March positive news

10 POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS STORIES FROM THIS MONTH.

Article by: Eveline Vouillemin

From the rise in endangered bird species and exciting rewilding initiatives to the growing movement towards slow fashion and the exciting advancements in local renewable energy projects, this month's positive climate news stories offer a refreshing glimpse into a world where sustainability, creativity, and compassion intersect.

1. The rewilding project bringing back an ancient breed of cattle to Portugal

Rewilding Portugal, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to create a wildlife corridor along the Côa River, have introduced a herd of large black and chestnut cattle to the Côa valley.

Known as tauros, these bovines are a specially bred version of the long-extinct auroch, the wild ancestor of the modern cow. It is hoped that as they graze and trample the soil, they'll redistribute seeds and nutrients, allowing biodiversity and wildlife to thrive.

Find out more on the BBC Future Planet website.

2. UK expert says nature can save planet and not harm farming

There have been many exciting changes at the Knepp estate in Sussex since 2018, when Isabella Tree wrote Wilding, her award-winning book about rewilding an unprofitable 3,500-acre arable and dairy farm.

Now she has written a captivating illustrated book, Wilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back – An Illustrated Guide, updating her readers about extraordinary developments at Knepp and offering practical advice about rewilding their own spaces, however small.

Exquisite illustrations by the printmaker and fine artist Angela Harding reveal how, step-by-step, wilderness and wildlife then returned to Knepp. “Nature bounces back, if you let it, wherever it can.”

Find out more on the Guardian website.

3. TV weather presenter sets 'no new clothes' challenge for 2024

Sabrina Lee, a TV weather presenter, has set herself a challenge - to quit buying new clothes for the whole of 2024.

As well as being responsible for somewhere between 2% and 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the fashion sector also produces significant pollution, water extraction and biodiversity impacts, including 9% of annual microplastic losses to oceans, according to the UNEP.

"I don't want to be supporting fast fashion," said Sabrina. "I feel really good that I'm on this challenge, saving money and looking after the planet and ultimately I aim to educate others along the way. I'm looking after the environment while still looking good."

Find out more on the BBC website.

4. The African tree-planting project making a difference

An innovative African project is persuading farmers to plant biodiverse forest gardens that feed the family, protect the soil and expand tree cover.

Since it was founded in 2015, the Trees for the Future (TREES) programme has planted tens of millions of trees each year in nine countries ranging from Senegal and Mali to Tanzania and Kenya.

In less than 10 years, it has reportedly restored a combined area of more than 41,000 hectares, which is about seven times the size of Manhattan.

Find out more on the Guardian website.

5. French parliament votes in favour of crackdown on ultra fast fashion

Fast fashion adverts could soon be banned in France under a new proposal to crack down on the polluting industry.

France's parliament voted unanimously in favour of the bill, which also seeks to impose penalties on low-cost clothing to cover its environmental impact, on Thursday.

Find out more on the Euronews website.

6. Iconic landmarks across the globe turn of lights for Earth Hour 2024

Since it began in 2007, Earth Hour has been known for the “lights off” moment, with individuals from around the globe switching off their lights to show symbolic support for the planet and to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it.

On Saturday 23 March, major landmarks, businesses and households in cities around the world turned their lights off for one hour at 8.30pm local time to raise awareness of the climate crisis and show support for renewable energy.

Find out more on the Guardian website.

7. The French town making its cemetery a source of solar energy

Saint-Joachim, a French town, is installing a canopy of solar panels over its cemetery that will distribute energy to local residents.

Most energy initiatives take a top-down approach, but the Saint-Joachim cemetery project is co-built by the citizens. Locals were contacted with a letter asking for their views and 97% were in favour.

In the town of around 4,000 people, some 420 residents have officially registered their interest in joining the project. For an entry fee of just €5, they will eventually have a share in the energy it produces.

Find out more on the Euronews website.

8. Staff at wildlife centre dress up as a mother fox to save abandoned cub

Employees of the Richmond Wildlife Center in Virginia are doing their best to act like mother foxes as they feed and care for an orphaned kit that found her way into their care.

In a bid to make this as natural as possible, they had to get a little bit creative. Executive director Melissa Stanley took the unorthodox step of donning a hyper realistic fox mask while feeding the tiny kit from a syringe.

Find out more on the Euronews website

9. Rise in endangered bird species numbers after trial

Protective fencing will again be installed in a field where endangered birds are known to nest and raise their young.

Trials over the last three years at St Mary's Lands in Warwick show a rise in numbers of ground nesting birds, such as skylarks, returning to the fields each year.

Warwick District Council will reinstate temporary protective fencing around an area known as the Lammas Field from 26 February until the end of August.

Find out more on the BBC website.

10. Suffolk’s new medieval cycle trail

A new 400km (248 miles) cycling trail has been launched and called the Wolf Way. Using bridleways, byways, gravel tracks, cycle paths and quiet backroads, the route weaves around the highlights and hidden corners of this largely flat but varied county, taking in the county’s myths, market towns and Gainsborough landscapes.

Find out more on the Guardian website.

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Viridis Magazine31 March 2024