Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Oneearth

  • Encoding Resilience: A vision for climate action

    The Techonomy Climate Conference emphasized the importance of integrating nature into climate change strategies, highlighting the One Earth Solutions Framework and Climate Model as tools for sustainable solutions. The framework focuses on renewable energy, nature conservation, and regenerative agriculture, supported by global climate science. The need for strategic thinking, education, and holistic approaches in developing climate tech solutions was discussed, along with the importance of protecting natural areas with deep biodiversity. Embracing Indigenous knowledge, community-led solutions, and grassroots efforts are key to achieving sustainable outcomes and addressing climate change effectively.

    https://www.oneearth.org/techonomy-climate-encoding-resilience-2024/

  • Beyond Washington: Nine examples of local governments taking climate action

    State and city governments across the United States are taking bold climate action, leading the way in renewable energy expansion, ecosystem protection, and regenerative agriculture promotion as federal leadership falters. California and Vermont have set ambitious goals for renewable energy sourcing, while Chicago is transitioning to clean energy and carbon neutrality by 2050. States like Oregon and Massachusetts are implementing innovative conservation and food waste reduction policies, aligning with the One Earth Solutions Framework to combat climate change. These local efforts demonstrate the tangible results of determined action and serve as a blueprint for national and global climate solutions, emphasizing the importance of starting meaningful change at the local level.

    https://www.oneearth.org/nine-examples-of-local-governments-taking-climate-action/

  • How the Beneficial Design Institute is transforming Germany’s toughest textile waste

    The Beneficial Design Institute in Berlin-Brandenburg, as part of the Circular Fibersheds sub-pillar of Earth's Solutions Framework, is piloting innovative ways to repurpose unrecyclable textiles into useful new materials for other industries. Germany's textile waste problem, with 1 million tons collected annually, is being addressed by focusing on blended, contaminated, and low-value materials that are difficult to recycle using traditional methods. The project aims to create biodegradable materials, such as beta-glucan, from textile waste, while also exploring the use of waste gases to grow microalgae for agricultural and industrial purposes. By building a system that treats even the hardest-to-recycle materials as valuable inputs, the project highlights the potential for reducing emissions, creating biodegradable materials, and supporting local economies through the reuse of textile waste. The next steps involve scaling up the process, improving coordination, and securing funding for a regional model of textile waste reuse.

    https://www.oneearth.org/climate-hero-beneficial-design-institute/

  • Half the world’s food never feeds people — In America, it’s far worse

    A recent study found that global croplands produce enough calories to feed twice the world's population, but only half of those calories are consumed as food, highlighting the impact of policy and priorities on land use. Researchers suggest producing food on existing farmland while protecting and restoring nature to balance nourishment with planetary health. Shifting excess beef consumption to chicken or plant-based proteins could free up enough calories to feed millions of people, while improving how cropland is allocated can help meet nutritional needs without expanding into natural ecosystems. Targeted shifts in commodity production and country policies could significantly increase food availability from existing croplands, offering a clear opportunity to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity.

    https://www.oneearth.org/half-the-worlds-food-never-feeds-people-in-america-its-far-worse/

  • Circle Economy and the Nature inspired reinvention of fashion waste

    Circle Economy and the Biomimicry Institute are leading a pilot project in the Netherlands to transform textile waste into resources using nature-inspired decomposition systems. The project focuses on enzymatic hydrolysis to turn fibers into sugar, fermentation to grow bioplastics from old clothes, and gasification to transform synthetic materials into new resources. This innovative approach aims to address the issue of discarded clothing ending up in incinerators, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The project demonstrates how fashion waste can be repurposed and recycled, moving towards a more sustainable and circular fashion industry. This initiative aligns with the Circular Fibersheds subpillar of One Earth's Solutions Framework, focusing on designing fiber and textile systems that regenerate ecosystems and eliminate waste.

    https://www.oneearth.org/climate-hero-circle-economy/

  • Power that doesn’t go to waste: 7 Transmission & Storage solutions for a reliable renewable future

    The Transmission & Storage solution pathway aims to deliver renewable energy reliably and efficiently by modernizing grid infrastructure, deploying smart metering, and scaling up storage. Smart grids optimize electricity flows, reduce line loss, and integrate renewable sources seamlessly. Smart meters and demand response systems help balance supply and demand, reducing reliance on high-emission power sources. Grid-scale battery storage, pumped hydropower systems, gravity storage, thermal energy storage, and hydrogen energy storage all play a role in storing excess renewable energy and balancing energy supply and demand. Smart energy systems connect homes, businesses, and renewable sources into flexible networks that balance supply and demand for a more efficient and reliable grid, ultimately aiming to create a clean energy future where renewable power flows freely, efficiently, and equitably to all.

    https://www.oneearth.org/power-that-doesnt-go-to-waste/

  • Five women scientists working to save the world

    This section highlights the work of exceptional women in the field of conservation and environmental preservation. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Dr. Gretta Pecl, Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, and Dr. Jessica Hernandez are all making significant impacts in conservation efforts for endangered species and climate change. These women emphasize the critical role of women's leadership, diverse perspectives, and Indigenous knowledge in addressing global environmental challenges and promoting a more just and sustainable world. From protecting mountain gorillas in Uganda to developing integrated aquaculture systems in Oman, their work showcases the importance of innovative solutions and community engagement in tackling climate issues.

    https://www.oneearth.org/five-women-scientists-working-to-save-the-world/

  • Bridging the gap: Six tools to help you become a citizen scientist and contribute to scientific research

    Citizen science allows people to participate in scientific research projects related to climate change and biodiversity loss by using user-friendly tools like iNaturalist, Dawn Chorus app, ISeeChange website, Project Squirrel, and Globe at Night. Through these tools, individuals can contribute valuable data to help scientists better understand and address environmental challenges, such as recording bird songs, observing climate changes, reporting squirrel sightings, and monitoring light pollution. The importance of raising public awareness of light pollution and advancing butterfly conservation is highlighted, with tools like eButterfly being introduced to collect data on butterfly abundance and distribution. Overall, citizen science empowers everyone to make a meaningful impact on scientific research and conservation efforts.

    https://www.oneearth.org/six-tools-to-help-you-become-a-citizen-scientist/

  • Redefining climate action: The Earth Prize’s new path to empower youth innovators

    The Earth Prize, the world's largest environmental competition for teenagers, has launched a new regional format to amplify young voices in the fight against climate change. Seven Regional Winners will be selected from different parts of the world, with one Global Winner chosen by public vote. The competition aims to engage communities in supporting youth-led climate solutions and expanding their impact. The Earth Prize, founded by Peter McGarry, provides mentorship, resources, and funding to empower young eco-innovators in creating a sustainable future. The new regional initiative offers $12.5K in funding and 1:1 mentoring to help scale projects and make a real-world impact. Team FloodGate and HiveHealthy are two projects that have been recognized for their potential global impact in disaster preparedness and monitoring honeybee health, respectively. The Earth Prize competition provided critical resources and mentorship to help these projects evolve and improve. Both teams emphasize the importance of taking initiative and starting small, as well as the availability of resources for young innovators. Going forward, Team FloodGate aims to create a more user-friendly flood prediction software, while HiveHealthy plans to expand by incorporating more advanced sensors and collaborating with researchers. Ryan Honary from SensoRy AI developed a system using AI-driven sensors to detect wildfires early, providing timely alerts to emergency services and residents. The Earth Prize helped him scale his project and provided valuable feedback. He also created an open-source platform to empower other young innovators to develop environmental technologies. Ryan plans to expand SensoRy AI's capabilities and collaborate with local nonprofits and fire authorities to validate the system's effectiveness. The Earth Prize empowers young people to take action in solving the climate crisis. The Earth Prize recognizes the vital role of youth in climate action, providing a platform for young people to develop and showcase their eco-solutions. By empowering youth to take meaningful steps towards change, the prize helps alleviate eco-anxiety and instill hope for a more sustainable future. Youth leadership is a core theme in One Earth's Solutions Framework, highlighting the importance of young voices in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Applications for The Earth Prize are open to young people aged 13-19 who are passionate about environmental sustainability, offering support to develop their ideas for real-life impact.

    https://www.oneearth.org/redefining-climate-action-the-earth-prize-2025/

  • The Built Environment reimagined: What trees can teach us about design

    Andrés Mitnik, CEO of Strong by Form, is pioneering wood-based composites that mimic how trees grow to create lightweight, low-carbon materials for buildings, furniture, and vehicles. The company's breakthrough material, Woodflow®, uses digital modeling and robotic forming to create three-dimensional wood composites that are 90% natural material yet rival steel in performance. By learning from trees, Strong by Form is able to create thin yet powerful composites that can replace carbon-intensive materials in various structures. Collaboration is a key design principle for the company, working with scientists, engineers, and architects to ensure new technologies can be safely scaled and adopted. The interconnectedness of nature and innovation, highlighted by the Biomimicry Institute's AskNature Hive, emphasizes the importance of learning from nature to drive sustainable practices and create energy-efficient and restorative spaces in the Built Environment. The partnership between One Earth and the Biomimicry Institute focuses on collaboration across science, design, and local action to accelerate progress towards a thriving planet by working together with each other and with the natural world.

    https://www.oneearth.org/the-built-environment-reimagined/