The last few weeks saw significant moments in the world of climate and sustainability.
James Lovelock, Gaia Theory, Dies | July 27
On July 27th we lost a giant in ecological research: James Lovelock who co-created the Gaia Hypothesis with Lynn Margulis, which suggests that the Earth is a single, self-regulating, complex system. Aside from being a beautiful lens to science and biology, it is inspiring to remember that we are all interconnected and the choices we make have ripple effects far beyond our awareness. Lovelock and Margulis’ work detected CFCs in the air, soil, and water and showed that human activity had disrupted Earth’s self-regulating ecosystem. Read more.
Earth Overshoot Day | July 28
July 28th was Earth Overshoot Day. Never heard of it? Well, it is the date upon which humanity has used all the resources the Earth can replenish in one year. If we continue to live this way, it would take 1.75 Earths to sustain us (I guess that’s why we’re so excited about Mars). Obviously, we don’t have any spare Earths lying about, which is why the CSB is excited to continue to work with our business Members and Sponsors to make their practices more regenerative and circular. Read more.
Inflation Reduction Act Becomes Law, A Major Win for the Climate | August 16
Earth Overshoot Day saw a small victory for climate policy when Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced his support for the Inflation Reduction Act, enabling to act to pass the Senate and House along party lines in the weeks that followed. Signed into law on August 16th, this bill will raise corporate taxes, fight climate change, and lower medical costs. While scientists and activists agree that this bill does not do enough to stop the climate crisis, this represents a step in the right direction. Click this link to see a breakdown of what the bill contains.
Do you have news from the world of climate and sustainability? Be sure to contact us so we can reshare across our networks.