Good News: Issue 5
Geothermal in Boise, solar mandates in England, emissions decline in China, clean energy in the UK, and swimming around Martha's Vinyard for sharks
As I was curating this week’s good news stories, I noticed a trend: Most of the articles featured clean energy investments around the world, and how they are paying off. Where countries and communities are investing in solar, wind, and other renewables, emissions are decreasing significantly — even as the demand for electricity increases.
It’s one thing to understand the importance of climate policies, but it’s another thing to see how they are being put into place — and how they are having an impact. These case studies show us what is possible. Perhaps, if we keep pushing for a clean economy, and Prime Minister Mark Carney shows some courage and vision, we’ll start to see Canada featured more in stories like these.
England’s net zero policy will require all new homes to have solar panels
By 2027, nearly all new homes built in England must include solar panels. The new policy, which aims to reduce emissions and lower energy bills, will legally require builders to install rooftop solar during construction. While initial construction costs will rise by £3,000–£4,000 per home, homeowners are expected to save at least £1,000 annually. The government also plans to offer grants and loans to retrofit existing homes with solar panels, reinforcing its commitment to net-zero goals.
Endurance Swimmer Is Swimming 60 Miles Around Martha’s Vineyard for Shark Conservation
Endurance swimmer and environmental advocate Lewis Pugh is swimming 60 miles around Martha’s Vineyard to raise awareness about the plight of global shark populations. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Jaws, a film that sparked widespread fear of sharks, Pugh aims to transform public perception and emphasize the ecological importance of these creatures. Since 1970, shark numbers have declined by about 70%, with an estimated 100 million sharks killed annually due to overfishing and habitat loss. Pugh's swim is part of a three-year campaign by the Lewis Pugh Foundation to engage over a billion people in ocean conservation efforts.
Boise, Idaho heats hundreds of buildings with geothermal energy
The largest municipally run geothermal heating system in the United States is found in Boise, Idaho. Home to hundreds of natural hot springs, Boise has tapped into its underground aquifers to heat nearly 500 buildings — including City Hall, universities, and hospitals. The system is entirely renewable and emissions-free, supplying heat to more than 6 million square feet of building space through 20 miles of underground piping.
UK Achieved Its Cleanest Energy Generation in 2024
The UK achieved its cleanest ever electricity generation in 2024. Renewables, including wind, solar, and biomass, provided 45% of the nation's electricity, while nuclear added 13%, bringing the total share of low-carbon sources to a record 58%. Coal-fired power was phased out entirely, and gas generation was reduced to 28% of the electricity mix. With the shift to clean energy, CO2 emissions decreased by over two-thirds since 2014. Communities near former coal plants have already noticed improvements in air quality.
China’s carbon dioxide emissions have declined due to clean energy generation
For the first time, China’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have entered a sustained decline, thanks to the growth of clean energy generation. According to an analysis by Carbon Brief, China's CO₂ emissions were down 1.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 and by 1% in the latest 12 months — despite increased energy demand. In 2024, China added massive amounts of solar and wind capacity, generating 44% of the country’s electricity. If this pattern is sustained, it indicates that China’s power-sector emissions peaked in 2023, and will likely continue to decline.
Your for the Greener Good,
Brett