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Who Is Making A Change?

There’s a lot of doom and gloom out there regarding climate change. On a positive note, here are some people and communities that are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint: 

  • New utility companies are deploying vast amounts of data and social psychology techniques to try to persuade people to use less electricity in their homes.
  • Reduced air pollution means you may live four months longer. That’s four more months to work to save the planet.
  • The first public protest ever held in Qatar was for action on climate change. Seems like they know what’s really important.
  • Mayor Michael Bloomberg, addressing a meeting on New York City’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy, spoke of a future in a warming world with the stark reality of more devastating storms, and vowed to take the lead on fighting climate change. “We cannot solve the problems associated with climate change alone here in New York City, but I think it’s fair to say we can lead the way,” Bloomberg said during his speech.
  • At the Doha climate change conference, Welsh assembly member John Griffiths said Wales will become the first country in the world to make it legally binding for all public bodies, from health trusts to libraries and schools, to take account of the environment and social issues when they make a decision. The sustainable development bill should be delivered in just under a year.
  • Over at My Planet, My Part folks are posting their favorite ways to green the holidays. Karen Meeker Biddinger-Ogen is shopping at local craft shows. She wrote, “First, I am supporting small businesses that use local products- not big businesses that pollute the air with their manufacturing and trucking. Also, many of these artists recycle and reuse to create their products.”  Show us how you are greening your holidays and you might win a polar bear adoption—we’re giving away one each week.