Uruguay Powered Mostly by Renewable Energy
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Uruguay has successfully transitioned its power grid to be powered mostly by renewable energy, primarily wind power, effectively reducing pollution and serving as a model for other countries seeking to decarbonize their economies.
Colombia has joined an international alliance advocating for a treaty to end the use of fossil fuels, despite concerns about the economic impact and the country's heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Uruguay Powered Mostly by Renewable Energy
Uruguay's rapid shift to wind power over the course of a decade and a half has been a great success story in the transition to renewable energy. The country's power grid is now powered by 98% green energy, primarily generated by hundreds of wind turbines installed across the nation, effectively phasing out fossil fuels in electricity production. Uruguay's stable political environment and abundant natural resources were advantageous factors in achieving this milestone. Building on its success, the country is now focusing on transitioning its public transportation to electric vehicles, providing a roadmap for other countries seeking to decarbonize their economies. Uruguay has effectively reduced pollution and lowered consumer prices by utilizing public-private partnerships and conducting auctions for renewable energy.
Colombia Joins International Alliance for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation
During the COP28 conference last December, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia announced that his country had joined an international alliance pledging to promote a non-proliferation treaty on fossil fuels. The coalition comprises ten small island states and has garnered support from approximately 100 cities, the European Parliament, the World Health Organization, and numerous environmental organizations. Despite opposition from Colombia’s right wing and concerns about the economic impact, Petro aspires to guide his country towards an ambitious energy transition. With only seven years' worth of oil and gas reserves remaining, Colombia remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. However, the government intends to allocate revenues from oil and coal exports to fund sustainable energy projects.
Juntos is a shoe brand from Ecuador that makes sustainable shoes using materials like alpaca fleece, coconut, and banana tree fibers. Juntos aims to create a fully biodegradable shoe that can break down in 9 months if buried. The shoes' upper and sock liner are made from Aplace fleece, sourced exclusively from a single nature preserve in Ecuador. The insoles are made from coconut fibers, contributing to the reduction of fruit waste. The shoe lining is made from banana tree fibers, while the midsole is made from sugarcane.
Juntos aims to create a positive environmental and social impact in Ecuador through its materials and community programs. For instance, with every purchase, they send a backpack filled with school supplies to a student in need in the country.
Climate change beliefs and their correlates in Latin America
Publisher: Nature
Author: Matias Spektor et al.
Publication Date: November 2023
Access the report here.
This report examines the factors that influence climate change beliefs in Latin America. The study finds that various factors, including psychological variables, political ideology, sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about climate change, trust in scientists, perception of scientific consensus, left-leaning political views, education level, income, age, and religious affiliation influence climate change beliefs in the region.