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🗞️ Good News: Heat pumps are decarbonizing a 17-story NYC building



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The climate crisis is top-of-mind for so many of us for a reason: it’s serious, urgent, and arguably the greatest threat of our lifetime.

So many of us cope with any climate doom and anxiety we experience by making individual choices to help the planet — and that matters. Another great way is to be reminded of all the larger-scale progress happening all over the world.

Today’s Goodnewsletter is dedicated to just that: climate hope.

Today’s Top Good News Story

Heat pumps are decarbonizing a 17-story building in Manhattan that was built in 1931

Under a new law in New York City that goes into effect this year, buildings more than 25,000 square feet are required to meet certain emissions standards — and they get even stricter in 2030.

To meet those standards now rather than waiting until the last minute, a cutting-edge, state-backed project is underway at a 17-story office building that was built in 1931. It’s swapping its fossil-gas boiler for much more efficient electric heat pumps.

The state has invested millions in backing the project because they’re hopeful it will serve as a model in decarbonizing over 6,000 other high rises in the city.

Why is this good news? Most of America’s 125 million buildings run on fossil fuels — and the energy they use contributes significantly to the climate crisis. Investing in this project could be a key climate tipping point and serve as a model for not just New York City — but major cities with big buildings all across the country (and the world).

Read more

climate mitigation

Often overlooked, even smaller-scale green spaces can help keep cities cool during heat waves. Heat waves were the “deadliest meteorological hazard” from 2015 to 2019, affecting people living on all continents, and setting new national heat records in many regions.

Both a climate mitigation and adaptation solution, removing dams provides a cooling effect on surrounding areas. Dam removal ensures that rivers flow and stay cooler, cleaner, and healthier in a climate-changed world.

A study found that white paint and more plants can hospitalization rates in half during heat waves. From 2008 to 2020, there was an increase in heat-related emergency room visits in every single region of the US.

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More Good News

An international maritime court just gave small island nations a massive climate victory against big polluters. The court unanimously ruled that state parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea have an obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Young climate activists are translating important climate change information into more than 100 languages. Climate Cardinals has 8,000 volunteers in 41 countries, translating and sharing information to “make the climate movement more accessible to those who don’t speak English.”

California just secured its largest deal ever to utilize “100% clean” geothermal energy. Geothermal power plants tap hot underground rocks and reservoirs to generate renewable electricity and have, until now, been too expensive to compete with wind, solar, and fossil fuels.

New research finds that floating solar panels could generate a substantial amount of energy worldwide. “Floatovoltaics” can simultaneously gather energy from the sun and shade the water, reducing evaporation — especially helpful where droughts are worsening.

Michigan’s clean energy industry is expanding — and the state is helping workers with the transition. New clean energy and climate legislation created a special office to facilitate a just transition by retaining and creating jobs in autos, manufacturing and energy.

“Climate grannies” are fighting for climate action to protect their grandchildren. They have generational wisdom, environmental activism experience, free time — and they're not afraid of getting arrested.

New breakthrough research found tiny ocean creatures can capture and store carbon better than direct-air capture. Zooplankton are part of the “biological pump” that keeps hundreds of billions of tonnes of carbon in the ocean and out of the atmosphere.

Once dubbed “Ocean S****y”, a popular vacation spot is on track to become the first zero-waste resort town in the U.S. An environmental nonprofit has even helped divert over 650,000 pounds of food waste through a citywide compost program.

Looking for the Helpers

Eight young Alaskans are suing the state to block construction of a massive gas pipeline

A group of young Alaskans is suing the state and the state-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corp. to block construction of the corporation’s long-planned trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline.

In the suit, they argue that the corporation’s founding laws are unconstitutional because the gas pipeline would result in so much climate-altering greenhouse gas — it would endanger their constitutionally guaranteed ability to access Alaska’s fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

Ranging in age from 11 to 22, the young people are helping set what could be a global precedent: the pipeline project they’re fighting is one of several similar projects being considered globally.

If they’re successful — it could mean more legal protections for people all over the world.

Read more

More Good bits

🌀 Scientists are helping people in the Caribbean prepare for an active hurricane season.

☀️ Renewable energy is growing so fast, the world is on track to meet net-zero targets.

🌳 This could revolutionize EV charging.

💰 Winning the lottery (climate solutions version).

🏞️ National parks just got big money to fight climate change.

🌎 Good news flash: climate solutions are good for human and planet health.

🧻 Do some good for the climate… in the bathroom.

📈 Dangerous climate tipping points are approaching… but so are positive ones.

*Some of these recommendations may include affiliate links, which means if you buy anything from this email, we may get something in return at no extra cost to you. (Thanks for your support!)

What’s good?

I think we often underestimate the smaller, environmentally conscious choices we make to help the planet.

What’s a seemingly small “eco-friendly” choice you’ve made?

Reply right to this email and tell us!

— Megan & Branden

The Goodnewsletter is created by Good Good Good.

Good Good Good shares stories and tools designed to leave you feeling more hopeful, less overwhelmed, and ready to make a difference.

We also create a monthly print newspaper called the Goodnewspaper. You should try it!

This Goodnewsletter was edited by Megan Burns and Branden Harvey.

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