situation has since changed and that there is a market: the members of the cooperative have therefore officially voted for the reopening of the line in 2024 thanks to equipment purchased second-hand from the SNCF. Eventually, there will be 2 round trips per day with tickets at €40 and the 7.30 am journey will pass through Périgueux, Limoges, Guéret, Montluçon and Roanne.
Europe wants to green its electricity production
The European Union has set new targets for renewable energies: by 2030, the share of renewables in its energy consumption will have to reach at least 42.5%.
This amounts to almost doubling the current level which is around 22% (19% in France). For this, the authorization procedures for building renewable energy infrastructure will be simplified and accelerated.
Soon a crime of ecocide in European law?
The European Parliament has just asked its Member States that environmental offenses which cause “serious and widespread or long-lasting or irreversible damage to air quality, soil quality or water quality, or to biodiversity, ecosystem services and functions, animals or plants” be qualified as the crime of ecocideand can be punished.
The Parliament voted unanimously, but it is only a stage victory for the elected officials who defend this proposal since there still needs to be a discussion between the parliamentarians, the European Commission and the European Council.
For more good news, go each beginning of the month to NOWU : the positive media to get informed and get active for the planet! Its mission: to enable young people to become actors in the face of environmental challenges through content that relieves guilt and is focused on solutions.