The US EPA set limits for PFAS in drinking water. The most common six types of PFAS or “forever chemicals” (out of 15,000) will be capped at the lowest limit possible. The new rules expect to protect 100 million people. Source: Grist
Swiss climate activists win court case. The European Court of Human Rights found that the activists’ government had failed to do enough to meet the country’s responsibilities and protect their citizens from climate change. Source: The Guardian
Whales have been granted personhood in Polynesia. Indigenous leaders of New Zealand, Tahiti and the Cook Islands recognized whales as legal persons, hoping to offer greater protections for the large mammals. Source: New York Times
California is decarbonizing cement. Two California-based companies secured nearly $700 million in federal funding to decarbonized cement production processes. Cement is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions. Source: NRDC
Camper is releasing modular sneakers to cut down waste. The “Roku,” comes in six interchangeable parts designed for disassembly. When the soles wear out, you can send them back to the company for recycling, and reattach new soles. Source: Fast Company
Bloomberg is funding youth-led climate action. The Youth Climate Action Fund intends to help 100 cities worldwide, providing cities with an initial $50,000 to better incorporate the voices and visions of young people in policies. Source: Grist
River barriers are being removed across Europe. A record removal of nearly 500 barriers in 2023 will help restore disturbed waterways: helping wildlife travel and allowing migratory fish to reach breeding grounds. Source: The Guardian
Oil and gas companies now have to pay more to drill on public lands. The rule increases the federal rate for drilling leases for the first time since 1920 and requires stronger requirements to clean up abandoned wells. Source: Fast Company
Business students are pledging to fight climate change. M.B.A. candidates are creating a pledge for future leaders from the world’s top business schools to commit to championing sustainable initiatives and fighting for a net-zero future for the rest of their careers. Source: Wall Street Journal
Some climate events happening this week:
🌱(4/16) Poetry and Climate: A Book Launch, Reading, and Panel at the Climate Museum in Soho NYC (RSVP)
🌱(04/16) The Plastics Pandemic Virtual Workshop Series by Rise St. James University (RSVP)
🌱(04/16) Clean Creatives Catalyst Series Virtual Workshop: Team Building Workshop (RSVP)
🎟️(4/17) Sustainable Fashion Forum 2024 Conference in Austin (RSVP)
🌱(4/19) Rowing Dock Earth Day 2024 Cleanup in Austin (RSVP)
🌱(4/20) Bagel Bunny Earth Week Pop Up in NYC (RSVP)
🌱(4/20) Black Girl Environmentalist’s Earth Day Celebration: Clothing Swap, Climate Talks, Vegan Eats co-hosted by Climate Café, Remake, Reclypt, Worn Not Torn, and We Are Atlas at Pier 57 (RSVP)
For more events happening this month check out our Earth Month Calendar.