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Need a reason – or several – to be optimistic? Here are some examples of how people all over the world are solving climate change.

Because silver linings are solar powered

What happened?

In the last year, humanity doubled the amount of solar power we use. In 2015, we installed 229 GW of solar power – that’s a 45-fold increase in just 10 years.

Why’s that so good?

45-fold. In. Ten. Years. Not enough for you? Then how about the European market alone growing by 15% in the last year? Still want more? What about experts expecting us to hit 700 GW by 2020? Surely that will have you beaming with joy…?

Room for more optimism?

Solar power is already cheaper than retail electricity in many countries, so it really does pay to catch some rays.

Source: SolarPower Europe

What happened?

In the last year, humanity doubled the amount of solar power we use. In 2015, we installed 229 GW of solar power – that’s a 45-fold increase in just 10 years.

Why’s that so good?

Room for more optimism?

Solar power is already cheaper than retail electricity in many countries, so it really does pay to catch some rays.

Source: SolarPower Europe

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Because this morning's coffee can be tomorrow morning's fuel

What happened?

We all run on coffee. And soon, so could your car. Because a company called bio-bean is turning leftover macchiatos and mochas into advanced biofuels and biochemicals.

Why’s that good?

Every year, the UK produces 500,000 tons of spent coffee grounds, most of which ends up releasing methane in landfill. But bio-bean is working with coffee shops, offices, and factories to turn coffee waste into sustainable alternatives to conventional fuels and chemicals instead.

Room for more optimism?

If we could use all those 500,000 tons of old coffee grounds, we could power Manchester. So, you can treat yourself to that grande, quad, nonfat, one-pump, no-whip, mocha (mostly) guilt-free.

Source: bio-bean

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Because hope is renewable

What happened?

Renewable energy is taking over the world, baby!

Why’s that so good?

For 300 out of 365 days in 2015, Costa Rica ran on 100% renewable energy. The entire country. All renewable. Hydroelectric and geothermal power kept the country powered. Talk about awesome. And as it turns out, they’re not the only smart ones. Other countries like Iceland, Albania and Paraguay are also lighting the way.

Room for more optimism?

Some really smart researchers at Stanford University and UC-Davis spent a long time pouring over numbers, and concluded, amazingly, that within 20 to 40 years the whole world could be entirely powered by renewable energy.

Source: Seeker

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Because we can fly on sunbeams

What happened?

Last year Solar Impulse 2 made it around the world without fuel. No seriously. A plane flew 40,000 km powered by the sun.

Why’s that good?

Because it actually happened! For the first time in world history. It took five months but the flight is an incredible example of what’s possible.

Room for more optimism?

As long as the sun is shining, the team behind Solar Impulse will be exploring the possibilities. Electric propulsion technologies, anyone?

Source: www.solarimpulse.com

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Because China is going panda-powered

What happened?

Solar power just got super adorable. Panda Green Energy Group Limited has just opened the world’s first Panda Power Plant. That means 100 megawatts of power…shaped like a panda. Really.

Why’s that so good?

A 100MW Panda Power Plant can provide 3.2 billion kWh of green electricity in 25 years, equivalent to saving 1.056 million tons of coal, or reducing 2.74 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Room for more optimism?

In the next five years, Panda Green Energy will carry out the “Panda 100 Program”, building Panda Power Plants along the “Belt and Road” countries and areas.

Source: BBC NEWS

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Because the U.S. is stepping up a gear

What’s happening?

The wheels on the bike go round and round. Literally. Cities all across the U.S. are seeing more daily commuters hopping on bikes and cycling to work.

Why’s that so good?

More people on bikes means fewer people in vehicles. And that means less air pollution and healthier people. To top it off, cities are investing in more pedestrian-friendly streets through things like bike lanes. Everyone’s a winner.

Room for more optimism?

While bicyclists still account for just 0.6 percent of all commuters, some of the nation’s largest cities have more than doubled their rates since 2000. Pretty good really. Imagine how much better we’d all breathe if this continues…

Source: United States Census Bureau

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Because America's got wind

What’s happening?

There’s a new sheriff in town. And it’s the wind turbine technician. Yes, that’s right, America’s fastest growing profession paints with all the colours of the wind.

Why’s that good?

Wind energy is never ending. Which means thousands of long-term jobs. And to top it off, it’s cost competitive with other fuel sources.

Room for more optimism?

The U.S. Department of Labour announced that growth in the field is expected to continue, increasing by 108% over the next ten years, and supporting up to 380,000 jobs.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor

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Because less really is more

What’s happening?

The world is on a roll. For the last three years our carbon emissions haven’t increased one bit, even though the global economy grew. High five, us.

Why’s that good?

Have we reached peak emissions? It may be too soon to tell. But this certainly signals an emerging trend. It’s also a sign that market dynamics and technological improvements matter. Double high five.

Room for more optimism?

It’s all downhill from here for fossil fuels. They’re on the way out and we’re on the way up!

Source: International Energy Agency

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Because Volvo is going volt-o

What happened?

Volvo, those Swedish on-road innovators are at it again: they’ve recently announced that from 2018, every new car they launch will have an electric motor.

Why’s that so good?

It’s all part of Volvo’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact and making the cities of the future cleaner. In fact, they aim to have sold 1m of these visionary voltaic vehicles by 2025.

Room for more optimism?

Volvo aims to make its manufacturing operations climate neutral by 2025. And Jaguar Land Rover feel the same! They’ve committed to full electric or hybrid models only from 2020. And you could say with that kind of DRIVE, they’re well on the ROAD to making it happen, amiright? Anyone? No?

Source: Volvo

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Because New York

What’s happening?

Buildings account for nearly three-quarters of all emissions in New York City. So, Mayor de Blasio has announced a whole load of energy efficiency initiatives for a big chunk of the Big Apple.

Why’s that good?

The measures will dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions from more than one million of New York’s buildings, and put the city on its way to a huge 80% reduction in all emissions by 2050.

Room for more optimism?

And if that wasn’t enough, these steps will create thousands of new jobs, and save building owners and tenants millions in energy bills. Now just watch other cities go green with envy.

Source: New York City

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